these players, of course, they're risking in some cases like colin kaepernick, he doesn't play for an nfl team anymore. he's lost his ability to make a living as an athlete because of his stance on this issue, but they are courageous. they have a right to be heard, to protest, to disagree. and they ought to be heard. >> erin d., is there a sense in your mind that the president went too far this time? i'm just going to speak based on the conversations i've had throughout this day. they have been very passionate. and at least from the anchor desk, it feels like this is different. >> this has ignited a national debate. and when donald trump threw out this line in alabama on friday night, his supporters cheered. but he was there to advocate for luther strange, an alabama senate primary. he wasn't there to start a national conversation on this issue. and you have to wonder why the president chose to wade into this territory. this is igniting protests all over the country, emotions are high. and there are two questions now.