PBS Washington Week with The Atlantic - Full Show · Washington Week

Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 9/5/25

·25 min·2 clips

RFK Jr. was bludgeoned in the Senate over vaccine views but fights back with revolutionary speed and his boss's support.

This episode of Washington Week with The Atlantic examines political and diplomatic events from a simulated week in 2025. The host is joined by writer at large Elizabeth Bumiller to analyze two major storylines. The primary focus is on the controversial tenure of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The episode details RFK Jr. facing intense criticism in the Senate over his management of the Centers for Disease Control and his personal views on vaccines. It notes he vigorously defended himself and continues pursuing his agenda with apparent presidential support. Concurrently, the show covers a geopolitical gathering in Beijing where China, Russia, and India formed a tacit alliance against the United States. The narrative contrasts these "extraordinary arguments" over public health with significant international realignments. A key insight is the historical context provided, referencing George Washington's smallpox vaccinations for troops to underscore the long-established scientific consensus. The discussion characterizes RFK Jr.'s stance as one of the most extreme public views on vaccines in the country. The episode frames the Beijing meeting as a deliberate show of force by America's adversaries, highlighting their growing contempt and strengthening bonds. It suggests that in a normal week, the health policy debate would dominate headlines, but global power shifts now demand equal attention. The tone is analytical and journalistic, dissecting policy and geopolitical strategy through a conversational panel format. The style is forward-looking, using a hypothetical 2025 scenario to explore current political tensions and their potential ramifications. Listeners interested in political satire and speculative analysis of U.S. domestic and foreign policy would find this episode engaging. Those seeking straightforward news reporting on current events might prefer a different program.

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