The Exchange

Last month, NHPR in partnership with NHPTV, the Union Leader and the NH Business and Industry Association put together three debates on the economy with the Candidates for Governor, and both Congressional districts.  Today we listen back to parts of those debates, look at some of the major themes raised, and pull back the curtain a bit to look at the stories, challenges and process of putting together these debates in our special Power Morning.

Guests

For a long time, 'middle class' meant 'comfortable'.  It was a place to strive for and once there, it meant a stable job, a nice home and secure retirement.  But a recent study by the Pew Research Center describes a 'Lost Decade' of the Middle Class, finding this groups to be fewer, poor and gloomier due to the economic crisis.

In a new book, author Charles Mann explores what happened in the years after Columbus’s famed voyage to the Americas. He says it altered everything: sparking a new era of globalization and not just in commerce: but radical changes in crops, cultures, and politics. We’ll talk with Mann about this expansive look at this new era and how the world changed after Columbus.

Guests

• Charles C. Mann - Author of 1493:Uncovering the New World Columbus Created

We sit down with Bishop Peter Libasci, nearly one year after he took over as head of the Diocese of Manchester. We’ll talk with Bishop Libasci about what he hopes to achieve as leader of more than a quarter million New Hampshire Catholics.

In Denver, president Obama and republican nominee Mitt Romney faced off in the first of three forums. The focus was domestic policy - from jobs to taxes to federal debt. We're playing back some debate highlights, covering the major themes....and are including your thoughts in our conversation.

GUESTS:

Wayne Lesperance – professor of political science at New England College and director of the Center for Civic Engagement

We continue our “Issue of the Week” election series…and today we find out where the candidates for Congress, Governor, and President stand on.. education. Though all agree on the importance of strong schools and universities, candidates part ways on how to achieve this aim.  We’ll take a look at how they plan to tackle the many educational challenges, from student debt to funding state universities. 

GUESTS:

Danielle Curtis: Education reporter for the Telegraph of Nashua

Sam Evans-Brown: Education and environment reporter for NHPR

The ads are constant, the sums are staggering.  In the presidential race, spending has crossed the half-billion dollar mark.  State races meanwhile have seen an influx of big money from outside groups. The ads have ranged from tough to downright zany, even with zombies making an appearance. We look at the latest commercials and whether they’re effective.

Guests: 

John Carroll: assistant professor of mass communication at Boston University with a background in advertising and media. His blog is Campaign Outsider.