News & Politics
Weekend America on News & Politics
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On 5th Anniversary of Iraq War, Memories of the Occupation
Next week marks the fifth anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Reporter Krissy Clark talks to some people to learn how how things have changed here at home since the war began.
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The Fallacy of a 'Gross Happiness Index'
As reports of a slowing economy continue, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) held a hearing about whether traditional economic measures really capture our national sense of well-being and whether the government should be tracking non-economic indicators. Can happiness be quantified? We talk to Darrin McMahon, author of the book "Happiness: A History."
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Standing By Your Cheating Man
Standing by New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer when he resigned in disgrace was is wife Silda. Why does a wife stand by her man, even in the worst of circumstances? We talk to Lyndon B. Johnson biographer Robert Caro as he discusses how Lady Bird handled her husband's public indiscretions.
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Voting Rights: Release or Restrict?
With Democratic candidates running neck and neck, every vote counts. That includes the votes of convicted felons, if allowed. Mississippi is one of 10 states that does not allow felons who have completed their sentences to vote. Mark Mauer, executive director of the Sentencing Project, talks to us about the situation in Mississippi and elsewhere in the country.
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The YouTube Campaigners
Did you see that YouTube video? The one some guy made for Obama? Why did he do it? He didn't get paid, and he probably won't end up with a cabinet position in an Obama presidency. We ask those who spend their weekends making art for their favorite candidate why they do it.
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Texas Dems Warm Up to Political Spotlight
After years of being dominated by Republican politics, Texas Democrats relished their time in the media spotlight Tuesday as senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama battled for delegates. The state may have swung in Clinton's favor, but the race is far from over.
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Anticipation in Philadelphia
It's a surprise to many Philadelphians that their state's late primary is crucial to the Democratic race. Reporter Joel Rose talks to voters in Philadelphia about their anticipation for the Obama/Clinton invasion.
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Campaigning in a Country Called Texas
In anticipation of next week's primary, campaign foot soldiers are trying to cover the vast geography of Texas, from the bayous of East Texas to the Rio Grande. The political terrain is as varied as the landscape. Weekend America talks to people all around the state, to find out what matters to Texans.
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Fake Calls from the Candidates
It's the middle of the night. You're sound asleep and the phone rings. It's not an emergency -- just another automated "robocall" from a presidential candidate. But imagine what it would sound like if a real live candidate gave you a ring after hours. Weekend America asked some writers to do just that.
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In Plain Township, Job Losses Continue
In Ohio, where thousands are out of work, blue collar voters are key to what could be a decisive Democratic primary next week. Reporter Mhari Saito finds out how the promises of Senators Clinton and Obama are resonating with families in the midst of hard times.
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If the Candidates were Pharmaceuticals
Drug companies spend millions to find just the right brand name for new drugs. They hire specialized researchers like Jim Singer, president of Namebase. Research has shown that letters with a hard edge like P, T or K convey effectiveness. X seems scientific. L, R or S provide a calming or relaxing feel. Z means speed. We asked Singer to bring his name knowledge to the presidential election.
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How Many Donuts Does it Take to Feed a Campaign?
On the front page of Friday's New York Times, an article called "Donors Worried by Clinton Campaign Spending" detailed the millions that Senator Hillary Clinton is spending on her presidential run. Most of the money was spent on what you'd expect: thousands on hotel rooms, campaign consultants, media buys and polling. But some of the expenditures were pretty odd.
