Posted by Ryan Faughnder

For Marketplace, Wed., July 20, 2011

The so-called Gang of Six has presented a debt-reduction deal with bipartisan support. What’s in the plan and can it pass before the Aug. 2 deadline? Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia about the potential compromise. American Airlines becomes a little less American — but more fuel-efficient — by ordering the bulk of its new planes from the European company Airbus. Commentator David Frum touts U.S. exports as an overlooked engine of economic growth. We speak with “Willful Blindness” author Margaret Heffernan about why we ignore the obvious and how that pertains to Rupert Murdoch and the News of the World phone-hacking saga. Athletes and musicians love Skullcandy headphones. Jeff Horwich asks whether the hype will carry over to Wall Street. Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may owe millions in back taxes. So who are Fannie and Freddie, anyway? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch breaks down the Mae family tree.

Here are the songs we played:

• Landforms – Other LivesBuy

• Hear My Dear – OddiseeBuy

• 23 Minutes in Brussels – LunaBuy

• Let It Rock (Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne) – Instrumental Hip Hop Beat MakersBuy

• Tight Eyes – Nicolay & KayBuy