What Do Rowdy Military Contractors and Joe Wilson Have in Common? (AUDIO)

Ana Marie Cox: "I have a soft spot in my head for Joe Wilson." Amanda Carpenter: "Did he beat it into you?" This week on "The Inside Story," Senator Claire McCaskill talks with Ana Marie Cox about both the need for and the controversy surrounding those rowdy military contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq, town halls, and more...

There are now more contractors than soldiers in both wars and at this point contractors do not face prosecution in the United States if they, say, kill an American soldier due to negligence.   

The pictures from the embassy in Kabul have caught Washington's attention but, as McCaskill points out, hearings were held in June during which both Wakenhut and the State Department justified a renewing Wackenhut's contract by saying the staffing issues had been resolved.

Also up for discussion with Senator McCaskill: town halls.  Find out why McCaskill feels compelled to accept such abuse and also how Missouri is exactly like the United States of America. 

In the 2nd half of the show this week, Ana welcomes back Chris Hayes of the Nation and Amanda Carpenter from the Washington Independent.  Topics include: Obama's big speeches, Ana's father being an actuary, and the ongoing health care reform project. (Oh, and Amanda has a dentist appointment at 1pm)