To the Point
Can Barack Obama Follow the Money?
The first half of last year's $700 billion financial bailout was so badly handled that Congress is reluctant to hand out the second half. If Barack Obama can't make the case that he can do better, he may suffer his first defeat before he's even in office. Also, alleged Ponzi-schemer Bernard Madoff free despite violating his bail, and the US and Mexico: immigration and drug cartels.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenThe first half of last year's $700 billion financial bailout was so badly handled that Congress is reluctant to hand out the second half. If Barack Obama can't make the case that he can do better, he may suffer his first defeat before he's even in office. Also, alleged Ponzi-schemer Bernard Madoff free despite violating his bail, and as Obama meets with Mexican President Calderon, we hear about the threat posed to the US by increasingly violent drug cartels.
In this episode
3 storiesMadoff Gets to Stay Home...for Now
Bernard Madoff is accused of running a $50 billion investment-fraud scheme and he's violated conditions of his release on $10 million bail. But a US magistrate judge today refused the government's request to imprison Madoff until his trial. Diana Henriques is the senior financial writer for the New York Times .
Read the story6 minCan Barack Obama Follow the Money?
Lawmakers in both parties are outraged that the Bush Administration lost track of $350 billion, the first half of last year's massive financial bailout . Today, at Barack Obama's request, President Bush agreed to ask for the second half, so Obama will have it as soon as he takes office next week.
Read the story37 minObama and Calderon Talk Drugs, Trade and Immigration
When most Americans think of Mexico, they're likely to focus on immigration. But Mexico's drug wars killed 5000 people last year, and the Department of Homeland Security has plans for a law-enforcement "surge" if bloodshed spreads across the border.
Read the story6 min
