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The Brian Lehrer Show

Wednesday, May 16, 2007
  • Michael Chabon author of <em>The Yiddish Policemen's Union</em>
    Michael Chabon author of The Yiddish Policemen's Union

    What if?

    Novelist Michael Chabon imagines what would have happened if a Jewish settlement took hold in Alaska instead of Israel. His book, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, uses this scenario to unfold a noir detective story. We ask him about the phenomenon of so-called “alternate history” fiction and if any of this has to do with his support for Barack Obama. Plus: analysis of the second Republican presidential debate and the next installment of our transportation series, Anything But The Car: Trains.

    Watch Brian's Video Picks

Round Two

Eleanor Clift, contributing editor for Newsweek Magazine and Michael Maslansky, president of Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research, a conservative communications and polling firm analyze the second Republican presidential debate.

Today in Alternate History

Novelist Michael Chabon, whose latest book, The Yiddish Policeman's Union (Ecco Books/Harper Collins 2007), is a murder mystery set in an alternate Jewish homeland in Alaska.

You can read the first few pages of the book at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The Yiddish Policeman's Union is available for purchase at Amazon.com and as a thank-you gift for a pledge to WNYC.

Anything But The Car: Subways

Joseph D. Korman, train enthusiast, and retired transit worker, talks about his love for the rail system and New York subway.

30 Issues in 30 Days

The Brian Lehrer Show

Once again, 30 Issues in 30 Days is taking on the election season by going beyond the horse race and examining the real issues that are at stake for the people of New York and New Jersey in the Mayoral and Gubernatorial contest. See the schedule and help craft the segments at the 30 Issues Wiki!

Michael Moore on Brian's 20th Anniversary

The Brian Lehrer Show

Live from the Greene Space: Michael Moore talks about his new documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story and Brian celebrates the 20 year anniversary of The Brian Lehrer Show.

Uncommon Indicators

The Brian Lehrer Show

The Brian Lehrer Show wants to hear how the economy is affecting the little things in your daily life. Share your stories and photos of the downturn.

Help us map abandoned lots, stalled construction and unsold condos.

Digesting Politics

Brian, Bob, and Andrea

WNYC's political team of Brian Lehrer, Bob Hennelly, and Andrea Bernstein talk politics and more over lunch each week. Hear the latest episode and subscribe to the podcast here!

Video Picks

The Brian Lehrer Show

Check out some recent video clips of interviews with guests and Brian Lehrer's weekly Web video picks.