Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" 12-28-2008

George Wenschhof Bio

This morning political talk shows will have plenty to discuss as usual. There continues to be a mix of international and domestic issues at the forefront. On the domestic front, economic news continues to be less than stellar as we approach the new year.

Expect some discussion of the 13.4 Billion bailout of the auto industry, but even more on the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). Turns out none of the 350 Billion allocated to date went toward the purchase of troubled assets, the original intent of the Bailout Bill. To make matters worse, none of the banks who received portions of the 350 Billion are able or willing to disclose how the money was spent. Now, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is requesting the remaining 350 Billion from Congress. Let's hope that is not given without conditions and accountability.

On the ugly side of politics, there remains the Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich saga, which does not promise a quick and merciful end. The incoming Obama administration will not want to have to deal with an ongoing impeachment of the Governor. Especially, now that the Governor's attorney, Ed Gensen has requested subpoenas of members of the Obama administration. Then, there is the grand jury investigation involving "pay-to-play" politics in New Mexico that newly nominated Commerce Secretary, Governor Bill Richardson may end up having to address.

Then, of course, there is the matter of two ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The incoming Obama administration has promised more troops and more attention to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. Let's hope they also provide programs to provide funds and protection to villagers for the harvesting of domestic crops instead of poppy, which they currently receive funds from warlords to grow.

In addition, there is a heightened alert between the countries of Pakistan and India after the terrorist bombings in Mumbai. Further aggravating the Afghanistan situation, Pakistan is sending troops from the Afghan border to their border with India.

And, we haven't mentioned the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Recently Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert threatened they would invade if Hamas did not stop the rocket attacks. However, Israel did ease a blockade of the Gaza Strip allowing medical and emergency vehicles to pass. As we go to publish, early reports indicate Israel has launched air strikes in the Gaza Strip.

Expect some of these topics and more to be discussed this Sunday morning. Below is a list of the shows and the guests who are scheduled to appear. Please remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory begins week three as moderator - he is doing a good job. Today, he interviews David Axelrod, former Obama campaign strategist and now incoming White House Senior Adviser. The roundtable will have Rich Lowry, Michelle Singletary, Todd Purdum and Richard Wolfe.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos interviews Robert Gibbs who is the incoming White House Press Secretary along with former White House Chief of Staffs Leon Panetta (President Clinton) and Ken Duberstein (President Reagan). The roundtable will include Kurt Anderson, Allison Stewart, and Andrew Sullivan.

CBS "Face The Nation" - David Axelrod is also interviewed by Bob Schieffer. Additional guests are Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and economist Paul Krugman.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace interviews First Lady Laura Bush.

CNN "Late Edition" - Wolf Blitzer will host "a Year in Review" program.

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