August 26, 2020 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Ronna McDaniel is the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee and has played a key role in planning this week’s convention. From her party’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., McDaniel joins Judy Woodruff to discuss her goals for the RNC and whether they are being achieved, what she applauds about President Trump’s record and why she thinks voters will choose him over Joe Biden.

Questions are again being raised about whether the Trump administration is injecting politics into science -- and the national pandemic response. Recent moves by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention appear to conflict with the medical community’s consensus on handling COVID-19. William Brangham talks to Dr. Thomas Frieden, former head of the CDC.

Hong Kong police arrested 16 people Wednesday, including two opposition lawmakers, on rioting charges from pro-democracy demonstrations last year. Beijing’s power to punish its critics is increased due to a new national security law allowing authorities to sentence demonstrators to life in prison. Nick Schifrin talks to Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media tycoon and the law’s most prominent target.

Throughout the Republican National Convention, supporters of President Trump have touted his economic record as a key reason they believe he should be reelected. But what would a second-term policy agenda look like for Trump, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to limit economic growth and threaten American jobs? Paul Solman reports on Trump’s record so far and proposals for the future.

In our news wrap Wednesday, at least 100 people have died in heavy flooding in northern and eastern Afghanistan. Strong seasonal rains brought mudslides that filled streets, submerged cars and destroyed more than 2,000 homes. Also, police in Minsk broke up new demonstrations and detained dozens of protesters who say Belarus’ recent presidential election was rigged.

On Night 2 of the Republican National Convention, supporters looking to bolster President Trump’s base emphasized social issues, including abortion and women’s empowerment. Melania Trump was the first speaker to address the staggering death toll of the pandemic. And in a pre-recorded segment, the president conducted an immigration naturalization ceremony at the White House. Amna Nawaz reports.

The second night of the Republican National Convention offered praise for President Trump’s record on immigration, racial issues and the pandemic. But how does the convention’s content square with the actual policies of the administration? Yamiche Alcindor joins Judy Woodruff to discuss that question and offer a preview of the RNC’s Night 3, which will feature Vice President Mike Pence’s speech.

Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma has attended every Republican convention since 1976. But this year, he’ll be watching from a distance. Cole joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the “hopeful” content he has observed from the RNC so far, why he thinks former Vice President Joe Biden has “abandoned” his moderate political beliefs, ongoing racial protests in the U.S. and the outlook for more pandemic aid.