Think Tank with Ben Wattenberg

Season 3

Discussion show focusing on trends, conditions, and ideas behind the week's headlines.

Where to Watch Think Tank with Ben Wattenberg • Season 3

19 Episodes

Are older people getting younger?
E1
Are older people getting younger?In America, people are living longer, and older people are more physically and psychologically healthy than ever before. However, growing old remains tough. Think Tank explores whether this is a good time to grow older in America.
China: Friend or foe?
E2
China: Friend or foe?China is already a regional power in Asia. It has the potential to become a global superpower. In the 21st century, will China be America's adversary or ally?
Is divorce too easy?
E3
Is divorce too easy?Divorce is more common now than ever before. Can its frequency be attributed to the simplicity of the divorce process? Or is the family unit in American society slowly deteriorating?
Is there an upside to downsizing?
E4
Is there an upside to downsizing?Millions of Americans have received the proverbial pink slip. Many more fear their jobs. What does corporate downsizing mean for America, its economy, and for you?
Does liberalism have a future?
E5
Does liberalism have a future?Think Tank explores whether or not liberalism is a fading off of the forefront of American ideology today. Has conservatism overshadowed liberalism for the time being, forever, or even at all?
Insights on income
E6
Insights on incomeThink Tank examines the statues of the rich, poor, and middle classes in America today. Is there an increasing inequality in income distribution?
Gay marriage
E7
Gay marriageAdvocates for gay marriage could be on the verge of winning a major legal victory, the right to marry. Societies' ideas about marriage have evolved over the centuries, but is legalizing gay marriage a good idea?
The courts on trial
E8
The courts on trialThink Tank explores the state of the justice system in America with two renowned legal minds. How are the courts working to further the interests of justice?
Adapting adoption to the 90s
E9
Adapting adoption to the 90sAdopting a child is one of the most serious commitments a person can make, yet millions of Americans are willing to take on that commitment. But increasingly, adoption has become a costly and sometimes agonizing process.
Is business a calling?
E10
Is business a calling?Corporate responsibility has become sizzling politics. Among the issues du jour are downsizing, moving jobs overseas and CEO compensation. These raise issues about the relationship between moral behavior and commercial gain.
Campaign 1996: The politics of abortion
E11
Campaign 1996: The politics of abortionSo far, our politicians have been willing or unable to hammer out a compromise on the issue of abortion. But according to recent polls, there may be a consensus opinion among the public. Are the Republicans and Democrats out of touch with voters?
Revisionism revisited
E12
Revisionism revisitedPolitical power in Israel has passed from Shimon Peres and the Labor Party to Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud Party. Some observers say Likud places peace in peril, but supporters of Likud say hard-liners can be the best peacemakers.
The Cold War is over: What do we do now?
E13
The Cold War is over: What do we do now?The fall of the Soviet Union left America as the world's only superpower. What should America do with its newfound status, turn inward or try to lead the world and set the global agenda through peaceful means when possible and military might if necessary.
Sports vs. Sportsmanship
E14
Sports vs. SportsmanshipThe 1996 Atlanta Olympics are finally upon us. Do Americans live up to the Olympics' motto, "not to win, but to take part"? Sport seems to be more popular than ever, but is the drive to win and to cash in spoiling the joy and opportunity to take part?
The battles that shaped America
E15
The battles that shaped AmericaThink Tank talks one on one with British historian John Keegan about the notion of America as a historical battlefield.
How should we handle scandal?
E16
How should we handle scandal?Recent allegations surrounding the President and Mrs. Clinton have caused American scandal spectators to pay close attention to the media's account of their actions. But to what extent are these scandals created and driven by the media?
New York, New York/The future of American cities
E17
New York, New York/The future of American citiesIn this two-part episode, Think Tank looks at New York as a city, its reputation, and its current status. Then, Think Tank expands its discussion to include other American cities.
New York, New York/The future of American cities
E18
New York, New York/The future of American citiesIn this two-part episode, Think Tank looks at New York as a city, its reputation, and its current status. Then, Think Tank expands its discussion to include other American cities.
An unconventional look at conventions
E19
An unconventional look at conventionsThe political convention is one of the oldest rituals in American politics. Think Tank explores whether or not there is substance and purpose behind all of the television pageantry.