George W. Bush Goes to Africa

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President Bush is in Africa this week, where he's more popular than he is in most other places. What will his anti-AIDS and malaria programs mean for his legacy? Do other countries need more help than the five he's visiting? Does the US plan a military presence in Africa, a major supplier of oil? Also, John McCain on his apparent rival, and now that the shuttle Atlantis is back on the ground, the Navy is ready to shoot down a failed spy satellite loaded with poisonous fuel.

President Bush greets cultural dancers during yesterday's visit to the dedication and official opening of the new US Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda. White House photo by Eric Draper

Making News

The Primaries Roll On ()

After yesterday's primaries, Republican John McCain is among those acting as if Barack Obama will be his Democratic opponent come November. Last night he called Obama's speeches "eloquent but empty." Today, he accused Obama of saying he would limit himself to pubic financing if he made the general election, but then backing off. Jennifer Skalka edits Hotline on Call, a web publication of the National Journal.

Guests:

Jennifer Skalka: Editor, Hotline On Call

Main Topic

Bush's African Legacy ()

Coming to a movie theater near you: a two-and-a-half minute trailer, narrated by President Bush, showcasing his anti-AIDS programs in Africa. This week, the President is visiting that continent to help give a positive spin to his legacy. He's touring five countries where his anti-AIDS and malaria programs have taken hold. Even his US critics concede he's made a big difference for millions of people, and he's been warmly received in Benin, Tanzania and Rwanda. What are the trade-offs? Do abstinence-only programs do more harm than good? What about poverty and the shortage of food? Do the countries he's not visiting need more help than the five where he's touching down?

Guests:

Sheryl Gay Stolberg: White House Reporter, New York Times
J. Anthony Holmes: Director, Council on Foreign Relations' Africa Program
Josh Ruxin: Assistant Professor of Public Health, Columbia University
Paul Zeitz: Executive Director, Global AIDS Alliance
Francois Gouahinga: Editor, French AllAfrica website

Reporter's Notebook

Navy Prepares to Shoot Down Spy Satellite ()

The space shuttle Atlantis is back on Earth. Now the Navy is said to be taking aim at the failed spy satellite that has fallen out of orbit. The FAA has warned pilots to stay out of airspace west of Hawaii, which is apparently where what's left of the satellite may come to Earth after the Navy shoots it down. Joan Johnson-Freese, who chairs Nation Security Studies at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, is author of Space as a Strategic Asset.

Guests:

Joan Johnson-Freese: Chair of National Security Studies, Naval War College

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