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.
TODAY'S SHOW
Disasters in Myanmar: Natural and Man-made
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The Myanmar government's continued refusal to facilitate aid to its own people has raised a challenging question: would an invasion for "humanitarian purposes" make things better or worse? Also, the devastating earthquake in China, and Mexico's deadly struggle against organized crime.
UPCOMING SHOWS
The (Democratic) Show Must Go On
As West Virginia voters go to the polls, a growing chorus of pundits says the Democratic primary contest is already over. With five contests to go, and unresolved issues in Florida and Michigan, is Barack Obama truly unbeatable? Wednesday, on To the Point, a post-election wrap-up and look ahead at the rocky road to the White House.
RECENT SHOWS
Politics in Pakistan and International Terror
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President Pervez Musharraf has not captured or killed Osama bin Laden. Maybe Pakistan's new coalition will. Political changes make terrorist leaders increasingly vulnerable, as the US reviews its billions of dollars in aid. Also, twenty-two people are killed in weekend tornadoes, and corporate American embraces Second Life.
Foreign Policy and the Presidential Campaign
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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. Also, Hezbollah takes control of Beirut, and Myanmar's humanitarian crisis. Should other countries intervene?
Israel Turns 60, for Better or Worse
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Israel turns 60 today, celebrating the past but looking forward to an uncertain future. With a growing population of Arabs, can Israel be democratic and remain Jewish at the same time? Also, Hezbollah and renewed violence in Lebanon, and a former commander of the war in Iraq says he was set up for failure.
Hillary Clinton Just Won't Quit
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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. Also, relief is slow to reach Myanmar, and Vadimir Putin steps down...or does he?
Violence and Politics: Iraq, the US and Iran
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In Iraq, violence has increased and Iran has broken off talks with the US on Iraqi security. The Maliki government has backed away from claims that Iran is arming outlaw militias. We update conditions that seem more complicated by the day, both militarily and politically. Also, relief efforts continue in Myanmar, and voter turnouts in Indiana and North Carolina are reaching historic proportions.
Will Tomorrow's Primaries Finally Seal the Deal?
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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. Also, tens of thousands killed when Myanmar is hit by a deadly cyclone, and a tragic finish to the Kentucky Derby. Has good breeding gone bad?
The GOP Candidate in What's Supposed to Be a 'Democratic Year'
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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? Also, President Bush sees light at the end of the dark economic tunnel, and tomorrow's Kentucky Derby and the tragic flaw in descendents of Native Dancer.
Oil Prices, Politics and Life in America
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Gasoline prices have jumped almost 14 cents in the past week. The profits of Exxon Mobil rose 17% in the past year—to $10.9 billion. President Bush says the government’s hands are tied, but McCain, Obama and Clinton are debating what Washington might do. Is it time for a summer vacation from the gasoline tax? Should it be even higher, so people will drive less? What about a windfall tax on oil companies as prices continue to rise? Also, Iraq asks Iran to stop supporting violence, and the terrorist watch list keeps members of a friendly government from entering the US without special permission.
Presidential Politics in a Changing America
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America as a whole is more diverse than ever before, but it’s increasingly crowded with cities—even neighborhoods--where everybody thinks like everybody else. What does that mean for the presidential campaigns? Is "political unification" a distant dream? Also, an update on a sluggish economy, and the man who discovered LSD died today—at 102.
The Economy: the White House and the Presidential Campaign
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Home foreclosures have doubled in the past year, and home prices are down by 13% — the fastest decline in two decades. A report on consumer confidence says Americans feel worse about the economy than they have since the 1970’s. Also today, one Republican website calls Rev. Jeremiah Wright “the gift that keeps on giving.”
Record Food Prices and Record Farm Profits, Why Record Farm Subsidies?
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Increased farm subsidies have made strange bedfellows of environmentalists and the Bush Administration. They agree that that the big federal money goes to big agri-business at the expense of the little guys, not what subsidies were designed to do. Also, the Supreme Court upholds Indiana Voter ID Law, and Reverend Jeremiah Wright goes public…again.
What Can Be Done to Ease the Global Food Crisis?
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Retail stores Costco and Sam's Club are limiting sales of rice in response to a global spike in prices. What's behind the dramatic rise in the price of rice and other food staples? Is rationing a sign that the global food crisis has hit the US? Wha't the cause? Does the world have enough food for millions of hungry people? Also, a verdict in the Sean Bell case, and Reverend Wright on his controversial sermon. Sara Terry guest hosts.
How Safe Are Our Prescription Drugs?
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How do unsafe drugs reach the marketplace? Is the Food and Drug Administration overwhelmed by the supply and demand for drugs and incapable of guaranteeing the safety of the four billion prescriptions our pharmacies will fill this year? Also, Congress sees evidence of a Syrian reactor six months late, and why Democrats and Republicans will need new Electoral College strategies this year. Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.
Was Hillary Clinton's Win in Pennsylvania Big Enough?
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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? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell talks about when and how the super-delegates will have to intervene to pick a winner. Also, General David Petraeus is named head of Central Command, and how NAFTA has once again become a political football.
Global Warming and the Presidential Campaign
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In 38 years since Earth Day was first established, global warming has been identified as the biggest risk to the planet. All three candidates for president say the US must lead the way in dealing with climate change. What do they propose? Also, the Supreme Court hears a challenge to the McCain-Feingold Act, and the President of the United States on a prime-time game show.
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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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