To the Point
Barack Obama and 'Universal' Healthcare Reform
Barack Obama says America's healthcare system is a contributor to the country's economic decline. There's a growing consensus that recovery can't happen without healthcare reform. If costs are cut, can quality be maintained? How much should government be involved in setting standards as well as paying the bills? Also, despite falling prices, the home sales dropped more than expected last month, and Europe warms up to Obama when it comes to Guantánamo Bay.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenBarack Obama says America's healthcare system is a contributor to the country's economic decline. There's a growing consensus that recovery can't happen without healthcare reform. If costs are cut, can quality be maintained? How much should government be involved in setting standards as well as paying the bills? Also, despite falling prices, the home sales dropped more than expected last month, and Europe prepares to give Barack Obama a break it refused to give George Bush, accepting prisoners from Guantánamo Bay.
In this episode
3 storiesAs Housing Crisis Worsens, More People Staying Put
Sales of new and existing homes dropped more than expected last month, even though houses are cheaper, with the median price reduced from $208,000 last year at this time to $180,000 today. Daniel McGinn is national correspondent for Newsweek magazine and author of House Lust : America's Obsession with Our Homes.
Read the story6 minBarack Obama and 'Universal' Healthcare Reform
Barack Obama insists that healthcare reform cannot be postponed because of the economic decline, calling it a step that's required for recovery. At the same time, there's a growing consensus among doctors, hospitals, businesses and consumer groups that the time for action is now.
Read the story34 minEuropean Countries May Offer Guantanamo Possibilities
Barack Obama has promised repeatedly to close the prison at Guantánamo Bay, but won't discuss what to do with the prisoners until he becomes president on January 20, 2009.
Read the story8 min
