Obama Visits the Middle East and a Tough Political Challenge
Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Legacy Player:
Barack Obama confronted one of his toughest political challenges today with visits to Israel and the West Bank. We hear what he said and how both sides reacted. Also, the housing rescue bill moves through the pipeline, and Republican oil and gas magnate T. Boone Pickens is an unlikely hero to Democrats and environmentalists. It's all about wind power.
Barack Obama observes some of the 600 photographs of victims of the Holocaust the Hall Of Names with Yad Vashem Chairman, Avner Shalez in Jerusalem. Photo: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
Making News
House Rescue Bill Moves through the Pipeline ()
Rescuing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could cost American taxpayers $25 billion, which has created new anxiety over the housing market. Today, Bush White House dropped its threat to veto legislation designed to bolster the housing market. James Politi reports from Washington for the Financial Times.
Guests:
- James Politi: US Economics and Trade Correspondent, Financial Times
Main Topic
Obama in Israel and the West Bank ()
Barack Obama threaded his way through a minefield today, from Jerusalem's Holocaust memorial and Sderot, an Israeli town near the border with Gaza and a frequent target of Palestinian rocket fire, to Ramallah on the Palestinian West Bank. In Israel, John McCain is a known quantity and there's anxiety about what changes Obama might bring. Change is just what the Palestinians hope for. The Democratic presidential hopeful reaffirmed the special relationship with Israel and promised to work toward a Palestinian state. Did he get the reactions his campaign was looking for? What's the likely impact on American voters?
Guests:
- Kevin Peraino: Jerusalem Bureau Chief, Newsweek
- Daoud Kuttab: Palestinian journalist, @daoudkuttab
- Ron Kampeas: Washington Bureau Chief, JTA
- Gershom Gorenberg: historian and journalist
- Larry Harris: Principal, Mason-Dixon Polling and Research
Reporter's Notebook
Oil Man T. Boone Pickens Becomes a Wind Power Advocate ()
T. Boone Pickens savaged John Kerry four years ago by financing the "swift boat" commercials that helped sink Kerry's presidential campaign. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has invited the life-long Republican to address the Democratic caucus tonight. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid calls him "my political friend." Pickens made a fortune in oil and gas, but he's become the unlikely champion of an alternative source of energy. Juliet Eilperin is environmental reporter for the Washington Post.
Guests:
- Juliet Eilperin: National Environmental Reporter, Washington Post, @eilperin
Links:
CD copies of To the Point are available by calling 1.888.600.5279.
Engage & Discuss
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.
For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
