former Staff Director, Congressman David Obey (D-WI)
Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a progressive think-tank in Washington, DC; former staff director to Congressman David Obey (D-WI) and long-time Clerk and Staff Director of the House Appropriations Committee
Obama, Republicans Bring Out the Budget Knives This week, Republicans plan to set records with proposed spending cuts. Today, President Obama offered what he's calling a "responsible alternative." It hits hard at programs dear to Democrats — to provide increases for education, infrastructure and clean energy. It also raises some taxes. Republicans call it an "abdication of leadership." But it's just the beginning of a process that could lead to a government shutdown if there's no compromise. Is either side really making hard choices? We look at the early maneuvering and ask why neither side has yet to mention Medicare, the military, Social Security and the long-term deficit.
Obama, Republicans Bring Out the Budget Knives This week, Republicans plan to set records with proposed spending cuts. Today, President Obama offered what he's calling a " responsible alternative ." It hits hard at programs dear to Democrats — to provide increases for education, infrastructure and clean energy. It also raises some taxes. Republicans call it an "abdication of leadership." But it's just the beginning of a process that could lead to a government shutdown if there's no compromise. Is either side really making hard choices? We look at the early maneuvering and ask why neither side has yet to mention Medicare, the military, Social Security and the long-term deficit.
The Standoff over the Iraq Spending Bill The President is meeting with Congressional leaders today about the Iraq spending bill . The House of Representatives wants a time limit on funding the Iraq war, the Senate wants a nonbinding goal of troop withdrawal next year, and the President says he'll veto any bill with a hint of withdrawal in it. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans support Congressional Democrats' call for a timetable for withdrawal. Is there a way out of the deadlock? Can Democrats in the House and Senate resolve their differences over a withdrawal schedule? Can they eventually produce a bill the President will sign? What does the political struggle in Washington mean on the ground in Iraq? Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts. (An extended version of this discussion was originally broadcast earlier today on To the Point.)
The President and Congress Wrangle over Troop Withdrawal The President is meeting with Congressional leaders today about the Iraq spending bill. The House of Representatives wants a time limit on funding the Iraq war, the Senate wants a nonbinding goal of troop withdrawal next year, and the President says he'll veto any bill with a hint of withdrawal in it. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans support Congressional Democrats' call for a timetable for withdrawal. Is there a way out of the deadlock? Can Democrats in the House and Senate resolve their differences over a withdrawal schedule? Can they eventually produce a bill the President will sign? What does the political struggle in Washington mean on the ground in Iraq? Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.
Measure B and municipal banking After the 2008 financial crisis, an activist movement rose up in opposition to the big Wall Street banks that caused the subprime mortgage collapse. They camped out in a park at the base of Wall Street, called themselves Occupy Wall street and eventually the movement spread to other cities. And here in LA there is a measure on the ballot for this Tuesday that has its roots in the Occupy LA movement.
2018 Election Night A live election special from KCRW and NPR covering the 2018 midterm elections.
A Santa Barbara doctor learns to treat his own pain At the peak of his career as a palliative care doctor in Santa Barbara, Michael Kearney found himself burned out and in a state of personal suffering. Even though he had become an expert in treating the pain of others, he couldn’t treat his own. That changed when he had a revelatory experience that provided him with a path forward. Meanwhile, the November election is just days away, a look at what could happen to the Central Coast if California voters pass Proposition 10.