Washington Week Season 2011 Episode 48 December 2, 2011

Washington Week is a political talk show that covers the latest news from the world of American politics. On December 2nd, 2011, the show aired its 48th episode of the season, with moderator Gwen Ifill leading the discussion.

The episode began by focusing on the ongoing Republican primary race, which was heating up at the time. The panelists discussed the potential impact of Herman Cain's recently suspended campaign, as well as the rise of Newt Gingrich as a serious contender for the GOP nomination.

The conversation then turned to the issue of tax reform, with the panelists debating the merits of various proposals and speculating on the likelihood of any meaningful change being enacted. They also discussed the possibility of a government shutdown, as Congress struggled to pass a budget before the end of the year.

Another major topic of discussion was the ongoing debate over the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada to the United States. The panelists talked about the environmental concerns associated with the project, as well as the economic benefits that it could bring.

The episode also touched on the broader issue of energy policy, with the panelists discussing the future of alternative energy and the role of government in promoting its development. They debated whether renewable energy sources could realistically replace fossil fuels in the near future, and what impact this would have on the American economy.

Throughout the episode, Ifill kept the conversation moving and encouraged the panelists to delve deeper into the issues at hand. She challenged their assumptions and asked tough questions, never shying away from controversial topics.

Overall, the December 2nd, 2011 episode of Washington Week provided a thoughtful and engaging discussion of some of the most pressing issues facing American politics at the time. With its knowledgeable panelists and incisive moderator, the show offered a valuable perspective on the state of the nation.