Enron and $4 a gallon gas. Record recalls of tainted food and deadly toys. And now, a credit crisis that threatens the global economy and the financial future of every American family. What do these debacles all have in common? They are the results of the reckless economic policies of the Bush Administration and the radical theory that unchecked markets can solve every problem.

As the nation's leaders work to contain the gravest threat to America's economy since the Great Depression, Senator Dick Durbin looks at how the credit crisis evolved and how to restore stability and accountability to the marketplace. He will also outline a new proposal to protect consumers - not just CEOs and big investors - from excessive financial risk in the markets.

This panel will explore the economic divide between black women, some of their barriers to economic mobility, and related policy recommendations for the next administration and the next Congress. Receiving particular focus will be issues related to poverty reduction, pay inequity, workplace discrimination, and higher education and job training opportunities.

Over the last eight years, conservatives have held unprecedented power in Washington—and the result has been comprehensive failure. These sorry results can be linked directly to right-wing governing philosophy. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer will review the record of failure, demonstrating how conservative policies have led to deep economic turmoil, enormous deficits and debt, record gas prices, and weakened America in the world. This look back is essential—not to score political points, but to point the way toward new policies to set America back on course.

Please join us for a panel on the presidential transition process. Panelists will talk about their first-hand experience in planning and executing presidential transitions and the lessons they have learned. They will identify "best practices" and key priorities in planning for an effective presidential transition. They will discuss the most important issues to focus on, what mistakes to avoid, how to prepare for a good relationship with Congress, how to address the challenge of processing appointments, and other key issues.

In his new book, The Power of Progress, John Podesta—former Clinton chief of staff—along with his colleague, John Halpin, explains how progressive values changed America in the wake of the Gilded Age and how these values Can shape policy to work for the American people. Tapping the spirit of great progressive leaders from Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt to Martin Luther King Jr., The Power of Progress provides the road map toward a government responsive to the needs of its citizens, one that is focused on our generation's greatest challenges: combating global warming, growing our economy and expanding the middle class, and meeting America’s 21st century security challenges.

Copies of The Power of Progress will be available for purchase at the event.