In the aftermath of the failure of peace talks with the Palestinians last week, the Israeli parliament-or Knesset-has called for new elections. Seven of 23 cabinet ministers have resigned. Conservative Likud Party leaders say that Prime Minister Edud Barak has no government, no majority in the Knesset, and no majority in Israel as a whole. Barak insists he is not a political dead duck. In the coming weeks, while the Knesset is on vacation, he contends that meeting with voters and breathing what he calls "fresh air from abroad" will convince the opposition that he is doing the right thing. Today we'll hear the issues and get a snapshot showing where public opinion is now. We'll get an Arab-American point of view-and ask if President Clinton still has a role to play?
Newsmaker: In California, the Republican Party is in serious trouble, and last year party leaders rallied behind George W. Bush as its likely savior. But one GOP strategist and consultant-who first agreed with the consensus--says he felt "betrayed" after the right-wing attacks Bush leveled at John McCain in South Carolina. We talk with Alan Hoffenbloom, who runs the "Target Book," regarded by both parties as the most authoritative analysis of politics in the state.
KCRW
