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    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    So Cal Political Races, Infomercials & a Bullying Law

    President Obama fundraises in California, a guide to LA's local political races, the death of the infomercial, movies for Mother's Day, and criminalizing bullying.

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    By Madeleine Brand • May 8, 2014 • 52m Listen

    President Obama is back in California for another round of big-ticket fundraisers. But the President isn’t running for office anymore, so where’s all that money going? We also run down the big So Cal races: Waxman’s Congressional seat, two seats on the LA County Board of Supervisors, and the race for LA County sheriff. The Bacon Bowl, the ShamWow, the Snuggie... the lowly infomercial, could it be disappearing? It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, and we suggest some great Mother’s Day movies. And, the City of Carson has voted to make bullying a criminal offense. How would you enforce that?

    Banner Image: Barack Obama

    In this episode

    5 stories
    1. 0:00

      Presidential Fundraising

      Today the President participates in a Democratic National Committee roundtable in Beverly Hills before heading down the coast to San Diego. The President’s schedule has been packed tight with fundraiser lunches and $65,000-a-plate galas since he touched down in LA yesterday. But he’s not running for re-election, so where’s the money going?

      Read the story
      7 min
    2. 7:10

      Press Play Voters' Guide

      As President Obama helps fill the war chests for the upcoming national elections, there are some pretty hot races brewing right here in Southern California. You should have received your voter guide this week.

      Read the story
      8 min
    3. 15:43

      Death of the Infomercial?

      Since the 1950s, late night TV has been the world of the infomercial: late night hucksters selling ginsu knives, wearable towels, Snuggies... But infomercials have become a victim of their own success.

      Read the story
      11 min
    4. 27:20

      Mother's Day Movies

      Mother’s Day is right around the corner. So, what are you planning to do with Mom this Sunday, after brunch is over? How about sitting down to watch a film that makes you appreciate your mother even more? We have some suggestions for you.

      Read the story
      11 min
    5. 39:19

      Criminalizing Bullying

      Bullying is a problem usually left for parents, teachers and schoolyard justice to solve. Now the City of Carson wants to take it to court. Carson’s City Council voted unanimously this week to make bullying a criminal offense.

      Read the story
      10 min
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Madeleine Brand

      Host, 'Press Play'

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Andrew Walsh

      Too Beautiful to Live

    • KCRW placeholder

      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Matt Holzman

      Producer, 'The Document'

      News

    In this episode

    5 stories
    1. 0:007 min

      Presidential Fundraising

    2. 7:108 min

      Press Play Voters' Guide

    3. 15:4311 min

      Death of the Infomercial?

    4. 27:2011 min

      Mother's Day Movies

    5. 39:1910 min

      Criminalizing Bullying

    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand