Henry Waxman, the 20-term Congressman representing much of LA's Westside, announced today he'll retire. What's the impact when one the country's most influential liberal lawmakers steps down? Then, should military dress codes accommodate religious garb? Next, Larry talks with former Defense Secretary Robert Gates about his tenure. Later, a look at McDonald's coffee ambitions and the future of the Lakers.
Rep. Henry Waxman retirement leaves lasting legacy and huge opportunity for a successor
The veteran Democrat made the surprise announcement on Thursday morning that he won't be seeking another term in Congress. Rep. Waxman, 74, has spent four decades on Capitol Hill and his departure will leave a huge void in California's political power.
The district represented by Waxman spans from Malibu, through western Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and is a big-money spot for both Democratic and Republican donors.
There is no clear successor waiting in the wings to take over the influential spot in Congress so the race to fill his seat is wide open.
Waxman was one of the most prominent liberals in Congress. What will his legacy be? Who is in a prime spot to replace him? What sort of candidate would best serve the district?
Guests:
Rep. Loretta Sanchez, Congresswoman representing the 46th district spanning Santa Ana, Anaheim, and parts of Garden Grove and Orange in Orange County.
Rep Karen Bass, Congresswoman representing the 37th district, including Baldwin Hills, Miracle Mile, Pico-Robertson, Century City, Cheviot Hills, West Los Angeles, and Mar Vista.
Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles County Supervisor representing the Third District.
Bill Rosendahl, former Westside Councilman. He represented the 11th district from 2005 to 2013.
Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates remembers his tenure and war
In his new memoir “Duty”, Robert Gates, former secretary of defense under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, remembers his tenure in office at war in Iraq and Afghanistan. His vivid, honest account takes readers inside the Situation Room, where Gates helped plan troop surges and debated the end of “don’t ask don’t tell.”
Gates offers up candid portraits of his colleagues and DC bureaucracy and writes frankly about what was going on behind the scenes during his time as secretary of defense. Gates’ memoir is a compelling account of U.S. foreign policy from one of America’s foremost military minds.
What can Robert Gates’ writings teach people about foreign policy? How will the decision to release the book before the end of President Obama’s final term in office impact readers? What have been the most landmark military decisions made in recent years?
Guest:
Robert Gates, 22nd Secretary of Defense from 2006-2011, author of “Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War”
Coffee Wars: McDonald’s focuses on coffee; our listeners weigh in
The future of fast food may be coffee.
According to reports from researcher IBISWorld Inc., coffee and snack sales are on track to outpace fast food sales in 2014 and 2015.
McDonald’s is refocusing their efforts on coffee to keep pace with the market — in their goals for 2014-2016 boosting “coffee driven visits” is a top priority. McDonald’s McCafe drip coffee is already a draw for people looking for a fast, affordable caffeine fix, and the chain’s seasonal flavored coffees, modeled on Starbucks options, have been successful.
But is there a market for a fast food latte? Some of our listeners seem to think so, with many favoring McDonald's coffee over Starbucks. Here's what they had to say:
"I think Starbucks is terrible. I would take McDonald's over Starbucks any day. Starbucks is bitter and icky."
—Nikki in North Hollywood
"I love McDonald's coffee. I go to Starbucks when I want to hang out. If I want good coffee, I go to McDonald's."
—Lydia in Pasadena
"McDonald's coffee tastes very artificial and chemically. Starbucks coffee is not great — it's very bitter, that's their style and it's very un-fresh but it's much better than McDonald's."
—Brian in Westminster
"I would go against both of them: Starbucks and McDonald's — Starbucks for being too expensive; McDonald's for being low quality. I would rather support the local coffee shops, the mom and pop in the neighborhood."
— Kevin in Burbank
"My wife and I have been to McCafes in Russia and in many European countries. And in those countries, McCafe is a separate, off-to-the-side, real cafe. They have nice tables; they have nice chairs; they serve fine pastries; they make your cup of coffee separately in a china cup and saucer."
— David in San Pedro
How can McDonald’s and other brands adapt their menus to draw in more customers? Let us know in comments, on Facebook or .
Guests:
Sam Oches, editor of the fast food industry publication QSR Magazine
Sasha Strauss, Founder of Innovation Protocol, a branding consultancy firm
The future of the Lakers and the NBA
The last few years have been tough for Lakers fans and things have just gotten worse with the storied franchise dropping to close to the bottom of the Western Conference (another California team, the Sacramento Kings, are current in last place). The team, plagued by injuries, has lost 30 games and won just 16. With the trade deadline coming up on February 20, what are the Lakers' options? What could the team do in the off season to rebuild?
While the future remains unknown for the Lakers, 2014 is the indisputable end of an era for another NBA superstar. Commissioner David Stern is stepping down after 30 years at the helm of the league, the longest tenure for a commissioner in any major U.S. pro sports. In these three decades, Stern has turned the game of b-ball into an international business.
Guest:
Tom Ziller, NBA Editor at SBNation, a sports news website