Washington Week Season 2014 Episode 14 Apr 18, 2014

Washington Week is a weekly news program that delves into the latest happenings in American politics, providing in-depth analysis, interviews, and insights from leading journalists in the field. Stationed in the nation's capital, the show is known for its impartial, informative, and often analytical approach to the news.

Season 2014's 14th episode of Washington Week, which aired on April 18, 2014, continued its tradition of diving into the political happenings of the week in America, to provide a clear picture of the events unfolding in the country.

The episode starts with moderator Gwen Ifill guiding a panel of expert journalists in discussing the week's top stories, kicking off with the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine. The panel analyzes Russia's annexation of Crimea and the subsequent sanctions imposed by the US and the European Union. The group also focuses on the role of US Secretary of State John Kerry, who was on a bus tour of Europe at the time to garner support for the US' position on Ukraine.

Moving on, the discussion shifts to domestic politics and the looming midterm elections. The panel discusses the potential impact of Obamacare on the election, as President Obama struggles to repair the damage done to his signature legislation by the botched rollout of Healthcare.gov. The group notes that despite the technical issues, Obamacare surpasses its target of enrolling 7 million people into the program.

The panel also talks about the recent Supreme Court decision on campaign finance, which struck down limits on the overall amount a donor can give to political parties or candidates. This decision is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming election, making it much easier for wealthy donors to contribute to the candidates of their choice.

Throughout the episode, Gwen Ifill leads the panel through a detailed and thought-provoking discussion on the week's top stories, providing each expert an opportunity to share their personal and professional insights. Other topics of discussion include the ongoing battle between Republicans and Democrats in the Congress, the growing income inequality in America, and the impact of technology on journalism.

The panel includes a diverse array of experts, including John Harwood, Chief Washington Correspondent for CNBC and a political writer for The New York Times; Susan Davis, Congressional correspondent for USA Today; John King, CNN anchor and correspondent; Alexis Simendinger, White House Correspondent for RealClearPolitics; and Michael Duffy, Executive Editor for Time Magazine.

As the episode draws to a close, Ifill invites each panelist to offer their final thoughts on the week's events. The discussion leaves the audience with a greater understanding of the complexities and nuances of American politics, and a better appreciation for the skill and insight of Washington Week’s expert panel.

Overall, the 14th episode of Washington Week in season 2014 provides an engaging and informative perspective on the biggest political events unfolding in America at the time. The insightful analysis offered by the skilled panel of journalists helps viewers to explore the underlying motivations, reactions, and potential outcomes of the political events affecting the country.