So That Happened: Obama, Warren Team Up To Save Older America

So That Happened: Obama, Warren Team Up To Save Older America
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. applauds as President Barack Obama arrives to speak at AARP in Washington, Monday, Feb. 23, 2015. President Barack Obama says too few Americans approaching retirement have saved enough to have peace of mind during their later years. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. applauds as President Barack Obama arrives to speak at AARP in Washington, Monday, Feb. 23, 2015. President Barack Obama says too few Americans approaching retirement have saved enough to have peace of mind during their later years. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

So, that happened. This week, the Republican-led House Agriculture Committee began what they termed a "top to bottom" review of the federal food stamp program. In a surprising twist, the committee's new management struck a soft and empathetic tone toward a government program they'd previously demonized.

Listen to this week's "So, That Happened" below:

* * *

Some highlights from this week:

“People who resent this will not be happy until the supplemental nutrition assistance program is changed from SNAP into the beans and rice program, or BARP.” -- Arthur Delaney

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren are teaming up on a plan to bring more security to retirees by making it harder for fly-by-night financial advisers to screw their clients for their own personal gain. But why did dozens of Democrats sign a letter opposing this idea?

“This is the biggest thing Obama has done on financial reform since Dodd-Frank. It’s basically the only thing he’s done, but it’s a pretty big deal.” -- Zach Carter

Finally, the 2016 invisible primary continues, and the big winner this week, we are told, is Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Of course, this only lasted until the Republican contender compared Wisconsin protesters to Islamic State terrorists. We'll also remind you that it is February of 2015, because sometimes it seems we forget that.

“He beat down a recall election. He’s taken all sorts of fire and all he’s done is impress donors and become a conservative folk hero. Scott Walker is the one guy who doesn’t have to pretend that he took 2012 seriously. Scott Walker is the ‘Bold As Love’ campaign.” -- Jason Linkins

* * *

"So, That Happened" is available on iTunes. We've been working to create an eclectic and informative panel show that's constantly evolving, a show that's as in touch with the top stories of the week as it is with important stories that go underreported. We'll be here on a weekly basis, bringing you the goods.

Never miss an episode: Subscribe to "So, That Happened" on iTunes, and if you like what you hear, please leave a review. We also encourage you to check out other HuffPost Podcasts: HuffPost Comedy's "Too Long; Didn't Listen," the HuffPost Weird News Podcast, HuffPost Politics' "Drinking and Talking," HuffPost Live's "Fine Print" and HuffPost Entertainment's Podcast.

This podcast was edited by Ibrahim Balkhy and engineered by Brad Shannon, with assistance from Christine Conetta and Adriana Usero.

Have a story you'd like to hear discussed on "So, That Happened"? Email us at your convenience!

Before You Go

Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot