Week in Review and Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests for 5-3-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Week in Review:

The H1N1 Flu outbreak reached the U.S. and one fatality was reported. The World Health Organization raised the threat level from a 3 to a 5 by the end of the week with a 6 being a full pandemic. Vice President Joe Biden created some angst when he said he would not travel on subways or planes. This statement was quickly reputed by the White House who said their recommendations were to wash your hands frequently, use common sense, stay home if sick and see a doctor if you have flu symptoms.

Chrysler began the week with news they had reached agreement with United Auto worker Union on concessions and were hopeful for the merger with Fiat to be completed. They ended the week by filing for bankruptcy.

Cries for an independent investigation on torture of detainees under the George W. Bush administration continued with Democratic Senators Carl Levin (Mich.) and Pat Leahy (Vt.) leading the way.

President Obama unveiled his housing aid program to help reduce payments on second mortgages.

Congress passed Obama's 3.5 trillion budget blueprint on his 100th day in office. This means of passage also allows the Obama administration through a parliamentary procedure, to avoid a possible filibuster in the Senate when they move to approve the specifics of their health care program. Republicans continued to vote "No", a questionable strategy for future success of their political party.

Obama's 100 day press conference was a hit as he continued to portray confidence and a calm demeanor. He summed up what had been a whirlwind of actions in both the domestic and international political arenas.

The President's Cabinet finally was complete as the Senate voted to confirm Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services. On Friday, the president has his first full cabinet meeting at the White House.

Republican Senator Arlen Specter switched political parties and became a Democrat, moving Democrats closer to the magic filibuster proof 60 in the Senate.

The House passed credit cardholder's bill of rights legislation aimed at protecting consumers against unfair and high hidden fees and interest rates. The Senate is expected to pass their version next week, so expect this to become law.

The Federal Reserve delayed releasing their bank stress test results after the banks disagreed with their data and their fear the reports could adversely impact their stockholders.

At the end of the week, Justice David Souter announced he was retiring from the Supreme Court. Appointed by President George H. W. Bush, he has been an ally with the three other liberal justices on the court. This will mark the first Supreme Court nomination by President Obama, who stated he planned to announce his nominee by October of this year. The White House should expect strong lobbying from Women and Hispanic representatives.

While no U.S. ship captains were captured and held for ransom by Pirates and N. Korea did not launch another ballistic missile last week, foreign policy issues remain aplenty. Especially of concern at the present is the stability of the Pakistan government. The nuclear armed country continues to battle Islamic militants.

The Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" and their scheduled Guests are listed below. As always, remember to check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Host David Gregory focuses on the flu outbreak with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Centers for disease and Controls and prevention acting Director Richard Besser. Also appearing is new Democratic Senator Arlen Specter (Pa.).

ABC "This Week" - The H1N1 Flu outbreak continues to get the attention as all three; Janet Napolitano, Kathleen Sebelius and Richard Besser all also appear with George Stephanopoulos. Also appearing are Senators Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Ut.).

The roundtable discussion will include George Will, Gwen Ifill, Paul Krugman and Gerald Seib.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Sebelius, Napolitano and Besser make it three in a row as they appear with Bob Schieffer. It is evident the Obama administration is working overtime to inform the public on the status of the flu outbreak and the fact the are doing so underscores the seriousness of the flu threat to the health of Americans.

Also appearing, is Democratic Senator Arlen Specter (Pa.)

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace makes it the fourth program this morning to have Besser, Napolitano and Sebelius as guests on their show. Also appearing will be senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.)

CNN "State of The Union" - John King makes it a clean sweep as Napolitano, Sebelius and Besser appear on his show as well to discuss the flu outbreak.

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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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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests for 1-18-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

This will be the last Sunday morning political pundits will be addressing Barack Obama as President-elect. The Whistle Stop Inauguration Tour has stops in Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore on Saturday prior to arriving in Washington D.C. On Tuesday, January 20 history will be made as the first African-American is sworn in as the 44th President.

Do not expect much to be said about the farewell 15 minute speech given by President George W. Bush Thursday night. Not much was said and how could it be as he leaves office with a 29.8% approval rating. Conversely, the incoming President-elect, Barack Obama approval rating is 73.2%. The approval ratings are from RealClearPolitics.com

Expect discussion Sunday morning to be focused on all of the Inaugural activities, including all of the state Inaugural Balls scheduled for this weekend. President-elect Obama also received his first legislative victory as he persuaded enough senators to provide him with a 52-42 voice vote in favor of releasing the remaining 350 Billion from the bailout bill. This action along with the 825 Billion Stimulus Bill presented by the House this week and endorsed by Obama will surely receive analysis today.

Confirmation Hearings of many nominees for Cabinet positions took place this week so this will be reviewed today. Timothy Geithner with his unpaid taxes and Maid issues, Eric Holder with his pardon of Marc Rich and Hillary Clinton with questions pertaining to donations to the Bill Clinton foundation will all likely be mentioned. However, all are expected to receive confirmation.

The ongoing saga surrounding the appointment of Roland Burris by Illinois Rod Blagojevich, who is facing impeachment, may finally be off the front burner as Burris was sworn in as senator on Thursday.

Let's also not forget we still have a conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip that has been ongoing for weeks now in spite of the UN unanimous resolution calling for a cease-fire. This in addition to the ongoing U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So grab your coffee or tea and enjoy the Sunday morning "Talking Heads". The following is a list of the scheduled guests on the shows. As always, check your local listings for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will interview incoming White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. The roundtable discussion will include Tom Brokaw, David Brooks, Doris Goodwin, Travis Smiley, and Chuck Todd.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos has David Axelrod who will be a Senior White House Adviser to Obama. The roundtable will include George Will, Donna Brazile, Gwen Ifill, EJ Dionne, and Matthew Dodd.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will have Larry Summers who will be Obama's White House Economic Adviser.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will interview House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calf.) and incoming White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King is the host of this new show which replaces "Late Edition" with Wolf Blitzer. He interview Barack Obama in Ohio on Friday and will show clips from that interview. Also appearing are David Axelrod, Dana Perino and Ed Gillespie.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" 1-4-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

This Sunday will mark the first Sunday of political discussion of the new year. It will also mark 16 days until the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

As always, there is plenty of issues to discuss. One issue sure to be discussed is the seating of Roland Burris, appointed by embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich as the replacement for the vacant Barack Obama Senate seat in Illinois. Congress will be convening next week and what will the Democrats do when Mr. Burris shows up? Adding to the drama is he would be the only African-American U.S. Senator and there does not appear to be questions as to his character after a lifetime of public service.

Then there is Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota - will the vote count there be finalized? Highly doubtful and although Franken is currently leading by close to 50 votes do not expect him to be seated - but will he show up Tuesday and try? - and how about his opponent, incumbent Republican Norm Coleman? Don't expect him to be seated either.

Speaking of Senate seats; will Caroline Kennedy receive the appointment to fill the soon to be vacant Hillary Clinton New York seat? Although pressure is mounting on NY Governor Paterson to announce his choice, Hillary Clinton is not resigning until she is confirmed as Secretary of State.

The continuing Israel aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip will also capture the attention of the pundits today. Will the French achieve success in brokering a cease-fire or will Israel have begun a ground campaign inside Gaza? This conflict highlights the many international issues the incoming Obama administration will be facing when they assume office.

Also sure to be discussed is the fragile economy and the proposed stimulus plan by President-elect Obama.

The following is the guest list of the Sunday morning talk shows. Check your local guides for channel and time.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). The roundtable will include Jeffrey Goldberg, Katty Kay, David Sanger, Hisham Melhem, Andrea Mitchell.

ABC "This Week" - Illinois Senate appointee Roland Burris, Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) The roundtable will include Cokie Roberts, George Will, Jonathan Karl, Katrina vandem Heuvel.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Vice-President Dick Cheney

Fox News Sunday - House Majority Leader Representative Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and former President George H. W. Bush.

CNN "Late Edition" - Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-Mass.), and Governors Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Mark Sanford (R-SC).

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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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