Ali Velshi is joined by NBC News’ Raf Sanchez, Janis Mackey Frayer, Kelly O’Donnell, Laurence Tribe, Charlie Dent, Joe Walsh, Steve Benen, A. Scott Bolden, Dave Jones, and a Law Professor. They discuss the devastating earthquake in Morocco, President Biden's trip to Vietnam, government funding and impeachment discussions, Republicans' actions, aftermath of a major earthquake, Alabama's AG power, the term 'banana republic,' and challenges of abortion access.
Some House Republicans are discussing the possibility of impeaching President Biden to appease their pro-Trump base.
Hard-right Republicans in the House may use the funding bill to secure policy concessions and spending cuts, against the wishes of more pragmatic Republicans.
Legal cases against former President Trump are progressing, with efforts to challenge his eligibility for future presidential runs gaining momentum.
The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters linked to climate change are posing challenges for the insurance industry.
Deep dives
Rescue Efforts Underway After Devastating Earthquake in Morocco
Rescue and search teams are working tirelessly in Morocco to save survivors and recover bodies following a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near Marrakesh. The earthquake has caused extensive damage to buildings, leaving many completely collapsed. The death toll currently stands at over 2,000, with over 2,000 people injured. Rescue teams, including the help of sniffer dogs and helicopters, are combing through the debris to save anyone who may still be alive. The remote villages in the region are particularly difficult to reach due to blocked roads and rock slides. It is a race against time to save as many lives as possible before the critical 72-hour window for rescue ends.
Republicans Consider Impeachment of President Biden
Some members of the House Freedom Caucus, along with other hard-right Republicans, are discussing the possibility of impeaching President Joe Biden. While there is no basis for impeachment, these lawmakers are entertaining the idea in an attempt to appease their voter base, which is still fiercely loyal to Donald Trump. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is attempting to strike a delicate balance, as there is opposition among Republicans, particularly those in swing districts, who view an impeachment inquiry as unnecessary and damaging. The push for impeachment is likely to be unsuccessful, as both the math and the lack of substantial evidence are against it.
Implications of a Government Shutdown Loom
The House and Senate have less than three weeks to pass a bill to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. However, hard-right Republicans in the House, known as the chaos caucus, are contemplating using the funding bill to secure policy concessions and spending cuts. This approach is not favored by more pragmatic Republicans, including those who represent districts won by Joe Biden. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy may attempt to strike a deal that would receive bipartisan support in the Senate and marginalize the hard-right members of the party. However, there is a risk that a side deal could include an impeachment inquiry, further complicating matters and putting moderate members in competitive districts in a tough position.
Legal Cases Against Donald Trump Move Forward
Legal cases against former President Donald Trump are progressing. Efforts to challenge his eligibility for future presidential runs are gaining momentum. These cases aim to disqualify him based on his role in the Capitol insurrection and potential violations of the 14th Amendment. While there is debate on the interpretation of the disqualification clause, Trump's allies in Congress continue to push forward with this effort. The outcome will ultimately depend on the courts, and this process could have significant implications for Trump's political future.
Devastating Earthquake in Morocco
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco has resulted in a high death toll and significant damage. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but hope is fading as time runs out. This event highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response measures in earthquake-prone regions.
The Ongoing Battle Over Abortion Rights
Alabama's Attorney General, Steve Marshall, is pushing for even stricter measures to curb abortion rights. He is now asserting the power to criminally prosecute individuals who assist women in traveling to other states for abortions. This move further undermines women's bodily autonomy and intensifies the nationwide fight to protect reproductive rights.
Climate Change Impacts Insurance Industry
The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters linked to climate change are causing major challenges for the insurance industry. Insurers are raising rates, reducing coverage, and even pulling out of high-risk areas, leaving homeowners vulnerable. The situation is particularly dire in states like Florida, Texas, and California, where residents are struggling to find affordable and accessible coverage.
Ali Velshi is joined by NBC News’ Raf Sanchez, NBC News’ Janis Mackey Frayer, NBC News’ Kelly O’Donnell, Professor of Constitutional Law Emeritus at Harvard Law School Laurence Tribe, former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA), former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL), Producer on The Rachel Maddow Show Steve Benen, former Chair of the National Bar Association PAC A. Scott Bolden, Director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the UC Berkeley’s Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment Dave Jones, Law Professor and Historian at UC Davis Law School Mary Ziegler, Operations Director at West Alabama Women’s Center Robin Marty
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