The unemployment crisis

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service

Correspondent Michael Ruhl reports on the recent release of the unemployment statistics for March.

Long segment: (01:00)
Short segment: (00:32)
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The unemployment statistics for march

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service

Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Keith Hall testifies before Congress on the nation's unemployment numbers from March 2009, and how the recession has affected employment.

Hall said that unemployment numbers have climbed from 8.1 percent to 8.5 percent, and that the industries hardest hit are manufacturing, construction, and temporary services.

(00:34)
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Ralph Nader interview on the need for election reform

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service

Former presidential candidate and long time consumer rights advocate Ralph Nader talked with Michael Ruhl to discuss the status of his lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This was immediately following the circuit court argument for Nader vs. DNC. Nader claims that he was harassed and burdened in 2004 presidential election by the DNC, in what he calls "an abuse of the legal process" and malicious prosecution. In this interview, Nader explained background of the case, and the case's current status. He said, "there is no other western democracy that comes close to obstructing voters and obstructing candidates as is the case in our country."

Nader also spoke about the two-party system, and the effect that his case has on future third party candidates in the presidential process. He said that his case is designed to draw boundaries, to make sure that third party candidates can exercise their First Amendment rights. Nader also referred to the issue as one of democracy, because he said in limiting ballot access, one is truly limiting the right of the people to decide who they want to represent them. Nader called for national ballot standards, instead of ballot standards which vary state by state. He also advocated instant runoff voting and public funding of public campaigns.

Nader said that the two-party system is not allowing third parties access to the higher tiers of federal government, and this two-party system is moving gradually to a one-party system, where gerrymandered districts make reelection almost certain for many members of Congress. He called this a system that can be rented by the rich. In spite of the stronghold that the two parties have on the system, Nader said that he has talked with several members of Congress who may be interested in helping to move legislation on election reform. He mentioned by name: John Conyers (D-Mich.), Ron Paul (R-Texas), Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), and Jessie Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.). He anticipates this reform effort to be difficult, because as he said, "the foxes are guarding the chicken coop." Nader seems ready for a fight.

(08:50)
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Romney on Obama not cutting government programs

Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-Mass.) comments on Obama being questioned about what programs he would cut back as a result of the financial crisis associated with the bailout bill, and Obama did not mentioned any. (0:37)
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Signs of Obama's insecurity in Michigan

Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-Mass.) comments on the Obama campaign's tour in Michigan and Obama's re-visits to the state being a sign of him not confident in wining the Michigan vote. (1:00)
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Team McCain responds to Obama's remarks

Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign held a press conference call to discuss Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Senator Barack Obama’s remarks in Flint, Michigan. Senior economic policy adviser Doug Holtz-Eakin and Republican National Committee (RNC) Victory 2008 Chair Carly Fiorina respond to questions from callers on issues ranging from free trade to the Iraq war to education policies.(21:52)
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Brazile: if you change the rules, it's called "cheating"

At the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee hearing, political activist and strategist Donna Brazile says “my momma always taught me to play by the rules” and that her mother also taught her that if you try to change the rules, it’s called “cheating.” (0:39)
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Levin: not a fair reflection of a flawed primary

At the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee hearing, Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich) says when there is only one name on the ballot, that’s not appropriate. What we’ve done is what you have wanted us to do, which is to say that we tried to fix it, and we’re here as a reform group, and we’re proud that we tried to reform the system. We’re not going to back away from that, but how do you have a fair reflection of a flawed primary? (1:02)
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DNC Rules Committee Protesters: Why did you come?

Outside the Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC, protesters and supporters gathered in a crowd as the Democratic National Committee held a hearing to discuss the votes of Michigan and Florida. I asked them, "Why did you come?" (2:03)
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If there's a will, there's a way in Michigan and Florida

Phil Singer, the Deputy Communications Director for the Hillary Clinton campaign says that Barack Obama is standing in the way of re-votes in the states for Florida and Michigan during a conference call with reporters. (0:31)
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Clinton Campaign Slams Obama

Harold Ickes, the senior advisor for the Hillary Campaign and Phil Singer, deputy communications director held a press conference this morning talking about the state of the presidential race. More than anything, both of the speakers were concentrated on talking about Obama rather than the candidate they are representing.

Since the democratic presidential candidate Barrack Obama stated that the Florida votes were unfair, Ickes replied back by saying it was Obama who started campaigning before he was supposed to. Ickes also mentioned the importance of a Democratic President and added by saying that Senator Obama is jeopardizing these options by ignoring the voters in Michigan.

In addition to Ickes’ statement on the voters in Michigan, Singer continued by talking about the increasing concern about the democratic ability to carry Michigan and Florida in the general election. He also mentioned that it will be very close, since McCain will be reaching out to many groups.

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Clinton Campaign Conference Call on State of Presidential Race

The Hillary Clinton Presidential Campaign conference call on the state of the race for the presidency. (38:54)
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Conference Call: Clinton Campaign Adamant about Including Florida, Michigan Voters

Clinton Campaign Senior Advisor Harold Ickes and Deputy Communications Director Phil Singer discussed the importance of handling the Florida and Michigan delegate situations correctly in a conference call this afternoon.

The Clinton party alleged that their democratic rival, the Obama Campaign, has been “dragging their feet” about the potential of a rerun primary in both states. Ickes and Singer stressed the importance of including potential voters in all primaries, hoping that by doing so the Democratic Party as a whole will benefit from not losing unhappy potential supporters to Republican votes come November.

Ickes and Singer explained that Senator Obama has not been “forceful” enough in his support for rerun primaries. By doing so, the Clinton Campaign alleges that Obama is risking becoming an “accessory to disenfranchisement.” (43:44)

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An interview with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm

Gov. Granholm speaks about Super Tuesday II, issues important to the Midwest, and her choice for the Democratic nomination. (8:14)
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