Doing Time with Ron Kuby Blog

Welcome (Back) To the Jungle!

Chris Rosen — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:46:18 -0500

While Ron Kuby is sure to cover the vast array of important stories later today on his show--Iran has nukes! Obama keeps picking Clintonistas!--I'm more concerned with the return of Guns N' Roses. Hooray!

Guns N’ Roses' new album finally (finally!) (finally!!!!) comes out on Tuesday. They’ve (they being Axl) have set up a MySpace page…apparently unaware that only pedophiles still use MySpace (Facebook, hellooooo!). I can't imagine this album being any good, but who knows. It has been 17 years in the making. Speaking of, what were you doing when their last album came out 17 years ago? I was 13, so I was probably playing video games and looking at my GI Joes.

Today on Doing Time, Tuesday November 18th

Dan Pashman — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:51:32 -0500

Well it's official, we don't have to worry about terrorists anymore. The new number one on the list of things to be afraid of -- PIRATES. No, not the cute, cuddly ones from Disney World, not the dashing ones like Johnny Depp, but actual real pirates. Yesterday they hijacked a Saudi oil tanker and took it to their lair (yes, they have a lair). Other pirates hijacked a Hong Kong cargo ship. And a Danish ship had a near miss with some rapscallions.

So what's the deal with pirates? Exactly how do you hijack a Saudi oil tanker? And how big of a problem is this? We'll find out when we talk to Professor Peter Pham from James Madison University, an expert on pirates.

We'll also get the latest on the economy, where Henry Paulson and Barack Obama agree on at least one thing: Nobody knows what it'll take to fix the economy, so until we figure it out, we'll just keep trying different things and hoping for the best.

And as we head into the holiday air travel season, more bad news for all of us: United wants to charge people $25 to talk to a live person. It's just the latest insult in the increasingly degrading world of air travel. Everyone has an airline horror story -- We want to hear yours. Give us a call to discuss that or anything else on your mind, 866-303-2270.

Today on Doing Time, Monday, November 17, 2008

Lauren Kirchner — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:57:11 -0500

Welcome to the Broken Phones edition of Doing Time with Ron Kuby! Today on the show, professor Juan Cole will be on with us to explain the Iraq withdrawal agreement just announced today.

We'll be talking today a little more about the pros and cons of an auto industry bailout, Barack Obama's half-great/half-fluff appearance last night on "60 Minutes," pirates in Somalia hitting up a Saudi oil tanker, and the unfortunate recurrence of hate crimes against immigrants in a Long Island community.

Also today, Senator Kennedy returns to the Hill! He says he's looking forward to working with Barack Obama on some new healthcare legislation.

Want to see an awkward photo opp? Obama and McCain met today in Chicago.

Today on Doing Time with Ron Kuby, Friday, November 14, 2008

Lauren Kirchner — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:17:34 -0500

TGIF, yall! We’ll be talking today about the rumors circulating about possible roles for Hillary Clinton in President-elect Obama’s cabinet. How do you think she should be involved, if at all? Would it be better for her to stay on in the Senate and take on some kind of leadership role there? Call in! 866-303-2270.

Today we’ll talk to Robert Kuttner, economist and author of the new book Obama’s Challenge: America’s Economic Crisis and the Power of a Transformative Presidency. We want to ask him about the latest rumblings from the FDIC about how mortgage guidelines should be changed to help homeowners and prevent foreclosures.

A Roman Catholic priest in South Carolina has told parishioners that no Obama voters will be allowed communion until they repent! Wow. Where do we draw the line between religious belief and political action? Does this church have the right to turn people away for the way that they’ve voted in an election? I have a feeling Kuby has some opinions on this one.

Oh also? Unrelated…Kevin Spacey has just been named Chief of Staff to future-veep Joe Biden! (Well, kind of.)

All that today and more, plus movie reviews from Ken Turan of the LA Times, our listener mailbag, and your calls!

Today on Doing Time, Thursday, November 13, 2008

Lauren Kirchner — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:16:50 -0500

Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson is switching gears for the bailout, and we'll hear reactions today from Congress, Wall Street, and YOU.

Also, you may (not) be surprised to learn that gun sales are way up across the country in the past week, as gun stores peddle the lie that "Obama's taking yer guns" so as to boost sales before he takes office. Or maybe it's not about Obama, as one gun store owner quoted in this article suggests: maybe people are worried of "civil unrest" caused by economic chaos. Hmm, worried about the sinking dollar? Buy an AK-47.

Our guests today will be Sam Stein from the Huffington Post on Sarah Palin and why she just won't get off our TVs already...and Heidi Moore from the Wall Street Journal will be here to hopefully answer the question, how can Ron go about turning himself into a bank, thereby making himself eligible for some some of those bailout billions?

Finally today...slumping through a recession in blustery November when the sun goes down at 4:00 can be a DOWNER. What are you doing to lift your spirits? Cardiologists in one study say music is - literally - good for your heart. What songs do you play to pump up your mood and please your ticker? Call in and let us know...D.J. Chris is taking requests.

Today on Doing Time, Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Lauren Kirchner — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:56:46 -0500

New Yorkers on their way to work this morning were handed print copies of this, an impressive New York Times spoof complete with elaborate website, declaring the Iraq War over and columnist Thomas Friedman remorseful and retired. We'll talk a bit about who's behind it and who was fooled.

Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson gave a press conference today
with some more details about the bailout, and hemmed and hawed about a lame-duck auto industry rescue package. He says the biggest priority should be on our credit crisis, so today we ask our callers...what's goin on with your credit crisis? What
are you doing to curb spending, if anything? And how important do you think it is that we save the Big 3 in Detroit?

We've got some great guests today, including Judy Woodruff from PBS and Tom Schaller, author of Whistling Past Dixie about the changing role of the South in national elections.

Also today, some fun audio of McCain with Leno, Palin with Lauer, and Bill O'Reilly and Laura Ingraham making fools of themselves. Yes, please!

Doing Time: Seriously Ugly

Ron Kuby — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:39:26 -0500

Having lost on every issue of concern to most Americans, the right wing is revving up the old familiar stand-by--the culture wars. The latest came on Tuesday, when "political analyst" (gee, am I one of those too?) Michael Barone (who is also a senior writer for U.S. News and World Report) announced to an academic meeting in Chicago that the media was hostile to Sarah Palin.

Today on Doing Time, Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Lauren Kirchner — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:54:38 -0500

It's Veterans' Day, and Bush came to NYC today to re-dedicate the U.S.S. Intrepid and say a few words, as well as giving long-overdue recognition to one WWII seaman in particular, Seymour Wittek, whose heroism in putting out a ship fire saved thousands of lives in 1943.

Today we'll be talking with Tori Lyon, Executive Director of the Jericho Project, a non-profit and non-partisan organization providing food and shelter to homeless veterans.

In other news, our economic future is still unclear...economist Jeff Madrick, author of The End of Affluence: The Causes and Consequences of America's Economic Dilemma will be here to talk a bit more about what an auto industry bailout would look like under an Obama administration.

Finally, we'll try to keep it a little light today, too, with some fun new Sarah Palin interview audio for all ya nice folks out there, yup, just some nice down home audio clips, darn tootin'!

Today on Doing Time, Monday, November 10, 2008

Lauren Kirchner — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:13:35 -0500

Well, folks, Happy Monday! President-Elect Obama’s staffers made the rounds
yesterday on the Sunday morning talk shows about what his main priorities will
be when he takes office. The first big issue he’ll have to tackle? Our
flailing auto industry. Yeah Big 3!

Obama's sitting down, without aides, without preconditions, with big Bush
right now to try to ensure a smooth transition in 71 short days. What do you
think they'll talk about? Think W. will make any awkward un-funny jokes?
Jonathan Mahler, who wrote this week's NYT Sunday magazine cover story
on the future of the executive branch, will be here with us today.

In
today’s first hour we’ll talk
to economist Daniel Altman, author of Connected: 24 Hours in the
Global Economy, about some of the most recent proposed and
practiced Asian stimulus packages, Obama’s plans for our poopy economy, and the
current
re-vamping of the government
bailout of AIG. Hmm…how many billions of taxpayer dollars does it take to
pay off AIG’s Caribbean vacay tab?

HEY!
GOP! Don’t you know the election’s over? So
stop yer whining!

Go Big, Go Fast

Ron Kuby — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:52:49 -0500

After the biggest electoral repudiation of right wing, conservative government in modern history, pundits, nervous Democrats, and assorted members of the chattering classes are urging President Obama to go slowly in pursuing the transformational vision that he campaigned on and we voted for.

Today on Doing Time: Friday November 7th

Alex G. — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:07:00 -0500

Today we got our very first taste of what a President Obama will look like. Barack Obama held his first press conference today. Find out what he said about our dire economy, his transition with George Bush and his priorities on day one.

Heidi Moore from the Wall Street Journal will help us digest today's depressing unemployment numbers. Is it really as bad as the naysayers make us think?

It is Friday afterall, so we'll have movie picks for you. What will you see this weekend?

Plus, Eliot Spitzer gets off, Washington gets the right to die, and Bush says goodbye.

Rahmbo and the Palestinians

Ron Kuby — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:44:21 -0500

Any audacious hope harbored by Palestinians that President-elect Obama might adopt a more balanced approach to the Middle East was given an early set back by the appointment of Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff.

Doing Time: Conservative Confusion

Ron Kuby — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:54:37 -0500

The claim: We lost because Obama promised white people that they wouldn't be called racists anymore.

Today on Doing Time: Wednesday November 5th.

Alex G. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:52:45 -0500

Yes We Did! Barack Obama will be the next President of the USA. So how do you FEEL about it? We'll be taking calls from everyday folks around the country about how you celebrated last night and what you are hoping for now.

We will play lots of audio from last night's moving speeches in case you missed them?

The top of the ticket is all sorted out, but there are still several Senate seats waiting to be decided. We'll give you the latest vote counts on those, along with some analysis on what the Congress will look like. We know we've got a big Democratic majority in both Houses; will that mean lots of liberal policy making is to come? Or will Obama really inspire governing across the aisles? Should he (and Congress) move left? Stay centrist? What do you think?

And, on this historic occasion, we can't help but ask, how did a man named Barack Hussein Obama really win the Presidency? A careful look at some of the demographic voting patterns from the exit polls helps answer that question. Stay tuned for the details.

Plus, what's next for Sarah Palin, the buzz about Obama's cabinet, and the biggest load of crap from last night.

Doing Time: A New Morning in America

Ron Kuby — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:24:29 -0500

More than any other single thing, Barack Obama's victory marks the nation's complete rejection of the policies of the past eight years that have left us bankrupt, fighting two and a half wars, polluting the planet, and ineptitude in the face of a crumbling economy.

Today on Doing Time: Tuesday November 4th. ELECTION DAY!

Alex G. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:34:14 -0500

It's Election Day and it feels good. We have so much planned for you, we can't list it all here. Suffice to say, we're checking in with local reporters in swing states, chatting with newsmakers and key players like Howard Dean, Florida Congressman Robert Wexler, and even voter protection experts for your last minute legal questions.

Besides keeping on top of the voting across the country, we've got some news to share. How about that "Board" that cleared Palin of wrongdoing in Troopergate. Why yesterday? And who appointed them anyway? You'll love the answers.

Kuby will also share some memorable election history you can quote at your parties later tonight to sound erudite and well researched ... before you drink one to many Scotch on the Baracks.

Don't miss it, and don't forget to vote!

BLOG SPECIAL: Post your Election Day stories and impressions here for Kuby to read on the air.

Kuby Says: Vote!

Ron Kuby — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:10:16 -0500

New York is a "safe" Obama state. There are no big ballot initiatives, Senate races, or Congressional contests this year. In Lower Manhattan, you couldn't find a Republican with a Geiger counter.

Today on Doing Time: Monday November 3rd

Alex G. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:00:10 -0500

One more day. Fewer than 24 hours. It's almost over folks, and man, have we been through a lot to get here. But we won't let up yet, now will we? There is still new news to be dissected and responded to on the campaign trail. There are poll numbers to consider and there are many many doors to be knocked on by diligent volunteers.

We'll talk with Hari Sevugan from the Obama campaign to find out the specific how-to of the "most sophisticated" Get Out The Vote operation in history. He'll tell us how they manage the millions of people they have to reach (and avoid) in pushing supporters to the polls.

It's not just voting that matters though; it's also counting the votes. So, battalions of lawyers on both sides are prepared for dirty tricks, logistical hurdles and how to beat them. James Sample from the Brennan Center for Justice will brief us on the legal fights brewing. He'll also tell us what rights you have, what could stop you from getting into the voting booth (like wearing an Obama T-Shirt for example) and what to do if you encounter problems. Know your rights!

Plus, election themed cocktails for your election night party, Palin misunderstands the First Amendment, why white voters like Barack more than (Bill) Clinton, and a flying Ferrari.

Breaking News! White People Like Obama

Ron Kuby — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:34:04 -0500

The New York Times today officially revealed something that those of us who watched the Democratic primaries figured out a while ago--white people like Barack Obama.

Today on Doing Time: Friday October 31st

Alex G. — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:28:37 -0400

Happy Halloween. What’s your best political costume idea? We’ll find out.

We’ll also cover all the real news this final Friday before Election Day. Millions have already voted, millions more are still undecided, and some of those who voted are still undecided, somehow. Kuby is putting out an open call to any undecideds … what are you waiting for? Call up and tell us your reservations and we’ll tell you how to move past them. Here’s a great look at the mind of an undecided voter … indecision examined!

God is rearing his omnipotent head in the final days of the campaign. Is his name being used in vain? Or are these latest religious appeals relevant and effective?

Plus we’ll have movie reviews and bust the six biggest remaining myths from the campaigns.

Joe the Plumber Went MIA

Ron Kuby — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:13:48 -0400

It was a high cringe day for John McCain yesterday. Speaking in Defiance, Ohio (get it?) he called out for his buddy Joe The Plumber to stand up, but there was no Joe.

Today on Doing Time: Thursday October 30th

Alex G. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:50:08 -0400

If you believe any of the “redistribution = communism = Obama” argument from Sarah Palin and John McCain, then we’ve got a guest for you. Renowned legal scholar Cass Sunstein, explains why redistribution is as American as apple pie, and even more important to our well being. how the Bush administration just doesn’t get it.

Then, author Bruce Fein will join Kuby for another take from a constitutional perspective. This one about how the Bush administration just doesn’t get it.

But back in the campaign … if you missed Barack Obama’s big TV night, then we’ve got you covered. And if you did see it, we want to know what you think? Were the profiles touching? Do you think it convinced undecided voters? Or motivated supporters? We do already know it was a boon for the networks that carried it. Check out the ratings here. Watch the whole show here.

We’ll play you the highlights from the big show, as well as Bill Clinton’s post show speech.

Plus, an explanation of the Rashid Khalidi accusations, Alex Baldwin does Sarah Palin, and a bit on pirates, plumbers, and Palin's socialist Alaska.

Grow Up

Ron Kuby — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:22:23 -0400

The McCain-Palin-rightwingnuts on air have generated another fake controversy, this one designed to panic Jewish voters. In 2003, Barack Obama attended an event for scholar and critic of Israel Rashid Khalidi.

Today on Doing Time: Wednesday October 29th

Alex G. — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:59:11 -0400

Today is the 79th anniversary of Black Tuesday. Today’s economic climate, sadly, has a lot in common with the bear market times of the 20s and 30s. A year ago, economics Professor Robert McElvaine used historical analysis to predict the crash of 2008. He’ll tell us how he did it, and what else history can tell us about our current economic fortunes.

The economic occasion may not be why Barack Obama chose today to make his "closing argument" to the nation, but he’s got big plans. Just before Game 5 of the World Series, Obama has purchased time on almost all the networks, even Univision. We’ll tell you what you can expect to see. But, is this a risky buy? Can it flop? Why spend all this money at this point? Let us know what you think about it.

We’re also going to look behind the scenes of the Palin Campaign. Writer Nina Burleigh will talk us through the tight handling and chaperoning John McCain has imposed on Sarah Palin. Maybe we can find out what the real Palin would sound like.

Plus, the unexpected draw down in Iraq, Syrian kerfuffling, Christians for Obam and why red is sexy.

Be It Ever So Humble

Ron Kuby — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:57:37 -0400

A rare piece of uplifting news comes to us from my home state of Ohio: A federal judge has ruled that the homeless may list their park benches, vacant lots, and other non-buildings as residences for purposes of voter registration.