Morning Joe

Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a former U.S. Army officer and military law expert, joins to discuss the serious implications of Trump's incendiary comments about Democrats. Hertling emphasizes the military's duty to refuse illegal orders, highlighting the importance of the constitutional oath. The conversation turns to the dangers of political rhetoric, referencing past events like January 6. They also unpack Trump's attempts to distract from pressing issues with extreme claims, while noting the potential consequences of such inflammatory language.

Ken Delanian, a seasoned justice intelligence reporter, joins the discussion to dive deep into the implications of a new Gallup poll showing a significant Democratic advantage. The conversation explores rising economic pressures and hidden healthcare costs affecting voter sentiment. Delanian also sheds light on irregularities in the Comey indictment process, raising questions about prosecutorial confidence. Additionally, he discusses the potential political motivations behind recent legal actions and the ongoing fallout from redistricting controversies.

Jim VandeHei, CEO of Axios, analyzes the political ramifications of Trump's contradictory statements regarding the Epstein files, sparking debate within his own base. Lizzie Presser, an investigative reporter, shares shocking insights from her ProPublica piece on maternal deaths due to restrictive abortion laws in Texas, illuminating the severe consequences for women's health. The conversation also touches on the complexities of governance influenced by loyalty among Trump appointees, adding depth to the discourse on the current political landscape.

Lisa Rubin, a senior legal reporter for MS Now, joins to dissect the House's upcoming bipartisan vote on releasing the Epstein files. She explains the bill's requirements and sheds light on potential exceptions regarding ongoing investigations. The conversation dives into the political pressures that led to this moment, highlighting survivors' advocacy. Joe and Lisa also connect the dots on Epstein's connections and discuss the implications of selective document releases. Legal intricacies around the Comey case further illustrate the complexities of political accountability.

David French, an Opinion columnist at The New York Times focused on political and religious issues, jointly with Jim VandeHei, CEO of Axios, dives into critical topics. They discuss the humanitarian fallout from stringent deportations by Homeland Security, leaving families in distress. French critiques the intersection of Christian values with Trumpism, while VandeHei analyzes the fissures within the MAGA movement, emphasizing internal rivalries and policy debates. They also touch on the political ramifications surrounding the release of Epstein case files and public backlash.

Vaughn Hilliard, a senior White House reporter at MSNBC, joins the conversation about the fallout from the Epstein conspiracy and Trump's dwindling control over it. The discussion reveals that while Trump initially fueled the controversy, he now finds himself struggling with backlash from his own party. They also explore the implications of the Epstein files, which resonate beyond politics and highlight the GOP's internal divisions. Hilliard emphasizes that Trump's current vulnerability makes the reemergence of Epstein particularly detrimental to his influence.

Lisa Rubin, a senior legal reporter and former litigator, dives into the newly released Epstein emails revealing connections to Donald Trump. She emphasizes the implications these emails hold politically and legally. The conversation includes the White House's denial of wrongdoing, public opinion on transparency, and the possible dangers for Republican senators facing pressure from constituents. Rubin also discusses the credibility of the emails and lingering questions about Trump's potential knowledge of Epstein's actions.

The discussion revolves around how Democrats cleverly framed the government shutdown to spotlight rising health care costs. Panelists criticize Republicans for their lack of a concrete health plan, emphasizing a disconnection with middle-class concerns. As lawmakers regroup, the conversation highlights Chuck Schumer's role in navigating contentious negotiations. Predictions emerge about health care becoming a central battleground in future political fights, especially as voters grow wary of Trump's disconnect from their struggles.

Steve Ratner, a former Treasury official and economic analyst, and Ali Vitali, an MSNBC Capitol Hill reporter, dive into the Senate's recent government funding bill. Ratner shares insights on the economic impact of shutdowns, highlighting citizen concerns over rising costs and inflation. Vitali discusses the backlash from progressives regarding the Senate deal and examines how political dynamics may shift for House Republicans. They also explore the evolving perceptions of the Democratic brand and its implications for upcoming elections.

Katty Kay, a seasoned journalist and BBC U.S. correspondent, shares sharp insights on the political landscape surrounding the government shutdown. She critiques Donald Trump's dwindling support and debates the strategic moves Democrats should make. The conversation also touches on how shutdowns shape party identities and the historical context of past shutdowns. With intriguing discussions on intra-party divisions and the potential for future shutdowns, Kay navigates the complex web of contemporary American politics with clarity.