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AirTalk

AirTalk for May 18, 2009

Listen 1:45:02
High stakes in tomorrow's statewide election; "Smart" electricity coming soon?; More Americans are now pro-life: what???
High stakes in tomorrow's statewide election; "Smart" electricity coming soon?; More Americans are now pro-life: what???

High stakes in tomorrow's statewide election; "Smart" electricity coming soon?; More Americans are now pro-life: what???

Gallup Poll Shows More Americans are Pro-Life

Listen 26:19
Gallup Poll Shows More Americans are Pro-Life

For the first time since the Gallup organization began asking the question in 1995, more Americans describe themselves as "pro-life" than "pro-choice." In its annual survey of values and beliefs, 51 percent said that they are "pro-life" when it comes to abortion, while 42 percent called themselves "pro-life," accounting for a sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. In its analysis, Gallup said that it is possible that President Obama "has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be 'pro-choice' slightly to the left, politically." Larry Mantle talks with guests about the poll and what the numbers mean.

Electricity that's Leaner, Meaner and Greener

Listen 26:10
Electricity that's Leaner, Meaner and Greener

You've heard of Smart Cars, but what about a Smart Grid? President Obama and Silicon Valley heavy-hitters are hoping to modernize the country's electric grid with billions of stimulus dollars. It's an ambitious plan that Google, Microsoft, and IBM are investing in to produce and distribute electricity in cheaper, greener and more efficient ways. IBM says it could also create as many as 477,000 jobs. Work is underway in our area as well. When can we expect to see something like the Smart Grid? And how will it affect our daily lives as energy consumers?

Tuesday Election: What's At Stake?

Listen 16:09
Tuesday Election: What's At Stake?

Before tomorrow's election, Larry Mantle gives a last-minute primer on the ballot measures and takes listener calls to hear how they plan to vote on Propositions 1A-1F.

Last Arguments on the Props

Listen 7:49
Last Arguments on the Props

Larry Mantle hears from KPCC reporter Frank Stoltze, who talked with Governor Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass about their support for Props 1A-1F. He also talks with Jon Coupal of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, who opposes the ballot measures.

Proposition 1F

Listen 26:22
Proposition 1F

1F would prevent elected members of California's government from receiving pay raises in years when the state is running a deficit. Seen as a way to hold both legislators and the governor accountable for failing to reach budget deals, 1F is a form of voter retribution and a contrast to the other propositions on the May 19th ballot that asks voters to make hard budget decisions. But will 1F really deter dragged out budget negotiations and properly punish floundering state leaders?