Meet the Press NOW — October 3
Digest
The podcast opens with the upcoming US election, highlighting the campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. It discusses the first "October surprise" of the 2024 campaign, involving Special Counsel Jack Smith's filing against Trump. Smith's 165-page document argues why his election interference case against Trump should proceed, claiming Trump knew he was spreading lies about the 2020 election and acted on them leading up to the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Harris is campaigning with former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, targeting Republican voters disillusioned with Trump. They are hoping to gain their support by emphasizing their commitment to upholding the Constitution and democratic values. Trump continues to claim the 2020 election was rigged, despite lack of evidence. His campaign views the Jack Smith case as less impactful than economic and immigration issues, focusing on mobilizing his base rather than swaying undecided voters. The podcast also features legal analysis of Jack Smith's filing by Chuck Rosenberg, a former US attorney and FBI official. Rosenberg argues that the DOJ guidelines don't apply in this case and that the judge's decision to unseal the filing was appropriate. He believes the judge is handling the case fairly and professionally. The podcast discusses the potential political impact of Jack Smith's filing on the 2024 election. The filing could further polarize voters, with some concerned about Trump's legal troubles and others remaining steadfast in their support. It remains unclear whether the news will significantly sway undecided voters. Melania Trump publicly expresses support for abortion rights, a stance that contrasts with her husband's more ambiguous position on the issue. This unexpected statement could influence women voters' perceptions of Trump. President Biden continues his tour of states impacted by Hurricane Helene, visiting Florida and Georgia. He meets with first responders, storm victims, and local officials, highlighting the ongoing recovery efforts and the need for federal assistance. The podcast also discusses the escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Israel preparing to retaliate against Iran for a missile attack. The US and Israel are discussing potential strikes on Iranian oil facilities, while Iran threatens any country assisting Israel. Finally, the podcast focuses on the Pennsylvania Senate race between incumbent Democrat Bob Casey and Trump-backed challenger Dave McCormick. The race is considered crucial for Democrats to maintain control of the Senate. Casey is leveraging his name recognition and popularity in the state, while McCormick is trying to benefit from Trump's support while also differentiating himself on policy issues.
Outlines
Election Day Approaches: Trump and Harris on the Campaign Trail
The podcast opens with the upcoming election, highlighting the campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. It discusses the first "October surprise" of the 2024 campaign, involving Special Counsel Jack Smith's filing against Trump.
Legal Challenges Facing Trump: Jack Smith's Filing
Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a 165-page document arguing why his election interference case against Trump should proceed. Smith claims Trump knew he was spreading lies about the 2020 election and acted on them leading up to the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Harris and Cheney Campaign Together: Targeting Disillusioned Republicans
Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning with former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who was ousted from Congress by the GOP. They are targeting Republican voters disillusioned with Trump, hoping to gain their support.
Trump's Response to the Jack Smith Filing: Focusing on Base Mobilization
Trump continues to claim the 2020 election was rigged, despite numerous legal challenges being dismissed due to lack of evidence. His campaign views the Jack Smith case as less impactful than economic and immigration issues.
Legal Analysis of Jack Smith's Filing: DOJ Guidelines and Unsealing
Chuck Rosenberg, a former US attorney and FBI official, analyzes the legal implications of Jack Smith's filing. He argues that the DOJ guidelines don't apply in this case and that the judge's decision to unseal the filing was appropriate.
Political Fallout of Jack Smith's Filing: Impact on the 2024 Election
The podcast discusses the potential political impact of Jack Smith's filing on the 2024 election. While some voters are concerned about Trump's legal troubles, his campaign strategy focuses on mobilizing his base rather than swaying undecided voters.
Keywords
October Surprise
An unexpected event or revelation that occurs during a political campaign, often with the intention of influencing the outcome.
Election Interference
Actions taken to disrupt or manipulate an election process, often through illegal means such as voter suppression, hacking, or spreading misinformation.
Presidential Immunity
The legal doctrine that protects a sitting president from criminal prosecution for actions taken in their official capacity.
Ticket Splitting
When a voter casts ballots for candidates from different political parties in the same election, for example, voting for a Democrat for president and a Republican for senator.
Mission Creep
The gradual expansion of a military operation or mission beyond its original scope or objectives.
Hurricane Helene
A powerful hurricane that made landfall in the southeastern United States in 2024, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a US government agency responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts.
Retaliatory Response
A military or political action taken in response to a previous attack or provocation.
Battleground State
A state in a US presidential election that is considered to be closely contested and could potentially determine the outcome of the election.
Q&A
What is the significance of Special Counsel Jack Smith's filing against Trump?
Smith's filing argues that his election interference case against Trump should proceed, claiming Trump knew he was spreading lies about the 2020 election and acted on them leading up to the January 6th attack on the Capitol. This could have significant implications for the 2024 election.
How is Vice President Kamala Harris campaigning for re-election?
Harris is campaigning with former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, targeting Republican voters disillusioned with Trump. They are hoping to gain their support by emphasizing their commitment to upholding the Constitution and democratic values.
What is Trump's strategy for responding to the Jack Smith filing?
Trump continues to claim the 2020 election was rigged, despite lack of evidence. His campaign views the Jack Smith case as less impactful than economic and immigration issues, focusing on mobilizing his base rather than swaying undecided voters.
What is the legal analysis of Jack Smith's filing?
Chuck Rosenberg, a former US attorney and FBI official, argues that the DOJ guidelines don't apply in this case and that the judge's decision to unseal the filing was appropriate. He believes the judge is handling the case fairly and professionally.
What is the potential political impact of Jack Smith's filing on the 2024 election?
The filing could further polarize voters, with some concerned about Trump's legal troubles and others remaining steadfast in their support. It remains unclear whether the news will significantly sway undecided voters.
What is the significance of Melania Trump's statement supporting abortion rights?
Melania Trump's statement contrasts with her husband's more ambiguous position on the issue, potentially influencing women voters' perceptions of Trump. It could also signal a shift in Republican messaging on abortion.
What is the current state of the recovery efforts in the states affected by Hurricane Helene?
President Biden is visiting Florida and Georgia, meeting with first responders, storm victims, and local officials. The recovery efforts are ongoing, with a focus on providing immediate aid and addressing the long-term needs of affected communities.
What is the situation in the Middle East as Israel prepares to retaliate against Iran?
Tensions are escalating, with Israel planning a retaliatory response for a missile attack. The US and Israel are discussing potential strikes on Iranian oil facilities, while Iran threatens any country assisting Israel.
What is the significance of the Pennsylvania Senate race between Bob Casey and Dave McCormick?
The race is considered crucial for Democrats to maintain control of the Senate. Casey is leveraging his name recognition and popularity in the state, while McCormick is trying to benefit from Trump's support while also differentiating himself on policy issues.
Show Notes
Former President Donald Trump falsely claims the newly unsealed filing from special counsel Jack Smith is election interference. The mayors of Greenville, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina join Meet the Press NOW to explain how their communities are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. NBC News Correspondent Julie Tsirkin speaks to Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) ahead of their first debate in the battleground state.
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