To the Point
Democrats and Republicans Battle for the Middle Class
President Obama has achieved a lot, but even White House advisors concede that he’s losing the Middle Class vote. We hear about the stimulus, health care, Bush-era tax cuts and the November elections. Also, Israel ends another construction freeze on the West Bank, and Hugo Chavez takes a hit from the voters of Venezuela.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenPresident Obama has achieved a lot, but even White House advisors concede that he’s losing the Middle Class vote. We hear about the stimulus, health care, Bush-era tax cuts and the November elections. Also, Israel ends another construction freeze on West Bank settlements, and President Hugo Chavez has lost the two thirds majority that allowed him to govern Venezuela at will.
Banner image: President Barack Obama responds to a question during the CNBC jobs town hall meeting at the Newseum in Washington, DC September 20, 2010. Official White House Photo: Pete Souza
In this episode
3 storiesIsrael Ends Freeze on West Bank Settlement Construction
Israel's ten-month moratorium on West-Bank settlement building expired at midnight, with no agreement on how to maintain the peace talks begun three weeks ago at the White House. In Paris today, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said there would be "no quick decision" on whether to withdraw.
Read the story8 minBarack Obama, the Democrats and the Middle Class
The Democrats' top strategy for the November elections was to extend Bush-era tax cuts for incomes under $250,000, allowing increases for the richest Americans. Now, Democratic leaders say Congress won't vote until the elections are over, with taxes for all taxpayers scheduled to rise on December 31.
Read the story38 minChavez's Party Wins Venezuelan Elections by Slim Margin
Five years ago, parties opposed to Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez boycotted congressional elections, allowing his United Socialist Party to gain a two-thirds majority and the power to enact sweeping legislation. Yesterday, after the opposition banded together behind a unified plank, the results were very different.
Read the story6 min
