The Last Word with Lawrence O' Donnell Season 2021 Episode 137 Episode 137

The Last Word with Lawrence O' Donnell is a nightly political commentary and analysis show on MSNBC. Hosted by Lawrence O' Donnell, a journalist, writer, and producer, the show takes an in-depth look at the biggest stories of the day and features interviews with political leaders, journalists, and experts.

In episode 137 of the 2021 season, Lawrence O' Donnell covers a wide range of topics, starting with the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. He talks about the new vaccine mandates for federal employees and contractors, as well as the implications of the FDA's full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. He also discusses the ongoing debate over school closures, mask mandates, and the Delta variant's impact on children.

The show then pivots to the political news of the day, including the latest on the infrastructure bill negotiations and the upcoming vote on the budget reconciliation package. Lawrence interviews Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who provides an update on the negotiations and his thoughts on the importance of passing strong climate change measures as part of the infrastructure bill.

Next, Lawrence shifts to the topic of voting rights and the Republican push to restrict access to the ballot box. He interviews Stacey Abrams, a former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and voting rights activist, who discusses her work to combat voter suppression and the urgency of passing federal voting rights legislation. They also talk about her new novel, While Justice Sleeps, which explores the intersection of politics and the judiciary.

The show then turns to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, with Lawrence providing updates on the Taliban's takeover of the country and the Biden administration's evacuations of U.S. citizens and Afghan allies. He interviews Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who offers his analysis of the situation and discusses the U.S. government's responsibility to support and protect those who worked with American forces in Afghanistan.

Finally, Lawrence touches on a number of smaller stories, including the debate over a new flag design for Mississippi, a court case about whether prisoners are entitled to stimulus checks, and an argument between Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) over the Capitol riot commission.

Throughout the episode, Lawrence provides his signature analysis and commentary, offering his perspective on the news and its broader implications for American politics and society. His interviews with political leaders and experts provide valuable insights into the issues at hand and offer viewers a chance to hear from some of the most influential voices in American politics today.

Overall, episode 137 of The Last Word with Lawrence O' Donnell is a comprehensive and engaging look at the biggest news stories of the day, providing viewers with a nuanced and informed perspective on the issues that are shaping American politics and society in 2021.