Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 9-19-2010

George Wenschhof

Clintons will dominate the Sunday shows as more mid term election discussion takes place and foreign policy finally receives some much needed attention.

Former president Bill Clinton will appear on NBC "Meet The Press" and CBS "Face The Nation". He is much in demand by Democrats facing election on November 2, even agreeing to stump for California Governor candidate Jerry Brown in California after Brown had criticized him. Clinton was president when the Newt Gingrich led "Contract with America" led to Republicans winning control in Congress in the 1994 mid term elections. Look to see him offer advise to Democrats.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, back from attending round two of the Israel/Palestine peace talks in Egypt, will appear on ABC "This Week". Joining her on the program is Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iran just released one of three Americans held captive after illegally entering Iran while on a camping/hiking trip. Let's see if any disclosure will be made by Ahmadinejad on the fate of the other two Americans.

The Israel/Palestine peace talks remain fragile with all eyes on Israel regarding whether they will extend a moratorium on settlements. If not, the peace talks could quickly come to an end. The international sanctions on Iran have not resulted in any outward concessions from Iran in regard to full disclosure of their nuclear development program. Both issues will surely be discussed.

More foreign policy discussion will take place on NBC "Meet The Press" with former secretary of state Colin Powell.

As one would expect, Republican tea party favorite Christine O'Donnell will appear on two shows this Sunday morning. This comes after she was the surprise winner in the Republican Senate primary on Tuesday. Of course, she will be on Fox News Sunday and she will also be a guest on CBS "Face The Nation".

More mid term election discussion is ensured with DNC chair Tim Kaine appearing on CNN "State of The Union". Joining him in the discussion will be Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), former Representative Tom Davis (R-Va.) and former White House Communications Director Anita Dunn.

Look to see the spin on how the impact of tea party candidates will affect the outcome of the elections in November. Some are saying tea party candidates will help Democrats as they are too extreme, while others will say, the success of tea party candidates is an indication that voters are tired of the status quo.

Should be an informative Sunday morning. Plan to tune in.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Bill Clinton, Colin Powell

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bill Clinton, Christine O'Donnell

ABC "This Week" - Hillary Clinton, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

CNN "State of The Union" - Jim DeMint, Tim Kaine, Tom Davis, Anita Dunn

Fox New Sunday - Christine O'Donnell, Karl Rove

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Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 8-29-2010

George Wenschhof

It is a grab bag of topics to be discussed this Sunday morning with NBC "Meet The Press" devoting their entire show on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and her brother; New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will appear along with actor Brad Pitt. Pitt has started a foundation which is building energy efficient and affordable homes in the ninth district; an area devastated by the flooding five years ago.

On CBS "Face The Nation", two of the candidates in last week's primaries will be guests along with Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R) and Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D). Republican senate candidate Joe Miller who is waiting for absentee ballots to be counted before he can be awarded the nomination in Alaska is one of the candidates and Kendrick Meek (D) who won the Senate Democratic nomination in Florida is the other.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan will be the guest on ABC "This Week" and sure to be discussed is the "Race To the Top" program being utilized as an incentive to improve education in states across the country. Federal grants are awarded to states who meet certain criteria. the program came under fire last week as complaints were lodged the program favors east coast states where 11 of the 12 states to receive funding to date are located. The other is Hawaii, the home state of President Obama.

Fox News Sunday highlights one of their own Sunday as their guest will be Glenn Beck. they will surely discuss the tea party rally scheduled Saturday. The rally being billed as "Restore Honor" rally will be held on the mall in Washington D.C. and Beck is expected to speak. This also happens to be the anniversary of the famous Martin Luther King "I have a Dream" speech. Expect a lot of right wing rhetoric from Beck.

CNN "State of the Union" will get back to some discussion on the upcoming mid term elections with Florida Governor Charlie Crist who is leading polls in a three way race for Senator. Also appearing will be Florida Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan is also a guest.

The morning shows appear to be light on any discussion on the economy. Sales of existing homes were down 27% last month. the lowest in a decade and the economic growth for the second quarter was only 1.6%. This would indicate the unemployment rate is expected to increase somewhat from the current 9.5% prior to the November elections which will not help Democrats. Look to see this issue and the U.S. withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq to receive more attention next Sunday after President Obama gives his prime time speech on Tuesday August 31.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Senator Mary Landrieu (D-la.), N.O. Mayor Mitch Landrieu (D), Brad Pitt.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Alaska Senate candidate Joe Miller (R), Florida senate candidate Kendrick Meek (D), Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour (R), Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D).

ABC "This Week" - Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Randi Weingarten President American Foundation of Teachers.

CNN "State of The Union" - HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Florida Governor Charlie Crist (R) and Florida Senate candidate Kendrick Meek (D).

Fox News Sunday - Glenn Beck

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 10-4-2009

George Wenschhof

Expect the decision by President Barack Obama to personally appeal for Chicago to be the host of the 2016 Olympics to be widely discussed. "Blame it on Rio" will be the catch phrase for the pundits as they talk about the award to Rio de Janeiro. Did Obama lose credibility or should he have spending more time concentrating on the economy or health care reform will be among the questions asked.

Also sure to be discussed was the Thursday meeting in Geneva with Iran which hopefully will lead to quick inspections by the UN of their nuclear facilities. Look to see the following discussed: What is the U.S. to do in Afghanistan, Middle East peace talks, health care reform nearing the final lap, and will high unemployment result in even more questions surrounding the Obama 800 Billion Stimulus bill.

Remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will have Susan Rice, US Ambassador to UN. The roundtable discussion will include David Brooks, E.J. Dionne, Rachel Maddow and Mike Murphy.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will have on former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan who will give his take on the economy. Health care reform will be discussed with Senators Charles Shumer (D-NY) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.).

The roundtable discussion will include George Will, Cokie Roberts, Matthew Dowd, and Katrina vanden Huevel.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer is all about foreign policy this morning with his guests General James Jones National Security Adviser, Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich) chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Representative Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) chair of the House Armed Services Committee and retired General Anthony Zinni.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace stay with foreign policy with Senate members of the Armed Services Committee. Joining him will be senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), Bob Casey (D-Pa,), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

The roundtable discussion will include Bill Kristol, Mara Liasson, Brit Hume and Juan Williams.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will also have General James Jones. Also appearing will be Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calf.) and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.).

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 9-20-2009

George Wenschhof

President Barack Obama spent Friday afternoon at the White House taping interviews with five talk shows airing on Sunday morning. Guess what one will not have him on - ok, an easy question - Fox News Sunday.

You can be sure health care reform will be the main topic of discussion for the president, but expect the White House announcement it would be dropping the Bush administration plans for a Eastern Europe missile shield, the status of the economy, and U.S. involvement in Afghanistan to receive some questions as well.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will greet President Obama along with House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner (R-Oh.) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

The political roundtable will include Roger Simon and Eugene Robinson.

ABC "This Week" - George Stepanopoulos has a teaser from his interview with the President you can watch by clicking on the title link. They are discussing the issue of race and politics.

The political roundtable discussion will include George Will, Peggy Noonan, Donna Brazile, Ed Gillespie, and Robert Reich.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer with Barack Obama.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace has Acorn CEO Bertha Lewis. Acorn is a battle rallying cry for many Republicans. Also appearing will be Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calf.).

The roundtable discussion will include Mara Liasson, Paul Gigot, Brit Hume and Juan Williams.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King leads with his interview with President Obama. Also appearing will be Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Kent.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.).

Mary Matalin and James Carville, the always entertaining couple with thoughtful analysis from both the Right and the Left, will also appear today.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 9-13-2009

George Wenschhof

Remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will continue the health care reform debate with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and John Cornyn (R-Tx.), former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), and former DNC chair Howard Dean.

The roundtable discussion will include Chuck Todd, Joshua Cooper Ramos, and Erin Burnett.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos continues on health care reform with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Senators Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), and Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.).

The roundtable discussion will include Sam Donaldson, George Will, Cokie Roberts, and David Brooks.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Guess What? More health care reform talk as Bob Schieffer welcomes Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) who may be the pivotal number 60 in the Senate needed to pass a bill. Also appearing will be Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod, Politico.com Roger Simon and columnist Kathleen Parker.

Fox News Sunday - It should come as no surprise Chris Wallace will have as his guest, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) - the man who shouted "you lie"to the President as he was giving his health care reform speech Wednesday night to Congress.

Also appearing will be Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND), Orrin Hatch (R-Ut.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

The roundtable discussion will include Brit Hume, Mara Liasson, Bill Kristol, and Juan Williams.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will have Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calf.). Collins is the another potential pivotal vote for health care reform.

Also appearing will be White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.).

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 8-30-2009

George Wenschhof

Please remember to check you local listings for time and channel.

As one would expect and rightfully so, the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy will take center stage today.

It was his brother Robert Kennedy who inspired me to first become involved in politics at the age of 15, when he entered the presidential race in 1968. Some years later, around 1980, when I was working for the National Association of Counties (NACO) and living on the Hill, I first met Senator Ted Kennedy by happenstance, on the steps of the Capitol. He towered over me and a shy 27 year old said hello, only to be received by his big grin, friendly handshake and booming hello. Some years later, in 2002, I had the privilege to work for Robert Kennedy's daughter Kathleen Kennedy Townsend when she ran for Governor of Maryland. Ted Kennedy may have had his failings at times, but his inspiration for many of us and for those less fortunate will be missed, but not forgotten.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will have Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) along with Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Bob Schrum. Also appearing will be Doris Kearns Goodwin.

ABC "This Week" - George Stepanopoulos will have Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Ut.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.).

The roundtable discussion will include Liz Cheney, George Will, Sam Donaldson, Gwen Ifill and EJ Dionne.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will have Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calf.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) along with Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.).

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will break from the Kennedy remembrance by hosting former Vice President Dick Cheney.

The roundtable discussion will include Bill Kristol, Bill Sammon, Juan Williams and Mara Liasson.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King continues the tribute for Ted Kennedy when he welcomes Senators Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). Also appearing will be former Lt. Governor Robert Kennedy Jr., Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 8-23-2009

George Wenschhof

As always, check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will discuss the recent Afghanistan election with the Chair of the Joints Chief of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry. Results from the election are not expected to be announced until Tuesday.

Also appearing will be Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Orrin Hatch (R-Ut.) who are both members of the Senate Finance Committee. Expect health care reform to be the subject.

The political roundtable will include Travis Smiley and Joe Scarborough.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will have Senator John McCain (R-AZ) as his guest. Afghanistan, Iraq and health care reform will all be discussed.

The roundtable discussion includes George Will, David Frum, Paul Krugman, and Robert Reich.

ABC "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer continues the health care reform discussion with Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) who are also members of the Senate Finance Committee. Former DNC chair Howard Dean will also be a guest. Expect him to hammer against dropping the "public option" from any health care reform bill.

Fox News Sunday - Mike Wallace will also talk health care reform with Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) and Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.).

The political panel will be Bill Kristol, Juan Williams, Tad Devine, and Nicolle Wallace.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King also has Mullen and Eikenberry as guests to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

Senators Richard Lugar (R-In.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) will give their take on health care reform.

Political strategists Donna Brazile and Bill Bennett will add their thoughts.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 8-16-2009

George Wenschhof

As always, remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - It's all about health care reform today as David Gregory talks with past and present politicos involved in the process. Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Tx.) helped defeat health care reform proposed by Hillary Clinton when she was First Lady. Also appearing will be former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) who was nominated by President Obama to be HHS Secretary and spearhead health care reform today. Daschle withdrew from consideration after revelations pertaining to tax issues surfaced.

Additional guests are Senator Tom Coburn (R-Ok.), Rachel Maddow, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), Bruce Josten and Governor Bill Ritter (D-Co.)

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos continues health care reform discussion when he sits down with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Also appearing are Senators Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

The roundtable discussion will include Donna Brazile, Ed Gillespie, Ron Brownstein and Anne Kornblut.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer welcomes White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. Also appearing will be former Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) and former Rep. Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.)

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace continues the health care reform theme today with Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). Also appearing will be AMA President James Rohak and AARP Ex. VP John Rother.

The panel discussion will include Charles Krauthammer, Ceci Conolly, Bill Sammon and A.B. Stoddard.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King also has HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius as his guest. Also appearing will be senator Barrasso (R-Wy.) and Representative Mike Ross (D-Ar.).

The husband and wife political commentary duo of James Carville and Mary Matalin will share their thoughts.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 8-2-2009

George Wenschhof

Remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will interview Larry Summers who is Director of National Economic Council which was created by President Obama. The economy will be discussed and the impact of the Stimulus bill. Good news includes the GNP shrank by only 1% last quarter down from 6.4% in the first quarter of the year. Also the DOW was up 8.5% for July, the highest increase this year.

The roundtable discussion will include Harold Ford Jr., J.C. Watts, Dan Balz, and Haynes Johnson.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will keep the discussion going on the economy as his guests will be former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

The roundtable discussion will include Michelle Malkin, Cynthis Tucker, Al Hunt, and Jerry Seib.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer also discusses the economy with Larry Summers who must be making the rounds this morning. Also appearing will be columnists Bob Woodward, David Brooks, and Kathleen Parker.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will change the morning theme just a little as health care reform will be the focus. The guests are Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) who is chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) who is on the Senate Banking Committee. Also appearing is Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) who is chair of the House GOP caucus.

The roundtable includes Bill Kristol, Mara Liasson, Stephen Hayes and Juan Williams.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will have Senator John McCain (R-Az.) and Christina Romer, aide to President Obama.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 7-19-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Remember to check your local listings for time and channel - Enjoy.

Walter Cronkite, the legendary CBS News Anchor who passed away Friday evening at the age of 92 will certainly be a topic of discussion Sunday morning.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will discuss health care reform with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnelll (R-Ky.) will surely continue with the "Party of No" refrain.

The roundtable discussion will have John Harwood, Paul Gigot, Michelle Norris, and Richard Wolffe.

ABC "This Week" - No show this week - Coverage of British Open.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will welcome Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) who will most likely discuss the Sotomayor confirmation hearing. Also appearing is Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) who have spent close to one million over the last year defending himself on ethics charges. Then, it is RNC chair Michael Steele. Let's see what spin he uses to put a happy face on the Republican Party which has been in disarray ever since the 2008 election.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will discuss health care reform costs with OMB Director Peter Orzag. Also appearing is senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) - remember him? He was the guy President Obama nominated for Commerce Secretary who backed out shortly thereafter and voted against the Stimulus bill. Now, he is not running for reelection - good!

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will also discuss the cost of health care reform with Peter Orzag. The Sotomayor confirmation hearing will be discussed with Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and the ranking Republican on the committee, Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). I met Senator Leahy when I worked on the Howard Dean campaign for president and found him to come across as very unassuming, yet you knew he was very smart.

CNN "Fareed Zakaria GPS" - Always a very informative hour, this week Fareed Zakaria has Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Also appearing will be two scholars; David Kilcullen and Andrew Bacevich, discussing the Afghanistan conflict and NATO involvement.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 7-5-2009

George Wenschhof

Remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - will not air due to coverage of Wimbledon.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos interviews Vice President Joe Biden in Iraq. U.S. troops withdrew from towns and cities earlier this week. This is part of the overall timetable agreement with Iraq for U.S. withdrawal from the country. Biden also had an opportunity to meet with his son Beau who is serving in Iraq.

The roundtable discussion will include George Will, Liz Cheney, Cynthia Tucker, and Matthew Dodd. Paul Krugman will also give his take on the current status of the economy.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will have Admiral Mike Mullen, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Also appearing are Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa). Expect health care reform to be discussed as Grassley is opposed to a public option and Schumer supports this option.

Fox News Sunday - Admiral Mike Mullen also appears with Chris Wallace on this 4th of July weekend.

More discussion likely on health care reform and the recent affirmative vote (219-212) in the House on the energy and climate bill. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) is who was responsible for counting those positive votes. He appears along with House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Oh.) who has been the leading voice for "No" by Republicans by anything proposed by the Obama administration.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King interviews former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Early teaser excerpts from the interview have Powell questioning the numerous items on the Obama administration agenda. Powell, a Republican, endorsed Barack Obama prior to the election last year.

CNN "Fareed Zakaria GPS" - British Foreign Secretary David Miliband is his guest today and expect the discussion to surround the recent election in Iran. British embassy staff were detained by Iran after Britain issued statements expressing their concern as to the legitimacy of the election.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 4-19-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

The economy and foreign policy continued to be the focus of the Obama administration this past week. President Obama gave a speech at Georgetown University early in the week discussing the current state of the economy. It was well received and he did a good job describing the reasons why the government was spending money at the rate it is and why leading economists feel it is necessary to help get the country out of the severe recession. The Dow Jones closed above 8000 for the second week in a row and closed at 8,131.33.

Meanwhile, the Republicans tried to make hay on April 15 (tax day) as they held coordinated "tea parties" across the country. While they appeared to have good attendance, a CNN/Opinion Research poll indicated 60% of Americans approve of the actions being taken by the Obama administration in regard to the economy and only 24% felt Republicans had a plan to fix the economy. Also raining on their parade is the fact 95% of Americans will be receiving a tax cut from the proposed Obama budget for fiscal year 2010.

Interestingly, not only did the "laizze faire" approach by the George W. Bush administration to the financial sector over eight years fuel the current recession, the national debt and annual deficit spending more than doubled. Expect discussion on this as even the Republican Governor Rick Perry of Texas was trying to woo the right wing nuts with threats of succession from the Union - huh?

On the foreign policy front, President Obama had a very strong and positive moment when he authorized the use of force in freeing the American Captain held captive by Somalian pirates.

Strong signals were also sent to Iran the U.S. was ready to drop the long standing insistence they shut down their nuclear facilities prior to discussions taking place. Over in Pakistan, Envoy Richard Holbrooke indicated the U.S.would be providing 1 billion in aid.

At the end of the week, President Obama met with President Calderon of Mexico to discuss ways to help in battling the drug cartels and how to secure the border. Homeland security Secretary Napolitano announced the hiring of a "border czar".

Obama was then off to Trinidad for the Summit of Americas where global warming, trade and of course, the economy will be discussed. Cuba will be a focus as many want the U.S. to drop the 50 year restrictions that are in place today.

Expect all of the above to be discussed along with the release of White House memos from the George W. Bush administration that provided justification for the use of extreme interrogation techniques.

Below is a list of the morning "Talking Heads" and their scheduled guests. Remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will interview Dr. Lawrence Summers, Director National Economic Council. The roundtable will include Harold Ford, Nina Easton, Dick Armey, Steven Pearstein, and Rick Stengel.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos scores big with Rahm Emanuel, White house Chief of Staff. Also appearing will be House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Oh.). The roundtable discussion will include Sam Donaldson, Cokie Roberts, Peggy Noonan, and George Will.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer has Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod, Governor Ed Rendell (D-Pa.) and Wayne La Pierre, V.P. of the NRA.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will have CIA Director Michael Hayden along with Senators Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)

CNN "State of The Union" - John King has Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, NY Governor David Patterson, and Senators Amy Klobucher (D-Mn.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.).

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 4-12-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Discussion this Easter Sunday will be focused on the recently completed European trip by President Barack Obama and the status of the economy.

As to the economy, the Dow Jones closed above 8000 for the second straight week and both the President and his top economic adviser Lawrence Summers offered words of encouragement on the economy last week.

On the foreign policy front, the President last week requested an additional 83 billion from Congress for the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is for the remainder of the current fiscal year which ends on September 30. It also includes funds for aid relief for Gaza and funds for Pakistan.

Also, to date, the United Nations has been unable to reach agreement on any sanctions on North Korea after they launched a long range missile last week which failed to make orbit. President Obama has called for sanctions as a previous UN passed resolution forbid North Korea from long range missile tests.

In addition, the capture of a captain of a U.S. merchant vessel by Somalian Pirates has made the rounds in the media and Internet. U.S. military ships are in route as the captain is held captive in a lifeboat with the pirates. Reportedly, other pirates are headed to the area to look for the lifeboat. Express discussion on this situation.

CIA Director Leon Panetta announced the closings of all secret prisons across the world and in the process acknowledged the previous George W. Bush administration had hired contractors to not only guard the prisons, but they were also used to interrogate the prisoners. This was not widely known prior to this admission. Panetta also stated these Contractors had been fired.

Have a Happy Easter Sunday and enjoy the morning "Talking Heads". Remember to check you local listings for time and channel. Below is a list of the scheduled guests.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will have a roundtable discussion with Michelle Norris, Robin Wright, Byron York, Jeffrey Goldberg, Alex Bloomberg, and Adam Davidson.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will interview Pastor Rick Warren. Warren held a forum with presidential candidates John McCain (R) and Barack Obama (D) at his mega Saddleback church during the campaign last year. Pastor Warren was also chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to give the invocation as his Inauguration, much to the dismay of many liberal Democrats.

His roundtable discussion will include George Will, Newt Gingrich, Ruth Marcus, and Paul Krugman. If you want to ask George, Pastor Warren or his roundtable guests a question and see if it is asked during the program, click on the "Title" above and enter your question.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will interview Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhan. Renewed focus on the Mexican drug war along with Immigration issues are likely discussion topics.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will have on his show, Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and Tom Coburn (R-Oak.).

CNN "State of the Union" - John King will interview U.S. General Ray Odierno. President Obama just made a surprise visit to Iraq on his way home from Turkey at the conclusion of his European trip. While in Iraq, the President met with the General. Also appearing on the show will be Iraq national security adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 3-22-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Each week further into his first term as president, Barack Obama moves closer to owning the economic crisis facing Americans. The phrase, "this is the economic mess I inherited from the previous Republican George W. Bush administration", is not one that can be used with effectiveness much longer.

While yet to unfold international and domestic issues will help to define President Obama's first term in office, the economy and the Obama administration's efforts to stabilize and improve it will ultimately be how Obama will be remembered by the voters and history.

So, it is not a surprise the guests on Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" will again focus on the economy. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will not appear which is probably a good thing for the Obama administration. He stumbled badly getting out of the gate when he mangled an attempt to describe changes he was instituting in the second half of the 700 billion bailout bill. Now, it has been disclosed it was him who informed Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) to included the provision in the 787 billion Stimulus bill allowing A.I.G. to pay bonuses. All indications are he is not a good public relations person so do not look for many televised appearances in the near future. Geithner remains the Cabinet member with the highest probability to be removed.

This Sunday morning, Dr. Christina Romer, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers will again be the face of the administration when discussing the economy. She had her maiden appearance on NBC "Meet The Press" last week and did ok. Although she did not come across as a rocket scientist, she remained cheerful and did not allow tough questions to rattle her. As a Democratic acquaintance of mine said, she reminded her of a grade school teacher. This is a huge improvement over Geithner so it is no wonder she is back this Sunday. She will appear on "Fox News Sunday" and CNN "State of the Union".

The incredible debt that is being added to the already astronomical national debt will surely receive discussion. The current debt is 11 Trillion and deficit spending the remainder of this year and the proposed 1.75 trillion deficit in the president's first budget will bring the debt to over 14 trillion by the end of fiscal year 2010. We have not added the 1 to 1.2 Trillion the Federal Reserve plans to spend on Treasury and Mortgage Bonds. While interest rates are low, inflation is likely to enter into the picture which will further exacerbate the economic problem.

Below is the list of the Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" with their scheduled guests. Remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will interview Governors Ed Rendell (D-Pa.) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Calf.) along with NY City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (Ind.). The three of them met with President Obama on Friday to discuss the Stimulus Bill. Specifically, infrastructure and job creation. The three elected officials have coined a phrase "Building America's Future". Also appearing in a roundtable discussion will be Tom Brokaw and Carol Burnett.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will have Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), Representative Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and Jared Bernstein, the chief economist for Vice President Joe Biden. I often have wondered why Biden needs his own economist - maybe we will find out. The roundtable discussion will include George Will, Donna Brazile, Betsy Stark and Robert Reich.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will interview Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.), Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Austan Goolsbee-White House Council of Economic Advisers.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace has Dr. Christina Romer, chair of the WH Council of Economic Advisers, Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), and Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY).

CNN "State of the Union" - John King also interviews Dr. Romer - let's see is she can maintain that cheerful disposition after two appearances this morning. Also appearing will be Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH). Steve Croft also discusses his interview with President Obama that will appear on CBS "Sixty Minutes" Sunday evening.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 3-15-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Discussion of the ailing worldwide economy will be the focus of much of the discussion on Sunday morning and will continue to be so for some time. The Obama administration tried to give Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner some support as Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke and Lawrence Summers, the chair of the National Economic Council both gave public statements.

Geithner has been failing the public face test so look to see the Obama administration to continue to use others to be the public spokesman for the administration's efforts on reviving the economy. The good news is the Dow Jones gained over 700 points last week for the best weekly gain this year. The sobering news is the Dow is still at 50% of where it was 11/2 years ago.

Former Republican Vice President Richard Cheney will appear on CNN "State of the Union" with John King. Expect some discussion on allegations surfacing from NY Times reporter Seymour Hersch concerning "Hit Squads" operating out of the the Vice President's office during the George W. Bush administration.

Embattled chair of the Republican National Committee Michael Steele may receive some discussion. It appears with a two thirds vote of the members required to oust Mr. Steele, he will survive for a while longer in the position.

Below is the list of the Sunday morning "Talking Heads" political discussion shows with their scheduled guests. Remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will have Dr. Christina Romer who is chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Also appearing is Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) The roundtable discussion will include David Frum, Katty Kay, Travis Smiley and Steve Liesman.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will interview Lawrence Summers who is chair of the National Economic Council. Also appearing is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) The roundtable discussion will include George Will, Jim Ellis, Robert Kutter, and Frank Rich.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will also interview Lawrence Summers. NY Times Thomas Friedman is his other guest.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will have FDIC chairman Sheila Blair, Austan Goolsbee, Mark Zandi, Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Senator Bob Corker (R- Tenn.).

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will interview former Vice President Dick Cheney.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 3-8-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

You can now count on the economy being a major focus of the "Talking Heads" on Sunday morning. The recession is now teetering on the edge of a depression as unemployed has now reached a 25 year high at 8.1%. The Dow has lost over 50% in the last 18 months and there are no indications it will stabilize anytime soon.

The 787 billion Stimulus bill, the remaining portion of the 700 billion TARP bill, the newly announced 75 billion mortgage relief plan, and the stalled 410 billion Omnibus bill in Congress will all receive attention this morning. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geitner is especially on the hot seat as he fumbled the roll out of the revised bail out plan and now the top two aides he was about to nominate have announced they are withdrawing from consideration.

On the foreign policy front, expect discussion on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent trip to the Middle East and Europe. While in the Middle East, Clinton pledged financial aid to Palestinians in war torn Gaza, reaffirmed the U.S. support of Israel, and renewed commitment to a two state solution. While in Geneva, Clinton laid the groundwork for a future NATO conference on Afghanistan and "Re-Set" U.S. relations with Russia. A very busy week.

Sure to be mentioned will be the leaked news the President will be reversing former President George W. Bush limits on stem cell research. On Monday morning President Obama will sign an executive order reversing a ban on federal funds for stem cell research.

Some discussion may also occur surrounding the announcement by Sanjay Gupta to withdraw from consideration for the position of U.S. Surgeon General. Early buzz is former DNC chair Howard Dean is now under serious consideration for the position. We recently reported Dean had returned to Democracy for America, the organization he founded after his failed presidential bid in 2004.

As always, it promises to be an informative morning so plan to have your coffee and tea prepared and settle in for some good political discussion. Remember to check your local listings for time and channel. Below is a list of the "Talking Heads" shows and their scheduled guests.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Host David Gregory will have Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). The roundtable will include Newt Gingrich, Mort Zuckerman, Liaquat Ahamed and Erin Burnett.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will have Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Richard Shelby (R-AL), and Evan Bayh (D-IN). Also appearing will be US Chamber of Commerce Director Thomas Donohue.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will interview Peter Orszag, the White House Director of Office and Budget Management and Representative John Boehner (R-Oh). Also appearing will be Kathleen Parker and Michael Fletcher.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will have Senator John McCain (R-Az.) and Governor Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Kaine is also the newly elected chair of the Democratic National Committee.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will also have White House Budget Director Peter Orszag. Also appearing will be Minority Whip representative Eric Cantor (R-Va.).

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 3-1-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

This is only the fifth Sunday since Barack Obama was sworn in as President. He continues to operate at a frenzied pace putting the finishing touches on his Cabinet as well as addressing pressing domestic and international issues. Expect all to be discussed this morning along with reaction to his address to congress and the nation last Tuesday..

As to his Cabinet, the President has to be hoping Gary Locke will secure nomination as Commerce Secretary after the two previous nominations did not pan out. The remaining Cabinet position is Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Plenty of discussion will surround the budget summary President Obama released on Thursday for fiscal year 2010. The projected deficit for that year alone is 1.75 trillion with the budget total being 3.55 trillion. Also the 787 billion Stimulus bill will continue to be examined along with analysis of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's Republic response to Obama's speech. A speech which fell flat for the Republican Party.

The timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and the increase of troops in Afghanistan announced by the President is sure to be discussed this morning.

Other topics which may receive some discussion is Senator Robert Byrd's (D-WV) letter to the President asking for him to define executive privilege and Senator Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) naming a committee to investigate wrong doings in the George W. Bush administration.

As always, the Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" and Guests promise to be fun to watch. Remember to check your local listings for time and channel. Below is the list of the morning shows and their guests.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will interview Defense Secretary Robert Gates. The roundtable discussion will include Harold Ford Jr., Mike Murphy, Dee Dee Myers, and Joe Scarborough.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will interview Peter Ozag, Director Office of Management and Budget and Representative Eric Cantor (R-Va.). The roundtable discussion will include Karl Rove, Stan Greenberg, Katrina vanden Heuvel, and George Will.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will have as his guest, White house chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will have Joint Chief of Staffs chair Mike Mullen, Senator Jon Kyl (R-Az.) and Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wi.)

CNN "State of The Union" - John King also interviews Mike Mullen. Other guests include Hawaii Representative Neil Abercombie (D), personal finance expert Suze Orman, and former NY Post gossip columnist Liz Smith.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 2-22-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

The economy continues to be the number one issue facing the Obama administration and Americans. The Dow Jones losses for the week left the close at 7365.67 on Friday, a six year low. So the 787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (Stimulus bill) and the restructuring of the remaining 350 billion portion of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) will be the main focus this morning.

Expect a discussion on how all the billions in the Stimulus bill will be spent and on what - there are many Governors appearing as guests today, so how the states will spend their share will receive attention.

Sure to be mentioned at some point is the continuing saga surrounding Senator Roland Burris (D-Ill.) who was appointed to the vacant Barack Obama Senate seat by impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich. Recent revelations by Burris of previously undisclosed contacts with the Governor's staff and his brother concerning the appointment to the Senate seat has led to perjury inquiries in the state of Illinois and a investigation by the Senate ethics committee. Will Burris survive or will he resign will be the question?

On the foreign policy front, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and special envoys have been busy traveling all over the world meeting with foreign leaders. Clinton is in the middle of a trip to Asia, Richard Holbrooke has been to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and George Mitchell has visited the Middle East. All have current pressing issues so there is a possibility any or all will be discussed this morning. Sure to be mentioned is the 17,000 troop build up in Afghanistan announced by President Obama earlier in the week.

So make sure your coffee is made and plan to settle in for some interesting discussion Sunday morning. The following is a list of the "Talking Heads" shows and their scheduled guests. Remember to check your local listings for the time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will interview Republican Governors Bobby Jindal (LA) and Charlie Crist (FL). The roundtable discussion will include Michelle Norris, Becky Quick, and Al Hunt.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will talk with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. California just passed their budget after heated debate. The roundtable discussion will include George Will, Suzy Welch, Nouriel Roubini and Paul Krugman.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will have HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan along with Governors Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Mitch Daniel (R-IN), and Ted Strickland (D-OH).

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will interview Governors Ed Rendell (D-PA), Jennifer Granholm (D-Mich), Mark Sanford (R-SC0, and Tim Pawlenty (R-MN).

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will also have California Governor Schwarzenegger (R). Additional guests are Governor Haley Barbour (R-Miss.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 2-15-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Hard to believe with all that has been going on, this Sunday will only be the fourth Sunday since Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States. As always, expect lively discussion on the issues with the "Talking Heads" on television Sunday morning.

You can count on the Stimulus bill receiving the bulk of the attention. The 787 billion compromise bill that came out of conference committee was passed by the House on Friday with a vote of 246-183, once again receiving not one Republican vote. The senate passed the bill Friday night with a vote of 60 to 38. It is expected to be signed into law by President Obama on Monday.

Expect discussion to focus on the strategy employed by the President, the content of the bill, and whether it can be expected to help pull the country out of a severe depression. Is there enough money for needed infrastructure improvements? Were there too many "pork' projects included in the bill? Is the aid to the states enough? Will the programs funded in the bill create enough jobs in a quick enough manner to have a positive impact on unemployment? How about the tax cuts - were they big enough to have any impact?

When the pundits finish dissecting the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act, expect the shift of focus to zero in on the Cabinet appointments by the President. Just when everyone thought the withdrawal by Tom Daschle from consideration for Secretary of Health and Human Services was a severe blow to the President, Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) made it 0-2 in Obama nominations for Commerce Secretary. Expect the vetting process by the Obama administration to receive attention this morning. White House counsel Larry Craig has now assumed control of the vetting process so let's see if there will be improvement.

On the foreign policy front, the President has sent special envoys and the Secretary of State all across the globe. So discussion could range from Pakistan/Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, to the Middle East and Asia.

So grab your coffee or tea and settle in for some good political discussion this morning. Remember to check your local listings for time and channel. Following is a list of the morning shows with their scheduled guests.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will interview Senior White House Adviser, David Axelrod. The roundtable will include Ron Brownstein, Eugene Robinson, Roger Simon, and Kimberly Strassel.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will interview Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Also appearing will be Representatives Maxine Waters (D-Calf.) and Peter King (R-NY).

The roundtable discussion will include Donna Brazile, George Will, Cokie Roberts, and Sam Donaldson.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will interview White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. Also appearing will be Senator Richard Shelby (R-Al) and Representative Barney Frank (D-Ma.).

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will also have Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod. He will also interview Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Economist Mark Zandi.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will also interview White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. He will also have on his show Senator John McCain (R-Az.) and Gwen Ifill.

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