Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 8-15-2010

George Wenschhof

The future involvement of the U.S. in Afghanistan and the continuing slumping economy will be two of the main topics of discussion this Sunday morning. David Gregory, host of NBC "Meet The Press", traveled to Afghanistan to interview General David Petreaus. More military documents are to be released soon on wikileaks.org which will surely add to the many questions surrounding the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Will or will not the U.S. begin withdrawal in July of 2011? or will continued U.S. involvement be conditions based? Expect this to become an even more heated issue next summer as the 2012 presidential election will be well underway.

The fear of a double dip recession is real as consumers continue to resist spending and lending by banks remain tight. Economist Mark Zandi will be on Fox News Sunday and economist Laura Tyson will be on ABC "This Week". While another round of stimulus spending may be helpful, there is zero chance of support for that coming from Congress. Expect some analysis of the latest action taken by the Federal Reserve in buying mortgage debt along with what else can be done to get the unemployed working again. For over a year, I have been calling for a federally funded public service employment program (a modern day public works program). let's see if this is mentioned as an option in easing the unemployment burden.

Another topic likely to be discussed will be the upcoming Ethics Trials of Democratic Representatives Charles Rangel (NY) and Maxine Waters (Calf.). Both are African American, a point not lost on the Congressional Black Caucus. Be prepared for the spin as to how it will help Republicans and hurt Democrats in the mid term elections.

The latest statement by President Obama, coming at a Iftar dinner celebrating the Muslim holy month on Friday night, giving support of the building of a Mosque near ground zero in New York City, will surely receive attention by the pundits. The president is correct in saying it is important to protect religious freedom in America.

The ongoing conversation on the outcome of the mid term elections will defintely be a part of the discussion as DCCC chair Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) appears on CNN "State of The Union". also appearing on the same show will be Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-Calf.) who will surely be asked about the Judge ruling overturning the ban on Gay Marriage in California and the subsequent short stay of the decision until August 18. Proponents of the ban have file an appeal and hope to extend the stay until the appeal is heard.

and... how about that oil well in the Gulf? Seems the "top kill" has worked and maybe trying the bottom kill by the relief well may be more harmful than helpful at this point. let's see if this receives any discussion.

NBC "Meet the Press" - taped from Afghanistan - General David Petraeus

CBS "Face The Nation" - DNC chair Tim Kaine and Governor Ed Rendell (D-Pa.).

Roundtable discussion with Ed Gillespie, Ed Rollins, Karen Tumulty and John Harris.

ABC "This Week" - Laura Tyson, Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.)

Roundtable discussion with Cokie Roberts, Matthew Dowd and Jon Corzine

CNN "State of The Union" - DCCC chair Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kevin McCarthy (R-Calf.).

Fox News Sunday - Senators Jon Cornyn (R-Tex.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Mark Zandi.

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Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 8-1-2010

George Wenschhof

Expect debate and discussion on the information provided by www.Wikileaks.org on the United States foreign policy in regard to Afghanistan/Pakistan. The stunning disclosure that Pakistan intelligence agencies have been aiding the Taliban in their efforts against the United States in Afghanistan will feed the discussion.

Congress will be taking their August recess shortly with the Senate the last to leave on Thursday evening. Republicans have stuck with their obstructionist action in using an unprecedented number of filibusters and just saying "No" to whatever legislation the Democrats propose, including a Democratic sponsored bill to aid small business. Aid for states for help with Medicaid and teacher layoffs is another bill languishing in the senate.

Other topics will be the confirmation vote on Supreme Court Justice nominee Elena Kagan that will take place on Thursday, the gutting of the Arizona immigration law by a federal law, the dismal economy, the upcoming Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) Ethics Trial, whether a watered down energy bill has any success in passing before the recess and speculation on the outcome of the upcoming mid term elections.

Sure to get some mention is the legislative theatrics which took place in the House and resulting Republican opposition to a bill providing health care to the first responders of 9/11 who have suffered debilitating illnesses as a result of their efforts on that day.

NBC "Meet the Press" - Former Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan - see if he repeats what he said earlier about supporting allowing the former George W. Bush administration tax cuts for the wealthy to expire.

Admiral Mike Mullen, chair of the Joints Chief of Staff who will surely add his comments to the AfPak leaks. New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg, and Governor Ed Rendell (D-Pa.).

ABC "This Week" - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calf.) and Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Will the Rangel Ethics trial hurt the Democrats? Expect Pelosi to praise the system Democrats were responsible for implementing in dealing with ethics issues in the House.

Gates will talk about the suspected individual who leaked the classified information to WikiLeaks and try to spin the fact the Obama administration has been refocusing the effort in Afghanistan. A tough sell in light of the information being disclosed.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) - expect him to bemoan the federal judge ruling in regard to the state's immigration law. Also sure to express opinion will be, Thomas Saenz; President Mexican American Legal and Education Fund.

Admiral Mike Mullen will be joined with Richard Haass, president of Council on Foreign Relations. More discussion on U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. CFR is known to be more conservative in their thought.

CNN "State of The Union" - Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Levin has to be happy with the trip by President Obama to Detroit, highlighting the comeback of the auto industry. Graham has to be sick over the fact a strong energy/climate bill he stuck his neck out to support with Senators Kerry and Lieberman, has now died a natural death and been replaced with an offering of a bill that basically bashes BP and does little else.

Fox News Sunday - Sarah Palin is their darling and headliner today. Rounding out their Republican leanings will be guests; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Oh.).

Think they will be bashing Democrats, with Palin talking about is the most recent "mama grizzly" to receive her endorsement? You bet ya - Now, listen closely to see if they offer any concrete proposals in regard to any single issue - don't bet on it.

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Democratic Chatter 2-22-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Yesterday, President Barack Obama spoke of how he intends to reduce the budget deficit - this comes after a slew of government spending. Reuters.com has more here.

The anticipated annual deficit will be at least 1.5 Trillion this year alone and will most likely be higher after all the Stimulus bill funds and TARP funds have been added to the total. Using the White House projections, cutting this in half would still leave a annual deficit of 750 billion. The national debt will exceed 12 Trillion at the end of this fiscal year and appears it will reach 15 Trillion by the end of President Obama's first term.

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Tuesday night, President Obama will address Congress - this will be similar to a state of the union address and will be televised in prime time. Speculation abounds as to what he will focus in during his speech. Obviously, the economy will be the number one issue, but also look for him to speak on how his administration has moved quickly to send special envoys and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton around the world to begin the process of repairing the damage done by the previous George W. Bush administration. McClatchydc.com adds their speculation as to what the president will address in his speech here.

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Washington D.C. voting rights bill moving closer to passage - D.C. remains the only U.S. city without representation in Congress. Interestingly, D.C. currently is allowed a delegate similar to Guam, Puerto Rico and American Samoa but those delegates are only able to serve on committees and are unable to vote. This bill would give D.C. a Representative in Congress and add a fourth to the state of Utah. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill next week and the House in March. Bloomberg.com has more here.

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The Stimulus bill receives discussion at the annual meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA) in Washington - the overwhelming majority of Governors, including Ed Rendell (D-PA), who is the chair of the NGA are thankful for the stimulus funds which will begin flowing to the states. The funds will help in education, health care and road improvements as well as help reduce the massive lay-offs that would have occurred. A few republican Governors dissented led by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal who said he would refuse the funds for extending unemployment benefits while he would accept other funding from the Stimulus bill. Governor Mark Sanford (R-SC) also said he felt the bill was wasteful. MSNBC.com has more here.

Many of these Governors are on the "Talking Heads" shows this morning. We have the scheduled guest list for the shows here.

The White House will host the Governors annual dinner tonight and the band will be "Earth, Wind and Fire".

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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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