To the Point

51, The Magic Number

Vermont Senator James Jeffords is a Republican no more, shattering the historic 50-50 split between parties. His move will afford Democrats the chance to set the agenda in the upper house and new leverage to oppose programs set forth by President Bush. With other Senators wavering or in poor health, the balance of power is likely to shift again. Meanwhile, we consider the impact of Jeffords' decision on the White House, political agendas and judicial nominees, with politicians from both sides of the aisle, the former general counsel of the Republican National Committee, and others. Newsmaker: Senator Jeffords' News Conference and Vermont Background - Despite eleventh-hour pleas by fellow Republicans, Senator James Jeffords has announced his intention to become an Independent. Alexandra Marks, formerly a print and broadcast reporter in Burlington, talks about Jeffords disaffection with the GOP, his decision to change parties, and how it was greeted by fellow Vermonters. Reporter's Notebook: Bob Dylan - The anti-war generation of the 60's used to say, "don't trust anyone over 30." Now one of that generation's principal icons is turning 60. David Corn, of The Nation magazine, talks about Bob Dylan, the former counterculture figure and inventor of folk rock who's being honored at Washington's Kennedy Center.