Washington Week Video Podcast | PBS

2nd Term Distractions and President Obama’s Achievable Priorities

Fri, 24 May 2013 21:38:00 EDT

In the Webcast Extra: investigations continue into the IRS targeting the tea party, the Benghazi attack, and the seizure of journalist’s phone records. What are President Obama’s achievable priorities? Our panelists discuss the president’s second term distractions.

Combating Terrorism, IRS Fallout, Paying for Disaster Relief and Immigration

Fri, 24 May 2013 21:37:00 EDT

We examine Obama’s national security speech in which he called for limits on U.S. drone strike use. Also, has the government lost credibility with the IRS scandal? Plus, paying for disaster relief and immigration reform clears a major hurdle. Joining Gwen: Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times; Dan Balz, Washington Post; Charles Babington, Associated Press; and Fawn Johnson of National Journal.

Scandal Fallout: IRS, Benghazi and Justice Probes Reporters

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:27:00 EDT

The latest on the three scandals dogging the Obama administration this week involving the IRS, the Justice Department, the Associated Press and the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi. How is the administration handling damage control? Joining Gwen: Gloria Borger, CNN; John Dickerson, Slate Magazine and CBS News; John Harwood, CNBC and the New York Times; Ed O’Keefe, Washington Post.

Progress on Immigration Reform, and Another Vote to Repeal Health Care

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:27:00 EDT

In the Webcast Extra: our panelists discuss progress in Congress to reform the immigration system. Also, why did the House Republicans vote to repeal Obamacare again this week? How is the shrinking budget deficit a “double-edged sword?” And why are Congressional Republicans holding up Obama’s cabinet nominees?

Benghazi Hearings and Syrian Diplomacy

Fri, 10 May 2013 22:00:00 EDT

The latest on the House Oversight Committee hearings on Benghazi, the diplomatic dance between the U.S. and Russia over the Syrian civil war, Congress addresses immigration and guns, and African-Americans in 2012 voted at a higher rate than white Americans. At the roundtable: Peter Baker, New York Times; Charles Babington, AP; Jeanne Cummings, Bloomberg News; and Jeff Zeleny of ABC News.

The IRS Audits the Tea Party and Prince Harry Visits Washington

Fri, 10 May 2013 21:18:00 EDT

In the Webcast Extra, our panelists discuss the rise in sexual assaults in the military. Also, the IRS is under fire for auditing conservative tea party groups. Bloomberg’s Jeanne Cummings reports on the Mark Sanford’s victory in the South Carolina special election. And ABC’s Jeff Zeleny reports about Prince Harry’s visit to Washington.

Pete Williams’ Boston Reporting, A Red Line in Syria, and Immigration Reform

Fri, 03 May 2013 21:27:00 EDT

In the Webcast Extra, NBC’s Pete Williams shares his experience covering the Boston Marathon bombing. Also, President Obama may have a “red line” for intervention in Syria, but he the line is fluid. And in Mexico, President Obama pushes for immigration reform.

Bombing Arrests and Obama Recommits to Closing GITMO

Fri, 03 May 2013 21:26:00 EDT

The latest on the Boston bombing investigation including the arrest of Dzokhar Tsarnaev’s three friends. Also, President Obama renews his commitment to close Guantanamo Bay. Plus, Obama's second-term agenda is being tested by unexpected events. Joining Gwen: Pete Williams, NBC News; Michael Duffy, TIME; Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times; and Christi Parson of Tribune.

Boston bombing investigation & Syria's chemical weapons

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:50:00 EDT

The latest on the Boston bombing investigation and the U.S. assessment that Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria used chemical weapons. Also, U.S. Senator Max Baucus will not be seeking re-election. Plus, the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Joining Gwen: Martha Raddatz, ABC News; James Kitfield, National Journal; Susan Davis, USA Today; Dan Balz, Washington Post.

Houses Divided, Commercial Drones, and McCain’s Clout

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:23:00 EDT

In the Webcast Extra, we look at Barbara Bush’s honest opinion of another Bush in the Oval Office. House Republicans faced off this week over a GOP backed health care act aimed to protect people with pre-existing conditions. Also, are we moving towards an era of commercial drones? Finally, are the defense hawks in Congress a dying breed?

Webcast Extra: Boston, Ricin, Sandford’s Woes and Bush’s Books

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:23:00 EDT

In the webcast extra we look at what the media got wrong in its coverage of Boston and the Ricin laced letters that amplified tensions in an already turbulent time. Also, what does Mark Sanford’s future hold void of GOP support? Finally, on a lighter note, a former president welcomes a new granddaughter and opens his library.

Boston Marathon Bombing and the Politics of Gun Control

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:22:00 EDT

In a week that stunned the nation, we look at the attack on the Boston Marathon and the suspect manhunt that has consumed the city of Boston. Also, we look at the politics behind the “shameful” defeat of gun control legislation. Plus, how do leaders respond to uncertain times. Joining Gwen: Tom Gjelten, NPR; Peter Baker, New York Times; Jeff Zeleny, ABC News; Karen Tumulty, Washington Post.

States on Guns, Kentucky Troubles, and Evolving Opinions

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:02:00 EDT

We discuss whether the States are tired of waiting on Congress for gun reform and taking matters into their own hands. Recently, American’s attitudes have shifted on some social issues. Why does abortion continue to be the exception to the rule? Also, how is Obama helping his fellow Democrats up for reelection in 2014? Finally, after a scandal filled week, what exactly is happening in Kentucky?

The Gun Debate, the President's Budget and the Political Calculations

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:02:00 EDT

The Senate voted to begin debating legislation to curb gun violence. Also, Obama’s $3.8 trillion budget plan that rankled both Republicans and Democrats. Plus, the political calculation behind the president’s outreach to conservatives. Joining Gwen: Ed O’Keefe, Washington Post; John Harwood CNBC and New York Times; John Dickerson, Slate Magazine; Alexis Simendinger, Real Clear Politics

States vs. Guns, Royal Visits, and Obama’s Budget

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:24:00 EDT

On the Webcast Extra: we discuss states, tired of a divided Congress, that are taking gun issues into their own hands. What does King Abdullah's visit to the U.S. foreshadow about his country’s relationship with Syria and Iran? Finally, can two Republicans who lost their Senate seats make it back to the Hill?

North Korea Blusters, Jobs & the Economy, and Political Wrap-Up

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:23:00 EDT

North Korea continues its hostile rhetoric and saber-rattling prompting concerns over their nuclear capabilities. Also, do today’s job numbers signify a cooling economy? Plus, momentum for new immigration legislation and this week’s political wrap-up.

Same Sex Marriage at the Supreme Court and Obama's Push on Guns

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:12:00 EDT

The Supreme Court heard two same-sex marriage cases this week. We look at the similarities and differences between these cases and the shift in public opinion on same-sex marriage alongside some lawmakers’ political considerations. Joining Doyle McManus of the Los Angeles Times: Joan Biskupic, Reuters; Pete Williams, NBC News; John Harwood, CNBC and New York Times; Dan Balz, Washington Post.

John Roberts' Gay Cousin, North Dakota's Abortion Law, and 2014 Senate Races

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:12:00 EDT

In the Webcast Extra we discuss, we discuss Chief Justice John Roberts' cousin who was in the Supreme Court this week and North Dakota's restrictive abortion laws. Also this week, Ashley Judd announced she would not run against Mitch McConnell in the Kentucky Senate Race. And will a guest worker program be part of immigration reform?

After Iraq and Trouble in Cyprus

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:09:00 EDT

In the Webcast Extra: We look back ten years on what has changed since Iraq and how the lessons we learned are being used today. Also, how serious are Cyprus’ recent economic troubles and what do they mean for the European economy? Finally, will Justice Roberts’s previous post ever be filled as another nomination is derailed by filibusters?

Obama in Israel, Republican Introspection and Same-Sex Marriage

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:08:00 EDT

President Barack Obama travels to the Middle East to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts amidst concerns over Iran and Syria. Also, the Republican party's self-analysis of the brutal 2012 election and the political balance shifts on the same-sex marriage issue. Joining Gwen: John Harris, Politico; Karen Tumulty, Washington Post; David Sanger, New York Times; and Tom Gjelten, NPR.

Webcast Extra: Assault Weapons Ban, Republicans at CPAC, and Being Biden

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 00:26:00 EDT

In the webcast extra, we look at Senator Portman’s announcement that he supports marriage equality. Congress and CPAC heat up over the newest developments in the gun debate. Palin heads to CPAC Sunday, while Vice President Biden wants America to know what it’s like to be him. Finally, how much have press conferences changed in 100 years.

Opposing Budget Proposals, Bipartisan Negotiations and CPAC 2013

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:00:00 EDT

Republicans and Democrats unveiled their budget proposals this week, and President Obama travelled to Capitol Hill to broker a bipartisan deal. Meanwhile, Republicans met for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference where rising GOP stars rallied activists. Joining Gwen: John Dickerson, Slate and CBS News; Amy Walter, Cook Political Report; and Jeanne Cummings, Bloomberg.

Unemployment Down, Budget Battle and Rand Paul's Filibuster

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:33:00 EDT

The panelists examine Obama's Republican “charm offensive” aimed at finding bipartisan solutions to the budget crisis. Also, with the stock market surge and positive job numbers, we look at the the unexpected boom following the spending cuts. Plus, the implications of Rand Paul's 13-hour filibuster. Joining Gwen: Greg Ip, Economist; and Susan Davis, USA Today; and Charles Babington, AP.

Webcast Extra: Economic Recovery and 'Superbowl' Budget Battle

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:32:00 EDT

In the webcast extra, we look at if the fiscal cliff could have sparked the economic recovery. We also preview next week's budget negotiations. Plus, we discuss the Caitlin Halligan filibuster that no one is talking about.

Sequestration Deadline and Voters Right Act

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:11:00 EDT

We look at why the White House and Congress could not reach a deal to avoid the sequester before the March 1 deadline. Plus, the potential economic impact of mandatory federal spending cuts. Also, we analyze the Supreme Court case that challenges a key part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Joining Gwen: Joan Biskupic, Reuters; Gloria Borger, CNN; and David Wessel, Wall Street Journal.

Money Talk, Voting Tensions and the Christie Fraction

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:11:00 EDT

The panelists discuss Ben Bernanke's testimony this week and what it means for the future of the economy. Also, what is it like inside the chambers of the Supreme Court during its more controversial hearings? Finally, we look at Chris Christie’s always evolving relationship with conservatives.

Gabby Giffords, Border Security, a Deficit Fix and Nuclear Iran

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:44:00 EDT

We continue our discussion on gun violence with Gabby Giffords’ increased role in the current political debate. Also, is our border really as unsecure as some claim? What do Simpson and Bowles have to offer in their new plan to help reduce the deficit? Finally, Iran’s new developments in nuclear power.

Sequestration, Cyber Security, and Gun Violence In America

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:43:00 EDT

We look at the countdown to automatic spending cuts on March 1, China's alleged hacking of U.S. businesses, and gun violence in America as part of the PBS special programming 'After Newtown.' Joining Gwen: John Harwood, CNBC and New York Times; David Sanger, New York Times; Molly Ball, The Atlantic; Sari Horwitz, Washington Post.

Streamlining Voting and the Rising Stars of 2016

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:46:00 EDT

On the Webcast Extra: The panelists examine how Romney and Obama’s campaign lawyers are working together to simplify voting. Also, is Obama’s new internet based executive order protective or just more regulation? Plus, how big personality may lead to big action in Congress and who we may see in 2016.

Obama's State of the Union, Rubio's Response and Hagel's Confirmation

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:45:00 EDT

We look at the President's State of the Union address and his follow-up three-city trip, the key messages in the Sen. Rubio's Republican rebuttal, and former Sen. Chuck Hagel's stalled confirmation. Joining John Dickerson of Slate Magazine: Karen Tumulty, Washington Post;Jeff Zeleny, New York Times; Todd Purdum, Vanity Fair; and Eamon Javers, CNBC.