Pittsburgh University
Professor of Political Science, with a focus on Brazil and Latin America, at Pittsburgh University
PROFILE
Barry Ames
Guest
FROM Barry Ames
To the Point
Brazil's Political Crisis and the Olympic Games The upcoming summer games have turned a global spotlight on Brazil, as the elected President is being impeached by legislators more corrupt than she is. Dilma Rousseff's leftist administration is being taken over by a highly unpopular, conservative Vice President, Michel Temer, who's talking about austerity. Political unrest could disrupt the games, and there's dispute whether the flood of tourists and spectators could help spread the Zika virus.
To the Point
Brazil’s World Cup Experience: The Take and the Heartache In the semi-finals of this year’s World Cup, Brazil lost to Germany by 7 to 1—a major blow to the host country. But Brazil also proved itself capable of staging a world-class event. After hosting a month-long party, Brazil faces a major hangover as it prepares for the Summer Olympics in just two years time. We’ll look at the economic and political consequences of the World Cup for Brazil and FIFA, soccer’s governing body.
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To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.