Last year, the tax filing deadline also marked the launch of the Tea Party movement against deficit spending and greater government control over the economy. So how surprised are Tea Party leaders with the rapid growth of the movement? What triggered this frustration with government? Is the movement deflated over passage of the health care plan? What is the next big battle that will get the Tea Party fired up? And is the Tea Party in league with the Republicans, or will all incumbents feel the wrath of the activists come November? We ask Matt Kibbe of Freedomworks, a major force behind the Tea Party movement.
The News
Obama claims significant progress at nuclear summit, Gates claims Iran a year away from nuclear weapon but some say it will be much sooner, Senate rumbles again over whether extended unemployment benefits should add to the deficit, more bad news coming in wake of Obamacare passage.
Wrong on Nukes, Wrong on Iran
Retired U.S. Army Gen. Paul Vallely says we shouldn’t expect China to help us deter Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Why is it not in China’s interest to help us? Why does Vallely see Obama’s nuclear policy leading us down a dangerous road? Why does Vallely believe Iran is much closer to a nuclear weapon than the Obama team estimates? And what new venture is Vallely promoting to defend the homeland?
Dems Drop Ball on Spending…Again
A familiar fight has returned to the U.S. Senate. Democrats say unemployment assistance is so vital, it does not need to be offset by spending cuts. Republicans also say the aid is vital but MUST not be adding to our already monstrous debt. So who is right? How hard is it to find the money to pay for these benefits? And how often will we see this fight? We ask James Sherk, Bradley Fellow in Labor Policy at the Heritage Foundation.
SWAP Out Obamacare
South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson says Congress needs to change course immediately on health care as more unsavory components of the new laws come to light. Wilson says many parts should be taken out, other provisions should be preserved and new patient-centered policies should be implemented. Listen to our discussion with Rep. Wilson to learn what his SWAP plan would do.
Sunshine State Showdown
Republicans are poised to make gains in the House of Representatives in this year’s midterm elections. One of the most targeted districts is in central Florida, where freshman Democrat Alan Grayson may be in big trouble. Why are so many Republicans flooding into this race. Why does Bruce O’Donaghue believe he should be the next Congressman from this district? What issues will define his campaign? Does he want to repeal the health care bill?
The News
President Obama opened up a nuclear summit in Washington on Monday, but some lawmakers want a tougher U.S. stance towards Iran. Key senators already preparing for tough Supreme Court confirmation fight. West Virginia mourns fallen miners and Poland grieves deaths of president, first lady and many top dignitaries.
Time Running Short on Iran
President Obama is hosting a major nuclear summit Monday and Tuesday in Washington. What are the goals of the summit? What will determine whether the conference is a success? How much of the talk will be about Iran’s nuclear ambitions? And how will the handling of the Iranian threat impact U.S.-Israeli relations? We ask retired U.S. Army Col. Bob Maginnis.
Sun Sets for Dawn Johnsen
After months of vocal opposition and no Senate confirmation, Dawn Johnsen has withdrawn her name from consideration to head the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department. So what’s the problem with Johnsen? What she have been doing in this job? Why is this controversy still not over even as Johnsen departs? We ask Wendy Wright, president at Concerned Women for America. We also ask her about the coming Supreme Court confirmation process and an apparent Obama litmus test in his eventual nominee.
The News
As Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens announces his upcoming retirement, we hear what qualities President Obama wants in new justice. We’ll also discuss some of the most high-profile decisions in which Stevens has been involved. We’ll tell you about the latest prominent House Democrat to call it quits, how President Obama is already looking to push new mining safety regulations and how Republicans are looking ahead to the midterm elections.