On Friday, the House of Representatives reversed course and passed a revised version of the $700 billion bailout plan by a vote of 263-171. Texas Rep. Kevin Brady says he doesn’t like this plan but believes it’s the best option available to lawmakers right now. Listen to Brady explain his tough decision and how conversations with his constituents convinced him to vote in favor of the legislation.
The News Part 1
How optimistic is President Bush that the second time is the charm for House passage of the bailout bill? What are the presidential candidates saying about their support for the bill in the Senate? What explanations are we hearing from the few senators who voted against the updated plan? And what is House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying about the significance of Friday’s vote? Listen here for the latest details on all of these major stories for Thursday, October 2, 2008.
The News Part 2
How did the markets fare on Thursday after Senate passage of the bailout bill and investors await the verdict in the House? What can we expect from Sarah Palin and Joe Biden in tonight’s vice presidential debate? Which Midwestern state is being abandoned by the McCain campaign? We answer all of these questions in this section of Thursday’s top news. Listen now!
What Taxpayers Need to Know About the Bailout
There is no consensus among House Republicans or Democrats about whether supporting the revised bailout bill is the right thing to do. What about the taxpayers? Should you support or oppose this plan? How much will it squeeze taxpayers? Will you get your money back and possibly even more or does history show otherwise? And what about all the additions tacked on by the U.S. Senate? Are those reasons to like the bill or line up in opposition? We ask Pete Sepp, Vice President for Communications at the National Taxpayers Union.
Why Arizona Rep. Trent Franks Opposes the Bailout Bill
After changes made by the Senate, the revised $700 billion bailout plan seems destined for House passage on Friday. But Arizona Rep. Trent Franks is not budging in his opposition to the plan. Why not? Why does he believe putting up so much in taxpayer dollars is unacceptable? What kind of alternative is he pursuing? And how does he respond that rejecting this bill again would be far costlier than the price tag on this bill? Click below hear Greg’s discussion with Rep. Franks.
Why South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson Supports the Bailout Bill
Supporters of the revised $700 billion bailout plan are optimistic the House of Representatives will pass the revised plan on Friday. Why should it be passed? Why are the changes good? And how are constituents being impacted by the current financial crisis? We ask South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson, who supported the bill on Monday and will vote in favor of the new version on Friday.
Palin and Biden Debate Tonight
While Barack Obama and John McCain still have two debates ahead of them, tonight is the one and only face-to-face encounter between vice presidential nominees Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. So who faces more pressure? How will they address the ongoing financial crisis? Will the candidates go after each other or the presidential nominees? And what is the impact of Gwen Ifill staying on as the moderator? We ask David Lightman, White House Correspondent for the Washington Bureau of McClatchy News.
The News Part 1
The day’s biggest stories…what message is President Bush sending just before the bailout vote in the U.S. Senate? What changes have been made to the bill? Why are all congressional leaders from both parties urging immediate passage of the new plan? We discuss all of these stories during the top news for Wednesday, October 1, 2008.
The News Part 2
Why are the vast majority of senators supporting the revised bailout plan? Why are many conservatives demanding that Gwen Ifill of PBS be removed as moderator of Thursday’s vice presidential debate? And why do the latest polls have the Obama campaign smiling? Listen here for all the details.
Should Gwen Ifill Be Removed as Moderator?
Conservatives are demanding a new moderator for Thursday’s vice presidential debate after learning moderator Gwen Ifill of PBS has a new book set to hit stores on inauguration day that lavishly praises Barack Obama. But John McCain says he’s fine with Ifill running the show. But is this fair and how should Sarah Palin approach her big moment Thursday night against Democrat Joe Biden? We ask Dr. Janice Crouse of the Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee.