Ep 45. November 9, 2018

Washington Week is a weekly news/discussion show that covers the latest happenings in American political scene. Hosted by Robert Costa, the show features a panel of journalists and experts who share their insights and opinions on the most significant political events of the week. Washington Week Season 2018 episode 45, entitled "November 9, 2018," is no exception as it tackles the latest news in Washington DC and around the nation regarding the recent midterm elections.

The episode starts with a discussion on the results of the midterm elections which saw Democrats gain a majority in the House of Representatives, while Republican kept their hold on the Senate. The panel, featuring Ayesha Rascoe, Nancy Cordes, Susan Page, and Robert Costa, analyze the impact of the election results on the legislative environment, the prospects for governance in the next two years, and the political strategies for both parties as we approach the 2020 presidential elections. The panel also discusses the apparent split between urban and rural voters in key swing states and its possible consequences in the future.

The next segment of the show is dedicated to the recent turmoil in the Trump administration. The panel examines the President's firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the subsequent appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting Attorney General, and the legal implications of the move. The panel discusses Mr. Whitaker's public statements on the Mueller investigation and other related issues, as well as the constitutional basis for his appointment and the potential for conflicts of interest. The discussion also delves into the broader theme of presidential power and the tension between it and the principle of the rule of law.

The third segment of the show deals with the foreign policy implications of the midterm elections. The panel analyzes the impact of the Democrats' victory in the House of Representatives on the administration's foreign policy agenda. The panel discusses the possibility of more rigorous oversight of the President's decision making regarding foreign relations, as well as the impact on US relations with Russia, China, and North Korea. The panel also discusses the recent criticism of the Trump administration's handling of the Yemen war and the fate of the Khashoggi murder investigation in the light of the Democratic victory.

The show concludes with a brief round-up of other important political events of the week, including the California wildfires and their political implications, the Republican-led Senate's push for judicial nominees, and the ongoing controversy over voter suppression in Georgia.

Washington Week Season 2018 episode 45 provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the political climate after the midterm elections and the different challenges facing the President, the Congress, and the nation as a whole. The panelists offer diverse perspectives and professional expertise to provide a balanced and nuanced assessment of the latest developments in Washington and beyond. This episode of Washington Week is a must-see for anyone interested in current affairs, politics, and the future of the United States.