With 22 percent of the American electorate saying that moral values were the most important factor in making their pick for president, a heated debate has erupted over just what those values are and how Republicans have developed a monopoly over the voters who consider them paramount. Panelists will address the role of character, religion and values-related issues in the election.

Settling in for a second term, the Bush administration is launching significant proposals to privatize Social Security. However, replacing the current social insurance program involves high risks and a shaky investment scheme. The Center for American Progress hosted a panel of experts on November 18, 2004 to identify Social Security's financing needs, to discuss proposals to privatize Social Security, and to examine proposals to improve Social Security's financial outlook within the parameters of the existing system.

Arizona educators, business leaders, elected officials, researchers, students and parents will focus on teacher recruitment, retention, and training to create a new agenda for education in America. The Arizona forum is the fifth in a series of public forums to be held throughout the country to learn about local innovative and effective models for improving education. Upon completion of the final public forum, the Task Force will produce a major report with policy and program recommendations for modernizing and renewing public education in the United States.

In this year's "most prescient political book," Thomas Frank asks, "What's the matter with Kansas?" After the election, many progressives are now asking, "What's the matter with America?" Progressives seem increasingly befuddled by voters who claim to support an array of progressives policies but, as Frank argues, consistently vote "against their material interests." Frank attributes this to a decades-long campaign of conservatives cultural populism that demonizes progressives as out of touch with American life. 

Post-election coverage has given a great deal of attention to the role of "values" in shaping U.S. policy and informing the way Americans vote.  Esteemed European leaders will come together to discuss the values that ought to shape a progressive global partnership with Europe and the world as President Bush makes rebuilding the transatlantic relationship an important priority during his second term.