Ep 1. Obligations and Opportunities

As the 2020 Presidential election draws ever-closer, the political arena is heating up and the stakes are higher than ever. The Circus is back for its fifth season, giving viewers an inside look into the world of politics as the race for the White House intensifies. In the first episode of the season, titled "Obligations and Opportunities", hosts John Heilemann, Alex Wagner, and Mark McKinnon hit the campaign trail to get a sense of where the candidates stand and what they're up against.

The episode opens with a series of clips from the Democratic National Convention, where Joe Biden accepted his party's nomination for President. From there, the hosts launch into a discussion of the state of the race, highlighting the challenges facing the Biden campaign as they attempt to unseat a sitting President in the midst of a global pandemic, economic crisis, and social unrest. They also touch on the historic nature of Kamala Harris's nomination as Vice President, and what that means for the party and the country as a whole.

After setting the stage, The Circus team heads out to the battleground states to get a sense of what voters are thinking and feeling. In Arizona, a state that has been reliably red for decades but is now considered a toss-up, they take a deep dive into the Latino vote, which will be crucial in determining the outcome of the election. They visit a community center in Phoenix, where they speak with a group of young activists who are working to mobilize their fellow Latinos to vote. They also sit down with State Senator Martin Quezada, a Democrat who represents a largely Latino district, to discuss the issues that matter most to his constituents and what it will take to turn the state blue.

Next, The Circus heads to Pennsylvania, another key state that could determine the election. Here, they focus on the rural vote, visiting a county fair in one of the state's more conservative areas. They talk with farmers and small business owners who support Trump, and try to understand what motivates them to stick with him despite all the controversies and scandals that have dogged his Presidency. They also speak with representatives from the Biden campaign, who are working tirelessly to reach out to more moderate and suburban voters who may be on the fence about the election.

Throughout the episode, The Circus takes a nuanced and in-depth look at the many complicated factors that are shaping the 2020 race. They explore issues like racial justice, healthcare, and the economy, and talk with voters from all walks of life to get a sense of how they're processing the information and making decisions. They also interview campaign strategists and insiders, who offer their insights and predictions about what lies ahead for the candidates and the country.

As always, The Circus is an engaging and informative look into the world of American politics, offering viewers a unique and compelling perspective on one of the most consequential elections in our nation's history. Whether you're a die-hard political junkie or just looking to keep up with the news, this show is a must-watch for anyone who wants to stay informed and engaged in the democratic process.