March 2009
4 posts
11 tags
Specter May Face Tough Race For PA Senate Seat
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) was one of the few republicans to support President Obama’s economic stimulus package. As a result, Specter may face challengers when he runs for re-election in 2010.
Also, Obama delivered a strong statement against earmarks.
Host Neal Conan talks to Ken Rudin, NPR’s political editor and “Political Junkie,” and Jon...
9 tags
Who Should Be Able To Seek Assisted Suicide?
Monday, March 9th, 2009
Members of the Final Exit Network, a group that provides counsel to people who want to take their own lives, were arrested in February.
State laws governing assisted suicide vary greatly. 36 states outlaw it, but two states allow physician-assisted suicide, with many stipulations.
Host Neal Conan talks to NPR correspondent Kathy Lohr, who has been covering the Final...
9 tags
Rush Limbaugh: Voice Of The Republican Party?
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Rush Limbaugh addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, and explained his call for President Obama “to fail.” Obama’s Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, later implied that Limbaugh is the de facto leader of the GOP.
Host Neal Conan talks to Ron Elving, NPR’s senior Washington editor; Matt Bai, a contributing...
10 tags
What Makes A Good Commercial Pilot?
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
In January, pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger landed a US Airways flight safely on the Hudson River, after a flock of birds disabled both engines. Everyone onboard survived. Since then, he has raised questions about the quality of training and support available to newer pilots.
Host Neal Conan talks to Matthew L. Wald, the aviation safety reporter for The...
February 2009
9 posts
7 tags
Crisis Speech: To Bore, To Depress, To Uplift?
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
When the country’s economy is in trouble, the president — and his speech writers — have it tough. They must decide how to explain the crisis to the American public, and what tone to strike.
Chuck Raasch, national political correspondent for Gannett, says it’s even trickier for this president than ones past. “Words don’t mean what they once...
6 tags
Should Speech Be Restricted On The Internet?
Monday, February 23rd, 2009
Shouting “fire” in a crowded theater — where there is no fire — isn’t considered free speech. On the Internet, the rules aren’t as clear. Some experts believe online expression should be unrestricted, but others say a medium with a memory needs some limits.
Guest host Joe Palca is joined by Daniel Solove, the author of The...
5 tags
'New York Post' Political Cartoon Raises Concerns
Thursday, February 19th, 2009
A cartoon, which ran in The New York Post on Wednesday, February 18th, continues to stir controversy. It depicts a chimpanzee being gunned down by police. The Rev. Al Sharpton and others have reacted strongly, alleging the chimp is intended to represent President Obama. The Post is standing behind its cartoonist.
Mike Luckovich, a syndicated cartoonist with the...
6 tags
'Chicago Tribune' Calls For Burris' Resignation
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009
Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) continues to face questions about events preceding his appointment to the the Senate seat previously occupied by President Obama. In an op-ed, the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune called for his resignation.
Also, President Obama signs the economic stimulus bill into law and tries to finish his cabinet.
Guest host Lynn Neary...
4 tags
Web Chat: Rudin, Gura, and Gonyea
This week, NPR White House correspondent Don Gonyea joins Ken Rudin, NPR’s political editor and “Political Junkie,” and me, for a conversation about bipartisanship and the economy. Enjoy!
5 tags
Reporter's Notebook: Iran
Thursday, February 12th, 2009
Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep has just returned from a reporting trip to Iran. He tells host Neal Conan what he learned about how Iranians view their own country — and what it was like reporting on the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
You can listen to the segment here.
7 tags
Political Junkie: Stimulus Bill, Prime-Time Obama
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Congress and the White House are moving closer to a final deal on the stimulus package.
Host Neal Conan talks to Ken Rudin, NPR’s political editor and “Political Junkie,” about that bill and more, including President Obama’s prime-time news conference on Monday.
Also, Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) joins us. This morning, he became longest-serving...
6 tags
Are We All Living In 'Elsewhere, U.S.A.'?
Monday, February 9th, 2009
Author and sociologist Dalton Conley says we have entered into brand-new terrain, where the line between work and leisure is blurred — thanks to the advent of the BlackBerry. His newest book is Elsewhere, U.S.A.: How We Got from the Company Man, Family Dinners, and the Affluent Society to the Home Office, BlackBerry Moms, and Economic Anxiety.
Host Neal Conan talks...
11 tags
Obama Nominees: Who's In And Who's Out
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
Eric Holder has been confirmed as the new Attorney General, and President Obama has nominated Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) for Commerce Secretary. But Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer’s nominations for posts in the Obama administration have been withdrawn.
Host Neal Conan talks to Ken Rudin, NPR’s political editor and “Political Junkie;” Lanny...