Radio America Online News Bureau

In just two weeks, the Senate Judiciary Committee will begin confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan.  Why are many college students concerned about the impact Kagan might have on the court?  What issues raise red flags for them right now and which ones could impact them in the years ahead?  And what kind of influence could young activists have on the confirmation process?  Radio America’s Jasen Sokol looks at this week’s “Keep Out Kagan” event and how the confirmation fight is heating up online.

Standard Podcast [ 6:12 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate is taking up a bill from Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski that would forbid the EPA from regulating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.  Why is this imperative?  Why should the idea of expanded EPA power scare every small business owner in America?  We ask William O’Keefe, CEO of the Marshall Institute and former CEO of the American Petroleum Institute.  He will also discuss President Obama’s moratorium on new offshore oil leases.

Standard Podcast [ 7:36 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Last year the Empire State Building honored the 60th anniversary of Communist China by lighting up in red and yellow.  Yet the building managers have now twice refused to shine blue and white lights later this summer to honor what would have been the 100th birthday of Mother Teresa.  What reasons are being given for this decision?  Why is the ‘angel of Calcutta’ not worthy of a tribute while a nation founded by murdering at least 60 million people gets such an honor?  And why should anyone care?  We ask Dr. Paul Kengor, professor at Grove City College and author of the forthcoming book “Dupes: How America’s Adversaries Have Manipulated Progressives for A Century”.

Standard Podcast [ 7:20 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

John Gizzi of Human Events got half of his predictions right in Tuesday’s primaries.  Why did the Republican CEO’s in California romp to victory?  How did Tea Party darlings Sharron Angle and Nikki Haley easily defeat better known and better funded challengers?  Gizzi also takes us inside the White House Press Corps reaction to the Helen Thomas controversy.  And he also offers his own mixed review of her final years in the press room.

Standard Podcast [ 7:34 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Republican women dominate biggest primary day of the midterm election cycle.  Blanche Lincoln survives in Arkansas.  The UN Security Council approves tougher sanctions against Iran.  Louisiana Sen. Vitter and Rep. Scalise demand clear chain-of-command in oil response.

Standard Podcast [ 8:20 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

More than seven weeks into the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, some of the oil spewing from the ruptured rig is being contained.  But more oil is still flowing into the Gulf and shorelines, marshes and wildlife are increasingly threatened.  So what needs to be done to minimize the impact of this disaster?  Is the federal government doing any better at responding to the needs of the Gulf states?  And what is the impact of so many government agencies on the scene?  We ask Louisiana Sen. David Vitter.

Standard Podcast [ 7:47 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tea Party favorite Sharron Angle easily won the GOP senate nomination in Nevada and will take on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in November.  Democrats think they caught a big break break with Angle winning the nomination.  Are they right or are they still misreading voter sentiment?  How will her positions on education and social security impact the race?  We ask Peter Ferrara, general counsel at the American Civil Rights Union.

Standard Podcast [ 8:16 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Tuesday, four Republican women won major senate and gubernatorial primaries.  And Democrat Blanche Lincoln surprised many by winning the senate runoff in Arkansas.  So why are we seeing this female surge in politics – especially in the GOP?  Is the party late in embracing women as candidates?  Are they winning because voters want women to shake things up politically or because voters want conservatives and the most conservative candidates in many races happen to be women?  And how will they do in November?  We discuss it all with Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn.

Standard Podcast [ 8:51 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Congressional Democrats are trying to merge House and Senate versions of financial reform legislation, but some major differences remain.  Will there be a massive fund that some say perpetuates the “too big to fail” mentality?  Will there be a serious audit of the Federal Reserve?  Will Americans have more or less freedom when this process is over?  And will businesses have more or less access to credit?  We ask Brian Johnson, federal affairs manager at Americans for Tax Reform.

Standard Podcast [ 7:48 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

A year ago, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford shocked the people of his state by admitting an affair with a woman in Argentina.  Today, voters get their first crack at picking his replacement.  Who will likely emerge from a very crowded Republican primary?  How will allegations of extramarital affairs impact the GOP front-runner?  Will she survive a likely run-off?  Which candidates are faring best on their economic plans?  Which Republicans are locked in  tough primaries in U.S. House races?  We ask Van Hipp, former chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party.

Standard Podcast [ 7:49 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download