For weeks, President Obama implored Senate Republicans to allow a final vote on his small business bill. He got his wish, but will his plan be of much help? Why does Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns believe more access to credit is not what small business owners need? What very basic things do businesses need that are not provided in this legislation? We ask Sen. Johanns and get his thoughts on the tax cut debate. He also shares what concerns his constituents shared during the summer recess.
On Friday, the U.S. Constitution turned 223 years old. But how many Americans have actually read it or even know what it says? How do adults of all ages and levels of education do when quizzed on basic elements of the Constitution? Why is it important for us to know the Constitution thoroughly? How is the Constitution impacted by some recent political debates here in Washington? And how would the framers react to what their founding document has created? We discuss all these questions with Rich Brake, co-chair of the National Civic Literacy Board at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.
The proposed construction of an Islamic Center and mosque at Ground Zero has prompted a firestorm of debate. The Capitol Steps now have their own unique take on the story, including the real reason why this complex will never be built. Our guest is Steps impressionist Mark Eaton.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to include the DREAM Act as part of a must-pass defense bill. What is the DREAM Act? How would it support illegals at the expense of American citizens? What are the political calculations behind Reid’s move? And what message does the process send to the American people? We discuss it all with California Rep. Dana Rohrabacher.
Some Republican leaders are publicly worried that surprising wins by Tea Party candidates are threatening the big gains the party could be making in November. But many conservatives believe this new blood is just the shake-up the GOP needs. So is the party in the midst of a self-destructing fight just weeks before Election Day or is this actually a healthy exercise? We ask former Republican National Committee Deputy Chairman Frank Donatelli and find out why he’s confident Tea Party and traditional Republicans will be embraced by voters as they run against the Obama agenda.
After a couple more Republican ‘establishment’ candidates lose to Tea Party-backed challengers, is there really a bitter divide within the GOP or just some healthy disagreement? Can Christine O’Donnell really win the Delaware senate seat? How did scandal-tarred Charlie Rangel win another campaign in New York? And is the rejuvenated Middle East peace process already grinding to a halt? We discuss it all with John Gizzi of Human Events.
Many prominent Republicans are lamenting the win of Tea Party favorite Christine O’Donnell in Delaware’s U.S. Senate primary. But longtime conservative activist Richard Viguerie says real conservatives should be happy. Why does he disagree that O’Donnell can’t win in November? Why does he say Delaware Republicans did the right thing even if she loses the general election? Also the chairman of conservativehq.com, Viguerie explains why he sees this movement as much bigger than any specific election and why he believes we could be on the brink of conservative leadership that even eclipses the Reagan years.
Congressional Republicans are hoping to add to their ranks in the midterm elections, but they are also fearful of what Democrats will try to pass in a lame duck session after the voting is done. In addition to possible fights over immigration and massive spending bills, South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson says the majority will try to force card check legislation through as well. So what is card check, and why does Wilson think it will be a major job-killer? Wilson also explains why Republicans are so determined to make all of the Bush income tax cuts permanent and why he thinks they won’t add to the deficit in the long term. We also ask Rep. Wilson whether recent primaries show a deeply fractured GOP or a party ready to chart a new course.
The most recent housing sales figures are among the worst we’ve ever seen. Is this all because the $8000 tax credits are gone or are there other key reasons why potential buyers are staying away? Have we hit the bottom of the housing market yet? How worried are prospective homeowners about the overall economy? How much should low mortgage rates be a factor in deciding to buy? We ask Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors.
Congressional Republicans are presenting a united front in demanding that all of the Bush era income tax cuts be made permanent. In fact, they appear ready to vote against extending tax cuts for some if all tax brackets are not included. Why would no tax relief be better than tax cuts for some? How much would the rich pay in taxes if they really paid their ‘fair share’? And what will be the fate of the Bush tax cuts on capital gains, dividends and estates? We discuss it all with Texas Rep. Kevin Brady, the top House Republican on the Joint Economic Committee.
