The Last Word with Lawrence O' Donnell Season 2017 Episode 199 October 11, 2017

The Last Word with Lawrence O' Donnell is a nightly news and political commentary television show on MSNBC. In the season 2017 episode 199, aired on October 11, 2017, O' Donnell covers a range of political topics including the latest developments in the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the Trump administration's decision to allow employers to opt out of covering birth control for religious reasons, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the NFL protests during the national anthem.

The episode begins with a segment on the Weinstein scandal, which had just come to light at the time of airing. O' Donnell discusses the many allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Weinstein, and explores the broader cultural issues surrounding the treatment of women in Hollywood and beyond. He speaks with several guests, including reporters covering the story, experts on sexual harassment and assault, and women who have experienced similar misconduct in their own lives. The discussion is emotional and intense, highlighting the seriousness of the issue and the need for systemic change.

The next segment focuses on the Trump administration's decision to roll back an Obama-era rule that required employers to provide birth control coverage to their employees, even if doing so conflicted with the employer's religious beliefs. O' Donnell explains the legal background to this decision, and speaks with both supporters and opponents of the move. He also examines the potential impact of the policy change on women's health and reproductive rights, and discusses the political implications of the decision for the Trump administration.

The final segment of the episode centers on the ongoing controversy surrounding NFL players who kneel during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racial inequality. O' Donnell speaks with several players, coaches, and commentators about what the protests mean to them, and how they believe the issue should be addressed. He also examines the larger societal forces that have led to the protests, and explores the ways in which the NFL, the media, and the public have responded to the controversy.

Throughout the episode, O' Donnell engages with his guests in a thoughtful and nuanced way, drawing out their perspectives and insights on the complex political issues at hand. He uses a combination of personal anecdotes and statistics to illustrate his points, and maintains a measured tone even when discussing emotionally charged topics. Overall, the episode is a vivid example of the kind of intelligent and engaged political commentary for which The Last Word with Lawrence O' Donnell has become known.