The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth Season 1 Episode 6 Fear and Loathing

The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth season 1 episode 6, named Fear and Loathing, dives into the fear and emotion driving the 2016 presidential campaign. The episode follows the three reporters, Mark Halperin, John Heilemann, and Mark McKinnon, as they cover the competing rallies of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in Ohio and North Carolina.

The episode begins with a sobering reminder that a terrorist attack occurred in Nice, France, just two days prior. The tragedy is highlighted as the reporters discuss the impact it could have on American voters and the candidates' reactions. The Circus crew also dives into the fear-mongering tactics that Trump uses in his speeches, highlighting clips of him saying "We're in a world war" and that "Crooked Hillary" is not qualified to be president. The reporters discuss how Trump uses the American people's fear of terrorism and economic insecurity to win their votes.

On the Clinton side, the Circus crew follows her as she talks to voters in Ohio and holds a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina. The reporters discuss how Clinton is trying to use the fears of others to legitimize her campaign and how her message is more nuanced than that of Trump. The reporters also discuss the rising threat of the "alt-right," a group often associated with white nationalism, and how some Trump supporters have been emboldened by their candidate's stated prejudices.

Next, the Circus covers the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The contrast between the fear-based rhetoric of the Republican National Convention and the more positive message of the Democrats is explored. The reporters discuss how the DNC is trying to cast Clinton as the champion of working class Americans and as an experienced diplomat capable of handling the presidency. Also, the differences between the message of unity and the unity slogan were discussed.

The episode concludes with the debacle that enveloped Trump's campaign after he criticized the family of a Muslim-American soldier who had died in combat. The backlash to Trump's comments is explored, including Republican leaders who condemned his statements. The reporters also discuss how Trump's comments could turn off key demographics who were already wary of his campaign, including women, minorities, and members of the military.

The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth season 1 episode 6, Fear and Loathing, gives the viewers a deep, insightful analysis of the 2016 presidential campaign. It illustrates the strategies used by both Trump and Clinton, the fears that both sides played on to win votes, and the significant events that separated the Democratic and Republican conventions.