To the Point
Barack Obama and the Perils of Populism
BP is the latest corporation under attack by the White House, but polls show the public thinks BP is handling the oil spill about as well as the government is. What's the message about the President's brand of populism? Also, the Supreme Court upholds anti-terror law, and the Tea Party movement, the religious right and conservatism in America.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenBP is the latest corporation under attack by the White House, but polls show the public thinks BP is handling the oil spill about as well as the government is. What's the message about the President's brand of populism? Also, the Supreme Court upholds anti-terror law, and the Tea Party movement and conservatism -- American style.
Banner image: President Barack Obama and Adm. Thad Allen meet with local leaders during a visit June 4, 2010 in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesSupreme Court Upholds Anti-Terror Law
Human rights advocates can be prosecuted for advising members of government-designated "terrorist groups," even if the advice consists of urging them to settle disputes using peaceful means rather than violence. That's according to the US Supreme Court in a 6-to-3 decision written by Chief Justice John Roberts.
Read the story8 minBarack Obama and the Perils of Populism
Tony Hayward spent this weekend watching his yacht race off the Isle of Wight, another black eye for the CEO of what used to be called British Petroleum. But while BP is British owned, it employs 20,000 Americans, twice its payroll in England. Some 40% of its shares are held in the United States.
Read the story37 minTea Parties and the Religious Right in America
The Tea Party movement may sound new and different to a lot of Americans, especially since the religious right has dominated conservative American politics in recent years. But, writes E.J. Dionne, "the rise of the Tea Party movement is a throwback to an old form of libertarianism."
Read the story6 min
