Ep 4. THE NUCLEAR OPTION

As the United States gears up for a highly consequential Presidential election year, tensions are running high between Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill. In the latest episode of Showtime's hit political documentary series "The Circus," entitled "The Nuclear Option," hosts John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Alex Wagner delve into the ongoing battle within the Senate over confirming President Donald Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court.

With the passing of liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a seat on the Supreme Court has become open, and President Trump has nominated conservative judge Amy Coney Barrett in hopes of securing a Republican majority on the Court. However, Democrats fear that Barrett's conservative views could lead to the overturning of landmark decisions such as Roe v. Wade and the Affordable Care Act. In response, they have thrown up roadblocks to the confirmation process, accusing the Republicans of hypocrisy for trying to push through a nominee during an election year after blocking President Obama's nominee in 2016.

"The Nuclear Option" takes viewers behind the scenes as Senate Republicans and Democrats battle it out in Washington. The Democrats are doing everything in their power to delay the confirmation, including boycotting the vote and holding up committee meetings. Meanwhile, Republicans are trying to push ahead despite fierce opposition from the Left.

As the episode highlights, the stakes of this political showdown are enormous. If Barrett is confirmed, it would likely cement a conservative majority on the Supreme Court for years to come, influencing everything from women's rights to gun control.

Beyond the Supreme Court battle, "The Nuclear Option" also offers insight into the state of the 2020 Presidential election just weeks before voters head to the polls. The hosts interview various strategists and analysts, asking tough questions about the state of the race.

They note how, while Trump has been trailing Democratic nominee Joe Biden in polling data (at the time this episode was filmed), Republicans believe that the President has a few tricks up his sleeve that could sway the election in his favor. They also delve into the implications of mail-in voting, which has become a highly divisive issue this election year.

Compared to past episodes, "The Nuclear Option" has a relatively narrow focus, honing in on the Supreme Court confirmation process at a time when the country is already grappling with numerous crises, from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to the reckoning over racial justice. Nevertheless, the episode's singular focus allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the confirmation process, and the high stakes of this particular nomination.

As always, the hosts of "The Circus" offer candid, behind-the-scenes access to the political machine, interviewing lawmakers and strategists from both sides of the aisle, while also analyzing data and polling numbers. Viewers who have been following the series from the beginning will appreciate the continuing threads from prior seasons, including profiles of everyday voters and small business owners who are struggling amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Ultimately, "The Nuclear Option" is a snapshot of a moment in time, capturing the political crosscurrents that are currently tearing the country apart. As the hosts predict at the end of the episode, it is clear that no matter who wins the Presidential election, the country will never be the same.