To the Point
The Changing Landscape on the Wage Debate
Income inequality has been economic reality in America for decades. Now it's a political hot potato. As Democrats push for an increase in the minimum wage, can Hillary Clinton match the claims of Republican rivals to be "just like ordinary Americans?"
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenIncome inequality has been economic reality in America for decades. Now it's a political hot potato. As Democrats push for an increase in the minimum wage, can Hillary Clinton match the claims of Republican rivals to be "just like ordinary Americans?"
Also, ISIS claims its first attack on US soil. On today's Talking Point, Ann Ravel, chair of the Federal Election Commission, says next year's presidential spending may exceed $10 billion —with little chance that legal limits can be enforced. We hear why she calls the FEC "worse than dysfunctional."
Photo: Fast food strikes in New York City (Annette Bernhardt)
In this episode
3 storiesISIS Claims First Attack on US Soil
The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an incident in the United States — Sunday's attack in Garland, Texas , outside a contest to draw cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad. Two suspects killed by police were from Phoenix, Arizona — but ISIS radio is calling them "two soldiers from the soldiers of the caliphate."
Read the story6 minThe Minimum Wage, Income Inequality and Presidential Politics
Two years ago New York City, 200 fast food workers demanded a minimum wage of $15 an hour. They started something. Since then, legal minimums have been raised in red states as well as blue. The current federal floor is $7.25, and President Obama has proposed $10.10. Democrats in Congress are now pushing a federal floor of $12 an hour.
Read the story33 minDysfunction at the FEC
The Federal Election Commission, divided between three Democrats and three Republicans, is supposed to regulate the way political money is raised and spent. Next year's presidential campaign is expected to generate more than $10 billion.
Read the story10 min
