State of the Union

" Time for all federal and was far more common view Brevard visions travel -- I have -- doing he had a fat. Let go after them Columbia well tonight is George Bush's finals they with a young immigrant. My state of the union -- state must face the nation. Call our job it will look ahead -- try to figure -- the president should -- say they want Philly that's what they want it. And I think the world will be better off if we Italy tomorrow we'll try to figure out what better for fraudulent ones that are. I know that human being and fish can coexist peacefully so -- everywhere Ireland about spun around -- shaking babies and -- and the wait a minute what factors. My friend -- shaking hands and district -- guest gee I don't know this. The end this also sponsors and Pacific."

" Morning to you and welcome back to explore for our number three we have broadcasting live from the nation's capital Washington DC. Specifically at the side of the Heritage Foundation what an absolutely gorgeous studio. With the best of equipment the most splendid and gracious hospitality could find on."

" All of planet earth. And we yet having a ball for the next couple of days thank you Jason Wolfe and -- Actually special thanks because all of this has brought to buy a a couple of -- is your man tool -- 1800 mattress and powder house mortgage of all made this possible we will as I've mentioned already. Broadcast today. And a and a preview of the president's state of the union address and then tomorrow once again from the Heritage Foundation -- tomorrow. We'll have a number number of commentators congressman Mike -- want -- congressman Steve lynch probably Senator John Kerry speaking at John Kerry by the way this a declaration by Jim -- In the paper today that he is going to run against challenge George Carey. Remember the name Jim poconos teacher he ran for the open congressional seat just a few months ago had a fairly close election. With -- newest. Congressional person that is Niki Tsongas won that race but a close election Jim poconos you will join us here -- for parents forum during this solemn. But most importantly right now we can turn to up to one of the many good guys and gals. Who we're here at the Heritage Foundation. I'm very well respected think tank here in Washington DC joining us is Brian -- Brian has a couple of Massachusetts links he grew up in Andover Massachusetts is a graduate of do you -- the University of Massachusetts graduate of New England School of Law you might recall his dad big shout out to chest the dollar -- of well known attorney is handled some high profile cases and does. Just great Colorado work and as -- all around guy so Brian Dowling you carry a a family lineage the mantle of responsibility rests on -- rest heavily on your show that -- well thank you from the time -- Tyler welcome thanks the hospitality. Right I thought what I'd do this morning is let's just that with the reason that brings us that brings RKO. Two two Washington we the station is going to carry the president's state of the union address live tonight and we were obviously here to discuss -- I'm curious. What do you expect to hear. What would you. Hope he."

" What I would expect to hear is an open discussion of the economy obviously the economy is front and center of the presents a 150 billion dollar stimulus package which is pending before congress. Will be the centerpiece but also -- the theme that will run through this Stevie and you'll be very consistent with this passage of the unions as the war in Iraq in. Discussing progress in the war on Iraq in and what Petraeus general Petraeus may bring to Washington and to the American people in in the -- and a few months about. The progress that's been made since -- surge since we put 30000 new troops in Iraq to try and quell some of the violence into aid the Iraqi government having some. Sort of domestic tranquility so they can put together a government that can actually worked and take care of their own country."

" And yet and I've -- not in a perfect position to anticipate what general Petraeus -- report might say. But on behalf the Heritage Foundation up to this point January 28. What's there adage Foundation's view of the the mission itself in Iraq and the execution of that mission good bad."

" You know I think how'd you folks are evaluated weighed the whole the whole. Dramatic scene over that that's been mix -- mean obviously the military victories have I've been on 100%. It is it's happened I mean you look at -- it's measurable victories in the sense said whenever -- and engage with the enemy we went. The problem is a political side the political side has not been. Working the way it should be and they do not have the type of a consensus government that would -- they need to have to actually govern their own country immune. One of the purposes and President Bush has talked about the mission now being allowing that government to govern itself and in their having a hard time governing we're still helping them McGovern as as we've seen the progress is measurable we have a constitution of had elections there are measurable political goals that have happened a lot of things haven't happened. And until we can see a country that if we pull our troops out they don't have the civil war break out. On we're gonna have a problem with that country and and the American people are not going to look at it as a victory in their not to look at it as measurable success so. There's been a very mixed bag and a -- Our troops need to be commended for doing an excellent job. Militarily and in doing what they have to do but on the political side the Iraqi people are having hard time doing what they're supposed to do in governing themselves the talk."

" I'm Brian Dowling he have is the director of United States senate relations I think that's the best way to describe it on behalf of the Heritage Foundation who is I host today as well as tomorrow -- grateful the -- and Heritage Foundation. Trying to -- stay with Iraq just a little bit more how much credence do you give to. Hillary Clinton's claim. That it's her statements in the statements of the other Democrats John Edwards Barack Obama in particular which had begun to. Frighten the Iraqis and nudged them who at some of these political compromises that they've reached because they're Democrats promised to persons say where Raduyev baby seal laid out. If we don't set a time certain at least we are real worry getting ourselves from. A pursuit of -- stabilization. Two a position of -- departing sooner rather than later she seems to say that it's that message that is nudging people forward do you by any of that at."

" All are not not I don't buy that I mean I think that -- reason why things -- in Iraq because because they have to mean that government if they don't. Govern them they're going to be moved out of office or not to be in power anymore so they're motivated by self interest in keeping a country somewhat together trying to get some of those some different disparate elements of society together and it's it's an unfortunate situation we are in this country where one party is married to two. Possibility of defeat Iraq -- the Democrat party not. I'm on the whole by many in the Democrat party -- themselves to defeat Iraq. On and if we do poorly in Iraq their party will be benefited and it's it's unfortunate I don't think it was it's an unintended consequence of what's happened and our debate. In our society that. The Republicans are the party of of victory in Iraq and Democrats have become the party of defeat and I don't think either party wanted it that way but. Now -- a situation where the parties are. Battling out in the war in Iraq it's it's the number one issue in the presidential race it's going to be a battle. Once the party's figure out who their nominees are going to be we're going to hear a lot more about Iraq we're going to hear a lot more about it we'll hear a little bit less about the economy. And even though the economy right now seems to be pretty dominating the debate in the in right now and at least in the Republican side with the stimulus."

" Well let's stay with the economy and the stimulus package Dan the Heritage Foundation is so classically well not have a splendid reputation. In terms of economic analysis and an embrace of economic principals sometimes overlooked by out by -- elected officials. How do you evaluated Brian right now. What you've seen and heard about the elements of this stimulus proposal is it to is this just a purely political action which is likely to do more harm than good I'm just. Curious your take on at all."

" Well I think most conservatives who say that eleven to -- this affects eleven minimal effect in the economy -- government conservatives believe that the government should say I would -- economy and government attempting to stimulate economic growth usually doesn't work so while it. I'm may have some minimal effect and and putting money in the hands of people living -- run out and spend you know 300 dollar 600 dollar check that's going to help in the short term and long term won't do much to help our economy. Well we do need I think there's a bipartisan push right now on tax simplification. He hear both Democrats and Republicans talking about simplifying the tax code that be huge stimulus. But any effort to just infuse a quick buck into the economy I don't think is going to help all that much. On it is good in the sense that if you keep at least to begin a stimulus package -- putting money in the hands of the people. They can spend it on their own minutes of the government spending and on. Infrastructure other elements were just government funding -- a government government workers are doling out -- different businesses to build the roads. That is less effective in giving it putting in the hands the American people allowing them to spend you know their 600 dollar check anyway they so choose so there's some. Okay elements in the plan but over overall means the business tax cuts -- would be reasonably good some of the discussion about that add ons that'll happen in the Senate with unemployment extension and another welfare benefits probably won't help all of much. And then he talked about giving people checks in their pockets and may help for short term infusion but overall -- 150 billion dollar package probably will grow alot more but it won't do them much to help the economy."

" challenge one of one of his statement that just made about roads and infrastructure in the like. My wreck my recollection is that in the last Republican presidential debate. Governor Mike Huckabee specifically said. With three got to a I think there's a question from Tim russert about the stimulus. Huckabee said look we'll borrow another 150 billion dollars where are you running horrific deficit so we go further into debt. Today and most consumers who -- to buy goods and products that probably made in China so that money will call to China helping China. But not really helping American manufacturers -- And he proposed as a specific alternative consideration. Of rebuilding our infrastructure whether it's extra lanes on interstate highways are its bridges or whatever it might be. And I think in most people's minds Brian we have that picture of the bridge collapse in Minnesota several motorists killed and -- notion that we have neglected our nation's infrastructure. Roads bridges tunnels aqua ducts and -- was a whole series at things that. Our fathers your -- by the end that generation. Never neglected to invest in the infrastructure which artist -- possible but not just our present. But I future this -- these point ring true at all to you."

" I think -- is making a point where he wants to keep the jobs here in the United States I agree with that. Problem is when the federal government gets involved building roads we get a bridge from nowhere like we had. A proposed in Alaska you get a lot of wasteful spending -- it's it's pork barrel fast where. Many of the members of congress come in with their own special projects we have a lot of wasted goes -- of those projects mean last highway bill a lot of I pass a lot of things had nothing to do with infrastructure so. The federal government gets involved in this and starts throwing monies that states and usually good portion of it is just waste and it's a special interest projects mean yes. We obviously do need to keeper roadside and in tip top shape but. It's the federal government is very inefficient way of funding these roads. On and in congress is just had a propensity and still can't both Republicans and Democrats cannot get off. The the that your Marc train. They discontinued the earmark wasteful projects and wasted a lot of the federal taxpayers dollars and and and we're seeing the taxpayers get upset about it. We're talking to."

" Ryan -- he is the director of the United States senate relations on behalf all of a flaw the Heritage Foundation Heritage Foundation of course his so great in gracious host for the next couple days were broadcasting live from there adage foundation down here in Washington DC. I don't want to restrict myself just to an assessment of Mike Huckabee. The presidential elections rom is of -- right in front of our eyes Brian you've been a longtime participant and observer in. Political campaigns and races in the like give me the our assessments of the race so five and is the year candidate or perhaps. Candidates plural who's thinking and actions in around the economy. A more consistent sought closer to heritage foundation principles than others."

" Let's say first of all this has been an exciting time I mean it's amazing though Watson Democrats battle about. And the Obama Clinton battle assist it's just interesting to watch -- this is in the news and observer watching and it's fascinating watching the Republicans battle -- you you have to keep it pretty much two candidates battling it out in Florida who's trying. Take the take the lead going in -- super Tuesday were over twenty states of bugs so every fifth in assists it's just a minute -- watching and I mean as an observer but. I'd say that if you look at out Mitt Romney you know he talked a lot when he is on Michigan about. A lot of federal spending but he did make the point that cafe standards raising fuel efficiency standards has some negative consequences to the economy it's good to hear candidates talked about. These regulations that sound good you know making cars go further and -- and a gallon of gas sounds great but it hurts economy to its hurting Michigan. We're having a hard time producing cars and competing because of all the regulations we have in this country so that was a good thing here but for the most part. You know beat these candidates have very disparate messages in -- they're really trying to pound through but you hear this consistent message of Republicans and tax cuts you're even hearing tax simplification come up you hearing on the Democrat -- hearing great ideas. Barack Obama has a great idea where if you hit retirement age you know have to pay any more taxes and it's. It's tax cuts that will help people that it paid into the system for years it feel like they've been wronged. -- simplification so that everybody does not to spend. A day or more trying to find dollar tax for a small fortune on -- account exactly -- mean it's it's it's an outrage and I think their bipartisan efforts to simplify the tax code into extend the bush tax cuts in the Republican side -- all the candidates even John McCain who was not in favor of the bush tax it's now a city is in favor of extending them to keep taxes low so a low tax low regulation message with. The idea of some some -- extension of free trade agreements is something that I think conservatives like to hear and that is stimulus."

" my recollection of McCain's explanation on his initial vote against the bush tax cuts that was that he saw no appetite whatsoever on either side of the -- The cut spending correspondent -- so it you know whether that's a plausible and a winning political response I don't know but it seems to me that he is working at -- tax policy. -- spending appetites as really each kind of its own separate but related creature to attack we've got to -- my got to contact -- forever -- but what's going on. You mentioned the cafe standards of Romney's articulation of that -- having a negative economic circumstance. Albion every other listeners understand however we read about Toyota continuing to make huge in roads. Against domestic I United States domestic manufacturers Ford Chrysler GM come -- that it -- Honda Subaru an an addict have manufactures but mostly Japanese seem to have no problem making a high quality counts. With high mileage with or without cafe standards so that Americans like the dollar and family that Finneran family and everybody else was listening up this has you know I -- the buy American if and when I can and a -- and in of I can be convinced that -- actually be in canal made him. The United States going to go that way why is -- that Japanese manufacturers in particular seem to have found a very profitable niche. And you and and Mitt -- seem to think that. A governmental stand it that would kind of Munich that what Toyota is done and its own private way would somehow how our US manufacturers helping to understand that."

" All I'd say there's another reason is -- unions mean union's drive up the cost of domestic production of cars which is Japanese don't have the same they don't have the same history. Of union organizing their country that none of the same power mean -- Democrat party owes lots of the unions and then in unions do a lot of get out the vote efforts for Democrats -- mean it's it's it's something bad. Is is definitely affecting cost also I mean on cafe standards and on the issues like them we have a lot of regulations on our. Car companies -- of a lot of regulations and our economy river reasonably high corporate tax level in this country is compared to other countries it's. On many times people who understand -- although our personal taxes or income taxes are lower than most countries are corporate tax rate is higher than. In many countries higher than Japan higher than a lot of the European countries. And it's something that we have to look at if we can lower corporate tax rates in my maker corporations little bit more. Competitive for -- we do provide them with all these different tax credits. In some of the tax credits create problems of the companies and we're trying to create all these alternative fuels and all these alternatives and and it we're not there yet he journal bio mass. And we're not in any situation on the actually use biomass and put them in car switch grass and all these things of the president talks about. So he's trying to push a lot of these alternative fuels -- were not ready for our cars are ready for and if you push. On Detroit and direction it's inefficient. A we're -- part time compete agreement a hard time competing in the world where it's is happening naturally through the free market where. Japanese companies are putting together these great products -- lower. Obviously the pain lower salaries on and a lot of these countries are putting together the parts -- going to cars that come from China that are very low cost. We're having a hard time competing -- economy needs to be more flexible lower taxation and corporations less regulation. Was trying to be more competitive in the world market."

" He quick thoughts on the unfolding. United States senate elections where -- everybody's focused on the presidency in the the McCain and Romney five the Iraq -- Hillary fight so on and so forth. But underneath and up the next president is going to have to work with some -- changing US senate. Is it any."

" Party -- candidate out the is that you Bryant -- on behalf Heritage Foundation Heritage Foundation says. This is the type of voice we need what's unfolding on that stage. Oh I think you the consensus is it's going to be a bloodbath for Republicans for many reasons one being. That more Republican seats are up than Democrats seats or 22 Republican seats up. And most of the seats that are contested Republican seats and you know aren't many Democrats seats that Republicans even think they can pick up -- look at New Hampshire Johnson in his can have a very tough time winning his reelection. Norm Coleman of Minnesota is going to have a tough time -- open seats and it can be difficult to hold like New Mexico if Colorado and -- you look al west yup origin you have vowed Gordon Smith -- may have a tough time winning his reelection so they're predicting the pundits predict about a five -- loss Republicans. On May be more depends on how things go with things are looking really bad I think a few months ago for the Democrats -- get to that magic number of sixty it's possible that under those senate rules really allow them to run just run completely unchecked just try to it would allow Democrats overcome Republican filibusters. Which are sixty vote threshold and and they have 51 massive -- to pick up nine seats which is. Not unprecedented be very difficult that this is a tough time for Republicans Republicans -- having a tough time picking a nominee. To leave their party and they're not very popular right now you look at the popularity ratings in Washington DC I think congress does that. 19% at one point not that much higher now the presence very unpopular so of the selection comes a referendum on George Bush walking out of the door much like bill Clinton's last year turned out to be a difficult year for Democrats it may be very hard -- Republicans hold. Many receipts they have to hold in the Senate and it's going to be tough do you envision any seen any situation in which the Republicans may appear to hold on to the White House. Yes I mean it I think that Barack Obama would be very difficult candidate to run against if you want to Democrat nomination. Hillary Clinton's appears to have a locked -- base of support base of opposition. Arms so if many people think that if Hillary Clinton nominee it's there aren't many votes in play but the votes -- are -- Potentially could go for Republicans if things go the right way in the election I mean -- if Iraq continues to dominate the debate I don't think Republicans are going to do well but if we shift more into the economy discussion the economy and pro growth of pro growth message for the future. I think the Republicans do better on that turf because it's a high -- is low tax high regulation versus low regulation debate. That definitely favors Republicans that it's still going to be difficult made it would take an economic turnaround people are perceiving that the economies are real early energy prices are really high. -- and unemployment although low is going."

" Opt out of two inch up -- now ran last question I don't see literally a glimmer of a difference in terms of the policy positions between Barack Obama. And Hillary Clinton both doctrinaire liberals on a variety of things. Yet you handicap the presidential race and Republicans would have a shot a chance at a legitimate chance against Hillary. -- you seem to be kind of running up the flag of surrender if it's Iraq is that just because he's had new fresh face. And doesn't have the visceral. Negatives that she has even though he has the same positions on health care and a and a and a vast a more vast federal. Spending machine."

" Yeah I think so I think sit tone two. Barack Obama is an incredible speaker every single time he's. Anyone in Iowa he gave a great speech after he won an island South Carolina speech was a very presidential mean he's a great public speaker is a likable guy. And I don't think the same can be said for the team running on the other side of the -- Clinton team I mean we're seeing. Bill Clinton turning -- of a hit man you know being very negative towards Brock a bomb and it's not going over well in Hillary Clinton being the good cop Bill Clinton being the bad -- I don't think it's playing -- and her negatives are high -- we're gonna just hear all about the Clinton years all over again. When this campaign rolls out of Hillary Clinton's nominee."

" And this and it will be the nostalgic will -- the -- which we really miss bill kind of routine a -- you have been fabulous we have been talking to Brian Dowling. No wonder as the panacea such connections to Massachusetts is dead. Just there as well as alleged in legal and the social circles and Brian himself grew up and Sandoval went to umass went to New England School of Law and has brought that skill set down in Washington all of America is blessed to have Brian Dowling an RKO listeners have been particularly blessed. We thrilled to have that be here on the up. At the Heritage Foundation studio special thanks."

" Welcome back top Finneran D while listening to veterans or as we've broadcast live from Washington DC. Specifically from the Heritage Foundation great and gracious hosts who broadcast live today as we do -- preview. Of the president's last state of the union address and then again tomorrow."

" We'll -- the post script analysis with several special guest speaking a special guest in the news today. Is who's that Jim poconos eat a name that -- be familiar with not only because it was -- guest here -- finance from a couple of times but more specifically. He was a candidate for the open seat the open congressional seat up in Merrimack valley held by Marty Meehan sever -- as and Jim poconos he lost a narrow close election to Niki Tsongas to -- announced he has is back in the news -- with us -- On the Iran parents forum is back in the news he has decided to. Keep his hand in the political arena. In his gun to challenge democratic United States Senator John Kerry we welcome Jim -- husky to -- it's or good morning Jim. It BR welcome and thank you so much for joining us you know he had a yeah had a hot spot election close election against peace August up there in Merrimack valley. I came up on the short end and I'm sure it was a personal disappointment to UN -- in -- supporters. Now this is a big -- That he would take our -- tell me what you're thinking he is as you approach this campaign this challenge to Senator John Kerry."

" you -- my apartment got more votes than I did last time but I don't feel defeated I don't feel like at locked in fact. I believe we start the movement here in the fifth district that's resonate across the nation. Accurate from the presidential candidates when they're in Iowa and New Hampshire Florida and South Carolina. That that Washington has broken we need fundamental change they have the people who absolutely Fed up that. And nobody in Washington represent that status Cold War -- John Kerry we need real change. I have that they -- three -- at Boston Globe this morning with John Kerry says that he wants to fight the fight for change. A lot I think it's absolutely ridiculous he's been there already but 22 years he doesn't need --"

" You know Jim as it at just as an observer try to step back from a and listen close -- about the candidates say. And it seems the most frequently used word in the political vocabulary these days just change so. You have a coming from a relative newcomer like Barack Obama I haven't coming from a seasoned guy like. John Kerry had Ted Kennedy has been around forever at a and it it just seems to be -- that everybody is -- latching. Onto India I guess I asked the question. What specifically. Do you think is broken. That you cannot ask everybody who uses the word change are there are in a position to fix what is it about up. Political system ivory I realized Republicans and Democrats are going to argue. Some if some people accused of would bicker about things but that's because they've view the world differently on taxes the war in a Procter and other things. -- what's going to be special about Jim poconos -- allowing him to break this. Impasse."

" Well if you if you look at what's getting accomplished in Washington -- he would absolutely is nothing's getting talked about and it even goes back further than. Then that -- talk about the energy crisis which had an energy crisis in this country yet we still don't have a national. If you plan because they can't come together to work together to lead -- to a a good plan for the future we need tax relief we need to cut this wasteful spending. People are concerned act and I are aggregate are everywhere I went marked all right here at the same thing now people are real concerned about the economy they're concerned about. You know want to come home from work today they want to know the job's going to be here tomorrow we bring good jobs to Massachusetts we need to keep the people working they want to have that security."

" Jim talent I've listened to Senator Kerry talked about for example climate change the need to go to renewable energy the need to. I begin to separate ourselves economically in culturally from oil from particularly from foreign -- but from oil in the light and I noticed that -- talking about weaning ourselves off of oil supplies as well what. What do you think you can do. That Senator Kerry hasn't spoken about and hasn't worked on -- would -- house he'd make a difference as as compared to Senator John Kerry."

" Well -- I think you used the key word -- spoken about it yet it's genetic it's done we need to lead this country energy independence we need copper. Incentives for people to take advantage of a solar power wind power we need to opera to a business is the homeowners. Bombers we I believe that next economic almanac country is what is our economy changes is to be around renewable energy sources. And we have to start doing it now look at how much money we sent out of this country every day as we purchased for an oil."

" What about pet peeves gym I go crazy about it everytime I see it tanker. Pulling in I think it's filled with oil when it goes out of the gets filled with hundred dollar bills."

" Exactly and you know where at one point pure physical John Kerry proposed raising the -- tax -- them -- working men and women -- just by fifty cents. Fifty cents a gallon like -- that the people have a tough time making ends meet we don't need -- in Washington DC we need to get energy independent streak in the country's."

" Jim two questions while I'm on energy independence that what ticker call to if you have time. Cape wind Jim -- house keep far -- against that and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge foreigner against the."

" I am in favor of cape wind I think -- that there is not only do we talk about it that we deal with we need to -- that. On a -- put energy independence and that's a good start. I think it's time that Washington put together a national energy plan that we just for the future we haven't built -- oil refinery in this country in over thirty years. I'm against drilling and and were at this point in time until because most of their oil from Alaska is shipped overseas we don't even using United States. That's an absolutely ridiculous thing to do that Ehrlichman and sell elsewhere we come up with a national energy policy that works for the future and then we can -- be analyzed that one."

" Let's take a caller we can't Kevin has caller from up by -- neck of the woods Kevin scholar from -- Kevin you're on the which -- you know ski and Tom Finneran."

" A lot of money can't morning viewpoint I really think that there. He saw that have been -- that Jim would be in the air right now. As a parent are the better the suburbs that it would it was terrible articulate India utility -- that the -- in it was terrible pan am glad that you -- against every instead of one against the policy anyway I think he can be Kerry carried vulnerable."

" Jim let me just pick up -- Kevin's political observation. John Kerry was challenged by bill weld who is at the height of his popularity had a lot of money had a lot of political support. And -- still beat him pretty comfortably John Kerry is underestimated as a political. Candidate by a lot of people what -- a sense of John Kerry today who's sitting on a big financial advantage -- name recognition. And a lot of experience in these type of fights."

" Well I know well a lot of people are going to look at this raises a David versus Goliath but even in that -- we know David one he may be awful is that a lot of friends he's got a lot of lobbyist friends he's got a lot of money. But he is clearly beatable and it's gonna happen this year I firmly believe you know that was twelve years ago when he didn't sell well what is he accomplished since that time. Exactly people going to be looking at what has begun to Massachusetts how much -- seen John Kerry of Massachusetts you know Jim on the streets of Boston you know portrait get lol. Ought to feel the Springfield he lives in Washington you -- He -- so what the Washington lobbyists he's not representing Massachusetts at this point."

" Jim final weren't -- going to escape plan if there is one at this point on Iraq. Everybody knows that John Kerry says his vote and four that authorization was a big mistake and everybody -- mouse knows now the situation weren't there. How would debt a sanity Hogan house key approach that issue."

" Wolf clearly we we work with Iraqis stabilize the country get -- our troops home."

" Pretty straightforward and I know -- up against the clock Jim as we would delighted you were able to join us with a -- to talking to you as we go down alive and thanks to stand a touch with a cigarette veterans for a."

" Well thank you very much and I'm looking for the support of all you're listening audience."

" Arafat -- gonna -- that's the voice of Jim -- asking you heard that voice when he was in the midst of the -- campaign against Niki Tsongas and he has now decided to keep this out of the political arena he will challenge John Kerry in the upcoming follow election we of course will have joint carry on with us. To borrow as we talked about the present state of the union address as well as the -- you know -- challenge in coming up right around caught up right at the top of the next now will be Bryan -- from the Boston Globe. As we do our regular Monday feature with globe columnist and journalists Bryan -- is the Washington DC correspondent for the globe we have so much to talk to him about state of the union address presidential politics. He said she said between -- and I Hillary and and bill. Lots to talk about -- that's will be back in a moment on AM 680 WR KOK let's -- we are delighted. Two welcome. Two thinner it's form Bryan Bender he is the Washington D one of a couple of Washington DC correspondents -- the Boston Globe. Everybody knows that great feature we do with the globe every Monday every day we do the Steve Bailey feature that's lot of fun. And then every Monday we do the globe feature Colin around the world with the globe because really we talk to put the best a journalist and opted people about a whole variety of topics. We doubt here in Washington the next couple of days to talk about President Bush's final. State of the union address to give a little preview get a peek at a and then do post script analysis after the fact borrow. Broadcasting's upset a couple of times already. From the Heritage Foundation have been great gracious hosts. And Bryan -- kind enough to join us even before the top of the -- which is great pride of if you're ready to go we might as well get right into it because the is in my opinion. So much to talk about in. The globe the -- kind of front he had -- Massachusetts politics so let's that would that would if we can't. Our senior senator Ted Kennedy it's out all of it yup paper and other papers today. That Ted Kennedy have has made a decision to endorse Barack Obama he'll appear with some way to today down here in DC at American University. Go out on -- campaign swing through some of the western states as well -- coming back this way to the east in anticipation of a super Tuesday. What is your take on the dynamic of bill and Hillary Clinton the relationship. With Ted Kennedy. Ted Kennedy's. Up until this point. Scrupulous adherence to neutrality and now all of a sudden he breaks ranks and he is. Wrapping his powerful bombs around Barack Obama with an endorsement. --"

" politics it's an earthquake mean nobody expected Senator Kennedy to endorse any candidate particularly because she's close with the clintons he has been for a long time. But I think some of his aides say that in the last few weeks he's been. Concerns do you have to say the least by some of the campaign tactics of of the Clinton campaign. He thinks the President Clinton has gone over the line and a few cases and I think. You can't discount the fact that his niece Caroline Kennedy president Kennedy's only surviving child endorsed -- on Sunday in an Op Ed piece in the New York Times you know -- I think the timing of this couldn't be any better for senator Obama going into super Tuesday Senator Kennedy. Is the -- of the Democratic Party here in Washington. And still is very popular among some of those crucial. Voters that maybe have not yet. Decided to go for senator Obama like the Latino community likes -- blue collar sort of old guard democratic voters. So I think. It's a very significant development I think it hurts the Clinton campaign but you know Teddy Kennedy's been around -- time so even if Hillary's a little P -- him. I think he can -- he survived."

" They'll survive is in need her this about that Ted Kennedy's not the only one who apparently expressed his disappointment with Clinton team tactics. And perhaps taking liberties with. Their critique of Barack Obama is reckoned and so on and so forth Tom Daschle who. At least from my -- in you -- a longtime observer of the Washington scene entry new senator Daschle. Daschle I was interviewed be relatively subdued low key below the raid act kind of guy as opposed to Kennedy was always. Rented a challenge you know tried to kill and fight the fight in Daschle himself seem -- Obliged to take to take Clinton to task."

" Yeah I think senator Daschle as one there's been other Democratic Party leaders who have expressed concern that. The clintons have crossed the line at least in some cases. Senator Daschle I think to be fair that has been a Barack Obama supporter for some time so I'll -- not just coming into this -- you as an independent observer. But clearly there -- party leaders who think that some of president Clinton's comments you know very subtle comments but for example the other day when he. Said after the South Carolina primary that well you know Jesse Jackson won here two and 1984 and 1988 back then it was caucus who wasn't awful primary I think some people took that is its President Clinton sort of demeaning what Barack Obama had accomplished in. No he wallet Hillary Clinton and South Carolina."

" 221 it was a -- let me ask you this question. We have talked to Bryan Bender correspondent for the Boston Globe -- here covering Washington DC -- department defense Homeland Security terrorism. E and obviously we're going to ask specifically about the upcoming the president's a dress tonight what he anticipates I wanna put on a Clinton hack for a moment just to really develop this conversation. She takes Barack Obama a task for a -- voting 130 times presence on a very relatively brief career in the Illinois. Legislature and also takes him to task for voting against an amendment that would put a cap of 3% on credit cat debt. And two says hey wait a minute. Don't say that that's an over the wide critique these at his votes. About making anything up. And when I ask him about it he comes up with an excuse any tact tries to dodger -- the way our politicians will dodge a wave of this a tough question. And it's accusing Hillary's over the line in those attacks are is that the bill. Approach in which he was trying to -- maybe not so subtly inject race into the public decision."

" You know I think. Senator Clinton is critiques when it comes to us senator Obama's record back in Illinois or his record in the US and in the last few years are totally legitimate -- cheese I think been quite effective. In some of the debates and questioning him on some of those votes in try to draw him out a little bit. You know what -- I will say that I don't think gets talked about as much is that. You know it seems that a key. Piece of the Obama's strategy has also been to kind of create this cocoon around him. That there are certain kinds of things that you can't. Attack him because if you do you're picking on him because he's the African American candidate because he's different. And I think they've used that strategy very effectively because I think it's some cases. There are legitimate points that he needs to be questioned on hasn't it and I think. This sort of the little bit of -- fear out there that if you well if you taken too much attached to be accused of picking on him. I think -- federal bomb also. Obviously has to answer these questions about the record in and I think one of the things shall try to do going. Into super Tuesdays to put a little more meat on the boats he's talked about this broad message of hope. And bring in the country together and sort of changing politics as we know it. He's going to have to talk more specifically about what he's."

" They do this for us. -- what coming right up on the news wreck at the top of the -- we can stay with us that'd be great because I want to get back to this the press has a role of responsibility in this so much want to cover with the president's state of the union address so will do the news very very quickly will be right back with prime -- and meet Tom Finneran on AM 680 WRKO"