Meet the Press NOW — August 28
Digest
This episode of Meet the Press Now begins with a brief introduction to the show and then dives into Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign efforts in Georgia. The campaign is focusing on expanding its reach beyond urban strongholds and appealing to rural voters. The episode also covers JD Vance's criticism of Vice President Harris over the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. The episode then shifts to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israeli forces launching a large-scale military operation in the occupied West Bank. The operation includes airstrikes and raids, and has resulted in the deaths of several militants. The IDF claims the operation is a counter-terrorism effort, while Palestinian officials report at least nine deaths. The episode also discusses the growing concern over the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, a rare but potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus. The first triple E death of the year has been reported in the US, and cases have been reported in several states. Health officials are urging people to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The episode concludes with a discussion of the FBI investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump and an incident that occurred during Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery.
Outlines
Campaigning in Georgia and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
This chapter covers Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign efforts in Georgia, focusing on rural voters and expanding the Democratic Party's reach beyond urban strongholds. It also discusses the Israeli forces' large-scale military operation in the occupied West Bank, raising tensions in the region.
Trump's Running Mate Criticizes Harris and Concerns Over EEE Virus
This chapter covers JD Vance's criticism of Vice President Harris over the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. It also discusses the growing concern over the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, a rare but potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus.
FBI Investigation into Attempted Assassination of Trump and Incident at Arlington National Cemetery
This chapter covers the FBI's investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump, stating that the gunman does not appear to have a definitive ideology and that the Trump rally was a "target of opportunity." It also discusses an "incident" that occurred during Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery, involving a campaign photographer and cemetery staff over photo and video restrictions.
Harris Campaign Targets Project 2025 and Israel's Military Operation Escalates
This chapter covers the Harris campaign's new television ads focusing on Project 2025, a conservative think tank's plan to overhaul the government if Trump wins. The ads highlight the plan's potential to give Trump unchecked power and seek vengeance. It also discusses the escalation of Israel's military operation in the occupied West Bank, including airstrikes and raids.
Keywords
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
A rare but potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is most common in the eastern United States and can cause severe neurological problems.
Project 2025
A 922-page blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation outlining a plan to overhaul the government if Donald Trump wins the 2024 election. It includes proposals to restrict access to abortion, abolish the Department of Education, and give Trump unchecked power.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
A long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians over land, resources, and political control. The conflict has been marked by violence, displacement, and political deadlock.
Afghanistan Withdrawal
The chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021, which resulted in the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's takeover of the country. The withdrawal was widely criticized for its handling and the loss of American lives.
Rural Voters
Voters who reside in rural areas, often characterized by lower population density, agricultural economies, and conservative political leanings. They are a key demographic in many elections, particularly in swing states.
Swing State
A state in which the outcome of a presidential election is uncertain and could potentially go to either candidate. Swing states are often targeted by campaigns due to their importance in determining the overall election result.
Counter-Terrorism
Measures taken by governments and security agencies to prevent, deter, and respond to acts of terrorism. Counter-terrorism strategies often involve intelligence gathering, law enforcement, military operations, and public awareness campaigns.
Q&A
What is the Harris Walls campaign's strategy for winning Georgia?
The Harris Walls campaign is focusing on expanding its reach beyond urban strongholds and appealing to rural voters in Georgia. They are holding a two-day bus tour through the southeastern part of the state to connect with these voters.
What is Project 2025 and how is the Harris campaign using it in their ads?
Project 2025 is a plan developed by the Heritage Foundation outlining a conservative agenda for the government if Donald Trump wins the 2024 election. The Harris campaign is using it in their ads to highlight the potential for Trump to have unchecked power and seek vengeance.
What is the latest development in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Israeli forces have launched a large-scale military operation in the occupied West Bank, including airstrikes and raids. The IDF claims the operation is a counter-terrorism effort, while Palestinian officials report at least nine deaths.
What are the concerns surrounding the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus?
EEE is a rare but potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus that affects the brain and spinal cord. The first triple E death of the year has been reported in the US, and cases have been reported in several states. Health officials are urging people to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
What is the Trump campaign's response to the incident at Arlington National Cemetery?
The Trump campaign claims that the incident involved a scuffle between a campaign photographer and cemetery staff over photo and video restrictions. They argue that they were invited by the families of the fallen soldiers and that they were simply trying to honor their memory.
What is the significance of JD Vance's comments about Kamala Harris?
JD Vance, Trump's running mate, criticized Vice President Harris over the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, saying she "can go to hell." This is seen as a continuation of the Trump campaign's strategy to create a stark contrast between the two campaigns on the issue of national security.
Show Notes
NBC News Chief Political Analyst Chuck Todd and NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki join Meet the Press NOW to discuss Democrats' strategy to win battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina. NBC News Chief Legal Analyst Chuck Rosenberg gives the latest developments on Special Counsel Jack Smith's superseding indictment, filed against former President Donald Trump, over his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein explains what people should know about EEE, a rare mosquito-borne virus that health officials are describing as potentially fatal.
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