To the Point
Does One Senator Make a Political Trend?
On his hundredth day, President Obama thanked Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter for switching parties. Will Specter be a better Democrat than he was a Republican? Has the GOP gone so far right that it can't appeal to the centrists and independents who decide most elections? Also, vaccines and variations in the Swine Flu outbreak, and melting ice and international politics in the Arctic.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenOn his hundredth day, President Obama thanked Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter for switching parties. Will Specter be a better Democrat than he was a Republican? Has the GOP gone so far right that it can't appeal to the centrists and independents who decide most elections? Also, vaccines and variations in the Swine Flu outbreak, and the eight-nation Arctic Council is meeting in Norway with the US calling for "win-win approaches" to the consequences of rapid ice-melting.
Banner image: Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) speaks (C) during a press conference welcoming him to the Democratic Party as speaks as President Barack Obama (L) and Vice President Joe Biden listen at the White House. Photo: Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesVaccines and Variations in the Swine Flu Outbreak
The first death from swine flu in the US has been confirmed. A 23-month old infant, brought from Mexico for treatment, died Monday in Houston, Texas. Dr.
Read the story8 minSpecter's 100th Day Gift to Obama, Defection to Democrats
President Obama went to St. Louis, Missouri today to mark his hundredth day in office. He reviewed his accomplishments and said it would take hard work to achieve the rest of his goals. Yesterday, he got a boost in that direction when Arlen Specter switched parties . Or did he?
Read the story35 minNorthern Leaders Discuss Arctic Melt
With Arctic ice melting faster than ever, former Vice President Al Gore was in Tromso, Norway this week as the US and seven other countries are meeting to hash out their differences over territory and natural resources.
Read the story8 min
