To the Point
Do Political Labels Still Fit in an Era of Change?
Is Barack Obama a tax-and-spend liberal Democrat or is he not liberal enough? Is Republican John McCain a real conservative -- a "maverick" -- or something else? After decades of political polarization, both candidates claim they want to be agents of change. Do the familiar labels still matter at all? Also, rising flood waters wreak havoc in Iowa, and California's latest tourist attraction: same-sex marriage.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenIs Barack Obama a tax-and-spend liberal Democrat or is he not liberal enough? Is Republican John McCain a real conservative -- a "maverick" -- or something else? After decades of political polarization, both candidates claim they want to be agents of change. Do the familiar labels still matter at all? Also, rising flood waters continue to wreak havoc in Iowa, and California is scheduled to start issuing same-sex marriage licenses next week. County clerks are bracing for a tidal wave from all over the country.
In this episode
3 storiesRising Flood Waters Wreak Havoc and Close Interstates
Rising waters in the Des Moines River are threatening Iowa's state capital with mandatory evacuations. Voluntary evacuations already had been called for. The Cedar and Iowa Rivers are among those still rising. Thirty-five highways are already closed in the state's worst flooding ever.
Read the story6 minDo Political Labels Still Fit in an Era of Change?
As the presidential campaign begins in earnest, both candidates are trying to define themselves and each other. But the distinctions are blurred. "Blue Dog" Congressional Democrats say Barack Obama 's too liberal, while labor leaders worry that he's not liberal enough.
Read the story36 minWedding Bells for Same-Sex Couples in California
As soon as the California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage last month, wedding planners, bakers and hotels began booking more business. On Monday, clerks in 58 counties will start issuing licenses, and the state is looking at a rush of applicants from all over the US.
Read the story6 min
