PodcastDirectory.com's listings of the KCRW's To The Point Podcasts

What's Happening in Massachusetts?

President Obama has made a desperate effort to save one Democratic vote in the Senate, which could mean life or death for healthcare reform and the rest of his agenda. We hear about tomorrow's special election to replace Ted Kennedy, the late Senator from Massachusetts. Also, Haiti?s vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters and the vicissitudes of foreign aid

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As the US launches a massive rescue effort in Haiti, right-wing critics are saying that resources and money are wasted in a country that's already too dependent on the rest of the world. President Obama has promised to help "to the very end." We ask what that could mean. Also, were official "suicides" at Guantanamo Bay really deaths caused by torture?

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After Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts, Senate Democrats can't stop Republican filibusters any more. What does that mean for health care reform? And what's the message for both parties for elections later this year? Also, is zero tolerance for terrorism an impossible goal?

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Google's claim of cyber attacks in China has turned into an international incident with Hillary Clinton calling today for "consequences" and "condemnation." Is China's government trying to steal Google's secrets? Is it threatened by the growth of organized activism on the Internet? Also, the Supreme Court weighs in on free speech and campaign limits. On Reporter's Notebook, President Obama proposes cutting Wall Street down to size.

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James Cameron'sAvataris more than a 3-D blockbuster. The New York Times says it has "burrowed into the cultural consciousness" from the US to China. It's even accused of causing a heart attack in Taiwan. We hear from critics and fans. Also, a possible power shift at the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve, and the Winter Olympics are scheduled to open three weeks from today. Where?s the snow?

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Has the US Supreme Court scored a victory for free speech or increased the influence of money in politics? We hear about last week's 5-to-4 decision on the rights of corporations. Also, executions, bombs and political turmoil in Baghdad, and Haitian refugees and US immigration policy.

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One year ago, Democrats were talking about a new political era. Now, President Obama faces a nation of angry voters. We set the scene for his first address on the State of the Nation. Also, a second day of bombs in Baghdad. On Reporter's Notebook, will France ban the veil for Muslim women in public places?

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US combat troops are scheduled to leave Iraq starting in August, presuming that violence is down and that a stable government has been established by fair elections. This week's renewed bombings in Baghdad suggest that the scenario might not be so rosy. Also, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is grilled by a House committee on the AIG bailout, and you know the iMac and the iPhone. Get ready for the iPad.

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During last night's State of the Union Address, President Obama admitted mistakes while defending his first year in office. What does he want for the future, and what is he likely to get? We sample opinions. Also, President Karzai's new priority, reaching out to the Taliban, and Toyota's struggle to stay on top.

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The Obama campaign motivated some 13 million volunteers, but many now feel abandoned by the Obama White House. Has he failed to build a movement to push his agenda or has Washington changed him more than he has changed Washington? Also, the President's Q&A with the GOP, and Tony Blair in a public defense of Britain's role in the war on Saddam Hussein.

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President Obama's "Race to the Top" in Education features charter schools and standardized tests to evaluate teacher performance. Will it improve the much-criticized "No Child Left Behind" or is it the same, only more so? Also, Iraq uncovers bomb and assassination plots. On Reporter's Notebook, abortion, manslaughter and first-degree murder in a Kansas courtroom.

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The death toll may be as high as 500,000 in the biggest earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years. We hear about US rescue and relief efforts. Plus, on Wall Street a disaster of a different kind. What caused the economic recession?

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Gays and lesbians can raise children, but in most states they can't be married. California's ban on same-sex marriage is on trial in a case that may end up in the US Supreme Court. We get a progress report on the issues being raised in a San Francisco courtroom and the impact of the public proceedings on same-sex parents and their children. Also, disaster relief in Haiti.

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When Haiti was struck by a massive earthquake, its fragile government was unprepared to respond. How did it get that way? Had there been real progress in recent months? What does the future hold for people who?ve shown extraordinary resilience despite corruption, neglect and continued natural disasters?  Also, how to distinguish effective charities from scams.

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Despite federal efforts to "modify" mortgages, America's housing crisis is getting worse. Without greater protection, will more people walk away from their loans? Should banks and other lenders take the hit? Is economic recovery at risk? Also, Democratic Senator Chris Dodd decides against running for a sixth term, and the world's largest trade show for consumer technology.

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When a double agent turned into a suicide bomber, seven US intelligence agents were killed. How much expertise did the CIA lose? What does the incident say about the abilities of al-Qaeda ? and the quality of US intelligence? Also, the Obama Administration wants to crack down on smog.

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At the approach of this year's mid-term elections, Democrats are stepping down from the Senate and Congress?but so are Republicans.  Does either one have theadvantage?  Will the results in November determine if President Obama succeeds or fails? Also, a glimmer of hope despite a disappointing December job report, and Arnold Schwarzenegger begins his last year as Governor of California.

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One element of the "tea party" movement will stage a national convention next month where it?ll cost $549 to hear Sarah Palin make the keynote speech. Will the event help to organize a disparate political movement or alienate grassroots protesters who don?t have that kind of money? Who are the tea-partiers, anyway? Also, the Proposition 8 trail begins in federal court, and  the politics of race makes a comeback.

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Predator drones have become the US weapon of choice in the war againts the Taliban in Afghanistan. Now the Obama Administration will explore expanding their use in Pakistan. Guest hostConan Nolanconsiders the advancing use of such drones, overseas and here at home. Also, Iran tests and upgraded, faster missile, and stunning images of our universe from the Herschel Telescope

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On Tuesday, President Obama was "cautiously optimistic" about his Christmas Eve deadline for healthcare reform from the Senate. Since then, a "kill the bill" movement?s been gaining force among Democrats. We get a progress report.  Also, the US expresses readiness to join $100 billion climate aid fund, and Islamic militants intercept spy videos from Predator drones.

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