Washington Week Season 2016 Episode 36 Sep 9, 2016

Washington Week is one of the most watched and discussed news shows in the United States, featuring prominent journalists and analysts discussing current political events and issues. Season 2016 episode 36, which aired on September 9th, 2016, is no exception.

The episode begins with host Gwen Ifill introducing the panelists: Carol Leonnig, investigative reporter for The Washington Post, Michael Duffy, deputy managing editor for Time magazine, Susan Davis, congressional correspondent for NPR, and John Harwood, chief Washington correspondent for CNBC.

The panelists dive straight into the highly contentious presidential race, with Ifill noting that both candidates are facing challenges in terms of their popularity and trustworthiness. Leonnig points out that Republican nominee Donald Trump's lack of policy specifics and controversial statements are causing angst among many in the GOP, while Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is facing scrutiny over her use of a private email server and ties to Wall Street.

Duffy echoes these sentiments, noting that both candidates are struggling to connect with voters who are highly dissatisfied with the political establishment. He also points out that Trump's campaign is relying heavily on the enthusiasm of his supporters rather than a sophisticated ground game, while Clinton's campaign is working hard to appeal to suburban women and minorities.

Davis brings up the issue of Congressional races, noting that while Democrats are optimistic about taking back control of the Senate, they face a tough battle in the House of Representatives. She also points out that both parties are scrambling to appeal to working-class voters who feel that they have been left behind by the economy, particularly in swing states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The panelists then turn their attention to President Obama's final months in office, with Leonnig noting that he has been using his executive authority to push through a number of policies that he hopes will cement his legacy. Harwood agrees, pointing out that Obama has been very active in foreign policy, visiting Asia and Europe in an effort to shore up alliances and promote economic cooperation.

Ifill then shifts the focus to the ongoing crisis in Syria, noting that Secretary of State John Kerry has been working tirelessly to broker a cease-fire between the government and rebel forces. Davis points out that this is a difficult task given the complexity of the conflict, and that there are concerns about Russia's involvement in the region.

The panel then discusses the state of the economy, with Harwood noting that while the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since before the Great Recession, many Americans are still struggling to make ends meet. Duffy adds that both candidates have proposed economic plans that are highly controversial, with Trump advocating for massive tax cuts and Clinton calling for significant investments in infrastructure and education.

Finally, the panelists turn to the issue of the media's role in the election, with Leonnig noting that the mainstream media has struggled to keep up with the pace and tone of the campaign. Davis adds that social media has played a significant role in shaping public opinion, particularly among younger voters who are more skeptical of traditional news outlets.

Overall, Washington Week season 2016 episode 36 covers a wide variety of topics in a compelling and informative manner, providing viewers with a nuanced understanding of the issues and events that are shaping the current political landscape in the United States.