To The Point

The Obama Cabinet: Change and Continuity

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Barack Obama today appointed what's called his "team of rivals," including a defeated primary opponent, a holdover from the Bush Administration and a former commandant of the Marines. Will Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates and General James Jones work together or does Obama face unintended consequences? Also, tensions between Pakistan and India increase after the attacks in Mumbai, and Eric Holder as Barack Obama's choice to reform a troubled Justice Department.

Are Chinese Workers Paying the Price for Cheap Goods?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

More than a year ago, we looked at the health and safety of workers in China, who make so much of the merchandise in American stores. In the meantime, the summer Olympics gave China's image a shot in the arm, but for millions of working people, nothing has changed. On this archived edition of To the Point, we hear who's paying the real cost of supposedly "cheap" merchandise. Also, a gloomy outlook for holiday spending, and the last word on traffic.

The Economic Crisis, Nonprofit Charities and Barack Obama

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:02:00 EST

The economic crisis has increased the need for charitable giving, but at the same time it has decreased contributions to from foundations and individual givers. You might not believe it, but private business is one of the victims. We look at the current damage and what the future might hold. Also, the essays of George Orwell, an old voice for new times.

Giving Thanks and Going Shopping: Not What It Used to Be

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

This is "the American weekend," a day of thanksgiving normally followed by the biggest shopping day of the year. But these are not normal times. Retailers are bracing for a tough sales season and consumers are re-thinking what they buy and where they buy it. Also, more Obama appointments, and protesters have closed down Bangkok's international airport after four months of unrest. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Yo Ho Ho and a Tanker of Oil: The Perils of Modern Piracy

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:30:00 EST

The Sirius Star is a Saudi freighter the size of an aircraft carrier, which is being held by a small band of Somali pirates. With a load of two million barrels of crude oil and a crew of twenty-five, the ship is a valuable hostage for the pirates and a potential environmental disaster if negotiations fail and an oil spill occurs. There been more than two hundred incidents of piracy this year. Guest host Sara Terry explores what's happened to millions of dollars in ransom paid for the release of other vessels, who the pirates are and why they arenât being caught by naval forces. Also, the Fed targets consumer spending and mortgage rates, and how to trim the fat from the federal budget in tough economic times.

The Building Urgency of the Economic Crisis

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

This weekend the Bush Administration announced a dramatic rescue for the banking giant Citigroup. It's a time of almost unprecedented political circumstances surrounding government responses to the crisis, as one president prepares to leave office, and another gets ready to take over. Guest host Sara Terry explores what's at stake during this transition, and what lessons can be learned from history? Jimmy Carter is denied a visa, along with other world elders. What is Zimbabweâs Robert Mugabe doing behind closed doors?

Midnight at the Bush White House

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Barack Obama may have a harder time re-directing the ship of state than other incoming presidents have. George Bush is perfecting the art of "midnight regulations." We hear what that could mean for the Endangered Species Act, development on federal lands and other environmental issues. Also, unemployment benefits expanded, and senior moments on Capitol Hill.

A Woman's Right to Choose: Is the Battle Over?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:50:00 EST

With the election of a pro-choice president and the failure of anti-abortion measures in several states, the pro-life movement is down but not out. We hear about evolving tactics and a new focus on same-sex marriage. Also, big changes on Capitol Hill, and the latest leaks about the Obama cabinet.

Reshaping the Pentagon for a Dangerous New World

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:37:00 EST

The Pentagon spends 85% more than it did eight years ago, but US forces are stretched almost to the breaking point. In the midst of recession, with new threats on the horizon, will Barack Obama have to increase strength and readiness at the same time he decreases spending? We hear radically different views. Also, the auto industry continues its push for a bailout, and consumer prices are on the decline. Is that good news or bad?

Ford, Chrysler and General Motors: With Hats in Hand

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:06:00 EST

The Big Three are launching a big push for a Washington bailout. If Democrats and Republicans can't resolve their differences, will the auto industry still be in business when the White House changes hands? Also the Treasury Secretary tells Congress the bailout is making progress, and a giant oil tanker has been captured by pirates under the noses of the world's most powerful navies.

The G-20 and the Man Who Wasn't There

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

This weekend's G-20 meeting dramatized the interdependence of seven or eight industrialized powers and the so-called "emerging economies." Can they get together to resolve the global financial crisis? Were they marking time until America's next President takes office? Also, Obama and McCain meet in Chicago, and if Barack Obama wants Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, he may have to take two for the price of one.

Do the Big Three Deserve to Be Saved?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Should Ford, Chrysler and General Motors be bailed out with taxpayer money or allowed to suffer the consequences of bad management and uncompetitive products? Could federal aid force them to change their ways and save millions of jobs? We talk with industry insiders. Also, consumers freeze in the face of the ongoing financial crisis. On Reporter's Notebook, who is Martin Eisenstadt and why should we care?

The Imperial Presidency and the Rule of Law

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:15:00 EST

President Bush has extended the powers of his office beyond what many believe the Constitution allows, with unauthorized spying, the treatment of prisoners and the denial of legal rights. Was it necessary and justified to protect the country or should there be high-level criminal trials to re-establish the rule of law? Also, the unemployment rate continues to climb, and same-sex marriage advocates take to the streets.

Should Barack Obama Go Big or Go Cautious?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:16:00 EST

Barack Obama has said the economic crisis means that a range of campaign promises will have to be delayed. But he's also said there are "certain investments we cannot delay, precisely because the economy is in turmoil." Also, the Treasury Secretary shifts the focus of his bailout plan, and another humanitarian disaster in Africa.

What Will It Take to Rebuild the Republican Party?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST

With Democrats firmly in charge of the White House and Congress, Karl Rove's "permanent Republican majority" is a distant dream. We talk with a range of thinkers about restoring the unity and the relevance of the GOP. Also, an update on three unresolved US Senate races, and 90 years of commemorating America's war veterans.