The Circus
Overview
Step right up to The Circus, a riveting real-time documentary series that unveils the intricate narratives behind today's political landscape. Viewers are immersed in the unfolding drama of key events and personalities, showcasing the passion, frustration, and inspiration that shape the news. Each episode captures the essence of pivotal moments as they happen, offering a front-row seat to the complexities of contemporary politics. With an engaging format, the series delivers a thought-provoking exploration of the stories that define our times.
Episodes
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1
The Outsiders
The journey of three unconventional candidates—Ted Cruz, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump—unfolds as they prepare for the Iowa caucus, offering an...
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2
Prisoner's Dilemma
In the second episode, Sen. Marco Rubio, Gov. Chris Christie, former Gov. Jeb Bush, and Gov. John Kasich gear up for the critical first primary in New...
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3
Tension City
The episode delves into the tension and turmoil surrounding the Iowa caucuses, highlighting the intensifying rivalry between Democrats Bernie Sanders ...
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4
The Big Mo
In the fourth episode, the focus shifts to the aftermath of Iowa and the buildup to the New Hampshire primary. Which candidates are gaining traction, ...
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5
The Winnowing
New Hampshire delivers an electrifying boost as Trump savors his success, while Kasich gains traction in the race. Meanwhile, the harsh realities loom...
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6
Fear and Loathing
With the campaigns entering the crucial final phase before Nevada and South Carolina, tension is rising among both the leading candidates and those la...
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7
Confidence Game
As the competition tightens around The Big Five, the campaigns expand their efforts nationwide, leveraging their unique strengths. All eyes are set on...
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17
In the Arena
In Philadelphia, the chants and jeers from Sanders supporters echo loudly as the Democrats finally nominate Hillary, marking a historic moment. Howeve...
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21
The Newsrooms
As the debate approaches, the candidates step back, allowing the political reporters and analysts to take center stage. The focus shifts to those who ...
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22
Tale of the Tape
After the second debate, tensions rise as a scandal erupts over a newly released audio recording. The implications of the tape create ripples in the p...
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26
President Trump
In this unique hour-long episode of the real-time documentary series, Mark Halperin, John Heilemann, and Mark McKinnon delve into the inner workings o...
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1
Shocking But Not Surprising
Mark Halperin boards Air Force One alongside President Donald Trump. The episode delves into the contentious discussions surrounding the healthcare bi...
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2
Checking and Balancing
Mark Halperin engages in a discussion with Senator Patrick Leahy regarding Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Congressman Ad...
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3
How's He Doing?
Curious about the opinions of everyday Americans on President Trump, Mark Halperin embarks on a journey across the country to gather insights. Followi...
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4
The Whole World is Watching
What on earth is happening? This week focuses on international relations: President Trump's military action in response to chemical weapon attacks in ...
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5
Recess Reset
Even though Congress is taking a break, Mark Halperin is actively reporting on the White House and the repercussions of the situation in Syria. Meanwh...
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6
The Resistance
Mark Halperin engages with Elizabeth Warren to discuss how the Democrats are holding their ground against Trump. Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders shares his ...
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7
Learning Curve
What insights has President Trump gained from his initial 100 days in office? As Congress returns to session, Mark McKinnon and John Heilemann venture...
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8
Looking Back and Moving On
In the season finale, John Heilemann, Mark Halperin, and Mark McKinnon are joined by political insiders from Washington to reflect on the extraordinar...
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7
The Gathering Storm
As the midterm elections approach, the Trump administration faces mounting challenges, with Hurricane Florence threatening the Carolinas. Mark McKinno...
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8
Burden of Proof
In the aftermath of Christine Blasey Ford's assault allegations, the political tension between Republicans and Democrats escalates into a high-stakes ...
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9
Judgment Day
The spotlight stays firmly on Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court. Throughout the week, John Heilemann closely follows attorney Michae...
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10
The Verdict
The focus is firmly on the confirmation saga of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. With the midterm elections approaching, the hosts explore how the results of th...
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11
California Dreaming
The Circus heads to California to assess the pushback against the Trump administration. With nearly twelve Republican-held House seats at stake, this ...
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12
Senatorial Combat
With the Senate race intensifying and predictions pointing to a Republican comeback, "The Circus" journeys across the nation to explore the evolving l...
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13
Black and White
Amidst the backdrop of racial politics dominating the headlines, "The Circus" heads to Florida and Georgia to explore two significant gubernatorial el...
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15
Mother(f***er) of All Midterms
In this extended one-hour season finale, the focus is on the midterm elections, exploring the events leading up to, during, and following election day...
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1
New World Disorder
Washington is experiencing a shift with the Democratic majority in the House serving as a counterbalance to the Trump presidency. As his term enters i...
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2
Circling Vultures
Every day, more former supporters of Donald Trump are distancing themselves from him, while the Mueller investigation keeps tightening its grip. Meanw...
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3
The State of Our Union Is…
Amidst President Trump's consideration of declaring a state of emergency to kickstart the construction of his border wall, his administration finds it...
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4
2020 Is Here
As the 2020 election approaches, the political scene in the capital is heating up. With campaign season kicking off earlier than usual, new candidates...
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5
States of Emergency
What defines a national emergency? For President Trump, the focus is primarily on securing the southern border of the U.S. However, many others view p...
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6
The Big Split
This week is filled with drama for President Trump, presenting a striking contrast for the American public. On one side, he embarks on a trip to Vietn...
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7
To the Left
An in-depth examination of the Democratic party reveals a pivotal moment regarding its direction. On one side, there's a push for a shift to the left,...
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8
What the F... Happens Next?
Donald Trump finds himself in a three-pronged conflict regarding the direction of his presidency. The initial struggle is with Congress, where he's fa...
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9
The People on That Stage
The Circus is back, providing the latest insights into the 2020 presidential race. On the Democratic front, the top three contenders—Joe Biden, Bern...
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10
Across the Rubicon
The Circus dives into the start of a formal impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. With the capital and the country buzzing with news, th...
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11
Impeachmentland
The Circus spreads out nationwide to report on the fast-changing impeachment saga, connecting it to the 2020 presidential campaigns. Back in the capit...
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12
Desperate Times, Desperate Measures
In these challenging times, how are the main figures reacting? The President has formulated a strong defense regarding the impeachment inquiry and is ...
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13
The Widening Gyre
As Congress reconvenes after a two-week break, tensions are high in the capital. Democrats are ramping up their impeachment inquiry, while lawmakers f...
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14
The Deep State
The Circus takes an in-depth look at the longstanding federal agencies and officials entangled in Congress's current impeachment investigation, which ...
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15
Field of Dreams
The Circus arrives in Iowa for the crucial Liberty and Justice Celebration, also known as the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, a stage where former president...
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16
Here Be Dragons
The impeachment inquiry is entering a fresh and unprecedented stage as public hearings begin. The Circus delves into the possible repercussions of thi...
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1
Obligations and Opportunities
In the season opener, The Circus showcases its dramatic flair as the impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump kicks off, just days before the cr...
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2
Closing Arguments
As the final week before the caucuses unfolds, all eyes are on Iowa, with Democratic candidates making their last appeals to voters. Campaign strategi...
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3
Clusterf**k
During an unprecedented week in politics, the botched vote counts at the Democratic Iowa caucus hindered the usual narrowing of candidates and stalled...
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4
Unfinished Business
The New Hampshire primary is in full swing, capturing the attention of the nation as the votes are cast and the results unfold. Bernie Sanders has est...
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5
What Happens in Vegas
The spotlight is on Nevada as the Democratic caucus approaches. Bernie Sanders has the opportunity to solidify his lead with a powerful performance, w...
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6
On the Boil
As the South Carolina Democratic primary approaches, with Super Tuesday right around the corner, voters are contemplating whether anyone can effective...
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7
Super Duper Tuesday
As Super Tuesday approaches, The Circus delves into the political drama surrounding the annual Civil Rights march in Selma, AL. The episode highlights...
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8
The Cruelest Month
The outcomes of the Big Tuesday Democratic primaries across six states solidified Joe Biden's position as the leading candidate, providing him with a ...
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9
The New Abnormal
The Circus makes its much-anticipated return following a lengthy break, diving into the reactions surrounding Joe Biden's groundbreaking choice of Sen...
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10
Unconventional
In the inaugural virtual Democratic National Convention, The Circus explores how the party strives to create an exceptional and unconventional event. ...
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11
Party of One
The Circus dives into the heart of the Republic National Convention in D.C., showcasing speeches, notable speakers, and the public's reactions. Alongs...
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12
Law and Disorder
The Circus heads to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where tensions have escalated following the shooting of Jacob Blake, leading to a week of civil unrest. During...
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13
Going Postal
As states begin distributing mail-in ballots, The Circus delves into the heated debate over mail-in voting and its impact on the 2020 election. While ...
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14
Force Majeure
As the nation nears a tragic milestone of 200,000 COVID-19 fatalities, The Circus delves into how the pandemic has become a political battleground. Wh...
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15
Full Court Press
The Circus takes a closer look at the impact of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing and the ensuing political turmoil it has sparked. ...
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16
October Surprise
The Circus dives into the heated first debate between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. Jen Palmieri analyzes Trump's confrontation...
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17
Crisis Mismanagement
Amid a chaotic week following President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis, The Circus delves into the unfolding situation regarding his health. With addition...
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18
Steal This Election
The Circus explores the critical topic of voting integrity, focusing on election day conflicts, voter suppression, and the President's re-election mes...
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19
End Games
As the final Presidential Debate approaches, The Circus evaluates the 2020 election landscape with Joe Biden and President Donald Trump executing thei...
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20
Landslide?
As election night approaches, President Trump faces challenges in key swing states against Biden. In a bid to rally voter excitement, Biden focuses hi...
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21
Who The F*** Are We?
As election night unfolds with numerous ballots still uncounted, The Circus concludes a wild election season with a special hour-long episode examinin...
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1
Raining Chaos
In a longer-than-usual season opener, The Circus delves into the turmoil of a nation grappling with the serious aftermath of a Capitol siege.
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2
Clear and Present Danger
As the nation approaches an unprecedented second impeachment, The Circus explores the final week of a furious President Trump, who finds himself de-pl...
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3
President Biden
With a new administration focused on promoting national unity, The Circus highlights the significance of a period that has been marked by division unt...
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4
Rubber Meets Road
During the inaugural week of the new administration, The Circus provides insight into President Biden’s strategy for addressing the persistent COVID...
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5
Dysfunction Junction
Amid a tumultuous week, The Circus examines the internal conflicts within the Republican Party. Still influenced by the legacy of its former leader, t...
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6
Persona Non Grata
The Circus delves into the landmark second impeachment trial of Donald Trump, as the Senate confronts a critical juncture while evaluating the former ...
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7
Being Green
The Circus turns its attention to a new administration that has just rolled out a set of bold climate initiatives. With several initial executive orde...
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8
Points On the Board
The Circus turns its attention to the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. With Republicans raising concerns, the critical qu...
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9
Calling the Shots
The Circus is back, and although the weather is getting cooler, tensions across the nation remain high. Gavin Newsom is battling a recall election in ...
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10
The Biden Doctrine
As President Biden delivers a compelling address at the UN, The Circus delves into his administration's foreign policy strategies. Following the annou...
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11
It’s All Happening
The Circus travels to Capitol Hill to delve into the intense struggle surrounding President Biden's pivotal agenda. As Democrats clash over substantia...
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12
Lone Star Blues
The Circus travels to Texas, a state known for its stringent abortion legislation, a divisive voting law, and an intense immigration crisis. Alex Wagn...
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13
Coup Part Two
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14
Virginia Is For…
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15
Big F***ing Deal
As the deadline approaches, a report from Capitol Hill highlights the urgent efforts of moderate and progressive Democrats in both the House and Senat...
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16
The Broken Place
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1
On the Brink
The Circus makes its comeback as the global atmosphere remains tense in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. John Heilemann provides live coverag...
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3
The Information War
With Russia intensifying its attacks, Ukraine’s President passionately addresses Congress, urging them to “close the sky” over Ukraine. Followin...
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4
The Nuclear Option
While President Biden heads to Brussels for an urgent NATO summit, The Circus delves into Russia's nuclear threats. Jennifer Palmieri interviews Penta...
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5
The Home Front
The Circus delves into the intense proceedings of the House committee probing the elements that fueled the January 6 insurrection. Jennifer Palmieri a...
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6
There Will Be Blood
With the President's groundbreaking Supreme Court nominee receiving confirmation, The Circus delves into Biden's achievements, setbacks, and declining...
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7
Keystone Chaos
The Circus has set up in Pennsylvania, a key swing state, to delve into one of the nation's most significant Senate races. John Heilemann, Alex Wagner...
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8
Tip of the Spear
The Circus heads to Florida as Governor Ron DeSantis enacts contentious legislation surrounding education, gender issues, and abortion. John Heilemann...
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9
Not in Kansas Anymore
As the midterm elections heat up, The Circus is back, capturing the heightened enthusiasm among voters sparked by the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe ...
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10
Rule of Law
The Circus delves into the numerous legal challenges confronting former President Donald Trump. Mark McKinnon chats with journalists Susan Glasser and...
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11
State of Denial
The Circus heads to Arizona, a crucial battleground for the impending midterm elections and a hotspot for election denial. Jennifer Palmieri, John Hei...
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12
Buckeyes and Bulldogs
Buckeyes and Bulldogs
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13
This Land is Greene-Land
The Circus travels to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's district in Georgia, exploring her rapid ascent within the Republican party. Meanwhile, the team s...
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14
The Main Event
The Circus is in Pennsylvania, closely examining the effects of the much-anticipated Senate debate. Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz aims to make he...
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15
Here Comes the Flood
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16
Riptides
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2
Off to the Races
The Circus makes stops in Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, and New Hampshire to unofficially launch the Republican Party's presidential nominating s...
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5
Wheels of Justice
In this episode, The Circus delves into the various investigations surrounding Donald Trump that may result in the unprecedented indictment of a sitti...
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6
Nothing but the Truth
This week, The Circus delves into the unprecedented indictment of Donald Trump, marking the first time a former president has been charged with a crim...
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7
Exhaustion, Depression and Dread... Oy Vey
John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, and Jenn Palmieri take viewers behind the curtain of the most unpredictable political spectacle on the planet, offering...
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8
Piercing The Bubble
Following the devastating terrorist attack in Israel, The Circus delves into the political repercussions as Republican presidential candidates address...
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9
The Crucible
The Circus explores President Biden's prominent wartime visit to Israel, a country grappling with the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attack. At the ...
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10
The Thing of His
The Circus delves into the legal challenges confronting former President Donald Trump as he aims for a comeback in the White House. Guest host Andrew ...
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11
The A.I. Election
The Circus delves into the influence of artificial intelligence on the 2024 election, coinciding with an AI Safety Summit attended by global leaders. ...
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12
Life During Wartime
John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, and Jenn Palmieri take viewers behind the curtain of the most unpredictable political spectacle on the planet, offering...
