Washington Week with The Atlantic

News and Public Affairs Series / 23 Seasons

Washington Week with The Atlantic is the longest-running primetime news and public affairs program on television. The show features a group of journalists participating in a roundtable discussion of major news events and can be found at 8pm ET on most local PBS stations.

Watch Latest: S2025 E17

26m 46s

December 30, 2011

S2011 E3640 / 24m 55s

Four days before the Iowa Caucuses, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul lead, but Rick Santorum may surprise come voting day. Plus, how will Congressional retirements affect Democrats' efforts to retain control of the Senate in 2012? Joining Gwen from Iowa: Karen Tumulty, The Washington Post; Jeff Zeleny, The New York Times. Around the table: Christina Bellatoni, CQ Roll Call; Susan Davis, USA Today.

December 23, 2011

S2011 E3570 / 24m 53s

This week, we look back at 2011 and forward to 2012. We'll analyze battles between Congress and the President, the economy, the killing of Osama bin Laden, the pullout of US troops in Iraq while fighting continues in Afghanistan, and more. Joining Gwen: Helene Cooper, New York Times; Michael Duffy, Time Magazine; Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times; David Wessel, Wall Street Journal.

December 16, 2011

S2011 E3500 / 24m 45s

Congress fights the clock to avert a government shutdown. Also, now that the last GOP presidential debate before the Iowa caucus is over, who is the frontrunner? Plus, the war in Iraq officially ends as the U.S. hands over military control to Iraqis. Joining Gwen: Jeanne Cummings, Bloomberg News; Dan Balz, The Washington Post; Jeff Zeleny, The New York Times; Laura Meckler, The Wall Street Journal

December 9, 2011

S2011 E3430 / 22m 17s

Newt Gingrich soars past Mitt Romney in the polls in three out of four early primary states. Rick Perry makes a push, but is it now a two-man race? Plus President Barack Obama makes a push for the payroll tax cut extensions. Joining Gwen: Major Garrett, National Journal; Charles Babington, Associated Press; John Harwood, CNBC and The New York Times; Alexis Simendinger, RealClearPolitics.com.

December 2, 2011

S2011 E3360 / 23m 11s

The unemployment rate fell last month to the lowest since March 2009. Is this a sign of the economy stabilizing? Also, Herman Cain faced allegations of an extramarital affair, Rick Perry had another "oops" moment, and Newt Gingrich surged in the polls. Joining Gwen: Jim Tankersley, National Journal; Greg Ip, The Economist; Karen Tumulty, The Washington Post; Jeff Zeleny, The New York Times

November 25, 2011

S2011 E3290 / 24m 20s

The supercommittee failed to reach a budget deal this week, affecting national politics and the economy. Also, the GOP presidential candidates debated foreign policy, with Newt Gingrich facing new scrutiny on his immigration stance. John Dickerson guest-hosts with: Susan Davis, National Journal; David Wessel, The Wall Street Journal; Dan Balz, The Washington Post; Gloria Borger, CNN.

November 18, 2011

S2011 E3220 / 24m 21s

As the GOP candidates debated foreign policy, President Obama met with Asia-Pacific leaders. Newt Gingrich's bumpy climb in the polls. And, what happens if the Super Committee fails to deliver? Plus, SCOTUS to decide constitutionality of health reform. Joining Gwen: Major Garrett, National Journal; Jeanne Cummings, Bloomberg News; Lori Montgomery, The Washington Post; Joan Biskupic, USA TODAY.

November 11, 2011

S2011 E3150 / 24m 22s

GOP presidential candidates debate the economic recovery. Rick Perry's memory lapse. Herman Cain's harassment scandal. A Newt Gingrich surge? What's motivating U.S. voters? The potential impact of the Euro debt crisis on America. US. Pete Williams hosts with: John Harwood, CNBC/New York Times; Michael Duffy, TIME; Karen Tumulty, Washington Post; Greg Ip, The Economist.

November 4, 2011

S2011 E3080 / 24m 21s

Alleged harassment scandals continue to dog Republican presidential frontrunner Herman Cain, as the other GOP candidates consider how to handle the controversy. Plus a discussion on the global economy, Greece, the G20 meetings, and new U.S. job numbers. Joining Gwen: John Harris, Politico; Chuck Babington, Associated Press; Alexis Simendinger, RealClearPolitics; Jim Tankersley, National Journal.

October 28, 2011

S2011 E3010 / 24m 22s

A long shot a short time ago, Herman Cain is shaking up the GOP race. But rising polls numbers brings greater scrutiny. And what happened to Rick Perry's surge? Also, the President tries to bypass Congress. Plus the clock is ticking on the Deficit Reduction Committee. Joining Gwen: John Dickerson, Slate/CBS News; John Harwood, CNBC/NY Times; Jackie Calmes, NY Times; Janet Hook, Wall St. Journal.

October 21, 2011

S2011 E2940 / 24m 20s

Analysis of possible paths forward in Libya now that Moammar Gadhafi is dead. Will the U.S. play a role in nation building? President Obama announces all U.S. troops will be out of Iraq by year's end. And why the GOP debates have become pivotal in the 2012 presidential race. Joining Gwen: Martha Raddatz, ABC News; Doyle McManus, LA Times; Dan Balz, Washington Post; Gloria Borger, CNN.

October 14, 2011

S2011 E2870 / 24m 21s

As the GOP candidates debate economics, President Obama promotes his jobs plan. But with its defeat in the Senate, what's next? Also, the strange story of an assassination plot against a Saudi Ambassador involving Iran and a Mexican drug cartel. Joining Gwen: Karen Tumulty, Washington Post; Michael Duffy, TIME; Alexis Simendinger, RealClearPolitics; James Kitfield, National Journal.

October 7, 2011

S2011 E2800 / 24m 20s

Now that Christie and Palin are officially out of the GOP Presidential race, which other candidates will benefit most? Plus, what fundraising totals reveal about the race. Also, President Obama fights for the Jobs Act. And a preview of SCOTUS's new term. Joining Gwen: Dan Balz, Washington Post; Jeanne Cummings, Bloomberg News; Janet Hook, Wall Street Journal; Joan Biskupic, USA Today.

September 30, 2011

S2011 E2730 / 24m 21s

Airstrikes killed Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born Al-Qaeda leader in Yemen. At home, dissatisfied GOP voters want Gov. Chris Christie to join the presidential race. Also, President Obama feuds with his base. Plus, a stopgap bill temporarily prevents a government shutdown. Joining Gwen: John Dickerson, Slate/CBS News; Sam Youngman, The Hill; Major Garrett, National Journal; Pierre Thomas, ABC News.

September 23, 2011

S2011 E2660 / 24m 21s

President Obama unveils his deficit reduction plan, with new taxes and spending cuts. Plus, Congress argues over disaster relief and a possible government shutdown. Also, Palestinians appeal for full membership at the UN. And the GOP presidential candidates debate.

September 16, 2011

S2011 E2590 / 24m 16s

President Obama took his jobs plan straight to voters this week amidst a bounty of bad news including a jump in unemployment benefit applications, and a spike in the number of people living in poverty. And analysis of the Tea Party debate. Joining Gwen Ifill: John Dickerson of Slate/CBS News, Beth Reinhard of National Journal, Charles Babington of AP, Michael Fletcher of The Washington Post.

Vault: September 13, 2001

S2011 E2510 / 29m 28s

As part of PBS's continuing coverage of the aftermath of 9/11, Gwen Ifill hosted a Washington Week Specail Edition featuring reporting and analysis from the late David Broder (Washington Post), Tom Gjelten (NPR), Richard Berke (NY Times), Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post), Gloria Borger (US News/CBS News) as President Bush, his cabinet and Congress decide how respond to the attacks.

Vault: September 12, 2001

S2011 E2490 / 29m 5s

As part of PBS's continuing coverage of the aftermath of 9/11, Gwen Ifill hosted a Washington Week Special Edition featuring reporting and analysis from the late David Broder (Washington Post), Alan Murray (Wall St Journal), David Shribman (Boston Globe), and with reaction from overseas from Julie McCarthy (NPR) in London and Tom Friedman (NY Times) in Jerusalem.

September 11, 2001

S2011 E2480 / 21m 32s

On the night of September 11, 2001, as part of PBS's continuing coverage, Gwen Ifill hosted a Washington Week special Edition featuring reporting and analysis from the late David Broder (Washington Post), Doyle McManus (LA Times), Tom Gjelten (NPR), who was at the Pentagon at the time of the attacks, and Martha Raddatz (ABC News), who was at the State Department when it was evacuated.

September 2, 2011

S2011 E2450 / 24m 17s

As unemployment numbers stay at 9.1%, a very public spat between President Obama and House Speaker Boehner on the timing of an address to Congress. Plus, analysis on the politics & finances of rebuilding after Hurricane Irene. And an update on GOP fundraising. Joining Gwen: Naftali Bendavid, Wall St Journal; Jeanne Cummings, Bloomberg News; Charles Babington, Associated Press; Eamon Javers, CNBC.

Supported by