Washington Bureau Chief, Columbus Dispatch
Washington Bureau Chief for the Columbus Dispatch
PROFILE
Jonathan Riskind
Guest
FROM Jonathan Riskind
Which Way, L.A.?
Obama Crosses the Border, Canada's Single-payer Health Plan Barack Obama crossed into Canada today on his first foreign trip as President. But he spent just a few hours and made no public appearances. Canada’s single-payer system is a model for many US healthcare reformers, but some of the major players in Washington have declared that it’s “off the table.”
To the Point
Obama Visits Canada On his first trip to another country as President, Barack Obama is spending a few hours in Canada , America’s biggest trading partner. He’ll hold a news conference with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, but he won’t address Parliament or the Canadian public. Canadians are sorry he’s not staying longer, because there’s a lot to talk about, starting with that “Buy American” provision in the stimulus package . Presidential candidate Obama talked about re-visiting NAFTA , and Canadians are worried about protectionism. As President, Obama is focused on the move to pull Canadian troops out of Afghanistan, and the environmental effects of extracting oil from Canadian shale. We hear about those issues from the US and Canadian points of view.
To the Point
Election Day in America When it all started 22 months ago, the big issue was the war in Iraq. When the presidential candidates finally gave way to the voters, it was all about the economy. Today, voters began lining up before the polls opened on the eastern seaboard, and the pattern repeated itself with long lines forming across the country. The race, gender and age of the candidates will make this election historic whichever side wins, and the turnout's expected to set a record. Both parties and the Department of Justice are looking for evidence of fraud or disenfranchisement. Is the electorate changing? Do American voters expect more than any president can deliver? When will we know the results?
To the Point
Last–Minute Dueling in Wisconsin, Ohio and Texas Wait in the Wings Nobody doubts that Barack Obama will win his home state of Hawaii , but Hillary Clinton 's coming on strong in Wisconsin . Maybe Obama won't win ten in a row. Whatever happens in those states tomorrow, Clinton needs to win big in Ohio and Texas on March 4. But party rules could give her trouble in Texas. Meantime, in Houston, Texas today, John McCain's got the endorsement of George H. W. Bush, although not without a nod toward Mike Hucakbee 's continuing candidacy. The real problem for McCain's campaign is how much to associate himself with the current President, George W. Bush. What's the best role for the current president in this year's campaign? We hear about growing uncertainties as time grows short in both parties.
To the Point
National Issues and Local Elections Absentee ballots already are being cast, but most voting won't happen until Tuesday. With less than a week before the mid-term elections, the war in Iraq means big trouble for Republicans, according to nationwide polls. But control of the next Congress will depend on local voting for Senate seats in 33 states and for House seats in 435 different districts. Many races are so close that control of the Congress and Senate could depend on some last-minute development nobody's thought of before. Despite dwindling support nationwide, can President Bush still make a difference? Are the candidates addressing the issues their constituents want to hear about most? What are prospective voters seeing on TV? We take a look at some cliff-hangers around the country to see how local issues and circumstances might impact the outcome.
Recommended
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
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.