Over the past few days, both campaigns have gotten more personal in their criticisms of the opposing ticket. The McCain campaigning is blasting Barack Obama for his connections with unrepentant 1960s terrorist Bill Ayers. In response, the Obama team is highlighting McCain’s involvement in the Keating Five scandal from a generation ago. Why are we seeing this now? Are these legitimate topics? Are these good strategies? And what impact will this have on Election Day? We ask longtime Democratic activist Michael Lewan, former Chief of Staff for Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.
Podcasts
Which Party Will Control Congress?
Most eyes are on the presidential campaign, but what do the Congressional races look like? Will Democrats hold their majorities or do Republicans have a shot? Which seats do GOP officials think they can win back? Which issues do they see as winners? And how will Republicans overcome the mountain on retirements among House members? We ask all these questions to Ken Spain, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee.
New Poll Shows Obama Up Big in Virginia
Virginia has emerged as a major battleground state in this year’s presidential race. Democrats haven’t won the Old Dominion since Lyndon Johnson carried it back in 1964. So how big is the Obama lead in the latest Suffolk University poll? Are we seeing a momentum shift or are the numbers all over the place? And what do the numbers show in some of the most decisive parts of Virginia? We ask pollster David Paleologos of Suffolk University.
McCain, Obama and the Courts
While most Americans are understandably focused on the economy as they make their voting decisions, many experts say the biggest impact a president makes is with his Supreme Court selections. So what are the judicial philosophies of McCain and Obama? What do they look for in potential jurists? And how might the nation look different in the years ahead because of the justices picked by one of these men as president? We ask Gary Marx, Executive Director of the Judicial Confirmation Network.
Wall Street Bloodbath
Passing the bailout bill would provide quick stability to Wall Street, right? Maybe some day down the road, but certainly not on Monday. After major sell-offs around the world, the Dow Jones, Nasdaq and S&P are all being consumed by an avalanche of selling. What is behind this bearish attitude? How long will it last? And how can we snap out of it? That’s what we ask Brian Wesbury, former Chief Economist for the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. He is noe Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors in Lisle, Illinois.
The News Part 1
We have the top news at the end of the week! How big of a margin did we seeing in passing the bailout bill in the House? What is the reaction from President Bush and Congressional leaders? Why did some still vote no? And what comes next as Congress tackles the financial crisis? We bring you the latest details on all of those questions as we discuss the top news for Friday, October, 3, 2008.
The News Part 2
The House passed the bailout bill, but did Wall Street like it? What’s the latest news with troubled banks Wachovia and Washington Mutual? And what were the highlights from Thursday night’s vice presidential debate? We discuss it all in the rest of our top news.
We Have the Latest Presidential Polls
So is there a clear front-runner in the presidential race after two conventions, two debates and a major financial crisis? Not yet according to the latest numbers from Zogby international. So what are the latest numbers? How many people are still undecided? And how does that electoral map look right now? That’s what we ask Fritz Wenzel, Director of Communications at Zogby international.
Capitol Steps Parody
After being overshadowed by coverage for Republican vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin, Sen. Joe Biden finally got a national television audience Thursday night. But the Capitol Steps say that’s not good enough. This week they bring us brand new music with “You Just Can’t Hide That Biden Guy.”
Did Palin’s Performance Boost McCain’s Chances?
By most accounts, Gov. Sarah Palin’s performance in Thursday’s vice presidential debate was a boost for the Republican ticket. So what was impressive about Palin? What did Palin need to show voters and did she accomplish that? And how can the GOP ticket use the issue of the economy to its advantage? We ask all these questions to Republican National Committee Co-Chair Jo Ann Davidson.