Ep 18. Power to the President

Vice is an Emmy-winning news program that covers serious and often under-reported stories from around the world. The show takes on issues that are difficult and controversial, including political corruption, social injustice, and environmental crises.

Season 5, episode 18 of Vice is titled "Power to the President." In this episode, the show takes an in-depth look at the powers and limitations of the American presidency, particularly in the face of a divided country and a rapidly changing world.

To explore this topic, the show interviews a range of experts and insiders, including former presidential advisers, historians, and constitutional scholars. They discuss the various tools and abilities that the president has at their disposal, such as executive orders, treaty-making, and the power of the veto. They also examine the limitations of presidential power, such as checks and balances, the role of Congress, and the need for popular support.

One of the main focuses of the episode is how the concept of presidential power has evolved over time. The experts discuss how modern presidents are facing a different set of challenges and pressures than their predecessors, with a more polarized political landscape and a 24-hour news cycle that demands constant attention. They also talk about the ways in which the presidency has changed from a position of mostly symbolic power to one of immense responsibility and authority.

Another important theme of the episode is the relationship between the president and the media. The show takes a critical look at how the media can either shape or be shaped by the president's agenda, and how social media in particular has changed the political landscape. In interviews with journalists and media analysts, the show explores how the role of the media has changed in relation to the presidency, and how both entities are struggling to adapt to the current climate of mistrust and misinformation.

Throughout the episode, Vice also examines the ways in which the American presidency is viewed by other nations around the world. They discuss how the United States' standing as a global superpower has affected the presidency's international power and influence, and whether the current president is wielding that power effectively.

Overall, "Power to the President" is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of one of the most important political positions in the world. Through its expert interviews and well-researched reporting, the episode provides both an overview of the presidency's powers and limitations, and a nuanced analysis of how those powers are being wielded in today's political climate. For anyone interested in American politics or global governance, this is an episode not to be missed.