Larry discusses President Obama's speech on the financial markets; A talk with the U.S. Chief Information Officer; Are right-wing extremists hurting the GOP?; And a look at plans for a controversial water project in the Mojave Desert.
Obama talks to Wall Street
One year ago, financial-services firm Lehman Brothers collapsed. This morning President Obama delivered a speech about the state of the markets that laid blame at the feet of Wall Street, government and consumers. He recommended greater regulation of the financial industry in order to avoid another economic crisis. Larry Mantle discusses Obama's strategy for a turnaround.
Guests:
Neil Irwin, National Economy Correspondent, The Washington Post
Congressman Brad Sherman, Democratic Congressman from the San Fernando Valley's 27th congressional district
Joseph Mason, professor of banking, Louisiana State University and a Senior Fellow at the Wharton School
CEO? CIA? No, C-I-O
In March of this year, Barack Obama appointed the federal government's first Chief Information Officer. Since then, CIO Vivek Kundra has set out to bring government out of the technological dark ages and to an unusual post at vanguard of web, computing and new media innovation. Larry Mantle checks in with the CIO on his 'happiness level' six months into his new job.
Guest:
Vivek Kundra, United States Chief Information Officer
Conservative extremism: good or bad for the GOP?
Tens of thousands gathered in Washington, D.C. last weekend to protest President Obama's health care and spending plans. This opposition movement could be what the Republican Party needs to re-energize its base and gain seats in the next election, but it also could alienate more moderate conservatives. Are the extreme views from the fringes of the party hurting the broader appeal of the GOP?
Guests:
Peter Wallsten, National political reporter for the LA Times
Matthew Continetti, Associate Editor, The Weekly Standard
Water from the desert?
To meet urban demand for water, Cadiz Inc. is proposing to tap an aquifer in the Mojave Desert. The company could also store water from other sources in the aquifer. Governor Schwarzenegger has praised the project, but environmentalists say it would damage fragile desert ecosystems in nearby wilderness areas and Mojave National Preserve. A similar proposal from Cadiz died seven years ago. Larry talks with supporters and critics of the project.
Guests:
Scott Slater, Cadiz General Counsel
Richard Sierra, Business Manager, Laborers Local 783
Emily Green, journalist. She writes the Dry Garden column for the Los Angeles Times and blogs on water at ChanceofRain.com
Elden Hughes, past chair of the Sierra Club’s California/Nevada Desert Committee