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Americana

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An insider's guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today

From coast to coast, an insider's guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today

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Americana: 14/02/2010

14/02/2010

BBC Radio 4 - Americana, 14/02/2010

Matt Frei hears from authors John Heilemann and Mark Halperin and lawyer Robert Shapiro.

Matt Frei hears from authors John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, lawyer Robert Shapiro and ex-astronaut Cpt Eugene A Cernan. Plus an audio portrait of two traditional boat builders.

Matt Frei talks to John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, the authors of the bestseller Game Change, a candid account of the Obamas, the Clintons, McCain and Palin. Up for debate: political gridlock, the rise and fall of John Edwards and what 'real change' is needed in America

American news types have given us a new word: 'mirandize.' The White House has come under attack after it was revealled the FBI has read underwear bomber Umar Abdulmutallab his 'Miranda' rights. His what? Matt talks to lawyer Robert Shapiro - best known for his successful defence of OJ Simpson - to find out what role these Miranda rights play in the US justice system. Who do they apply to and why they are so important? 

Will America ever send a man to the moon again? President Obama has set NASA off on a different course, one that does not involve the planet made of cheese. So a perfect time to hear from the last man to set foot on the moon, Captain Eugene A Cernan. He tells us about that final journey and shares his throughts about what might happen when Americans can no longer reach for the stars - or the moon or Mars.

The America's Cup, the oldest active trophy in international sport, is once again its up for grabs. Faced with high-tech yachts made of carbon-fibre, we cannot help but pine for the boats of days gone by and old-fashioned boat building. We've a slice of boat building life from two guys in Martha's Vineyard in New England who are carving out their living in the old-fashioned way.

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14/02/2010

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