From the man widely hailed as “the Dean of Moderators” comes a lively and revealing book that pulls back the curtain on more than forty years of televised political debate in America. A veteran newsman who has presided over eleven presidential and vice-presidential debates, Jim Lehrer gives readers a ringside seat for some of the epic political battles of our time, shedding light on all of the critical turning points and rhetorical faux pas that helped determine the outcome of America’s presidential elections—and with them the course of history. Drawing on his own experiences as “the man in the middle seat,” in-depth interviews with the candidates and his fellow moderators, and transcripts of key exchanges, Lehrer isolates and illuminates what he calls the “Major Moments” and “killer questions” that defined the debates, from Kennedy-Nixon to Obama-McCain.

Paul spoke with Jim Lehrer on Tuesday, November 1, 2011:

Jim_Lehrer_on_Presidential_Debates.mp3

From Baptist Press:

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (BP) — He’ll be on the field for every game, right in the middle of the action, but he won’t throw a pitch or take a swing.

Ted Barrett feels the pressure nonetheless. He knows the stakes are high when the World Series starts tonight between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals. But while the players will all be doing their utmost to leave their mark on the Fall Classic, Barrett and five other guys hope that nobody even knows they are there.

“All eyes are on the game,” said Barrett, one of the six umpires working the series. “The biggest fear is for something to happen where you become the story.”

That means no mistakes for Barrett and his five crewmates. It means no controversial calls that have haunted umpires like Don Denkinger (who missed a crucial call at first base in the 1985 World Series) or Jim Joyce (whose blown call cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game in 2010).

Such is life for a major league umpire. When they do their job perfectly, they get no accolades and no praise. When they mess up, they get unending ridicule, scorn and maybe even death threats from legions of fans.

But his job on the field isn’t the only place where Barrett likes to deflect attention. As a Christian and one of the founders of the ministry Calling for Christ (CFC), Barrett ultimately hopes that his actions point to Jesus.

“My sole purpose is to glorify God,” Barrett said. “Whatever happens, if I can walk off the field and glorify God, then I’m in.”

Paul spoke with Ted Barrett on Monday, October 31, 2011:

MLB_Umpire_Ted_Barrett.mp3

Democracy Denied by Americans for Prosperity vice president for policy Phil Kerpen is a guide to understanding and defeating the radical agenda that President Barack Obama is implementing by unilateral regulatory action through his agencies and czars.

Paul spoke with Phil Kerpen on Monday, October 31, 2011:

Phil_Kerpen_on_Democracy_Denied.mp3

Emilio Estevez is the writer/director of a new movie which features his father, Martin Sheen, in the lead role: The Way.

Emilio_Estevez.mp3