To the Point
The Tea Parties and the Congress
Tea Partiers don't like either political party, but their candidates are Republicans as a matter of political reality. Not many are expected to make it to Capitol Hill, but could they have influence beyond their numbers? Also, poor oversight of billions in Afghan reconstruction funds, and the President and the comedian. >
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenTea Partiers don't like either political party, but their candidates are Republicans as a matter of political reality. Not many are expected to make it to Capitol Hill, but could they have influence beyond their numbers? Also, poor oversight of billions in Afghan reconstruction funds. On Reporter's Notebook, gentle ridicule was the price last night for President Obama to reach Jon Stewart's audience of young potential voters.
Banner image: (L-R) Bill Black, his wife Jody Black and Don Rose, all of Nevada, wait to attend a Tea Party Express rally in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 19, 2010. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesPoor Oversight of Billions in Afghan Reconstruction Funds
The Afghan province of Nangarhar received $100 million in US development aid in fiscal 2010 and is often cited as a model for the rest of the country. But an audit mandated by Congress calls the program "incoherent," without mechanisms to avoid waste or monitor success.
Read the story7 minThe Tea Parties and the Consequences in Congress
The New York Times says about 30 Tea Party candidates could get to the House, while eight have a chance at the Senate. There is no official platform, but all want "smaller government," and their constituents' demands range from repealing healthcare reform to abolishing Medicare and Social Security.
Read the story35 minPresident Obama, 'Dude,' Visits Jon Stewart on 'The Daily Show'
Last night on Comedy Central's The Daily Show , President Obama told Jon Stewart he was there to make a " plug " for young people to vote in next week's elections. The President did have to pay a price. Stewart didn't just call Barack Obama "Dude," he also challenged his performance as President of the United States.
Read the story8 min
