Morning Joe – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Putin, Kim Jong Un attend Xi's 'Victory Day' event in Beijing
Date: September 3, 2025
Hosts: Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Willie Geist
Notable Guests/Contributors: Richard Wolffe, Mike Barnacle, Janice Mackie Frayer, Anne Applebaum, David Drucker, TJ Holmes, Jonathan Lemire
Overview
This lively edition of Morning Joe focuses on the global realignment of autocratic leaders as Presidents Xi Jinping (China), Vladimir Putin (Russia), and Kim Jong Un (North Korea) converge in Beijing for a massive 'Victory Day' military parade. The episode explores the escalating symbolism and substance of authoritarian collaboration, what it means for Western democracies, and how the U.S. should respond. Other major topics include RFK Jr.'s controversial tenure as HHS Secretary, political shakeups in the Senate, and fleeting moments of sports banter.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Authoritarian Summit in Beijing: Victory Day Parade
(10:21–16:09, 17:23–24:26)
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Xi Jinping's Parade:
- Lavish display of military strength in Beijing marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
- Attendees include Putin, Kim, and leaders from two dozen mostly autocratic countries, notably absent: the U.S.
- Emphasis on new hypersonic missiles, drones, and “the world’s most powerful laser."
- Xi frames China as leading the world toward a choice “between peace or war”—while projecting military might.
“He claimed the world is facing a choice between peace or war with Putin at his side, ironically.”
—Mike Barnacle, [11:42] -
Symbolism of Autocratic Solidarity:
- Janice Mackie Frayer (NBC’s Beijing correspondent) describes the spectacle’s heavy symbolism (security, press restrictions, optics of unity).
- Kim Jong Un travels in his armored train, brings his daughter, grabs attention.
- Putin thanks Kim for providing soldiers to the war in Ukraine, highlighting North Korea’s growing role in global conflict.
“What we're seeing is ... the world's autocracies ... are beginning to make common cause. And the thing that they are consolidating around is their dislike of us.”
—Anne Applebaum, [16:25]
2. The West’s Position and Response
(17:23–24:26)
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Global Power Dynamics:
- Joe Scarborough stresses economic and military disparities; U.S. and allies collectively dwarf China, Russia, North Korea.
- Despite relative weakness, autocracies gain strength through mutual support—no need to “save face” in front of the world, unlike the old Soviet Union.
- Applebaum and Wolffe emphasize that Western division allows autocrats to advance; stress the importance of Western unity.
“If we divide, united we stand. Divided we fall, both internationally ... and also domestically, the consensus about America's role in the world.”
—Richard Wolffe, [19:23]“Unless we reverse that view, unless we put pressure on them, then they'll take us seriously again.”
—Anne Applebaum, [21:35] -
Implications for Ukraine and Global Security:
- Hosts question whether America truly wants the likes of Putin and Xi determining Ukraine’s future and the fates of Eastern/Central Europe.
- Applebaum warns of Putin’s “limitless ambition,” citing historic precedents and the continuing threat to European security.
“This is somebody who has limitless ambition. He will go as far as he's allowed to go.”
—Anne Applebaum, [23:20]- Discussion of lagging U.S. leadership both on foreign and domestic political consensus; calls for the Senate to step up with sanctions.
3. RFK Jr. and the CDC Crisis
(03:56–07:02; 31:12–42:17)
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RFK Jr.’s Controversial Stance:
- Widespread condemnation from former CDC leaders and the hosts after a Wall Street Journal op-ed by RFK Jr. asserting he’s restoring trust at the agency.
- Hosts unambiguously critique RFK Jr. for undermining public health and vaccine confidence.
- Senator Bill Cassidy comes under fire for supporting RFK Jr.’s HHS nomination (“He knew this was going to be a disaster” — Joe Scarborough, [04:13]).
“You’ve got eight months of evidence that we’ve got someone in that job who’s manifestly unqualified... and dangerous.”
—Richard Wolffe, [04:57] -
Political Cowardice:
- Accusations that Senate Republicans, even those with medical expertise, refuse to oppose RFK Jr. due to fear of Trump and his voter base.
- David Drucker and hosts lament erosion of trust in science, linking it to deaths from preventable diseases and the return of measles.
- Discussion of how “everyone likes to throw around the term 'rigged'” further erodes faith in institutions.
“Dr. Cassidy took an oath to first do no harm. Supporting RFK Jr does harm.”
—Richard Wolffe, [38:48]
4. U.S. Politics: Senate Shakeups and Electoral Consequences
(07:12, 47:39–54:48)
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Senate Departures and Political Climate:
- Senator Joni Ernst (IA) announces she won’t seek reelection—potential opening for Democrats, though Iowa is now considered a deep-red state.
- Discussion of why senators (both parties) are opting out—heightened partisanship, threats to personal safety (Ernst allegedly received threats over a key vote).
- Maine’s Senate race heats up, with Democratic challenger Graham Platner seeking to unseat Susan Collins.
“She and her family were threatened and she changed her vote ... that was a pretty harrowing experience for her.”
—Jonathan Lemire, [52:39] -
Broader Trends:
- Scarborough reflects on wave elections and the way looming political tectonics often precede retirements: “...you know, I won probably because the guy who had been there for 16 years before me saw what was coming ... and said, I don’t want any part of that.” [54:19]
5. Israel/Palestine Policy and Two-State Prospects
(42:17–46:24)
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Richard Wolffe on Two-State Solution:
- New Foreign Affairs piece assesses viability of two-state solution; Wolffe believes U.S. (especially Trump) could play a decisive role, but not under Netanyahu.
- Points to risks of Israeli isolation, perpetual conflict if no political process is initiated soon.
- If Palestinians see no political avenue, radicalization will only deepen.
“Israel is becoming a pariah. I worry about that. I hate the idea that Israel is going to permanently isolate itself from the West.”
—Richard Wolffe, [45:16]“True ... the idea that you can eliminate Hamas militarily is a nonsensical idea.”
—Richard Wolffe, [45:33]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Beijing parade and autocratic optics:
“Rich in optics, a lot of symbolism with this display of ambition as Xi Jinping seeks to stoke national pride here, but also show that China’s clout is growing.”
—Janice Mackie Frayer, [12:48] -
On the RFK Jr. drama:
“He's got an HHS secretary that's basically engaging in witchcraft.”
—Joe Scarborough, [35:48] -
On congressional cowardice:
“You see fear in that clip. You see fear of Donald Trump. You see fear of Donald Trump’s supporters.”
—Mike Barnacle, [37:00] -
On historical perspective:
“I've never bought it, but in tennis, it’s… it’s looking that way.”
—Joe Scarborough (lighthearted comparison of U.S. decline in sports, [09:48]) -
On generational wounds in Gaza:
“They have established ... an entirely new generation of people who will hate Israel till the day they die.”
—TJ Holmes, [45:16]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- White House/Chicago Military Deployment Debate: [01:03–03:26]
- RFK Jr. at HHS and Senate oversight: [03:56–07:02; 31:12–42:17]
- US Open Tennis / American Sports Reflection: [07:40–10:07]
- China’s Victory Parade, Meeting of Autocrats: [10:21–16:09]
- Anne Applebaum on “Autocracy Inc.” and the new world order: [16:25–24:26]
- Senate Politics—Ernst, Collins, and Rising Threats: [47:39–54:48]
- Israel/Palestine, Two-State Prospects: [42:17–46:24]
Conclusion
This episode paints a vivid picture of authoritarian leaders banding together in a show of force against Western values and discusses the risks of U.S. division—both internationally and domestically. From the symbolic spectacle in Beijing to the real-world consequences of anti-science governance at home, Morning Joe offers detailed analysis, sharp criticism, and a call for renewed commitment to democratic alliance and reasoned leadership.
For a broader understanding, Anne Applebaum’s new paperback, “Autocracy Inc.”, is highly recommended by the hosts to connect today’s dots on the global stage.