Morning Joe 7/18/24
Digest
The Morning Joe panel delves into the escalating pressure on President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The discussion centers around a confluence of factors, including Biden's age, his recent COVID diagnosis, and the perception that he is losing ground in the polls. The panel highlights the concerns of Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries, who fear that Biden's candidacy could jeopardize their chances of retaining control of Congress. They also discuss the potential for a chaotic transition if Biden were to step aside, with Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as the most likely successor. The panel then shifts its focus to the Republican National Convention, where Donald Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, has been met with approval from Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. The panel analyzes Vance's stance on Ukraine and his criticism of U.S. support for the country, highlighting the potential consequences of a Trump-Vance administration on American foreign policy. The segment concludes with a discussion of the Secret Service's handling of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, raising serious questions about their preparedness and security protocols.
Outlines
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MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts
This Chapter introduces MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts, offering early access to new original podcasts from MSNBC and ad-free listening to all of Rachel Maddow's award-winning original series, including Season 1 and Season 2 of Ultra, Batman and Deja News, plus exclusive bonus content. It also mentions new episodes of The Rachel Maddow Show and Morning Joe ad-free.
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President Biden's Potential Withdrawal from the 2024 Race
This Chapter delves into the growing pressure on President Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race. The discussion centers around a confluence of factors, including Biden's age, his recent COVID diagnosis, and the perception that he is losing ground in the polls. The panel highlights the concerns of Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries, who fear that Biden's candidacy could jeopardize their chances of retaining control of Congress. They also discuss the potential for a chaotic transition if Biden were to step aside, with Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as the most likely successor.
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Russia's Support for J.D. Vance
This Chapter focuses on Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, expressing approval of J.D. Vance as Donald Trump's running mate. The panel analyzes Vance's stance on Ukraine and his criticism of U.S. support for the country, highlighting the potential consequences of a Trump-Vance administration on American foreign policy.
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Secret Service Failures in the Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump
This Chapter delves into the Secret Service's handling of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, raising serious questions about their preparedness and security protocols. The panel discusses the disturbing timeline of events leading up to the shooting, including the identification of the gunman as suspicious and the failure to secure the rooftop from which he fired shots. The segment concludes with a discussion of the ongoing investigations and the mounting pressure on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
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 four decades. He is known for his moderate political views and his ability to build consensus across party lines. 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 conflict 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 known for his controversial statements and policies, which have often been divisive and polarizing. 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.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician serving as the 49th and current vice president of the United States since 2021. She previously served as the junior United States senator from California from 2017 to 2021. Harris is a member of the Democratic Party. She is the first female vice president, the first African American vice president, and the first Asian American vice president. Harris is known for her progressive political views and her strong advocacy for social justice issues. She is considered a potential candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024.
J.D. Vance
James David Vance is an American author, venture capitalist, and politician serving as the junior United States senator from Ohio since 2023. Vance is a member of the Republican Party. He is known for his book "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," which explored the social and economic challenges faced by working-class white Americans in Appalachia. Vance's political views are considered to be conservative, and he has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. He was chosen as Trump's running mate in the 2024 presidential election.
Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention (RNC) is a quadrennial event held by the Republican Party to formally nominate its candidates for president and vice president of the United States. The RNC is typically held in the summer of a presidential election year. The convention is a major event in American politics, and it is often used by the party to showcase its platform and to rally support for its candidates. The 2024 RNC was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was marked by a strong showing of support for Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance.
Secret Service
The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the president and other high-ranking government officials. The Secret Service also investigates financial crimes, such as counterfeiting and identity theft. The agency has been criticized for its handling of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, with questions raised about its preparedness and security protocols. The Secret Service is currently under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe that has been at war with Russia since 2014. The conflict escalated in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced from their homes. The United States and its allies have provided significant military and financial aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The war in Ukraine has had a major impact on global politics and economics, and it is a key issue in the 2024 presidential election.
Russia
Russia is a country in Eastern Europe that is a major geopolitical power. Russia has been involved in a number of conflicts in recent years, including the war in Ukraine. Russia is known for its strong military and its authoritarian government. Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, has expressed approval of J.D. Vance as Donald Trump's running mate, highlighting the potential for a shift in U.S.-Russia relations if Trump is re-elected.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance of North American and European countries. NATO was founded in 1949 to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has expanded its membership and its role in global security. The war in Ukraine has raised concerns about Russia's potential threat to NATO members, and it has led to increased military cooperation between NATO allies.
Taiwan
Taiwan is an island nation off the coast of mainland China. Taiwan is claimed by China as part of its territory, but it has been governed independently since 1949. The United States has a policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding Taiwan, which means that it does not explicitly commit to defending Taiwan in the event of an attack by China. However, the United States has a strong interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The potential for a conflict between China and Taiwan is a major concern for the United States and its allies.
Q&A
What are the main reasons for the growing pressure on President Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race?
The pressure on President Biden stems from concerns about his age, his recent COVID diagnosis, and the perception that he is losing ground in the polls. Democratic leaders fear that his candidacy could jeopardize their chances of retaining control of Congress.
Who are the key Democratic leaders expressing concerns about Biden's candidacy?
Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries are among the prominent Democratic leaders who have expressed concerns about Biden's candidacy and the potential impact on the party's electoral prospects.
What is the potential for a chaotic transition if Biden were to step down?
A chaotic transition is a possibility if Biden were to step down, as it would require a new nominee to be chosen and a rapid shift in campaign strategy. Vice President Kamala Harris is considered the most likely successor, but there could be other contenders.
What is Russia's stance on J.D. Vance as Donald Trump's running mate?
Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, has expressed approval of J.D. Vance, citing his stance on Ukraine and his criticism of U.S. support for the country. This suggests a potential for a shift in U.S.-Russia relations if Trump is re-elected.
What are the potential consequences of a Trump-Vance administration on American foreign policy?
A Trump-Vance administration could lead to a significant shift in American foreign policy, potentially including a withdrawal of support for Ukraine, a more isolationist approach to global affairs, and a weakening of alliances with key partners.
What are the main concerns about the Secret Service's handling of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump?
The Secret Service's handling of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump has raised serious questions about their preparedness and security protocols. The panel highlights the disturbing timeline of events leading up to the shooting, including the identification of the gunman as suspicious and the failure to secure the rooftop from which he fired shots.
What are the ongoing investigations into the Secret Service's handling of the attempted assassination?
The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General is conducting two separate investigations into the Secret Service's handling of the attempted assassination, focusing on the counter sniper team preparedness and the overall security protocols.
What is the potential impact of the Secret Service's failures on Director Kimberly Cheatle?
Director Kimberly Cheatle is facing mounting pressure and criticism for the Secret Service's failures. She is scheduled to testify before Congress next week and is likely to face intense scrutiny.
What are the key unanswered questions about the attempted assassination?
Key unanswered questions include when law enforcement first saw the gunman's weapon, why the Secret Service did not secure the rooftop sooner, and why Trump was allowed to take the stage despite the presence of a suspicious individual.
What is the potential for a shift in the Republican Party's direction based on the selection of J.D. Vance as Trump's running mate?
The selection of J.D. Vance as Trump's running mate suggests a strong embrace of Trumpism within the Republican Party. If Vance were to win the vice presidency and potentially the presidency in the future, it could solidify Trumpism as the dominant force within the party for years to come.
Show Notes
Reports: Top Democrats warn Biden he could hurt party