The Obama administration has taken great pains to soften rhetoric related to the enemies we’re fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the very intentional effort not to label them as Islamic. Is that a good way to curry more favor in the Middle East or is it an attempt to hide the obvious truth about what motivates our enemies? How important is defining our enemy? And what would be the best policy moving forward? We ask Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, director of the Center for the Study of Islamic Radicalization at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
The News
Republicans and Democrats spar over new stimulus report, Sen. Johanns looks to repeal burdensome health care bill provision, senators suspect Lockerbie bomber released to further British oil interests in Libya, Cheney has major surgery.
Obama’s Hidden Medicare Mess
The Obama administration is months overdue in issuing the annual report of the Social Security Board of Trustees. Why is the report so late? What alarming news would it contain about the solvency of social security? What stunning news would it report about the near and long-term future of Medicare? What elements of the new health care laws are putting health care for senior citizens in great danger? We ask Peter Ferrara, general counsel at the American Civil Rights Union.
Obamacare’s Mountain of Paperwork
Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns tells us why he is proposing legislation to repeal Section 9006 of the recently passed health care laws. What does Section 9006 do? What would be the impact on many Americans? And why would the government have this in the bill to begin with? We ask Sen. Johanns, who also reacts to the latest White House report on job creation due to the stimulus bill.
NAACP Desperation
On Tuesday, the NAACP approved a resolution calling on the Tea Party movement to condemn “racist elements” within its leadership. Is there a racist element to the Tea Party? Is racism a factor in the fierce opposition to the Obama agenda? What is the reason for the Tea Party outrage? How influential is the NAACP? And what does a black conservative deal with as a result of their political beliefs? We ask Deneen Borelli of Project 21, a coalition of black conservatives affiliated with the National Center for Public Policy Research.
The News
Obama celebrates as Senate Democrats convince three Republicans to vote for their Wall St. reforms. Obama names a new budget director. Kagan’s confirmation vote is delayed. Franken’s razor-thin election win is questioned again. And Yankees owner George Steinbrenner dies of a heart attack at age 80.
The Boss Bows Out
Longtime New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner died Tuesday, after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 80. How did Steinbrenner become even bigger than the game? How did his ego and temper hold back the team for years? Why did he suddenly lighten up in the 1990s? And what are the most significant ways he changed the game? We ask Phil Wood, baseball contributor to the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) and co-host of ‘Talkin’ Baseball’ on the Radio America network.
No One Should Support This Bill
On Tuesday, Senate Democrats secured the three Republican votes necessary to give them the the 60 votes needed to pass financial regulatory reform. But is this a bill worth supporting? How will it impact your access to credit? How much power will the government have over businesses? And why did Democrats refuse to address Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the causes of the mortgage meltdown in this legislation? We ask New Jersey Rep. Scott Garrett, a member of the House Financial Services Committee and a conferee on the revised financial regulatory reform bill.
Obama Issues New Moratorium
After two firm federal court rejections of his offshore drilling moratorium, President Obama is issuing a new six-month restriction that will likely start the court fight all over again. How is this moratorium different, if at all? How are energy producers reacting to this forced work stoppage? We ask Dan Kish of the Institute for Energy Research. We also get his insight into whether Senate Democrats really do need to pass their version of cap and trade legislation or give up on the issue for the rest of this Congress.
Gibbs is Right, Dems in Trouble
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs surprised many politicos by admitting that Republicans could win back the House of Representatives. Is that true? Why is the GOP surging? Can Dems do anything about it? What do Republicans need to do to make the most of this opportunity? Will Tea Party nominees help or hurt? We ask Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.