We begin with the European debt crisis and the bailout plan approved this week by Germany, the biggest economy on the continent. Is it enough to contain what one of our panelists calls the "contagion" begun in Greece and spread throughout Europe? In related economic news, we discuss this week's speech by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, where he challenged lawmakers to address housing, unemployment, and other issues to get the nation's economy back on track. Also, is it a huge political gamble for the Obama Administration to ask the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act? We weigh in on New Jersey governor Chris Christie and whether he'll toss his hat into the GOP presidential race. Finally, we discuss the death of the American-born radical al Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in a drone attack in Yemen. (Laura Tyson joins us as guest panelist.)
Banner image: German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) speaks with Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on September 29, 2011 at the Lower House of German parliament Bundestag in Berlin during a debate before lawmakers vote on legislation to expand the EU's rescue fund. Photo by John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images