Radio America Online News Bureau

Hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars are being spent to stabilize Wall Street after one of the most chaotic stretches in recent history.  And so far investors like what the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department are doing.

But what exactly is the plan and why do so many people think this is a good idea?  Listen to Greg’s interview with economist Bill Beach of the Heritage Foundation.

Even if this is the right plan, should the Fed Chairman and the Treasury Secretary have the power to just announce half a trillion dollars in federal assistance?  Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann talked with Greg about her efforts to give Congress a pivotal voice on the government’s response to this crisis.

The mess on Wall Street dominated the headlines and the presidential campaign this week.  Both John McCain and Barack Obama said they would make sure such collapses and breaches of the public trust would never happen on their watch.  So which candidate gained traction this week and which one is playing catch-up?

Listen to Greg’s interview with Professor Larry Sabato from the University of Virginia.

Prof. Larry Sabato Breaks Down the Presidential Campaign [ 7:35 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Wednesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni won the ruling party primary and is poised to become the next prime minister.  What should be her top priorities?  What kind of partnership would she want with the United States?  And how far is she willing to negotiate with the Palestinians?

Listen to Greg’s interview with Middle East expert Josh Goodman for the answers to these and other critical questions.

Barack Obama and John McCain are both using the recent Wall Street mess to argue they are the only candidate capable of sorting out the mess and charting a better course for our economy.  McCain says he would have fired SEC Chairman Christopher Cox while Obama insists McCain is appealing to our fears in an effort to win votes.  So which one is right?  And which candidate do you trust to handle the economy?

Listen to Greg’s interview on the economy’s impact on the campaign with Don Lambro of The Washington Times.

The U.S. economy has a proven ability to bounce back – from the Savings and Loans scandal to the bursting of the tech bubble.  So why might it be a lot harder to pick up the pieces after the mortgage meltdown?  Check out the piece by Steve Malanga of Real Clear Markets and the Manhattan Institute and share your thoughts with us!

Listen to Greg’s interview with Malanga on the tough road back for Wall Street.

The latest national survey from Zogby International shows Democratic nominee Barack Obama slightly ahead of Republican John McCain.  What’s responsible for the minor shift?  Is there a momentum swing or just a slight lessening of the McCain bounce?  What do you think?

Listen to Greg’s interview with Fritz Wenzel of Zogby International.

Don’t miss the day’s top stories…from the unease on Wall Street to the political rhetoric on the economy to a changing of the guard in Iraq.  Listen to the biggest stories from Wednesday!

There is a new multinational commander in Iraq.  Gen. Ray Odierno takes over, following Gen. David Petraeus who drastically changed the course of the war.  What made Petraeus a success?  What does Odierno bring to the job?  What should we expect from Petraeus as he oversees Iraq and Afghanistan?  Tell us what you think of the changes and what we should expect in the months ahead.

Listen to Greg’s interview with Iraq War veteran and Vets for Freedom Vice Chairman David Bellavia.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed energy legislation that has virtually no chance of actually becoming law.  Democrats say they are allowing for some more offshore drilling but the bulk of their plan is to invest in renewable energy over the long term.  Republicans argue this plan gives us no additional energy and new taxes.  Which side is right?  And how are the high gas prices impacting you?  Tell us!

And listen to Greg’s interview on the energy debate with Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan.

Another week brings more uncertainty to the financial world.  Just days after Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy and Merrill Lynch was saved by Bank of America, the Feds are bailing out insurance giant AIG to the tune of $85 billion.  This all stems from the mortgage crisis, but what is really responsible for the mortgage crisis?  Should the government be this active in rescuing these major firms?  And does this mean trouble or the chance for some real bargains for your portfolio?  Tell us what you think!

Listen to Greg’s interview with Political Economy Professor Dr. Gary Wolfram.