Good Politics Radio

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talked about the Wall Street Journal Poll that indicated Americans are in a sour mood over the issues of politics current administration policies, the US economy, the Afghanistan war, and disappointment in the Democratic and Republican parties.  Their conversation is lively and entertaining.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right, Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Read the Wall Street Journal Poll here.

Read the Wall Street Journal article about the economy and fiscal growth.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel begins by talking about the recent financial regulatory reform in Congress.  Huffington fears that the bill does not end the “too big to fail” concept, which could lead to more bailouts in the future.  Scheer and Blankley are also disappointed in the bill, fearing that lobbyists will now get to make the rules.  They agree that there are some real provisions that should be good in the long run.  Huffington observes that Wall Street, progressives, and conservatives all seem to be unhappy due to ineffectiveness of the regulations.

Next, the panel talks about the rebuff given to Goldman Sachs.  They agree that it is somewhere between a farce and a slap on the wrist.

They also talk about the long anticipated capping of the BP oil well in the Gulf of Mexico.  They discuss regulations, risks, and continued impact.

Lastly, the panel talks about the upcoming mid-term elections.  President Obama’s approval ratings keep sinking.  The panel discusses some reason why his ratings have fallen.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right, Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about the recent primary elections in several states.  They start by talking about the California primaries where Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina were victorious.  This raised the question of campaign financing.  Can only those who can spend large amounts of money get elected?  They also talk about the propositions that passed in California.

Next, the panel talks about Sharon Angle’s victory in Nevada and whether her victory will make it easier for Harry Reid to retain his seat in the general election.  Home foreclosures are a major issue in Nevada which may favor Angle.

The panel then discusses Blanche Lincoln’s victory in Arkansas and whether the labor unions wasted their money opposing her.

Next, the panel talks about the role of Sarah Palin in the Tea Party and the future elections.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, David Frum sitting in for Tony Blankley who represents the right, Lawrence O’Donnell sitting in for Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel is all together in the Santa Monica studio for the first time and begin by talking about the approval polls about President Obama’s administration.  They debate the direction the administration has been headed and spend time talking about the disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street

Can the President reboot and redirect his administration?  There is some discussion about what may happen during the mid-term elections this year.

The panel talks about the meaning of and influence of the Tea Party Movement.  They also talk about the bailout of the Banking Industry and its effect on public opinion.  They talk about what the Tea Party wants.

The panel has a lively discussion about the economy and especially about the anger of the American public over the bailouts.  Homeowners were ignored and jobs were lost while the focus was elsewhere.

The war in Afghanistan and the Health Care Reform debate are also discussed vigorously.

Next, the panel talks about the role of Sarah Palin in the Tea Party and the future elections.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The budget report is the first topic for the panel.  There is agreement from all fronts that the budget news is gloomy.  The deficit is deep and there is little optimism that it will improve acceptably.  The panel searches for optimistic signals.  They talk about the problems in Greece and its meaning for us all.  It seems that taxes will have to rise while expenses are reduced.

The panel talks briefly about bonuses that certain executives will be receiving.  They talk about the upcoming budget freeze.  They also talk about needed regulations and the insurance industry.

Next, the panel talks about China flexing its muscle, criticizing President Obama for his planned meeting with the Dalai Lama and military support for Taiwan.  Is it possible for the Chinese economy to overtake ours?  Bob remembers the condition of China when he was a China expert at Berkeley in the 1960’s, and he is impressed how wrong opinion was back then.

Lastly, they talk about a number of apologies that have been given lately.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read the Wall Street Journal article on the worsening debt situation.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel has a lively discussion of President Obama’s State of the Union speech.  There are questions about the tax cuts coming from the domestic part of the budget and no other.  There was an obvious pivot toward creating jobs.

The panel also touches on the state of bipartisanship and the state of the Health Care Reform.  Is there still going to be movement on health care?

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel does a retrospective on the year 2009.  They have a lively discussion about the important stories of the past year.  They start out by talking about President Obama’s election and inauguration.  Further they discuss the economic stories, especially those involving Ben Bernanke.  They debate whether we are now on the right economic course.

The panel discusses the economic status of America in the world.  Can America remain the strongest economy?  Are we in decline?  Are we in a cycle or a trend?

They also touch briefly on the stories about Bernie Madoff and Tiger Woods.    They conclude with the observation that things could have been worse during 2009, but thankfully there are reasons to be hopeful for the coming year.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel starts out talking about President Obama’s falling popularity ratings and some turmoil surrounding Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner’s performance.  There are some calls for his resignation.  The panel talks about the need for jobs creation.  The panel has interesting insights on various aspects of the economic bailouts and manager’s bonuses.

The panelists talk about the book tour that Sarah Palin is on currently.  The panel is split on their judgement of her influence and importance.  Some fear she is essentially dangerous as a political influence and others say she is popular due to her honesty and simplicity.

Lastly, the panel discusses the health care reform debates.  With the time to vote coming soon, the Administration may have to put some pressure on Democrats to be solidly on board.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read the Washington Post article about Tim Geithner and partisan politics.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel starts out debating Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement that Kahlid Mohammed and 4 other 9/11 conspirators will be prosecuted in New York.  The panel is divided in its opinion on this issue.

The panelists talk about the process President Obama is going through to determine our next steps in the war in Afghanistan.  Again there is an interesting division of opinion.

Lastly, the panel discusses the lack of job creation in our economy and how this may affect future elections.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel starts out talking about the move to regulate top executive’s pay in the companies that the Government bailed out.  There are going to be huge payouts and bonuses to top executives.  The right and left seem to agree that their projected pay is too high.

The panelists talk about the public option which seems be be gaining favor again.

The panel also talks about the Obama administration’s war on Fox News.  It seems to be hurting President Obama.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.  Tony Blankley is away today and Mike Gonzalez is on the show and representing the right.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel starts out talking about the run up in the stock markets on Wall Street.  They discuss the problems with commercial real estate and toxic assets.  They also talk about the record earnings of top banking managers who are benefitting greatly from the government bailout of banking.

The panel also talks about the Senate Finance Committee bringing the health care bill out of the committee.  There is plenty of reconcilliation ahead with the question of the public option still relevant.

Lastly, they talk briefly about Balloon Boy.  They ran out of time to talk about Afghanistan and Iraq, which they will talk about next week.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about the stunning and unexpected announcement that President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace prize.  They talk about whether this huge award might help him or hurt him in the long run and about what this may mean for the war in Afghanistan.  Comparisons to the Vietnam war are discussed.

The panel also talks about the Senate Finance Committee bringing the health care bill to a vote soon.  They talk about how the Baucus bill will be paid for and they talk about how the Senate and the House bills will be made into a final bill.  They also talk about the possible penalties that will be imposed on those who do not choose health care programs.  The debate is very lively.

Lastly, the panel talks about the dollar being down against world currencies.  The Asian countries seem to be the only ones interested in keeping the dollar strong.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read the Washington Post article on President Obama and Afghanistan.

Click here to read the N.Y. Times article about the world reaction to President Obama winning the Nobel Price for Peace.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about the trip that President Obama and his wife made to Copenhagen to campaign for the summer 2016 Olympics.  Perhaps it was too risky, perhaps it will make no difference to him politically.

The panel also talks about the rise in the unemployment rate this week and the fact that the economy is not coming back strongly yet.  We’re better off that 9 months ago but there is a long way to go.  Perhaps President Obama’s advisors are giving poor advice.  They talk about other aspects of the economy and have a good laugh.

The panel then talks about the situations in Afghanistan and Iran.  Perhaps diplomacy with Iran is working.

Next the panel talks about the Baucus health care bill.  Lastly, they talk briefly about the recent sex scandals around David Letterman and Roman Polanski.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and  Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read Senator Baucus’s health care plan.

Click here to read the N.Y. Times editorial on the Polanski controversy.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about the significance of the new revelation of a secret Iranian uranium enrichment facility.  We’ve known about it since before President Obama’s administration, but is the facility dangerous to our security?  They talk about whether more nations will acquire nuclear weapons.

The panel also talks about the issue of global warming and whether the issue is real or phony.

The panel then talks about the banking issue and the need for more regulations.  Lastly, they talk briefly about the Afghanistan war and what the President may do.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center.   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about President Obama’s speech on health care reform to Congress.  Each panelist gives their reactions to the speech.  The panel gets into a discussion of the Swiss and the Massachusetts models of health care.

The panel also talks about House Speaker Pelosi’s lack of support for the idea of sending additional troops to Afghanistan.

They also briefly discuss the eight year anniversary of the 2001 attacks on New York and Washington D.C.  The question is whether we are safer now from potential attacks.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere .

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read the Journal of American Medical Association about the Swiss health care system.

Click here to read Matt Miller’s column on how to have a progressive health care system without a public option.

Click here to read Daniel Ellsberg’s article on the nuclear era.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about the jobless rate rising to 9.7% as we go into Labor Day.  They talk about the economic situation not being as dire as it was earlier but the situation should be a high priority for the President.

The panel also talks about a new direction in the Afghan War.  There’s a question about whether we can get the job done there.

They also talk about the weakening support for health care reform on all sides.  President Obama is planning a major speech on the subject next Wednesday.  There’s a question as to whether the President will stick with the public option feature or move away from it.  The panel presents several strong points of view on this topic.

They also briefly discuss President Obama’s upcoming televised address to students.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere .

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read the Huffington Post article about a possible health care reform trigger.

Click here to read George Will’s article about the Afghan War.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about the legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy.  Arianna hopes that some of Kennedy’s fiery rhetoric will work its way into speeches of others.  Bob says that his was both a man of privilege and a champion of the underprivileged.  All agree he was an inspiration.  They discuss whether the passing of Senator Kennedy will bring some sentimental support from Republicans for health care reform.

The panel also talks about the Afghan War and wonders if this war will be for President Obama like the Vietnam War was for President Johnson.

Finally, the panel talks about the CIA investigation and ask whether it will divide the current administration.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.  Matt Miller is away today and Lawrence O’Donnell is sitting in for him as moderator.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about Big Government.  Recent reports say that the recession is receeding so it may be fair to ask if Big Government is good for us.  The banks and the auto industry and Wall Street may be benefitting but the average person is still not feeling economic recovery.  Questions are also asked about the huge deficits that are accumulating.

The panel also talks about the negotiations going on between pharmaceutical companies and the White House.

The panel talks about the confusion in the language of the House bill regarding end of life counseling and “death panels.”

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere .  Matt Miller is away today and Bob Scheer is today’s moderator.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read the article about pharmaceutical companies negotiating with the White House.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panel talks about the health insurance reform measures before Congress.  They talk about the probability that legislation will not pass before the Congress resesses in August and the problem this creates for legislators who will hear plenty of discussion from constituents, both good and bad.  The panel has a good discussion of the single payer system.  The panel debates the administrative costs, which currently run 31%, vouchers, employer-based systems, fraud and waste, and the Wyden-Bennett plan.  The panel also talks about the Republicans and the Democrats who are opposing current legislation.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center.   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read about the Wyden-Bennett healthcare bill.

Click here to read about physicians for a national healthcare reform.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

Matt Miller and Robert Scheer have a discussion about the Democratic party while Tony and Arianna are on vacation.

They talk about the divisions within the Democratic party.  Both are worried about where the country is currently.  They spend much time on health care.  They agree that we need reforms to bring down the cost of health as a percent of GDP.  He likes the models of Holland and Switzerland.  Bob explains why we need a good public option.  He says that the best program we have is Medicare.  Matt likes the universal coverage offered by Massachusetts, modeled after Holland and Switzerland.  The two talk about other interesting ideas.

They also talk about the union influence on health care and education.  Again, more interesting ideas are exchanged.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center.   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere is away.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.