Introducing the Series

Taped in the Agnes Varis NJTV Studio in downtown Newark, NJ, Think Tank with Steve Adubato brings together thought leaders, innovators and experts from a variety of fields who explore the critical issues, trends and challenges facing our nation today. In a spirited and engaging, four-person roundtable conversation, Emmy® Award-winning anchor, Steve Adubato, asks challenging questions about society’s most pressing issues and topics.

With experts from New Jersey and the surrounding area, Think Tank with Steve Adubato will examine issues such as the future of the Democratic and Republican parties, the state of higher education, the negative tone of political discourse in the country, the future of our energy, the role of innovation and technology in business development, the impact of high quality childcare, transparency in healthcare, the impact of leadership styles in government and the overall lack of quality leadership in government, business and other sectors.

We’re kicking off Think Tank with a comprehensive examination of the Democratic party because many think the party is fractured and divided on critical issues such as taxes, the Green New Deal, or the prospect of impeaching President Trump. These issues must be explored in a responsible and civil fashion. That’s Think Tank. This program is less about “horse race” politics and more about policy, ideology and what it means to be a “Democrat” as we approach the 2020 election and beyond.– Steve Adubato, PhD, Executive Producer & Anchor, Think Tank

Debut Episode, Saturday, May 11, 2019

In the premiere episode of Think Tank with Steve Adubato, Steve Adubato moderates a dynamic panel of political experts who share their unique perspectives on the future of the Democratic Party in New Jersey and the nation. The panel also examines the range of different ideologies within the party, the impact of the 2018 midterm elections on Congress and the polarizing impact of issues like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.

Guests:
Senator Vin Gopal (D) – NJ, Majority Conference Leader
Dr. Gene Cornacchia, President, St. Peter’s University and Political Scientist
Brendan Gill, Democratic Strategist and President and CEO, BGill Group
Tara Dowdell, Founder & President, TDG Speakers & Tara Dowdell Group and Democratic Consultant

Episode 2, Saturday, May 18, 2019

Steve Adubato is joined by U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (D) – NJ, who represents a moderate conservative-leaning district in northern New Jersey and has quickly become an important voice in the United States House of Representatives, to discuss her career and path towards Congress, the future of the Democratic Party in New Jersey and her priorities in Washington, D.C.

Steve Adubato sits down with NJ Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R) – NJ, who is considered by many as a potential republican gubernatorial candidate with her issue-oriented and policy-driven in her approach to governing, to explore the challenges facing the Republican party in New Jersey, the future of the GOP nationally and the impact of President Trump on the party.