Meet the Press NOW — July 12
Digest
President Biden kicked off a major week of campaigning with a rally in Michigan, following a press conference that left Democrats divided. While some allies, like Congressman Jim Clyburn, believe Biden's performance should end any conversations about him withdrawing, others, including Congressman Jim Himes, are concerned about his viability and believe he would lose the election. The President's campaign, however, maintains that he is the best candidate to win in November. Meanwhile, Republicans, particularly those close to former President Trump, are reveling in Biden's struggles and are prepared to run against him or any other Democratic nominee. The Republican National Convention is set to begin in Milwaukee, with the city preparing for a large influx of people and potential protests. The convention will be a major event for national politics and the Midwestern city's economy. The panel discusses the implications of Biden's press conference and the potential for a change in the Democratic nominee, as well as the Republican strategy for the upcoming election. Igor Zhovka, a top advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky, joins the show to discuss the recent NATO summit and Ukraine's ongoing war against Russia. He emphasizes the importance of continued support from the U.S. and other allies, including the provision of air defense systems and the lifting of restrictions on striking targets inside Russia. Zhovka also rejects the notion that the war could be ended in 24 hours by sacrificing Ukrainian territory.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and highlights the key events of the week, including President Biden's campaign trail activities, the upcoming Republican convention, and a visit from a top advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Biden's Defiant Press Conference
This Chapter focuses on President Biden's press conference, where he defended his campaign and doubled down on his decision to stay in the race. The chapter explores the reactions of Democrats, with some calling for him to step aside while others support his continued candidacy.
Republicans' Response to Biden's Press Conference
This Chapter examines the Republican response to President Biden's press conference, highlighting how they are using his struggles to their advantage. The chapter also discusses the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and the preparations underway.
Panel Discussion: The Implications of Biden's Press Conference
This Chapter features a panel discussion on the implications of President Biden's press conference and the potential for a change in the Democratic nominee. The panel also discusses the Republican strategy for the upcoming election.
Ukraine's Diplomatic Blitz and the NATO Summit
This Chapter focuses on Ukrainian President Zelensky's diplomatic blitz, including his recent visit to the U.S. and his participation in the NATO summit. The chapter explores the key takeaways from the summit for Ukraine, including the provision of air defense systems and the lifting of restrictions on striking targets inside Russia.
Keywords
Joe Biden
Joe Biden is the 46th and current president of the United States. He previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a prominent figure in American politics for over five decades. He is known for his experience in foreign policy, his focus on working-class issues, and his ability to connect with voters on a personal level. Biden's presidency has been marked by a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He is seeking re-election in 2024.
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump is a member of the Republican Party. He is a controversial figure, known for his outspoken views, his business dealings, and his reality television career. Trump's presidency was marked by a number of controversies, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his impeachment by the House of Representatives, and his role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. He is seeking re-election in 2024.
Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention is a quadrennial event held by the Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates. The convention is typically held in the summer of a presidential election year. The convention is a major event for national politics, attracting media attention and drawing large crowds. The convention is also an opportunity for the party to showcase its platform and its vision for the future.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance of North American and European countries. It was founded in 1949 in response to the threat posed by the Soviet Union. NATO's primary purpose is to protect its members from attack. The alliance has a collective defense clause, which means that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. NATO has been involved in a number of military operations, including the Kosovo War, the Afghanistan War, and the Libyan Civil War. The alliance is currently facing a number of challenges, including the rise of Russia, the spread of terrorism, and the increasing assertiveness of China.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, and Romania and Moldova to the south. Ukraine is a large country with a population of over 40 million people. The country has a rich history and culture, and it is known for its fertile land and its beautiful scenery. Ukraine has been in a state of conflict with Russia since 2014, when Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula and supported separatists in eastern Ukraine. The conflict escalated in February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The war has had a devastating impact on Ukraine, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The international community has condemned Russia's invasion and imposed sanctions on the country. Ukraine is seeking to join NATO, a military alliance of North American and European countries, but its membership is currently blocked by Russia.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician serving as the 49th and current vice president of the United States since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the junior United States senator from California from 2017 to 2021. Harris was the first African American and first Asian American woman to serve as vice president of the United States. She is also the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. Harris was born in Oakland, California, and grew up in Berkeley. She graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. After law school, she worked as a deputy district attorney and district attorney in San Francisco. In 2010, she was elected attorney general of California, becoming the first woman and first African American to hold that office. In 2017, she was elected to the U.S. Senate. Harris is a progressive Democrat who has been a vocal advocate for social justice and criminal justice reform. She is also a strong supporter of environmental protection and women's rights. Harris is considered a potential candidate for president in 2024.
Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention is a quadrennial event held by the Democratic Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates. The convention is typically held in the summer of a presidential election year. The convention is a major event for national politics, attracting media attention and drawing large crowds. The convention is also an opportunity for the party to showcase its platform and its vision for the future.
Q&A
What were the key takeaways from President Biden's press conference?
President Biden's press conference was intended to quell the growing calls for him to step aside from the presidential race. He defended his campaign and doubled down on his decision to stay in the race, but his performance was at times unsteady, which further divided Democrats. Some allies believe his performance should end any conversations about him withdrawing, while others are concerned about his viability and believe he would lose the election.
How are Republicans responding to President Biden's struggles?
Republicans, particularly those close to former President Trump, are reveling in Biden's struggles and are prepared to run against him or any other Democratic nominee. They are using Biden's weaknesses to their advantage and are confident in their ability to win the election.
What are the key issues that are likely to be debated during the Republican National Convention?
The Republican National Convention is expected to focus on issues such as the economy, immigration, and crime. The convention will also be an opportunity for the party to showcase its platform and its vision for the future.
What are the key takeaways from the recent NATO summit for Ukraine?
The NATO summit was a success for Ukraine, with the final declaration including a statement on Ukraine's eventual membership in the alliance. The summit also resulted in commitments for the provision of air defense systems and the lifting of restrictions on striking targets inside Russia. These commitments are crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
What are the concerns about President Biden's capacity to serve another term?
Some Democrats are concerned about President Biden's age and his ability to serve another term. They believe that he is not the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. The President's campaign, however, maintains that he is the best candidate to win in November.
What are the potential implications of a change in the Democratic nominee?
A change in the Democratic nominee would have significant implications for the upcoming election. It would likely lead to a more competitive race, as Republicans would have to adjust their strategy to target a new opponent. It would also likely lead to a more chaotic and unpredictable campaign.
What are the key issues that are likely to be debated during the Democratic National Convention?
The Democratic National Convention is expected to focus on issues such as the economy, healthcare, and climate change. The convention will also be an opportunity for the party to showcase its platform and its vision for the future.
What are the key challenges facing Ukraine in its war against Russia?
Ukraine faces a number of challenges in its war against Russia, including the ongoing Russian invasion, the destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of millions of people. The country is also facing a shortage of weapons and supplies, and it is reliant on international support to continue its fight.
What are the potential implications of a Russian victory in Ukraine?
A Russian victory in Ukraine would have significant implications for the international order. It would embolden Russia to pursue further expansionist ambitions, and it would undermine the credibility of NATO and other international institutions. It would also likely lead to a more unstable and dangerous world.
What are the key issues that are likely to be debated during the upcoming election?
The upcoming election is likely to focus on issues such as the economy, healthcare, climate change, and national security. The election will also be a referendum on the presidencies of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, and it will likely be a close and contentious race.
Show Notes
Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) discusses why he is calling on President Biden to drop out of the race. Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks explains the views inside the Biden campaign. NBC News Correspondent Shaquille Brewster sits down with Milwaukee’s Democratic Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Former RNC Chair Reince Preibus as they prepare to host the Republican National Convention.
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