Meet the Press NOW — September 5
Digest
The podcast covers a range of topics, including Hunter Biden's unexpected guilty plea to federal tax charges, the upcoming presidential debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump, the deadly shooting at a Georgia high school, Liz Cheney's endorsement of Kamala Harris for President, and the tight Montana Senate race. Hunter Biden's plea came after a day of back-and-forth with prosecutors over the terms of a plea deal. He ultimately entered a guilty plea without a deal, putting his fate in the hands of the judge. The rules for the first presidential debate have been set, with no audience, no notes, and muted microphones when candidates aren't speaking. Harris's campaign had hoped for changes to the rules, but the Trump campaign insisted on the muted mics. Both candidates are preparing for the debate, with Harris focusing on her economic vision and Trump attacking Harris's policies. The podcast also discusses the deadly shooting at a Georgia high school, where a 14-year-old suspect has been charged with four counts of felony murder. The suspect had been investigated by the FBI a year ago after a tip about a potential threat to shoot up a school, but no probable cause was found. Investigators are still piecing together what happened and how the suspect obtained the AR-style weapon used in the shooting. Former Wyoming Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney announced her support for Kamala Harris, becoming one of the first prominent Republicans to endorse the Democratic nominee. The panel discusses the implications of Cheney's endorsement and the changing dynamics within the Republican party. Finally, the podcast examines the Montana Senate race, which is much tighter than the presidential race. Republican Tim Sheehy holds a six-point lead over incumbent Democrat John Tester. The report highlights the issue of housing affordability in Montana, which has become a key issue in the Senate race. Both candidates have proposed policies to address the problem, with Tester focusing on federal grants and Sheehy emphasizing the need for more tradespeople.
Outlines
Hunter Biden's Guilty Plea and the Implications
Hunter Biden unexpectedly pleaded guilty to federal tax charges in a Los Angeles courtroom. The plea came after a day of back-and-forth with prosecutors over the terms of a plea deal. Biden initially sought an Alfred plea, which would have allowed him to accept a conviction without admitting guilt, but prosecutors rejected this. He ultimately entered a guilty plea without a deal, putting his fate in the hands of the judge.
Presidential Debate Rules Set, Harris and Trump Prepare
The rules for the first presidential debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump have been set. The debate will follow the same format as the first and only debate between Trump and President Biden, with no audience, no notes, and muted microphones when candidates aren't speaking. Harris's campaign had hoped for changes to the rules, but the Trump campaign insisted on the muted mics. Both candidates are preparing for the debate, with Harris focusing on her economic vision and Trump attacking Harris's policies.
Harris Campaign Aims to Differentiate from Biden
Ian Sams, Senior National Spokesman for the Harris-Walls campaign, discusses the upcoming debate and the differences between Harris's economic policy and President Biden's. Sams acknowledges that the muted microphones will be a challenge for Harris, but emphasizes that she will be ready to talk about the choice in the election between her vision and Trump's. He also highlights Harris's support for the billionaire minimum tax and her rejection of the false choice between helping startups and taxing the wealthy.
Georgia School Shooting and Gun Violence
President Biden spoke publicly about the deadly shooting at a Georgia high school, calling for action on gun violence. Authorities released a booking photo of the 14-year-old suspect, who has been charged with four counts of felony murder. The suspect had been investigated by the FBI a year ago after a tip about a potential threat to shoot up a school, but no probable cause was found. Investigators are still piecing together what happened and how the suspect obtained the AR-style weapon used in the shooting.
Liz Cheney Endorses Kamala Harris
Former Wyoming Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney announced her support for Kamala Harris, becoming one of the first prominent Republicans to endorse the Democratic nominee. While not a surprise given Cheney's outspoken criticism of Trump, her endorsement is significant given her conservative background. The panel discusses the implications of Cheney's endorsement and the changing dynamics within the Republican party.
Montana Senate Race Tightens, Housing Affordability a Key Issue
A new AARP poll shows former President Trump with a 15-point lead over Vice President Harris among likely voters in Montana, but the Senate race is much tighter. Republican Tim Sheehy holds a six-point lead over incumbent Democrat John Tester. The report highlights the issue of housing affordability in Montana, which has become a key issue in the Senate race. Both candidates have proposed policies to address the problem, with Tester focusing on federal grants and Sheehy emphasizing the need for more tradespeople.
Keywords
Alfred Plea
A plea in which a defendant accepts a conviction but maintains their factual innocence. It is rarely used and requires the consent of the prosecution.
Billionaires Minimum Tax
A proposed tax policy that would tax unrealized capital gains for Americans with wealth above $100 million. It is designed to ensure that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share of taxes.
Capital Gains Tax
A tax on profits made from the sale of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. The rate of the capital gains tax varies depending on the length of time the asset was held and the taxpayer's income level.
Housing Affordability
The ability of people to afford housing in a particular area. It is a major issue in many parts of the United States, especially in urban areas.
Gun Violence
Violence that is committed using firearms. It is a major public health issue in the United States, and there is ongoing debate about how to address it.
Presidential Debate
A televised event in which candidates for president of the United States debate the issues. Debates are often seen as a key part of the election process.
Montana Senate Race
The race for the United States Senate seat in Montana. The race is considered to be one of the most competitive in the country.
Liz Cheney
A former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming who is known for her outspoken criticism of former President Trump.
Q&A
What was the significance of Hunter Biden's unexpected guilty plea in his federal tax case?
Hunter Biden's guilty plea without a deal with prosecutors is significant because it puts his fate in the hands of the judge and could potentially lead to a more lenient sentence. It also highlights the ongoing legal challenges facing the President's son.
What are the key differences between Vice President Harris's economic policy and President Biden's?
Harris's economic policy focuses on incentivizing business development and appealing to more center-right voters. She supports a lower capital gains tax rate than Biden's proposed budget, but also supports the billionaire minimum tax and quadrupling taxes on stock buybacks.
How does Liz Cheney's endorsement of Kamala Harris for President impact the 2024 election?
Cheney's endorsement is significant because it highlights the changing dynamics within the Republican party and the growing divide between Trump supporters and traditional conservatives. While it may not sway many voters, it underscores the deep divisions within the party.
What are the key issues in the Montana Senate race?
The Montana Senate race is tight, with housing affordability emerging as a key issue. Both candidates have proposed policies to address the problem, with Tester focusing on federal grants and Sheehy emphasizing the need for more tradespeople. The outcome of the race could determine which party controls the Senate.
What is the significance of Project 2025 in the 2024 election?
Project 2025 is a conservative blueprint that outlines a number of policies that would significantly change the United States. It has become a target for Democrats, who are using it to highlight the potential consequences of a Trump presidency. The document is a gold mine for Harris's campaign, as it allows them to attack Trump's policies and paint him as a dangerous extremist.
Show Notes
Hunter Biden prepares to enter a plea in his federal tax case. Senior National Spokesman for the Harris-Walz campaign Ian Sams sets the stakes for next week's debate and answers questions on Harris' economic plans. NBC News Correspondent Jesse Kirsch reports the latest on the shooting at a high school in Georgia.
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