republicans

Values Voters Summit 2013

By Jamila Bey

The government continues its shutdown, but that hasn’t stopped the political right from their Voters’ Summit.

It’s that time of year where religious voters come to Washington to commune and advance their causes. This year we learned from Dr. Ben Carson that there is no “War on Women,” the Affordable Care Act is equivalent to slavery, and that the Christian god is in charge of the world. Host of “Due Diligence,” Carmen Russell-Sluchansky joins me to talk about what they’re talking about this year.

 

Download audio link

 

Poor Kids Remain Ignored, but Deeply Affected in Fiscal Cliff Fight

While the budget talks about Capitol Hill and rhetoric surrounding the approaching “fiscal cliff” have focused largely on corporate businesses and America’s wealthiest, the negotiations have ignored one group of Americans: children.

Nearly a quarter of Americans under 18 live beneath the poverty level and the Great Recession has had a tremendous and disproportionate impact on families and the youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

In a special hour-long segment, host Jamila Bey spoke with experts from the non-partisan think tank, First Focus, which is decided to helping enact policy changes that lift children out of poverty.

Part 1:

Download

Part 2:

Download

Part 3:

Download

Guests:

Bruce Lesley, president

Megan Curran, senior director for family economics

Ed Walz, communications director