Meet the Press Full Episode — March 8

[0:01] This Sunday, widening war. [0:05] One week in, and the conflict with Iran is escalating. [0:09] President Trump defends his decision to strike [0:11] as the fight rapidly spreads across the Middle East. [0:15] If we didn't hit within two weeks, [0:17] they would have had a nuclear weapon. [0:19] We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action. [0:21] We knew that that would precipitate an attack [0:23] against American forces. [0:25] And support for the war breaks across party lines. [0:28] This is a war of choice. [0:30] It did not have to happen. [0:32] There is no evidence that has been presented to us [0:34] that the United States was under threat [0:36] of imminent attack from Iran. [0:39] This is not Iraq. [0:40] This is not endless. [0:42] We are not at war. [0:44] I'll talk to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, [0:47] Mike Waltz, House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, [0:50] and Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Arachi. [0:53] Plus, cabinet shakeup. [0:55] President Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary, [0:58] Kristi Noem, amid a controversial immigration crackdown. [1:02] and growing bipartisan blowback. [1:05] What we've seen is a disaster under your leadership, Ms. Noem. [1:09] Have you had sexual relations with Corey Lomodowski? [1:14] You've budgeted an astonishing $220 million [1:17] for media consultant contracts. [1:19] And midterm signals. [1:22] A new NBC News poll shows President Trump struggling on the economy, [1:26] while Democrats hold an enthusiasm advantage, [1:30] even as voters remain skeptical of the party itself. [1:33] Steve Kornacki breaks down the latest numbers. [1:36] Joining me for insight and analysis are [1:38] USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page, [1:42] Amy Walter, editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, [1:47] former Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, [1:50] and Adrian Elrod, former senior advisor to the Harris campaign. [1:54] Welcome to Sunday. [1:56] It's Meet the Press. [1:57] From NBC News in Washington, [2:01] the longest-running show in television history, [2:04] this is Meet the Press with Kristen Welkin. [2:06] Good Sunday morning. [2:10] President Trump's war with Iran is now entering its second week, [2:14] with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes intensifying, [2:18] and Iran retaliating, [2:20] now ensnaring 15 countries in the Middle East. [2:24] On Saturday, President Trump, [2:26] top administration officials and grieving families [2:29] paying their respects at a dignified transfer [2:33] at Dover Air Force Base. [2:34] The somber event honoring the six U.S. service members [2:38] who were killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait. [2:42] It comes as NBC News has confirmed [2:44] Russia is providing Iran with intelligence [2:47] on the location of U.S. forces in the Middle East. [2:51] President Trump saying on Friday [2:52] he will demand Iran's unconditional surrender [2:55] before he'll make any deal to end the fighting. [2:58] While NBC News reports the president [3:00] has privately shown interest in sending ground troops to Iran. [3:04] He was asked about what circumstances [3:06] would lead to that Saturday night on Air Force One. [3:10] Could there be possible, for very good reason, [3:14] have to be very good reason? [3:17] And I would say if we ever did that, [3:19] they would be so decimated [3:20] that they wouldn't be able to fight at the ground level. [3:24] And joining me now is U.S. Ambassador [3:26] to the United Nations, Mike Waltz. [3:28] Ambassador Waltz, welcome back to Meet the Press. [3:33] Yeah, thank you. Good to be with you. [3:35] It's good to have you here. [3:36] Let me start off by asking you, [3:38] it has now been one week [3:40] since the United States and Israel attacked Iran. [3:43] Is the United States at war with Iran? [3:50] Well, I'll tell you, [3:51] the military objectives and achievements a weekend [3:54] are truly extraordinary, [3:57] as the president has effectively laid out. [4:01] Iran's air force destroyed. [4:03] Iran's air defenses destroyed [4:06] and almost completely degraded. [4:08] Its navy sunk over 40 ships [4:11] sitting at the bottom of the ocean. [4:14] And importantly, [4:15] their ability to produce [4:17] these ballistic missiles and these drones, [4:20] with which they've been terrorizing Israel, [4:22] their neighbors in the Gulf, [4:24] providing to Russia, [4:25] and using against Ukraine, [4:27] is also being severely degraded. [4:30] So the military, [4:32] our great Secretary of War, [4:34] Pete Hegseth, [4:35] Secretary Rubio, [4:36] and others are laying out the case [4:39] in terms of how we are going [4:41] to protect the American people [4:43] and eliminate this threat once and for all. [4:46] I can tell you as a veteran, [4:47] I can't, [4:51] it breaks my heart in so many ways [4:53] that we have had to deal with this threat [4:55] across the Middle East [4:56] for 47 years. [4:59] And I want to be clear, [5:00] the Iranian regime started this war in 1979 [5:04] under Jimmy Carter, [5:05] and thank God for President Trump, [5:08] he's taking the bold, decisive action [5:10] that so many of his predecessors have failed to do [5:13] to end it, [5:14] and to end this threat [5:16] to the American people and our allies [5:17] once and for all. [5:19] And you just said there [5:20] that Iran started this war. [5:22] This is what President Trump has said [5:24] about this conflict. [5:26] We may have casualties [5:28] that often happens in war. [5:31] We have unlimited middle and upper ammunition, [5:35] which is really what we're using in this war. [5:37] And we're doing very well on the war front, [5:41] to put it mildly. [5:42] As you know, words matter. [5:45] Does the Trump administration, [5:47] do you describe this as a war against Iran? [5:53] Well, I describe it as [5:54] Iran's been at war with us, [5:56] as I just said. [5:57] So it's a war. [5:57] It is a war. [5:58] And thankfully, [5:59] President Trump is, [6:00] President Trump is ending it. [6:02] Look, I'll leave it to the lawyers [6:04] and those who deal with Congress [6:06] in terms of the War Powers Act, [6:08] which every administration [6:09] has viewed as unconstitutional. [6:11] That said, Secretary Rubio has been there [6:14] day after day and week after week [6:16] in the recent months [6:17] to appropriately brief Congressional leaders. [6:19] But I'll tell you who, you know, [6:23] who does believe that they're being attacked. [6:26] It's the soldiers that have been buried [6:30] for many, many years as a result of Iranian attacks [6:34] and their proxy attacks, Hezbollah, Hamas, [6:37] the Houthis, and others in Beirut in 1983 and Iraq. [6:42] Through those years, [6:43] over 600 American soldiers. [6:45] So, I mean, we have to take a step back, Kirsten, [6:48] and look at how many billions, [6:50] how much time, how much treasure [6:52] that administration after administration [6:54] has spent dealing with this. [6:57] President Trump put diplomacy first, [7:01] both last year and this year. [7:03] It was clear the Iranians were not negotiating [7:06] in good faith, had no intention [7:07] of backing away from its nuclear intentions. [7:11] We're trying to protect it [7:12] with a massive phalanx and shield [7:15] of ballistic missiles [7:17] that they were quadrupling their production of [7:19] on a month-by-month basis. [7:22] And finally, President Trump said enough is enough. [7:24] Let me ask you about the end game here. [7:26] The president posted on Friday, quote, [7:29] there will be no deal with Iran [7:31] except unconditional surrender. [7:35] Mr. Ambassador, what exactly does that mean? [7:40] Well, I'll leave that to the president [7:42] as commander-in-chief. [7:44] He's been very clear in no nuclear weapons program, [7:51] no ballistic missiles that can deliver a nuke, [7:55] no, you know, massive shield [7:58] with which they're going to hide behind [7:59] of both short-range ballistic missiles, [8:02] long-range and drones that we're seeing them unleash [8:05] on our neighbors and our allies and on the world right now. [8:09] And enough is enough with this ongoing 47-year support [8:14] of terrorism all over the world [8:17] as the world's largest sponsor of terrorists. [8:21] So, you know, all of those objectives are being achieved. [8:24] We're ahead of schedule. [8:26] And what he ultimately wants is pretty much common sense, as he said. [8:31] We have to have an Iranian government [8:32] that no longer threatens the American people, [8:35] threatens our allies and threatens the world [8:37] and holds the world's energy supplies hostage [8:40] through both its missiles and its Navy. [8:42] There's a big question about what exactly it will take [8:47] to achieve all of those goals. [8:49] NBC News is reporting it. [8:51] President Trump has privately shown serious interest [8:54] in U.S. boots on the ground in Iran. [8:56] Is the administration actively considering [8:59] putting U.S. boots on the ground in Iran? [9:04] Well, I'm not going to get ahead of those conversations. [9:07] I could tell you, unlike his predecessors, [9:09] both Obama and Biden, [9:11] President Trump is never going to take options off the table. [9:16] I'm a former special operator. [9:17] We have troops and assets that are focused [9:21] on seizing weapons of mass destruction, [9:23] if needed and if so, ordered. [9:26] But again, I just go back [9:28] to how consistent the president [9:29] has been on this point. [9:31] In his campaigns in 2016, 2020, 2024, [9:35] he has consistently said Iran can never have a nuke. [9:39] He'll do what's necessary to make sure they don't. [9:42] And I could tell you what the American people, [9:45] my former constituents voted for, [9:47] was a president who means what he says, [9:50] stands on his red lines, [9:52] doesn't back away from him as his predecessors did, [9:55] and never takes a bad deal [9:57] that's going to keep the American people [9:59] less safe in the long run. [10:00] Ambassador Waltz, I have to ask you [10:02] about this reporting on Friday, [10:05] that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran [10:08] to help target U.S. assets in the region. [10:12] Will there be consequences for Russia? [10:14] Well, as Special Envoy Whitkoff said [10:20] last night on Air Force One, [10:22] he sent a very strong message to Russia. [10:25] I have no doubt President Trump [10:28] will deal with it accordingly. [10:30] Will there be consequences, though, [10:31] more than words? [10:32] I don't want to get into intelligence, [10:36] but I'll tell you what, [10:37] Russia right now has just lost its main supplier [10:40] of these one-way drones [10:42] that they have been sending in night after night into Ukraine. [10:45] They just lost their main supplier [10:47] of ballistic missiles. [10:50] President Trump has taken incredibly decisive action [10:52] in finally sanctioning both Rosneft and Luke oil, [10:56] the main energy suppliers. [10:58] That's the main form of revenue going into Russia. [11:02] So no one can argue that he hasn't taken tough measures [11:05] and will continue if he decides to do so [11:08] as commander-in-chief. [11:09] If Russia's giving Iran intelligence, [11:12] do you effectively consider that Russia [11:14] has entered this conflict? [11:18] Well, we know that both Russia and Iran [11:20] have had this symbiotic relationship, [11:23] number one. [11:24] Number two, if they are providing anything, [11:26] it certainly hasn't been very effective [11:28] because the U.S. military is decimating [11:31] Iran's air force, air defenses, [11:34] navy, ground forces, command and control. [11:37] So whatever they're providing, [11:39] if they're providing anything, [11:40] hasn't shown to help them very much. [11:43] Two more, and we have about a minute left. [11:45] The Treasury Department announced [11:46] it was easing oil sanctions on Russia, [11:49] which will help Russia fund its war in Ukraine. [11:51] As you know, why is the Trump administration [11:53] helping Russia in this moment? [11:58] Oh, I wouldn't characterize it that way. [11:59] I have to push back on that premise. [12:01] How else could you characterize these in oil sanctions? [12:04] It's a 30-day pause to allow, [12:07] which is just kind of common sense, [12:09] to allow the millions and millions of barrels of oil [12:13] that are sitting out on ships to go to Indian refineries. [12:16] I just laid out the tough actions the Trump administration has taken [12:20] to reduce their revenue. [12:22] But at the end of the day, Kirsten, [12:23] this is going to be a temporary issue. [12:27] This is going to be, [12:28] it looks like a bit of short-term pain [12:31] for the long-term gain of Iran no longer being able [12:36] to hold the world's energy supplies hostage. [12:39] We have taken out that capability, [12:41] but it also speaks to why President Trump's energy agenda [12:45] has been so important. [12:47] He calls it drill, baby, drill. [12:49] This is unleashing American oil and gas. [12:51] We now have it coming in from Venezuela. [12:53] We have other diversified supplies [12:56] for both our European and our Asian allies. [13:01] At the end of the day, [13:02] the world will be safer, stronger, [13:05] and more prosperous [13:06] because President Trump has taken this action. [13:08] And our Gulf allies, I got to tell you, [13:10] here at the UN are outraged [13:13] and are going to take both military [13:15] and diplomatic action in the coming days and weeks. [13:18] This whole strategy of Iran shooting in all direction [13:22] at their neighbors and at our allies [13:25] is absolutely backfiring on them. [13:26] Yeah, and just to button it, [13:27] I mean, Russia will be getting that money [13:29] as it wages this war in Ukraine. [13:31] But let me just ask you this critical final question. [13:33] More than 170 people... [13:34] They're no longer getting drones [13:36] or no longer getting ballistic missiles. [13:37] All right. [13:38] And at the end of the day, [13:40] we're going to drive a deal to end that war. [13:43] Okay. [13:44] Let me ask you about this critical final issue. [13:47] More than 170 people, including many children, [13:50] were killed in a strike on a school [13:51] in southern Iran last weekend. [13:54] On Saturday, President Trump said [13:55] he thinks Iran was behind the bombing. [13:57] But NBC News and others are reporting [13:59] that the military's preliminary finding [14:02] is that it's increasingly likely [14:04] that a U.S. munition was responsible. [14:07] Was Iran or the United States responsible? [14:10] And will the U.S. provide evidence [14:12] to the American people? [14:15] Well, here's a look. [14:16] A couple of things here. [14:17] Number one, let's let the investigation play out. [14:19] Number two, again, as a veteran and special operator, [14:23] we never deliberately attack civilians. [14:25] If civilians were injured, [14:27] it's always by accident. [14:29] Contrast that. [14:29] I mean, this is really rich [14:31] coming from the Iranians [14:32] who they and their proxies [14:35] hide caches of weapons [14:37] and military apparatus [14:38] and hospitals and schools. [14:40] We know they do that all over the world. [14:42] And this is coming from a regime [14:44] that literally has massacred its own people [14:47] at an industrial scale. [14:49] So I don't believe a word coming out of their mouth. [14:51] Let the investigation play out. [14:53] All right. [14:53] Ambassador Waltz, thank you so very much. [14:55] When we come back, [14:56] House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries [14:58] joins me next. [15:06] Welcome back. [15:07] And joining me now [15:07] is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries [15:09] of New York. [15:11] Leader Jeffries, welcome back to Meet the Press. [15:15] Good morning. [15:15] Great to be back. [15:16] It's great to have you back. [15:18] Let's start with the war in Iran. [15:21] The United States now a week into this conflict. [15:24] Do you think the world is safer [15:27] now that the Supreme Leader is dead? [15:33] Well, certainly as it relates to the Ayatollah, [15:35] he was a bad actor. [15:37] And I'm not going to shed any tears [15:38] as a result of his departure. [15:40] I think the big question is, [15:42] why did we get into this war? [15:44] What are our strategic objectives? [15:45] Because they shift every day. [15:48] And what is the plan to get out of this conflict? [15:50] The American people don't want to see [15:52] billions of dollars being spent [15:55] to bomb Iran in the Middle East [15:57] while at the same period of time, [15:59] my Republican colleagues and this president [16:01] are unwilling to spend a dime [16:03] to lower their grocery bills, [16:05] spend a dime to actually make it more affordable [16:07] to go see a doctor [16:08] or do anything about this affordability crisis [16:11] that is very real in the United States of America. [16:14] Well, in talking about the strategy for this war, [16:17] let me ask you, because NBC News is reporting [16:19] that President Trump has privately considered [16:22] sending boots on the ground to Iran. [16:25] Is there any scenario where you would support [16:29] sending U.S. forces to be on the ground [16:31] in Iran, Leader Jeffries? [16:35] No, and in fact, candidate Trump suggested [16:37] that under no circumstances [16:39] should American servicemen and women [16:41] be put into harm's way [16:43] in this particular type of situation, [16:46] particularly as it relates to another endless war [16:49] in the Middle East. [16:50] And we are deeply saddened right now [16:52] by the loss of six brave and heroic servicemen [16:56] and women who have already lost their lives [16:59] and will continue to pray for their families [17:02] and their loved ones. [17:03] But the American people deserve answers [17:05] from the administration [17:06] as to how we're going to actually move forward [17:09] in a way that makes America safer, [17:12] not more vulnerable. [17:13] Well, there is a push for congressional oversight, [17:15] but both the House and the Senate this week [17:18] rejected a resolution to curb [17:20] President Trump's war powers in Iran. [17:23] And frankly, even five Democrats joined Republicans [17:26] to block the resolution in those chambers. [17:29] Does that effectively give President Trump [17:31] a mandate to fight this war? [17:35] Not at all. [17:36] The president, of course, has a responsibility, [17:38] first and foremost, to make his case [17:40] to the American people, which he's failed to do. [17:43] There's a reason why this president [17:44] is deeply unpopular. [17:46] His policies, including the one big, ugly bill, [17:48] are unpopular. [17:50] And this war of choice in the Middle East [17:52] are unpopular. [17:53] As Democrats, we're going to continue [17:54] to make the case to the American people [17:56] that we should be stewards of spending [17:58] their taxpayer dollars in a manner [18:01] that actually is designed to make their life better [18:04] and make their life more affordable [18:06] as opposed to another endless war [18:09] in the Middle East where we're spending [18:10] billions and billions of dollars [18:12] to drop bombs and doing nothing [18:14] to drop the high cost of living. [18:17] Well, your Democratic colleague, [18:19] Democratic Congressman Jared Golden, [18:21] is among those who voted to block the resolution. [18:23] I want to read you a little bit [18:24] of his statement from this week. [18:26] He says, quote, [18:26] the president has so far acted [18:28] within the authorities given to him by Congress [18:30] through the War Powers Act of 1973. [18:33] He has been briefing Congress [18:35] and he has 60 days to make his case [18:38] for ongoing operations. [18:39] This is not an illegal war, [18:42] but it could become one. [18:43] How do you respond to your House colleague? [18:48] Well, every individual member, of course, [18:50] is going to articulate their position. [18:51] The overwhelming majority [18:52] of both House and Senate Democrats [18:54] have made the case to the American people [18:57] and taken the position [18:58] that this is a war of choice [19:00] that Donald Trump decided to get into [19:02] without any evidence being presented [19:04] to us as members of Congress [19:05] or to the American people. [19:06] But do you agree with Golden? [19:08] It's not an illegal war yet? [19:09] To protect the national security [19:10] of the American people. [19:11] No, Jarek obviously has [19:13] a very different position. [19:15] He's a hero. [19:16] He fought in the Middle East bravely. [19:18] And he's entitled, of course, [19:20] to his perspective. [19:21] But as I indicated, [19:22] the American people are dissatisfied [19:24] with this war of choice [19:26] that Donald Trump has decided [19:27] to enter into. [19:28] And Donald Trump has not made [19:30] a compelling case [19:31] as to why we are in a situation [19:33] where American servicemen and women, [19:36] their lives are at risk. [19:37] Let's talk about the cost of this war, [19:39] Leader Jeffries. [19:40] The White House is reportedly [19:41] weighing a request to Congress [19:42] for tens of millions of dollars. [19:45] Several Senate Democrats [19:46] have said they're open to reviewing [19:48] what the administration requests, [19:51] arguing could be critical [19:52] to military readiness overall. [19:55] As the leader of House Democrats, [19:58] do you plan to block [19:59] all Pentagon funding, [20:01] even if the argument is [20:03] it is critical for military readiness? [20:07] Well, we'll cross that bridge [20:08] when we get to it [20:09] in terms of if the administration [20:10] makes a request to Congress [20:13] to consider additional funding. [20:15] But at this particular point in time, [20:17] the administration has failed [20:18] to make its case [20:19] as to the rationale [20:20] or justification [20:21] for this war of choice [20:23] in the Middle East. [20:23] Listen, candidate Trump [20:24] promised that he was not [20:26] going to get the country [20:27] into an endless war, [20:29] particularly in the Middle East, [20:31] in the aftermath [20:31] of what we saw [20:33] in places like Iraq [20:34] and Afghanistan. [20:35] President Trump has now [20:37] done the exact opposite. [20:38] And absent him actually [20:40] providing us [20:41] with a compelling rationale, [20:43] he's going to have [20:43] a difficult case to make [20:45] on Capitol Hill. [20:46] Leader Jeffries, [20:46] let me ask you about [20:47] another aspect of this. [20:49] As you well know, [20:50] President Trump fired [20:51] Homeland Security Secretary [20:52] Kristi Noem this week, [20:54] something you and other Democrats [20:55] have been calling for. [20:57] Democrats continue [20:58] to block funding [20:59] for DHS [21:01] amid these demands [21:02] that there be changes [21:03] to ICE [21:04] and the president's [21:04] deportation policies. [21:07] Is the change [21:08] in leadership at DHS [21:09] enough for you [21:10] and other Democrats [21:11] to reopen the government [21:13] to start to fund DHS again? [21:17] Well, again, [21:17] let's understand, [21:18] Republicans control [21:19] the House, the Senate, [21:20] and the presidency. [21:20] They've made [21:21] an affirmative decision [21:22] that they would rather [21:23] shut down FEMA, [21:25] shut down the Coast Guard, [21:26] and shut down TSA [21:27] as opposed to getting [21:28] ICE under control. [21:30] What we want [21:30] is a situation [21:31] where ICE [21:33] is actually conducting itself [21:34] like every other law enforcement agency [21:36] in the country [21:37] as opposed to using [21:38] taxpayer dollars [21:39] to brutalize [21:40] or in some cases [21:41] kill American citizens [21:43] and to violently target [21:44] law-abiding immigrant families. [21:45] So is replacing Noem [21:45] a big enough step [21:47] for you to get to yes? [21:50] No, it's certainly not. [21:52] What we need [21:52] is a change in policy, [21:54] not simply a change [21:55] in personnel. [21:56] Now, [21:57] Kristi Noem [21:57] was a disgrace. [21:59] He was totally unqualified. [22:00] She was a pathological liar. [22:02] She called American citizens [22:03] domestic terrorists [22:04] without any justification [22:06] whatsoever. [22:07] But we need dramatic, [22:08] bold, meaningful, [22:09] and transformational changes [22:10] to get ICE under control. [22:13] That's what the American people [22:14] want to see. [22:14] That's what we're working [22:15] hard to deliver. [22:16] Congressman, [22:16] there's a real concern [22:18] that the Iran strikes [22:20] may increase the terror risks [22:21] here in the United States. [22:23] Republican Congressman [22:24] Mike Lawler [22:25] of New York [22:26] wrote this, [22:27] quote, [22:27] given the situation [22:28] in the Middle East [22:29] and the potential [22:30] for Iran [22:30] and its terrorist proxies [22:32] to attempt [22:32] some type of attack, [22:33] it is imperative [22:35] that Senator Schumer [22:36] and Rep. Jeffries [22:37] immediately drop [22:38] all opposition [22:39] to funding [22:40] the Department of Homeland Security [22:41] and pass the funding bill. [22:44] What say you [22:44] to that argument [22:45] that this is about [22:46] the safety and security [22:47] of U.S. citizens? [22:50] Well, [22:50] House and Senate Democrats [22:51] have actually introduced [22:52] legislation [22:53] to make sure [22:54] that every other aspect [22:55] of the Department [22:56] of Homeland Security [22:57] is funded [22:57] in order to ensure [22:59] that we are protecting [23:00] our national security, [23:01] funding the Coast Guard, [23:02] funding FEMA, [23:03] as well as funding TSA. [23:05] Unfortunately, [23:05] Republicans have decided [23:07] that they would block [23:08] those changes [23:09] from being put into place [23:11] in order simply [23:13] to continue to protect [23:14] and shield ICE [23:15] from the type of accountability, [23:17] the type of dramatic change [23:18] that's necessary. [23:19] Things that we're asking [23:20] to do that are common sense, [23:22] like making sure [23:23] that judicial warrants [23:24] are required [23:25] before ICE agents [23:26] can break into the homes [23:27] of the American people, [23:29] ensure that there are [23:29] independent investigations [23:31] when ICE agents [23:32] break the law [23:33] or even kill [23:34] American citizens [23:35] so that there's accountability. [23:37] We want to make sure [23:37] sensitive locations [23:39] like schools [23:40] and hospitals [23:41] are protected, [23:42] including other locations [23:44] like houses of worship [23:45] and polling sites. [23:47] These are common sense [23:47] reforms that are necessary [23:49] in order to get ICE [23:50] under control. [23:51] Leader Jeffries, [23:51] a couple more [23:52] and we're almost out of time. [23:53] I want to turn [23:53] to the midterms, [23:54] the results in Texas [23:55] this week. [23:56] State Representative [23:57] James Tallarico, [23:58] of course, [23:59] as you know, [23:59] won the Senate [24:01] Democratic primary [24:01] against Congresswoman [24:02] Jasmine Crockett. [24:04] What message [24:05] do you have [24:07] for black voters [24:08] who supported Crockett [24:10] and may feel [24:11] less enthusiastic [24:12] about supporting [24:13] Tallarico? [24:17] Well, [24:17] Jasmine Crockett [24:18] ran a great race [24:19] and she's going [24:20] to continue [24:21] to be a powerful voice [24:22] as we move forward [24:23] to hold this administration [24:24] accountable [24:24] and to push back [24:26] against the extremism [24:27] that they're unleashing [24:27] on the American people [24:29] and I think [24:29] in her own statement [24:31] in the aftermath [24:32] of the results, [24:33] she indicated [24:34] that we needed [24:35] to all come together [24:36] to make sure [24:37] that we're doing [24:38] what's necessary [24:38] to support [24:39] our Democratic nominee [24:40] and to win [24:41] up and down [24:42] the ballot in Texas [24:43] and across the country [24:45] and that's what [24:46] we'll continue to do [24:46] to fight to lower [24:47] the high cost of living [24:48] to fix our broken [24:49] healthcare system [24:50] and to clean up [24:51] the corruption [24:52] that the Trump cartel [24:53] has unleashed [24:54] on the American people. [24:55] Leader Jeffries, [24:56] I have to ask you [24:56] very quickly [24:57] because Vice President [24:57] Kamala Harris [24:58] endorsed Crockett [24:59] in that race [25:00] after Crockett's loss [25:02] of former Biden-Harris [25:03] staffer said [25:04] of the former [25:05] Vice President, [25:06] quote, [25:06] her rapidly declining [25:07] polling numbers [25:08] are a lagging indicator. [25:10] Her lack of political [25:11] relevancy [25:12] is a leading one. [25:14] Has Kamala Harris [25:15] lost her political [25:16] relevancy, [25:17] Leader Jeffries? [25:20] No, I don't think so, [25:21] but look, [25:21] we're focused right now [25:23] on the 2026 [25:24] midterm elections [25:24] and we're going to do [25:25] everything that we can [25:26] to make sure [25:27] we take back control [25:28] of the House of Representatives [25:29] to focus on the issues [25:31] that matter [25:31] in terms of dealing [25:32] with the affordability crisis [25:34] to make life [25:35] more affordable [25:35] for everyday Americans [25:36] who are struggling [25:37] far too many people [25:39] to live paycheck to paycheck. [25:41] That should not be the case [25:42] in the United States [25:43] of America, [25:44] the wealthiest country [25:45] in the history of the world. [25:46] All right, [25:47] Leader Jeffries, [25:47] thank you so much. [25:49] When we come back, [25:50] Iranian Foreign Minister [25:51] Abbas Arachi [25:52] joins me next. [26:00] Welcome back [26:00] and joining me now [26:01] is the Foreign Minister [26:02] of Iran, [26:03] Abbas Arachi. [26:04] Mr. Foreign Minister, [26:05] welcome to Meet the Press. [26:09] Well, thank you so much. [26:10] Thank you for having me. [26:11] Thank you very much [26:12] for being here. [26:14] I have to ask you [26:15] the big question [26:16] on everyone's mind. [26:17] Who is in charge [26:19] in Iran right now? [26:22] Well, it is already known. [26:25] The Council of, [26:27] the Interim Leadership Council [26:29] is now in charge [26:30] and they are doing their act [26:33] in the absence of the leader [26:35] while a new Supreme Leader [26:37] is going to be elected soon [26:40] by the Assembly of Experts. [26:42] And the President [26:43] and the Cabinet [26:44] are also in there, [26:45] are doing their duties, [26:46] Parliament, [26:47] everything is in its place. [26:51] Well, there are reports [26:53] this morning [26:53] that the Iranian Assembly [26:55] of Experts [26:56] has come to a decision [26:58] on a new Supreme Leader [27:00] for Iran. [27:00] Many have suggested [27:02] it would be the son [27:03] of the late Supreme Leader, [27:05] Moshtaba Khamenei. [27:07] Will he be the next leader [27:09] of Iran? [27:12] Well, nobody knows. [27:13] Actually, there are [27:14] lots of rumors around, [27:16] but, you know, [27:17] we have to wait [27:18] for the Assembly of Experts [27:19] to convene [27:20] and vote [27:21] for the new Supreme Leader [27:23] and the one [27:23] who is elected by then. [27:26] Do you think [27:27] he should be [27:28] the next leader of Iran? [27:31] Well, anybody [27:31] which is elected [27:32] by the Assembly of Experts [27:34] would be the next [27:35] Supreme Leader of Iran. [27:38] And as you know, [27:38] the Assembly of... [27:39] The members of the Assembly [27:40] are already, you know, [27:42] elected by... [27:43] Directly by the people. [27:45] All right. [27:45] Well, President Trump says [27:46] he should pick [27:47] the new leader of Iran. [27:49] Will Iran allow [27:50] President Trump [27:51] to have any role [27:52] in picking its new leader? [27:55] We allow nobody [27:56] to interfere [27:57] in our domestic affairs. [28:00] This is up to [28:01] the Iranian people [28:02] to elect [28:03] their new leader. [28:04] They have already [28:05] elected the Assembly [28:06] of Experts [28:07] and the Assembly [28:08] of Experts [28:09] would do the job. [28:10] It is [28:11] only the business [28:13] of the Iranian people [28:14] and nobody else's business. [28:16] President Trump [28:18] says there will be [28:19] no deal with Iran [28:21] except for, [28:22] quote, [28:23] unconditional surrender. [28:25] Will Iran agree [28:26] to unconditional surrender [28:28] for the sake [28:29] of bringing this war [28:30] to an end, [28:31] Mr. Foreign Minister? [28:35] Well, [28:35] this is what he asked [28:37] previous time, [28:39] last year in June, [28:40] that when Israel [28:42] started to attack us, [28:46] we know President Trump [28:47] used the same phrase, [28:49] unconditional surrender. [28:51] That was a tweet he made. [28:53] And that didn't happen. [28:56] We resisted [28:57] and after 12 days, [28:59] Israelis asked [29:02] for unconditional ceasefire. [29:05] So we never give up. [29:06] We never surround. [29:08] And we continue to resist [29:10] as long as it takes. [29:12] We continue to defend ourselves [29:14] and we are defending [29:16] our territory, [29:17] our people, [29:18] and our dignity. [29:20] And our dignity [29:20] is not for sale. [29:22] Well, let me ask you [29:23] because what conditions [29:25] would Iran accept [29:27] to bring this war [29:28] to an end? [29:29] Well, [29:32] actually, [29:34] we are not [29:34] at that point yet. [29:37] Obviously, [29:38] this time is different [29:39] from the previous time. [29:40] Last time, [29:41] we accepted [29:42] the ceasefire. [29:44] But, you know, [29:46] this time [29:46] is quite different [29:47] and the reason [29:50] is obvious. [29:51] You know, [29:51] last time, [29:52] they attacked us, [29:54] they made aggression [29:55] against us, [29:56] they killed our people, [29:57] they destroyed our places, [29:59] and then asked [29:59] for a ceasefire. [30:00] And we accepted [30:01] out of good faith [30:02] because we were only [30:04] exercising [30:05] the, you know, [30:06] the act of self-defense. [30:08] And when the aggression [30:09] was stopped, [30:10] we stopped too. [30:12] But, [30:13] you know, [30:15] it didn't bring about peace. [30:18] And now this year, [30:19] they again started [30:20] to attack us. [30:22] And again, [30:23] they have, you know, [30:24] they are killing our people, [30:25] they are killing, [30:25] you know, [30:27] girl students, [30:28] you know, [30:29] they are attacking hospitals, [30:32] you know, [30:32] fresh water desalination, [30:35] you know, [30:36] refineries, [30:37] you know, [30:39] everywhere. [30:40] People have been killed, [30:42] places have been destroyed, [30:43] and now [30:44] they want to [30:45] ask for a ceasefire again. [30:47] Well, [30:47] this doesn't work [30:48] like this. [30:49] So there should be [30:50] a permanent [30:51] end of the war. [30:53] And unless we get to that, [30:55] I think we need to, [30:57] you know, [30:58] continue fighting [31:00] for the sake of our people [31:02] and our security. [31:04] We are going to get [31:05] to the reports [31:05] about some of the deaths [31:06] in just a moment. [31:07] But just to stay [31:08] on this topic, [31:09] would Iran ever agree [31:11] to a ceasefire [31:12] to get back [31:13] to the negotiating table [31:14] to end [31:15] all of this [31:17] military conflict? [31:21] Well, [31:21] they have to explain [31:22] why they started [31:23] this aggression [31:24] before we come [31:25] to the point [31:26] to even consider [31:28] a ceasefire. [31:29] Of course, [31:30] nobody wants [31:31] to continue this war. [31:33] This is not our war. [31:34] This is not our, [31:35] you know, [31:35] the war of our choice. [31:36] This is imposed on us [31:38] by the United States, [31:40] by Israelis. [31:42] They have, [31:42] you know, [31:43] started this war [31:45] unprovoked, [31:46] unwarranted, [31:47] illegally. [31:48] And what we are doing [31:49] is an illegal, [31:50] is legal [31:51] act of self-defense, [31:53] and we have every right [31:53] to do that. [31:54] So it is not fair [31:55] that if they, [31:57] that if only it stops [31:58] the aggression [31:59] and ask us [31:59] to stop too. [32:01] You know, [32:02] as I said, [32:02] this time is different. [32:03] Let me ask you [32:05] about some of [32:07] what Iran [32:07] has been doing. [32:08] Iran has launched [32:09] hundreds of missiles [32:10] at 13 other nations [32:12] in the region. [32:13] On Saturday, [32:14] the Iranian president [32:15] apologized for those [32:17] strikes [32:17] on neighboring Gulf states. [32:20] Was it a mistake [32:21] for Iran [32:21] to attack its neighbors? [32:25] Well, [32:25] it is a mistake [32:28] if you consider [32:28] that Iran [32:29] is attacking its neighbors. [32:30] No, [32:31] we are not attacking [32:31] our neighbors. [32:32] We are attacking [32:33] American bases, [32:35] American, [32:35] you know, [32:36] installations, [32:37] American assets, [32:38] which are unfortunately [32:40] located in the soils [32:41] of our neighbors. [32:42] So we are not [32:43] attacking our neighbors, [32:44] we are attacking Americans. [32:45] Who are attacking us? [32:47] We are retaliating. [32:49] We have not started [32:50] this war. [32:51] It is Americans [32:51] who started this war [32:53] against us, [32:54] attacking us, [32:54] and we are defending [32:55] ourselves. [32:55] So it is obvious [32:57] that our missiles [32:59] cannot reach [33:00] the U.S. soil. [33:02] What we can do [33:03] is to attack [33:04] American bases [33:06] and American installations [33:07] around us, [33:07] which are unfortunately [33:08] in the soils [33:09] of our, you know, [33:11] neighborly countries. [33:13] But Mr. Foreign Minister, [33:14] if you're not attacking [33:15] your neighbors, [33:16] why did the Iranian [33:17] president apologize? [33:21] Well, [33:21] first of all, [33:22] apology in our culture [33:23] is a sign of dignity [33:25] and strength. [33:27] Secondly, [33:28] he apologized [33:28] from the peoples [33:29] of the region [33:31] for the inconveniences [33:32] they have faced [33:33] because of this aggression [33:35] by the United States [33:36] and retaliation by us. [33:38] So as a matter of fact, [33:40] it is in fact [33:41] the president [33:42] of the United States [33:43] who should apologize [33:44] from the people [33:45] of the region [33:47] and Iranian people [33:48] for the killings [33:50] and destructions [33:50] they have done [33:52] against us. [33:54] Let me ask you [33:54] because NBC News [33:55] is reporting [33:56] that Iran [33:57] is receiving help [33:58] from Russia [33:59] to help locate [34:00] U.S. forces. [34:01] Are you receiving [34:03] any help from Russia? [34:07] Well, [34:07] we have a strategy [34:09] in partnership [34:10] with Russia. [34:11] So that's a yes? [34:12] And, well, [34:14] a military cooperation [34:15] between Iran and Russia [34:16] is not something new. [34:17] It's not a secret. [34:19] It has been in the past [34:20] and is still there [34:21] and will continue [34:22] in the future. [34:23] Is Russia helping you [34:25] locate U.S. forces? [34:26] I just want to be [34:27] very clear here. [34:29] Well, I don't have [34:29] exact military information. [34:32] As far as I know, [34:33] we have a very good [34:34] partnership with Russia. [34:37] So they are helping you. [34:38] They are providing [34:39] intelligence. [34:41] Well, [34:42] they are helping us [34:43] in many different directions. [34:45] I don't have [34:46] any detailed information. [34:47] Okay. [34:48] Let's move [34:49] to the strike [34:50] on the elementary school [34:52] in southern Iran. [34:53] It killed [34:54] more than 170 people, [34:56] including many children. [34:58] President Trump said [34:59] Iran is responsible [35:01] for that strike. [35:03] What is your response [35:04] to what the president said? [35:08] Well, [35:09] it is, [35:09] you know, [35:11] funny. [35:12] It is our school. [35:13] These are our students, [35:15] our girls, [35:16] and they are attacked [35:18] by an American fighter, [35:20] a jet fighter, [35:21] and they have been killed. [35:23] Why Iran is responsible? [35:25] Have we started this war? [35:27] Have we attacked [35:28] our own people? [35:30] No. [35:30] We were negotiating [35:32] with the United States, [35:33] and in the middle [35:34] of negotiations, [35:35] in the middle of diplomacy, [35:37] they decided to attack us, [35:39] and they have attacked [35:40] so many places, [35:41] including schools [35:43] and hospitals, [35:44] and there are [35:45] all evidences [35:46] that this school [35:48] is attacked [35:48] by an American, [35:50] you know, [35:51] jet fighter. [35:52] Where is the Iranian [35:54] evidence [35:55] that this was [35:56] a U.S. attack, [35:57] a jet fighter, [35:58] as you say? [35:59] Will you provide... [36:00] If it was not U.S., [36:01] then who was that? [36:04] Maybe Israelis. [36:06] But it is obvious. [36:06] Who else is attacking us? [36:10] Well, [36:10] let me move on [36:11] to this question [36:13] about potential [36:13] ground troops. [36:14] You said earlier this week [36:15] on U.S. ground troops [36:18] to my colleague, [36:18] Tom Yamas, [36:19] quote, [36:20] we are waiting for them. [36:22] But President Trump [36:23] says the condition [36:24] for sending troops [36:25] to Iran [36:25] would be that Iran, [36:27] quote, [36:27] would be so decimated [36:29] that they wouldn't [36:30] be able to fight [36:31] at the ground level. [36:33] Is the president right? [36:34] Would you not be able [36:35] to fight at the ground level, [36:36] Mr. Foreign Minister? [36:38] Well, [36:38] at least, [36:39] at least it's not [36:40] the case right now. [36:41] For the time being, [36:42] we are capable enough. [36:44] We have very brave soldiers [36:46] who are waiting [36:48] for any enemy [36:50] who enter into our soil [36:51] to fight with them [36:53] and to kill them [36:55] and destroy them. [36:56] So, [36:57] and that would be the case [36:58] in the coming days [36:59] and the coming years [37:00] and always in our, [37:04] you know, [37:05] in Iran. [37:07] We are brave people. [37:09] We have a great civilization. [37:10] We have defended our land [37:12] for thousands of years [37:13] and we continue to do that [37:15] as much as it takes. [37:18] Let me ask you, [37:19] because you have said [37:21] that this was a war of choice. [37:23] President Trump said [37:24] one of the reasons [37:25] for launching this war [37:26] was that Iran, [37:27] quote, [37:28] already had missiles [37:29] capable of hitting Europe [37:31] and our bases [37:32] and would soon. [37:35] Have missiles capable [37:36] of reaching America? [37:38] Was Iran planning [37:39] to directly attack [37:40] the United States? [37:43] Well, [37:43] this is not true. [37:45] This is, [37:46] in fact, [37:47] misinformation. [37:49] You know, [37:50] we have capability [37:53] to produce missiles, [37:55] but we have intentionally [37:57] limited ourselves [37:59] to below 2,000 kilometers [38:01] of range [38:02] because we don't want [38:04] to be felt [38:05] as a threat [38:06] by anybody else [38:07] in the world. [38:09] We have not started [38:10] any plan [38:11] to increase [38:12] the range [38:13] of our missiles [38:14] more than [38:15] what it is right now. [38:16] So, [38:17] there is no evidence, [38:18] there is no intelligence, [38:19] nothing to indicate [38:22] that Iran [38:22] is going [38:24] to long-range missiles, [38:27] let alone [38:28] those missiles [38:29] who can reach [38:30] the United States. [38:31] So, [38:32] sorry. [38:33] All right, [38:33] and of course, [38:34] U.S. officials [38:35] say that negotiations [38:36] over this [38:37] came to a halt [38:38] and that is part [38:39] of why they moved [38:40] forward with this action. [38:41] Minister Arachi, [38:42] thank you very much. [38:43] We will obviously [38:44] be tracking everything [38:45] that unfolds [38:46] very closely. [38:47] We appreciate [38:47] your being here. [38:48] Thank you so much. [38:50] Thank you for having me. [38:51] When we come back, [38:52] Steve Kornacki is here [38:54] with the results [38:54] of a brand new [38:55] NBC News poll. [39:02] Welcome back. [39:03] NBC News Chief Data Analyst [39:04] Steve Kornacki [39:05] is here to break down [39:06] the results [39:07] of our latest [39:07] NBC News poll. [39:09] Steve, [39:09] some big takeaways here. [39:11] Absolutely, Kristen. [39:12] I mean, [39:12] let's start with the headline, [39:13] where does Donald Trump [39:14] stand heading [39:14] into this midterm year here? [39:16] A 44% approval rating [39:17] for the president. [39:18] You know, [39:19] not far off [39:19] where he was [39:20] when we last checked in, [39:21] but I think for Trump [39:22] here in his first term, [39:24] that 2018 midterm, [39:25] this is almost exactly [39:27] where he was [39:27] at that point, too. [39:28] Of course, [39:29] there was a 40-seat [39:30] Democratic landslide [39:31] that year. [39:31] Democrats took back [39:32] the House. [39:33] Also, what is driving [39:34] the low number for Trump? [39:35] It continues to be [39:36] the economy. [39:37] Look at this, Kristen. [39:38] Asking folks, [39:38] do you approve [39:39] of how the president [39:40] has handled inflation, [39:41] cost of living, [39:42] specifically, [39:42] 36% approved, [39:44] 62% disapproved. [39:45] That's down. [39:46] A year ago, [39:47] it was 42-55. [39:48] It's twice as bad [39:49] now for him. [39:49] Steve, [39:50] that's a big dip [39:51] on a critical issue [39:53] for this midterm election year. [39:54] Absolutely, Kristen. [39:55] Voters continue to say [39:56] this one is of pretty [39:57] central importance to them. [39:58] And then also, [39:59] are they feeling it? [40:00] You know, [40:00] have Trump's policies [40:01] helped or hurt? [40:02] Almost 50% [40:03] they're saying [40:03] they have hurt [40:04] a majority of independents [40:06] saying the same thing. [40:07] We checked in [40:08] the president [40:08] on some other issues here. [40:10] Immigration now, [40:11] 44% approval, [40:12] but this is interesting. [40:14] We also asked, [40:14] not immigration, [40:16] we asked border security. [40:17] And when you put it that way, [40:18] it is different. [40:19] 53% majority approve [40:21] of the president there. [40:22] Almost 1 in 10 voters [40:23] have this split opinion. [40:25] Disapprove immigration, [40:26] approve on border security. [40:28] And I think this spills over [40:29] to broader attitudes [40:30] about immigration, [40:31] these high-profile incidents, [40:32] Minnesota. [40:33] You know, look at this. [40:34] ICE, a positive rating [40:35] of only 38% for ICE. [40:37] Does that mean the country [40:38] is getting more dovish [40:39] on immigration? [40:39] Not necessarily, [40:40] because when you ask [40:41] about sanctuary cities, [40:42] look at that. [40:43] 33, 43. [40:44] Also very negative there. [40:46] So complicated attitudes, [40:47] I think, on immigration. [40:48] How about the state [40:48] of the two parties [40:49] heading into the midterm, [40:50] the generic ballot? [40:51] It's a six-point advantage [40:53] here for Democrats. [40:54] It's a sizable lead for them, [40:55] although we mentioned 2018, [40:57] Trump's first term. [40:58] At this point, [40:59] it was 10 points for Democrats, [41:00] so it is a little bit less. [41:02] And I think what's driving [41:03] the Democratic advantage [41:04] now really is heavily this. [41:06] It's the interest [41:07] of their own base. [41:08] We ask folks [41:09] if they have the highest level [41:10] of interest in these elections. [41:12] Three quarters of Democrats [41:13] are saying they do. [41:14] Barely 60% of Republicans are. [41:17] And again, [41:17] that is a difference, Kristen. [41:19] When you go back [41:19] to that first Trump midterm, [41:21] the gap wasn't as pronounced [41:22] as it is right now. [41:25] This, though, as well, [41:26] the image of the parties [41:27] getting outside the base here. [41:28] What do all voters think? [41:29] Look at this. [41:30] Republicans are not that popular. [41:32] Democrats, though, [41:33] even more unpopular [41:35] than Republicans. [41:35] Well, this is so significant [41:37] because even though [41:37] they have an enthusiasm advantage, [41:40] they clearly have an image issue. [41:42] That's it. [41:42] And that gets to the question, [41:43] too, then. [41:44] How do voters look [41:44] at these two parties [41:45] when it comes to [41:47] the major issues here? [41:48] So Democrats do have [41:49] this advantage. [41:49] When you ask about threats [41:50] to democracy, [41:51] that's an 11-point advantage [41:53] for Democrats there. [41:54] Democratic voters say [41:55] that's their top issue. [41:57] Republican voters say [41:58] that border security, [41:59] immigration, [42:00] more important to them, [42:01] big Republican advantages. [42:02] But, Kristen, [42:03] this will be it. [42:04] It's the economy. [42:05] It's a tie between the parties. [42:07] Republicans have had [42:08] the advantage on this issue [42:09] for nearly a decade. [42:11] Now it's wiped away. [42:12] Question going forward, [42:13] did Democrats actually [42:15] open an advantage [42:15] on the economy? [42:16] That could be key to them [42:17] if they are going [42:18] to have a big midterm. [42:19] Still the top issue. [42:20] Steve Kornacki, [42:21] thank you so much [42:22] for being here. [42:23] When we come back, [42:24] the first primary results [42:25] are in for the midterms. [42:29] Welcome back. [42:30] The panel is here. [42:31] Susan Page, [42:32] USA Today Washington [42:33] Bureau Chief. [42:34] Amy Walter, [42:35] Editor-in-Chief [42:36] of the Cook Political Report. [42:37] Democratic strategist [42:39] Adrienne Elrod [42:40] and Republican strategist [42:41] Bill Stepien. [42:42] Thanks to all of you [42:43] for being here, Amy. [42:44] Let's dive right in. [42:46] Your takeaways [42:47] from the polling [42:48] you just heard from Steve. [42:49] Yeah, I thought [42:50] it was quite telling [42:52] that on the number one issue, [42:53] which we know [42:54] is the economy, [42:55] the president deeply underwater. [42:57] Voters very frustrated [42:58] about what they're seeing. [43:00] And yet, [43:00] as you did on this show, [43:02] the majority [43:03] of what we're talking about [43:04] is Iran. [43:06] And when I talked [43:06] to a Republican strategist [43:08] the other day, [43:08] he said to me, [43:10] you know, [43:10] what Americans are asking for [43:11] is for the president [43:12] to declare war [43:13] on grocery prices, [43:14] not on Iran. [43:16] And that is going [43:16] to be the challenge [43:17] going forward [43:18] for Republicans, [43:20] is proving to voters [43:21] that they get [43:22] what their number one [43:23] priority is. [43:24] Bill, when you see [43:25] those numbers, [43:26] particularly on the economy, [43:27] how jittery [43:28] is it making Republicans? [43:30] I look at the enthusiasm gap. [43:31] 13 points is a gulf [43:33] between the parties. [43:34] That's always the case [43:34] for the out-party. [43:36] Democrats are as ginned up [43:37] as they can be. [43:39] Donald Trump [43:39] is the human turnout machine. [43:41] I don't think Democrats [43:42] could get more riled up [43:43] to win. [43:44] Republicans have to be [43:44] on offense. [43:45] To get on offense, [43:46] they have to close that gap. [43:48] Donald Trump could do [43:48] that in a midterm election. [43:50] Ajan, [43:50] what did you take away [43:51] from the numbers, [43:52] the enthusiasm gap, [43:53] and yet Democrats [43:54] struggling with party image? [43:56] Well, look, [43:57] it's interesting [43:57] because I think [43:58] one of the reasons [43:58] why Democrats are struggling [43:59] with our image a little bit [44:00] is because we don't have [44:01] that one unified leader, [44:02] that one person who we know [44:04] is going to be the heir apparent [44:05] to take over [44:06] the Democratic nomination [44:07] going into 2028. [44:08] I think once you start seeing [44:10] the 2028 election heat up, [44:12] you're going to hear [44:12] from a lot of talented people [44:13] in the party, [44:14] a lot of our governors, [44:15] people who are going [44:16] to be running [44:16] are going to help [44:17] fill that gap. [44:18] But look, [44:19] it is also incredibly interesting [44:21] to see the turnout [44:22] that we saw in Texas [44:23] and North Carolina [44:24] among Democrats. [44:25] More Democrats turned out [44:26] in Texas in the primary [44:27] than Republicans. [44:28] So there is a lot [44:29] of enthusiasm. [44:30] We do have a lot of work [44:30] to do as a party, [44:31] but I think we're certainly [44:32] on the road to doing that. [44:33] Susan, I was going to ask you [44:35] about the enthusiasm [44:36] that Democrats showed [44:38] in Texas, [44:39] the turnout there, [44:41] the fact that they actually [44:42] have a candidate [44:42] for their Senate primary. [44:44] There's a runoff [44:45] for the Republican primary. [44:47] What do you make of that? [44:48] And particularly [44:49] as it relates [44:50] to the poll numbers [44:51] that we're getting? [44:51] Well, you did see [44:51] Democratic voters, [44:52] I think, going with a candidate [44:53] who was seen as more electable [44:55] as opposed to the one [44:57] that maybe fired them up more. [44:58] So that was interesting. [44:59] You know, the Democrats [45:00] do have a problem here. [45:01] 30% approval [45:03] of the Democratic Party [45:05] in your poll [45:05] is a terrible number. [45:07] And yet you match that [45:08] with 50% say [45:10] they want Democrats [45:11] to win control of Congress, [45:13] a six-point lead [45:14] over Republicans. [45:15] That is, I think, [45:16] traditionally enough [45:17] to make it clear [45:18] that your guest on this show, [45:20] Hakeem Jeffries, [45:21] is going to be [45:21] the next Speaker of the House. [45:23] Amy, do you agree with that? [45:25] Ed, I thought it was fascinating [45:27] because it really showcased [45:28] how complicated [45:29] the immigration issue is. [45:30] That used to be [45:31] President Trump's strong suit, [45:33] but now the border, [45:35] the way he's handling deportations [45:37] is a potential liability. [45:39] Oh, it's definitely a liability. [45:40] It's one that Democrats [45:41] are talking about a lot. [45:42] You hear about it [45:43] in so many of their ads. [45:45] But note, too, [45:46] when you ask the question of, [45:48] well, who do you trust [45:48] on the issue of immigration, [45:50] even with all the controversy [45:52] over ICE, [45:53] Republicans continue [45:54] to have a double-digit lead on that? [45:56] So if I'm Democrats right now [45:58] thinking about [45:58] the midterm elections, [45:59] what do I want to talk about? [46:01] It's still about the economy [46:03] that I would put front and center. [46:04] It's why you hear them [46:05] talking a lot more [46:06] about affordability [46:07] than anything else. [46:08] Bill, how do you see [46:09] the war in Iran, [46:10] as Amy references, [46:11] playing into all of this? [46:12] Gas prices are going up. [46:14] Some MAGA movement members [46:16] are saying [46:17] they're not happy with it. [46:18] In the NBC poll [46:19] that you just referenced, [46:21] 88% of Republicans [46:22] approve of Donald Trump's [46:23] job performance, [46:25] including 8 in 10 [46:26] approve of his handling of Iran, [46:29] of those who voted for him. [46:30] So I know there's a lot [46:31] of MAGA voices saying [46:32] that he's abandoned the base, [46:34] they're going to abandon him. [46:35] The poll numbers, [46:36] the data, [46:37] tells a different story. [46:38] Yeah, well, [46:38] with our final 20 seconds, [46:40] Adrian, [46:40] President Obama [46:41] at Jesse Jackson's funeral [46:42] said we wake up each day [46:44] to a new assault [46:45] on our democratic institutions. [46:47] Is that the right message [46:48] for the midterms? [46:48] Look, I don't think [46:49] that Obama's really talking [46:50] about the message [46:51] for the midterms [46:52] when he made that statement, [46:53] but look, [46:53] the bottom line is this, [46:54] while voters do care [46:55] about protecting democracy [46:56] and Democrats are concerned [46:58] because they see Trump, [46:59] you know, [46:59] threatening our institutions [47:00] every single day, [47:01] the overall issue [47:02] that Democrats will win on [47:03] is affordability [47:04] and that's what we have to prove. [47:06] All right, guys, [47:06] thank you so much. [47:07] That is all for today. [47:08] Thank you for watching. [47:09] We'll be back next week [47:10] because if it's Sunday, [47:12] it's Meet the Press. [47:13] We thank you for watching [47:33] and remember, [47:34] stay updated on breaking news [47:35] and top stories [47:36] on the NBC News app [47:37] or watch live [47:38] on our YouTube channel.