Tonight: Elana Schor, Talking Points Memo reporter and blogger joins me with the latest on Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s push-back over to Leon Panetta’s nomination to run the CIA. And John Nichols, Washington Correspondent for The Nation magazine explains both the procedural and political maneuvering behind today’s seating of new senators, plus the kind of leadership Democrats are looking for from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Nichols is the author of "The Genius of Impeachment: The Founders' Cure for Royalism" (2006) and "Dick: The Man Who is President" (2004). Followed by your fantabulous calls - 866 – 303 – 2270 IS THE NUMBER TO CALL-IN.

It’s great to be back – Happy New Year everyone. 2009.

Tonight, a look at the Israel/Gaza conflict :
First, how did we get here? Matthew Duss, from The Center for American Progress joins us with his take on the politics of this conflict. Matthew holds a master’s degree in Middle East Studies from the University of Washington. Prior to joining the Center, he was a research intern for the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Find his blog posts at Think Progress, The American Prospect and The Guardian.

And later, when is it okay to kill civilians? Ambassador Edward L. Peck is former chief of mission in Iraq and Mauritania and Deputy Director of the White House Task Force on Terrorism for the Reagan administration. He was in the Mideast this past November and joins us with his views on the moral issues involved.

Followed by your calls.
866 – 303 – 2270 IS THE NUMBER TO CALL-IN FOR YOU LISTENERS OUT THERE.

Tonight: Jack Hitt from the NYT magazine and Rabbi Sharon Brous talk about the origins of Christmas and Hanukah.

And your calls!

866 – 303 – 2270 IS THE NUMBER TO CALL-IN FOR YOU LISTENERS OUT THERE.

I'll be back Monday January 5th and Terrence McNally, Bill Dwight and David Bender will be taking turns guest hosting in the meantime.

Have a happy and safe holiday and see you in the New Year!

Tonight:

Dick Cheney says Congress knew about spying all along. I’ll take up the topic with Ben Wizner, Attorney with the ACLU National Security Project about the administration’s record. He's an expert on national security, human rights, and first amendment issues.

Plus, your excellent calls.

866 – 303 – 2270 IS THE NUMBER TO CALL-IN FOR YOU LISTENERS OUT THERE.