former political strategist, Republican Party
Author of many books on American politics, including The Emerging Republican Majority, American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century and Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism; Republican strategist during the Nixon Administration
Europe Pushes to Rework the Global Financial System In this weekend's meeting with the Presidents of France and the European Commission , President Bush agreed to a series of summit meetings that could change the way capitalism is practiced internationally. The countries of Europe are pushing hard for more regulation of the global economy. Heads of state will begin meeting right after the US election. The goal is curbing the reckless excesses that led to the current crisis, which could mean restraints on tax havens, hedge funds and executive compensation. The Bush White House and American business interests are warning against over-reaction, asserting that risk-taking is the keystone to prosperity. Do the Europeans want an international super-regulator? Since the crisis began here, will the US have to make some concessions? What's at stake for individual Americans and the credit-card economy?
Was the Iraq War about Oil after All? Iraq has the fourth largest known oil reserves in the world. Big western oil companies were in charge of development until 1972, when Saddam Hussein seized their assets and threw them out of the country. Now, 36 years later, the big Western oil companies are coming back. The Maliki government has agreed to sign no-bid service contracts with ExxonMobile, Chevron, British Petroleum, Dutch Shell and the French company, Total, providing a long-term advantage when production increases. Companies from Russia, China and India are not in on the deal. Can the Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites agree on sharing the proceeds? Will US troops be required to maintain security?
Religion and Politics in America Kevin Phillips worked in the White House during the Nixon years and discovered what he called "the Emerging Republican Majority." Sure enough, the party gained strength until it took a fall in last month's elections. The man who predicted the "emerging Republican majority" now says the party has been "transformed," and that the rising power of radical Christians endangers the separation of church and state. We talk with Phillips and Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention, a group Phillips says he's alarmed about. How many Republicans think America should be a Christian state? Does religion threaten democracy in a diverse country?
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?