Ep 1038. Fri, Jun 8, 2018

On Friday, June 8th, 2018, The Young Turks aired its 1,038th episode. The show, hosted by Cenk Uygur, Ana Kasparian, and a rotating cast of guests, is a progressive news and political commentary program aimed at younger audiences.

In this particular episode, the hosts cover a range of topics, starting with the recent summit between North Korea's Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump. They discuss the optics of the summit, including the rather bizarre video produced by the Trump administration that appears to mimic North Korean propaganda. They also analyze the substance of the joint agreement signed by the two leaders, which includes a commitment to denuclearization by North Korea but lacks any real specifics.

Moving on to domestic politics, the hosts examine the recent primary election results in several states, including California. They note the success of progressive candidates in some races, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's upset victory in New York's 14th congressional district, while also acknowledging the continued power of establishment figures in others.

In a particularly poignant segment, the hosts discuss the ongoing crisis of family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border. They highlight the stories of individual families who have been torn apart by the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy, which requires that all immigrants crossing the border illegally be detained and prosecuted, regardless of the circumstances. They also criticize the role of mainstream media outlets in downplaying or ignoring the issue until public outrage reached a critical mass.

Other topics covered in the episode include the Trump administration's recent decision to rescind protections for transgender prisoners, the ongoing scandal surrounding Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, and the latest developments in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

Throughout the show, the hosts use their trademark combination of biting commentary, humor, and passion to engage viewers and encourage them to take action on the issues they care about. They frequently offer opportunities for audience members to get involved, such as by calling their representatives or donating to organizations working to alleviate the border crisis.

Overall, The Young Turks season 1 episode 1038 is a thought-provoking and informative look at some of the most pressing political issues of the day. It is a testament to the show's commitment to holding those in power accountable and giving a voice to the often marginalized or underrepresented perspectives of young and progressive viewers.