Ep 8. Burden of Proof

As US midterm elections draw near, The Circus team explores how allegations of sexual misconduct are affecting political races across the country. With the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh fresh in the minds of many Americans, the episode examines how candidates on both sides of the political spectrum are dealing with claims of impropriety. The episode also delves into the legal challenges of proving or disproving such allegations and how they can impact the court of public opinion. The Circus team follows campaign events and rallies in Michigan, Missouri and Texas, where they talk to both candidates and voters about the accusations and how they may impact the election. The team also discusses the role of the media in investigating these claims and how journalists can balance the need for accurate reporting with the potential harm of damaging someone's reputation. Alongside discussions of serious political issues, the episode also offers a glimpse into the quirky side of American politics, highlighting memorable moments from the campaign trail, including a West Virginia rally featuring a failed attempt at using a flamethrower to shoot a fake spider off a man's face. Overall, "Burden of Proof" offers a nuanced look at the intersection of politics, allegations of misconduct, and journalistic responsibility at an incredibly tense moment in American political history.