Morning Joe Podcast Summary – November 11, 2024
Hosts and Guests:
- Joe Scarborough (Host)
- Mika Brzezinski (Host)
- Reverend Al Sharpton (President of the National Action Network and Host of MSNBC's Politics Nation)
- Zanny Minton Beddoes (Editor-in-Chief of The Economist)
- Jonathan Lemire (Host of Way Too Early and White House Bureau Chief at Politico)
- Richard Haass (President Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations)
1. Opening Remarks and Veterans Day Observances [02:27 – 02:52]
Mika Brzezinski opens the show by acknowledging Veterans Day, setting a respectful tone for the discussions ahead.
2. Sports Commentary: Patriots, Jets, and the NFL [02:52 – 05:01]
The hosts briefly discuss recent NFL outcomes:
- Joe Scarborough: Mentions the New England Patriots' victory and the Detroit Lions' impressive comeback.
- Zanny Minton Beddoes highlights Aaron Rodgers' struggles with the Jets and contrasts it with the consistent performance of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions.
Notable Quote:
"Great teams find a way to win when they're playing terribly. That's why no one this year is confusing the Dallas Cowboys as a great team. They're playing terribly and they just keep losing." — Joe Scarborough [04:46]
3. Donald Trump's Transition and Immigration Policy [05:01 – 09:04]
Mika Brzezinski introduces the topic of Donald Trump's transition efforts, focusing on his appointments and immigration policies. The Wall Street Journal reports on Trump's transition team's strategy, including selecting cabinet candidates adept at promoting his agenda.
Key Points:
- Tom Homan appointed as Border Czar, tasked with deporting illegal immigrants.
- Anticipation of mass deportations and the political challenges they may pose.
- Potential for early chaos reminiscent of Trump's first term.
Notable Quote:
"If you're keeping some sort of list of your enemies, then we should not be on that list." — Joe Scarborough [06:12]
4. Exclusion of Former Cabinet Members: Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo [09:04 – 11:41]
Discussion on Trump’s decision not to include former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in his administration.
Zanny Minton Beddoes emphasizes a shift from the 2016 Trump campaign, where establishment figures were included, to a focus on loyalists.
Notable Quote:
"In 2016, he was willing to let the establishment figures make suggestions. That's why he ended up with some grownups in the room... This time around, that's not the case. It's just going to be loyalists." — Zanny Minton Beddoes [10:09]
5. Trump-Putin Communications and Ukraine Conflict [11:41 – 15:23]
Joe Scarborough references a Washington Post article about Trump’s conversation with Putin, urging Russia not to escalate the war in Ukraine.
Richard Haass provides analysis:
- Haass trusts the Washington Post report over Russian statements.
- Highlights challenges in negotiating peace given the current offensive stance of Russia and Iran.
Notable Quote:
"I think right now it looks as though Putin has the upper hand." — Richard Haass [14:41]
6. Antisemitic Violence in Amsterdam [25:45 – 26:41]
Report on the arrest of over 60 individuals following antisemitic attacks during a soccer match between Dutch and Israeli teams. The violence was organized and facilitated through messaging apps like Telegram.
Notable Quote:
"It was calculated, it was frightening. And it confirms everything we've been saying about antisemitism across Europe and the globe." — Joe Scarborough [23:26]
7. Middle East Diplomacy: Saudi Summit and Regional Dynamics [26:41 – 33:37]
Keir Simmons from NBC News reports on the Saudi-led summit aimed at de-escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting the shifting alliances and diplomatic efforts involving 80 countries.
Richard Haass discusses the complexities:
- Emphasizes the fractured state of Middle Eastern politics.
- Notes the emerging diplomacy between Gulf states and Iran, contrasting with Israel’s confrontational stance.
Notable Quote:
"The real question will be, are they serious about the millions and millions of people?" — Reverend Al Sharpton [08:36]
8. Democratic Party's Reflective Analysis and Maureen Dowd's NYT Piece [33:37 – 46:34]
Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough delve into Maureen Dowd's analysis of the Democratic Party's recent electoral losses, focusing on identity politics and alienation of the working class.
Key Points:
- Rachel O'Leary Carmona emphasizes the need for building political power beyond marches.
- Reverend Al Sharpton stresses the importance of grassroots organizing connected to policy changes.
- Maureen Dowd's article argues that the Democratic Party's focus on "wokeness" alienated key voter demographics, leading to Trump's electoral gains.
Notable Quotes:
"The party embraced a worldview of hyper political correctness, condescension and cancellation. This alienated half of the country or more." — Maureen Dowd [41:21]
"Police reform never said defund the police. We were trying to get police of color and of other circumstances up in these departments to deal with..." — Reverend Al Sharpton [51:31]
9. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s Future [19:34 – 21:05]
Discussion on the possibility of Justice Sotomayor stepping down before Trump takes office, allowing President Biden to appoint a younger justice.
Key Points:
- Joe Scarborough is skeptical about Justice Sotomayor's retirement.
- Reverend Al Sharpton and Mika Brzezinski agree it’s not a sensible approach.
- The debate touches on the long-term implications for the Supreme Court's balance.
Notable Quote:
"She's only 70 years old." — Joe Scarborough [20:43]
10. Future of U.S. Hegemony and Global Diplomacy [36:10 – 38:35]
Richard Haass contemplates the diminished capacity of the U.S. to dictate global affairs, contrasting it with the past and reflecting on the complexities Trump will face in international relations.
Notable Quote:
"This is not a world of American hegemony. This is a world in which all sorts of military capacities have spread..." — Richard Haass [36:10]
11. Cultural and Educational Shifts: Campus Politics and "Wokeness" [43:07 – 57:24]
Deep dive into the cultural battles within educational institutions and the Democratic Party's alignment with progressive ideologies. Discusses the impact on voter perception and party unity.
Key Points:
- Joe Scarborough critiques the Democratic Party’s cautiousness in addressing campus disruptions and the broader implications for policy and elections.
- Reverend Al Sharpton defends police reform initiatives against misinterpretations like "defunding the police."
- Richard Haass and Zanny Minton Beddoes reflect on the disconnect between elite progressive agendas and the broader electorate's views.
Notable Quote:
"Democrats did not know how to talk to normal Americans. Take a look. We are not the party of common sense." — Julie Roginski, Democratic Strategist [43:07]
12. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments [57:24 – End]
Mika Brzezinski previews upcoming segments, including further analysis of Maureen Dowd's piece, antisemitic violence insights, and international developments.
Conclusion: The November 11, 2024 episode of Morning Joe provides an extensive analysis of current political dynamics, focusing on Donald Trump's transition plans, the Democratic Party's internal challenges, and significant international issues, including Middle Eastern diplomacy and antisemitic violence in Amsterdam. The hosts and guests offer critical insights, supported by notable quotes and robust discussions aimed at understanding the multifaceted landscape of American politics and its global interactions.