This Week with George Stephanopoulos Full Broadcast - Sunday, August 9, 2026

[0:00] Democratic socialists are on a roll. [0:03] That has some Democratic leaders nervous, [0:05] but not the most high-profile Democratic socialists of all. [0:09] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who joins me live this morning. [0:14] Another This Week exclusive. [0:17] Progressives prevail. [0:18] We are a state in need of a movement to take our politics back. [0:24] Abdul El-Sayed wins in battleground Michigan [0:28] as Democrats scramble to unite after a brutal primary. [0:34] The stakes are high and people from around the country, [0:37] people from around the world, are watching the state of Michigan. [0:41] This guy is dangerous for America. [0:43] Can El-Sayed win in November? [0:46] And what would it mean for Democrats going into the 2028 presidential election? [0:51] This morning. [0:52] If we want a different politics, we have got to elect different politicians. [0:58] On This Week exclusive, the kingmaker of progressive politics, [1:03] Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins us live, [1:08] hours after a deeply personal announcement. [1:13] Iran defiant. [1:14] The president is looking for a way out. [1:16] I'm involved in the negotiation. I think we're doing fine. [1:19] But the Iranians say they will never reopen the Strait of Hormuz [1:23] unless the U.S. corrects its behavior. [1:27] We'll speak with Trump's former defense secretary, Mark Esper. [1:33] And... [1:34] Because a lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you. [1:40] Why is that? [1:40] They're not angry at me, but they are angry at Republicans. [1:43] The roundtable on what is really driving voters and dividing the parties. [1:48] From ABC News, it's This Week. [1:54] Here now, Jonathan Karl. [1:56] Good morning. Welcome to This Week. [1:59] We witnessed a political earthquake in Michigan on Tuesday. [2:03] Abdul El-Sayed defeated an opponent who was supported by the most powerful Democratic leaders [2:09] in both Michigan and in Washington. [2:11] And he survived an onslaught of super PAC spending, [2:16] attempting to portray him as too extreme to win in one of America's most important battleground states. [2:22] El-Sayed's victory was narrower than some had expected. [2:26] He prevailed with less than 50% of the vote. [2:28] But it was the first major statewide victory for an insurgent progressive movement [2:34] that has been toppling Democratic incumbents this primary season. [2:38] Sometimes, you know, intra-family squabbles are the biggest ones. [2:44] But we all know that when we walk out the House, we stand united. [2:48] If El-Sayed manages to win in November, [2:52] the progressive movement will be well on its way to taking over the Democratic Party. [2:58] If he loses, Democratic hopes of winning control of the Senate may well be extinguished. [3:04] And in just two days, there's another primary, [3:06] this one in Battleground, Wisconsin, where Francesca Hong, [3:10] a candidate backed by Democratic Socialists of America, [3:13] holds a commanding lead in the polls to be the Democratic nominee for governor. [3:18] She's been explaining and backing off controversial positions that she has taken in the past, [3:24] from abolishing prisons and abolishing police to canceling Thanksgiving. [3:29] Republicans see an opportunity here, portraying progressive and socialist Democrats [3:34] as lunatics and communists. [3:37] Those attacks from Republicans aren't surprising, [3:40] but some moderate Democrats are raising alarms, too. [3:43] This week, a group of moderates announced a multi-million dollar ad campaign [3:48] targeting Democratic Socialists of America, [3:51] saying the movement poses a, quote, [3:53] mortal danger for Democrats. [3:56] Back in 2018, it was a little-known 28-year-old bartender [4:01] and Democratic Socialist who ran against one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress [4:06] and actually won, helping to spark the movement that we see today. [4:11] Eight years later, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [4:14] is arguably the leading progressive voice in America, [4:18] and in a recent New Hampshire poll, the top Democratic choice for president. [4:24] And Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez joins me now. [4:27] Thank you for being here. [4:28] Thank you for having me. [4:29] Well, it's been a huge week. [4:31] What does Abdel El-Sayed's victory in Michigan [4:36] say about the future of the Democratic Party? [4:39] I think that we are in a time of renewal for the Democratic Party, [4:44] and it's tremendously exciting for all of us, [4:48] for the big tent of the Democratic Party. [4:51] We have really an ascendance of a young, inspiring, exciting electorate, [4:58] energizing wave of candidates that I think really inject a new energy [5:05] to the Democratic Party and add to the toolbox of candidates [5:09] that we have to win the midterm elections, hopefully, in November. [5:13] And as you'd seen progressives winning in a lot of these other primaries, [5:17] it was often dismissed, people saying, [5:19] oh, this is in very blue parts of the country, in big cities. [5:23] But this is Michigan. [5:25] I mean, this is battleground Michigan. [5:28] And he won. [5:29] Now he has the biggest test. [5:31] Can he win in November? [5:32] What does he have to do to win over those Democrats who opposed him? [5:36] Well, you know, I think that this really is a moment, [5:40] not just in Michigan, but across the country, [5:42] where the party is unifying. [5:45] The party is unifying, and it is focused on the November elections. [5:48] We understand that our priority is the working class of this country. [5:54] And we have to make the case that we're here to make people's lives better. [6:00] And the Republican Party right now is jacking up prices, [6:03] making housing impossible to afford. [6:05] And we are focused on everything from health care to your grocery bill [6:10] and making it more affordable for working people. [6:13] You know, this week, there was also a prominent Republican, [6:16] I mean, a very prominent Republican, [6:18] who said some things about wealthy corporations profiting, [6:23] effectively fleecing Americans. [6:26] It sounded a lot like what I've heard you said. [6:28] I want to play this and see your reaction. [6:31] They're making too much money, okay? [6:34] Based on a shortage, they're making too much money. [6:37] I don't like it. [6:37] When you look at one company where they made 12 times [6:40] what they made the year before, [6:42] they're going to give some of that back to the public. [6:44] And they better cut the retail price, the consumer price. [6:49] Well, that was Donald Trump, [6:50] obviously talking about oil and gas companies and high gas prices. [6:54] What did you make of that? [6:55] I think that everyday people, everyday Americans, [6:59] we can see the very large gap between what Donald Trump says [7:04] and what Donald Trump does. [7:07] And so Donald Trump may be saying [7:09] that oil companies are making too much money, [7:11] but what Donald Trump is doing is starting a reckless war in Iran, [7:16] having closed-door meetings with oil companies before his election, [7:21] saying, you know, you give me money, [7:24] you give me campaign contributions [7:25] and I will do whatever you want. [7:29] And so what we have seen, [7:30] everything from Supreme Court rulings [7:31] to Donald Trump's own policy, [7:34] is what he is doing is jacking up the price, [7:37] not just at the pump, [7:38] but at everything that you buy [7:40] that requires the transportation of goods. [7:42] And so he can say whatever he'd like from the Oval Office, [7:46] but I think people are more looking at what he chooses to do. [7:49] But that's a reflection of what he is seeing the people care about, [7:52] what the people are thinking. [7:54] And, you know, to the president's credit, [7:56] he is, he comes from television [7:58] and he's very responsive to public sentiment. [8:02] And so he knows what he needs to say, [8:05] but again, none of that is going to lower [8:08] the cost of your rent or your mortgage. [8:11] None of that is going to lower the interest rates [8:13] that you're paying. [8:13] None of that is going to make your grocery bill more affordable. [8:16] And what we want to know and what we want to see is action. [8:19] All right, I want to go back in time just briefly [8:21] to 2018 when you won. [8:23] And you shocked, [8:25] you absolutely shocked the political world. [8:27] We saw the pictures of you that night. [8:30] You were obviously shocked that you had won. [8:33] You probably don't recall this, [8:35] but I interviewed you hours later the next morning. [8:38] And let's play just a little bit of that. [8:40] Sure. [8:41] Judging from the reaction that we all saw of you on television, [8:44] it seemed to surprise you as well. [8:48] You know, [8:48] I wasn't even checking the election results at all. [8:51] I wasn't even following the precincts coming in. [8:54] We had driven straight to our little party [8:57] at a little billiard spot in the Bronx [8:59] and we hopped in [9:00] and I just kind of walked into a TV set [9:02] and I looked at the screen [9:03] and I saw not only the numbers, [9:05] but what those numbers were. [9:07] And it was a complete shock. [9:09] So, I mean, you sound there a lot like you sound today, [9:14] but you've changed as well, right? [9:17] How have you changed since you came in [9:19] as this insurgent rebel [9:21] at odds with the Democratic leadership? [9:24] How have you changed? [9:25] You know, I think life has a way of really weathering you [9:31] and adding to your context and your experience. [9:35] It humbles you, [9:37] but it also emboldens you in a lot of ways. [9:40] And I think it has been the greatest privilege of my life [9:45] to be able to represent the working people [9:47] of my congressional district. [9:49] And I think some of the ways that it's changed me [9:54] has been to be able to come in [9:56] with so many aspirations for our country [9:59] and then to have the remarkable opportunity [10:03] to be in the arena [10:05] and try to make the country a better place, [10:09] challenges and all. [10:11] And I love that it's hard. [10:14] I love that I have to [10:17] and I get to engage with people [10:20] from all across the country, [10:22] elected officials from all across the country [10:23] to try to actually fulfill our dreams [10:27] to guarantee health care to every American. [10:29] And you continue to push for change [10:32] in the Democratic Party, [10:33] but you're also one of the most prominent figures [10:35] in that party right now. [10:37] Your endorsement is incredibly valuable. [10:40] I've noticed that this time around, [10:41] this election cycle, [10:43] you have not endorsed against, [10:45] you've not endorsed candidates [10:46] that were challenging Democratic incumbents [10:50] in the House. [10:52] And somebody took note of this, [10:53] a fellow progressive wrote recently, [10:55] the headline in The Hill was, [10:57] today's cautious AOC [10:59] would not have endorsed the AOC of 2018. [11:03] Because you were obviously [11:04] running against an incumbent. [11:07] I mean, that's probably correct, right? [11:11] What's your thinking there? [11:12] You know, I wasn't endorsed by anybody. [11:16] When I was running. [11:18] Your friends. [11:19] Yeah, just some friends. [11:21] So I wasn't endorsed by, [11:24] I don't think I was endorsed by a single elected official [11:26] when I was running for office. [11:27] And, you know, [11:29] I think when I see so many [11:31] of these incredible insurgent candidates [11:33] that are running today, [11:35] that's part of what makes me so proud of them, [11:38] is that they do not answer to any master. [11:42] They are not beholden to any corporate interest [11:45] or any party boss. [11:47] And they are completely independent, [11:52] which allows them to be responsive [11:54] to their communities and the people that elected them. [11:56] And I think that, in many ways, [11:58] that makes our movement stronger [12:00] when you have to rely on your own organizing skills. [12:05] And I think that it has proven to be quite successful. [12:11] And I mean, I see so many of these candidates [12:15] and they remind me of that moment. [12:18] I mean, but like in New York, [12:19] you had the candidates that were endorsed [12:21] by Mayor Mamdani, [12:23] two of whom were challenging sitting members of Congress, [12:26] powerful members of Congress, Democrats. [12:28] And you decided to sit that one out. [12:31] Is that part of wanting to work with your colleagues [12:35] that are in the House? [12:35] I mean, what's the... [12:37] Yeah, you know, I think we're all in different... [12:39] You know, politics is also a workplace. [12:41] And we're all in different positions to that. [12:44] I endorsed, for example, in New York, [12:46] on the state level, [12:47] I endorsed a slate of challengers to incumbents [12:51] in the Assembly and in the Senate. [12:54] And I don't work in state government, [12:57] which gives me a greater freedom [12:58] to be able to do that and to assess it. [13:02] And I'm very grateful, you know, [13:03] that we now have a progressive movement [13:07] that doesn't... [13:09] That is in large enough numbers that, you know, [13:11] it used to be that you could fit five people in a closet. [13:14] And that was the caucus. [13:16] And now we've grown into quite a successful movement. [13:19] So you have Wisconsin coming up next, [13:22] Francesca Hong, [13:23] who is the Democratic Socialists of America, [13:27] supporting candidate for governor. [13:30] Are you... [13:30] You haven't endorsed her. [13:31] Are you going to? [13:32] No, I haven't endorsed her in that race. [13:34] My focus has been in winning back the Congress, [13:37] winning back the House, [13:38] and positioning ourselves [13:40] to have the best chance possible to win the Senate. [13:44] So I've been focused on those legislative... [13:47] What do you make of those controversial statements [13:48] I'm sure you've seen? [13:49] I mean, she's... [13:51] You know, the Thanksgiving dust-up. [13:53] She says she doesn't, you know, still believe that. [13:55] But, you know, abolish prisons, abolish police, [13:59] which is also positions that have been taken [14:01] by a lot of the progressive candidates who have won. [14:05] How do you get around that? [14:07] Yeah. [14:07] Those are not positions that are supported by... [14:09] Right. [14:10] I mean, I think that a lot of these races, [14:13] even right now, [14:14] they'll have a tendency to be nationalized. [14:17] Yeah. [14:17] But these races ultimately are local, [14:21] and all politics are local. [14:23] My understanding is that... [14:25] is that Francesca Hong has made clear [14:28] her present stances to her electorate. [14:31] Yeah, she's moved away from a lot of that. [14:32] Right, she's moved away from it. [14:34] And I have a local city councilman [14:36] that has this saying, [14:40] Woke One was crazy. [14:42] Woke One was crazy. [14:44] Okay, that's so true. [14:44] And I think that what's important [14:46] is that we have to assess what... [14:49] Was it? [14:49] I mean, did the movement go too far [14:51] with some of those positions? [14:52] I mean, you briefly supported [14:53] the idea of defunding the police. [14:56] Well, you know, I think... [14:57] I think that during this time, [15:01] and during... [15:01] especially during COVID, [15:02] there was a huge opening [15:04] of the Overton window. [15:05] We were shut down. [15:07] There was some of the highest unemployment rates [15:08] that we have seen because of those shutdowns. [15:10] Yeah. [15:11] And I think that the doors were really open [15:14] in trying to entertain any and every policy [15:17] that was going to get us to a better place. [15:21] And I actually think that the discussions [15:23] that were had in that time [15:25] were quite fruitful. [15:27] I think that when we talk about crime today, [15:30] it's fundamentally different [15:32] in the way that we talked about crime [15:33] and bringing crime down, right? [15:35] And I think that we all share in the goals [15:37] of having as low a crime rate as possible. [15:41] I think that, you know, during lockdown, [15:44] of course, rhetoric in that time [15:46] is not rhetoric that we would use today. [15:48] And I'm grateful that these candidates [15:50] have the opportunity to present [15:51] who they are to their electorate [15:54] and what they're campaigning on in this moment. [15:56] Because, you know, and obviously [15:58] the Democratic Socialists of America [16:01] are having quite a moment. [16:04] But you know how Republicans are responding. [16:06] Let me just give you a brief sampling. [16:11] Let's call it what it is. [16:13] It's communism. [16:14] The commie caucus is coming to Congress. [16:16] Communism is on the ballot this November. [16:18] We're not going to turn this country [16:19] into a communist experiment. [16:22] Well, you can kind of get a sense of the theme. [16:25] And obviously, the president [16:26] has said the same thing. [16:27] But by the way, just a quick definitional thing. [16:30] What, in your mind, is the difference [16:31] between socialism and communism? [16:33] I think, to me, the fundamental differences, [16:36] I mean, there's many. [16:39] One prevailing one is democracy. [16:42] And I believe that Democratic Socialists [16:46] are fundamentally pro-democracy. [16:49] And we believe in the ballot box. [16:52] We believe in respecting [16:54] the outcomes of elections [16:57] and governing democratically. [16:59] And ensuring that the ideas [17:02] and policies that are implemented [17:04] are won through popular vote [17:06] and popular opinion. [17:07] And so I think that's why [17:09] so much of what we focus on [17:11] is also making sure [17:13] that we are providing [17:14] for the majority of Americans. [17:16] Guaranteeing health care, [17:17] raising wages, [17:19] strengthening the right to a union. [17:21] And I think that that's [17:23] at its core what we're about. [17:26] Are you still a member [17:27] of Democratic Socialists of America? [17:29] Of the New York City chapter. [17:30] The New York City chapter, [17:31] not the national. [17:33] And what's the difference? [17:36] So every DSA chapter [17:38] is formed locally. [17:41] And so the New York City DSA chapter, [17:44] those are folks that you know. [17:45] It's my, [17:46] it's kind of like [17:47] your local union chapter. [17:48] And yeah. [17:50] So because I, [17:51] and I know there was [17:52] that strange moment in 2024 [17:55] when they, [17:55] the national chapter [17:56] like took away your endorsement. [17:58] Yes. [17:59] But I was looking through [18:00] the DSA program [18:02] and this is the national program. [18:04] I'm sure you've seen the document. [18:05] It was adopted [18:06] just a few months ago. [18:08] But some of the positions here, [18:10] defund the Department of Defense, [18:12] close oversee military bases, [18:14] abolish the police [18:15] and prison system, [18:16] grant amnesty to all immigrants [18:18] in the U.S., [18:20] replace the Supreme Court [18:21] and executive judiciary [18:23] with a chosen by lower [18:25] and lower to Congress, [18:27] abolish the Senate, [18:28] public ownership of corporations [18:30] and essential industries. [18:32] I mean, [18:32] those are some positions [18:33] that you're going to be hearing [18:34] a lot about this fall [18:35] from Republicans. [18:37] And I think we're also [18:38] going to be hearing a lot [18:39] about Donald Trump's commitment [18:40] to getting us into [18:41] a reckless war in Iran. [18:42] His, [18:43] his collaboration [18:44] with big companies [18:46] to make sure that [18:47] everything from groceries [18:48] to rent stay sky high. [18:50] And I think that people [18:51] are less interested [18:52] in these academic debates [18:55] and they're more interested [18:56] in how we're going to [18:56] bring their bills down [18:57] and make sure [18:58] that they can afford [18:59] to see a doctor. [19:00] But do you see, [19:01] I mean, [19:01] are those positions [19:02] you support? [19:04] No, [19:04] but I think that [19:06] this is a free country. [19:08] Everyone can have [19:08] all sorts of beliefs [19:09] and they can organize [19:10] around them [19:11] and you're free [19:12] to do what you like [19:13] and, you know, [19:14] have conversations [19:15] with your neighbors. [19:16] But my job [19:17] as an elected official [19:18] is to guarantee [19:20] health care in America. [19:21] And that's what [19:22] I'm focused on [19:23] and that's what [19:23] I seek to do. [19:24] And what do you say [19:25] to the moderate Democrats [19:27] who say, [19:28] first of all, [19:29] that, you know, [19:30] they are capitalists [19:31] and that those positions [19:33] are going to doom [19:34] the Democratic Party [19:36] because, again, [19:36] they're not positions [19:37] that are supporting [19:38] the Democratic Party. [19:38] I mean, [19:38] of course, [19:39] they're free [19:40] to have their economic identity [19:43] as they like. [19:45] And, you know, [19:47] in terms of dooming the party, [19:49] the idea that there's [19:50] a diversity of thought [19:51] in America [19:52] among everyday voting people [19:55] is a fundamental fact [19:57] of our country. [19:58] I don't think [19:59] that we should be worried [20:00] about what somebody [20:01] somewhere believes. [20:02] I think we should be focused [20:04] on what our plan [20:05] to improve people's lives are. [20:06] Another person [20:07] who's been made an issue [20:09] is Hassan Piker, [20:10] who obviously endorsed [20:12] Abdul Sayed in Michigan. [20:14] You've been on his live stream, [20:16] you know, [20:17] at least a few times. [20:18] He's somebody who said, [20:20] you know, [20:21] that America deserved 9-11. [20:22] Now, he backed off from that. [20:24] Yes, yes, he's apologizing. [20:25] But he said a lot of, [20:26] he said a lot of controversial things. [20:28] Is he somebody [20:29] that should have a role [20:31] in the progressive movement [20:32] going forward? [20:33] You know, I think [20:34] when we look at [20:36] our elections [20:37] that have happened, [20:39] we have lost young people. [20:41] Much hay was made [20:42] about the fact [20:43] that we lost young men [20:44] in the last election. [20:46] And many of the same consultants [20:48] that are wringing [20:50] their hands today [20:51] were the same ones [20:53] talking about [20:54] how we need to go [20:56] on Joe Rogan [20:57] and we need to be [20:59] not so, you know, [21:02] willing to engage [21:04] in cancel culture. [21:04] And I think that [21:07] the flip-flopping [21:09] on this [21:10] is a tactical debate [21:13] that they may be having. [21:15] I think the fact [21:16] of the matter is [21:16] is that Democrats [21:18] can go on Joe Rogan, [21:19] Democrats can go on Fox News, [21:20] Democrats have a responsibility [21:22] to build a winning coalition. [21:24] And young people [21:25] are engaging [21:27] in mediums [21:28] and conversations [21:28] that we have a responsibility [21:31] to attend to [21:33] and be responsive to. [21:35] And even right now, [21:37] when we look at this [21:37] insurgent wave [21:38] of what is happening, [21:41] oftentimes, [21:42] when people are doing [21:43] that Monday morning quarterbacking [21:45] and what demographics [21:46] voted where, [21:47] the big one [21:48] that's being ignored [21:49] is the generational [21:51] tidal wave. [21:54] It's a tsunami. [21:54] I mean, you see it [21:55] in the polling. [21:56] It is significant. [21:58] Millennials are not, [21:59] you know, [22:00] punk kids anymore. [22:02] Yeah. [22:02] We're grown adults [22:04] with mortgages [22:05] and kids. [22:06] And we, [22:08] that generation [22:09] is starting [22:10] to be decisive [22:11] at the polls. [22:12] And there is anger [22:14] at being ignored, [22:16] sidelined, [22:17] having our economic [22:18] futures mortgaged [22:20] by the generations [22:22] that came before us [22:23] on everything [22:23] from the economy [22:25] to climate. [22:26] And we're taking [22:27] the reins. [22:28] So, I want to, [22:30] we're almost out of time [22:31] to get to your future. [22:32] I'm sure you saw [22:33] the poll in New Hampshire [22:33] that had you [22:35] as the leading candidate, [22:37] leading choice [22:37] for Democrats. [22:40] First of all, [22:41] are you going to run [22:42] for president? [22:44] I mean, [22:44] I'm focused [22:45] on winning the midterms. [22:47] I'm running [22:47] for Congress right now. [22:50] But, I mean, [22:50] do you see this [22:51] as something, [22:52] I mean, [22:52] I know you said [22:53] you're open to it. [22:54] Is it a realistic [22:55] possibility for you? [22:55] I haven't, [22:56] well, [22:57] I haven't ruled out [22:58] the possibility [22:59] and I'm very humbled [23:01] to the tremendous [23:05] amount of support [23:05] out there. [23:06] I think that we [23:06] have a responsibility [23:07] to remain focused [23:08] on the midterms [23:09] and not on our [23:11] individual aspirations [23:13] or plans. [23:14] And running for Senate [23:15] against Chuck Schumer, [23:16] is that also something [23:16] that's possible? [23:17] I mean, [23:17] I think that anything [23:19] is possible [23:19] at this juncture. [23:21] All right. [23:22] And then, [23:23] before you go, [23:23] you did have a personal [23:25] announcement that you made. [23:26] It was interesting [23:27] to see you kind of [23:28] open up [23:29] in a, you know, [23:30] on an Instagram Live, [23:32] I believe it was. [23:32] So, tell me, [23:33] tell me what it was [23:34] and why you decided to do it. [23:34] Yeah, you know, [23:35] I think it's important [23:36] for us to normalize [23:37] these conversations, [23:38] especially in this [23:39] political environment. [23:40] The Trump administration [23:41] has... [23:43] Remind us what [23:43] the announcement was. [23:44] Yeah, sure. [23:45] So, I have decided [23:45] to start the process [23:47] of freezing my eggs. [23:49] And in this political [23:51] environment [23:52] where this administration [23:53] is denying reproductive care [23:55] to women across the country, [23:57] from abortion rights [23:59] to the ability [23:59] to carry out [24:00] a healthy pregnancy, [24:02] I think it's important [24:03] for us as leaders [24:04] to have these conversations [24:07] and share these processes, [24:09] especially for working women [24:10] across the country, [24:11] and normalize them. [24:13] Okay. [24:13] All right. [24:14] Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, [24:16] thank you very much [24:17] for being here. [24:17] Let's hope to talk [24:18] to you again soon. [24:19] Thank you. [24:19] And when you're ready [24:19] to make that decision [24:20] about 2020, [24:21] come back and talk to us about it. [24:23] Okay, next up, [24:24] that viral clip [24:25] from a DSA candidate [24:27] for governor in Wisconsin [24:28] about canceling Thanksgiving. [24:30] The roundtable is next. [24:35] Bringing folks around the table [24:37] to share conversation [24:39] and build community [24:40] is always a good thing. [24:42] But Thanksgiving [24:43] is also a time [24:44] that's incredibly painful [24:45] for many people [24:46] in our communities. [24:47] And so, I think there, [24:49] I wanted to make sure [24:50] that people understood [24:51] that there are multiple [24:52] views, [24:53] but views can evolve. [24:56] All right, [24:56] that's Francesca Hong, [24:57] who, if the polls are accurate, [24:59] is the overwhelming frontrunner [25:00] in the Democratic primary [25:02] for governor in Wisconsin. [25:03] Let's bring in the roundtable. [25:05] Former DNC chair [25:06] Donna Brazile, [25:07] Democratic Congressman [25:08] Jake Auchincloss [25:09] of Massachusetts, [25:10] Republican strategist [25:11] Scott Jennings, [25:12] and former New Jersey [25:14] governor, Chris Christie. [25:15] All right, Donna, [25:16] you heard from AOC. [25:19] I know you have not been, [25:21] you've been one [25:22] that's been a little bit [25:22] concerned about [25:23] Democratic socialists [25:25] kind of taking over the party, [25:28] helping to nominate people [25:29] who can't win general elections. [25:30] What did you make [25:31] of her reaction to all that? [25:33] Well, first of all, [25:34] I think she's a smart politician. [25:35] She clearly has spent some years [25:37] in Congress [25:39] understanding that you've got [25:40] to build a coalition, [25:41] that you've got to go out there [25:42] and represent your values [25:44] and views. [25:45] But as you know, [25:45] I've been in this big tent party [25:47] probably longer than most people, [25:49] and I can tell you, [25:50] we're having the same kind [25:51] of growing pains [25:52] I saw on the Republican side, [25:53] whether it was through [25:54] the Tea Party in 2010, [25:56] the activists who helped [25:58] to bring about the MAGA movement. [26:00] We've seen this tension [26:01] both on the right, [26:02] the populism that, you know, [26:04] created a wave election [26:05] over the last several decades, [26:08] and now on the left. [26:10] Now, the left is insurgent [26:11] in some cases, [26:12] in most cases, [26:13] you know what, [26:13] the establishment, [26:14] the moderates are still winning. [26:15] But here's one thing, [26:16] Reverend Jackson taught me [26:17] a long time ago, [26:20] a party needs two wings to fly. [26:22] And unless we can have both wings, [26:25] the progressive wing [26:25] and the moderate wing, [26:26] we won't be able to fly [26:27] and win in November. [26:29] Congressman, [26:30] what's your take? [26:31] Alex is right [26:32] that the party needs renewal. [26:34] Voters are furious [26:35] at the status quo [26:36] and want change. [26:38] And I think that renewal [26:39] needs to be paired with trust. [26:41] And here's where Democrats [26:42] should learn from mayors [26:44] and local leaders [26:44] because trust is highest [26:46] at the lowest level [26:47] of government in America. [26:49] Those local leaders [26:50] who came in as Democrats [26:51] five, six, seven years ago [26:52] wanted to make shoplifting okay, [26:55] kept the schools closed too long. [26:57] They got repudiated by voters, [26:59] real bad. [27:00] Now, those mayors who came in [27:01] who took a public health [27:02] and law enforcement approach [27:03] to homelessness, [27:04] who built more housing [27:05] to make housing more affordable, [27:06] those are the ones [27:07] who are on the ascent. [27:09] I'd like to see the national party [27:10] adopt the platforms [27:11] that have been working [27:12] at the local level [27:13] where that feedback loop [27:14] with reality is so tight. [27:14] And not the national platform [27:15] or the democratic socialists [27:17] of America. [27:18] But, Scott, I mean, [27:20] you're going to make that, [27:23] Republicans are going to make that [27:24] the democratic party. [27:26] I mean, that's what you're [27:26] going to be portraying them as. [27:27] Of course. [27:28] And it would be an honest thing [27:29] to do because that's what it is. [27:30] And with all due respect [27:31] to my friend Donna, [27:33] there's nothing like, [27:34] you can't draw any equivalence [27:36] between the Tea Party movement [27:37] and the socialists. [27:38] For one, the Tea Party folks [27:39] weren't trying to bring about [27:40] the downfall of Western civilization [27:42] and the United States of America. [27:44] Abolish the police, [27:45] abolish ICE, abolish borders, [27:47] abolish the Senate, [27:48] abolish the Constitution. [27:49] There was nothing like this [27:51] in the Republican Party. [27:52] So it's an extreme political ideology [27:57] that is gaining traction. [28:00] The Democrat leadership [28:01] has lost control. [28:02] They know it. [28:03] And people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, [28:06] Hong in Wisconsin, [28:08] Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, [28:09] you talk about the big tent. [28:11] The Democrat Jewish Attorney General [28:14] of Michigan cannot even go [28:15] to her party's nominating convention [28:17] because she says, [28:19] I won't be safe there [28:20] because of the supporters [28:21] of Abdul El-Sayed. [28:23] You can't draw any equivalence [28:24] between what happened [28:26] in the Republican Party [28:26] with the resurgence [28:27] of patriot conservatives [28:29] versus these anti-American radicals. [28:31] Yeah, look, [28:32] and I listened really carefully [28:33] to what Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez [28:36] said this morning. [28:37] You know, [28:38] every position [28:40] that Scott just laid out, [28:41] when you presented it to her, [28:43] she talked about backing off, [28:45] changing her views, [28:47] evolving views. [28:48] Walk 1 was crazy. [28:49] Walk 1 was crazy, [28:50] which we never heard her say before. [28:52] Look, [28:52] I think the congressman [28:53] put it correctly, [28:54] that there's two parts to this. [28:56] It's what are you talking about [28:57] and do we trust what you're saying? [29:00] And after listening [29:01] to the congressman, [29:01] why should anyone trust her? [29:03] The things that she has said [29:04] previously now [29:05] when she senses [29:06] that she didn't know [29:07] what she was talking about [29:08] and she was out of touch [29:10] and with the American people [29:11] and now wants to advance her career, [29:14] now all of a sudden [29:14] she's saying different things. [29:16] And I have to say, [29:18] when you played [29:19] the Francesca Hong part, [29:21] I can tell you this, [29:22] the Republican Governors Association [29:24] is giddy [29:25] over what will happen on Tuesday [29:28] because we're going to hold [29:30] people like her [29:32] and the congresswoman [29:34] to what they've said [29:35] over their careers, [29:36] not what they're trying [29:37] to conveniently evolve into now. [29:39] There are two important days [29:41] in November. [29:42] One is Thanksgiving. [29:44] Of course, [29:44] Democrats celebrate Thanksgiving. [29:46] That's a ridiculous statement [29:47] that Ms. Hong made. [29:48] And there's Election Day. [29:50] And when Donald Trump [29:51] tried to steal [29:52] a free and fair election, [29:54] Republicans went mute. [29:56] And Americans will remember [29:57] that as well. [29:58] And you know, [29:59] who has given the red carpet [30:00] more of the communists [30:01] than Donald Trump? [30:02] He laid out the red carpet [30:03] to Putin. [30:04] He's going to put the red carpet [30:07] out again for Mr. Xi [30:09] in a couple of weeks. [30:10] So I'm not going to get [30:11] into a false argument [30:13] with Republicans [30:13] who really don't have much [30:15] to say about November [30:16] because they have not addressed [30:18] how to lower costs [30:20] for the American people. [30:21] When you have three different [30:23] caucuses in the Republican Party [30:25] in the House [30:26] that can't agree [30:27] on budget spending. [30:28] So this is not a conversation [30:30] about who's more of a patriot. [30:32] The Democratic Socialists [30:33] of America [30:33] is an organization. [30:35] That's not our platform [30:36] in 2024 [30:37] and it's not our platform [30:38] in 2026. [30:39] It's an organization [30:41] and they've won some, [30:42] they've lost a lot. [30:44] And so we keep having [30:45] these false conversations [30:46] because it animates [30:47] people on the right [30:48] so they don't have to talk [30:49] about how to lower costs. [30:51] So don't tell me [30:52] about socialism. [30:53] There's another holiday [30:54] that I like in November [30:55] and that's Veteran Day. [30:56] And there are Democrats [30:57] who are standing up [30:58] for our military, [30:59] our servicemen and women [31:00] and they want us [31:01] to end this war in Iran. [31:03] But you are worried about it. [31:03] So we can have that conversation. [31:04] But you are worried about it [31:05] because the Democrat Party [31:08] changed your nominating calendar [31:10] to try to rig it [31:11] against the socialists. [31:12] Oh, rig it against the socialists? [31:13] No. [31:13] You moved it to South Carolina. [31:14] We changed our nominating calendar [31:17] 20 years ago [31:18] because we wanted [31:18] to enlarge the table. [31:20] We believe that every American [31:21] from factory workers [31:22] to college students [31:23] to, yes, black and Hispanic voters [31:25] should have a say [31:26] on who our nominees should be. [31:28] And what we did in 2028 [31:30] and hopefully we will vote [31:32] on it next week [31:32] is that we even brought [31:34] on the table even water. [31:36] John, let me say something [31:37] that everybody should be [31:38] concerned about [31:39] as we go into this election [31:41] and the one in 2028. [31:43] We have a president now [31:45] who has little to no [31:46] appreciation of history. [31:47] And we've seen him [31:49] over and over again [31:50] when he gets it wrong [31:50] and then uses it [31:51] for his own purposes. [31:52] And now we have [31:54] a group of people [31:55] and you're asking [31:56] Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez [31:58] this morning [31:58] whether she's going [31:59] to run for president, [32:00] a woman who has taken [32:02] socialist positions [32:03] over and over again. [32:04] If she had an appreciation [32:05] of history, [32:06] she would know [32:07] that socialism has nothing [32:08] to do with democracy [32:09] and that every place [32:11] where socialism has thrived... [32:12] Eugene Debb's got more [32:13] than a million votes. [32:14] Congratulations to him. [32:16] But the fact is [32:17] it has nothing to do [32:18] with democracy. [32:20] And socialism, [32:20] everywhere it's been tried [32:21] around the world, [32:22] has failed [32:23] in two fundamental ways. [32:25] It has destroyed [32:26] economic hope, John, [32:28] and it has also destroyed [32:29] democratic aspirations. [32:31] And that's what [32:32] the DSA stands for. [32:34] And Scott laid out [32:35] those points very, very well. [32:37] And Republicans [32:37] will be talking about that [32:38] this fall. [32:39] Your argument is against [32:39] the DSA, not the DNC. [32:40] Come and argue with us [32:41] about how we lower costs. [32:43] How do we make sure [32:44] that people don't... [32:45] Just a second. [32:45] You guys get your story [32:46] straight first. [32:47] How do you deal with the fact [32:49] that you do see this, [32:52] you know, the socialist [32:53] part of the party [32:54] and it's a minority [32:55] of the party right now... [32:56] It's an organization. [32:56] It's not a party. [32:57] Nope. [32:58] Of the Democratic Party. [33:01] I mean, clearly [33:02] there's energy there, [33:03] but it's not, at least [33:04] in today's facts, [33:05] anywhere near [33:05] a majority position. [33:06] No. [33:07] One-third of Americans [33:08] are devoted to Donald Trump. [33:11] Two-thirds of Americans [33:12] are open to a new agenda [33:14] and are frustrated [33:15] with the status quo. [33:16] And the opportunity [33:17] for my faction of the party [33:18] is to make a positive, [33:19] proactive platform [33:21] to that two-thirds [33:23] of Americans. [33:23] It can't be who we're against. [33:25] Americans know [33:25] we don't like Donald Trump. [33:26] It has to be what we are for. [33:27] What we are for [33:28] is a new American dream, [33:29] an excellent education [33:30] by the time you're 18, [33:31] a home of your own [33:32] by the time you're 30, [33:33] and a dignified retirement [33:34] by the time you're 65. [33:35] And it is freedom [33:36] that delivers that. [33:37] Free minds, [33:38] free enterprise, [33:39] free elections, [33:40] freedom from fear. [33:41] And what do you say [33:42] to those who say [33:42] the answer to that [33:43] is nationalized health care [33:47] even government ownership [33:49] of corporations? [33:51] I mean, [33:51] what do you say [33:52] to that faction, [33:53] the other faction in your party, [33:55] that doesn't believe [33:56] capitalism works? [33:57] I believe in free enterprise. [33:58] And for free enterprise [33:59] to flourish, [34:00] you have to be willing [34:01] to go after [34:02] both government overreach, [34:04] like with housing, [34:04] where zoning and land use [34:05] does tangle up [34:06] housing production, [34:07] and corporate monopoly, [34:09] like in health care, [34:09] where you've got [34:10] these drug pricing middlemen [34:11] owned by the insurance companies [34:12] jacking up prescription drug prices. [34:13] I am agnostic. [34:14] Where I see a problem [34:15] that is keeping prices high [34:17] and preventing Americans [34:19] from affording gas, [34:20] groceries, health care, [34:21] I will go after it. [34:22] I believe in the [34:23] Dear Ann theory. [34:24] If you're a communist, [34:25] you have two cows. [34:26] You give them both [34:27] to the government. [34:27] If you're a socialist, [34:28] you have two cows, [34:29] you give one to your neighbor. [34:31] But if you're a capitalist, [34:32] you have two cows, [34:33] you sell one, [34:34] and you get a bull. [34:35] Okay. [34:36] All right. [34:36] We've got to take a quick break. [34:38] The roundtable [34:38] is sticking around. [34:39] But up next, [34:40] Iran's latest move [34:41] in the Strait of Hormuz [34:42] and the ultimatum [34:44] that the Iranians [34:45] just delivered [34:46] to the United States. [34:47] We'll be joined [34:48] by former Trump [34:49] Defense Secretary Mark Esper [34:50] when we come back. [34:54] This morning, [34:54] another big setback in Iran. [34:56] The Iranians are refusing [34:58] to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. [35:00] I'm joined now [35:01] by former Trump [35:01] Defense Secretary Mark Esper. [35:04] So, Secretary Esper, [35:05] let me start right there. [35:06] I mean, [35:07] the president told the world [35:08] just a few days ago [35:09] that the Strait of Hormuz [35:11] was about to be completely open [35:13] within 24 hours [35:14] and the Iranians [35:15] are now saying [35:15] it will never be open [35:17] unless America meets [35:19] a long list of demands. [35:23] Right. [35:23] Yes, [35:23] they put forward [35:24] this agreement, Jonathan. [35:25] Apparently, [35:25] they had been talking [35:26] for a week or so [35:27] with Oman [35:28] about opening up [35:29] a northern route [35:30] into the Gulf [35:30] and a southern route [35:31] out of the Gulf [35:32] along Oman [35:33] that they both would control [35:35] or administer. [35:36] Unclear what that means. [35:37] But now we know [35:38] that while that agreement [35:41] sits on the precipice, [35:42] they have put forward [35:43] demands of the United States [35:44] which frankly are ridiculous [35:45] and should be rejected [35:47] out of hand. [35:48] Demands such as [35:49] the withdrawal [35:50] of all U.S. forces [35:50] from the region, [35:52] reimbursement [35:53] for the costs of the war, [35:55] the fact that we would [35:56] end our blockade, [35:58] we would end sanctions. [35:59] So it's gone beyond the pale. [36:01] But what it tells you [36:02] is two things, Jonathan. [36:03] First of all, [36:05] they haven't apparently [36:06] left any room [36:06] for negotiation [36:07] and we know [36:08] that's important. [36:09] President Trump wants [36:09] to pursue that [36:10] and rightly so. [36:12] But secondly, [36:12] and more importantly, [36:13] it shows that they believe [36:14] that they have the upper hand, [36:15] they believe they're winning [36:16] and they're emboldened [36:17] and that's what we're up [36:18] against right now [36:19] after, what, [36:20] five and a half months [36:20] of conflict. [36:21] So I want to play you [36:23] something that [36:23] Vice President Vance [36:25] said just before [36:27] the Iranians came out [36:28] and said this. [36:28] I mean, we're talking [36:29] just within a matter [36:30] of hours. [36:31] This is what he had to say [36:32] about the Iranians [36:33] and the prospects [36:34] for a deal to end all of this. [36:36] Take a listen. [36:38] They're hurting in a big way. [36:39] They want this thing [36:40] to be over. [36:41] The question is [36:42] whether they're able, [36:44] their system is able [36:45] to give the things [36:46] that are necessary [36:47] for us to be happy, [36:49] for us to feel like [36:50] we've gotten what we need [36:51] out of this particular engagement. [36:53] That is still to be determined, [36:55] but I do think [36:55] that we've made some progress [36:56] over the last few days. [36:57] I mean, [36:58] how do you explain [36:59] the disconnect? [37:00] Are the president [37:02] and the vice president [37:03] getting real information [37:06] about what's happening [37:07] on the ground? [37:08] Because it sure seems [37:09] like they're talking [37:10] about two totally [37:10] different realities. [37:14] Well, it's true [37:14] that they are struggling [37:15] economically. [37:16] They're in the worst crisis [37:17] they faced as a regime [37:18] in 47-plus years. [37:20] I mean, inflation's at 88%, [37:22] and the country is struggling. [37:24] But at the same time, [37:26] the military, the IRGC, [37:27] is clearly in charge. [37:28] They are calling the shots. [37:29] There is fragmentation, [37:30] of course. [37:31] We know that the president [37:32] of the country, [37:33] Pazeshkian, [37:33] is pushing for a negotiation. [37:35] He wants to provide [37:36] some economic relief. [37:38] And so you have this [37:39] happening at the same time. [37:40] So look, [37:41] with the military in charge [37:42] and at the same time [37:43] the economy being weakened, [37:45] I've argued that we should [37:46] really pursue [37:47] an economic blockade [37:48] of the country, [37:48] not just of the strait, [37:49] but of all entry points, [37:51] air, ground, and sea routes. [37:53] We should sanction them. [37:54] And importantly, [37:55] we should internationalize [37:57] this conflict. [37:57] This is having global impacts, [37:59] so we should multilateralize it, [38:00] multilateralize it, [38:01] get our Asian allies on board, [38:03] our European allies, [38:04] others around the world, [38:05] and really put economic pressure [38:07] on this country [38:07] and slowly strangle it [38:08] until they come back [38:09] to the negotiation table [38:11] in a serious way. [38:12] And how serious [38:13] is the shortage of munitions [38:14] that we're now hearing about? [38:16] It seems like, you know, [38:17] almost a desperate situation [38:19] in terms of shortage, [38:20] especially of anti-missile defense systems [38:22] like the Patriot. [38:23] It is a serious situation [38:27] that goes back to the end [38:28] of the Cold War [38:29] and decisions we made [38:30] between them [38:31] and then with the onset [38:32] of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. [38:34] And frankly, [38:35] it accelerated during [38:37] the Biden administration [38:37] when we were expending munitions [38:39] or giving munitions to Ukraine. [38:41] And it's, of course, [38:41] in the last six, seven months, [38:43] it's really taken a toll [38:45] that we now find ourselves [38:46] considerably low [38:48] with regard to interceptors [38:50] such as Patriot and THAAD [38:51] and to some ground attack weapons [38:53] as well. [38:54] And look, [38:55] when I look at the world, [38:56] I'm most concerned about China [38:57] and the messages [38:58] it may be sending there [38:59] and the deterrent effect [39:00] of our munitions stockpiles [39:01] and more importantly [39:02] of our defense industrial base. [39:03] So it's something [39:04] that we have to be watched [39:05] carefully out for. [39:07] I know as Secretary of Defense, [39:08] I certainly did. [39:09] I was always attuned [39:10] in our operational plans [39:11] to estimated casualties, [39:13] estimated impacts [39:14] on the readiness of the force [39:15] and, of course, [39:16] our munitions stockpiles. [39:17] So this is something [39:18] that is with us. [39:20] It's not new. [39:20] It's been reported [39:22] multiple times. [39:23] The Secretary of Defense [39:24] spoke about it [39:25] during one of his hearings [39:26] in the past few months [39:27] and we have other reports [39:28] coming out. [39:29] And, in fact, [39:30] there was this news story [39:31] today or last night [39:32] that Deputy Secretary of Defense [39:35] Feinberg [39:37] at the Pentagon, [39:39] yeah, Feinberg, [39:40] who's done a solid job [39:41] on this front, [39:41] has issued an order [39:43] to the defense companies [39:44] to report in the next three weeks [39:45] about what they're going to do [39:46] to accelerate weapons production. [39:48] So the administration [39:49] is trying hard [39:50] in multiple ways. [39:51] But when you're talking [39:52] about taking two years [39:53] to build a Patriot missile, [39:55] whatever we do now [39:56] is not going to help [39:56] in the short term, [39:57] but nonetheless needs to be done [39:59] for strategic reasons. [40:00] And finally, [40:00] just a big-picture question. [40:02] We've heard the president [40:02] repeatedly threaten [40:04] to have big attacks on Iran [40:06] and then back off [40:08] claiming there was progress [40:10] on negotiations. [40:11] By my count, [40:12] he's done this seven times. [40:13] What does that do [40:14] to America's credibility [40:16] around the world? [40:16] How do our adversaries [40:18] start to view those threats [40:20] when they're threat back off, [40:21] threat back off [40:22] and the cycle continues? [40:26] Well, clearly, [40:26] the Iranians [40:27] have figured this out. [40:28] They are not reacting [40:29] to these threats [40:30] and they are taking [40:32] very strategic positions [40:34] with regard to this. [40:35] And so you saw them [40:35] over the last week [40:36] put forward again [40:37] this Omani plan [40:38] that they're going to unveil [40:40] at some point. [40:40] But these demands [40:41] they've now raised last night [40:43] show that they are emboldened, [40:44] that they feel confident [40:45] about their position [40:46] in the world. [40:47] And at the same time, [40:48] they are flexing their muscles [40:49] by using their proxy. [40:50] So we know that the Houthis [40:52] just this morning [40:54] attacked a Saudi refinery [40:55] on the Red Sea. [40:56] Yesterday, Iran attacked [40:57] a UAE ship. [40:59] But they've also, [41:00] they being Tehran, [41:00] have tried to expand [41:01] this conflict. [41:02] There was a long shot [41:04] taken at an Egyptian port [41:05] on the Mediterranean Sea [41:06] to show the range [41:07] of their weapons. [41:08] And they've gone so far [41:09] as to threaten [41:10] U.S. ally, [41:11] NATO ally, Bulgarian [41:12] about supporting [41:14] U.S. operations from there. [41:15] So they're expanding [41:16] the conflict in many ways. [41:17] All right, [41:17] Secretary Esper, [41:18] thank you very much [41:19] for joining us this morning. [41:21] Coming up, [41:21] will the Iran war dragging [41:23] on cost Republicans [41:24] the midterms? [41:26] Our roundtable debates [41:27] that when we come back. [41:31] All right, [41:31] we're back with the roundtable. [41:32] So, Governor Christie, [41:33] how does Trump handle [41:34] this latest with Iran? [41:35] I mean, [41:35] he told us just a few days ago [41:37] the straits about to be open, [41:39] everything's going to be fine. [41:41] I mean, [41:41] what does he do? [41:42] Look, [41:42] the real problem here [41:43] is it was an adventure [41:46] without a plan. [41:47] And now, [41:49] you know, [41:49] I was struck this week [41:50] when the Iranians [41:50] put out their list [41:51] of demands [41:52] to reopen the strait. [41:55] Reparations. [41:55] Yeah. [41:56] Et cetera. [41:57] What struck me was [41:58] that Donald Trump [41:59] is about to become [42:01] what he never, [42:03] ever wanted to be, [42:04] Jimmy Carter. [42:05] Yes. [42:06] He is being held hostage [42:07] by Iran. [42:09] They are holding [42:09] the strait of Hormuz hostage. [42:11] As a result, [42:12] they're holding [42:12] the world economy hostage. [42:13] And it's focused [42:15] at Donald Trump. [42:16] And I know [42:17] from talking to him [42:18] over the last 24 years, [42:20] the one person [42:21] he would never want [42:22] to be is Jimmy Carter. [42:23] I've talked to him [42:23] about Jimmy Carter, too. [42:24] And so, [42:24] and here we are. [42:25] And it was all voluntary. [42:29] So, [42:29] you have a thought on this? [42:32] I fought [42:32] in one failed forever war. [42:34] I don't want Americans [42:35] to be fighting in another. [42:36] We've already lost [42:37] 18 American service members. [42:39] And the only way [42:41] that we get off course [42:42] from a third quagmire [42:44] in the Middle East [42:45] of the 21st century [42:46] is for Congress [42:46] to take back the steering wheel [42:47] from this impaired driver. [42:49] And that means Americans [42:50] need to elect Democrats [42:50] in November. [42:52] And we can pass [42:53] the war powers resolutions, [42:54] enforce them, [42:55] and prevent him [42:56] from deepening [42:58] the imbroglio [42:59] that has already caused [43:00] higher prices [43:00] and a weakened America. [43:02] I mean, [43:02] he's trying to get out. [43:03] It's like the Iranians [43:04] are not cooperating. [43:06] But let's switch [43:07] to the domestic side [43:09] of this, Scott. [43:10] You heard the president [43:11] just a short while ago [43:13] there say that [43:13] voters are angry [43:15] at Republicans. [43:16] Not angry at me. [43:17] They're angry at Republicans. [43:18] Is he right [43:19] on both sides? [43:20] Well, I think he might [43:21] have been talking [43:21] about Republican voters. [43:23] And I'll be honest, [43:23] I've been all over [43:24] the country this year [43:25] and they are a little upset [43:26] with congressional leaders [43:27] over the SAVE Act [43:29] is one thing. [43:29] And they see Trump [43:30] fighting for that [43:31] and they see Congress [43:32] with an inability to pass it. [43:34] Now, most congressmen, [43:35] Republican congressmen, [43:36] are for it. [43:37] But obviously, [43:37] the Senate's been [43:38] a little ungovernable [43:39] on this issue [43:39] and a few others. [43:41] So he's not wrong [43:41] that the Republican grassroots [43:43] is quite upset. [43:45] What he has to do [43:46] is convince them [43:46] that no matter who [43:47] you're upset with, [43:49] the alternative is worse. [43:50] I mean, [43:50] this has to be [43:51] a contrast election. [43:53] And Republican voters [43:54] trust him [43:55] to make that argument. [43:56] He is the one [43:57] that has to make it. [43:58] You know, [43:59] one of the technical, [43:59] tactical issues [44:00] for the Republican Party [44:01] is getting those voters [44:02] who love Trump [44:03] but may not love [44:04] other politicians [44:05] to turn out. [44:06] And he's got to have [44:07] to make the point [44:08] that if you don't elect [44:09] Republicans this fall, [44:10] they're going to impeach me again [44:11] and every other bad thing [44:13] you don't want to have happen. [44:14] No, they're going to [44:14] hold him accountable. [44:15] They're going to hold him accountable. [44:16] They're going to hold [44:17] the entire Republican-controlled [44:19] Congress accountable [44:20] if Democrats prevail [44:22] in November. [44:23] Look, [44:23] Donald Trump [44:24] should know one thing. [44:25] The American people [44:26] are very upset. [44:27] They're angry at him. [44:29] They're angry at his [44:29] preoccupation [44:30] with his ballroom, [44:31] angry at his preoccupation [44:32] with putting little gold things [44:34] all over the White House [44:36] and all over the city [44:36] of Washington, D.C. [44:37] They're angry at him [44:38] because he's not focused [44:39] on the priorities [44:40] of the American people, [44:41] kitchen table issues. [44:42] They, [44:42] he should know, [44:43] they're very upset. [44:44] They're very upset [44:45] not just with him [44:46] but they're also upset [44:47] with the Republican-controlled Congress. [44:49] So, Chris, [44:49] he's also, I mean, [44:51] he is very focused, though, [44:52] on some things. [44:53] I mean, [44:53] he's very focused [44:54] on the ballroom [44:55] and he is very focused [44:57] on the reflecting poll. [45:00] And we saw him say [45:01] that he wants Jeanine Pirro, [45:03] somebody you know very well. [45:04] I do. [45:06] She dropped the case, [45:07] said, look, [45:07] there's no case of vandalism [45:09] against this, you know, [45:11] former Olympian. [45:13] He just said this weekend [45:15] that he wants her [45:16] to reconsider that. [45:18] Well, let me separate [45:19] what you just put there. [45:20] In terms of the ballroom [45:21] and the reflecting pool, [45:23] while it's entertaining [45:24] for a lot of people, [45:25] I disagree with Don. [45:26] I don't think [45:27] that's what they're upset about. [45:28] I think what they're upset about [45:29] is that the president [45:30] promised to lower prices, [45:31] the president promised [45:32] to focus on domestic things, [45:34] and they haven't done it. [45:35] Now, on the Jeanine Pirro thing, [45:37] this goes to the whole [45:38] Department of Justice question. [45:40] And Todd Blanche was confirmed, [45:42] 50 to 49. [45:44] And now he has got the job [45:46] for the next two and a half years [45:48] to be the attorney general. [45:50] He's got to decide... [45:52] Unless he's fired. [45:53] Well, I mean, yes. [45:55] But, you know, [45:55] I think he's got to decide [45:57] what's he going to do now [46:00] as the attorney general, [46:01] not the acting, [46:02] but the attorney general. [46:04] And this Jeanine Pirro thing [46:05] is one of the early things [46:06] that he's got to decide. [46:08] She, as we talked about [46:09] a week or so ago, [46:10] she stepped up [46:11] and did the right thing. [46:12] She didn't have the evidence, [46:14] and she walked away [46:14] from the case. [46:16] Now, the question is, [46:16] is her boss, [46:17] either the president [46:18] of the United States [46:18] or the attorney general, [46:20] going to put pressure on her [46:21] to go back and redo it? [46:22] Those are the things [46:23] that the American people [46:25] will be disquieted by [46:26] when the justice system [46:28] is not working in a way [46:29] that is fair to people [46:31] across the country, [46:33] regardless of their political party [46:34] or their opinion [46:35] about the president. [46:36] Do you think Trump would fire her? [46:38] Well, I think he would be willing [46:39] to fire anybody at this point, [46:41] but I think this one's [46:42] going to be a hard one for him [46:44] because whoever he puts there, [46:46] when he's done that before, [46:47] it hasn't worked out. [46:48] Remember the Comey indictment? [46:50] Yeah. [46:51] Remember the Letitia James indictment [46:53] when he put new people [46:54] in those spots? [46:55] Just to do that, [46:55] it hasn't worked. [46:56] So he'd be concerned [46:57] about that, I think. [46:58] Donna? [46:58] She has ice in her blood. [47:00] I wouldn't cross if it was, [47:02] you know, go ahead [47:03] and walk across the street. [47:04] She's tough. [47:05] She's smart. [47:06] And she knew exactly [47:07] what she was doing. [47:08] She had no case [47:09] against Mr. Hearn [47:10] and those other individuals [47:12] who went to the reflecting pool [47:13] and saw that Donald Trump pool guy [47:16] couldn't put down the paint. [47:19] So he won't fire her. [47:21] All right, that's all for today. [47:22] Thank you for sharing [47:23] part of your Sunday with us. [47:25] Check out World News tonight [47:26] and have a great day.