Washington Week Season 2020 Episode 24 June 12, 2020

As protests sparked by the death of George Floyd continue across the country, Washington Week focuses on the ongoing conversation around race, policing, and justice in America. Host Robert Costa leads a roundtable of journalists in analyzing the week's developments, from the controversy over the defunding of police departments to the push for police reform legislation on Capitol Hill.

The panel includes Yamiche Alcindor, White House correspondent for PBS NewsHour; Jonathan Capehart, opinion writer for The Washington Post; Abby Phillip, White House correspondent for CNN; and Susan Davis, congressional correspondent for NPR.

The conversation begins with a discussion of the nationwide protests, which have brought together people from all walks of life to demand systemic change in the wake of Floyd's killing by Minneapolis police. The panelists explore the role of social media in amplifying the message of Black Lives Matter and other activists, as well as the impact of demonstrations on the public discourse around race and inequality.

Next, the group dives into the debate around defunding police departments, which has sparked controversy and confusion in recent weeks. The panelists offer their perspectives on what this term means, what it entails, and what the potential consequences of such a policy shift might be. They also explore the political dimensions of the issue, including how politicians from different parties and regions are responding to calls for police reform.

The third segment of the show focuses on the latest developments on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are grappling with how to respond to the protests and work towards meaningful change. The panelists discuss the various proposals that have been put forward, from Democrats' sweeping legislation aimed at reforming policing nationwide to Republican-led efforts to strengthen penalties for violent protesters. They also consider the prospects for bipartisan compromise in a deeply divided Congress.

The final portion of the show turns to the upcoming presidential election, exploring how the protests and broader issues around race and justice might shape the contest between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden. The panelists offer insights into how each candidate is responding to the moment, as well as what voters in key swing states might be looking for in November.

Overall, this episode of Washington Week offers a thoughtful and insightful look at a crucial moment in American history, as citizens and leaders grapple with longstanding issues of race, policing, and justice in the midst of a global pandemic.