Thirty-six days stand between the American public and many of the most important elections across the country. As voters in each state prepare to cast their ballots, George Stephanopolous and ABC News have put together a new series called Power Trip that will allow potential voters to see candidates up close and personal along the campaign trail. In addition, each episode presented by ABC News will allow viewers to follow a talented group of emerging reporters as they not only deliver the news, but learn about the ins and outs of what it means to be an embed. Every step of the way, Stephanopolous, Rick Klein, Averi Harper and many others within the ABC News team. In the first episode of Power Trip, Abby Cruz, Libby Cathey, Miles Cohen and Will McDuffie tackle the ongoing issue of conservative lawmakers forcing migrants on buses and planes to other cities. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
This Is Not The Circus
Building up to its release in late September, Power Trip was often compared to The Circus. For nearly seven years, Showtime’s The Circus has tackled the most pressing political issues in the nation. In that sense, it is similar. However, the similarities seemingly end there.
Power Trip stands apart from The Circus because it also shows the sausage is made. The Showtime series is led by the likes of John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon and Jennifer Palmieri who are more well known to a national audience. In contrast, Power Trip uses one of the most well-known journalists in the nation, George Stephanopolous, as a vehicle to meet some of the most promising young journalists in the industry today. More importantly, these young journalists don’t follow the blueprint of yesteryear and tackle the role of a television reporter in their own unique way.
Throughout the first episode, Power Trip showcases this heartwarming dynamic between Stephanopolous and Miles Cohen as the young reporter celebrates his first appearance on World News Tonight. Elsewhere, Power Trip highlights the swagger, confidence and reliability of Philadelphia’s own Abby Cruz. Not to be forgotten, Libby Cathey and Will McDuffie also take viewers along as they chase down candidates and stories. Power Trip is just as much about the stories as it is about the people telling them.
Pushing Boundaries Is Key
Much of the first episode of Power Trip tackles Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to send migrants within his state to other areas of the country. Quickly, the governor’s decision sparked controversy among political circles and backlash from many across the aisle. In the midst of this chatter, Miles Cohen and Abby Cruz took action from their respective locations.
Cohen landed on World News Tonight after he repeatedly asked DeSantis if he planned on sending more migrants to other areas of the country. In response, members of the governor’s team reached out to Cohen and expressed their dissatisfaction with his decision to ask DeSantis about the matter at that particular moment. Still, Cohen’s persistence put pressure on the governor to address that pressing matter rather than avoid questions.
Elsewhere, Cruz not only spoke to migrants who could potentially be impacted by such measures, but she also tracked down Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. Together, they spoke about his willingness to investigate the governor’s actions and potentially seek legal action. In each instance, Cruz and Cohen pushed back against barriers and pursued stories that were not only important to them, but they are also important to the American public.
All Roads Lead To George Stephanopolous
Those seeking power and those who chase them. That’s the tagline for ABC’s new series on Hulu. Where does George Stephanopolous fall on that spectrum? The Good Morning America news anchor is one of the most powerful men in news television today and he has a deep background on Capitol Hill as a former adviser to former President Bill Clinton. He’s clearly not a person without power, but he still works in a role that requires him to track down those with it. This week’s episode concludes with Stephanopolous speaking with U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi by the Georgetown Waterfront. As they pace back and forth near the water, Pelosi addresses a number of topics pertaining to the upcoming midterm election season. Ultimately, the conversation ends with Stephanopolous asking Pelosi about her confidence in maintaining control of the House of Representatives. While optimistic, she didn’t appear as confident or sure that the Democratic Party would remain in control of the House. However, she did mention that she believes the American people are behind her party, but voter turnout will be key.
