The media has devoted only four percent of its coverage this year to the war, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. Thom Hartmann discusses the situation with Chris Hedges, author of "The Death of the Liberal Class"

A new report says the US Chamber of Commerce convinced GOP Congressmen to vote against a bill that would help 9/11 first responders suffering with ailments from their service. Thom talks to Think Progress reporter Lee Fang about the Chamber pulling Congressional strings. Then, sources say President Obama may be addressing a Social Security repeal in his next State of the Union Address. Thom discusses this with Dr. Robert Kuttner. Finally, is the government prying too much into the private lives of its citizens through surveillance. Thom talks about this with Shahid Buttar and Erica Newland.

Thom Hartmann's daily take.

US Chamber Of Commerce lobbied to help GOP kill Bill to provide health care to 9/11 First Responders. Thom Hartmann and Lee Fang, reporter and blogger for thinkprogress.com discuss the story.

In this week's edition of Conversations with Great Minds, Thom talks with author and journalist Chris Hedges about his latest book "Death of the Liberal Class" and about activism in the 21st century. Then Thom welcomes Seton Motley, Susan Turnbull and Jonathan Strong for this week's Big Picture Rumble.

The top issues of the week Jonathan Strong, reporter for the Daily Caller covering Congress, Seton Motley, the president of Less Government and Susan Turnbull, the Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party.

The top issues of the week Jonathan Strong, reporter for the Daily Caller covering Congress, Seton Motley, the president of Less Government and Susan Turnbull, the Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party.

In this week's conversations with Great Minds Thom Hartmann talks with Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author of "The Death of the Liberal Class". Chris Hedges says, "The lunatic fringe of the Republican Party, which looks set to make sweeping gains in the midterm elections, is the direct result of a collapse of liberalism. It is the product of bankrupt liberal institutions, including the press, the church, universities, labor unions, the arts and the Democratic Party."

In this week's conversations with Great Minds Thom Hartmann talks with Chris Hedges, journalist and author of "The Death of the Liberal Class". Chris Hedges says, "The lunatic fringe of the Republican Party, which looks set to make sweeping gains in the midterm elections, is the direct result of a collapse of liberalism. It is the product of bankrupt liberal institutions, including the press, the church, universities, labor unions, the arts and the Democratic Party."

The Obama Administration is planning to educate public about dealing with effects of nuclear bomb and the Republicans don't want to pass START.

Anti-Gay Activist says, "Gay Rights Groups Stole The Rainbow From Us!" Thom Hartmann talks with Bryan Fischer, the Director of Issue Analysis for American Family Association (AFA)

Now it's the Tea Party's turn with Obama's Compromise. Thom Hartmann talks with Tea Partier Bill Pascoe, Citizens for the Republic.

This morning, President Obama released his Afghanistan war review strategy which revealed significant progress against the Taliban, but also warned that progress may be lost if a growing insurgency from Pakistan is not tamed. Thom talks to Robert Greenwald about US progress in Afghanistan. Then, Tea Partiers are insisting that House Republicans hold their own against the tax cut deal, arguing that the GOP can craft a much better bill once they take control of Congress. Thom talks to Bill Pascoe about the Tea Party Tax Intervention. Finally, Congressional Candidate Renee Elmers released a campaign ad based on Muslim-bashing. Thom talks with Corey Saylor about a possible spike in Muslim bashing.

Thom Hartmann comments on politics, politicians and activism.