To the Point
Can Barack Obama Save a Failing Economy?
Barack Obama wants government spending and tax cuts big enough and soon enough to revitalize the economy. We hear debate about what might happen if he gets his stimulus plan -- or if he doesn't. Also, Roland Burris and the US Senate. On Reporter's Notebook, is it time for an outsider to run the CIA?
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenBarack Obama wants government spending and tax cuts big enough and soon enough to revitalize the economy. We hear debate about what might happen if he gets his stimulus plan -- or if he doesn't. Also, Roland Burris and the US Senate, and Leon Panetta for the CIA. A breath of fresh air and accountability or an unwelcome outsider?
Banner image: President-elect Barack Obama (C) meets with Democratic and Republican congressional leadership, including (L-R) House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (RKY) on Capitol Hill January 5, 2009. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesBurris Distracts Senate's Attention on Opening Day of the 111th Congress
As the newly-constituted Senate convened today, Roland Burris arrived on Capitol Hill to claim the Illinois seat vacated by Barack Obama. The former Attorney General of Illinois has been appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill out Obama's unexpired term, but he has not been certified by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Read the story6 minObama Pushes Stimulation, but How Much and How Soon?
Two weeks before inauguration day, President-elect Barack Obama is lobbying Democrats and Republicans for a stimulus package that is 60% federal spending and 40% tax cuts for individuals and for business. The major goal of his " American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan " is three million new jobs, mostly in the private sector.
Read the story36 minIs Panetta the Right Man for the Top Job at the CIA?
Leon Panetta is an eight-term former congressman and White House Chief of Staff for Bill Clinton with no hands on experience in gathering intelligence. His appointment to head Barack Obama's CIA comes as a surprise. If he can be confirmed, he would provide a clean break with Bush Administration policies.
Read the story7 min
