Ep 15. Full Court Press
- TV14
- September 27, 2020
- 29 min
-
(16)
The Circus: Inside the Wildest Political Show on Earth is a weekly political documentary series that airs on Showtime. Season 5, episode 15 is titled "Full Court Press".
In this episode, the show covers the final days of the 2020 presidential campaign and the intense efforts by both the Donald Trump and Joe Biden campaigns to reach voters in the key swing states. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging across the country, the candidates are forced to rely on virtual campaigning, with Zoom calls and online rallies replacing traditional in-person events.
The episode begins with an examination of the high-stakes battle for Pennsylvania, a swing state that both candidates see as crucial to their chances of winning the election. Correspondent John Heilemann travels around the state, talking to voters and observing the campaign's efforts to make their case.
Meanwhile, correspondent Alex Wagner examines the Trump campaign's push to win support from Black voters, a group that traditionally votes overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates. Wagner talks to Black voters who are conflicted about their choice in the election and to Trump campaign officials who are working hard to persuade them to switch sides.
The episode also covers the controversy surrounding the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, which happened during the final days of the campaign. The Circus takes a close look at how this issue energizes both Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats angry at the Republican-controlled Senate for pushing through the nomination, and Republicans excited about the prospect of a conservative-leaning Supreme Court for years to come.
Throughout the episode, the correspondents also provide analysis and commentary on the race, discussing the latest polling data and the possible outcomes of the election. The Circus offers a fascinating glimpse into the chaotic world of modern American politics, revealing the personalities, strategies, and tactics of the people who are vying for power in Washington.
