Ep 11. Episode 70

John Oliver is back with another episode of "Last Week Tonight" and this time, he has a lot to cover. In Episode 70 of Season 3, he dives into several topics including the election in Ecuador, the state of journalism in America, and the crisis in Venezuela.

Oliver starts off by discussing the recent election in Ecuador, where conservative banker Guillermo Lasso won the presidency over leftist candidate Andrés Arauz. Oliver breaks down the history and significance of this election, including the country's previous struggles with corrupt leadership and economic hardship. He also discusses the potential impact of Lasso's win on the region and what it means for Ecuadorians.

Next up, Oliver turns his attention to the state of journalism in America, which he feels has become increasingly difficult and dangerous in recent years. He highlights the growing hostility towards journalists, specifically from former President Donald Trump and his supporters. Oliver also discusses the challenges faced by local news outlets, many of which have suffered financial losses and reduced staffing in recent years. He argues that robust and independent journalism is essential for a healthy democracy and calls on viewers to support local news outlets and support legislation that would help protect journalists.

The bulk of the episode, however, is devoted to the crisis in Venezuela, which Oliver calls one of the most complicated and misunderstood stories in recent years. He provides an overview of the country's history, including the socialist government of Hugo Chávez and the current president, Nicolás Maduro, who has been accused of human rights abuses and election fraud. Oliver also discusses the impact of US sanctions on Venezuela's economy and argues that while they were intended to pressure Maduro, they have actually hurt the Venezuelan people.

To better understand the situation on the ground, Oliver travels to Caracas to meet with locals and discuss their experiences. He visits a hospital where doctors and nurses are struggling to treat patients with limited resources and discusses the impact of the sanctions on the healthcare system. He also meets with farmers who are struggling to produce crops and provide for their families, due in part to the lack of access to fertilizer and other supplies.

Finally, Oliver discusses the potential impacts of the crisis in Venezuela on the wider region. He points out that many Venezuelan refugees have fled to neighboring countries, including Colombia and Brazil, putting a strain on their resources and economies. He also argues that the crisis has the potential to become a geopolitical flashpoint, with countries like Russia and China getting involved in the region.

Overall, Episode 70 of "Last Week Tonight" is a dense and informative dive into several important topics. While some viewers may find the discussion of Venezuela overwhelming, Oliver provides valuable context and seeks to amplify the voices of those most affected by the crisis. As always, his take is insightful, articulate, and unafraid to tackle complex issues.