On the issues

A note here, and a question or two for listeners, about On Point's campaign coverage. You may have noticed recent shows with the phrase "Issues '08" in the title.

In these final weeks leading up to Election Day, Nov. 4, we're aiming to produce at least one full hour per week that delves into a major issue in the presidential race — so far we've looked at education, health care, and the Supreme Court. In the weeks to come we're planning to look at energy and the environment, taxes, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the promise by both candidates to bring "change" to Washington.

At the same time, of course, we're producing shows on the 2008 campaign itself — the horse race, the tactics, the personalities and dynamics of the election — and we'll continue to cover the economy and financial crisis (perhaps the biggest issue of all). But the "issue hours" are meant to be different: setting aside the latest polls and attacks, we're looking as thoroughly as possible, in a single hour of radio, at the candidates' approaches to an issue, with top advisers or expert supporters making the case for each, and with a reporter or nonpartisan analyst riding along with Tom as referee. We're archiving all of them here. Stay tuned for the next installment. And post your questions here on the issues we haven't yet covered.

Now, questions for you: If you've heard these shows, have you found them useful? informative? clarifying? And if not, why? More broadly, are you satisfied with the kind of campaign coverage On Point has offered thus far? Have we struck the right tone? the right mix? are you hearing a balance of conservative and liberal voices? We think about these questions every day. I'm curious how you're hearing the results.

Wen Stephenson
Senior Producer