What’s at Stake: Debt and entitlements

We may be in a financial hole now, but the situation is about to get a whole lot worse. Millions of baby boomers are turning 65, which, of course, makes them eligible for Medicare. And that program, which already consumes approximately one sixth of the entire federal budget on its own, is becoming less and less financially sound. With the country already facing huge debts, fixing Medicare becomes even more difficult. The question is does either presidential candidate have a politically viable remedy?

From Need to Know

	The fiscal cliff This deadline is known as the “fiscal cliff” — the confluence of expiring tax cuts and automatic spending cuts that will go into effect should Congress not act before January 1.
	Portraits of hunger: Stories of Americans on food stamps Food stamps have become a political issue in the campaign, and Need to Know examines why a record number of Americans need help buying food every month.
	Explaining taxmageddon A panel of experts tells you everything you need to know about “the fiscal cliff.”

PBS Election Coverage:

	Politics Explore the NewsHour’s full coverage of the business and the economy. Take special note of the primer for all ages: “What is the Middle Class?” And, explore the fascinating election feature: Patchwork Nation.
	Washington Week in Review Explore Washington Week’s collection of essential reads on the economy and the election
	Frontline FRONTLINE, PBS’ Peabody and Pulitzer award-winning investigative series on business and the economy: news, analysis and signature documentaries. Don’t miss “Ten Trillion and Counting.”