Ep 9. The People on That Stage

The Circus season 4 episode 9 is titled "The People on That Stage." This episode focuses on the upcoming Democratic National Convention and the key players involved in the event. The episode explores the tension between the Democratic establishment and progressive factions within the party, highlighting the divisions that have emerged in the wake of the 2020 Democratic primary.

The episode begins with a discussion of the convention's keynote speaker, former First Lady Michelle Obama. The hosts of The Circus examine the role of the keynote address in modern political conventions and discuss the potential impact of Obama's speech on the Democratic party's messaging.

The episode then turns to the various factions within the Democratic party, highlighting the tensions between the establishment wing of the party and the progressive movement embodied by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. The hosts of The Circus speak with key players from both sides of this divide, including Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez, who is seen as a key figure in managing the party's messaging leading up to the convention.

As the convention approaches, the hosts of The Circus turn their focus to the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event in the midst of a global pandemic. They speak with convention planners, politicians, and activists about the various logistical issues that have emerged in the planning process, including concerns about the safety of attendees and the impact of social distancing guidelines on the convention's overall atmosphere.

Throughout the episode, the hosts of The Circus provide insights into the inner workings of the Democratic party and the challenges that arise in any presidential election cycle. They highlight the role of political operatives and strategists in shaping the narrative of the convention and the broader election, and they provide a window into the personal motivations and perspectives of key players in the political arena.

Overall, "The People on That Stage" is a thought-provoking and informative episode of The Circus that offers a deep dive into the complexities of modern political conventions. By exploring the various factions, tensions, and logistical challenges that have emerged in the run-up to the Democratic National Convention, the episode provides viewers with a nuanced understanding of the state of the Democratic party and the political landscape leading up to the 2020 election.