While big banks received billions in federal bailout funds, smaller regional banks that are arguably the core of the US financial system are at risk of collapse. Thom talks with Michael Hudson about saving these banks from disaster. Then, WikiLeaks leaker Brad Manning is back in the news after word surfaced that he was conversing with notorious hacker Adrian Lamo. Thom talks with Jane Hamsher about what could be ahead for Manning and Julian Assange. Also, can the hyper-partisanship that is plaguing US democracy be cured? Thom talks with Dr. Brendan Nyhan and debates with Seton Motley about this problem plaguing our society. Finally, Thom counts down the Top 5 Political Smackdowns of 2010.

Many baby boomers are facing a personal financal disaster just as they are hoping to retire.

Thom counts down the Top 5 Political Smackdowns of 2010.

Economist Michael Hudson joins Thom to talk about countries looking for alternatives to US dollar and rescued banks teetering towards collapse.

A new study by the Pew Research Center reveals that the media is actually leaning to the right by giving conservative candidates more airtime over progressives. Thom talks with Joshua Holland and Harvey Kaye about the media's love affair with the GOP. Speaking of the GOP, it seems they're also helping their Republican friends in Congress ensure that the new financial reform law is never implemented. Thom talks with ThinkProgress reporter Lee Fang about why the US Chamber of Commerce may be pulling strings as well. Also, is slavery still alive and well in America? Thom discusses with Jonathan Strong about how US prisoners are being used as modern day slaves. Finally, Thom looks at the Top 5 Political idiots of 2010

Thom Hartmann lines up news and debates of 2010 that still make headlines: wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, US economy and political activism.

Indefinite detention. That's the plan for Guantanamo detainees under President Obama. So is this a step closer to closing down the prison? Or a step back for human rights? And the 2010 census results are in! We'll take a look at the winners and losers on the electoral map. And the growing rift between the rich and the poor. And science says the wealthy may have a hard time reading people's emotions. Plus, the Justice Department is going after Wikileaks. But why not also go after the New York Times? Or the Guardian?Is Julian Assange a Journalist? Or - criminal? And finally, From don't ask don't tell to the START treaty, Congress was hard at work for the President today.

Montana Jury Stages 'Mutiny' In Marijuana Case.

Crazy alert, story time edition.

The results of the study published in Psychological Science may lend some proof to the perception that the upper-class in our country don't seem to care about others who are less fortunate. Co-author of the study, Dr. Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at University of California, Berkeley joins Thom hartmann to discuss whether the wealthy have difficulty detecting emotions.

A new study by the Pew Research Center says that the mainstream US media devoted only 4% of its airtime to Afghanistan, regardless of the fact that the US spends $160 billion dollars a year on it. Thom talks with author Chris Hedges about why the media has found an exit strategy out of covering Afghanistan. Then, the FCC voted on a "Net Neutrality" bill today that some say just gives more power to service providers to pick and choose what content they can block. Thom talks with Seton Motley and Craig Aaron about the end of a neutral internet. Finally, almost a decade after the 9/11 attacks, many first responders have not received the medical attention necessary for the ailments they acquired while responding to the disaster. Thom talks with two of them, John Devlin and Ken George.

Thom Hartmann's daily take.

Greg Palast busted by BP in Azerbaijan. Thom Hartmann talks with Greg Palast, investigative journalist and author, his reports can be seen on BBC Newsnight.

Dr. Coburn will block 9/11 First Responders Bill, potentially killing its chance of passage. Thom Hartmann talks with John Devlin and Kenny George, 9/11 first responder.

Free Press claims that the new rule is so loaded with loopholes that it has become clear that the FCC chairman created it solely to win the favor of AT&T and other big media lobbyists. Craig Aaron with FreePress.net and Seton Motley with LessGovernment.org join Thom Hartmann to comment the story.