To the Point
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Hosted by Warren Olney, To the Point is a fast-paced, news based one-hour daily national program that focuses on the hot-button issues of the day, co-produced by KCRW and Public Radio International.
TODAY'S SHOW
China, the Earthquake, and Freedom of Speech
After the massive earthquake struck central China, the demand for information overwhelmed government censorship. Is the open window about to be closed? The death toll, the damage and the continuing risk to five million homeless refugees. Has open criticism shaken an authoritarian regime already coping with Tibet while it's promoting the summer Olympics? Also, John McCain and the Religious Right.
RECENT SHOWS
Both Parties Look to November
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Obama won big in Oregon. In Kentucky, Clinton won a lot bigger. But Obama's still the likely Democratic nominee. We look forward to the November election. Are the states as evenly divided as they were in 2000 and 2004? Which Red or Blue states look Purple—and why? What about race and gender? Is the vice-presidential nominee likely to matter? Also, as oil set records, lawmakers try to look tough, and rumblings of peace—and pragmatism-- in the Middle East.
Drugs, Corruption and Violence South of the Border
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Eleven hundred people have died in Mexican President Calderon's crackdown on drug cartels, and the violence has spread to Mexico City. Is Mexico becoming like Colombia on a grander scale? Should the US provide military assistance or help build institutions that strengthen the rule of law? What is this country doing about the demand for drugs that makes illegal traffic a major international industry? Also, Senator Edward Kennedy is diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
Can Same-Sex Marriage Last in California?
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California's state supreme court says gays and lesbians have the right to marry, a decision that could have an impact in other states and on the presidential campaign. Also, Myanmar accepts assistance from select nations, and Democrats come together while McCain deals with a "perception problem."
The President's Middle East Trip and the Presidential Campaign
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President Bush has moved on from Israel to Saudi Arabia amid rumors that he's considering attacks against military encampments inside Iran. Also, Barack Obama fires back over the President's 'appeasement' remark, and a conversation with a man who does talk with Hamas.
Immigration Enforcement and Human Rights
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US immigration enforcement has created a network of secret prisons where detainees are deprived of legal rights and adequate medical care. That's according to a lengthy series in the Washington Post. Also, the California Supreme Court rules on gay marriage, and President Bush denounces "appeasers." Did he mean Barack Obama?
Is Yesterday's Landslide Winner Out of the Race?
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Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama by 41 points in West Virginia, but he still looks like he's cruising. Can Clinton go on with a debt of $20 million? Will Obama be a weak candidate against John McCain? Also, President Bush is back in Israel, and cracks in hydroelectric dams threaten another disaster in China.
Disasters in Myanmar: Natural and Man-made
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The Myanmar government's continued refusal to facilitate aid to its own people has raised a challenging question: would an invasion for "humanitarian purposes" make things better or worse? Also, the devastating earthquake in China, and Mexico's deadly struggle against organized crime.
Politics in Pakistan and International Terror
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President Pervez Musharraf has not captured or killed Osama bin Laden. Maybe Pakistan's new coalition will. Political changes make terrorist leaders increasingly vulnerable, as the US reviews its billions of dollars in aid. Also, twenty-two people are killed in weekend tornadoes, and corporate American embraces Second Life.
Foreign Policy and the Presidential Campaign
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This year's presidential campaign will be, in part, a debate on America's role in a changing world. We hear the world-views of advisors to McCain and Obama, then debate specific differences on Iraq, terrorism and relations with other nations from Iran to China, Russia and the European Union. Also, Hezbollah takes control of Beirut, and Myanmar's humanitarian crisis. Should other countries intervene?
Israel Turns 60, for Better or Worse
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Israel turns 60 today, celebrating the past but looking forward to an uncertain future. With a growing population of Arabs, can Israel be democratic and remain Jewish at the same time? Also, Hezbollah and renewed violence in Lebanon, and a former commander of the war in Iraq says he was set up for failure.
Hillary Clinton Just Won't Quit
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Hillary Clinton is back on the campaign trail, even though former nominee George McGovern says publicly it's time for her to quit. We update last night's results and today's developments. Also, relief is slow to reach Myanmar, and Vadimir Putin steps down...or does he?
Violence and Politics: Iraq, the US and Iran
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In Iraq, violence has increased and Iran has broken off talks with the US on Iraqi security. The Maliki government has backed away from claims that Iran is arming outlaw militias. We update conditions that seem more complicated by the day, both militarily and politically. Also, relief efforts continue in Myanmar, and voter turnouts in Indiana and North Carolina are reaching historic proportions.
Will Tomorrow's Primaries Finally Seal the Deal?
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Wins in both Indiana and North Carolina tomorrow could wrap things up for Barack Obama, but Hillary Clinton's doing well enough to make both states unpredictable. We look at the impact of Reverend Wright, the "gas tax holiday" and other issues. Also, tens of thousands killed when Myanmar is hit by a deadly cyclone, and a tragic finish to the Kentucky Derby. Has good breeding gone bad?
The GOP Candidate in What's Supposed to Be a 'Democratic Year'
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In recent polls, a majority of voters say they want the Democrats to re-capture the White House. But John McCain is pulling even with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Has a friendly news media allowed McCain to obscure his views on big issues? Although they’ve picked their nominee, are Republicans any more united than the Democrats? Also, President Bush sees light at the end of the dark economic tunnel, and tomorrow's Kentucky Derby and the tragic flaw in descendents of Native Dancer.
Oil Prices, Politics and Life in America
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Gasoline prices have jumped almost 14 cents in the past week. The profits of Exxon Mobil rose 17% in the past year—to $10.9 billion. President Bush says the government’s hands are tied, but McCain, Obama and Clinton are debating what Washington might do. Is it time for a summer vacation from the gasoline tax? Should it be even higher, so people will drive less? What about a windfall tax on oil companies as prices continue to rise? Also, Iraq asks Iran to stop supporting violence, and the terrorist watch list keeps members of a friendly government from entering the US without special permission.
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Considered the dean of Southern California broadcast journalists, Warren tackles the issues Southern Californians care about. Expanding that concept, To the Point deals with issues of national concern and is on air in most major metropolitan markets across the country. On any day, you’ll hear a fast-paced, news-based talk show featuring multiple perspectives on a single major issue, with Newsmaker and Reporters Notebook features, as well.
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