Search results for

NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports that Sen. Robert Dole's views on issues are often difficult to nail down, which has made some Republicans hesitant about backing him as their party's nominee for president. It's been his legislative deal-making abilities that have won Dole the most praise from colleagues and admirers. But those who know Dole the best say he is a classic Midwestern Republican, who sees a role for government as long as it's as prudent as possible. They say he is unlikely to reveal his emotions and concerns if he doesn't have to. (9:30) 7. KANSAS SONG -- Musical satire from Peter Robinson, who well understands the maxim that to understand the man, one must first understand the place where he's from.

NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports that peanut subsidies are under attack by reformers in Congress who say the program costs consumers too much. Defenders of the program say price supports protect the family farm. Opponents say the program is being abused by people who benefit but don't actually grow anything.

KAY ANN JOHNSON does research on adoption and abandonment in China, for the Committee for Scholarly Communications with China 1995-1996. She says that the Human Rights Watch report misrepresents the scope of the problem in Chinese state-run orphanages and that she has seen no systematic official policy of letting children die. JOHNSON is a Professor of Asian Studies and Political Science at Hampshire College

NPR's Chitra Ragavan reports that a congressional panel heard from seven White House Travel Office employees who were fired a few months after President Clinton took office. The fired workers said the Clinton administration drummed up phony allegations so they could put their friends in power.

Howard Berkes profiles a local politician in Montana. Mayor Dan Kemmis of Missoula preaches a more hands-on approach than most local governments practice. His leadership style has predictably drawn mixed reviews.

Ingrid Lobet of member station KPLU in Seattle reports on the remarkable success story of Magic, a new card game that's set a trend in the hobby game market. A mixture of dungeons and dragons fantasy, fancy artwork and Byzantine rules in the form of playing cards, Magic has made its makers rich and created a subculture of avid players/collectors with a language all their own.

NPR's Michael Goldfarb reports from London on a new twist in the negotiations for peace in Northern Ireland. British Prime Minister John Major now says he'll call for elections for a new Northern Ireland elected body unless paramilitaries start surrendering their weapons.

NPR's Mike Shuster reports from Sarajevo that the top NATO commanders are now convinced that the former warring military leaders are committed to peace. British General Sir Michael Walker tells Shuster that although the military leaders are on board, there are still questions about the committment from the civilian politicians.

Blues artist B.B. King spoke today at the National Press Club luncheon. We hear an excerpt in which he talks about getting started as a kid picking cotton and singing on street corners in Indianola, Mississippi.

Noah talks with Larry Dunn, chairman of the Allegheny County Board of Commissioners. He describes the flooding in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. More rain is predicted.

Professor of Religion, and distinguished scholar HUSTON SMITH. His book "The World's Religions" (formerly "The Religions of Man") has been the most widely-used textbook for courses in world religion for thirty years. There's now an illustrated version of his book, a companion to Bill Moyer's upcoming series featuring SMITH. ("The Wisdom of Faith" premiers MARCH 26 - APRIL 23 on PBS.) "The Illustrated World's Religions: a Guide to Our Wisdom Traditions" is published by Harper. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES THRU THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).

Interview with HUSTON SMITH continued.