To the Point
Iran, the Bomb and American Policy
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has warned that the US does not have long-range plans in case Iran develops the capacity to build a nuclear bomb. Gates denies that it was a "wake-up call." So, what was he up to? What are the options? Also, Obama meets with senators on Supreme Court picks. On Reporter's Notebook, is Detroit making a comeback?
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenDefense Secretary Robert Gates has warned that the US does not have long-range plans in case Iran develops the capacity to build a nuclear bomb. Gates denies that it was a "wake-up call." So, what was he up to? What are the options? Also, President Obama meets with senators on Supreme Court picks, and Americans now say that US-made cars are better than foreign ones. The margin is small, but the turnaround is dramatic. What does it means for Ford, Chrysler and General Motors?
Banner image: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivers a speech at the opening session of a two-day nuclear disarmament conference hosted by Tehran on April 17, 2010. Photo: Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesObama Meets with Senate Leaders on Supreme Court Picks
At a White House meeting with Senators from both parties, President Obama today predicted a "smooth, civil, thoughtful" process for replacing retiring US Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. Asked if he'd nominate anyone who did not support a woman's right to choose an abortion, Obama said there is no litmus test.
Read the story7 minDissecting the Iran Memo
Diplomacy's at a standstill, so President Obama is pushing for UN sanctions to prevent Iran from learning how to build an atomic bomb. What if that doesn't work? In a secret three-page memo leaked to the New York Times , Defense Secretary Robert Gates himself says there is no plan, no effective long-range policy.
Read the story36 minIs the US Auto Industry Finally Beginning to Roll?
In 2006, Americans told Associated Press and AOL pollsters that Japanese automobiles were better than US-made cars by a margin of 46 to 29%. Last month, they preferred domestic makers 38% to 33%.
Read the story7 min
