Lawrence: Reporters must ask Trump ‘what good things did Hitler do?’
Digest
The episode begins with Laurence O'Donnell discussing Donald Trump's recent comments praising Adolf Hitler, highlighting the lack of condemnation from Trump and the potential impact on his support among American Nazis. The episode then features an interview with Sherrod Brown, a Democratic senator from Ohio, and Martin Sheen, who is campaigning with Brown. They discuss Brown's record, the importance of the dignity of work, and the upcoming election. The episode also covers Kamala Harris's town hall event in Pennsylvania, where she addressed questions from undecided voters, including her views on Donald Trump's fascism and his refusal to participate in a debate. Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, provides her analysis of Harris's town hall event, focusing on her emphasis on compromise and her closing argument about the importance of democracy and norms. The episode concludes with a clip from Barack Obama's podcast, where he encourages young people to vote and emphasizes the importance of their participation in shaping the future. Chris Hayes promotes his podcast, "Why Is This Happening," which explores the growing assimilation of Latinos into American whiteness.
Outlines
Trump's Praise of Hitler and Sherrod Brown's Campaign
The episode begins with a discussion of Donald Trump's praise of Adolf Hitler and the potential impact on his support among American Nazis. It then features an interview with Sherrod Brown and Martin Sheen, discussing Brown's record, the importance of the dignity of work, and the upcoming election.
Kamala Harris's Town Hall and 2024 Election Coverage
The episode covers Kamala Harris's town hall event in Pennsylvania, where she addressed questions from undecided voters, including her views on Donald Trump's fascism and his refusal to participate in a debate. MSNBC promotes its upcoming coverage of the 2024 presidential election, highlighting its team of reporters and analysts.
Jen Psaki's Analysis and Barack Obama's Message
Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, provides her analysis of Kamala Harris's town hall event, focusing on her emphasis on compromise and her closing argument about the importance of democracy and norms. The episode features a clip from Barack Obama's podcast, where he encourages young people to vote and emphasizes the importance of their participation in shaping the future.
Chris Hayes's Podcast and Conclusion
Chris Hayes promotes his podcast, "Why Is This Happening," which explores the growing assimilation of Latinos into American whiteness. The episode concludes with a summary of the key topics discussed.
Keywords
American Nazi
A member of the American Nazi Party, a neo-Nazi organization in the United States. They hold extreme right-wing views, including anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and Holocaust denial.
Fascism
A political ideology characterized by strong centralized authority, suppression of opposition, and promotion of nationalism. Fascist regimes often use violence and propaganda to maintain control.
Dignity of Work
The inherent value and respect that should be given to all forms of work, regardless of its nature or status. It emphasizes the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and recognition for workers' contributions.
Undecided Voter
A voter who has not yet decided which candidate to support in an election. They are often considered to be the most important group of voters, as they can swing the outcome of an election.
Early Vote
A vote cast before Election Day, either in person or by mail. Early voting is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows voters to cast their ballots at their convenience.
White Women
A demographic group that has been a key factor in recent elections. In 2016, Donald Trump won white women by a significant margin, but recent polls suggest that this group is now more evenly divided.
2024 Election
The upcoming presidential election in the United States, scheduled for November 2024.
Q&A
What are the good things that Adolf Hitler did?
This question is posed to Donald Trump, challenging him to justify his praise of Hitler. It highlights the absurdity of Trump's statement and the need for him to condemn Hitler's atrocities.
What does it mean to you to have Martin Sheen at your side campaigning again?
Sherrod Brown expresses his gratitude for Martin Sheen's support and highlights their shared commitment to the dignity of work and the importance of fighting for workers' rights.
What do you think the Vice President accomplished in this town hall tonight?
Quentin Folks, principal deputy campaign manager for the Harris-Walls campaign, emphasizes that Kamala Harris demonstrated her readiness to be president, laid out her economic agenda, and contrasted her vision for the future with Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric.
How are you going to cover these final days of the campaign?
Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, emphasizes the importance of being in the moment and avoiding predictions, as voter behavior can be unpredictable. She also highlights the need to pay attention to early vote numbers and key demographic groups.
What weaknesses do you bring to the table and how do you plan to overcome them while you're in office?
Kamala Harris acknowledges her imperfections and emphasizes her commitment to surrounding herself with a diverse team of experts who can provide different perspectives and challenge her thinking.
What are you looking for over the next 13 days?
Jen Psaki highlights the importance of watching early vote numbers, the enthusiasm of voters, and the shifting demographics, particularly among white women. She also emphasizes the need to be prepared for surprises on Election Day.
Did you ever expect at the start of this campaign that 79 years after Hitler killed himself, 80 years after Hitler was last a factor in a presidential campaign during World War II, that in the closing weeks, we'll be talking about Donald Trump's praise of Adolf Hitler and Adolf Hitler's generals at the end of this campaign?
Quentin Folks expresses his disappointment that Trump's praise of Hitler has become a significant issue in the final weeks of the campaign, highlighting Trump's history of stoking division and his admiration for dictators.
Show Notes
Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Sherrod Brown is facing Trump-backed Ohio GOP Senate nominee Bernie Moreno in the most expensive Senate race this election cycle. And Vice President Harris answers questions from undecided Pennsylvania voters. Sen. Sherrod Brown, Martin Sheen, Quentin Fulks, and Jen Psaki join Lawrence O’Donnell.
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