Ep 28. July 13, 2018

Washington Week is a weekly American television news and analysis program that airs on PBS. The show focuses on the major issues facing the nation and the world as well as the latest news from Washington and its impact on the rest of the country. In season 2018, episode 28, which aired on July 13th, the show tackled a wide range of topics that are relevant to the current political climate and the ongoing debates surrounding them.

The episode began with a discussion on the ongoing trade wars and tariffs that have been imposed by the Trump administration. The panelists analyzed the impact of these measures on the economy and the American people, as well as the potential consequences if the conflict continues to escalate. They also explored the possible connections to the upcoming mid-term elections, as well as the prospects of the Democrats in regaining a foothold in Congress.

The show then shifted its focus to the upcoming NATO summit and the implications for the future of the alliance. The panelists evaluated the current state of NATO, the role of the United States in maintaining the alliance, and the potential fallout if Trump continues to criticize or undermine its mission. They also discussed the possible diplomatic strategies that could be employed to address these challenges, as well as the historical significance of NATO for global security.

The third segment of the show centered on the upcoming Supreme Court nomination and the impact of retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on the court's ideological balance. The panelists analyzed the potential candidates for the vacancy, the political and legal ramifications of the appointment, and the role of the court in shaping American law and governance. They also explored the historical context of the appointment process, and the long-term consequences of any potential shifts in the court's ideology.

In the following segment, the panelists discussed the ongoing developments in the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. They evaluated the latest revelations about Russian hacking, the role of the Trump campaign in these activities, and the progress of the special counsel investigation headed by Robert Mueller. They also examined the broader implications of the investigation for American democracy, the rule of law, and the future of US-Russia relations.

The show concluded with a discussion on the role of the media in the current political climate. The panelists evaluated the impact of attacks on the media by the Trump administration and its allies, the challenges facing journalists in reporting on controversial issues, and the importance of a free and independent press in a democracy. They also explored the historical context of media relations in American politics and the potential consequences of any attempts to restrict or undermine press freedom.

Overall, the 28th episode of Washington Week season 2018 provided an insightful and informative analysis of the major issues facing the United States and the world today. Through thoughtful and nuanced discussions of topics ranging from trade policy to Supreme Court appointments, the panelists offered viewers a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing the country in the years to come. Through their insights and analysis, Washington Week continues to be an integral platform for discussing the most critical issues facing the United States and the world today.