E-mail a friendSeptember 2, 2009
New York Times White House correspondent Peter Baker talks U.S. policy versus politics related to the war in Afghanistan. Singer Ledisi reflects on the risks she's taken, working in different genres and becoming a top artist without getting major radio play.
Peter Baker
Peter Baker
NYT journalist explains how a continued presence in Afghanistan will affect President Obama's ability to move his domestic agenda forward. (1:31)
Full interview. (11:51)
Before becoming The New York Times' White House correspondent in '08, Peter Baker spent two decades at The Washington Post, where he had several beats, including covering Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush and as Moscow bureau chief. His book on the Clinton impeachment, The Breach, was a best seller, and he also co-wrote Kremlin Rising. Baker has covered events in the Middle East and was embedded with the Marines at the start of the Iraq War. His work has appeared in various publications, including The New Republic.
Ledisi
Ledisi
Grammy-nominated singer talks about being able to come out of her shell when she performs. (1:34)
Full interview. (11:39)
Ledisi has been described as having a mix of Tina Turner's energy and Ella Fitzgerald's chops. Born in New Orleans, she grew up in Oakland, CA in a musical family and sang in a local band before forming her own group. She studied opera and piano for five years in UC Berkeley's Young Musicians Program and has done ads and soundtracks for the Sci-Fi Channel. A Best New Artist Grammy nominee for '07's "Lost and Found," she's also done a jazz album with bassist Marcus Shelby. Her fourth studio disc is entitled "Turn Me Loose."