
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/08/30/costello_vert.jpg width=200 height=230 align="right"]
From CNN's Carol Costello:
Bill Clinton, the last two-term Democratic president, may have thrown cold water on President Obama's bid for a second term.
Clinton told the conservative website "Newsmax" that now is not the time to raise taxes saying, "I personally don't think we should be raising taxes or cutting spending, either one, till we get this economy off the ground. This has been a dead flat economy."
However, in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Clinton blasted Republicans for their anti-tax ideology and said he'd support the president's millionaires tax.
Nevertheless, conservatives are thrilled about Clinton's comments to "Newsmax," with Congressman Eric Cantor saying, "I hope President Obama will heed the advice of President Clinton and drop his demand for one of the largest tax increases in American history."
Talk Back: Is Bill Clinton helping or hurting President Obama?
Let us know what you think. Your responses could be read on our program.
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From CNN's Carol Costello:
Presidential hopeful Rick Perry recently came out with a new campaign ad that emphasizes patriotism and strongly states that Perry is "an American."
Within the same ad, Perry bashes President Obama, asserting, "The United States of America really is the really great hope for mankind. It's time to get America working again. We don't need a president who apologizes for America."
Promoting patriotism is a campaign tactic that has proven quite effective in past elections. Remember the infamous "swiftboat" ads by a pro-Bush group that questioned Vietnam veteran John Kerry's heroism? Bush eventually denounced the ads, but the damage was done. Kerry lost the election.
Patriotism has worked for Democrats too. During the 2008 campaign, vice presidential candidate Joe Biden said, wealthy Americans should pay more taxes because "its time to be patriotic."
Talk Back: Should patriotism be a political tool?
Let us know what you think. Your response could be read on our program.
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From CNN's Carol Costello:
Troy Davis, convicted cop killer, will be executed by lethal injection tonight despite protest and assertions of his innocence from Amnesty International, the Pope and President Jimmy Carter.
Whether you agree with them is up to you, but Davis' case aside, American juries seem increasingly reluctant to see any inmate put to death, preferring life without the possibility of parole instead.
Although it's unclear as to why, their reluctance may be due to the fact that more than 130 people have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence since 1973.
Talk Back: Is it time to re-think the death penalty?
Let us know what you think. Your response could be read on our program.
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From CNN's Carol Costello:
President Obama released his long-awaited debt reduction plan Monday, outlining a roughly $3 trillion saving blueprint that includes $1.5 trillion in new revenue generated largely by higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans.
Top congressional Republicans immediately criticized the proposal as class warfare, arguing that Obama was wielding his "bully pulpit" to pit the rich against the poor.
In a speech to the nation, the president dismissed these accusations, arguing that taxing millionaires more is not class warfare - it's math.
"I reject the idea that asking a hedge fund manager to pay the same tax rate as a plumber or teacher is class warfare," Obama said. "It's just the right thing to do."
Talk Back: Is a higher tax on millionaires class warfare?
Let us know what you think. Your answer may be read on this morning's broadcast.
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From CNN's Carol Costello:
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution was published in 1859, but the topic is as controversial today as it was then. Although the vast majority of scientists accept evolution as a fact, 41% of Americans think evolution is false, or likely to be false, according to the latest CNN/ORC poll.
As a result, American book publishers have shied away from the topic. According to Daniel Luxton, author of children"s book, "Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be," no American publisher would print his book, fearing that the controversial topic would be a tough sell. However, the book is a hit in Canada, where it has been nominated for several literary prizes.
Courts have squashed efforts to have alternative theories - such as "intelligent design" - taught in schools, ruling that it has more to do with religion than science. Nevertheless, the subject remains a political hot topic.
Talk Back: Why is evolution such a touchy subject?
Let us know what you think. Your answer may be read on this morning's broadcast.
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From CNN's Carol Costello:
Since appearing on Oprah earlier in the year to discuss her weight loss, Jennifer Hudson is now down to a size zero, saying, "I'm prouder of my weight loss than my Oscar."
This is a far cry from what she said in 2007, when she stated, "I love my size, and I think everybody should have some kind of meat on their bones. I've never bought into that."
This change of heart has left many of her fans frustrated. The Cafe Mom blog writes, "...It's confusing to kids who struggle with celebrity worship and their own self-esteem, especially girls with body image issues and their own weight struggles."
Arguably, much of America is confused about body image and weight, considering that many are criticizing Hudson for her weight loss despite the fact that the public loves television shows like "The Biggest Loser."
Talk Back: What does Jennifer Hudson's weight loss controversy say about obesity in America?
Let us know what you think. Your answer may be read on this morning's broadcast.

