Ep 5. What Happens in Vegas

The Circus season 5 episode 5, titled "What Happens in Vegas," provides a behind-the-scenes look at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. As the convention goes virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hosts delve into the challenges and opportunities of holding an entirely digital event.

The episode starts with co-hosts John Heilemann and Alex Wagner providing an overview of the convention's switch to an online format and the candidates’ speeches. With no crowd to feed off, the hosts examine how this would affect the speakers' performance. The episode then shifts focus to the key speakers, primarily the former First Lady Michelle Obama.

The hosts analyze Michelle Obama's speech, arguably one of the convention's most consequential speeches that encouraged people to vote. They comment on the messages conveyed by the speech and its potential impact on independent and undecided voters. The episode examines the influence of former President Barack Obama's speech and his campaign to encourage people to vote.

The Circus provides a broad view of the convention, investigating delegates' roles in the virtual voting process and their reactions to the proceedings. The show emphasizes the role of the media in shaping public opinion as they report on the convention.

The show also explores the downside of virtual conventions, mainly the limited opportunities for networking, fundraising, and lobbying. The Circus examines the Democrats' strategies in holding breakout sessions and engagement activities to keep delegates interested. They interview various party leaders on the challenges and opportunities of the virtual format, including Tony Evers, the Governor of Wisconsin, and Reince Priebus, former Chairman of the Republican National Committee.

In what may be categorized as a deep dive, the hosts scrutinize Senator Bernie Sanders' speech, a progressive candidate who dropped out of the race and backed Biden after substantial losses. They analyze Sanders' far-left position and its relevance to the party's platform, the ongoing Congressional debate over economic stimulus, and the possibility of a Biden presidency.

The episode takes a closer look at the selection of Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's running mate. The hosts discuss Harris's qualifications, her potential to unite the party, and the effects of her selection on the upcoming election. They explore the repercussions of her record in the justice system, especially considering the Black Lives Matter movement's momentum.

The Circus prioritizes broadcasting insights from the convention's organizers, delegates, and elected officials, with interviews and clips from various news outlets. The show takes the audience through the preparations and the challenges of the 2020 Democratic National Convention. They highlight the groundbreaking moment of selecting the first woman of color as a vice presidential nominee for a major political party.

In conclusion, The Circus season 5 episode 5 offers viewers an in-depth analysis of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, from the virtual voting process to the speeches and the challenges that the new format presented. This episode focuses on the speeches of key speakers, the impact of the media on public opinion, the consequences of virtual conventions, and the selection of Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's running mate. Overall, "What Happens in Vegas" provides viewers with an informative and thought-provoking look into American politics.