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The Brian Lehrer Show Archive

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January 2005

Frostbitten

Monday, January 31, 2005

In 2004, redistricting by Republicans caused Texas Representative Martin Frost to lose the seat he'd held in Congress for 26 years. Now he wants to fight the GOP back as the new chair of the Democratic National Committee. But first he'll have to best a field of candidates that includes Howard Dean.


Come What Mae

Friday, January 28, 2005

Essie Mae Washington-Williams is used to keeping secrets. At 16, she learned from her black mother that her father was segregationist Strom Thurmond. In her new memoir, Dear Senator, she reveals her close, yet secret, relationship with the late South Carolina senator.


You Say You Want a Constitution

Thursday, January 27, 2005

NYU Law Professor Noah Feldman gave the now-defunct Iraqi Governing Council advice on Iraq's now-defunct interim constitution. Now he's considering what kind of permanent law the new national assembly will write after it is elected this Sunday.


Subway Woes

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Three days after a fire destroyed a vital signal box for the A and C lines the Transit Authority has reassessed their repair timeline from up to 5 years to 9 months. However, this does little for the thousands of straphangers whose commutes have increased in time and irritation level. The extent of the trouble may even affect housing prices in neighborhoods close to the lines.


Newt! Improved!

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

In his new book, Newt Gingrich declares "there is no attack on American culture more deadly and more historically dishonest than the secular left's unending war against God in America's public life." Some people have taken Winning the Future as Gingrich's declaration of intent to run for president.


Losing It

Monday, January 24, 2005

For nearly five centuries, Norsemen and their descendants farmed, fished, and built communities on Greenland. Then around 1400, they disappeared. In his new book Collapse, Jared Diamond tries to understand why the Greenlanders’ society—and others—decline and die.


The Surveillance Society

Friday, January 21, 2005

For years, little-known companies have collected data on Americans' purchasing habits. Now Washington Post reporter Robert O'Harrow has shown that those companies are collecting other information—like criminal records—and sharing it with government agencies.


Destination: Iran?

Thursday, January 20, 2005

Covert agents have been scouring Iran and other countries, seeking for good targets for possible US air strikes, according to journalist Seymour Hersh. The Pentagon has denied his report, saying no such program exists.


Live from Washington

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

In her confirmation hearing yesterday, Condoleezza Rice said, "our interaction with the rest of the world must be a conversation, not a monologue," indicating that she is embracing the role as America's primary diplomat. While her confirmation is widely accepted how did her performance yesterday indicate what kind of Secretary of State she will be, and what questions will the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ask her today.


Condi's State

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Condoleezza Rice rose from a modest background in the segregated South to become one of the most powerful black women in American history. But before she is confirmed as Secretary of State, she’ll have to answer some tough questions from the Senate.


Chile, en Ingles

Monday, January 17, 2005

Chile aims to emulate the countries of Scandinavia, and become the only country in Latin America that is fluent in English. While the language of Shakespeare and Hollywood carries big advantages, many citizens have mixed feelings about it.


Tortured Words

Friday, January 14, 2005

What constitutes torture? A 2002 White House document said it must equal the pain "accompanying serious physical injury, such as organ failure." A more recent memo repudiates that standard, but gives the President the final word on what is acceptable.


Queens for a Day

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Brian’s New York 51 series continues, shining the spotlight this week on Forest Hills, Rego Park and Kew Gardens. Melinda Katz, City Council member for District 29, introduces the neighborhoods and shares her tips on where to eat on Austin Street.


State of Affairs

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

In the Bronx yesterday, Mayor Bloomberg gave an upbeat assessment of the city’s well-being and announced a new initiative to prevent discrimination in the building trades. In New Jersey, acting Governor Codey gave a speech that emphasized the need to fight terrorism.


Anticipating the Worst

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Richard A. Clarke was an advisor to President Bush until he quit the administration 2004, charging that it had gone badly off course in fighting terrorism. In the new Atlantic Monthly, he imagines a nightmare scenario of suicide bombings, cyberattacks, and bad anti-terror legislation crippling America in the years to come.


A Historic Moment for Arab Media

Monday, January 10, 2005

Yesterday Palestinians chose Mahmoud Abbas to be their new leader. Later this month, Iraqis go to the polls. In a part of the world with few democratic regimes, newsrooms in the Arab world have the rare challenge of covering two free elections.


"I Consider the Geneva Conventions Neither Obsolete Nor Quaint"

Friday, January 07, 2005

Alberto Gonzalez came under harsh criticism from Senate Democrats and some Republicans in confirmation hearings yesterday for the office of Attorney General. While he is widely expected to pass this test, his reputation may be damaged.


Alberto Gonzales for AG?

Thursday, January 06, 2005

Today Senators consider the nomination of Alberto Gonzales to be the next attorney general. Gonzales has an inspiring personal story—he is the son of migrant workers—but his detractors believe he was behind the abuse of prisoners in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay.


Empire State Agenda

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

George Pataki gives his 11th State of the State address today. High on the agenda will be health care, education, and trimming the perennially late budget.


New York 51

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

In this municipal election year, we take a look at New York neighborhood concerns by speaking with some of the people who know them best: City Council members. Over the first six months of 2005, we'll explore the issues like housing, demographic change, the arts, and where to get a good meal.


Bushonomics: Krugman v. Shlaes

Monday, January 03, 2005

President Bush begins his second term with a bold economic agenda: to partially privatize social security and to radically simplify the tax code. Columnist Amity Shlaes likes the way he is thinking, but Bush critic Paul Krugman does not.