Americana - 01/11/2009

Matt Frei presents an insider guide to the people and the stories shaping America today. Combining location reports with lively discussion and exclusive interviews, the show provides new and surprising insights into contemporary America. Americans love golf and President Obama is no exception. Matt Frei takes a swing of the club and a look at how exactly the 44th President of the United States, Barak Obama, manages to make so much time to play. He is squeezing in more golf than his predecessor, even in the midst of juggling the challenges of economic recovery and international diplomacy. Matt Frei talks to former White House press secretary Dana Perino about life on the other side of the podium. After a few years fielding questions on behalf of the George W Bush administration, Perino tells Americana how she feels the Obama administration is handling the media storm so far. If she looks like Sarah Palin and talks like Sarah Palin, does that mean that Michele Bachmann will be the new Sarah Palin? Bachmann has represented Minnesota in the United States House of Representatives for three years. In that short time she has managed to become a well-known voice within the Republican Party. Matt Frei talks to her about how she has amplified her opinions so effectively and what her hopes are for the Republican Party in the future. What exactly does a Governor do? Matt Frei talks with Governor Brian Schweitzer, who moved from ranching to running one of the largest states in the US, Montana. Governor Schweitzer took office in 2009 and shares his insight on what it takes to be one of the 50 most powerful state leaders in the nation. Matt Frei invites the a cappella group Sonos, who are currently touring around the United States, into the Americana studio. With FX pedals and well-known indie tunes, Sonos makes the studio vibrate with a whole new sound.