Meet the Press NOW — July 9
Digest
Democratic leaders are standing by President Biden for now, despite concerns about his fitness for office, as they huddle behind closed doors following his dismal debate performance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated his public support for the President, but dodged questions about Biden's ability to win in November. House Democrats also met and discussed the President, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about his ability to win and his potential drag on down ballot candidates. Meanwhile, President Biden is facing another major test of his fitness for office as he prepares to host the NATO summit in Washington this week. He's set to deliver remarks about an hour from now, and on Thursday, Biden will hold a solo press conference taking questions from the press. Former President Trump is returning to the campaign trail with a rally in South Florida alongside Senator Marco Rubio, one of his top potential picks for Vice President. Trump has hinted that he could wait to announce his choice at the Republican National Convention next week. Congressman Gregory Meeks, a ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, defended President Biden's leadership and said that Democrats are united in their opposition to Donald Trump becoming President again. He also criticized Trump's record and said that he is a convicted felon who has been found guilty of assaulting a woman. Meeks said that Democrats are having a dialogue and conversation about President Biden's age and fitness for office, but that they are all agreed on one thing: they cannot allow Trump to become President again. He also said that the final decision on whether or not to run for reelection is up to President Biden, who has said he is running. Some Democrats are publicly calling for President Biden to step aside, but others are saying they will still support him if he stays in the race. Tia Mitchell, Washington correspondent for the Atlanta Journal of Constitution, said that Democrats are in a tough spot because Biden is not open to stepping aside. She said that there is no way forward in addressing their concerns, and that leaves them voicing their issues but not having any remedy other than everyone saying getting on board. Carlos Curbelo, a former Florida Republican Congressman, said that Democrats are privately talking about how they don't believe that Joe Biden is fit to serve another four years as president, but they are publicly saying that they will support him if he is the nominee. He said that it is a very difficult position to be in as an elected official, as a member of a political party where you think one thing privately, but you really don't want to say it publicly. Margie O'Marrow, a Democratic Pulitzer, said that the polling data shows that there are two different interpretations of the situation. One is that polling really hasn't changed very much, that there was a view about President Biden and about President Trump that was baked in the cake before the debate. The flip side is that it's better to be up than down, and if you have polling before the debate that shows the President trailing, buy a little bit and that hasn't changed, that's what I think causing some concern because the stakes are so high when you look at and Democrats are very much unified in this respect that Trump, like Republicans privately, that Trump is a danger to the country. Richard Haas, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, said that the entire NATO summit takes place against the specter of Donald Trump. He said that presidents in the United States have enormous discretion when it comes to foreign policy, and that is a sobering or distracting thought for most of the other 31 leaders. He said that there were lots of concerns after President Biden's recent two visits to Europe for the Normandy events and then for the G7, and that world leaders are going to look at everything he says, how he walks, how he talks. He said that they are curious and just want to see how he's doing, because they've seen the debate and are seeing the debate about the debate. He said that they are obviously wondering who's going to lead this country, come directly. Haas said that the United States has pledged to come to the defense of other countries of NATO if they're attacked, but that suddenly if Donald Trump is elected, that's all very much endowed, even to Ukraine is endowed. He said that essentially it corrodes or erodes the fabric of an alliance. Jacqueline Charles, the Caribbean correspondent at the Miami-Herald, said that the Kenyan force deployed to Haiti is still getting acclimated and that they have done some patrols with the Haitian national police. She said that there is a lot of hope on the part of the Haitian population that they will be able to dismantle the gangs and that sort of crunch will return to some sense of normalcy, whatever that means these days. She said that the Haitian police have done an admirable job in holding on to the capital, but that they can't hold onto it because of their numbers and the pressure. She said that they are hoping that the Kenyans can help them to take control and hold control while they continue to do some of these operations. Charles said that there are several agreements that have been signed going into this process in terms of rules of engagement and also in terms of the oversight. She said that the UN will have oversight even though this is not a United Nations backwards, but that there is a process in place in case there are any allegations not just against the Kenyans, but the Jamaicans or any member of these foreign forces that are there in Haiti. She said that in terms of how nations feel, this has been a process, and in the beginning of the debate that Haitians were having with you, we really want to have another foreign intervention and people looking at the history from the US, 1915, to the most recent, just seven years ago. She said that the security situation has become increasingly untenable, and when you're talking about five million people who are hungry, when you're talking about a million plus people with families, people are saying just give me help to get it from anywhere I don't care.
Outlines
Democratic Leaders Stand By Biden
This Chapter discusses the current political climate surrounding President Biden's leadership. Democratic leaders, despite concerns about his fitness for office, are standing by him for now. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated his public support for the President, but dodged questions about Biden's ability to win in November. House Democrats also met and discussed the President, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about his ability to win and his potential drag on down ballot candidates.
Biden Prepares for NATO Summit
This Chapter focuses on President Biden's upcoming NATO summit in Washington. He is set to deliver remarks about an hour from now, and on Thursday, Biden will hold a solo press conference taking questions from the press. This event is seen as a major test of his fitness for office, as he seeks to reassure both Democrats and world leaders of his capabilities.
Trump Returns to Campaign Trail
This Chapter covers former President Trump's return to the campaign trail. He is holding a rally in South Florida alongside Senator Marco Rubio, one of his top potential picks for Vice President. Trump has hinted that he could wait to announce his choice at the Republican National Convention next week.
Congressman Meeks Defends Biden
This Chapter features an interview with Congressman Gregory Meeks, a ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He defends President Biden's leadership and says that Democrats are united in their opposition to Donald Trump becoming President again. He also criticizes Trump's record and says that he is a convicted felon who has been found guilty of assaulting a woman. Meeks said that Democrats are having a dialogue and conversation about President Biden's age and fitness for office, but that they are all agreed on one thing: they cannot allow Trump to become President again. He also said that the final decision on whether or not to run for reelection is up to President Biden, who has said he is running.
Democrats Debate Biden's Candidacy
This Chapter delves into the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding President Biden's candidacy. Some Democrats are publicly calling for President Biden to step aside, but others are saying they will still support him if he stays in the race. Tia Mitchell, Washington correspondent for the Atlanta Journal of Constitution, said that Democrats are in a tough spot because Biden is not open to stepping aside. She said that there is no way forward in addressing their concerns, and that leaves them voicing their issues but not having any remedy other than everyone saying getting on board. Carlos Curbelo, a former Florida Republican Congressman, said that Democrats are privately talking about how they don't believe that Joe Biden is fit to serve another four years as president, but they are publicly saying that they will support him if he is the nominee. He said that it is a very difficult position to be in as an elected official, as a member of a political party where you think one thing privately, but you really don't want to say it publicly.
NATO Summit Amidst Uncertainty
This Chapter focuses on the upcoming NATO summit, taking place amidst uncertainty surrounding President Biden's leadership and the potential for a Trump presidency. Richard Haas, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the concerns of world leaders regarding President Biden's age and fitness for office, as well as the potential impact of a Trump presidency on NATO. He highlights the importance of continuity in alliances and the challenges posed by the current political climate.
Kenyan Force Deployed to Haiti
This Chapter examines the deployment of a Kenyan-led multinational force to Haiti, aimed at tackling rampant gang violence. Jacqueline Charles, the Caribbean correspondent at the Miami-Herald, discusses the challenges facing the force, including the limited number of troops and the need to gain control and hold control of the capital. She also addresses concerns about potential human rights violations and the history of international forces in Haiti.
Cheryl Calls for Biden to Withdraw
This Chapter reports on the latest development in the Democratic Party's internal debate, as Congresswoman Mickey Cheryl joins the growing number of Democrats calling for President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. Ali Vitale, NBC News correspondent, discusses the implications of this development and the ongoing pressure on President Biden to prove his fitness for office.
Keywords
President 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 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate from 1973 to 2009. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Biden's presidency has been marked by a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He has also faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for his handling of these issues. Despite these challenges, Biden has also achieved a number of successes, including the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. He is currently seeking reelection 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. He is a member of the Republican Party. 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 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. He has also been criticized for his rhetoric and policies, which have been seen by many as divisive and harmful. Trump is currently seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2024.
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. NATO is also facing internal divisions, particularly over the issue of defense spending. The alliance is currently working to adapt to these challenges and to maintain its relevance in the 21st century.
Democratic Party
The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-left on the political spectrum. The Democratic Party's platform is based on social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. The party's core values include equality, opportunity, and fairness. The Democratic Party has a long history in the United States, dating back to the early 19th century. The party has been in power at the national level for much of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Democratic Party is currently facing a number of challenges, including the rise of populism, the increasing polarization of American politics, and the growing influence of money in politics. The party is currently working to adapt to these challenges and to maintain its relevance in the 21st century.
Republican Party
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-right on the political spectrum. The Republican Party's platform is based on limited government, individual liberty, and free markets. The party's core values include freedom, opportunity, and responsibility. The Republican Party has a long history in the United States, dating back to the mid-19th century. The party has been in power at the national level for much of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Republican Party is currently facing a number of challenges, including the rise of populism, the increasing polarization of American politics, and the growing influence of money in politics. The party is currently working to adapt to these challenges and to maintain its relevance in the 21st century.
Vice President
The Vice President of the United States is the second-highest ranking official in the federal government. The Vice President is elected on the same ticket as the President. The Vice President's primary duty is to succeed the President in the event of the President's death, resignation, or removal from office. The Vice President also presides over the Senate and casts a tie-breaking vote. The Vice President is also a member of the President's Cabinet. The Vice President's role has evolved over time, and the Vice President has become increasingly involved in policymaking and other aspects of the administration. The Vice President is a powerful position, and the Vice President can have a significant impact on the course of the administration.
Congressional Black Caucus
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is a group of African American members of the United States Congress. It was founded in 1971 by a group of black congressmen who wanted to create a forum for black lawmakers to discuss issues of importance to the black community. The CBC has been a powerful force in American politics, advocating for civil rights, economic justice, and social equality. The CBC has also been instrumental in shaping legislation on a wide range of issues, including education, healthcare, and criminal justice. The CBC is a vital voice for the black community in the United States Congress.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is a group of Hispanic members of the United States Congress. It was founded in 1976 by a group of Hispanic congressmen who wanted to create a forum for Hispanic lawmakers to discuss issues of importance to the Hispanic community. The CHC has been a powerful force in American politics, advocating for civil rights, economic justice, and social equality. The CHC has also been instrumental in shaping legislation on a wide range of issues, including education, healthcare, and immigration. The CHC is a vital voice for the Hispanic community in the United States Congress.
Haiti
Haiti is a Caribbean nation located on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It has a long history of political instability and violence. Haiti was the first independent black republic in the world. It gained independence from France in 1804. Haiti has been plagued by poverty, corruption, and natural disasters. The country is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread hunger, poverty, and violence. The Haitian government is struggling to provide basic services to its citizens. The country is also facing a growing threat from gangs, who control much of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Haiti is a country in need of urgent assistance.
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 southwest. Ukraine is a large country with a population of about 44 million people. The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv. Ukraine is a predominantly agricultural country, with a large amount of fertile land. Ukraine is also rich in natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and natural gas. Ukraine has a long history of conflict and instability. It was part of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1991. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine became an independent country. In 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Russia also supported separatists in eastern Ukraine, who launched a war against the Ukrainian government. The war in Ukraine is ongoing, and it has had a devastating impact on the country. Ukraine is a country in need of urgent assistance.
Q&A
What are the concerns about President Biden's fitness for office?
Some Democrats have expressed concerns about President Biden's age and mental acuity, particularly following his performance in the recent debate. They worry that he may not be up to the demands of the presidency, especially in a challenging election year.
How are Democratic leaders responding to these concerns?
While some Democrats are publicly calling for President Biden to step aside, most are standing by him for now. They are urging him to prove his fitness for office and demonstrate his ability to win in November. However, there is a sense of uncertainty and division within the party, with many lawmakers expressing concerns behind closed doors.
What is former President Trump doing in the lead-up to the 2024 election?
Former President Trump is returning to the campaign trail, holding rallies and preparing for the Republican National Convention. He is also considering potential running mates, with Senator Marco Rubio being one of his top picks for Vice President. Trump's actions suggest that he is actively campaigning for the presidency in 2024.
What are the key issues at stake in the upcoming NATO summit?
The NATO summit is taking place against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and the potential for a Trump presidency. World leaders are looking to President Biden for reassurance about America's commitment to the alliance and its support for Ukraine. They are also concerned about the potential for instability and uncertainty if Trump is elected president.
What are the challenges facing the Kenyan force deployed to Haiti?
The Kenyan force is facing a difficult task in Haiti, where gangs control a large portion of the capital and violence is rampant. The force is small, and it remains to be seen whether they have the capabilities to effectively combat the gangs. There are also concerns about potential human rights violations, given the history of international forces in Haiti.
What is the current state of the Democratic Party's internal debate about President Biden's candidacy?
The Democratic Party is deeply divided over President Biden's candidacy. Some Democrats are publicly calling for him to step aside, while others are standing by him. There is a sense of uncertainty and anxiety within the party, with many lawmakers expressing concerns about Biden's ability to win and his potential impact on down ballot candidates.
What are the potential consequences of the Democratic Party's internal debate?
The Democratic Party's internal debate could have significant consequences for the 2024 election. If the party remains divided, it could weaken Biden's chances of winning reelection and hurt down ballot candidates. The debate could also alienate voters who are already concerned about Biden's age and fitness for office.
What are the key issues that will be discussed at the NATO summit?
The NATO summit will focus on a number of key issues, including the war in Ukraine, the threat posed by Russia, and the need to strengthen the alliance. The summit will also be an opportunity for world leaders to assess President Biden's leadership and the future of the alliance.
What are the challenges facing the Kenyan force in Haiti?
The Kenyan force is facing a number of challenges in Haiti, including the widespread violence, the control of gangs, and the lack of resources. The force is also facing criticism for potential human rights violations. The situation in Haiti is complex and dangerous, and it remains to be seen whether the Kenyan force will be able to make a difference.
What are the potential consequences of the Democratic Party's internal debate?
The Democratic Party's internal debate could have significant consequences for the 2024 election. If the party remains divided, it could weaken Biden's chances of winning reelection and hurt down ballot candidates. The debate could also alienate voters who are already concerned about Biden's age and fitness for office.
Show Notes
Table of contents
United States
