Re: Interview with Chris Van Hollen

I thought the show with Congressman Van Hollen -- Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee -- was just O.K. It seemed to me that an opportunity to delve into the Democrats' strategy for November was wasted on a discussion about Obama vs. Clinton, Obama's outlook on Israel, the situation in Pakistan, and what Clinton voters will do in the Presidential election. These things are tangential at best in the races for House seats where local issues are far more important.

We're looking at a year where more House seats than ever before will be contested and have the potential to change parties. I would have liked to hear more about what the Democrats are doing to capitalize on this, and what their strategy is going to be to claim districts that haven't been Democratic in years.

The question from the woman in Ohio about gun control was perfect, but hers and the question about Maryland seats were the only one from listeners I heard that touched on issues important in Congressional races. Diane's question about fear tactics and Democrats' record in the House were good, but more like those should have filled the whole hour.

I was excited to hear about something other than the Presidential election when I saw Van Hollen was the guest, but the show focused on that anyway. Again, not a bad show altogether, but in my opinion, it was a lost opportunity to hear something new.