Let's Get After it with Chris Cuomo

In today's bonus edition, Chris aims at questioning the premise in all things: from the broad concept of What is America and what do we want it to be? To a closer look at the Mississippi 15 week abortion ban case before the Supreme Court and whether the Conservative argument to kick it back to the states and have the court remain neutral, is not taking into account a woman's right to autonomy over her body.And after a break-in to hear the timeline of facts that led a Michigan prosecutor to charge the parents of the student who shot and killed fellow classmates at Oxford High, questioning the premise of gun laws and gun safety measures. How does the law look at parents when it comes to the acts their children commit?And another thing: A nod to the songwriting genius of Billy Joel, how the Michigan school shooting charges will play out in the courts, and whether expanding the High Court is a realistic solution to a SCOTUS that seems more often politicized.In Chris' estimation, we need to get to the fundamentals- we keep going from symptom to symptom, but not dealing with what's underlying.

More than reading the tea leaves of where the nine Justices may come down, in today's episode, Chris cautions that reading into the questions they ask is not always representative of the outcome they ultimately come to decide.  So while the arguments can be instructive in getting a sense of what they seek to understand, it is not always dispositive of their leaning.Then, Chris and Vick tick through the Justices' questions and arguments that generally fall into three camps of outcome: kick it to the states and uphold Mississippi; a compromise of allowing Mississippi law to go to 15 weeks but keeping Roe in tact; or allowing the 50 years of precedent to hold firm as many Justices have reiterated over the years since Roe and then Casey were decided.Chris explains that while a lot is made of past judicial decisions,  something is stare decisis (the Latin term in the law for standing by things decided) until it isn't.  In other words: precedent is only precedent until they change it.And Another Thing:  A beat on the continual need to keep calm and carry on when it comes to the Omicron variant, and Chris' prescription to not to let panic get ahead of the facts. Plus:  An introduction to the Cuomo family dogs, all three!

In today's episode, after a brief note at the top, Chris digs in to the essential arguments being put forth by the state of Mississippi in their effort to inch back the rights of women to seek an abortion after 15 weeks. While the arguments may spur outrage in pro-choice supporters, they should be understood. The most egregious among them: that progression in women's rights has brought them to a place where  they no longer need abortions:"The march of progress has left Roe and Casey behind. Those cases maintained that an unwanted pregnancy could doom women to “a distressful life and future,”... Factual developments undercut those assessments. Today, adoption is accessible and on a wide scale women attain both professional success and a rich family life...". So says the MS  Attorney General  Lynn Fitch in a brief for petitioners.And Another Thing: Chris and Vick lay out the arguments of both sides about whether you should care that, according to Mark Meadows' forthcoming book, President Trump tested positive for COVID three days before the Presidential debate with Joe Biden, and kept up all appearances, meetings with Gold Star families, rallies and White House gatherings, despite concerns about getting others sick. After the initial test, he took a subsequent antigen test (Rapid test) that was negative, and so he decided he was  clear. Chris argues that depending what side of the aisle you sit on determines if you care about this. Did he have a duty to share a positive diagnosis? 

Today is one of those BOLO days- a good time to watch what's coming up as the results will reverberate loudly. To that end, Chris breaks down the news that Former Trump C.O.S. Mark Meadows, who so far had defied subpoenas from the Select Committee, is now complying. To what extent and what fruit it might bear is still unknown. As is the intensity and veracity of the new Omicron variant. Chris urges caution and patience before crying out that the sky is falling.Also of note, tomorrow begins arguments in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in which they are challenging a Mississippi state law banning abortions after 15 weeks, a timeframe that advocates say is often before a woman may even know she is pregnant. This SCOTUS decision will have significant ripple effects all across the country.And then, a look at Bloomberg reporting that while inflation is an ongoing issue in our pandemic economy, business profits are also at a record high, the highest since 1950. While wages are generally up, as is inflation, so are profit margins.PLUS: A beat on Chris' love for the Wu-Tang Clan and their sense of community. This sentiment is mirrored in many of our local communities but somehow we've lost that sense nationally. And a quick take on the start of the trial of Minnesota police officer Kim Potter in the shooting death of Daunte Wright.

Embracing the suck is hard, especially at a time when the hits keep on coming, but in today's episode, Chris offers a different perspective: take the time to reflect and be thankful for all the things that shape who you are. Be thankful for the failures because you learn from them, and appreciate that you can draw strength from what isn't easy.Chris urges us all to deal with the real- it all shapes us.PLUS: A best on the genius of Charles Schultz, how Chris talked himself out of an extra fridge, and these trials being a metaphore of where we are.

In today's episode, Chris is joined by Jonathan Karl, the chief Washington correspondent for ABC News, to look at some of the takeaways and insights from his new book  "Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show". Chris refers to Jon's book at the first draft of history, and a must read- whether you are a supporter of President Trump or a detractor.  Jonathan gives a window into the last weeks of the Trump presidency, the efforts to overturn the election and the role he and his administration played in the lead up to January 6th, what happened that day and in the aftermath.Jonathan has reported from the White House under 4 Presidents, and his new book is "Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show", a follow up to his best seller: "Front Row at the Trump Show". PLUS: A beat on the aftermath of the verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse case, the need to change the Self Defense and Stand Your Ground laws, and a question: Why is the Right so interested in lionizing Rittenhouse? Why would he want himself cast that way?Chris also weighs why the Rittenhouse case is far different than the McMichaels'/Bryan case of killing of Ahmaud Arbery, and why a duty to retreat must be part of the fix.

In a special edition episode today, Chris spoke to listeners as we all awaited the verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. You'll hear the verdict coming in in real time, Chris' reaction to it and his understanding of the reasons behind it. He also speaks to callers from around the country who want to talk through this decision with him.We hear from Sam in Wisconsin (pre-verdict),  Brian in Illinois, Harold in Vermont, Todd in Pennsylvania and Jennifer in Florida.PLUS: Chris drills down on self defense laws being problematic and something that we should focus on moving forward. 

In today's episode, a look at three current items in the hopper:On the censure vote  on Rep Paul Gosar brought by House Democrats, Chris argues that while he is a provocateur and plays to animus, he questions whether their decision to punish him in this way is productive or will be perceived as an overreach by the center left of the country.And he takes a beat to review some of his Prime Time convo with Bill Maher on 'wokeness', old school liberals and acknowledging progress.Lastly, Chris digs into an analysis of the differences in the Kyle Rittenhouse deliberations and the McMichael's/Roddie Bryan trial in the killing of Amhaud Arbery. As the prosecution cross-examined Travis McMichael, some truths were revealed about his shifting story and how well the prosecution is making the case.And another thing: Chris addresses some pushback on his take on the censure vote.

In today's episode, Chris drills down on the Kyle Rittenhouse case and the two questions he thinks will define the outcome: was he reasonable when he used deadly force? And did he provoke the altercation?In Chris' estimation, the 'why' at trial is limited to whether it was reasonable to use deadly force to avoid injury or death. But the jury is not sequestered, and as humans, we tend to apply ourselves to what we see and how we see it. Will the jury find him sympathetic or with bad intentions?PLUS: A beat on the closing arguments from both sides.

On Veterans Day, on every day, we should be following up talk of support with action. In todays' Episode, Chris speaks with Jeremy Butler, the head of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) about the work they are doing to support veterans, get action on covering health concerns  after exposure to Burn Pits, what the Biden Administration is doing and could do better, and how veterans are very much still working to help our Afghan allies. Visit them at www.iava.org to see how you can help: with support, with advocacy, with your voice. 

In today's episode, Chris takes a moment to analyze what's next after a Judge blocked Trump's efforts to keep documents out of the hands of the Select Committee, and then takes a deep dive on the surge in inflation, as reports show it reaching a 30 year high. While Chris sees inflation as cyclical,  what are the reasons behind it? How volatile is it and what are the ongoing indicators to watch?  Who wins and who loses in the policies put forward? A brief tutorial on Inflation 101.And Another Thing: The trial of Kyle Rittenhouse is about all of us and how we see the events that played out in Kenosha. Do you see a scared kid on the stand who was just trying to protect himself and the city during a protest? Or a vigilante who put himself into a bad situation with an illegal gun and killed 2 people?  The divisions around how we see this case is as much about us as it is about Kyle.

Listen all y'all it's a sabotage: In todays episode,  Chris drills down on the question of whether Dems, GOP and frankly, all of us are sabotaging what matters instead of fixing what's broken.  This applies to  the continuing issuance of House Committee subpoenas in the wake of Bannon's no show, as the DOJ still mulls what's next.  Or whether Dems could have/should have pushed through Build Back Better or if it's better to work in good faith and settle up once the CBO has a chance to score the cost.  Are we our own worst enemy? Is Karen Tumulty's opinion right that perhaps Dems slowing their roll and allowing the CBO to score the cost of BBB can show moderate voters that the Dems are being thoughtful here and want responsible government? Should progressives be thanking them? Last Tuesdays elections in part seem to suggest that people want action, but responsible action. And Another Thing: The Travis Scott festival's tragedy was avoidable and an unforced error. By setting up festival seating when it's known that fans tend to rush the stage, it puts into question who is liable and how they could have done better to protect concert-goers. 

BONUS EDITION: Cuomo is back! After traveling to Italy to cover the G20, Chris is back in the New York groove and ready to get after it!In today's episode, a look at what is in the massive bipartisan infrastructure bill that the House passed late Friday, and some caution from Chris to go slow on analyzing Build Back Better, as well as a warning to Democrats  in the form of some alliteration: Price tag politics present a paradox. Chris also takes a moment to remind us not to forget the need for accountability when it comes to our ingrained social media platforms.And another thing: Chris' take on the Packer's star quarterback Aaron Rodgers not being straight on whether he'd been vaccinated.

In today's episode, Chris looks at the incremental progress with the Democrats reconciliation bill and whether immigration reform can make the cut. Also some back and forth on whether this has always been a priority or whether getting this through is a 'Johnny come lately' attempt to cram as much in as possible, despite the parliamentarian's ruling on the subject.Plus: a beat on the continuing market watch as inflation concerns hit up against supply chain issues, and whether this is a short term problem or will need a longer term market correction. How much should be blamed on President Biden vs. overall economic conditions in a pandemic?And Another Thing: The shooting on the set of the film 'Rust' was tragic and avoidable. Analysis on what went sideways and how to fix it moving forward.

In todays episode, Chris urges Dems to leave the Price Tag politics alone and to keep pitching the human infrastructure programs to the American people. He thinks Biden helped his own case during last week's Town Hall, but he needs to do more of it. We all see the problems, but what are you going to do about it?Chris thinks something will happen this week on the reconciliation piece, but beware the false headline of "framework achieved"- the reality is that parts of the framework will continue to be negotiated.Also, Chris and Vick take a look at the latest trends in the Great Resignation. We see the what, but why??And a beat on the Facebook Papers...And Another Thing: Chris (live from Zoom after a tech glitch!) gives some insight into the old adage in the media: "If it bleeds, it leads...", how Facebook could/should be regulated by Congress, and how the Voting Rights bill needs to be the hill Dems are willing to die on.

In today's episode, Chris contends that a lot of the noise around 'if' the reconciliation bill will get done is overly hyped. He thinks it's a given that the Dems will get it done,  it's more a question of what it will look like. But the same measure does not apply to the push for voting rights, after the Senate GOP torpedoed any chance of overriding the filibuster and reaching the 60 vote threshold to even debate Joe Manchin's paired down version. So where does this leave the Dems? The GOP? Us?And Another Thing: Now that the FDA is preparing to review and likely approve the COVID vaccine for our 5-11 year olds, will you give it to your kiddos? 

In today's episode, Chris looks at the long game of former President Trump suing the National Archives in order to stop or at least slow documents getting into the hands of Select Committee members. As Chris rightly put it, people can evade and blur facts but documents can't. And with some added insight from Norm Eisen last night on Cuomo Prime Time, Chris give us a sharper focus on the WHY.Also on the docket: Is Joe Manchin out of step with his party on clean energy? Why does he continue to prop up a receding coal industry that even in his state is costing constituents more in utilities and creating less opportunities and jobs then it did 20 years ago?And Anther Thing: Another aspect of General Colin Powell's legacy is shining a light on the need to protect the immuno-compromised among us, when even with vaccinations, they are vulnerable.

In today's special Bonus episode, Chris remembers the leadership and life of General Colin Powell, who, after serving his country for decades, succumbed to complications from COVID, having a suppressed immune system as he battled cancer. After his early military career had him serve in combat in Vietnam, General Powell went on to many firsts, as:-the first Black National Security Adviser (Ronald Reagan) - the youngest and first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (George HW Bush)- the first Black Secretary of State (George W Bush), making him the highest ranking African American official of the time. His legacy was one of integrity and strength of both purpose and conviction.And Another thing: Chris takes a beat on whether President Biden is pushing hard enough to sure up voting rights.

Whether applied to the push and pull of civil liberties vs vaccine mandates, or the Democrats squabbling over what could be a huge win for their party and their President, Chris uses today's episode to look at the break down of any form of movement for the betterment of us all. Cooperation is no longer a term uttered in our politics or in this pandemic.He remarks what a sad state of affairs we've arrived at that we can all assume that no one on the Republican side is going to touch any part of Biden's Build Back Better push, let alone getting all the Dems to sort out their disagreements.  And this applies to things like Pre K and child care, not traditional wedge issues. Plus, a beat on the continuing breakdowns in our supply chain and why we should all be paying attention to what's happening at our ports and with our long haul truckers.And Another thing: Congrats to William Shatner for reaching the final frontier, and the latest in the Gabby Petito case, after the autopsy report is released.

For today's episode, Chris applies the lens of 'standards': what standards we hold in our own lives (think: how we look, how we feel, how we live, our behavior) and why we apply them on a personal level, but not in our public life.  Use the lens of the standards you hold in most areas of your life, and you quickly see there is a disconnect between what we hold ourselves to vs our political leaders.And Another Thing: Applying these standards to Senator Mike Lee, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, among others who back the Big Lie, and it becomes clear accountability is lacking when lying is the standard.