Americana - 06/12/2009

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. Matt talks to Joe Lockhart, President Bill Clinton's press secretary during his impeachment trial, and columnist Neil Steinberg of the Chicago Sun-Times. The three discuss the week's top news including President Obama's plans for Afghanistan and joblessness rates in the US, and offer some public relations advice to Tiger Woods. Americana gathers an informal town hall in Forsyth, Georgia to hear the thoughts and reactions of 'average Joes' to President Obama's decisions on Afghanistan and the challenges ahead. Matt talks to farmers from the open stretches of the United States as they prepare for their civilian deployments to Afghanistan. As the ban on smoking in restaurants takes place across the state of Virginia, Matt talks to local bar owner Barry Pruitt about the last puffs in his bar and about the fading romance between the tobacco leaf and Virginia. Retired four-star General Jack Keane shares his thoughts on President Obama's strategy for Afghanistan.