Meet the Press

Dr. Richard Besser, the former acting CDC director and public health expert, presents compelling insights on the recent CDC decision to end routine hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns. He raises alarms about potential future outbreaks and the implications for public trust in the CDC. The conversation also touches on the importance of shared decision-making in public health and critiques the procedural chaos surrounding the advisory panel's vote, emphasizing the need for clarity and credibility in health guidelines.

Sens. Lindsey Graham and Amy Klobuchar share insights on their bipartisan effort to reunite Ukrainian families. Tensions escalate as military leaders testify about a controversial boat strike tied to drug trafficking. The Israeli ambassador discusses the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns about peace and rearmament. The podcast highlights the potential for cross-party cooperation on pressing issues while examining the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

Garrett Haake, NBC News senior White House correspondent, provides on-the-ground analysis of the White House's response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's controversial orders. Courtney Kuby, a national security specialist, discusses the implications of classified information handling. U.S. Representative Michael McCaul calls for transparency regarding military actions and critiques partisanship in Congress. Steve Kornacki breaks down the surprising results of the Tennessee special election, highlighting shifts in voter demographics that could impact future elections.

U.S. Representative Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican lawmaker, discusses the recent travel ban and critiques the vetting of evacuees, emphasizing congressional inaction. Former Homeland Security Secretary Jay Johnson dives into the complexities of asylum processes and legal ramifications of military strikes. NBC News's Courtney Kuby analyzes the legality of the president's military actions, while Julia Ainsley reports on the travel ban's implications for homeland security. Together, they unpack the political stakes surrounding immigration policy and national security.

U.S. Senator Mark Warner from Virginia, known for his role in intelligence oversight, addresses the recent controversial military strikes in the Caribbean. He raises concerns about the legal implications of targeting survivors and the lack of congressional oversight. Senior national security correspondent Courtney Kuby analyzes the legality of these so-called 'double tap' strikes and explores the potential consequences of escalating tensions with Venezuela. Together, they delve into the broader implications for U.S. military actions and regional stability.

Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and former South Dakota governor, discusses the fallout from a National Guard shooting and the administration's immigration policy response. Sen. Mark Kelly, a former NASA astronaut, shares concerns about military orders and the implications of recent immigration measures. Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota addresses the impact on his state's Somali community, pushing back against negative stereotypes and Trump’s remarks. Together, they explore national security, vetting processes, and the importance of responsible leadership.

Shawn VanDiver, founder of AfghanEvac, sheds light on the crucial vetting process for Afghan refugees, especially in light of recent political tensions. He argues for transparency and criticizes the politicization of refugee policies. The discussion also touches on the alarming resignation of a Ukrainian aide amid corruption probes and bipartisan efforts by Reps. Joe Courtney and Greg Murphy tackling the opioid crisis among veterans. They emphasize the importance of data-driven legislation and collaborative governance.

Zach Walls, an Iowa state senator and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, dives into his campaign and focuses on his affordability agenda. He shares insights on how he plans to engage Iowa voters about pressing economic issues. Walls emphasizes the need for bipartisan cooperation to tackle challenges. The conversation also touches on the broader political landscape, assessing how affordability concerns impact voter decisions. His fresh perspective presents a new generation of Democrats ready to address the needs of their constituents.

Mike Kennedy, a Republican U.S. Representative from Utah and physician, shares his insights on health care policy. He discusses the potential of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high-risk pools to empower patients and control costs. Kennedy emphasizes the need for targeted subsidies to support those in greater need and navigates the tension between immediate fixes and long-term reforms. His perspectives shed light on the Republican approach to healthcare amidst ongoing debates and political divisions.

Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor-elect of New York City and an advocate for affordable housing, shares insights from his recent meeting with President Trump. He describes the meeting as productive, despite still considering Trump a 'fascist.' Mamdani outlines his ambitious $9 billion affordability plan and discusses the complexities of zoning laws. He emphasizes the need for humane immigration policies and a focus on community safety while keeping trust in local law enforcement. Mamdani also reflects on engaging younger voters and the future of the Democratic Party.