Perspective Podcast - February 11th, 2011

In this edition of Perspective...

Egypt Revolution.

It was one of the most extraordinary days in Egypt's long history. When it was announced that President Hosni Mubarak would address the country in a live speech, many of his opponents assumed they were about to hear the incredible news that they have fought, marched, and slept in the streets for. But, that was not the news they got. ABC's Terry Moran takes us through a day of ecstasy and heartbreak.

Aaron Katersky Q&A.

The very next day after 18 days of mass demonstrations in Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak officially resigned from power. ABC's Aaron Katersky was there when the news hit.

Jim Sciutto Q&A.

ABC's Jim Sciutto was at Tahrir Square when the news broke and described what the scene was like.

Alex Marquardt Q&A.

The end of the Mubarek regime in Egypt means dramatic change. But, will the country emerge as a democracy or a military dictatorship? The future is far from clear and reactions in the Middle East are mixed and will certainly be impacted by the change.  ABC's Alex Marquardt in Jerusalem describes what this means for Israel.

Donald Rumsfeld Interview.

Every war has its own signature images and when it comes to Iraq and Afghanistan, the sight and sound of Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon podium is woven into American history. His defiant management of those wars made the former secretary of defense one of the most polarizing political figures of the post 9/11 age. But, now he reveals both a tender side and valuable insight into the decisions that have so many young Americans still in harm's way. ABC's Diane Sawyer reports.

Tired Pilots.

Between the long lines, the pat-downs, the tiny seats, and the tarmac delays, it would take the empathy of a saint to stop and worry about the comfort of the pilot. But, a new ABC News investigation tells us exactly why you should. Yes, there was a time when the hat and the wings signified a glamorous profession. But, in these days of low wages and brutal schedules, the folks up in the cockpit often have to fly through deep, relentless fatigue. ABC's Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross describes the alarming proof.

"The Blind Side".

It is a story you might think you already know. Michael's Oher's amazing rise from homeless teen to NFL superstar was told in last year's oscar winning film "The Blind Side", staring Sandra Bullock. But, now Oher has written his own memoir, setting the record straight on just who is really responsible for his success. ABC's John Donvan has the story.

Playlist: John Mellencamp.

He was born in a small town and has made a career of putting what he learned there into song. John Mellencamp has worked his way into the DNA of America and you can hear it in every word of his latest album, "No Better Than This". He had a chance to tell us about the songs that have shaped his music in his own words.

Host: Cheri Preston

Producer: Jason Wesalo

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Perspective Podcast - February 4th, 2011

***Special Edition of Perspective "Crisis in Egypt"

Egypt Tick Tock.

What began in Cairo as a popular uprising on January 25th persists.  Pro-democracy demonstrators believe they are closer than many had ever imagined to forcing change.  ABC's Jim Hickey goes back to the start of the crisis and tells us how we got to this point.  

ABC News Global Exclusive With President Mubarak.

The demonstrations in Cairo have succeeded in undermining a powerful regime.  President Mubarak has said he will not stand for reelection, would not appoint his son as his successor, and he named a vice president.  However, those concessions came too late for the protesters.  They demand his immediate ouster.  ABC's Christiane Amanpour made her way through the dangerous streets, into the presidential palace, to question the man at the center of the storm.

Vice President Omar Suileman Interview.

In addition to speaking with President Mubarak, ABC's Christiane Amanpour had a chance to sit down with Vice President Suileman, a man considered to be a possible successor.  

The White House Reaction.

The Egyptian regime has also come under international pressure to step down in favor of a democracy. For the United States, the realities of democratic politics could recast a long standing relationship.  ABC's Ann Compton explains.

Who Will Take Over?  

The demonstrators in Cairo have made it clear that they want President Mubarak out, but what then? How does Egypt transition to the democracy being clamored for?  ABC's Martha Raddatz has more.

"Egypt on the Brink".

Tarek Osman is the author of "Egypt on the Brink", a look at the country from the revolution of 1952 until the present. He lives in Cairo, but miles from where most of the demonstrations had been taking place. We reached him after he had made his way back to his apartment, after having spent more than a week talking with the protesters in Tahrir Square.  He had a chance to speak with ABC's Cheri Preston.  

Impact on Israel.

Nowhere are they watching the events unfold more closely, than in Israel. Israel shares a border with Egypt and has enjoyed relative peace with that country, since the historic Sadat-Begin Camp David Accords were signed in 1978. But, many Israelis says they are concerned with what a new government could mean for their relations.  ABC's Jordana Miller tells us why.  

Journalists Under Fire.

For awhile in Cairo, it became very dangerous for the press.  Regime loyalists believed the robust worldwide coverage was only helping to bring down the government.  By Friday that had stopped, but not before at least 100 reporters were attacked, intimidated, or threatened.  ABC's David Muir has more from Cairo.

Social Media Impact.

It is hard to foresee how these days of civil unrest will end, but we know how they began.  Their origins are on the internet.  ABC's Steven Portnoy explains.

Host: Aaron Katersky

Producer: Jason Wesalo

Download or stream this episode of the Perspective Podcast

Perspective Podcast - January 28th, 2011

In this edition of Perspective...

State of the Union.
"Winning the future" was the theme of President Obama's State of the Union address. That is how he summed up the challenges facing the country and his plans to meet them. It was a tenuous moment for the president, one of drama and opportunity in the wake of the Tucson shootings, that seemed to tone down the political fighting. But, it marks a crossroads in his presidency as he faces many challenges ahead. ABC's Terry Moran takes a look back at what he said and how he did.

Aisle Hogs.
They may not stand in the doorways, but they sure do block the halls. Call them "Aisle Hogs". They are members of Congress who are so enthusiastic about greeting the president or perhaps be caught on camera shaking his hand, that they arrive hours early all for a seat on the aisle. For some this is an annual routine. ABC's John Donvan explains.

E-Mail Snooping.
It is a story of modern love and a complicated marriage that fell apart in a truly spectacular way. The story made headlines in December because the husband, Leon Walker, was charged with criminal hacking for snooping in his wife's e-mail. If convicted, he could head to prison. But, that episode turns out to be only one twist in what both sides describe as an elaborate downward spiral. ABC's Bill Weir describes a he said/she said for the digital age.

Trouble at HUD.
Each year about $26 billion in taxpayer money is spent to provide housing for needy Americans. At least that is how much is allotted for public housing. Where some of that money actually goes may unfortunately be another question. At least 43 local housing officials were convicted of crimes in the last two years and some of the allegations are truly shocking. ABC's Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross has the details.

Rising Gas Prices.
The current spike in gas prices came into focus over the holidays when the average national price per gallon topped three dollars for the first time and things have gotten no cheaper since. If it brings back bad memories of 2008 when national gas averages topped four dollars, that may be for good reason. There are signs that as a nation of drivers some of our old consumer habits die hard. ABC's Vicki Mabrey explains.

Astrology Controversy.
What if the stars were not really aligned the way we always thought they were? Now, one astronomer claims they are not, which means the zodiac sign you grew up with may not really be your sign after all. Imagine if the day you thought you were supposed to be finalizing a project at work was actually a day you were supposed to be making a relationship change. ABC's Jeremy Hubbard takes us inside the scrambled zodiac.

Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: Jason Wesalo

Download or stream this episode of the Perspective Podcast