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American Prospect / Washington Post / The Week
Senior writer at the American Prospect, blogger at the Washington Post and columnist for The Week; author of Being Right Is Not Enough: What Progressives Must Learn from Conservative Success
PROFILE
Paul Waldman
Guest
FROM Paul Waldman
To the Point
A presidential campaign as a personal investment When he was a candidate for the GOP presidential nomination some years ago, billionaire Steve Forbes carefully separated his personal businesses from his campaign. As New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg followed the same practice. Donald Trump is doing what no rich White House contender has done before: freely and openly mixing business and politics. When he first announced, Trump boasted that he could make money running for president -- and he's making good on his promise. Trump's campaign has bought travel on his plane, rented his facilities, bought his steaks and paid his personal staff — all for more than $8 million. Nobody says that's illegal, but the Trump Foundation may have violated civil law by using other peoples' donations to finance Trump's personal lifestyle. We compare Trump's campaign to those of past billionaire candidates — and hear about potential conflicts of interest if he takes charge of federal policies.
The Mixer
The power of persuasion For the first time in this presidential campaign, the two major parties' nominees took turns – on the same stage – talking about veterans and military issues.
To the Point
The Donald Gets "Presidential," Hillary Spreads the Love After yesterday's sweeping primary victories, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are both acting like they're not just front-runners any more. This morning, Trump delivered his first prepared address on foreign policy, telling voters, "America first will be the major and over-riding theme of my administration." And Hillary Clinton is focused on holding the Democratic Party together by reminding voters, "There's much more that unites us than divides us." Bernie Sanders is already talking about influencing the party platform. Ted Cruz and John Kasich still won't concede that the "Never Trump" movement may never happen.
To the Point
The Security Threat from Syrian Refugees: Rhetoric or Reality? America — the nation of immigrants — is divided again on yet another case of "huddled masses yearning to be free" after one of Friday's attackers in Paris was found to be carrying a Syrian passport. It's still not clear if the document was official or fake, but it's raised the possibility that one or more of the brutal terrorists crossed the French border disguised as a Syrian refugee. This year, the US has admitted 1800 Syrians who were fleeing civil war, and President Obama plans to admit 10,000 more. But that's created a political firestorm. Is a ban on Muslim refugees from Syria needed to keep America safe? Would it help ISIS recruiters show that the US is making war on Islam?
To the Point
How Likely Is Another Government Shutdown? Congress has roughly 10 working days until the deadline to pass a budget — with time out for Jewish holidays and a speech by the Pope. The Iran nuclear deal, the Export-Import bank, the Highway Trust Fund, the debt limit and military spending are all waiting for action. But a single issue may get in the way, with tea party Republicans defying their own leaders unless Planned Parenthood is de-funded. If betting on politics was legal, the Washington Post says it would tell readers to, "Put some money on the government shutting down on October 1."
To the Point
Long Shots Are Changing the Short Game for 2016 Rank and file voters won't be heard from until January of next year, but Hillary Clinton is already getting an unexpected challenge from Bernie Sanders — and others as well. Earlier just an annoyance, the Vermont senator now is becoming a real threat to Clinton's "coronation" by the Democrats next year. Bernie Sanders Photo: Peter Stevens On the Republican side, it’s a political free for all. Donald Trump is hitting the top ten just in time to make the first debate next month as Republicans pick their way through a multitude of candidates. Donald Trump Photo: Gage Skidmore Controversial issues are piling up for both parties, from immigration to income inequality, and the early going is being shaped by unlikely contenders.
To the Point
The Minimum Wage, Income Inequality and Presidential Politics Two years ago New York City, 200 fast food workers demanded a minimum wage of $15 an hour. They started something. Since then, legal minimums have been raised in red states as well as blue. The current federal floor is $7.25, and President Obama has proposed $10.10. Democrats in Congress are now pushing a federal floor of $12 an hour. Some Republican presidential hopefuls are talking about working class beginnings and cheap off-the-rack sweaters. Are we seeing a political movement? With voters still suffering in the aftermath of the Recession, we look at how income inequality is emerging as a major issue in next year’s campaign.
To the Point
Obama - Losing His Base or Quietly Fighting for It? Almost six years into the Obama presidency, a funeral is being held in Ferguson, Missouri, memorializing Michael Brown, the unarmed, young black man shot to death two weeks ago by a white policeman. The White House has sent a delegation, but the first black president is not there. Did the President miss an opportunity by not going himself?
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Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
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.
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
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.