2WAY Morning Meeting — September 9, 2025

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Today's episode of the 2WAY Morning Meeting focuses on the escalating uproar over a high-profile murder on the Charlotte light rail system, its political fallout in the North Carolina Senate race—especially pressure mounting on Democratic hopeful Roy Cooper—as well as the broader national debates on crime, media coverage, public safety, and political messaging. The hosts—Mark Halperin, Sean Spicer, and Dan Turrentine—also touch on breaking news from the Israel-Hamas conflict and shifting dynamics in urban America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Litigation and Public Perception

Timestamps: 05:34 – 09:46

• The group discusses the case related to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations concerning Donald Trump’s signature.
  • Mark quizzes Dan and Sean for their sense of how many in Washington believe Trump authorized a note linked to the case (near unanimity among journalists and high percentages among officials).
  • Sean suggests Michael Cohen’s denial that the note was Trump’s handiwork carries weight because Cohen is generally critical of Trump:

    “If somebody that close to him… who clearly doesn't have nice things to say…sides with Trump…makes me actually believe this could have been an aide…Trump knows what he's doing in this case.” (07:58, Sean)

  • Dan notes two points to watch: whether Ghislaine Maxwell will get pardoned, and if victims will name names, which could breathe new life into the story.

2. Charlotte Light Rail Murder: Political, Racial, and Media Reactions

Timestamps: 09:46 – 16:27

• The murder—caught on video—has exploded as a political flashpoint in North Carolina, with national resonance.
• Mark Halperin: Race is "just is" a factor in the coverage and controversy, even if some try to argue otherwise.
• Dan predicts that the story will sustain political attention because it feeds Republican messaging on crime and immigration:

  “For Donald Trump, I don’t blame them…every parent thinks that could be my kid.” (11:31, Dan)

• Sean lambasts both Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and the media:
  • Argues repeated releases of the perpetrator were a systemic failure; calls Cooper's attempt to leverage the incident for budgetary purposes "despicable and pathetic."
  • Criticizes the media:

    “The lack of coverage…is unbelievable…media and the left have created this problem for themselves.” (12:28, Sean)

• Dan agrees reforms post-George Floyd failed, noting Democrats have quietly retreated from some progressive stances on crime:
  • “The party hasn't wanted to reconcile with all of this stuff publicly.”
• A sharp debate ensues about who’s responsible for rising crime and whether media coverage is politically selective.
• Mark Halperin urges not to “fetishize” coverage of this specific case over the systemic issue:

  “This one shouldn’t be covered so disproportionately. It’s unfair to the other victims of crime.” (16:34, Mark)

3. Breaking News: Israeli Strike in Qatar

Timestamps: 31:22 – 33:10

• Reports emerge during the show of an unprecedented Israeli attack on Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar.
• The hosts highlight the diplomatic shockwaves:
  • Sean: “This could be a big deal… If [Qatar] weren't [warned], that's a big, big problem…this could have serious diplomatic repercussions.” (32:07)
  • Dan: Notes the official Israeli admission of the strike and the uncertain Qatari reaction, which will shape the region’s response.

4. Political Messaging & Prospective Candidates: Bashir vs. West Moore

Timestamps: 21:38 – 26:27

• Clips from Democratic Governors Andy Beshear (KY) and Wes Moore (MD) showcase diverging pitches for post-Biden party leadership.
  • Sean jibes: “Did Bashir have a message?… I dozed off…” (24:37)
  • Dan argues Beshear’s “common sense and get stuff done” approach may be more effective than Moore’s “word salad.”
  • Both discuss which of these figures they would rather consult for in a presidential campaign, with general consensus that Beshear has better odds for a top ticket spot, while Moore seems more suited as a VP candidate.

5. Urban Crime, Mayoral Races, and Voter Backlash

Timestamps: 26:27 – 29:18; 53:53 – 57:17

• Discussion about the New York City mayor’s race: a poll shows leftist candidate Mondami at 46%, with the establishment scrambling to block him.
• Mark and Dan consider the possibility that the anti-Mondami campaign by wealthy elites could backfire, fueling outsider support.
• Later, a caller from Denver shares first-hand experiences of urban disorder and asks how US cities got here and how to move forward.
  • Dan: Describes the historical pendulum of urban order and attributes current problems to cuts in mental health funding and policy reversals.
  • Sean: Blames “soft on crime” Democratic policies; argues, “You make it a priority, Giuliani did it in the 90s…you can’t be anti-cop, pro-drugs, and wonder why things are disgusting.”

6. Audience Q&A: National Education Crisis, Crime Solutions, and Bioethics

Timestamps: 35:59 – 51:25

• Education: Michael Briggs raises alarms about plummeting test scores. Dan and Sean lament the national neglect of education, with Mark noting a future ambition to host deep-dive conversations on such issues.
  • Sean: "We're…willing to accept this level of mediocrity in our education system is unbelievable." (43:28)
• Bioethics (Surrogacy & Artificial Wombs): Sheila expresses concern about unchecked surrogacy and reproductive technology.
  • Both panelists highlight the need for empathy but also regulation, especially to protect vulnerable women from exploitation.

    “If this is to modify to create an army of childless parents…that’s one thing. If it’s innovation to allow parents struggling…to achieve that gift, I’m empathetic…” (50:24, Dan)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Mark Halperin: “Race is playing a role in this. It just is. Just is.” (09:46)
• Sean Spicer: “The media and the left have created this problem for themselves and I think Republicans hopefully will drive it home.” (13:30)
• Dan Turrentine: “Democrats' attempts at police reform and crime reform coming out of George Floyd largely failed. Not enforcing small [crimes]…not working.” (13:48)
• Mark Halperin (on disproportionate media focus): “This one shouldn’t be covered so disproportionately. It’s unfair to the other victims of crime.” (16:34)
• On education: “The idea that we’re, as a country, willing to accept this level of mediocrity in our education is unbelievable.” (Sean, 43:28)

Additional Topics — “Lightning Round”

Timestamps: 17:18 – 21:12)

• The hosts quickly cover Israel’s probable plans to occupy Gaza, the prospects for a government shutdown (short one likely), and Senate machinations.

Audience Interaction: “Conversations Like No Other”

• Multiple listeners call in with local perspectives on politics, education, bioethics, and public safety, illustrating the show's commitment to grassroots engagement and dialogue across divides.

Final Thoughts

The September 9, 2025 episode of 2WAY Morning Meeting offered listeners a fast-paced, deeply candid look at the interplay of crime, politics, and media manipulation in America’s urban centers—with a specific spotlight on the political tremors stemming from the Charlotte light rail murder. The hosts’ ideological diversity created sharp, sometimes heated analysis, yet reinforced the show’s ethos of open, respectful debate. Breaking news from the Middle East and calls from a news-savvy audience kept the conversation topical and interactive.

Important Timestamps

• Epstein/Trump segment: 05:34 – 09:46
• Charlotte Light Rail/Media & Politics: 09:46 – 16:27
• Israel strike in Qatar: 31:22 – 33:10
• Beshear/West Moore messages: 21:38 – 26:27
• NYC Mayoral poll analysis: 26:27 – 29:18
• Audience Q&A Education: 35:59 – 45:44
• Bioethics/Surrogacy: 45:44 – 51:25
• Urban crime solutions: 53:53 – 57:17

For full context, listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or join the conversation live on TwoWay.