David Gura's TOTN Portfolio

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 Delano, a political analyst for KDKA TV and columnist for the Pittsburgh Business Times.

You can listen to the show here.

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 Exit Network, and Arthur Caplan, the director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania.

You can listen to the show here.

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 writer for The New York Times Magazine; and Jonah Goldberg, the editor at large for the National Review Online.

You can listen to the show here.

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 New York Times, and John Nance, a former captain for Alaska Airlines.

You can listen to the show here.

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.

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 representative ever.

You can listen to the show here.

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 Davis, a lawyer and former special counsel to President Clinton; and Thomas Rath, a former New Hampshire attorney general.

You can listen to the show here.