Morning Joe – November 5, 2024: Election Day Showdown

Hosts: Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski
Guests: Jonathan LeMere (Way Too Early Host and Politico White House Bureau Chief), Claire McCaskill (Former U.S. Senator and MSNBC Political Analyst), and Eugene Robinson (Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist, Washington Post Associate Editor)
Release Date: November 5, 2024

1. Election Day Overview

As dawn breaks on Election Day, Morning Joe delves into the nation's most pivotal political event. With an estimated 79 million Americans having cast their ballots by early morning, the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is unprecedented in its closeness, potentially marking the most competitive election in recent U.S. history.

Joe Scarborough (02:15): "If you believe the polls, Willie, then we are deadlocked at a tie."

2. Race Analysis: A Nation Divided

The hosts and guests analyze poll aggregations from major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, all indicating a statistical tie. However, there are nuances:

• Kamala Harris: Showing a slight upward trend, increased by 4-4.5 points from previous days, signaling potential momentum.

• Donald Trump: Remains confident but less so than earlier in the campaign, relying heavily on his steadfast base.

Claire McCaskill (10:05): "The Harris campaign obviously feeling very good this morning that they have just enough to win this."

3. Ground Game: Democrats Surge Ahead

A significant discussion centered on the disparity in ground operations between the Democratic and Republican campaigns:

• Democrats: Boasting over 90,000 volunteers and knocking on more than 3 million doors across battleground states, the party's infrastructure is robust and seasoned from years of campaigning.

  Eugene Robinson (15:30): "They have more volunteers they know what to do with. They have their stories in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin."

• Republicans: The Trump campaign has outsourced much of its ground efforts, relying on paid initiatives rather than grassroots volunteering. This strategy might undermine their effectiveness in crucial swing states.

  Jonathan LeMere (18:45): "The Trump campaign is using Elon Musk, to other groups. And there's also a difference between a volunteer knocking on a door and someone who's paid to be there."

4. Final Campaign Speeches: Hope vs. Attack

The final hours of the campaign showcased starkly contrasting closing arguments from both candidates:

• Kamala Harris: Emphasizes optimism, hope, and inclusive leadership, aiming to inspire voters with a vision of unity and progressive change.

  Kamala Harris (25:10): "We are optimistic and excited about what we will do together. We know it is time for a new generation of leadership in America."

• Donald Trump: Adopts a more aggressive and confrontational tone, targeting opponents with personal attacks and painting a bleak picture of the future without his leadership.

  Donald Trump (28:50): "Nancy Pelosi, who cheats like hell. She's a crooked person. She is a bad person. Evil."

These speeches not only highlight different campaign strategies but also reflect the underlying tensions and divisions within the electorate.

5. Historical Perspective: The Uniqueness of Trump’s Challenge

Presidential historians Jon Meacham and Michael Beschloss provided a deeper understanding of the potential implications of the election outcome:

• Jon Meacham (35:20): "Donald Trump is a unique threat to the constitutional order because he does not respect the rule of law."

• Michael Beschloss (37:55): "This day is a hinge moment. We're choosing between freedom and democracy on one side and authoritarianism and dictatorship on the other."

They emphasized that regardless of the election result, the repercussions of Trump's rhetoric and actions over the past years have left a lasting impact on American democracy and civic engagement.

6. The Battle for Voter Trust and Civic Education

A critical issue raised was the disinformation and its effect on voter perception:

• Eugene Robinson (42:10): "There is a sort of Russian embrace of disinformation, a radical devaluing of truth over the last nine to 10 years."

• Claire McCaskill (44:30): "We are on trial. The American citizenry is on the ballot."

The discussion highlighted the challenges in addressing misinformation and the urgent need for enhancing civic education to restore trust in democratic institutions and processes.

7. Closing Thoughts: The Stakes Beyond the Election

As the night unfolds, the hosts ponder the broader implications of the election outcome on U.S. foreign policy, domestic unity, and the future of American democracy. They underscore the importance of voter turnout, the influence of grassroots movements, and the enduring significance of maintaining democratic principles.

Joe Scarborough (58:50): "This is about a future with freedom and opportunity and dignity for all Americans."

8. Looking Ahead

Morning Joe promises continued coverage into the night, with live reports from battleground states, analysis from polling experts like Steve Kornacki, and further insights from political historians. The outcome of this election is poised to shape the nation's trajectory for years to come, making today a historic pivot point in American politics.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Scarborough (02:15): "If you believe the polls, Willie, then we are deadlocked at a tie."

• Claire McCaskill (10:05): "The Harris campaign obviously feeling very good this morning that they have just enough to win this."

• Eugene Robinson (15:30): "They have more volunteers they know what to do with. They have their stories in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin."

• Jonathan LeMere (18:45): "The Trump campaign is using Elon Musk, to other groups. And there's also a difference between a volunteer knocking on a door and someone who's paid to be there."

• Kamala Harris (25:10): "We are optimistic and excited about what we will do together. We know it is time for a new generation of leadership in America."

• Donald Trump (28:50): "Nancy Pelosi, who cheats like hell. She's a crooked person. She is a bad person. Evil."

• Jon Meacham (35:20): "Donald Trump is a unique threat to the constitutional order because he does not respect the rule of law."

• Michael Beschloss (37:55): "This day is a hinge moment. We're choosing between freedom and democracy on one side and authoritarianism and dictatorship on the other."

• Eugene Robinson (42:10): "There is a sort of Russian embrace of disinformation, a radical devaluing of truth over the last nine to 10 years."

• Claire McCaskill (44:30): "We are on trial. The American citizenry is on the ballot."

• Joe Scarborough (58:50): "This is about a future with freedom and opportunity and dignity for all Americans."

This summary captures the essence of the November 5, 2024 episode of Morning Joe, providing a comprehensive overview of the day's critical discussions and insights surrounding one of the most consequential elections in recent U.S. history.