To the Point
Has President Obama Failed to Match the Potential of Candidate Obama?
One of the most popular sports in Washington these days appears to be the blame game. With the loss of the Democrats' filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and healthcare reform struggling in the final lap, questions are cropping up about who's to blame. Guest host Chery Glaser speaks with some critics of Barack Obama's inner circle who say that the Obama White House is more focused on campaigning than governing. Also, NATO and Afghan forces go on the offensive in Helmand Province, and struggling to fill the jury pool.
By Chery Glaser • • 50m ListenForget the Winter Olympics. One of the most popular sports in Washington these days appears to be the blame game. With the loss of the Democrats' filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and healthcare reform struggling in the final lap, questions are cropping up about who's to blame. Guest host Chery Glaser speaks with some critics of Barack Obama's inner circle who say that the Obama White House is more focused on campaigning than governing. Also, NATO and Afghan forces go on the offensive in Helmand Province, and jury duty gets the economic cold shoulder.
Banner image: President Barack Obama confers with chief of staff Rahm Emanuel. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesNATO and Afghan Forces Go on Offensive in Helmand Province
A joint NATO-Afghan military operation appears to be succeeding in pushing Taliban fighters from their strongholds in Helmand Province bringing the areas back under Afghan government control. But the operation suffered a setback on Sunday when rockets fired by coalition troops killed 12 civilians.
Read the story8 minHas President Obama Failed to Match the Potential of Candidate Obama?
As many Americans take the opportunity sleep in or head to the mall for a little shopping on this Presidents' Day, the mood at the White House may be considerably less festive. A little over a year after President Barack Obama took office, some of his top priorities —like reforming healthcare and closing Guantanamo — appear to be foundering.
Read the story36 minUptick in 'Financial Hardship' Excuse to Avoid Jury Service
Thomas Jefferson called the jury system "the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution." While Americans like jury service in principle, more and more are trying to avoid this cornerstone of American democracy, claiming "financial hardship."
Read the story7 min
