Skip to main content

tv   Alex Witt Reports  MSNBC  March 3, 2024 12:00pm-1:00pm PST

12:00 pm
some other top stories we're following, an investigation is underway after a norfolk southern freight train derailed in pennsylvania. the train spilled oil into a nearby river. no word of injuries. the company is paying for the cleanup in east palestine, ohio after a toxic derailment one year ago. ten years after it vanished, a new search may begin in malaysia for missing malaysian airlines flight mh 370. today, mourners remember their friends and family as a private company says it has new scientific evidence which could expand the search area. after a couple of delays due to high winds, spacex looks to launch its next grew to the international space station
12:01 pm
tonight. three american astronauts and a russian cosmonaut will be on board. in moments, a headline that, let's be honest, will not surprise you at all. texas newspaper issues warning about secession. we will unpack this with texas congressman colin allred in a couple of minutes. hi, everybody. good to see you. i'm coming to you live from msnbc world headquarters here in new york. welcome to alex witt reports. i am yasmin vossoughian in for my friend alex. we will begin this third hour with breaking news. the supreme court says it will deliver rulings tomorrow. one of those rulings could involve a very closely watched case, donald trump's ballot access in colorado. i want to bring in lawrence hurly and former assistant d.a. the manhattan d.a. and msnbc legal analyst catherine christian as well. lawrence, start us off. what do we know? >> yeah, kind of a rare move for the court to announce so shortly ahead of time on a day
12:02 pm
that is not a regularly scheduled ruling day. there are lots of reasons, i think, that this might be the case about whether former president donald trump can be kicked off the colorado ballot because of the claim that he engaged in insurrection under the 14th amendment on january 6th. the reason for that is that the cases being heard on an expedited basis. the colorado primary is obviously being held on tuesday so there is a reason why the court might want to get this out ahead of that even though it seemed pretty clear from the oral arguments last month that the court is probably not going to kick trump off the ballot. he remains on the ballot. there will probably not be any change their, but they obviously need to get this ruling out, which is not just going to apply to colorado, but any other state, probably, that does something similar. >> i want to be clear, we don't necessarily know this is going to be ruling on the colorado bella decision, but because of the rarity of saying a ruling
12:03 pm
will be issued tomorrow on a sunday afternoon, hearing about it on the sunday afternoon, and the timing of the colorado primary on tuesday, hence the reason why we are doing some math here. catherine, if you will, pick up on that. if we were to get a ruling on the colorado primary ballot questioning and where you see the ruling landing. >> some may remember that tuesday's super tuesday. mostly, the libs believe they are not going to rule, that donald trump cannot be on the ballot, that they are going to rule against colorado's decision and he will be allowed on the ballot in colorado and in maine. i think a judge in illinois just had a ruling. they certainly waited until the last minute, but not wanting to read the tea leaves, but i'm going to read them. most people think that he is going to be allowed to remain on the ballot. >> okay, if we have that, putting that aside, i want to talk, if we can, about the
12:04 pm
immunity hearing, the oral arguments on april 22nd. this is a part of the delay tactics from trump's team in raising this immunity appeal. the supreme court is now taking that up which is kind of going to delay this staying until the end of summer or early fall for a trial even if we cdc trial go forward. our his delay tactics working across the board, catherine? >> clearly he has won the battle. he has been able to delay with the exception of the manhattan d.a.'s office case. that's only because that sort of fell under the radar. he has been able with his motions, with this defense attorneys making motions, which they are entitled to do, that's what defense attorneys do, but most people, and i'm one of them, do not think either federal trial is going to happen before election day. it's not impossible. it could happen. i think the federal election case, judge chutkan will do everything she possibly can
12:05 pm
assuming the supreme court comes back with a decision in may or june. she will make sure it happens before election day. it's going to be very difficult. >> lawrence, take us behind the scenes on how they made in the immunity case. some see this as being political. >> well, i mean, the first interim member is that the court did not actually do what donald trump or the special counsel jack smith or wanted. there was this emergency application that donald trump filed up to the supreme court to stay this appeals court ruling. that would allow the trial to go ahead. they instead greeted to hear the case on the merits of the immunity claim on an expedited basis with a ruling probably due by the end of june which is not as quick as jack smith wanted. he also has an indefinite stay, which is what donald trump wanted. we can sense -- it took the court a couple of weeks to figure out what to do before they announced it last week, what they were going to hear
12:06 pm
the case and how they were going to decide this legal question. there is probably quite a lot of behind the scenes negotiation. you can imagine that there may be some justices who wanted to allow for an indefinite delay and others who did not want to delay at all. obviously, the court probably also did not want to look like they were divided on this at this point. there is a reason why they want to be careful about this and try to present it in a way that seems like they are not divided. the reaction from people to the left to the announcement was pretty negative. it remains to be seen what the court will actually rule. a lot of people assume that the court is going to reject this broad immunity argument that donald trump is making. >> catherine, i want to talk about what happened in florida with judge aileen cannon. she brought up the so-called 60- day rule. i know it's not called that she brought up and asked about the 60-day rule. i want to read for you what the new york times is reporting about jack smith. she asked about when smith was going to present the
12:07 pm
prosecution list. the new york times wrote this -- smith in particular seems shocked by the question and sat up stiff lee in the well of the courtroom, his eyes gone wide in apparent incredulity. there has been a lot of talk specifically in judge aileen cannon's courtroom about -- and other pretrial motions as well in which they talk about the potential harassment of prosecution witnesses. i am wondering if you feel like that is what was playing into this report from the new york times about jack smith's incredulity. >> it sounds like so. they have already requested that some names be withheld from the fence until absolutely necessary. we know that donald trump just has a history of attacking witnesses and prosecutors and judges and juries, so that could be one reason. also, we know that everyone was waiting for a trial date to be
12:08 pm
announced and one was not at all. there's really no clarity when that case will start. i know there's a presidential immunity motion filed by the defense in that case which i think should be dead on arrival. it may not be only because all of the acts he is charged with occurred after he was president. he's being tried in florida because the acts occurred in florida at mar-a-lago. you know, that is, i think, part of the reason why the special counsel was probably like, his eyes bulged or could have been some other reason. he probably didn't like the fact that the hearing ended and there was no trial date. >> there was also kind of a very laid back donald trump in that courtroom, very confident, laid back, no outbursts, no talkback, snow storming out, nothing like what we saw with judge engoron or judge kaplan. does he know his audience? >> well, she didn't say anything that he should be upset with.
12:09 pm
>> right. >> she didn't rule against him or anything. >> we expect him to act that way in front of judge aileen cannon who he appointed, who sees as kind of an ally. >> you know, if she is disloyal, if she rules against him, he can't help himself. it is very, it will be interesting what happens in his actual criminal trial which is supposed to be at the end of the month. >> right. >> judges will not tolerate that from anyone in front of a jury and hopefully they will not tolerate that for mr. trump just because he is a former president. >> catherine christian, lawrence hurley, thank you. we are monitoring the scene in selma, alabama this afternoon. that's where vice president kamala harris is set to deliver remarks to commemorate the 59th anniversary of bloody sunday. she is speaking at the edmund pettus bridge where alabama law enforcement attack demonstrators back in 1965. a march will take place later on this afternoon. it's one of the dozen annual events during the selma bridge crossing jubilee. the gatherings commemorate
12:10 pm
bloody sunday and the signing of the voting rights act. also happening right now in washington, d.c., or publican voters cast ballots as trump and nikki haley compete for the 19 convention delegates. trump handily one of the michigan, idaho, and missouri caucuses yesterday. as both candidates look ahead to super tuesday, trump remains on the attack and haley undeterred. >> people say, don't even talk about it! i have to. i have to talk, front row joes, because she is bad news. i know her very well. she's very average. >> as long as we are competitive, as long as we are showing that there is a place for us, i am going to continue to fight. i don't look too far ahead. i look at, what do the american people want? if 70% of americans say they don't want donald trump or joe biden, that's not a small number. >> meanwhile, no reaction on the border battle. public instructor their position on a sunday talk show that congressional action is
12:11 pm
not necessary. >> a realistic path forward, if we want to end this crisis, it begins by joe biden reversing the executive orders that he made. every single one of them was designed to reverse a trump policy. >> the homeland security secretary today pushing back on texas governor greg abbott's claims that the border crisis can be solved without new legislation. >> could not be more wrong, couldn't be more wrong. as a matter of fact, former president trump tried to close the border and it was in joined in the courts and ever saw the light of day. this is coming from an individual who is purposefully refusing to coordinate, communicate, collaborate with other officials and trying to wreak havoc in other cities and states across the country. >> all this ahead of the state of the union address on thursday as the washington post editorial board encourages president biden to, quote, give them hell. i want to go to nbc's brie jackson in washington were voting is underway in today's gop primary ahead of super
12:12 pm
tuesday. brie, what are you hearing from voters? >> good afternoon, yasmin. we are hearing a lot of different things from voters that we spoke with today. there are about 23,000 registered republicans here in washington, d.c.. we have seen a steady stream of them come into the madison hotel over the past couple of hours. this is the only room where they can vote in this year's republican primary. people i spoke with, their top concerns range from the economy to washington, d.c. as well as border security. former president trump has won every or bob looking contest so far. washington, d.c. is seen as an area that nikki haley has the best chance to possibly pick up a win. here is what voters that i spoke with today say about that. >> i'm a trump supporter. i respect nikki haley. she's amazing. this seems very 50/50. you never know.
12:13 pm
we do have some strong trump supporters and we also have some strong nikki supporters. it's going to be -- we actually had a straw poll a few weeks ago. trump won by two votes. so, i will not be shocked if he wins again today. >> nikki haley might have a better chance of getting a coalition together to beat trump. to get the nomination, that would be very important. if, not at least weaken his candidacy in the process. >> so, we have seen a mix of supporters for former president trump ever former u.n. ambassador nikki haley today. what is at stake? 19 delegates are up for grabs here in washington, d.c.. the polls open on friday. it will close at seven pm tonight. >> nbc's brie jackson, thank you. appreciate it. what comes next after the gaza airdrops? the tough question is being asked. we are back in just 60 seconds. . we are back in just 60 seconds. .
12:14 pm
we need to scale with customer demand... in real time. (jen) so we partner with verizon. their solution for us? a private 5g network. (ella) we now get more control of production, efficiencies, and greater agility. (marquis) with a custom private 5g network. our customers get what they want, when they want it. (jen) now we're even smarter and ready for what's next. (vo) achieve enterprise intelligence. it's your vision, it's your verizon. bother the bugs. not your family. ahh! zevo is made with essential oils which attack bugs' biological systems. it wipes cleanly, plus is safe for use around people and pets. gotcha! zevo. people-friendly. bug-deadly. no, my denture's uncomfortable! dracula, let's fight back against discomfort. with new poligrip power max hold & comfort. it has superior hold plus keeps us comfy all day with it's pressure absording layer. time for a bite! if your mouth could talk it would ask for... poligrip.
12:15 pm
breaking news in the israel- hamas war, negotiations taking place today in egypt for a cease-fire in gaza, but with no israeli officials attending. israel, however, says it has accepted the framework of a six- week cease-fire and hostage exchange as pressure is mounting from the united states. when pressure is mounting to reach a deal before the muslim holy month of ramadan begins one week from today. some democratic lawmakers today say that the biden administration should take stronger measures against israel to halt the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in gaza. >> i think you see him stepping up and using more and more pressure, but i think this is a critical moment where social order is unraveling inside gaza and i have both publicly and privately counseled the president to use whatever leverage he has to try to get this long term cease-fire. it has to happen tomorrow. >> i think you've seen a change that the white house has been
12:16 pm
reaching out more to the american muslim community, hearing they are hurt. i am told that they are doing many things very directly that we are going to get a temporary cease-fire any minute. i know that they have been working hard for that and that it needs to -- a prominent cease-fire -- >> this is coming as the u.s. airdrop its first round of humanitarian aid into gaza yesterday, delivering 30,000 meals. a population on the brink of famine. i want to bring in matt bradley from london for us. give us the latest, if you will, matt, on these negotiations and any possibility of a cease-fire happening soon. >> well, the latest, yasmin, is that we are hearing that all of the negotiation parties arrived in cairo today with plans to return to those negotiations tomorrow. i should say all of the parties except for one. as you mentioned, israel's negotiation team did not go to cairo. nbc news heard from the israeli side today who said that, despite not being there, they were optimistic and then it
12:17 pm
galatians. the israeli said they did not go to cairo because they are waiting for hamas to fulfill their demand and that hamas provided list of all the israeli hostages in gaza who were still alive. even though we have been hearing optimistic sounds from all sides so far, this has been a months long process and that has been, it's seen a lot of false starts in the past. it's a bit different this time around. there is a deadline now. the palestinians want to see a six-week pause in the fighting timed for the beginning of the holy month of ramadan. that is about a 40-day months. it starts on march 20th, about a week from today, and israel has said that if hamas does not agree to its deal to pause the fighting and release the hostages, it's going to begin its assault on rafah, causes southernmost city. it's been being bomb for the last couple of weeks. israel says the last remnants of hamas are hiding out there but rafah where about 1.5 million palestinians have fled for refuge from israel's nearly five-month-long assault on the gaza strip. it has killed more than 30,000
12:18 pm
people, most of them civilians, according to the gaza ministry of health. if israel is to start at the salt on rafah if the deal does not go through, a lot of aid agencies and international organizations are expecting something like a humanitarian disaster and they have been talking about this for the past several weeks. this is the real risk here along with another mountain tragedy. gus health ministry is warning that there is something like famine that is going on. causes health ministry said today that as many as 15 children have died of starvation and dehydration just over the past five years in the gaza strip. yasmin? >> nbc's matt bradley, thank you, appreciate. it called an after shock from the supreme court's decision back in 2013, details ahead. de. but i'm protected with arexvy. arexvy is a vaccine used to prevent lower respiratory disease from rsv in people 60 years and older. rsv can be serious for those over 60,
12:19 pm
including those with asthma, diabetes, copd, and certain other conditions. but i'm protected. arexvy is proven to be over 82% effective in preventing lower respiratory disease from rsv and over 94% effective in those with these health conditions. arexvy does not protect everyone and is not for those with severe allergic reactions to its ingredients. those with weakened immune systems may have a lower response to the vaccine. the most common side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint pain. i chose arexvy. rsv? make it arexvy.
12:20 pm
12:21 pm
is it possible to count on my internet like my customers count on me? it is with comcast business. keeping you up and running with our 99.9% network reliability. and security that helps outsmart threats to your data. moaire dida twoo? - your data, too. there's even round-the-clock customer support. so you can be there for your customers.
12:22 pm
with comcast business, reliability isn't just possible. it's happening. get started for $49 a month. plus, ask how to get up to a $800 prepaid card with a qualifying internet package. don't wait, call and switch today! >> breaking news that we have been following, education secretary miguel cardona just left the podium with their. we are awaiting vice president kamala harris to address the
12:23 pm
59th anniversary commemoration of bloody sunday. the anticipation is building. a march is scheduled to get underway soon to commemorate the anniversary of one white police officers attack black demonstrators at the edmonton pettus bridge in 1965. the act shocked the nation and helped galvanize support for passage of the voting rights act. president biden gave a speech in took part in the annual walk across the bridge last year. the vice president kamala harris is going to be delivering those remarks and then take part in that march as well. all right, i want to go now to a new poll. as the president campaigns for reelection, joining us now is kevin munoz, biden campaign senior spokesperson, to talk more about this. thanks for joining us. appreciate it. let's talk about the siena college poll in which president biden, your boss, is trailing former president donald trump who is running for reelection by about six points. it's within the margin of error, but it certainly seems as if he is losing support in
12:24 pm
this poll, five points, i should say, by the way. joe biden's 48 and -- he's losing support amongst women, black voters, and hispanic voters as well. big picture was, when you are taking a look at the primary calendar, for instance, on tuesday, super tuesday, we know at this point it is highly likely that joe biden will be going up against donald trump come november. what are you looking at when it comes to who is voting and why they are voting and the numbers that are showing up? >> think you for having me. first, you know, we don't give too much credence to one poll over the other. earlier this week, quinnipiac had us up for points. what i can say is voters vote and polls do not. what we continue to see in election after election in 2024 so far is that joe biden has consolidated the democratic party. there is a strong turnout even in uncontested primaries. donald trump has a serious problem and a serious problem with a lot of the voters that
12:25 pm
will decide this election. just last week in michigan, we saw nikki haley really sweep some of the key voters like suburban voters, female voters. that will be decisive to victory in 2024. we're going to look to i them and rebuild the coalition which sent joe biden to the white house in historic numbers back in 2020. >> when you are looking at, for instance, the primary, what are you looking at when it comes to who is showing up for donald trump? in some instances, the turnout has not necessarily been as enthusiastic as the trump campaign would have liked. are these things that the biden campaign is watching for and trying to capitalize on in preparing to go up against him? >> you are right. there is a huge enthusiasm issue on the republican side. it's not just in voting. it's in their grassroots performance for fundraising the money. the money they are fundraising is dismal. the money that they do races going to legal fees. we absolutely see that as an opportunity. we know that the issues that
12:26 pm
joe biden is running on, including protecting abortion rights in running against tax giveaways for the rich, a hallmark of the trump presidency and this campaign, are issues that are highly mobilizing to a broader coalition than just democrats. we are going to continue that outreach. we see a real opportunity in this election to expand that electric, especially in the post up field. >> you talked about the quinnipiac poll released in february. it was joe biden at 49 with donald trump at 45 percentage, compared to what we are seeing with this new york times siena college poll. i want to talk about michigan and the uncommitted vote, 13% voting uncommitted for president biden. i know the line, 11% voted for barack obama. it has happened before. i was on the ground in michigan. i talked to these voters. the biden camp also reached out to me halfway through the day concerned about what it seems they were hearing. i'm wondering what the plan is to address the concerns that
12:27 pm
muscle american voters have in michigan. it's an integral state to winning the presidency, to winning reelection. we saw that in 2016 with hillary clinton. what is the plan? >> well, it's really important to understand that this campaign knows we do not just get to ask or assume voters. we have to earn their support. the president is a deeply empathetic guy that understands the pain and sensitivity that this issue in gaza has on so many americans. his administration has been working tirelessly to really address this issue, get to piece, get to an end of the violence that we are seeing, and it's really important that we understand that this is going to be a choice between donald trump and joe biden. we have to lift up that joe biden is working on the real issues that the american people care about. he's working towards peace. donald trump has openly then xenophobic and anti-muslim. he would do nothing to actually address the real issues that the american people care about.
12:28 pm
we have to continue to invest. >> none of these people told me they are going to vote for donald trump. it's not a question for them between a lever for joe biden and deliver for donald trump. some of them told me they just don't even want to vote. they can't pull themselves to the polls. they can't pull the lever for joe biden because of his stance on gaza and israel. they certainly cannot pull the lever for donald trump. i am just wondering what the strategy is here, with the campaign strategy is here. is the president planning to go to dearborn to address some of the concerns? this is the empathize or-in- chief. there is no one better who can feel and understand the loss that some of these michiganders and these muscle americans are feeling right now amidst this war. >> yasmin, you have absolutely heard this from the president. you've heard from white house officials across the board who have already made traveled to dearborn and other parts of michigan to talk about these issues on a policy scale. that is what they want to hear from. we know we have to invest in these communities. we know we have to do the
12:29 pm
direct outreach in these communities to earn their support. it's early in the cycle. i think the uncommitted leadership was very clear that this was directly related to the michigan primary in november. at the same time, we actually know the work we need to do, not just with arab voters in michigan, but across the board to continue to rebuild that coalition that was decisive in 2020. to my earlier point, we need to expand were donald trump is seeing very real weaknesses with suburban and female voters. and is urgent message to congress about that -- the six pm eastern right, here on msnbc. i want to bring in jake trailer in greensboro, north carolina, where trump held a rally last night. jake, if you will. trump's sweeping michigan, missouri, and idaho on saturday. what is trump saying heading into super tuesday? >> yasmin, after sweeping
12:30 pm
victories in the states he just mentioned, donald trump said he is on a rocketship to the republican nomination. just a few moments ago, i spoke with the trump campaign senior adviser, they told me that when it comes to nikki haley, she is out of money, out of ideas, and just about out of time. of course, time, referencing the super tuesday vote, historically, where 15 states across the country will cast their ballots in the republican primary. and one of those states, north carolina, or donald trump was yesterday. and i want to point to a specific endorsement he made of the current lieutenant governor of north carolina, running for the governorship, mark robinson, who has a history of fits of comments. donald trump likened him into a specific, iconic civil rights leader, just take a listen for yourself. >> this is martin luther king, on steroids, okay. now, i told that, i told that, i told that to mike. i said, i think you're better
12:31 pm
than mine luther king. i think you are marginally decaying, times two. >> so, who is better than mlk? donald trump says mark robinson. now, robinson, as i said, has a history of offensive comments towards a plethora of different communities. there is actually not time to go into all of them. but to name a few, he has set offensive comments about the muslim community, the lgbtq community, the black community,u the jewish community. the list, unfortunately, goes on and on. so for donald trump to show up in this crucial super tuesday swing state, to liken this person to mlk, to then elevate him with an endorsement, is certainly uncharacteristic for a candidate, just a couple of days out from super tuesday. or donald trump, and his campaign, continue to tell me that they are laser focused on ensuring nikki haley does not win a single state. and just a couple days out, an it's about time, finally, for voters to -- themselves. >> nbc's jake trailer, thank you jake, appreciate it. new information about a
12:32 pm
worrying trend, we will be right back. aba worrying trend, we wilbel right back. schedule with safelite, and we'll come to you to fix it. >> th vo: this customer was enjoying her morning walk. we texted her when we were on our way. she could track us and see exactly when we'd arrive. >> woman: i have a few more minutes. let's go! >> tech vo: we came to her with service that fit her schedule. >> woman: you must be pascal. >> tech: nice to meet you. >> tech vo: we got right to work, with a replacement she could trust. >> tech: we're all set. >> woman: wow. that looks great. >> tech: schedule now at safelite.com. >> singers: ♪ safelite repair, safelite replace. ♪
12:33 pm
♪ limu emu & doug ♪ ( bell ringing) customize and save with libberty bibberty. liberty bushumal. libtreally blubatoo. mark that one. that was nice! i think you're supposed to stand over there. oh am i? thank you. so, a couple more? we'll just...we'll rip. we'll go quick. libu smeebo. libu bribu. limu bibu...and me. doug: he's an emu! only pay for what you need. jingle: ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ j.p. morgan wealth management knows it's easy to get lost in investment research. get help with j.p morgan personal advisors. hey, david! ready to get started? work with advisors who create a plan with you, and help you find the right investments. so great getting to know you, let's take a look at your new investment plan. ok, great! this should have you moving in the right direction. thanks jen. get ongoing advice; and manage your investments
12:34 pm
in the chase mobile app.
12:35 pm
this election is about who shares your values. and manage your investments let me share mine. i'm the only candidate with a record of taking on maga republicans, and winning. when they overturned roe, i secured abortion rights in our state constitution. when trump attacked our lgbtq and asian neighbors, i strengthened our hate crime laws. i fought for all of us struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. i'm evan low, and i approve this message for all of our shared values. what do i see in peter dixon? i see my husband... the father of our girls. i see a public servant. a man who served under secretary clinton in the state department... where he took on the epidemic of violence against women in the congo. i see a fighter, a tenacious problem-solver... who will go to congress and protect abortion rights and our democracy. because he sees a better future for all of us. i'm peter dixon and i
12:36 pm
all right, we have some new data, showing large gaps and who is participating in our elections. and the gaps, by the way, they are getting bigger. so the brennan center for justice found turnout growing higher amongst white voters compared to non-white voters. take a look at this graph. each line showing the gap between white voters, and other groups, actually widening. it's due in part to the 2013 supreme court decision that overturned key parts of the voting rights act, including section five, which require districts with a history of racial discrimination to have federal courts approve any changes to their voting policies. i want to bring in kareem -- the director of voting rights, and representation at the brennan justice for -- i should say, for a justice. thanks for joining us on, this appreciate it. so, you have found, in your studies, that there is a direct
12:37 pm
correlation between the supreme court's decision back in 2013, and the voting rights gap, or the voting gap that we are seeing between black and white communities. talk more about that. >> sure, and thank you for having me. our research team, led by kevin -- and -- , put together in painstaking fashion, a -- voting records. which really gives us the best picture of voting behavior in this country. and to your question about the effect of -- county, we were able to see, again, that it's been persistent over the country. and, to some degree, has growing, growing at an accelerating pace back in 2013. in the very places where shelby county used to, or in fact did essentially take away the clearance permission of the voting rights act. and under that act, as many of you all know, the federal government would have to pre- clear, or approve, tangential
12:38 pm
changes in voting in the jurisdiction, to make sure that they don't worsen political opportunity for people of color. and what you see with this data is back in 2013, essentially an accelerated growth right in these counties, compared to similarly situated counties that weren't pre cleared. so as to the bet that chief justice roberts made, that the protections that preclearance offered, really wouldn't make a difference, because a lot of these differences or things of the past. and that decision-making might legislatures wouldn't really affect voters, particularly voters of color. that turned out to be horribly wrong. and -- it's more about people of color. >> so it's interesting, because you talked about that, the decision was made in 2013. and obviously, i'm going to paraphrase the heck out of this. but essentially they said look, we don't need this anymore, as you just just said, because voter turnout is higher amongst black voters. and that was because of 2000 and, eight and 2012. they are essentially saying, we've come a long way, when it comes to racism in this
12:39 pm
country. we don't really need things like this. but that was because a black man was running for president of the united states, president barack obama. and since then, that has essentially fallen off a cliff, once again because of that decision in 2013. is this also affecting the ability for black people, for black americans, to vote, to run i should say for office? >> well, i would say first that yes, chief justice roberts looked at one particular year, 2012, and said if we see some differences that suggest this gap wasn't big enough, or that the differences weren't so significant as to have a provislike section five. but will we show here is a broadened picture that shows that was the exception more than the rule. the rule has been -- that there is a gap, and now that the gap is growing, we see frankly some of the sad results of section five not being in place. and to your point, it has had huge impact on the people who
12:40 pm
have needed this protection the most. and that is people of color, and in particular black people in the south, formally covered jurisdictions of preclearance. here is the thing that i think gives the best example of what has been lost in alabama. i am sitting in montgomery, my hometown. when we went through 2020's redistricting, it was possible to have drawn a second majority black district, or at least black people would have an opportunity to elect a candidate of choice. the state legislature fought that tooth and nail, and put what they wanted in place. that essentially preserved the power that they had in the last decade. even though the law -- was pointing in the other direction. if three clearances were in place, that law would have never seen the light of day. and unfortunately because it wasn't in place, there was a fight for two years, and frankly, people getting elected to office, that essentially required them to go to court spend the time, and spend the money to get a favorable
12:41 pm
ruling. so we are only now, in 2024, correcting a problem that existed in 2021. but of course, it goes beyond that. to any number of practices and policies and counties, that really go too basic access the people have to cast a ballot. all of these things have a cumulative effect on increasing the gap between black voters, and frankly non white voters, and -- alike. >> kareem -- thank you, appreciate it. all right, so we have some breaking news everybody, on those devastating texas wildfires that are blazed through 1 million acres in the texas panhandle over the past six days. the largest in the state's history. i want to go straight to nbc's morgan -- who is standing by force an emerald, a texas, with the very latest on this. where are we, morgan, talk to us? >> hi yasmin, great question. we are here at the command post in amarillo, where fire authorities have gathered to plan out their plan, in trying to tackle these multiple blazes across this vast texas panhandle. as it stands right, now he's --
12:42 pm
the largest, burned more than 1 million acres, still only 15% contained, to slight north of us, the windy -- that has significantly more containment. but the bad news today, yasmin, is that the wind is back with a vengeance. temperatures are even warmer today than they were yesterday. and that is why people all across the panhandle are -- i want you to hear with the fire chief instant, at texas, where this largest fire is believed to have began, had to say. take a listen. >> it's inevitable that we are going to get another -- ? you >> believe that? >> whether it's a power line, somebody dragging chains, a truck backfiring, something over into the growth. anything. >> just one spark? >> just one spark. >> and back out here, at the command post, yasmin, you are looking at just some of the tools that fire officials have at their disposal.
12:43 pm
these bulldozers, incredibly critical to cut massive fire lines in various portions of the panhandle, and hoping to slow the spread of the fire, or keep it from a potential flare- up. we do know that this is a telling indicator of just how windy it is here, yasmin. yesterday, authorities told me they were getting call after call of people reporting smoke. they would dispatch teams out to those various locations, only to find no smoke, no fire. but it was bits of ash, myths with sand that have been blown up by this incredibly powerful wind. and some points today, yasmin, there's been forecasts of 50, 60, potentially 70 mile an hour wind gusts. that is why no one is breathing easy here, as of right now. i should also note that the official cause of these fires still remains under investigation. but we have heard from multiple people, that this largest fire, that smokehouse creek fire, they believe it to, at least
12:44 pm
partially have been caused by a single power pole, that went down. that power pole is part of this ongoing lawsuit now, against xcel energy. and they say they are conducting their own investigation, as to how that fire started. yasmin? >> and we see's morgan chesky, thank you morgan, appreciate it, good stuff. and incredibly important stuff as well. deep in the heart of texas, by the, we are sticking in texas by the way. there are new murmurs of an old idea, that just will not go away. we'll be right back. not go away. we'll be right back. and prevent migraine attacks, all in one. don't take if allergic to nurtec. allergic reactions can occur, even days after using. most common side effects were nausea, indigestion, and stomach pain. ask about nurtec odt. a mystery! jessie loves playing detective. but the real mystery was her irritated skin. so, we switched to tide pods free & gentle. it cleans better, and doesn't leave behind irritating residues. and it's gentle on her skin. tide free & gentle is epa safer choice certified. it's got to be tide. ♪♪
12:45 pm
when you're a small business owner, your to-do list can be...a lot. ♪♪ [ cellphone whooshes ] [ sighs ] that's why progressive makes it easy to save with a commercial auto quote online so you can take on all your others to-dos. already did. see if you could save at progressivecommercial.com.
12:46 pm
12:47 pm
speak about the 15th anniversary of bloody sunday. once she begins speaking, we are going to bring you her comments live. i want to bring in now the democratic congressman from texas -- he is also running for senate to unseat republican ted cruz. congressman, thanks for joining us on, this appreciated.
12:48 pm
can we first start in selma, for a moment, if we can. you are a civil rights attorney. talk about the significance of marking a day like thursday, the 59th anniversary of bloody sunday. >> yeah, i'm also a voting rights lawyer. and, i think we've seen the progress that we've made, but also some of the back sliding that we have experienced in recent years. i had the privilege to serve with congressman lewis, and to be friends with -- and i know if he were here he would tell us that the sacrifice that they've made then, wasn't so that we could take ourselves out, and decide at our own individual capacities, that it's too much for us to overcome some of these hurdles, because they had so many more hurdles on their way back then. and, they still came forward, and they still did what they had to do, with incredible bravery. and -- and we have to make sure that we stood up now, so this
12:49 pm
generation takes that torch. >> so while we are watching the images, in alabama. and again, monitoring when the vice president is going to speak, i'm going to tell you now, congressman, if i have to interrupt, you it's only because the vice president has taken the stadium. i want to shift to thursday, and the state of the union address. and the guest that you have chosen to bring with you. and that is an ob/gyn, -- imam, and a person who had to leave the state of texas to get a life saving abortion. why did you choose her to be your guest? and what does that say about the state of reproductive rights in this country right now? and what democrats should be focusing on, in an election year. >> yeah well, i am really proud to have dr. -- as my guest. her story is a heartbreaking one. she is somebody who had news, that we all hope we don't get when we are going through a pregnancy, that the pregnancy wasn't viable, the baby wasn't going to make it.
12:50 pm
and, even though she was an ob/gyn, and her husband was an ob/gyn, she had to leave -- to get the treatment that she needed. and it's just tragic, we have to change at the federal level. >> congressman, i wish we had more time, and watching the vice president, kamala harris take the stage now in selma, alabama. -- thank you so much. vice president kamala harris, taking the stage there, on the 15th anniversary of bloody sunday. the first weekend of every march, tens of thousands gathering at -- the bridge to honor those who stood bravely for civil rights. let's listen. >> we are alive and well. good afternoon everyone, good afternoon. police have the seeds. i'll tell you, when i listen to -- i know the future of our country is bright. so, it is so good to be back in selma. and i want to say on behalf of the second gentleman and me, it is a privilege to be with so many extraordinary leaders,
12:51 pm
members of congress, members of our administration. dedicated activists, and dear friends. so before i begin today, i must address the humanitarian crisis in gaza. what we are seeing every day in gaza, is devastating. we have seen reports of families eating leaves, or animal feed. women giving birth, to malnourished babies, with little or no medical care. and children dying from malnutrition, and dehydration off. as i have said many times, too many innocent palestinians have been killed. and just a few days ago, we saw hungry, desperate people,
12:52 pm
approach aid trucks, simply trying to secure food for their families, after weeks of nearly no aid reaching northern gaza. and they were met with gunfire, and chaos. our hearts break for the victims of that horrific tragedy. and for all the innocent people in gaza, who are suffering from what is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe. [applause] people in gaza are starving. the conditions are inhumane. and our common humanity, compels us to act.
12:53 pm
as president joe biden said on friday, the united states is committed to urgently get more lifesaving assistance, to innocent palestinians in need. yesterday, the department of defense carried out its first airdrop of humanitarian assistance. and the united states will continue these airdrops. and we will work on a new route, by sea, to deliver aid. and the israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. no excuses! they must open new border crossings. [applause] they must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. they must ensure humanitarian personnel, -- and convoys are not targeted. and they must work to restore
12:54 pm
basic services, and promote order in gaza, so more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need. as i have said repeatedly since october 7th, israel has a right to defend itself. and president joe biden and i are unwavering in our commitment to israel's security. hamas cannot control gaza. and the threat hamas poses to the people of israel, must be eliminated. hamas is a brutal, terrorist organization, that has vowed to repeat october 7th again, and again, until israel's annihilated. hamas has shown no regard for innocent life, including for the people of gaza, who have suffered under its rule for almost two decades. and hamas still holds dozens of
12:55 pm
hostages, for nearly 150 days now, innocent men and women, including american citizens, who were brutally taken from their homes, and from a concert. i will repeat, the threat of hamas poses to the people of israel must be eliminated. and given the immense scale of suffering in gaza, there must be in immediate cease fire. [applause] ,, for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table. [applause] this will get the hostages out, and get a significant amount of aid in. this would allow us to build something more enduring, to ensure israel's secure, and to respect the right of the
12:56 pm
palestinian people, to dignity, freedom, and self determination. [applause] hamas claims it wants a cease- fire. well, there is a deal on the table. and as we have said, hamas needs to agree to that deal. let's get a cease-fire, let's re-unite the hostages with their families, and let's provide immediate relief to the people of gaza. [applause] i will now address the occasion for our gathering today, on this hallowed ground, on the foot of the -- bridge. where 59 years ago, on a cold sunday morning, 600 brave souls set out from selma, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, they marched for the freedoms
12:57 pm
that were there is by birth, and there is by right. the freedom to vote, the freedom to live without fear of violence, or intimidation. the freedom to be full and equal members of our nation. they marched peacefully, they knew violence against them was inevitable. they knew they would be surrounded by troopers with night sticks. they knew they might be trampled by horses. even so, they marched forward. >> but they were forced to retrieve it, and yet, they would not be deterred defeated or denied? and they returned to this bridge while many were still found in bandages, because they knew what was on the other
12:58 pm
side. a promise of a future that was more equal, more just, and more free. and yes they crossed this bridge, and in so doing, they also built the bridge, they built together white, americans black americans, all sorts of americans and ministers and rabbis, and members of's and folks of all ages and backgrounds. and unless six months later, the voting rights act of 1964 was signed into law. the story of selma, a story of our nation. freedom is fundamental to the promise of america. freedom, is not to be given, it is not to be bestowed, it is alice -- amorous part by right.
12:59 pm
and the power behind the promise of freedom, has always been in the fate of her people. and our willingness, to fight for freedom, be it on the fields of gettysburg, in the schools of little rock, on the streets of ferguson, and on this bridge right here in selma. i and today, we know our fight for freedom is not over. because in this moment, we are witnessing a full on attack on hard fought, hard won freedoms, starting with the freedom that unlocks all others, the freedom to vote, the sacred freedom to vote. today, in states across the nation, extremists passed laws to ban drop boxes, limit early voting, and restrict absentee
1:00 pm
ballots. in georgia, extremists passed laws to even make it a legal to give people food and water for standing in line to exercise their civic duty, and right to vote. i asked the friends here, -- whatever happened to love thy neighbor? the hypocrisy a bounce. and you notice the governor of georgia signed that law, on the 56th anniversary of this very march. across our nation, extremist attacks integrity of free and fair elections, causing a rise of threats and violence against poll workers. in the face of these assault on the freedom to vote, and in honor of all those who crossed this bridge, president biden and i will continue to demand

64 Views

info Stream Only

Uploaded by TV Archive on