Washington Week Season 2014 Episode 4 Jan 24, 2014

Washington Week is a weekly TV show that discusses the political happenings in the United States, while featuring insights and analysis from nationally recognized journalists.

In episode four of the 2014 season, which aired on January 24th, a panel of esteemed journalists and political analysts convened to discuss the most pressing issues of the week. The panel was moderated by Gwen Ifill, and consisted of James Kitfield from National Journal, Doyle McManus from the Los Angeles Times, John Harwood from CNBC and The New York Times, and Amy Walter from the Cook Political Report.

The episode began with a discussion of President Obama's State of the Union address, delivered the previous Tuesday. The panelists analyzed the key points in the speech, including Obama's proposals for new programs, his plans for executive action, and the overall tone of the address. They also debated what the speech might mean for upcoming midterm elections, Democratic Party messaging, and the president's legacy.

The panel then turned to a discussion of the ongoing debate over the Keystone XL pipeline. The proposed pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast, has been a contentious issue for years. The panelists delved into the politics of the issue, including the potential economic benefits of the pipeline, the potential environmental risks, and the role of special interest groups in the debate.

Next, the panel tackled the pressing issue of income inequality in America. The panelists discussed the causes and effects of the widening wealth gap, as well as policy proposals to address the issue. They also analyzed the political implications of the issue, including its impact on the upcoming midterm elections and the future of the Democratic Party.

The panel then turned to the topic of NSA surveillance, which had been in the news after a federal judge had ruled some of the program unconstitutional. The panelists discussed the legal and political issues surrounding the program, including its effectiveness in preventing terrorism, the balance between privacy and security, and the implications for civil liberties.

The episode concluded with a discussion of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The panelists analyzed the political and security issues surrounding the games, including concerns over terrorism and human rights abuses in Russia. They also discussed the potential impact of the games on U.S.-Russia relations and the broader geopolitical implications of the event.

Overall, Washington Week season 2014 episode 4 provided a comprehensive analysis of some of the most important issues in U.S. politics and world events. Through the expert insights of its panelists, the show provided viewers with valuable context and perspective on issues that continue to resonate today.