60 Minutes Season 41, Episode 47: The Wasteland/Financial Weapon of Mass Destruction/The Bird Man of Idaho

The Bailout/General O/The Collider

"The Bailout" interviews Henry Paulson about government action on the economy. "General O" interviews General Ray Odierno the replacement for General David Petraeus. "The Collider" looks at the Large Hadron Collider and what scientists seek to learn from it. "Andy Rooney" discusses the Vice Presidency.

44 min

Wall Street's Shadow Market, Kill bin Laden, 0 to 60 on a battery?

In tonight's first story, Steve Kroft with the details you might not have heard about the unraveling of the economy. What are 'credit default swaps' and how did they play a role in the downward spiral? The complex degradation of our economy is explained. Scott Pelley re-visits the first weeks after 9/11 when the appropriate focus was on the instigator of the massive, tragic terrorist attacks, bin Laden. A former Delta Force Officer recounts the secret missions in the Tora Bora Mountains near Pakistan and never before seen video will shed new light on what really was (and is) going on. Finally, Lesley Stahl with a story from Silicon Valley in California. While cars running on batteries isn't really news, one that can go from 0 to 60 in four seconds is the stuff fantasy is made of. The newest cars are being developed to run on Lithium-ion batteries, just like the one in your laptop. We're not that far away. All this and Andy Rooney's financial advice tonight on 60 Minutes.

44 min

Made by the Mob, High Tech War, The Oldest Family Business

CBS News correspondent Armen Keteyian interviews Joaquin (Jack) Garcia, a fascinating undercover agent who infiltrated the Gambino crime family and was instrumental in bringing down the mob. A Cuban-American, Garcia was adept enough at pretending to be Italian that he was integrated into the deepest levels of the most dangerous mobster family. Lesley Stahl explores the most advanced weaponry being developed and used in the war in Iraq. You won't believe how high tech it gets. Finally, Morley Safer with the Antinoris, the family with what is believed to be the oldest family business in the world, Italian wine-making.

44 min

al Qaeda Stronger, Government owned banks, Bullfighting today

Foreign born al Qaeda in Afghanistan gaining strength and sophistication. Lara Logan with Major General Jeffrey Schlosser and how this is happening. In a second, very timely story, Lesley Stahl with what we might be seeing now that the government bail out has put government in the private sector. Bob Simon with two brothers, Cayetano and Francisco Ordonez, probably the most recognized matadors in Spain. While taping this segment, a critical injury occurs when a 1,300 lb bull gets the best of a top matador.

44 min

Credit Default Swaps, T. Boone Pickens, Goronqosa

It sounds complicated and it actually is, but tonight, Steve Kroft makes it a lot easier to understand: Credit Default Swaps and their role in the unraveling of the economy. Charlie Rose interviews T. Boone Pickens, the multi-billionaire oil man who claims to have a plan to make the U.S. far less dependent on foreign supplies. Could it really work? Finally, Scott Pelley with Greg Carr, a U.S. citizen trying to make Gorongosa, a Mozambique, African location into one of the world's newest tourist destinations.

44 min

Welcome Home, you're fired, Fake Cop, Bionic People

Tonight, an atrocity exposed when Lesley Stahl investigates thousands of reservists and guardsmen returning home from duty to find their jobs gone. Some blatantly fired for "being gone too long" and others victims of downsizing while they were Iraq or Afghanistan. A small Missouri town's newest Sheriff, Sgt Bill Jakob, was cleaning up the streets like no one else. Arresting drug dealers and other criminals, the mayor thought he was the best thing that happened to his town. Unfortunately, he wasn't really a cop at all. Finally, Scott Pelley reports on how the future is now. Technology connected directly to the human brain, enabling communication with people otherwise trapped in a paralyzed body. What's next is even more remarkable.

44 min

The Inner Circle, The Wasteland, Ted Turner

Behind the scenes and a part of the "inner circle" with Steve Kroft on election night with Obama. You really haven't seen this anywhere else and it's both warm and fascinating. Then we go to China, a land of secrets and lies. Scott Pelley follows the trashed technology we think is being recycled and safely disposed of as it ends up in China where it's anything but safe. Finally, Morley Safer going toe to toe with mogul Ted Turner in one of the most candid interviews he's given.

44 min

Obama's First Interview, Musical Savant

Steve Kroft with President elect Obama's first post election interview. This is expected to be one of the most watched shows of the season as Barack Obama talks about his plans for the next four years. He also discusses his cabinet choices. Wife Michelle is also interviewed. In the second story, Lesley Stahl re visits one of the most amazing musical savants known. Rex Lewis-Clack's life was changed when his parents found that their son, born blind and mentally impaired, was extraordinarily gifted. Now, at 13, see how far music and his gift has taken him.

44 min

Easy Nukes, For Better or Worse

Imagine the size of a 6-pack of soda able to cause a nuclear explosion. That's about all the HEU (highly enriched uranium) it would take and it's not so difficult to get. Scott Pelley explores how easy it is to get a hold of the materials necessary to make a nuclear bomb. Matthew Bunn, security expert at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, concurs that access to HEU is not as difficult as it should be.

44 min

The Cheaters, The Silver Star, Michael Phelps

Online gambling is illegal in the U.S., but it's a nearly impossible law to enforce. In this story, a group of men turn a dishonest cyber-poker game around and cheat to the tune of $20 million. In the second story tonight, Lara Logan reports on the second woman to ever win the Silver Star (the first being in World War II). Monica Brown wasn't even supposed to be there when she ended up saving two wounded men in battle. Also tonight, Michael Phelps talks with CNN's Anderson Cooper. This 23 year old Olympic record breaker, now a marketing millionaire and still remarkably personable.

44 min

The Oil Kingdom, Schnabel

Lesley Stahl visits Saudi Arabia and tours the oil producing facilities while interviewing Saudi officials. Though prices have plummeted in recent months, they're not worried. What's in store for us, and them. In our second story, Morley Safer with Julian Schnabel, a powerhouse in art and film who made his initial mark in the 1980's and has never looked back.

44 min

Barney Frank, Where's the Bottom? And Win Forever

Lesley Stahl speaks with House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. Barney Frank (D.-Mass.) Scott Pelley investigates the deepening mortgage crisis; Byron Pitts profiles USC football coach Pete Carroll; And Andy Rooney checks his mail.

44 min

Governor Schwarzenegger, Airport Security, Elephant Orphans

Scott Pelley with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the sad state of the State of California. The man who once topped box office charts, now a political leading man despite facing some huge challenges with California's economical spiral. Also tonight, Lesley Stahl and the latest on airport security measures. Where weaknesses remain, where new tools are being tried and how Kip Hawley (outgoing head of TSA) feels poor reports are unjust. Finally, Bob Simon follows up on the orphaned elephants of Kenya. Why their numbers are still significant.

44 min

The Road to the White House

Steve Kroft and a special edition 60 Minutes that explores President Elect Obama's long trek to winning the presidential election.

44 min

Mind Reading, Is It Murder?, The Mad Scientist of Football

Mind reading with a scientific spin. What studies have found by looking into our brains. Lesley Stahl reports. Bob Simon reports on drunk driving and new campaigns that include longer prison sentences and even charges of murder. Finally, Scott Pelley with Texas Tech coach, Mike Leach.

44 min

Wall Street Speculation, Obama's Advisor, Wyclef Jean

Steve Kroft explores how our current economic mess had more contributors than we may have thought. Not the least of which being Wall Street speculation in the oil futures market. News correspondent, David Martin with the Joint Chief of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen. This is Obama's advisor as our government changes parties during wartime, another historical first. Finally, Scott Pelley with Wyclef Jean, a Haitian immigrant turned rock star.

44 min

The Winter of Our Hardship, No Peace Deal, Wine Rx

Scott Pelley in Wilmington, Ohio where DHL, the town's largest employer has closed operations. The massive hardships are seen on a tremendously personal level, including how one supervisor who would walk dismissed employees off the property and take their ID badges, had it done to her as well. With "No Peace Deal", Bob Simon from Israel and the West Bank. Finally, Morley Safer reports on resveratrol, a substance in red wine that so far has repeatedly shown promise at lengthening lifespans.

44 min

Brace For Impact, Coldplay

Long awaited Katy Couric interview with Capt. Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger, the heroic pilot who successfully landed a 75 ton jet in the Hudson River without a single loss of life. This is Sully's first in depth interview and not surprisingly, very candid and thoughtful. Steve Kroft with Coldplay, the British group that rarely gives interviews and has been nominated for seven Grammys (airing tonight).

44 min

Buy American; Whistle Blower; Taliban Power

Lesley Stahl examines the new "Buy American" clause pushed for public works funded by the stimulus money. Dan DiMicco, CEO of the nation's largest steelmaker thinks it's a great idea. The head of Caterpillar, on the other hand, believes retaliation by other countries could spur them to push their own "Buy Europe" or "Buy China" clauses and end up hurting the American economy even more.

44 min

Lower Drinking Age; Muslim Militants; Nazi Mascot

Lesley Stahl reports on the newest argument to reduce the legal drinking age to 18. More than 100 college presidents believe this will reduce binge drinking. Numerous organizations believe this would mean 900 families a year burying a teen. In our next segment, Lara Logan talks with Richard Butler, the CBS Newsman kidnapped along with others by Muslim militants. For three months he lived believing he would never make it out alive. Also, Bob Simon with a truly unusual story about a young boy living with Nazi's after his family was massacred by them.

44 min

SEC Ignoring Fraud; Mexico's War; The Republican Obama

The Bernard Madoff rip-off involved thousands of victims and billions of dollars. Why does Harry Markopolos claim that the SEC (Security Exchange Commission) wouldn't know fraud if it was handed to them? Steve Kroft reports on how the contention is that the SEC personnel reportedly watching out for this aren't experienced enough to see it. In our second story, CNN's Anderson Cooper reports about the ongoing and growing war involving Mexican gangs and drugs. With most of their weapons coming from the U.S. and more than 6,000 deaths in the last couple of years, it may be time to notice and do something about it. Finally, Morley Safer with Republican Governor of Louisianna, Bobby Jindal. The son of Indian immigrants, at just 37 years old, is he a future contender for the presidency?

44 min

Follow the Failure; DNA exoneration

Follow the FDIC as they actually take over a bank, secretly on a Friday night. What exactly happens when a bank fails? Scott Pelley reports. Lesley Stahl with a very interesting report on DNA evidence and how it weighs against, or with eyewitness accounts of crimes. Included in this segment, Jennifer Thompson, a rape victim who testified against Ronald Cotton, the man she was absolutely sure was her attacker. Years later, DNA exonerated Cotton and Jennifer admits she was wrong. This unlikely pair have teamed up to change the way system works, or doesn't work.

44 min

What Went Wrong; Nourishment of a Nation

Scott Pelley with Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke about what went wrong and brought us to this incredible economic crisis. There is so much to discuss that this segment is double-length. Next, Lesley Stahl with Alice Waters, a world class chef, author of 8 cookbooks and a personal problem with microwaves. Well, at least to the point of wanting to show people how easy, environmentally friendly and healthy fresh, organic can be.

44 min

Barrack & Michelle Obama

44 min

Do You Have Worms?; Kenya Cats; LeBron James

Cyber gangs use computer viruses to gain information to electronically rob bank accounts; the African lion is in danger of extinction; basketball star LeBron James earns tens of millions of dollars annually.

44 min

Closing the Clinic/Torture in Iran/Dolly

"Closing the Clinic" examines how the economic crisis is closing hospitals and medical clinic around the country. "Torture in Iran" interviews and Iranian dissident about his eight year incarceration in and eventual flight from Iran. "Dolly" interviews the famous country singer. "Andy Rooney" talks about money.

44 min

Bionic Veterans; Guns for Sale; Steve Wynn's Win

Scott Pelley gets some incredible insight as to the advances made in prosthetic limbs. Fred Downs, head of prosthetics for the Veterans Administration, demonstrates the almost "sci fi" type limbs now being used to change lives. In our second story, Lesley Stahl explores the reasons behind an increase in gun sales and why at least one advocacy group is encouraging Americans to be armed. Finally, a look at the glitz and glitter of casino gaming as seen through the eyes of one of the most innovative and successful moguls, Steve Wynn. He is interviewed by Charlie Rose who also discusses the eye disease that may soon take the sight of this visionary. And tonight, what's the problem with Andy Rooney.

44 min

Delayed Retirement; Cold Fusion; Ole'!

With many people's 401(k) retirement investments surprisingly drained, not everyone is in the position to wait the predicted 10 plus years for recovery. What are they doing when retirement was planned in the next couple years? Steve Kroft reports on the hardships not publicized when retirement funds all but disappear. In our second story, Scott Pelley with a look at how a new energy source may be an old idea. Cold fusion has been considered 'junk science' since first hailed as possible in the late 80's, but now former skeptics are considering it. Finally, Bob Simon revisits the Spanish bullfighting family of Cayetano and Francisco Ordonez. The update shows how the story takes a bad turn.

44 min

Vice President Biden/Powered by Coal/The Orphanage

Lesley Stahl with Vice President Joe Biden as he allows this reporter to follow him around for three days. Just what does he do and how does his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, figure in? Also expect to see President Obama in this segment. Also tonight, Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers who is building coal plants despite knowing the deadly byproduct of this cheap and abundant fuel. Scott Pelley reports on how clean coal technology may be the answer and how it can be done, but will it be done in time? And Bob Simon following up with the heartbreaking elephant orphanage in Kenya. Why are there even more orphaned elephants?

44 min

Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, wine

Scott Pelley speaks with Ecuadorians suing oil maker Chevron because they claim the oil giant is polluting their fragile environment. David Martin reports on Saudi Arabia's attempts to change the mindsets of former jihadists. And finally, Morley Safer speaks with the Antinoris, a family who has been making wine in Italy for 600 years.

44 min

Military, Spy, Baseball

The United States military has been relying on new technology to track and destroy enemies, many times from thousands of miles away. Lara Logan reports. Later...Ashraf Marwan's death is a mystery as was his life - did he work as a spy for the Egyptian or the Israeli government? Steve Croft investigates. Also...Bill James is one of the most important 'players' for the Boston Red Sox, yet he never steps out on the field. Morley Safer tells us why. All this coming up on "60 Minutes."

44 min

Secretary Gates, AIG, Anna Wintour

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates discusses the war in Afghanistan in a candid and wide-ranging interview with Katie Couric. Later...Ed Liddy, the man who took over the reins of AIG, speaks to Steve Kroft about the gargantuan task ahead. Also...the sunglasses come off Anna Wintour as the Vogue editor reveals why she always wears them. She talks to Morley Safer in her first long-length interview for U.S. television.

44 min

Deepwater Horizon disaster, Conductor Gustavo Dudamel

On tonight's edition of "60 Minutes", Scott Pelley investigates the Deepwater Horizon disaster, Bob Simon catches up with Conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and Andy Rooney on gambling.

44 min

Are They Safe?/The Seed School/Marty's Big Idea

"Are They Safe?" investigates the danger posed by phthalates a set of chemical compounds that are found in many plastics. "The Seed School" examines a successful inner city public boarding school. "Marty's Big Idea" interviews the inventor of the cell phone. "Andy Rooney" talks about advice from his doctor.

44 min

Federal Reserve, Dolly Parton

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke tells Correspondent Scott Pelley what he believes led to the nation's economic crisis, and when he expects the recession to end. Country music star Dolly Parton discusses her success in show business.

44 min

The Man Who Knew/For Better or For Worse/Alice Waters

"The Man Who Knew" interviews the man who discovered Madoff's investment scheme. "For Better or Worse" rebroadcasts a segment on how immigration is forcing widows to leave the country after the death of their husbands. "Alice Waters" rebroadcasts a profile of the famous chef. "Andy Rooney" talks about shoes.

44 min

A Clean Version of Hell/The War Next Door/LeBron

"A Clean Version of Hell" rebroadcasts a segment on the Supermax prison where the United States holds some of its most dangerous criminals. "The War Next Door" rebroadcasts a segment on the rise of drug-cartel fueled violence in Mexico. "LeBron" rebroadcasts a segment on the famous basketball player. "Andy Rooney" answers his mail.

44 min

The Cheater$/Mind Reading/Gorongosa

"The Cheater$" rebroadcasts a segment on cheating in online poker. "Mind Reading" rebroadcasts a segment on how neuroscience is able to determine the nature of certain thoughts. "Gorongosa" rebroadcasts a segment on a philanthropist who is attempting to help Mozambique by developing one of its parks. "Andy Rooney" talks about cleaning his closet.

44 min

Saving Flight 1549/Bon Jovi

"Saving Flight 1549" rebroadcasts an interview with the captain and crew of US Airways Flight 1549 that was forced to make an emergency water landing earlier this year. "Bon Jovi" rebroadcasts a profile of the famous rock singer about his career.

44 min

Kill Bin Laden/Eyewitness

"Kill Bin Laden" rebroadcasts a segment on what really happened during the Battle of Tora Bora. "Eyewitness" rebroadcasts a double length segment that evaluates the reliability of eyewitness testimony. "Andy Rooney" talks about different kinds of fruit.

44 min

Remembering Walter Cronkite

The Life & Times of Walter Cronkite We interrupt the summer re-runs and re-visits with a special edition, new 60 Minutes. In memoriam of Walter Cronkite.

44 min

Gun Rush/Poisoned/Steve Wynn

"Gun Rush" rebroadcasts a segment on how Americans are stocking up on weapons even though there is an economic slowdown. "Poisoned" rebroadcasts a segment on how some African farmers are using a deadly poison to kill rare lions that are feeding on their herds. "Steve Wynn" rebroadcasts a profile on the Las Vegas casino mogul. "Andy Rooney" talks about the loss of his friend Walter Cronkite.

44 min

Screening the TSA/Is It Murder?/Wyclef

"Screening the TSA" rebroadcasts a segment on the hassles and problems associated with the Transportation Security Administration. "Is It Murder?" rebroadcast a segment on attempts to increase punishments of drunk drivers. "Wyclef" rebroadcasts a segment on the musician who is attempting to help his native Haiti. "Andy Rooney" talks about things people have sent him.

44 min

The Price of Bananas/Brain Power/Swimming with Sharks

"The Price of Bananas" rebroadcasts a segment on the troubles facing Chiquita banana in their dealings with Columbia. "Brain Power" rebroadcasts a segment on a new technology that allows the brain to interface with a computer. "Swimming with Sharks" examines the dangerous phenomenon of shark tourism. "Andy Rooney" talks about kitchen gadgets.

44 min

Michael Vick

44 min

Remembering Don Hewitt

Morley Safer looks back at the extraordinary life and career of television pioneer and 60 Minutes creator Don Hewitt.

44 min

The Age of Megafires/Combat in Afghanistan/Mr. Ayers and Mr. Lopez

Scott Pelley gives his report concerning the intensity and frequency of forest fires and their relationship with global warming. Lara Logan interviews Maj. Gen. Jeffery Schloesser, stationed in Afghanistan, discussing the increase in enemy personnel. Los Angeles street musician Nathaniel Ayers is interviewed by Morley Safer, about being the main subject to the movie "The Soloist."

44 min

President Obama/Big Teddy/Guiding Light

President Obama is interviewed by Steve Krofts. The life of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy is reflected on by Ted Kennedy Jr. and editor Jonathan Karp. Morley Safer interviews cast members of the soap opera, The Guiding Light, including Kim Zimmer, Beth Chamberlin and Ron Raines, about the 72 year history.

44 min

The DEKA Arm

Scott Pelley shows us the biggest innovation in prosthetic arms since WW II; Also, Morely Safer on Anna Wintour, and Byron Pitts speaks with USC football coach, Pete Carroll.

44 min