The Pitch Is History, Did He Make the Sale?
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Last night's address to Congress was called a "make or break" moment for the presidency of Barack Obama, but it's one part of an ongoing process. We look at the speech, the immediate reaction and what might happen next. Also, Sarah Palin gets a swipe from the President and a boost from hawkish Republicans.
Making News
Government Issues Gloomy Report on Household Incomes ()
The Census Bureau today reported that 2.6 million people dropped below the poverty rate last year and that 1 million lost their employer-provided healthcare. But another figure may be ever more dramatic: household income in 2008 was $50,000, $2,000 less than it was in 1999. Justin Fox, who writes the "Curious Capitalist" blog for Time magazine, is author of the new book, The Myth of the Rational Market.
Guests:
- Justin Fox: Economics Columnist, Time magazine
Main Topic
The Pitch Is History, Did He Make the Sale? ()
President Obama told last night's joint session of Congress, the bickering and game playing should be over. "Now is the time to deliver on healthcare." This morning, Republicans apologized for some heckling, but bipartisanship is still a distant dream, and Democrats remain divided. Was there enough detail to resolve fears and confusion from last month's town halls? What about the "public option" and paying for the cost? Vice President Biden predicts a bill will pass by Thanksgiving. We look at the prospects.
Guests:
- Gary Langer: Director of Polling, ABC News, @LangerResearch
- Noam Levey: Reporter, Los Angeles Times, @NoamLevey
- Mary Agnes Carey: Senior Correspondent, Kaiser Health News, @maryagnescarey
- Robert Zirkelbach: Spokesman, America's Health Insurance Plans
- Ron Pollack: Executive Director, Families USA, @FamiliesUSA
Links:
- Langer's summary of healthcare data
- Levey's article on Obama's omission of divisive details to keep reform on track
- Experts, consumers react to Obama's speech (Kaiser Health Network)
- Pew Survey on healthcare proposals, people planning to watch Obama's speech
- Rand Corporation on healthcare, reform
- Americans for Quality Health Care
Reporter's Notebook
Neo-cons Hitch Their Wagon to Sarah Palin ()
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin wasn't mentioned by name, but President Obama made an obvious reference to her last night, using his address to Congress to denounce what he called false claims made by those who want to kill healthcare reform at any cost. At the same time, neo-conservatives who once called her a lightweight have asked her help in maintaining a tough stand in Afghanistan. David Corn is Washington Editor for the liberal magazine, Mother Jones.
Guests:
- David Corn: Washington Bureau Chief, Mother Jones, @DavidCornDC
Links:
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