Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Obama’s Budget, Super Bowl Recap, and Lululemon’s Leadership Crisis
President Obama’s latest budget, a $4 trillion proposal, focuses on what he calls “middle class economics.” What’s the pushback from Republicans, and what does it portend for the political climate? Also, a new study challenges some of our basic assumptions about the housing bubble.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenWe start with a look at President Obama’s new $4 trillion budget; will his bid to focus on income inequality pay off? Then, a new study sheds fresh light on the housing bubble and the great recession, challenging some of our common wisdom about it -- we hear from one of the authors. In our weekly television roundup, we talk about the Super Bowl halftime show, the return of The Americans, and more small screen news. Then, author Alexandra Fuller discusses her new divorce memoir, Leaving Before the Rains Come. And finally, the rise and fall of Lululemon’s founder Chip Wilson, who announced he’s resigning today.
Banner Image Credit: Chuck Hagel
In this episode
5 storiesIncome Inequality and Messaging
President Obama released his latest budget today, $4 trillion all told. His domestic proposals include what he’s been calling “middle class economics,” or tax hikes on wealthier Americans and lower taxes for middle income families. It’s part of a broader White House focus on income inequality.
Read the story9 minRethinking the Housing Bubble
The President didn’t use the words “recession” or “housing bubble” in his budget speech this morning. But what happened to the U.S. economy only a few years back is certainly on the minds of lawmakers as they lay out our financial future.
Read the story7 minMissy Elliot’s Super Bowl Win, and Other TV News
Seattle Seahawks fans are emerging from mourning today, the day after the New England Patriots took home the Super Bowl, 28 to 24. But the real winner in all this might just be... Missy Elliott? She was the surprise guest during the game’s halftime show.
Read the story10 minAlexandra Fuller and “Leaving Before the Rains Come”
Alexandra Fuller had an extremely unconventional childhood in southern Africa, which she describes vividly in her first bestselling memoir, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight . A civil war raged, tropical diseases were common, dangerous hippos lurked in nearby waters, and her family had more than its fair share of tragedy.
Read the story15 minLululemon’s Controversial Founder Steps Down
The clothing maker Lululemon is known for hundred-dollar yoga pants, its cult-like following... and the frequent gaffes of company founder Chip Wilson. Or at least, it was. Wilson resigned today from the company's board of directors.
Read the story9 min
