In a crisis that's mostly invisible, it's one of the most striking images so far. A medic in

bright green scrubs stands on a crosswalk in Denver. He's standing in the way of a huge white

pickup. A protester and a stars and stripes shirt leans out the window waving a placard.

It says, Land of the Free. The photo suggests America is as divided on ending the lockdown

as on anything. But is it really? With 192 days to go, this is Chex and Balance.

I'm John Prado, the economist's US editor, and this is a podcast about the 2020 elections.

Each week we take one big theme shaping American politics and explore it in depth.

Today, can America open up and keep COVID at bay?

The governor of Texas says he can corral the coronavirus. Floridians have returned to the beaches.

Southern states that have avoided the worst of the pandemic, are relaxing restrictions on restaurants,

gyms and hair sounds. President Trump is encouraging the reopening. But public support

maintaining restrictions remains strong. In this episode, we'll hear what people think of relaxing

the lockdown in small town Wisconsin and hear from a medic on the front line in the Bronx.

We'll also find out where ending social distancing might be most risky.

As ever, I'm joined by John and Charlotte. John, last week, your recommendation for ice cream over

pasta took America by storm. Have you got any more lockdown tips for the nation?

Oh, man. You know, there's nothing more cliche than a quarantine baker, but I have just bought

some rye flour that I'm nurturing my sourdough starter with and I'm very excited to see the results.

That sounds good. Tell us about how it goes. Charlotte, how about you?

I'm well, just like any sensible professional I spend most of the day hiding from my children,

but generally doing fine. Well, you've escaped them for the next half hour. So let's make the most

of it. Adam Roberts is also joining us from Chicago. Hi, Adam. Hey, John. You've been out doing some

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