Weekend Edition Saturday

There is a diversity of views in the Republican field for president that is wide, even wild. Host Scott Simon talks with Ross Douthat, a conservative author and New York Times columnist, about the ideological divides in the Republican Party, as apparent in the GOP presidential race.

The lack of snow in most of the northeast has extended the hiking season for those willing to brave the cold. Brian Mann takes a winter hike into Roaring Brook Falls in New York's Adirondack Mountains.

Though President Obama may have riled Republicans with his recess appointment of Richard Cordray to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, there is bipartisan agreement on Cordray's strong qualifications. Host Scott Simon talks with New York Times columnist Joe Nocera about what's ahead for Cordray.

As the president seeks re-election, he points to progress made in improving the economy. For voters, believing the message may require feeling a change — sooner rather than later.

President Obama bypassed Congress this week in appointing Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and filling vacancies on the National Labor Relations Board. Republicans called the appointments an unconstitutional power grab and said they were made while the Senate was still technically in session.

Shakespeare's Iago is one of the great defining villains of literature. He masquerades as a friend, which disguises his schemes to manipulate, betray and destroy. Host Scott Simon talks with author David Snodin, whose new book, Iago, fills in what happened after Iago masterminded the murders of his wife, Othello and Desdemona.