Unless you do a lot a driving you probably don’t rely on the radio much for your news. The prevalence of video-driven news content on television and the internet is probably more enticing for most of us when we want to keep informed.
But with the iPod phenomenon in full effect there are more choices than ever for audio news in the form of podcasts. Most are available for free and have relatively few commercial interruptions.
So without completely turning this post into a podcast endorsement, here now are a few of this week’s radio/podcast news stories about President Obama.
NPR and KCRW 
Santa Monica based KCRW is our local radio source for NPR news and political commentary. Here are a few recently aired stories.
NPR: Story of the Day Podcast - Link
This story details the growing frustration that Americans are experiencing with the poor state of the economy. Some are frustrated with the Obama administration for failing to spark a major economic turnaround, others say he’s been in office for less than three months and to give him time. Obama reminds citizens that the turnaround process will take years and possible multiple attempts at different solutions. We need to be patient and turn our frustration into constructive energy.
To the Point - Link
The Obama administration’s delicate balance with Mexico. Tensions are growing over the increasing drug-related violence taking place in Mexico. Fears that violence is spinning out of control in Mexico and will spill over into the U.S. if actions are not taken. Over 7000 related deaths have occurred in the past 16 months.
Which Way L.A.? - Link
Here, Which Way L.A.? covers President Obama’s recent town hall style appearance in Los Angeles. While republicans on Capital Hill make up some of Mr. Obama’s most fierce critics, republican Governor Schwarzenegger appeared as one of his biggest supporters. Schwarzenegger said Obama’s stimulus plan will bring $51 billion to California. The mood of the meeting was more like a campaign event rather than a town hall meeting. People were ecstatic about meeting and talking to the President.
Television Podcasts
Meet the Press - Link
NBC’s weekly Sunday news television program is available in podcast form. This week they discussed the public outrage following the AIG bonuses and Gov. Schwarzenegger talks of collaborating with President Obama about retooling government infrastructure. Also covers the nation’s supposed frustration with Obama’s reform plans. The mood of the program is quite clear from the style of the intro, the music is dramatic and the announcer sounds frantic. Is the end near!?
NewsHour with Jim Lehrer - Link
PBS news program NewsHour’s style is almost the polar opposite of Meet the Press. A very calm and collected take on the news. This podcast covers how Obama is lobbying for democratic support of his budget plan while party leaders are seeking changes to it. Obama administration claims it will cut the deficit in half in five years, critics say it will lead us further into the red.
Is radio dead?
While some may think the radio platform is boring compared to video-driven news, it can be quite powerful in the right reporters hands. Just listen to the powerful imagery Edward R. Murrow provides in his historic report of the bombing of Trafalgar Square in London. - Link
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Week 9 - Radio
Week 8 Print
March 19, 2009 -As Federal Reserves declared today that in order to boost up economy, it would buy $300 billion of long-term U.S. Treasury securities in the next six months and a hundred million dollars more in mortgage backed securities. The rate for credit worthy mortgage customers fell to 4.75% today, and the value of U.S. currency continued to reach the floor.
Federal Reserves Chairman, Ben Bernanke hope this move will push down long-term borrowing rates benchmarked to treasury bonds, but can also backfire and fuel fear that the Feds, by using their power to print money to help government's finances are kindling inflation, according to Wall Street Journal.
Some top employees of American International Group Inc (AIG) have agreed to pay back some the retention bonuses (amounting $165 million)they received, due to public outrage. Lawmakers of from both parties questioned Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner did not do more to derail the bonuses and two Republicans called him to resign. However, President Obama expressed his confidence in Geithner. "He is making all the right moves in playing a bad hand." The president took the ultimate responsibility saying, "I am the president, I'll take responsibility. The buck stops with me."
Surprisingly, some to the biggest critics were those who received the most campaign contributions from AIG, including President Obama ($104,332), Senate Banking Chairman Christopher Dodd (103,900).
Among Republicans, former President George W. Bush received the most from AIG in the amount of $200,000.
March 20, 2009 -House passed a bill that would impose a 90% surtax on bonuses paid this year to executives of Wall Street firms getting more than $5 billion in bailout.
A 90% surcharge on bonuses on top of other income taxes will be imposed on those who received bonuses after Dec.31, 2008 and those who make $250,000 or more in gross income.
President Barack Obama appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and discussed current AIG and financial crisis on Wall Street. "...it took us a while to get into this mess, and it will take us a while to get out. [The American people] will give us time," said the president. President Obama is the first president to appear on a late night show, according to NBC.
March 23, 2009 - Two Obama cabinet members will be working at home and abroad to alleviate concerns regarding the drug wars along the Mexican borders. Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolian will address the crisis for the first time on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton will visit Mexico the same day. The Obama administration has expressed constant support of Mexican President, Felipe Calderon's crackdown on drug lords who are warring the nation and fighting over territory to sell drugs and export them into the U.S.
March 24, 2009 -President Obama tried to ease tension and woes to Wall Street after weeks of outrage and criticism. The Obama administration is trying to work with top bankers on Walls Street on a bailout plan which will rely on public-private investments to soak up toxic assets.
March 25, 2009 - President Barack Obama held a press conference last night and did not shy away from answering questions and did not hold back on delivering his message. The president used prime-time news conference to defend his $3.6 trillion budget plan and tax proposals, one day before the plan begins to move in Congress. He pressed for renewable-energy development, education and health-insurance renovation for when the economy is healed. He called for new authorities to cease and dismantle non-bank financial institutions such as AIG. When questioned about his economic plans President Obama was firm on his stance. "The alternative is to stand pat, and to simply say we are just going to not invest in health care; we're not going to take on energy, we'll wait until the next time that gas gets to $4 a gallon; we will not improve our schools, and we'll allow China or India or other countries to lap our young people in terms of their performance," he said. The president does not have a detailed plan as how to bring down the deficit, however he said the key will be controlling health-care costs. President Obama's spending plan is under attack by many Republicans as well as some Democrat leaders. Many are attacking the president's proposal to limit charitable deductions. "I'm assuming that [the deduction] shouldn't be the determining factor in as to whether you're giving that hundred dollars to the homeless shelter down the street," said the president. When the president was asked why he took so long to react to the AIG retention bonuses, the president snapped, "because I like to know what I am talking about." President Obama also expressed his optimism between the Israel and Palestinian state and insisted on persistence.
March 26, 2009 -President Obama holds the first ever virtual web-hall meeting. President Obama discussed healthcare, education reform and discussed ways to create jobs for Americans. "No dream is beyond our reach."
Sources
Los Angeles Times http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2009/03/obama-stocks-us.html
New York Times http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/index.html
The Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123808005152848441.html
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Week 9 - Television
Last week President Obama made a trip to Southern California and of course the media had lots of reactions to it. Here are some clips…
This is a news piece highlighting President Obama’s reaction to some struggling high school students in Pomona, CA
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Also, some reaction to President Obama’s college basketball predictions
http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=3868968&referralPlaylistId=cdf6b55bc33febfa6b639972645aa7895d35e3d1
Here’s some commentary from Fox News Channel, Glenn Beck on President Obama’s appearance on the Tonight Show
With President Obamas 3.6 trillion dollar budget being debated in Congress, President Obama holds his second primetime news conference. He mentions “out years” in this clip which refers to the years after the recession.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7165877
And here’s Bill O’Reilly’s take on the press conference…
http://www.foxnews.com/oreilly/
Michelle Obama was also in the news…
Week 9 Entertainment
President Obama didn’t look burdened by his office on “The Tonight Show” on Thursday; he seemed detached.
As he described the problems of American International Group and the credit crisis to Jay Leno, Mr. Obama behaved less like a beleaguered president than the head of a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia reporting back to the main office -- concerned and engaged, but intent on maintaining his professional distance and neutrality.
At times, he may have seem a little too removed. When he described the plight of Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner ( “He understands that he’s on the hot seat, but I actually think that he is taking the right steps”) Mr. Leno jumped in and said teasingly, “Now, see, I love that it’s all his problem.” Mr. Obama tensed up and tried to correct himself, and it took him several beats to surrender to the joke and laugh along with the audience.
But overall Mr. Obama, the first sitting president to be a guest on “The Tonight Show,” delivered a familiarly smooth, winning performance in an unfamiliar setting – a fireside chat for the flat screen age.
http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/video/clips/president-obama-full-interview-319/1067541/
Stephen Colbert does a rap battle against GOP leader Michael Steele
http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=222211
John Stewart grills Dick Cheney
http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=220585
The Obama song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-yJBsjatW0
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
WEEK 8 (Print/Online)
Air Force One touched down at the Long Beach Airport today at 3:00 p.m. as Obama was headed to Costa Mesa for a town hall meeting. This was Obama’s first trip to the west coast since he was elected president.
Obama’s day was jammed packed with the town meeting, an appearance on the tonight show, the A.I.G thing, but the news in online entertainment was Barack-etology as the president filled out his NCAA tournament bracket.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3994021
Most of the focus of the local newspapers was the town hall meeting in Costa Mesa. The president mainly talked about A.I.G., and fielded some question from the audience. A teacher and a former automobile industry worker were some of the few that asked Obama questions, but still had hope. Even with all the problems the crowd was optimistic.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/
Week 8 Entertainment
In Entertainment News…So, unfortunately this is happening tonight so I can’t show you the clip, but Obama is going to be the first seated president to ever go on late night TV. He will appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Thursday night.
Reuters reported, “NBC said it would be Obama's first sit-down talk show appearance in studio with a live audience since his election last year, and the first ever appearance by a U.S. president while in office on a late-night chat show.”
Read more about the “historic” interview here.
Jon Stewart (March 17)
Everyone is angry about everything. Apparently people are even protesting through tea parties a la Boston.
Believe in something...even if it's wrong.
Monday Night Roundup
Collection of video clips from the Huffington Post online from a variety of shows Monday night.
punching babies
Saturday Night Live
I always love weekend update but I’m not sure how I feel about Seth Myers doing it… but that is beside the point.
Obama 2.0
The Onion keeps an update on highlights from Obama's first hundred days- here is this week...
DAY 57: Secret service agent Ted Scharpling stumps fellow agent Neal Vianna when he asks Vianna what he would do if Michelle Obama came at the president with a modified Glock 19 automatic.
DAY 56: To mark St. Patrick's Day, most of the White House staff wears green, except for Joe Biden, who never makes it into work.
DAY 55: Several weeks after reportedly being bit by a sheep dog, Eric Holder transforms into the shaggy attorney general at a critical moment during a press conference.
DAY 54: Obama's personal aide Reggie Love informs The New York Times that he's changed a lot since his May 27, 2008, profile and suggests they do a follow-up.
DAY 53: White House luncheon guests share a moment of awkwardness when someone says, "Madame, first lady," and both Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama turn around.
DAY 52: After refusing to take some of his state's stimulus money due to disagreements with the bill, Mississippi governor Haley Barbour wakes up to another burning tire on his lawn.
DAY 51: Reaching a milestone common for new presidents, Obama spends the afternoon seeing who is the most important person he can get on the phone in
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Week 8 (Television)
As you all have probably seen or read the issue with AIG and how President Obama is dealing with it. President Barack Obama declared Monday that insurance giant American International Group is in financial bind because of "recklessness and greed" and said he intends to stop it from paying out millions in executive bonuses.
Obama spoke out in the wake of reports that surfaced over the weekend saying that the financially straped AIG was paying substantial bonuses to executives.
AIG was recieving larg amount of federal aid from the federal government, Obama said he has asked Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner "to use that leverage and pursue every legal avenue to block these bonuses and make the American taxpayers whole."
the Treasury Department will "use a planned $30 billion infusion into AIG to compel the company to repay the bonuses promised to employees of its financial-products group,
Obama made a very good point and really gave a good prespective of what responsibility means. Obama said that "All across the country, there are people who work hard and meet their responsibilities every day, without the benefit of government bailouts or multimillion-dollar bonuses. And all they ask is that everyone, from Main Street to Wall Street to Washington, play by the same rules."
"This isn't just a matter of dollars and cents," he added. "It's about our
fundamental values."
Mmany people feel that the amount of money that AIG was giving out in bonuses is something that is being delt with in to much depth.
Q:what is your opinion on this situation and is obama and the admistration putting to much focus in this issue.
Q:Do you feel that AiG has lost all there credibility with the governrmnt and what steps can AIG do to gain back there respect.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Week 8: Radio
Because the Internet is the middle-ground between various news platforms, I can listen to the radio ON my computer! How progressive. This week's news centers (for a change) on the economy, as the Washington Post breaks the story that AIG plans to pay out millions of bailout dollars to company executives in the form of cash bonuses. There's also rioting, destruction and general chaos in Northern Ireland (also known as St. Paddy's Day) and Bernie Madoff's in jail (old news, Martha sent him dead roses last week*).
*not true
Almost all major news organizations have a presence in the podcast-world in addition to being online. From CNN to NPR, these networks have diversified the way viewers and listeners can access their news. Here's a look at how some places approach it:
Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO): daily interview segments
Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points Memo (3-minute commentary)
The Takeaway: fast-paced PRI program out of WNYC with John Hockenberry and Adaori Udoji; conversational journalism
60 Minutes: entire weekly segment, sound-only
AC360 Daily Podcast: full video program reviewing day's top stories
Onion Radio News: daily 60-second story
In addition to providing comprehensive and balanced coverage on world events, National Public Radio has had a very successful online venture. It can go more in-depth on its shorter segments that aired, as well as link every story to a podcast provided to its listeners. There are stories not discussed on the air. Many reporters have their own blogs or, in the case of the program "Talk of the Nation," rely partially on listener feedback through its website to fuel conversation on the air.
Local radio stations that broadcast NPR programming include 89.3 (KPCC) and 89.9 (KCRW).
The Los Angeles Times published a story Sunday about the wane of conservative talk radio in California, blaming the low revenues of stations that turn to more accessible programming. Just as we've seen the daily in Seattle closing its print edition, so here is another example of journalism (a term I use loosely) narrowing its boundaries. Even though I see this happening, though, I don't see radio becoming obsolete by any means; people are just looking for it in different places. Freddie Mercury was right when he said radio has yet to have its greatest hour. Is the era of podcasting it? Time will tell.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Entertainment coverage of Barack Obama
Barack Angry!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson portrayed an angry Barack Obama on Saturday Night Live last weekend.
In the sketch, Andy Samberg portrays Rahm Emmanuel, who urges the president to get angry at Washington foot-dragging. Johnson’s Obama gets angry and transforms in an Incredible Hulk-fashion to Angry Barack Obama.
Was the sketch just humorous, or did you see any true political implications behind the sketch?
Do you think Barack Obama can get angry? We really haven’t seen him look too stressed or upset over anything yet. Do you think that the state of the nation might eventually push him to get angry and upset?
A 3-D Presidency
"WASHINGTON—In what is being hailed as a breakthrough in the field of historical record-keeping, the National Archives announced Monday that it would immediately begin outfitting Barack Obama's chest, limbs, and face with an array of motion capture sensors for use in preserving a 3-D account of his time as president."
The Abs of Illinois Politicians...?
Congressman Aaron Schock is not dismissing a head-to-head contest with President Barack Obama on who has better abdominals. The 27-year-old freshman neither confirms nor denies if he has better abs than the president.
So what is it with Illinois congressmen? Does anyone actually care?
Who would play Barack Obama in a film about his presidency?
It's inevitable that a film will be based on Barack Obama's historic journey to the presidency. One of Hollywood’s actors will need to fill his shoes on the big screen
Which actor gets your vote?
It's inevitable that a film will be based on Barack Obama's historic journey to the presidency. One of Hollywood’s actors will need to fill his shoes on the big screen.
Which actor gets your vote?
Sippin' on some syzzurpppppp
One perk of being President? Courtside seats to see your favorite team play – even when they lose.
President Obama and Chicago pal Marty Nesbitt joined fans Friday at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center to cheer on their beloved Bulls, who were ultimately defeated by the Washington Wizards, 113-90.
Is the president allowed to have a night off like this during a serious economic crisis? Does this portrayal of the president make you think he's more personable, more like all of us?
Radio
Why apologize to Rush?
Censorship?
The original Fairness Doctrine was formulated by the FCC in 1949. It stated that broadcast licensees who discussed controversial issues of public importance were required to give reasonable opportunity for the presentation of opposing viewpoints.
In 1967, the FCC specified that if a person's "honesty, character or integrity" is attacked on the air, that person must be offered the chance to reply. It also specified that if a station editorialized for or against a candidate, all other candidates for that office must be allowed an opportunity to reply.
There the Fairness Doctrine stood until 1987, when Ronald Reagan's FCC, with the hearty support of the boss, effectively terminated it.
Reagan and his FCC argued that the spectrum of media had so greatly increased since 1949, or 1967, that all viewpoints now had plenty of places to be heard.
Some Democrats, however, think talk radio tilts so far to the right that some form of "balance" needs to be mandated. More...
Campaigning against Limbaugh
The Democratic National Committee has unveiled its five best slogan ideas--chosen from among thousands of proposed entries--for a billboard attacking radio broadcaster Rush Limbaugh.
The slogan that receives the most votes on the DNC’s Web site will be put on a billboard in Rush's "hometown" of West Palm Beach, Fla. More...
XM/Sirius Radio
Unfiltered forum for political news and talk where listeners are free to express their opinions about politics, politicians and the press. More...
Stand up!
Pete Dominick has a simple agenda: he wants to learn, and to do so publicly, so that listeners can learn along with him. He believes learning can be both entertaining and participatory. More...
News of the Week - Online
This post is for the week of March 10th/12th.
Obama lifts Bush Restrictions on Stem Cell Research
On Monday, President Obama lifted restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. This angered many anti-abortion opponents, but pleased those who believed the study could produce treatments for many diseases.
Obama supports the scientists who conduct the research and aims for America to lead the world in discoveries.
Shares of companies specializing in stem cell research rose as much as 73 percent.
Some believed George W. Bush based his actions on stem cell research on politics and religion. Religious conservatives who supported Bush opposed human embryonic research because it involves the destruction of embryos, which they viewed as human life.
When it comes to stem cell research, Obama believes that this is a call to care for each other and will work to ease human suffering.
The National Institute of Health has 120 days to come up with guidelines regarding stem cell research.
Question: *Government is put in a bind between morality and science. Do you believe government should use federal spending on research for the possible discoveries of treatment for diseases?
Sources: Cytori Therapeutics, Stem Cell Research Foundation, Gray's Anatomy, Advance Cell Technology
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52721M20090309?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6QZdfblCZY
Obama Outlines Plan for Education Overhaul
On Tuesday, President Obama called for changes to American education by urging states to lift limits on charter schools and improving the quality of early childhood education and linking teacher pay to performance.
The president said it was time to erase limits on the number of charter schools, while closing those that are not working. 26 states and the District of Columbia now have caps on charter schools.
In his recent budget message, Obama hoped to double financing for charter schools. He called on states to impose tougher curriculum standards and said states should weed out bad teachers. Obama pledged to pursue programs that would reward teachers with money for improved achievement by students.
The address on Tuesday was the first step for the president's agenda to improve schools.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/us/politics/11web-educ.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA27kLJrHew
$410 billion Spending Package
On Wednesday March 11, President Obama signed a $410 billion spending package. He called it an "imperfect" bill, but insisted the bill must mean an "end to the old way of doing business."
The bill is to sponsor 8,000 projects through the fall, but there are many critics against the bill. Among the projects include $485,000 for a boarding school in western Alaska for at risk students and $1.2 million for the Helen Keller International nonprofit to provide eyeglasses for students with poor vision.
Obama believes that some of the money for projects in the past have been abused.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29632177/
Question * Why do you think Obama signed the bill in private and did not have a public signing ceremony? Obama usually signs bills in front of the media, but he declined a reporters question why he signed the bill in private.
News of the Week- Print
In this New York Times article, President Obama declared that the U.S. was losing the war in Afghanistan and that he would consider reaching out to elements of the Taliban, similar to what the American military did with the Sunni militias in Iraq.
This strategy is also being considered by military leaders as it has shown success in he past. This reconciliation process has been credited with turning around the war in Iraq in the past two years along with the increase in American forces.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Week 7 News of the Week - Television
The Hackberry
KTLA ran a story about President Obama's frequent use of technology - more than any other previous president but we all know that. What's interesting is that there have been hackers on the prowl, hungry to cause some funny business or perhaps something worse. According to the story, the president's Blackberry is vulnerable to hackers but is a Chief Information Officer and/or Chief Technology Officer really necessary? How concerned should Obama and Americans be about hackers?
Family Guy?! O.o
alright...
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
CBS reported on President Obama's executive order that lifts the federal ban on embryonic stem cell research, reversing restrictions originally implemented under Bush. Obama speaks with such vigor - absolutely confident and optimistic that embryonic stem cell research can treat or cure diabetes and paralysis. Opposition has been met with anti-abortion activists because they feel it is "unethical, unworkable, and unreliable" to destroy human embryos for medical research. So is Obama making the right decision? How do you feel about embryonic stem cell research?
Obama's First 50 Days
- stimilus package
- higher education
- greenhouse gas emissions
- interrogation policies
- embryonic stem cell research
- the war in Iraq
- children's health insurance
- renewed diplomatic activity
But ABC says that some critics feel that Obama is trying to do too much. Is there such thing as trying to do too much? What do crtics want from him?
Posted by Matthew Gastar
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Pakistan and Obama
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/world/asia/28pstan.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/
A new video purporting to show a U.S. officer giving a "motivational speech" to "lazy" Iraqi police is an instant hit on YouTube, with nearly 300,000 views and more than 1,300 comments.
The comments are expectedly heated: Some think the U.S. officer is giving a much-needed, if quite foulmouthed, wake-up call to slackers who should be taking responsibility for their own country, and others are angered that an "occupying" force is lecturing a country that it invaded on how to run things.
Warning, lots of swearing.
Obama's hair turns to gray.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/us/politics/05gray.html?_r=1&hp
Posted by Yuko Hirose
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
News of the Week - March 5 - PRINT
The New York Times, Front Page: Flecks of Grey??
After just 44 days into the presidency, Obama is showing the signs of a stressful job. The article in The New York Times shows a picture of President Obama back in 2007 versus now. It mentions Bill Clinton going from half a head of brown hair to fully white after two years in office, and George W. Bush going from "salt and pepper" to just "salt" in a short period of time.
According to the article, people are "blogging" about how President Obama must die his hair. According to Zariff however, his hairdresser of 16 years, it's 100% natural. According to Dr. Michael F. Roizen, "Presidents age two years for every year they're in office."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/us/politics/05gray.html?ref=todayspaper
*The Washington Post also ran an article on President Obama going grey, but it wasn't on the front page.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/04/AR2009030403008.html
Los Angeles Times, Front Page: President Obama's Czar System Concerns Some
This article focuses on certain lawmakers and Washington interest groups that are concerned with the people President Obama is naming as his "policy czars." The high-level staff members will help him oversee the administrations top anitiatives. Based on the people he's appointing in such powerful positions, some lawmakers and interest groups worry that he is subverting the authority of Congress and putting too much power into the presidency.
So far, Obama has appointed special advisors to help him inside the White House regarding healthcare, the economy and energy issues. According to the article, "It's far too early to tell whether Obama's quest for efficiency will lead to overstepping the boundaries of presidential authority..."
Obama just recently appointed two women to lead his healhcare effort, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Nancy-Ann DeParle, who was named "health czar." He has also appointed Carol Browner as White House "energy czar" which, according to the article, "could overlap with the functions of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Energy Department and other agencies."
Main point of the article is the issue of appointing white house staffers to assume assumed certain duties that should be the responsibility of officials cleared through the Senate confirmation process. Although it is early in the Obama presidency, many are starting to question the "czar" setup.
Question: Do you think that Obama appointing these "Czars" to head certain policies and efforts he's trying to push is going to have a negative impact? Or do you think it's necessary to have people in these positions because of the challenges this country is facing right now? (Especially economically)
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-obama-czars5-2009mar05,0,3862215.story
The Washington Post: In Health Plan, Industry Sees Good Business
Since becomming president, Obama has proposed bigger discounts on medications that are bought through Medicaid. The plan is to hopefully save drug campanios billions a year.
Obama's goal to drastically expand the healthcare system is attracting a lot of support from insurers and hospitals that wasn't expected. What's enticing the medical industry, is the prospect of tens of millions of new customers, who as of now, are not insured.
President Obama has proposed a $634 billion "healthcare reserve fund" that will be paid for through cuts in payments to insurers, doctors, hospitals and drugmakers. According to the article, Obama's intention is to "dole out the pain in smal, easier-to-swallow bites." The ones that will sacrafice most are doctors, insurers, hospitals and wealthy seniors, but if Obama's system works, the hope is that no one will lose too much.
On the other hand, lobbyists and healthcare experts are warning that some major obsticles are ahead of us with Obama's proposition. AARP, the seniors lobby, opposes an increase in Medicare's prescrption drug premiums for wealthy retirees. Home-care providers are also objecting to cuts on their Medicare reimbursements.
In his young presidency, Obama has the stated goal of "assembling a broad reform package by the end of the year that would push the nation closer to universal coverage." 46 million American's are now estimated without health insurance. Despite the economic crisis, Obama has made this healthcare effort a "fiscal priority" calling it "a historic commitment to reform that will lead to lower costs and quality, affordable health care for every American."
Question: What do you think about Obama's proposed healthcare plan? Does the oposition have a valid argument, or is it necessary right now, with so many uninsured Americans, to cut payments to doctors, hospital and drugmakers in order to insure more Americans?
Posted By: Amanda Berkley
Entertainment News of the Week
For the week of March 1 to March 6 not a lot of new entertainment media has been shown on broadcast television. However, what has been shown has been enlightening with the unique, signature twists of each comedian that presented it. On Monday, Stephen Colbert opened up The Colbert Report by discussing the current failure of Obama's presidency. According to Colbert, his failure is due to fraudulent Barack Obama Commemorative coins that were advertised by Montel Williams.
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/220267/march-02-2009/p-k--winsome---defective-obama-collectibles
On Tuesday's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jay discussed different aspects of President Obama's bailout plan and poked fun at the assistance that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is offering the Palestinians. He also provided us with some jokes about the bad state of the economy and updated us on the Obama family's search for a dog.
http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/video/
Also on Tuesday night's The Daily Show, Jon Stewart profiled Rush Limbaugh's comments at the Conservative Political Action Conference. He then profiled Michael Steele's reaction and subsequent apology. Stewart transitioned into a segment he calls "MessO'Potama," which highlights President's Obama's plan on removing the troops from Iraq.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Amy Paradise
3/5/2009
Jour 495
Entertainment News of the Week
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
For Your Entertainment
The following links display video clips of the Colbert Report, the Onion and the Daily Show. The presenters each give a humorous approach to the economic crisis rather than just reporting hard news.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=218380&title=hope-n-change-update-fort-myers
http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=218730
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/obama_win_causes_obsessive
Loriana Johnson
