To the Point
Obama Visits the Middle East and a Tough Political Challenge
Barack Obama confronted one of his toughest political challenges today with visits to Israel and the West Bank. We hear what he said and how both sides reacted. Also, the housing rescue bill moves through the pipeline, and a Texas oilman endorses wind power.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenBarack Obama confronted one of his toughest political challenges today with visits to Israel and the West Bank. We hear what he said and how both sides reacted. Also, the housing rescue bill moves through the pipeline, and Republican oil and gas magnate T. Boone Pickens is an unlikely hero to Democrats and environmentalists. It's all about wind power.
Barack Obama observes some of the 600 photographs of victims of the Holocaust the Hall Of Names with Yad Vashem Chairman, Avner Shalez in Jerusalem. Photo: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
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3 storiesHouse Rescue Bill Moves through the Pipeline
Rescuing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could cost American taxpayers $25 billion, which has created new anxiety over the housing market. Today, Bush White House dropped its threat to veto legislation designed to bolster the housing market. James Politi reports from Washington for the Financial Times .
Read the story6 minObama in Israel and the West Bank
Barack Obama threaded his way through a minefield today, from Jerusalem's Holocaust memorial and Sderot, an Israeli town near the border with Gaza and a frequent target of Palestinian rocket fire, to Ramallah on the Palestinian West Bank. In Israel, John McCain is a known quantity and there's anxiety about what changes Obama might bring.
Read the story34 minOil Man T. Boone Pickens Becomes a Wind Power Advocate
T. Boone Pickens savaged John Kerry four years ago by financing the " swift boat " commercials that helped sink Kerry's presidential campaign. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has invited the life-long Republican to address the Democratic caucus tonight. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid calls him "my political friend."
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