Ep 147. Dueling Over a Deal; Will Congress Reach Agreement On New COVID-19 Relief Package?

Dueling Over a Deal; Will Congress Reach Agreement On New COVID-19 Relief Package? is the 147th episode of the season 5 of Politicking with Larry King. In this episode, Larry King, the legendary television and radio host, interviews two congressional leaders from different sides of the aisle, to get an insight into whether the parties can come to a consensus on a new relief package for American citizens suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the pandemic continues to devastate the country, there has been a growing urgency for Congress to pass a new COVID-19 relief package. Since the summer, Congress has been unable to agree on the specifics of a new bill, leading to a gridlock that has been harmful to millions of Americans. In this episode, King sits down with Congressman James Clyburn, the House Majority Whip and a Democrat from South Carolina, and Congressman Tom Reed, a Republican from New York who co-chairs the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.

King starts off by asking the two congressmen about the status of a new relief bill and whether there's any hope for a compromise before the end of the year. Clyburn expresses optimism that a deal can be reached, citing a willingness to compromise from both sides and the fact that the situation has become dire enough to demand action. Reed agrees that it's important to come to an agreement but also voices his concern about bailing out certain industries and the effects of long-term debt on the country.

The conversation then turns to the parties' differing priorities and the difficulty of balancing competing demands. Clyburn emphasizes the importance of state and local funding as well as expanded unemployment benefits, while Reed stresses the need for liability protection for businesses and a focus on small businesses. The two congressmen discuss the potential for compromise on these issues and the challenges of reconciling the priorities of Democrats and Republicans.

Throughout the show, King asks thoughtful and probing questions, drawing out the nuances of the congressmen's positions and providing insight into the political process. Both Clyburn and Reed are articulate and insightful, and they provide a frank discussion of the political landscape as it stands today.

As the episode draws to a close, King asks the congressmen what they think will happen if no relief package is passed before the end of the year. Clyburn warns of a "double-dip" recession and increased suffering for the American people, while Reed suggests that the country will move forward with or without a deal.

Overall, Dueling Over a Deal; Will Congress Reach Agreement On New COVID-19 Relief Package? is a fascinating and informative episode of Politicking with Larry King. The interview with Clyburn and Reed provides an insightful look into the current state of politics and the challenges of reaching a consensus on relief for those affected by the pandemic. For anyone interested in the political process or the state of the country in the face of the ongoing pandemic, this episode is a must-watch.