Ep 12. March 20, 2020

Washington Week is an acclaimed show that analyzes political developments in the United States over the previous week with a panel of expert journalists. Episode 12 of the 2020 season, titled "March 20, 2020," covers the hotly anticipated developments around the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, as well as the latest updates on the presidential race.

The episode opens with moderator Robert Costa summarizing the latest news: President Trump's declaration of a national emergency; the CDC's recommendation that gatherings of more than 50 people be canceled for the next eight weeks; and the shock announcement that the Treasury Department is proposing $1 trillion in economic stimulus. He introduces the panel, which includes Yamiche Alcindor of PBS NewsHour, Peter Baker of The New York Times, Ashley Parker of The Washington Post, and Susan Davis of NPR.

The discussion opens with the fallout from the national emergency declaration. Parker notes how unusual it is for Trump to take such a step, given his initial reluctance to acknowledge the seriousness of the outbreak. Alcindor points to the stark contrast between the president's somber tone in the declaration and his more upbeat messaging during regular press briefings, which have included claims that he knew the crisis was a pandemic before anyone else did.

The conversation turns to the proposed economic stimulus package, with Baker noting that it is on a scale not seen since the Great Recession. The panel discusses the various elements of the proposal, including cash payments to American households and loans to small businesses, and the challenge of getting such a large package through Congress in a timely manner.

Next, the panel discusses the latest developments in the Democratic presidential race. Davis notes that, in the wake of Joe Biden's strong performance in the primaries on March 17, the race is quickly becoming a two-man contest between him and Bernie Sanders. The panel discusses the likelihood of Sanders dropping out of the race, as well as the challenges of campaigning during a time of social distancing and increasing public concern about the outbreak.

The discussion returns to the coronavirus outbreak, with the panel highlighting the different approaches taken by governors around the country. Parker notes that the crisis has highlighted the importance of leadership at the state level, as governors take on the responsibility of making difficult decisions about public gatherings, school closures, and other measures. Alcindor discusses how racial and economic disparities are playing out in the response to the outbreak, as minority and low-income communities are hit hardest by the economic fallout.

Finally, the panel offers their take on what the coming weeks and months may hold. Davis notes that the outbreak has shown how quickly political and economic realities can change, making predictions difficult. Parker observes that in moments of crisis, leaders often rise to the occasion, and that the outbreak may provide an opportunity for such leadership to emerge. Alcindor highlights the importance of looking out for the most vulnerable members of society, including those without access to healthcare and those who may lose jobs or income as a result of the outbreak.

Overall, the twelfth episode of the 2020 season of Washington Week provides a comprehensive analysis of the political and economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak, as well as the latest developments in the presidential race. The panel of expert journalists offer insightful commentary on the challenges and opportunities ahead, highlighting the important role of leadership and empathy in navigating this unprecedented moment in American history.