The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth Season 5 Episode 13 Going Postal

The Circus is a gripping political documentary that follows the 2020 presidential campaign trail. In episode 13 of season 5, titled "Going Postal," the hosts John Heilemann, Alex Wagner, and Mark McKinnon delve into the recent controversy surrounding mail-in voting. As the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, many states were pushed to adopt mail-in voting systems to ensure that citizens could vote safely and without risking their health. However, President Donald Trump raised concerns about the security and validity of mail-in votes, claiming that it would lead to rampant voter fraud.

In this episode, the circus takes us through the ups and downs of the mail-in voting debate, speaking to both supporters and critics of the system. The team also examines the role of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in the process, and how it has been affected by the government's recent cuts to funding and staffing. The hosts highlight how this could potentially cause major delays in mail delivery, and in turn, affect the timely processing of mail-in ballots.

The episode also explores the impact of mail-in voting on different states, with a particular emphasis on the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These three states played a critical role in the 2016 election, with Trump narrowly winning all three. Since then, the political climate in these states has shifted, and as Heilemann, Wagner, and McKinnon travel to each of these states, they discover how mail-in voting has gained popularity. They also examine how the Republican Party has reacted to this change, and the efforts Democrats are making to encourage citizens to vote.

In addition to discussing mail-in voting, the episode also covers other important political issues, such as the ongoing protests over racial injustice. With election day drawing near and tensions running high, the hosts examine how the protests could impact the election results and shape the political landscape in the coming months.

Overall, episode 13 of The Circus is an informative and thought-provoking look at the mail-in voting debate that has dominated American politics in recent months. The show does an excellent job of presenting all sides of the argument and examining the potential consequences of the government's decisions. Moreover, it highlights the critical role that the USPS, the citizens of the United States, and the political parties will play in ensuring a fair and democratic election.