THE RACE FOR THE PRESIDENCY, 2008

Although John McCain has clinched the Republican presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are still neck-and-neck in the Democratic race. KCRW continues to follow the presidential campaign with resources from national and local news sources. (Coming soon: information on California's June 3 election.)

Scroll past NPR's Election Map and updates for more election discussions from KCRW's To the Point, Which Way, LA? and Left, Right and Center.

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THE CANDIDATES and THE ISSUES:
Over the course of the campaign, KCRW will present a variety of programs addressing the candidates, campaigns and issues -- both local and national. Here is a sampling:

This year's presidential campaign will be, in part, a debate on America's role in a changing world. We hear the world-views of advisors to McCain and Obama, then debate specific differences on Iraq, terrorism and relations with other nations from Iran to China, Russia and the European Union.

Hillary Clinton is back on the campaign trail, even though former nominee George McGovern says publicly it's time for her to quit. We update last night's results and today's developments. What about Michigan, Florida and the role of race in American politics?

Wins in both Indiana and North Carolina tomorrow could wrap things up for Barack Obama, but Hillary Clinton's doing well enough to make both states unpredictable. We look at the impact of Reverend Wright, the "gas tax holiday" and other issues.

In recent polls, a majority of voters say they want the Democrats to re-capture the White House, but John McCain is pulling even with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Has a friendly news media allowed McCain to obscure his views on big issues?  Although they’ve picked their nominee, are Republicans any more united than the Democrats?  

Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's former paster, breaks his silence tonight on his controversial comments about race in America.

Wall-to-wall breakdown on the Democrats, as well as the flaws of both Democrats and McCain. The quickfire news rant continued the debate on race, nuclear policies and questioned whether McCain had abandoned his original values.

Hillary Clinton won big in Pennsylvania, but was it big enough to change the momentum of the campaign?  Even after her decisive ten-point victory last night over Barack Obama, why are most political analysts still giving her no more than 10% chance of winning the Democratic presidential nomination?

The Pennsylvania Primary (Which Way, LA?, April 23)

Will Hillary Clinton have won big enough to keep going? Will Obama have scored a surprise? Guest host Lawrence O’Donnell looks at the numbers.

Global warming has been identified as the biggest risk to the planet.  All three presidential candidates say the US must lead the way in dealing with climate change.  What do they propose?

Barack Obama's been criticized as weak in support of Israel and not tough enough on Iran.  Hillary Clinton's talked about "massive retaliation" if Israel is attacked and an "umbrella of deterrence" all over the Middle East.  We explore their differences and similarities on a crucial arena of foreign policy.

Last night's debate covered familiar ground on character issues. Policy questions weren't raised until 50 minutes into the program. Did the so-called "gotcha" questions reveal anything new? Did the debate change the momentum for Tuesday's Pennsylvania election?

Democrats in Pennsylvania, Indiana and North Carolina will be voting next week. Obama and Clinton have been exchanging barbs about "bitter" voters, religion and guns. In tomorrow's final debate, one issue that might come up is free trade, including the deal with Colombia. Would it be good or bad for American workers? Why are Democratic leaders opposing what they've supported before?

Experts think that the increase in timely tax returns is because of rebate checks authorized by the economic stimulus package. Walter Mondale, the last presidential candidate to advocate raising taxes, was swamped by Reagan's re-election despite the biggest deficit in US history. President Bush cut taxes, most famously for the rich, with plenty of help from Congressional Democrats. What do this year's candidates stand on taxes?

 With a crisis on Wall Street and home foreclosures soaring, does the US economy need more government or less? Recent statements make Obama and Clinton seem far from McCain. Does the rhetoric reflect the reality?

  • Obama and Clinton are focused on tomorrow's vote in Mississippi, but the hangover from last week's NAFTA flap in Ohio

is not over yet. Are Obama and Clinton providing material for McCain in November?

After losing 11 straight primaries and caucuses, Clinton defeated Obama in Ohio and Texas. What was the role of popular culture, like Saturday Night Live. Did reporters respond to satire by changing their coverage? Have fictional TV shows and movies helped shape the environment for blacks and women to be viable presidential candidates?

America's healthcare costs are rising faster than any place else in the world, but Americans are not getting healthier. We hear about doctors, patients, insurance companies and the promises of presidential candidates. 

You'll find other informative election-related discussions at To the Point, Which Way, L.A.?, and Left Right and Center.