Gwen Ifill reports from Iowa on the 2nd Republican primary debate and the Ames Straw Poll. Joined by Dan Balz, The Washington Post, they look at the testy exchanges on the debate stage. Plus, in the Washington Week studio, Judy Woodruff examines the White House's response to recent troublesome economic news with John Harwood of CNBC/The New York Times and Jackie Calmes, The New York Times.

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.

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.

Ahead of next week's Florida Republican primary, the 4 remaining candidates squared off on the ground and in two debates. Plus, following his State of the Union Address, President Obama hit the road to push his economic and jobs plan. Joining Gwen: Dan Balz, The Washington Post; John Dickerson, Slate Magazine & CBS News; Jackie Calmes, The New York Times; David Wessel, The Wall Street Journal.

Mitt Romney and President Obama court Latino voters as immigration politics enters the spotlight. Plus, Obama invokes executive privilege as Attorney General Eric Holder faces a contempt of Congress charge. Also, what’s Europe’s economic future? This Week: Jeff Zeleny, New York Times; Laura Meckler, Wall Street Journal; Major Garrett, National Journal; Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times.

A horrific mass shooting at a movie theatre near Denver, Colorado. The campaigns talk about tax history and economic policy as attack ads from both campaigns intensify. And the fighting in Syria spreads to Damascus as the rebels achieve new victories. Joining Gwen: Pierre Thomas, ABC News; Karen Tumulty, The Washington Post; Jeff Zeleny, The New York Times; Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times.

The U.S. economy appears to be on the upswing, consumer confidence and growth are up and the jobless rate is down. But polls show that voters’ feelings about the economy lag behind the signs of improvement. Gwen Ifill talks to NewsHour political director Domenico Montanaro about some of the races that will most affected by the economy.

The panelists review the role of the Obama administration in brokering the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Also, we examine the post-election politics behind the looming fiscal cliff crisis. Plus, what factors could slow down the U.S. economic recovery. Joining Pete Williams of NBC News: Peter Baker, New York Times; Molly Ball, The Atlantic; and Jim Tankersley, National Journal.

President Obama and Speaker Boehner remain divided over fiscal cliff specifics as a solution appears distant. Also, Republican Senator Jim DeMint’s decision to resign highlights a GOP intra-party squabbles. Plus, is threat of chemical weapons in Syria a game changer? Joining Gwen: Jackie Calmes, New York Times; Amy Walter, ABC News; Eamon Javers, CNBC; James Kitfield, National Journal.

In our final show of 2012, we explore the year’s significant stories including President Obama’s re-election victory over Mitt Romney; Congress’ tumultuous battles with the White House; and the administration’s challenges abroad. Joining Gwen: Karen Tumulty, Washington Post; John Harwood, CNBC & New York Times; Michael Duffy, TIME Magazine; Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times.