America 2012

Charlie Cook, David Leonhardt, Molly Ball, and Ronald Brownstein discuss the 2012 Campaign.

Molly Ball, Ron Brownstein, Charlie Cook, and Gwen Ifill are on this panel discussion.

Lawrence Summers is optimistic about the country’s future, crediting beyond our economic position the strength of our universities and the talent they cultivate. What does he worry about? Among may weaknesses, K-12 education among them, our reluctance to cultivate an ethos that embraces ambition rather than one that condemns it, and the general distrust of government and its stakeholders.

Robert D. Putnam, Award-winning author of Bowling Alone talks about the role of poverty and inequality in America and it's impact on the ever-more elusive American Dream. Speakers: Robert D. Putnam

If we no longer have a monopoly on economic, political, and cultural leadership, can the United States find a role for itself in a world with multiple power players? Expert media figures share their perspectives. Speakers: Meghan L. O’Sullivan, Dina Temple-Raston, Bret Stephens, Steve Clemons

Why Do We Celebrate Independence Day on July 4-It Really Should be July 2 Speakers: David Rubenstein.

In addition to having a global perspective, the United States must establish a comprehensive energy policy. If not, rich US natural resources that can serve as powerful energy sources might not see their full potential. The session will discuss how having “all the arrows in the quiver”—diverse fuel sources, technology innovation, energy efficiency—can meet the energy needs of the Earth’s burgeoning population. Speakers: Andrew Ross Sorkin, Mitch Landrieu, Peter Orszag, Thomas A. Fanning

From national security to the global economy to the future of the middle class, how high are the stakes and where are the solutions when it comes to educating America’s children? Why hasn’t more progress been made after decades of reform? Why are changes at the school-district level—and even the state—necessary to create environments where teachers and students can succeed? How will digital learning transform personalized education? What lessons can be learned from other nations? What would a high-functioning city public school system look like? How do we get there? Speakers: Eli Broad, Thomas L. Friedman

Michael Kranish turns his investigative eye on Romney’s personal life, his bond with his wife and how they handled her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, and his difficult years as a Mormon missionary in France, where a fatal car crash had a profound effect on his path. The book also illuminates Romney’s privileged upbringing in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; his rejection of the 1960s protest culture; and his close but complicated relationship with his father.

What Will It Take to Govern in This Highly Polarized Environment. Speakers: Gwen Ifill, Mickey Edwards, Norman Ornstein .

Turning the table on Charlie Rose. The master of interviews answers the questions. Speakers: Charlie Rose, Walter Isaacson

What’s best for the United States moving ahead when it comes to immigration, health care, jobs creation, education, and more? A former White House policy advisor and a former congressman suggest there are different ways to look at this. We will decide what approach we like best in November. Speakers: Bob Schieffer, Melody Barnes, Vin Weber

Immigration, economic growth, leadership, drug wars, poverty. Both countries deal with the same issues. Will the relationship improve? What does the United States most need to understand about Mexico? Speakers: Ricardo Salinas, Walter Isaacson

A panel that discusses the Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act Speakers: Tyler Cowen, Ezekiel Emanuel, Neera Tanden, David Leonhardt

On the Supreme Court's June 28 decision on the Affordable Healthcare Act. Speakers: David Brooks, Suzanne Malveaux, Joe Klein, Thomas Daschle, Vin Weber, Elliot Gerson

On the expected eve of one of the more contentious and anticipated Supreme Court decisions, observers share perspectives on Obamacare and its future.

Forty-nine million people in the US—one in four children— don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Finding North examines this issue through the lens of three people who are struggling with food insecurity. Hunger poses serious economic, social, and cultural implications for our nation. Is it possible to make healthy food available and affordable for all? Speakers: Kristi Jacobson, Corby Kummer, Dan Glickman

The president of the American Federation of Teachers discusses her agenda, which includes reforming tenure, proposing a comprehensive teacher evaluation, and development program, helping to develop and promote the common core standards, and creating public-private partnerships to take over the nation’s poorest schools. By acknowledging mistakes and moving forward, the AFT’s reforms are showing hope and promise in places like New Haven, CT; Hillsborough County, FL; Baltimore; Cincinnati; and the ABC school district in Los Angeles County. Speakers: Randi Weingarten, Walter Isaacson

Where Should the US Go Next with its Foreign Policy? A conversation about the direction of America's diplomatic and defense strategy. Speakers: Nicholas Burns, Jeffrey Goldberg, Robert Kagan, James Steinberg, Jane Harman

A look at the social, economic, and cultural issues that will help decide the 2012 election, from faith and race to reproductive rights and the role of women. Speakers: E. J. Dionne Jr., Joe Klein, Debra L. Lee, Mark Penn,Mark Preston, Ronald Brownstein

Government is what we do together. How disruptive can digital technology be to actually make it work better? Speakers: Jennifer Pahlka