Americana: 12 Sep 2010 An examination of life and politics

The American journalist H.L. Mencken was known as the Sage of
Baltimore. This week, his ideas and acerbic insights guide
Americana through an examination of life and politics in
Baltimore... and a look at contemporary American politics more
widely. Matt Frei talks to the award-winning journalist George
Packer about the relevance of H.L. Mencken's words today and
considers the inefficiencies of the U.S. Congress. The political
analyst, Bill Adair, dissects the campaign messages that currently
saturate America's TV screens. Baltimore's mayor, Stephanie
Rawlings-Blake, explains what issues are most important to the
city. And one of Baltimore's most successful stars, the film-maker
John Waters, joins Americana to discuss how his hometown continues
to influence his career.