The bailout and the debate
After a weekend of political drama and late-night negotiations, Congress took up the latest version of the Wall Street rescue plan. With a price tag of $700 billion, nobody said they liked it, but supporters insisted the American people would be worse off without it. Opponents said it would never work.
On "To the Point" — the latest about what’s in the plan and why it has just failed to pass a vote in the House. A total of 218 votes were needed — in the end, 205 votes were in favor; 228 votes were cast against.
And, after their first debate, with no knockouts and no big mistakes, John McCain and Barack Obama are both claiming they made the bailout better.
Guests:
– James Politi: US Economics and Trade Correspondent, "Financial Times"
– James Barth: former Chief Economist, Federal Home Loan Bank Board
– James Galbraith: Professor of Government and Economics, University of Texas at Austin
– Mark Barabak: Political Reporter, "Los Angeles Times"
– Jennifer Rubin: blogger, "Commentary" magazine
– Tom Schaller: Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland
Hosted by award-winning journalist Warren Olney, "To the Point" presents informative and thought-provoking discussion of major news stories — front-page issues that attract a savvy and serious news audience.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!