KCRW's To the Point

Washington Democrats -- and Republicans -- want a bipartisan investigation: did Russia try to help Donald Trump win last month's election? But the President-elect says the claims are political and he's challenging the credibility of the CIA. 

Republicans have tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act 60 times—and they're finally likely to get their wish when Donald Trump signs off on it next year. Replacement is another matter, and we'll try to find out what it might look like and when it might happen.

The doctrine of States' Rights has long been used by conservatives against liberal policies dictated by Washington. Now, progressives say they'll invoke States' Rights to resist federal rules and regulations expected from the Republican Congress and the Trump Administration.

Last week, Donald Trump broke diplomatic precedent and offended China. Today, he's named an Ambassador that China considers a friend. Is it amateurism by a rookie in foreign affairs or a calculated strategy to keep China guessing?

First there was Brexit, now Italy's political instability is threatening the European Union. Liberal democracies are under siege in other parts of the world. What's the relationship to Donald Trump's victory over America's political establishment?

The latest reports indicate that Aleppo — the last stand of "moderate rebels" — is about to fall to attacks by Syria's Assad regime, bolstered by Russia. They claim the target is ISIS, but new reports indicate that Assad helped create the Islamic State. We hear what that could mean for US policy as Donald Trump prepares to take over from Barack Obama. 

As the US and Cuba remember the late Fidel Castro, all eyes are on his surviving brother, Raul — and on America's next President, Donald Trump. Will the relaxation of tensions continue, or will hardliners reverse course?

Mainstream pollsters, reporters and pundits are taking heat for "getting it wrong" when it comes to the presidential election. Donald Trump doesn't need news conferences or the White House press corps. Does traditional journalism still have a future?

A recount of presidential voting will begin in Wisconsin tomorrow. Michigan and Pennsylvania may be next. Is it a useless exercise or needed oversight — especially after Donald Trump's repeated warnings about a "rigged election?"

The President-elect is already trying to make good on his promise to restore America's manufacturing economy. Did voters threatened with losing their jobs really believe he could do it? Does rebuilding the infrastructure hold the promise of bipartisan support? 

"Freewheeling" is one term for the Trump transition team -- apparently mired in party politics while selecting presidential nominees without the intensive vetting designed to avoid future embarrassment.  

The federal government is subsidizing dash-cams and body-cams for local police in response to high-publicized incidents of police misconduct.  On this special rebroadcast of To the Point, what does the footage really show? Should the public be able to see it all? We hear about the need for balance between privacy and so-called "transparency."

Donald Trump calls global warming a hoax invented by the Chinese — even though his golf course in Scotland is threatened by sea-level rise. On this special rebroadcast of To the Point, could he and others be persuaded that there really is need for action — if "climate change" were talked about in a different way?"

As many Americans are enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner, the Native American are still protesting in North Dakota. We hear what Thanksgiving will be like for them.

If the Trump Administration cracks down on Muslim Americans, it won't be the first time. We hear what happened during the Carter, Reagan and Bush Administrations and what might be in store for the future.