Why do many Congressional Republicans believe the Obama administration has been deceptive about the projections in the new $3.6 trillion budget blueprint? Why do they believe everyone will be paying higher taxes to pay for all the spending – and not just the very rich? Why do they see the budget as a war against small business? What are the Republican ideas for getting out of this economic ditch? And will the Obama budget plan be changed or will Congress give it the stamp of approval? We ask Texas Rep. Kevin Brady, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Obama’s Pelosi Problem
Democrats call the political shots in Washington right now, but that doesn’t mean a lack of friction between the White House and Congress. President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have managed to frustrate each other in a number of ways – most notably on how much to reach out to Republicans. So what is behind Pelosi’s refusal to get on board the bipartisan bandwagon? Does Obama care or is he fine with Pelosi’s tactics as long as he gets results in Congress? Is this actually good for Obama since he looks good compared to Pelosi’s sharp elbows against the GOP? What political risks does Pelosi face as a result of her my way or the highway approach? We ask Newsweek magazine White House Correspondent Holly Bailey.
Dr. Tim Ball Explains the Origins of the Global Warming Hysteria and Why the Science Simply Doesn’t Support It
Here is the 2nd half of our interview with climatologist Dr. Tim Ball. On Tuesday, he explained why Cap and Trade is nothing but a fancy name for a massive energy tax on the American people. Today he addresses the foundations of the climate change movement. Why do they focus on carbon dioxide as the culprit for alleged global warming when it’s such a tiny percentage of our atmosphere? Why will we soon hear the climate change arguments get more extreme and more outlandish? What is the window of opportunity for the climate change agenda? And what does Dr. Ball make of the argument that harsh winters are actually evidence of global warming because the earth has a fever and is trying to cool itself? We discuss all that and more with Dr. Tim Ball, former professor of climatology at the University of Winnepeg.
The News
We have Tuesday’s top news… Bernanke defends government intervention in economic crisis…Obama highlights jobs already created by the stimulus plan…Geithner spars with Congressional Republicans over the Obama budget…Obama denies offering to shelve missile defense in Europe in exchange for Russian pressure on Iran to stop building nukes…stocks slightly lower. It’s all part of the biggest stories for Tuesday, March 3, 2009.
Dr. John Rutledge on the Markets, the Obama Economic Plan and More
How long until the markets bottom out? Where might it bottom out? What are the indicators for what the economy might do in the near and long term? Are policies from Washington helping or hurting our recovery? Why are higher taxes a prescription for a severely stunted economic recovery? How concerned should we be about all the new spending? Can China, Japan and others foot the bill for our deficit spending? We ask Dr. John Rutledge, chairman of Rutledge Capital.
The Bush Deregulation Myth
As the current economic mess unfolds, President Obama and many others are blaming the Bush administration for implementing widespread deregulation that allowed excesses and abuses on Wall Street and beyond. But what is the truth? What is the Bush record on regulation? Was there really deregulation? Where did this explanation come from? And why has it not been challenged? We ask Dan Mitchell, senior fellow at the Cato Institute.
Obama Offers to Scrap Missile Defense for Russian Help with Iran
The White House says President Obama let Russian leaders know he would be willing to consider scrapping construction of a missile shield in eastern Europe if Russia pressures Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions. Russia has already rejected the idea, but what should we make of Obama’s overture? What message is he sending on this issue? What pressure could Russia place on Iran? Can Iran be persuaded not to complete a nuclear weapon? And how far away is a missile shield? We ask Karna Small Bodman, former senior director of the National Security Council in the Reagan administration.
Climate Expert Dr. Tim Ball Explains the Real Agenda Behind the ‘Cap and Trade’ Proposal
President Obama is pushing a so-called ‘cap and trade system’ by which American industry will be forced to meet much stricter carbon emissions standards or face major financial penalties. But is the real goal of this agenda? Why is this just a new name for an idea already rejected? And what is the sordid history of this phase of the green movement? We ask Dr. Tim Ball, former professor at climatology at the University of Winnepeg. And join us on Wednesday when Dr. Ball explains why climate change alarmists have made carbon dioxide the villain in this whole movement and why their argument that harsh winters are actually validation of severe climate change is utterly baseless.
The News
We have Monday’s top news…How far did the Dow plummet? How about the Nasdaq and S&P? What is the Obama administration saying about the latest infusion of taxpayer money to rescue insurance giant AIG? Who is Obama’s new pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services? We answer all of those questions and pay tribute to the late great Paul Harvey as we bring you the biggest stories for Monday, March 2, 2009.
Inside the Tanking Stock Market
Why are the markets continuing to sink like a stone? Is it the economy or a lack of confidence in Washington policies? Are investors leery of the amount of spending or are they convinced it won’t do any good? How much are the markets spooked by the ongoing floundering of AIG? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Are better consumer spending numbers a good sign? We ask Terry Jones, associate editor at Investor’s Business Daily.