To the Point
To the Point
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Hosted by Warren Olney, To the Point is a fast-paced, news based one-hour daily national program that focuses on the hot-button issues of the day, co-produced by KCRW and Public Radio International.
Photo credit: Marc Goldstein
TODAY'S SHOW
Obama 'All Fired Up' Again, but Is It Too Little, Too Late?
President Obama is back on the campaign trail, asking crowds to tell fellow Democrats to vote for healthcare reform. Can he rally his own party in the Senate and Congress? Will Republicans seize an advantage, either way? Also, Also, Vice President Biden pushes for renewal of peace talks. On Reporter's Notebook, are unemployment benefits becoming a new entitlement?
UPCOMING SHOWS
Terrorists' Trials
Attorney General Eric Holder wants to try suspects accused of planning September 11 in civilian courts. Will the White House over-rule him? Wednesday, on To the Point, a shift to military tribunals could seal a deal to close Guantánamo Bay. Would that mean standing on principle or giving in to partisan politics?
RECENT SHOWS
The Iraqi People Have Voted Again: What's Next?
Bombings and mortar attacks may have hardened the resolve of Iraqis to take part in yesterday's voting. But the results won't put an end to widespread corruption, and — when US combat troops pull out in August -- there's no guarantee of stability. We look at the prospects. Also, Obama pushes for public support on healthcare, and The Hurt Locker. It was a big night for what Hollywood calls "a small film."
A Real Case of Murder Unfolds Like a Hollywood Thriller
An official of the Palestinian group Hamas was murdered in Dubai. Dubai police call the killing a targeted assassination by agents of Israel. We look at the latest developments, and the worldwide controversy. Also, the Obama Administration considers a switch to military tribunals, and a preview of Sunday's broadcast of the Academy Awards.
Whatever Happened to Finance Reform?
The taxpayer bailout of banks that were "too big to fail" was followed up with the promise of finance reform to prevent another Great Recession. Now Republicans in the Senate are threatening to kill a sweeping measure passed by the Congress. Would it go too far? Do Democrats have the strength — or the will — to revive it? Also, a national protest against education budget cuts, and a Senate bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
In South Asia: War and Diplomacy
Here appears to be good news for the US in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but such conclusions are always open to different interpretations. We hear about conflicting interests in those countries, in India and within the Taliban and what they might portend for the US. Also, President Obama's newest pitch for healthcare reform, and in Texas, just as it is in the rest of the country, the best politics is being anti-Washington.
Should Whales and Dolphins Be in Aquatic Parks or the Open Ocean?
When he killed his trainer at SeaWorld, was the Orca called Tilikum an enraged, wild animal out of control or just curious about her ponytail? We hear different answers to that and other questions about Orcas, dolphins and commercial whaling. Also, the Supreme Court takes up a gun control, and the Postmaster General tells Congress what it will take to save the US mail service.
Greece: A Country that's Too Big to Fail
Greece is on the brink of financial ruin, and proposed austerity measures have sparked strikes and street demonstrations. How did Wall Street banks help create the crisis? Will hedge funds reap profits by making things worse? Also, this weekend's magnitude-8.8 earthquake in Chile. On Reporter's Notebook, will Democrats pass healthcare reform at the cost of losing seats in Congress?
Unemployment: How Long Can This Go On?
With Fed Chief Ben Bernanke warning about the dangers of long-term unemployment, 13 Senate Republicans joined Democrats to support a jobs bill worth $35 billion. How does it look to small business and unemployed people themselves? Should the government spend even more to create jobs or get out of the way of the private sector? Also, New York's troubled politics, and from Canada to Russia, the Winter Olympics and the environment.
Healthcare: Policy and Partisan Politics
With Barack Obama presiding, Democrats and Republicans hashed out the details of healthcare reform for several hours across the street from the White House. We look at the possible impact of today's televised "summit." Also, the Afghan flag is raised over Marjah, and a gruesome incident at Sea World in Florida raises new demands to release whales from captivity.
Toyota: On the Capitol Hill Hot Seat
Before hearing from the CEO of Toyota today, members of Congress grilled the Secretary of Transportation about why regulators were so slow to act on sudden acceleration. We hear about auto safety, Toyota's future and the economy of Japan. Also, health insurers justify rate hikes, and a struggling Rhode Island high school fires all of its teachers.
Are the Democrats Going to Fall Out of Power?
Unemployment, bank bailouts and government gridlock have created a nightmare scenario for the party in power. Some Washington pundits are suggesting the Democrats might lose control of either the House or the Senate. We get an early rundown of this year’s elections. Also, hearings on Toyota begin in the House, and President Hamid Karzai makes a political move that alienates his western supporters.
President Obama Finally Comes Up with a Plan
For the first time in the lengthy debate on healthcare reform, President Obama has come up with his own plan. Would it increase coverage and cut costs? Can it break the partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill? Also, another rough week ahead for Toyota, and US computer analysts close in on the hackers of Google.
The Academics of Textbooks Get Political
Back in 1925, the Scopes trial raised the question of what should and should not be taught in school — specifically, evolution versus creationism. Eighty-five years later, that debate is still going strong. In Texas, questions are being raised about if and how the political and religious beliefs of elected officials should influence classroom content, from science to history. Also, more help for struggling homeowners, and making amends to African American farmers. Chery Glaser guest hosts.
Revving Up the Debate over Nuclear Energy
President Obama has made it clear that nuclear power must play a role in America's drive for a clean energy future. By backing nuclear power, the President seen as trying to win GOP support for his bigger environmental and climate goals. But did he give away something for nothing? What’s he getting in return? But should the government pay to make that happen? Also, the President's meeting with the Dalai Lama, and the Winter Olympics get hip. Chery Glaser guest hosts.
Obama Takes the Healthcare Debate Public
Is it just bravado or is President Obama really as confident as he seems about next week's bipartisan White House summit on healthcare reform? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell talks about what advantages Republican leaders will have in the unprecedented televised negotiating session. Will it be the President's final meeting on healthcare reform or the beginning of a new bipartisan strategy to pass a bill? Also, Toyota considers another recall, and the judge who changed the face of Little League Baseball.
Trying to Root Out the Taliban
The US launched a major new offensive in Afghanistan this weekend. But just four days in, questions are already cropping up about the challenges troops face and their odds of long-term success. The mission depends heavily on cooperation from both Afghan forces and the Afghan government. Guest host Chery Glaser learns whether they're up to the job. Also, revving up the debate over nuclear energy, and a bombshell in the world of figure skating.
Program Details
Host
Considered the dean of Southern California broadcast journalists, Warren tackles the issues Southern Californians care about. Expanding that concept, To the Point deals with issues of national concern and is on air in most major metropolitan markets across the country. On any day, you’ll hear a fast-paced, news-based talk show featuring multiple perspectives on a single major issue, with Newsmaker and Reporters Notebook features, as well.
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