WWRL Morning Show with Errol Louis

From Hunter College Course

  An unexpected guest caller on The Morning Show was Sen. John Sampson, Majority Conference Leader of the Senate. Sampson lit into Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, saying Paladino would "bankrupt New York State" if elected.    

  Gov. Paterson tells why he never seriously intended to appoint himself U.S. senator; explains why he thinks Carl Paladino is not fit to hold his job; talks about exonerations and pardons and offers hints about what he'll be doing after leaving office.  

  We talk with the Brooklyn congressman about his fact-finding trip and his re-election opponent.  

The fire-breathing freshman from Florida's 8th District is the first Democrat to represent Orlando in 34 years. He says being an unabashed liberal is the key to victory this fall. 

  Abigail Thernstrom, Vice-Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, says the controversy is much ado about nothing.  

The Governor explains a law he will enact today that expands contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned firms.

 The senate leader says there was more going on in Albany than just the budget -- and that Dems don't get enough credit for the laws they passed.  

  We ask Col. Nick Pratt (ret.) about the pros and cons of the McChrystal/Petraeus counterinsurgency doctrine.

The Harlem congressman says it’s time to reinstitute a military draft to bring home the true cost of the war.

  Meet political blogger Keli Goff, author of Party Crashing: How the Hip Hop Generation Declared Independence.  

  Col. Richard Klass, a Rhodes Scholar who flew over 200 combat missions, assesses U.S. strategy.

  West Coast Talker Davey D explains why the upcoming verdict in a controversial police shooting case could lead to civil unrest.  

  Melissa Derosa, New York State Director of Organizing for America, talks about what the organization will be doing for the midterm elections -- and how you can get involved.

  Wayne Barrett’s cover story in the Village Voice examines the fight shaping up between Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

  Following yesterday's tumult in Albany, Sen. Parker says "I was loud, but I was on the point I wanted to make" and that "somebody has to fight for people who can't fight for themselves." He also calls Sen. DeFrancisco of Syracuse a "white supremacist."  

Diane Ravitch has a new book, the Death and Life of the Great American School System, that is making waves. She takes on choice, charters, accountability and the (mis)management of public schools in New York and around the nation.

 Daniel Almond, founder of Restore the Constitution, makes his case. His website claims that "the Constitution of the United States is being actively undermined by many in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the US government.”

United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew explains the court decision that will block the closings and talks about the battle for school reform. 

 The Queens Congressman says he's been targeted by right-wing media.

  The Governor talks about the state probe now being conducted by former Chief Judge Judith Kaye.  

  The Queens Congressman talks about Aqueduct, the nonprofit he helped found, and allegations of improper use of charitable funds.  

  The Governor hits back at media critics and says Democrats should not worry about him dragging down the ticket in November.

New York's Junior Senator talks about Haiti relief, health care, and the possibility of a race against Harold Ford, Jr.  Interview is posted to YouTube, below.  

 A day after delivering the State of the State address, Gov. Paterson criticizes lawmakers, lobbyists and good-government groups for not facing fiscal reality.  

Bettina Damiani of Good Jobs New York says government gives away too much to corporations and gets too little in the way of jobs.

Ethics watchdog Blair Horner of NYPIRG assesses Paterson's ethics bill.  

The Governor says the first budget cuts won't be the last.

Gov. Paterson say the state legislature must act quickly. He's said it before, and taken political grief for it.

This young driver's quick wits saved the life of an infant.

Bill Quigley of the Center for Constitutional Rights explains the lawsuit against Congress.

Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh has launched a campaign to restore funding to NYCHA.

The myth that nobody realized the mayor's race would be close underscores a deeper problem with accepting the conventional wisdom at face value.

Columnist Charlie Stile explains how the GOP took New Jersey.

Erik Engquist of Crain's NY Business analyzes the NYC races.

Jude Seymour of the Watertown Daily Times explains the race.

Ethan Pollack of the Economic Policy Institute discusses the fall in Gross Domestic Product.

A look at races around the nation with Ed Schultz.

The Watertown Times says Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman, who doesn't live in the district, doesn't know local issue. He also relies on big national funders. One of them is Matt Wheeler of the National Republican Trust.

Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute argues against the idea of health care reform.

The Democratic challenger makes his case for mayor.

Analyst Imran Anwar discusses the latest attacks by Pakistan militants.

 Prof. Elizabeth Warren explains why a new agency is needed.  Interview recorded 9/18/09, aired 9/21/09.  

This Bronx man rushed to the scene of a fire to save a 4-year-old boy.

Callers talke to retired detective Marq Claxton about the NYPD.

Dr. Gene Uphoff of the Mad as Hell Doctors wants single payer.

The president of Teamsters Local 237 represents most NYCHA emplolyees.

The shocking poll has been yanked, but the controversy continues. Jose Vargas of the Huffington Post explains why.

Attorney Ron Kuby defends Imam Ahmad Wais Afzali.

Yesterday's runoff election brought victory to Bill de Blasio and John Liu. Back in March, I described the politics behind John Liu's campaign.