Ep 3. July 22, 2020

The ReidOut season 1 episode 3, titled "July 22, 2020", is a powerful episode that focuses on significant events and issues that shaped the country during that time. Hosted by journalist and political commentator Joy Reid, the episode dives deep into the pressing matters that were unfolding in the US during the final weeks of July 2020.

The episode commences with Reid delivering her opening monologue discussing President Trump's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) decision to change their guidelines on testing. Reid begins the show by highlighting the confusion and mixed messaging coming from the administration on COVID-19. She underscores how the President repeatedly downplayed the severity of the virus and how it has resulted in the loss of countless lives.

As the show progresses, Reid shifts focus to the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests across the country. The episode shows footage of various demonstrations from different states, and Reid's guests highlight the importance of fighting for justice and reforms when it comes to policing in America. With Breonna Taylor being a significant discussion topic among the panelists, they touch upon the importance of fighting for her justice and how her death reignited a much-needed conversation on policing in America.

Moving further into the episode, Reid talks about the 2020 Presidential Election and how the world is closely looking at the upcoming November election. Reid discusses how the country was facing an unprecedented challenge with the pandemic and how it was affecting the way we vote. The episode features renowned voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, who touches on the challenges that come with encouraging voter turnout amid the pandemic and how it can be accomplished safely.

The show also discusses Trump's handling of his Presidential duties, and Reid and her panelists raise concerns about his fitness for office. They discuss his refusal to believe his own intelligence reports, his neglect for national security, and how he belittles the armed services. The panelists discuss how alarming it is that the President rejects the intelligence briefings and often operates in his alternative reality.

Towards the end of the episode, Reid discusses the challenges faced by communities of color during the pandemic. Reid and her guests talk about how globalization, capitalism, and systemic racism have all contributed to the way disinvestments in medical care and resources have affected people of color disproportionately. They address that COVID-19 isn't the only pandemic affecting black communities and people of color – there is also an epidemic of racism that needs to be addressed.

In conclusion, The ReidOut season 1 episode 3 brings significant attention to the prevalent issues of the time and the need for collective action towards progress. With a mix of panel discussions, interviews, and engaging debates, the episode provides insights into the events that lead towards an understanding of the significance of this time in American history.