Reverbiage: Stories from NPR

Before King's 'Dream' Day, City Feared Nightmare

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:17:00 EDT

Many white residents of Washington, D.C., didn't expect the day of Aug. 28, 1963, to shine as a beacon in the history of U.S. civil rights. "They expected riot and mayhem," historian Taylor Branch said. With activist Roger Wilkins, Branch looks back at that day.

Economic Growth Spurs Concerns Over Inflation

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:11:00 EDT

With higher than expected economic growth, economists remain concerned about inflation. Some think the economy is facing enough headwinds to keep it in check. Others say the strong GDP numbers mean the economy hasn't slowed down enough yet to curb inflation.

Darrell Proctor: On The Pulse Of Conservative Mo.

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:47:00 EDT

Proctor, age 60, has been campaigning for GOP candidates since he was old enough to hand out brochures. He says his and others' efforts to organize conservative turnout in southwest Missouri may be key to making sure the battleground state stays red on Nov. 4.

In Ark. Town, Leaders Abound

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Mountain View, Ark., is a small town in the Ozark Mountains where musicians are leading an effort to keep the town alive. It's part of a series talking to people about whom they look up to.

Study: Oxygen Levels Have Varied Little Over Ages

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:37:00 EDT

A new study finds oxygen has probably not varied all that dramatically since dinosaurs first roamed the Earth. Scientists in Ireland say the atmosphere seems to have been at least 15 percent oxygen for hundreds of millions of years.

FEMA Prepares For Gustav

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EDT

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is focused on dealing with the storm Gustav, which could smash the Gulf Coast as a major hurricane. The head of FEMA is in the region and his boss, Homeland Defense Secretary Michael Chertoff, is going, too.

Supersleuth Mixes Crime, Comedy

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:34:00 EDT

A comic thriller composed with literary refinement and an ear for wordplay, Adam Davies' Mine All Mine bounces through a world of objets d'art and tranquilizer darts.

Obama To Accept Democratic Nomination

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:32:00 EDT

Barack Obama officially accepts his party's nomination for president Thursday at Denver's Invesco Field at Mile High.

What The Public Wants In Obama's Speech

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:28:00 EDT

Barack Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field comes with sky-high expectations. He must speak to traditional Democrats, independents and disaffected Republicans. People on the streets of Denver talk about what they hope to hear.

McCain VP Pick May Steal Obama Thunder

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:26:00 EDT

Democrat Barack Obama will accept his party's nomination for president Thursday. But his rival, Republican John McCain, hopes to steal some of his thunder with a quick announcement of his vice presidential pick.

Obama Prepares For A High-Stakes Speech

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:21:00 EDT

The Democratic nominee will deliver a highly anticipated acceptance speech before a huge audience. Republicans have already derided him as a "celebrity" who can draw large crowds but who lacks the experience to be president.

In Swing-State Tour, Democrats To Target Economy

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will begin Friday a joint bus trip through the key battleground states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, which have been hard hit by the economic downturn. Obama and his running mate will emphasize the economy.

Exports Spur GDP Growth In Second Quarter

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:19:00 EDT

The Commerce Department has revised second-quarter growth in gross domestic product to 3.3 percent, up from the previous estimate of 1.9 percent. The rate of increase is the fastest in nearly a year. Higher exports were credited for the increase.

Forgotten Record By Rodriguez Being Re-Released

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Sixto Diaz Rodriguez sounded like a cross between Bob Dylan and Love's Arthur Lee. But after his recording debut in 1969, both Rodriguez and his record disappeared in the U.S. He enjoyed success in other countries and now the record is being re-released.

Delegates Offer Advice To Boost Obama's Base

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:01:00 EDT

During the Democratic National Convention, Obama has benefited by being surrounded by a mostly adoring base. But as the election moves forward, delegates and party leaders say that he needs to extend his message to a broader audience — beginning with his speech on Thursday night at the city's football stadium.

Tracing The Roots Of 'Irish Madness'

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:32:00 EDT

For five generations, Patrick Tracey's family has been plagued by what he calls "a perfect storm of schizophrenia." In his new book, Stalking Irish Madness, he traces his family lineage — and the roots of the disease — all the way back to Ireland.

What Exactly Went Wrong For Clinton

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

In any other year, Hillary Clinton would have won the Democratic nomination, says Politico.com's Roger Simon. He breaks down the Clinton campaign's missteps — at the forefront, a simple lack of staff experience.

An Emotional Breakfast

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

We hear voices from this morning's Unity Breakfast at the Democratic National Convention. Many people were deeply moved by the naming of the first African American as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

Did The DNC Work On TV...

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The Democratic National Convention was in a way, one big reality television show. Who covered it best? Mary McNamara, the television critic for the Los Angeles Times, breaks it down from Colbert to CNN.

'Marketplace' Report: Relief For Porn Addicts

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

In the newest test version of Microsoft's forthcoming Internet Explorer, consumers will have the option to surf without a "history." There are benefits to this feature beyond just prolonging marriages.

In Minnesota, Two Dreams

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

On the anniversary of Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech, we meet with two families — each striving for the American dream. Though they live just 10 miles apart, they face very different circumstances. One is well off, the other poor; one is black, one white. But they both value education and want a better life for their children.

Anticipating Obama With A Debate Team

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama will be giving his big speech on the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous I Have a Dream speech, meaning the stakes are extremely high. We visit with a local speech and debate team in Denver to see what they are looking for.

What Hurricane Gustav Learned From Katrina

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Hurricane Gustav is opening old wounds in Louisiana. But gun-shy residents' reactions to the threat could be a good thing. Madeleine Brand talks to Kenneth Padgett, Jefferson Parish director of emergency services, about how they're preparing for a possible disaster three years after Hurricane Katrina.

Russia Under Pressure, Has Little World Support

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:53:00 EDT

Russia is facing international isolation over this month's attacks in Georgia, and the country failed to enlist the support it wanted from China and a group of former Soviet republics in central Asia. Moscow has accused NATO of "battleship diplomacy."

Report: Mugabe Aims To Form New Government

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:37:00 EDT

In Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe is planning to form a new government without the consent of the main opposition party, the state-owned newspaper reports. The news comes as talks between Mugabe and the opposition leader have stalled.

U.S. Economy Beats Growth Expectations

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:37:00 EDT

The U.S. economy grew at a better than expected 3.3 percent rate in the second quarter, according to a report Thursday from the Commerce Department. But tax rebate checks and the weak dollar fueled the boost, and experts don't expect the healthy economic growth to last.

Obama Rewrites History, Clinches Nomination

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:33:00 EDT

Sen. Barack Obama made history last night as the first black man to lead a major party's bid for the White House. An emotional day included speeches by former President Bill Clinton, vice presidential candidate Joe Biden and a relinquishing of delegates by former candidate Hillary Clinton. Host Michel Martin gives an update from Denver.

DNC Music Minute: 'Yes We Can'

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

As part of the program's Music Minute from the Democratic National Convention, listen to a portion of the song, Yes We Can, by popular musician Will-I-Am. The speech is influenced by a speech from presidential candidate Barack Obama.

On The Floor: Sounds From The DNC

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Sen. Barack Obama was nominated as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate last night in Denver, and the party faithful cheered on speeches by former President Bill Clinton and vice presidential nominee Joe Biden. Hear thoughts from delegates on the floor during party's emotional roll call.

Maya Angelou On Possibility Of A Black President

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

As Democratic Sen. Barack Obama moves forward as the first African-American to serve as a major party presidential nominee, the program continues its series What If?, discussing the possible impact of a Sen. Barack Obama presidency on race relations. Author and poet Maya Angelou, a former Hillary Clinton supporter, weighs the meaning Obama's candidacy.

Today Marks Dual Landmarks In American History

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Sen. Barack Obama makes history tonight when he speaks before the Democratic National Convention as the first black presidential nominee of a major party. But today also marks the 45th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington. Civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman discusses the significance of both events.

Foreign Press Follows Dems In Denver

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Foreign policy experience and expertise is critical to many American voters in choosing a president. In this week's international briefing, hear how the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is being viewed by the foreign press. Jesus Esquivel, of Mexico's Proceso political magazine and John Mulaa from Kenya's East African Standard discuss how media from abroad are being received at the DNC.

Mason Jennings On Mountain Stage

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:21:00 EDT

Once an itinerant 16-year-old high school dropout, the singer-songwriter wound up in Minneapolis, where he has recorded six full-length albums and started a family. He previews his newest record on Mountain Stage.

The View From Denver

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:58:00 EDT

Journalist Joshua Green discusses the activities at the Democratic National Convention. Green is a senior editor at The Atlantic. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Esquire and Rolling Stone.

Mark Sawyer: Race And The Obama Campaign

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:25:00 EDT

Political scientist and author runs the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Politics at UCLA; he talks to Terry Gross about how Barack Obama's campaign is addressing issues touching on race and ethnicity.