We have Friday’s top news… What is President Obama asking from Americans as this economy remains in the tank? What is Obama’s top economic adviser blaming in part for this crisis? What worries China about our current economic mess? How is it impacting our trade deficit? What happened on Wall Street Friday? And what is the latest news in the protracted Minnesota senate recount? We have all the answers as we bring you the biggest stories for Friday, March 13, 2009.
Obama and the Economy
Is the Obama administration really looking for another stimulus package? Why do they think the first one was insufficient? Why did Obama sign the earmark-infested spending bill this week when he campaigned against earmarks? How is the Obama team reacting to an F grade from economists in The Wall Street Journal? What does Obama want in his health care plan, which he says is vital for our economic future? How big of a backlash will he face in trying to install a cap and trade system that will jack up our energy bills? We ask Christina Bellantoni, White House Correspondent for The Washington Times.
Adult Stem Cells – Where the Real Progress Is Happening
On Monday, President Obama ordered much more federal funding into embryonic stem cell research. He says the research holds much promise, but what is the real record on embryonic stem cells to date? Why are adult stem cell therapies far more successful? Will the successful work in adult stem cells be hindered by more research money flowing into the work with embryos? And how soon could we see adult stem cell therapies if the work can continue on its present course? We ask Dr. Christian Depeau, one of the pioneers of adult stem cell research.
Inside North Korea’s Latest Saber-Rattling
Why is North Korea planning to launch a rocket next month? Why is Japan threatening to shoot down the rocket if it feels endangered? Is North Korea still a major nuclear threat? What is its long-term goal? And what will be Obama administration position on North Korea? We ask Bruce Klingner, a CIA and DIA veteran who is now a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation.
Capitol Steps Parody
We bring some levity at the end of the week by examining the options of the beleaguered auto industry. The song is “Help Me Honda” and our guest is Steps star and co-founder Elaina Newport.
The News
We have Thursday’s top news…How is President Obama defending his stimulus plan to business leaders? What is he focusing on for long-term economic growth? How is Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner answering criticism of Obama’s huge budget for the next fiscal year? What did Republicans say in response? What happened to Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff in federal court today? What happened on Wall Street? And what is the Obama plan for the drug violence along the Mexican border? We have all the answers as we bring you the biggest stories for Thursday, March 12, 2009.
Louisiana Sen. David Vitter Discusses His No-Cost Stimulus Plan
As Congressional Democrats take the first steps toward another massive stimulus bill, Louisiana Sen. David Vitter and Arizona Rep. John Shadegg are introducing their No-Cost Stimulus plan. How do they plan to raise huge revenues and create millions of jobs without spending another dime of your tax dollars? Why is energy production the answer? What specific steps do they believe would trigger that kind of economic boom? Will the Democrats go along with it? Will Democrats succeed in passing another huge spending bill? What should we make of the Obama budget blueprint? And can Republicans really do anything to stop the Democratic agenda? We ask Sen. David Vitter in this wide-ranging interview.
Living Paycheck to Paycheck in A Recession
How many American workers will be in big financial trouble within just a month if they were to lose their jobs? How many would be in trouble in half that time? What is the impact of Americans failing to save during the robust economic times? How could it compound our existing economic problems? And what government policies are best and worst for creating jobs and helping us keep our money? We ask Pete Sepp, Vice President for Communications at the National Taxpayers Union.
Ford’s Future Focuses on Hybrids
What hybrid milestone is Ford celebrating this week? What does it say about the popularity of hybrids in this country? Are buyers more concerned about the environment or about saving money on gas prices? What kind of fuel economy do hybrids get these days? And how important are hybrids to Ford’s long-term strategy? We ask Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager at Ford.
Gizzi on Politics
Will there be a second massive stimulus package passed by Congress? What is the fallout of President Obama slamming earmarks and signing the earmark-infested omnibus bill? Will unions get a big win in Congress in the coming days? How has Obama’s decision on embryonic stem cells impacted the political environment here in Washington? And will GOP Chairman Michael Steele survive after his run-in with Rush Limbaugh and his supposed endorsement of abortion? We ask John Gizzi, political editor at Human Events.