Morning Joe Episode Summary – November 13, 2024

Hosts: Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, along with guest Willie Geist

Introduction

In the November 13, 2024 episode of Morning Joe, hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, joined by Willie Geist and a panel of political analysts—including Jonathan Lemire, Sam Stein, and Jackie Alemany—delved into the latest political developments as the nation stands on the brink of a significant transition of power. The episode focused extensively on President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet selections, the anticipated White House meeting with outgoing President Joe Biden, and the incoming administration's policies on defense and immigration.

Trump’s Defense Secretary Nomination

Key Topic: Appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

Joe Scarborough opened the discussion by addressing President-elect Trump's unexpected nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as the new Secretary of Defense. Scarborough expressed concerns over Hegseth's limited experience in Department of Defense (DoD) policy, noting, “I confess I did not know who Pete Hegseth was until about 20 minutes ago” [01:02]. Hegseth, a military veteran with service in the Army National Guard, faces scrutiny for his comments criticizing "WOKE policies" in the military and opposing women in combat roles, as highlighted in a recent podcast interview.

Notable Quote:

Joe Scarborough [01:02]: “The lack of experience is concerning. The Pentagon is the biggest bureaucracy in the world, it's a hard thing to run.”

Reactions from Pols and Experts

Key Points:

• Congressional Response: Democratic Congressman Adam Smith and some Republicans expressed surprise and concern over Hegseth’s lack of detailed DoD background. Smith emphasized the challenges Hegseth might face in navigating the Pentagon's complexities.

• Republican Stance: While some Republicans remain silent publicly, commentators like Sam Stein suggested that internal support for Trump may shield Hegseth from immediate backlash. However, figures like David Rowe from NBC News highlighted potential issues, especially regarding policies on women in combat.

Notable Quotes:

Joe Scarborough [03:31]: “How would they correct it? You gotta fire the Chairman of Joint Chiefs… get DEI and CRT out of military academy.”

David Rowe [06:59]: “Women in combat have to take physical tests… there are very large numbers of women who are combat pilots, very experienced ones.”

Senate Republican Leadership Race

Key Topic: Race to Become Senate Majority Leader

Sam Stein provided updates on the ongoing Republican race for Senate Majority Leader, detailing the contenders—Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott. Jackie Alemany noted the unconventional and secretive nature of the ballot, indicating potential shifts in traditional power dynamics.

Notable Quote:

Jackie Alemany [34:12]: “This could perhaps be the first opportunity for Senate Republicans to buck President Elect Trump.”

Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies

Key Topics:

• Detention Centers Expansion: The Trump administration is reportedly planning to double ICE's detention capacity to over 80,000 beds, targeting not just recent migrants but individuals who have been in the country for years. This includes a revival of family detention practices previously halted by the Biden administration.

• Private Prison Involvement: Discussions with private prison companies like GeoGroup and CoreCivic aim to expedite the establishment of new detention facilities in major metropolitan areas, including Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and the Northeast corridor.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Stein [24:10]: “These detention centers would be used to hold immigrants before they are deported as part of Trump's promised mass deportation plan.”

Jackie Alemany [27:33]: “If you exempt one group, more of those people will come. They want to show a really big impact on day one.”

CIA Director Nomination

Key Topic: John Ratcliffe’s Nomination as CIA Director

John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, has been nominated again to lead the CIA. Willie Geist suggested that his prior experience might facilitate a smoother confirmation, though concerns remain about the politicization of intelligence.

Notable Quotes:

David Rowe [19:01]: “Trump could politicize the findings of the CIA… what's best for the country vs. personal loyalty.”

Willie Geist [16:54]: “I think the most controversial one is Pete Hegseth… He's a tool of Donald Trump in terms of expanding presidential power.”

Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Resignation

Key Topic: Resignation of Special Counsel Jack Smith

Jonathan Lemire reported that Special Counsel Jack Smith is set to resign alongside his team before the new administration takes office. Smith was investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents.

Notable Quotes:

Willie Geist [32:25]: “Trump will have evaded the accountability that he richly deserves for January 6th.”

Additional News Briefs

• Automotive Rescue: Dramatic rescues featured NBC’s coverage of an officer saving a man from a submerged car.

• Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show Cancellation: Due to cost-cutting measures, the iconic holiday light show in New York's Midtown was canceled, marking the end of a decades-long tradition.

Conclusion

The episode concluded with reflections on the impending transition of power, highlighting the stark differences between President Biden's orderly handover and Trump's assertive approach. Hosts and guests anticipated that Trump’s cabinet choices and policy directions would significantly shape the nation's political landscape and potentially spark both support and opposition across various sectors.

Key Takeaways

• Defense Secretary Nomination: Pete Hegseth’s appointment raises questions about qualifications and the potential impact of his policies on military inclusivity.

• Immigration Policies: The Trump administration’s push for expanded detention centers may lead to significant societal and economic repercussions, alongside public protests.

• Political Dynamics: The Republican leadership race and the resignation of Special Counsel Jack Smith signify shifting power structures and the unresolved legal challenges facing Trump.

• Economic Concerns: Discussions around tariffs and protectionist measures highlight ongoing debates about their effectiveness and potential to exacerbate inflation.

This comprehensive episode of Morning Joe provided in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives on critical political developments, offering listeners valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of American governance.