Transcripts For MSNBC Alex Witt Reports 20240915

From Msnbc World headquarters here in New York. Welcome, everyone, to alex witt reports. We begin with decision 2024, Election Day is now 52 days away, and today, Vice President Kamala Harris is attending events in washington, d. C. , while her running mate, governor tim walz, will appear shortly in superior, wisconsin. Vice president ial candidate Jd Vance is appearing in greenville, north carolina. Early voting in person begins monday in pennsylvania, and Congressman Natalie gaines says that while the polls are closed, she believes democrats can pull off a win in the purple state. I dont explain the polls, i just say this is going to be a very close election. While this remains close in the next 51 days, we want to prove that we will be the Keystone State again. Vice president Harris Yesterday made campaign stops in johnstown and wilkesbarre, pennsylvania, outlining her plan to help ease economic burdens on low and middle income families. I have a plan to help lower the Cost Of Living for americas families on everything from healthcare to groceries, including i will take on corporate price gouging, which, as we know, is about those few bad guys taking advantage of desperate people and there needs to be a consequence. And former President Trump, meanwhile, spoke in Las Vegas Last Night with one solid promise to workers there when i am back in that beautiful White House, we will pass larger Tax Cuts for workers, and we have a special tax that here, i think is going to do quite well, it is called no tax on tips. The new Prediction Today from trumps former lawyer and fixer, michael cohen, and his interpretation of Trumps Approach to the election. You cannot lose. Now, how can he lose to a woman . How can he lose to a black woman . He needs to come up with an excuse in advance, knowing he is going to lose the election. He needs the big Lie Number two, in order to keep the graft going. We have several reporters in place covering all of the big stories of the day for us. We will first go to Vaughn Hillyard in Las Vegas where trump held that rally Last Night at this pivotal moment. Ron . Reporter thats right, this week could be a defining one with early voting now just a mere few days away, but even so, it was the debate on Tuesday Night that set the tone for what americans are helping play out on the Campaign Trail. The two president ial nominees in Dueling Showdowns friday night. Vice president Kamala Harris in pennsylvania. We are not going back, because america is ready for a new way forward. Reporter former President Trump in nevada. Kamala harris, you are fired, you are fired get out reporter as thousands of voters, including those in battleground wisconsin, begin receiving mail ballots next week. You are a big Trump Supporter . How do you feel about the race right now . It is close. Reporter mr. Trump also speaking to reporters from his Los Angeles Golf club on friday, while facing more scrutiny from his own party, over his travels this week with Laura Loomer, a far right activist known for Making Racist and homophobic comments online. I know she is a big fan of the campaign, but i really dont know. Reporter with the she bring to you . She brings a spirit to us that a lot of people have, we have a lot a very spirited people. Reporter hours later, Trump Posting to his Social Media account, shes a private citizen and a supporter, i disagree with the statements she made. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigning in pennsylvania, where her opponent, handily won four years ago, trying to and broaden her tickets appeal to workingclass voters. For far too long, our nation has encouraged only one path to success, a four year college degree. Reporter but, harris also facing continued protests as a Ceasefire Deal between Israel And Hamas remains unsecured, and both candidates dealt a blow friday after Pope Francis spoke out on the u. S. Election, criticizing trump for his treatment of migrants, and harris for her support of Abortion Rights. [ speaking in a global language ] reporter saying voters must decide between the lesser of two evils. And after insisting earlier this week that he would not debate Vice President harris again, after his performance earlier this week, Donald Trump on friday seemingly opening up the door to reconsidering. When asked if he would engage in another debate, he responded, maybe, if i got in the right mood. Okay, whatever that means. Thank you for that. Lets go to Aaron Gilchrist at the White House for us. Aaron, welcome. What are we hearing from the Vice President in her second Sitdown Interview since becoming the democratic nominee . Reporter alex, lets talk about the where of it all, first. The Vice President spent four of five days last week in pennsylvania, yvonne mentioned that she was in lazeric county, that is a bright red, ruby red, fire engine red, it is a Red County in pennsylvania, and the Harriswalz Campaign has said that they want to spend time in those places, where former President Trump has always had a firm grip, but places where they think they can sort of run up the margins just a little bit to try to garner some more support. So, she sat down there with philadelphiabased tv station, a local tv station, the Abc Affiliate there. Obviously, in that republican county, she talked about some of the things we have heard her talk about on the Campaign Trail before, about her economic ideas, about what she wants to do for Small Businesses and lower costs for families, she talked about her own Gun Ownership and gun rights, as well. And then, she was asked by the reporter there about how she would speak to people who share former President Trumps values, but are open to something different. That is how the question was phrased. I want you to hear part of her response to that question. Most americans want a leader who brings us together, as americans. And not someone who professes to be a leader, who is trying to have us point our fingers at each other. I think people are exhausted with that approach, to be honest with you. I think that just makes us stronger and more healthy as a country, to say, look, we can all debate our differences around, you know, various policies. But, lets stop with the division. Like, enough of that. Lets bring everybody together. Reporter that really is consistent with the message that the Vice President has been taking across the country. It is worth noting that she is here in washington today. Her and President Biden will speak today at the congressional black Caucus Dater Dinner that is happening tonight. Her running mate, governor tim walz, is also on the Campaign Trail today, and they both will be in these critical Battleground States again next week, alex. We just learned from the campaign that the Vice President will be in pennsylvania, michigan, and wisconsin next week. Governor walz will be in georgia, and north carolina. Again, these critical Battleground States where there is an understanding at this point in the cycle, alex, that the supporters who support Vice President harris are pretty much locked in. Those Who Support Former President Trump are pretty much locked in. It is that sliver of people who are undecided in those key Battleground States, that the campaigns are now trying to speak directly to. And when i say directly, they are going to these places, and you saw the Vice President go into a Spice Shop last week in pittsburgh, she has visited bakeries, bookstores, things of that nature, trying to have that One On one Retail Experience with people, trying to drum up support. It kind of sounds like micro campaigning. They are really definitely drilling down, trying to get One On one as much as they can. Aaron, thank you for that, we will see you later. Lets turn now to nbcs Maggie Vespa from springfield, ohio, a town in the middle of a sudden political firestorm. So, maggie, how are those in the town reacting to all these false rumors that have caused some real, genuine threats . Reporter real, genuine threats, and actually, alex, the biggest headline of the day is that we are now on day three, the third straight day of Bomb Threats closing buildings here in springfield, ohio. The last two days, we saw multiple schools, even Elementary Schools closed, we saw government buildings closed, the fbi said they were investigating, and today, at that hospital behind me to the list. Administrators here at Kettering Health saying this morning they were informed by local police that a Bomb Threat had been made against their facility, so they went into temporary lockdown. Police and security had to search the building. They say they found nothing suspicious. City officials have been very clear, they say this chaos all kind of started mounting when, earlier this week, President Trump on that Debate Stage, repeated false and viral claims that haitian immigrants in this community have been stealing and eating peoples pets. Again, that is a falsity, officials say, a Conspiracy Theory that kind of found an amazing amount of life online and is now being or perpetuated by the former president. Now, the mayor of this town has been very blunt about how hard and how overwhelming this has all been, since it has really kind of rocketed into the national conversation. Here is part of what he had to say. It is definitely frustrating. I mean, what we need in springfield, we need help, not hate. We need people to believe the best about our community and the best about ourselves, the citizens there. We need those who have a national stage, that have a microphone, that is having millions and millions of people, we need them to understand what their words are doing to cities like springfield, ohio. Reporter and the mayor has also been open about how this didnt really happen in a vacuum. Basically, there has been a large influx of haitian immigrants to this community in the last 4 to 5 years, something like 10,000 to 15,000 immigrants in that time who basically came here for Factory Jobs and a low Cost Of Living. City officials have said there have been tensions, but they have really been escalated when these facebook posts started popping up, claiming that pets were going missing and kind of indicating that may be some of the immigrants were to blame, and then it just took off like wildfire. To that point, one final point, Nbc News has now spoken to a woman her name is now Erica Lee she is the woman behind one of those viral posts, claiming that her Neighbors Cat was kidnapped, and saying that it may have been at the hands of haitian neighbors. She tells us that Nbc News she has now deleted the post, that it was wrong, that she misinterpreted a neighbors story. She just texted me, i messed up royally. She said that she never meant to cause so much hate against this one group of people. So, alex, again, the frustration here mounting, the chaos mounting, and we are just kind of here on the ground, seeing where this goes, from here. It is so disturbing, that people are making Bomb Threats against schools, against a hospital, on a saturday morning. Its just its just nuts. Reporter right. But, let me ask you quickly, with regard to the haitian immigrants, the haitian immigrants, are they fearful at all for retribution, from people coming at them for these falsehoods . Reporter oh, of course they are. Of course they are. We had our team here earlier this week, and they told us, point blank, they fear for their lives. We should note, a lot of them dont really want to go on camera, we have had one representative of the community speak to us about that point, that is why you havent seen a lot of people speaking out, because they are fearful. One family telling a local paper that they woke up one morning to a window broken, and acid thrown on their car. So, make no mistake about it, they are fearful. They say the violence is real, and a lot of them are afraid to speak out. So, we are hearing those stories as best we can as this all plays out. And again, a lot of these haitian immigrants have come, they are doing factory working jobs, jobs that werent able to be filled. They did not have the Labor Pool to draw, to fill those jobs. So, that is what they are doing there, folks. Okay, Maggie Vespa, thank you so much. Tensions rising between moscow and washington, and Vladimir Putin threatens war. Next, is there any hope of De Escalation . Peter baker, chief white House Correspondent of the New York times, and my good friend, joins me in 90 seconds. Second for a great low rate, go with the general. Life has twists and curls. But you define them and make them bounce. Tresemme flawless curls defining mousse. 24 hour. Hydrating curl definition. Style your life the way you want. Tresemme, style your way. Psst psst aaaah with flonase, allergies dont have to be scary. Spray flonase sensimist daily, for nondrowsy, longlasting relief. In a scentfree, fine mist. Psst psst that grimy film on your teeth . Dr. G . Its actually the buildup of Plaque Bacteria which can cause cavities. Most toothpastes quit working in minutes. But crest prohealths antibacterial fluoride protects all day. So it stops cavities before they start. Crest. Switch to shopify so you can build it better, scale it faster and sell more. Much more. Take your business to the next stage when you switch to shopify. Tensions are rising between the kremlin and the West Today with President Biden poised to approve Ukraines Use of long range u. S. Supplied weapons in russia. Despite putins warning russia would be At War with the u. S. And its allies, if they let their previous restrictions, if they lifted those. So, the president double down on his support for ukraine during a white House Meeting with the uk Prime Minister yesterday. United States Commitment to standing with you, helping ukraine defend against russia, because it is clear that putin will not prevail in this war and the people of ukraine lets bring in peter baker, msnbc political analyst, chief white House Correspondent for the New York times, and Co Author of the Divider Trump in the White House from 2017 2021. Welcome, my friend. Checking out your new article, peter, you said this issue would come to a head during that bilateral meeting. Did it . And what is the calculus around using ukraine allowing ukraine to use the longrange weapons . Is there an obvious, strategic purpose, advantage to it . Yeah, there is a real debate going on right now about this in the west and in washington in particular. If you asked the defense department, what they will say is they dont think it is a good idea to allow ukrainians to use these attackers, that is what they call these longrange weapons, in part because they say 90 of the airbases that we are talking about in russia, that are amounting these attacks on russia are outside of the range of those weapons anyway, and therefore on the one hand, it wouldnt do as much good as people hope it would do. And on the other, there is a worry, obviously, and President Biden has nursed this worry of more than two years, of escalation. That is why he has asked for a slow role at times, and provision of certain weapons, worrying that if you gave ukraine this weapon or that weapon, it would escalate within russia, to the point that things would get to where Vladimir Putin is talking about, that it would be a war with nato, that it could even escalate into a nuclear conflict. That has been his concern all along. At the same time, he ultimately ends up providing all of these weapons anyway. The difference here, they are not weapons for use on ukrainian territory. What the ukrainians want is to be able to use them against russian territory, and the worry, that is a redline for Vladimir Putin. Yeah, so, give me a sense of the u. S. goal, peter. Does it seem that escalating is the only path being considered . Or, are there legit De Escalation paths in sight, too . Well, i mean, you know, the president of ukraine, has talked about having a Peace Conference of some sort in november, he wants to have a plan that he will present, at the u. N. But, it doesnt seem like there is territory right now for a negotiated solution. For one thing, there is no understanding that Vladimir Putin is either interested in a negotiated solution, or would abide by one, even if he did sign something. Remember, he has signed Cease Fires in ukraine before, prior to the big invasion. Number, this started in 2014, and not always lived up to that. So, Putins Word is not that good, obviously, in the west, certainly in ukraine. But, there is a lot of exhaustion with the war. Ukraine, two and half years of war, Tens Of Thousands of soldiers and civilians killed, if not many more than that. I dont have the latest estimate. And so, obviously, you can see where that might be a problem, but id putin part, he sees no reason to do anything until november, waits until the result of the president ial election. If he gets Donald Trump in there, that is a whole different ball game. Okay, lets talk about what happened during the celebration of black excellence in that brunch at the White House yesterday. President biden slammed trump for his repeated lies about haitian immigrants in ohio eating pets. And yet, on the other side of the country, the former president double down on related remarks during a Press Conference in california. Lets all take a listen to this, everyone. We will do large deportations from springfield, ohio, large deportations we are going to get these people out. It is like an invasion from within, and we are going to have the largest deportation in the history of our country. Its simply wrong theres no place in america this has to stop, what he is doing. It has to stop President Biden has not said much about trump since leaving the race, other than, you know, Campaign Speeches for Vice President Kamala Harris. But, of all of the childish things, or outlandish things, however you want to categorize it, the Things Trump has said recently, what you think prompted the president to address this crazy claim at this event . Well, i think this one kind of broke through, in a way, to the larger culture. The notion that dogs and cats were being eaten in springfield, ohio, as we just heard from the previous reporter was farfetched to begin with, and has now been debunked, and the fact that the president would propagate that on national television, i think had a larger cultural moment that many of the antiimmigrant speeches he makes. So, you know, you heard the president addressed this, but remember, President Biden was following his white House Press Secretary who spoke a few moments earlier and noted that she, herself, is haitian american. It is also important to remember that when trump talks about mass deportations in springfield, many if not most of these immigrants are here legally, under a program under george w. Bush, allowing immigrants from certain countries in great distress to stay in the Country And Work legally. So, it is not that most of these people are here illegally. It doesnt mean that there is not stress in the system in springfield. That obviously is a concern, when you have a small town suddenly having a large influx of people from anywhere, there is stress on services and so forth. But, the way that President Trump depicts it makes it very dystopian, and of course, distorts the picture when he says things about dogs being eaten, and implies that these people are here all illegally. Yeah, so, lets talk about Donald Trump, who said that there would be no more debates with Vice President harris. But, his former White House Communications Director is not buying it. Take a listen. It is 100 that he is going to debate. Really . I will make that prediction here. He knows he lost the debate and he knows he is debating her again, but he has to have a build up, he things it is in negotiating ship, he wants to show his macho flex. Despite all of the no, no, no, it is not happening, Last Night, trump slightly wavered on the issue, saying that he would debate harris again, if you got in the right mood. Is Anthony Scaramucci Right . Can trump really resist the challenge . Or, would a potential fear of a second loss keep them from doing another one . Is there, peter, any evidence that he even sees Tuesdays Debate as a loss . Well, people around him understand that it was, and i think that will obviously factor into the equation. I think one that you know and i think mr. Skinner in which he was making this point Donald Trump loves a successful show, a cliffhanger, 14 seasons with the apprentice, he had to make people come back for more. So, he says, no, no, no, then maybe, the nest, so it looks like he is trying to begin that game which he has played in the past, where he strings people along for a while, keeps them guessing, and tries to impose conditions that he things might be advantageous to him. Looks, he has aided reason to debate again, if you want to. Because in fact, most people do perceive that he lost that debate, rightly or wrongly, that is what the flash polls show, that is what the pundits have been saying, including republicans and allies of his. When who have lost the debate, you have an interest in getting back on the Debate Stage to recover. We have seen that in past cycles, when Barack Obama lost the first debate to mitt romney, he wanted to get back on stage and so on. So, it is very possible to have another debate. But, what if you lost . I will leave that rhetorically. We will see if that even happens, then discuss it. Thank you so much, peter. Good to see you. The new outrage in florida over a proposed Abortion Rights amendment. We will take you there, next. R o wait for insurance to approve a test or approve a medication. We didnt have to worry about any of those things thanks to the donations. And our family is forever grateful because its completely changed our lives. 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. Theres even roundthe clock customer support. So you can be there for your customers. With Comcast Business, Reliability Isnt just possible. Its happening. Switch to reliable Comcast Business internet with security and get started for 49. 99 a month. Plus ask how to get up to a 500 prepaid card. Call today today, voters in miami rallying in support of womens reproductive rights and protesting the state six week abortion ban. New data out this week shows a significant drop in abortions in florida after the ban took effect back in may. Joining me now from miami is nbcs Kathy Park. Kathy, welcome to you. Give me a sense of the focused and tone of this event ahead of the election, were Abortion Access will be on Floridas Ballot . Reporter hey, alex. Good afternoon to you. This was certainly a spirited event and a pretty good turnout, all things considered, because right now we are under a Heat Advisory here in south florida. We saw a lot of women in the crowd but also men, as well. On the stage earlier today, the rally has wrapped up, we heard from medical providers, elected officials, as well as women who shared very candid and personal stories about why they decided to move forward with an abortion. And as you mentioned, alex, this certainly is a hot Button Issue here in florida because of amendment four, which would essentially protect abortions until a fetus is viable, and and end the six week ban. Earlier today, we had a chance to speak with some of the participants out here today. Take a listen. In all honesty, people are dying, women are dying, and it makes me sick, and like she said, i am scared to start a family in this state. We have a six week ban. I just think it is really important. It is not just a womens issue. It is an economic issue, it is a mens issue, it is a family issue. Yeah, i think it is that important, that i came out with my mom, who has been protesting this for many generations. Look, some of the most important people, like ronald reagan, who was the most important republican for many people, said that Freedom Of Choice is only one generation away from extinction. And i think we proved it here, with this generational change, that we have a duty and a right to stand up for people and do this. Come out and show up. Reporter and alex, just to give you an idea of how controversial this issue is here in the state of florida, a state hey Health Agency is currently facing a lawsuit for spreading misinformation about amendment four, and critics are arguing that republicans are doing this to thwart this Ballot Measure from moving forward. I want to leave you with this, ever since this ban went into effect in may, according to the got marker institute, abortions have dropped significantly, roughly 30 compared to the january through march average. So, obviously, this rally just wrapping up, but we are told by organizers that this will be one of many, as we head into november. Okay, thank you so much, Kathy Park in miami. Appreciate that. Hey, you think there is a lot of time before the election . Nope, there is not. I am going to show you a calendar that will put it all into perspective, next. Plus, the impact of Laura Loomer. Why has Donald Trump made her part of his entourage . My next guest has some insight. With just one pill a day. Choose acid prevention. Choose nexium. They say we should stop eating so much meat. Choose acid prevention. So we made meat out of plants. Because we arent quitters. Impossible. Were solving the Meat Problem with more meat. The Ups Store is more than just a shipping store. Were the Pack It, ship it, guarantee it store. We know running a Small Business takes a lot of grit and hustle. So were the Stress Less store. And the weve got your back store. Because when you trust us to Pack It and ship it, we guarantee, so itll get into the hands of your customers safely. Which is why were the Stand By Work Guaranteed store. Come into the Ups Store today. And be unstoppable. On monday, in person early voting starts in pennsylvania. Alabama voters are already seeking ballot by mail. Wisconsin will start mailing them thursday. Friday, voters in minnesota, south dakota, and virginia can vote in person. Next saturday is the deadline for Absentee Ballots going out to military and overseas voters. Candidates are out, battling for every vote. Ultimately, i feel very strongly that youve got to earn every vote, and that means spending time with folks in the communities where they live, and so, that is why i am here. We are going to be spending a lot more time in pennsylvania. The voting has already begun. You have got to go out and vote. Youve got to vote. This is going to be the most important vote in the history of our country. Joining me now, hugo lowell, senior political correspondent with the guardian. Good to see you, hugo. Lets talk about the growing concern among republicans about far right activist, Laura Loomers apparent influence on Donald Trump. You covered the Trump Campaign extensively, you have been down to maralago where she has spent a fair amount of time. How do you interpret her presence there, and now on the Campaign Trail . And what do you think her relationship with trump is all about . The thing that the Trump Campaign likes about Laura Loomer and truly, some of the operatives inside it is they think she does good offer research. That is her function. She is not a paid employee of the Trump Campaign, for various reasons, including susie wilde, the parent campaign chief, thinking she is too controversial even for the Trump Campaign. But, the way i see loomer, she is a bit of a drug for trump. He likes the fact that she is super loyal, he loves the fact that she will back for him anytime he needs her to, and they do like her work in the main. The problem with Laura Loomers work product, is it is only right 8 of the time, so the campaign finds itself in this tricky position, where this issue of haitian immigrants eating pets, they get sucked into this vortex, and it is difficult to distract themselves, because once you hitch your wagon to Laura Loomers car, you are stuck with it, and that is the problem you are seeing this week. So, the way that they were taking cues on Migrant Lies from her, isnt through Social Media feeds . I mean, how did that work . It is not exactly clear what Laura Loomers direct role was in the haitian immigrants eating pets episode, at least. But, she is one of the people who is constantly digging up a lot of this sort of material, because the Campaigns Message is that every state is a border state. That is what they were trying to connect the immigrant story two. Trump actually had planned this, they had planned for this immigrant story to come up, and trump was supposed to say, hey, by the way, this is because of harris borders. The problem with the plan, is it requires the need to execute it, and trump got stuck arguing with david muir, the abc news moderator, whether or not the story was even true, so that was part of the problem. But, this has come through much more channels and i think this is the problem that the Trump Campaign now has with less than 60 days until the election, which is that we have all of these outside sources, we have multiple Entry Points into the trump world. For instance, we know that Laura Loomer, and have reported that Laura Loomer is one of the principal gatekeepers of trump, in terms of stories, and Social Media posts. So, it may have been if Laura Loomer herself texted Trump Something, or if it was one of trumps aides, who forwarded Trump Something that she tweeted or something she had dug up. The point is, there are multiple Entry Points to trump and this is the Campaign Problem that they have to deal with. I guess im wondering, why does she now show up in his entourage . She is on his plane at the debate, she is at the September 11th commemoration services this week, even though she is a 9 11 Denier And Conspiracy theorist, saying it was an inside job. I mean, how did she rise to such prominence in his campaign . Is it directly through Donald Trump . Did he get exposure and he said, i like her, i want to keep her around . As far as we understand it, there was an introduction about a year and a half ago, from one of benins top lieutenants, who basically introduced her to the two top Trump Campaign advisers, jason byrne, and christoph aveda. At the time, Laura Loomer was getting sucked into doing stuff for kanye west, if you remember, this was around the time of the nick fuentes dinner. What she really wanted to do was do research for the Trump Campaign and there was a look at whether she could fill a more formal role. Ultimately, because she is such a bomb thrower, she struggles to keep her mouth shut, this never materialized, but that was the Origin Story of Laura Loomer, and that is kind of her ongoing relationship with trump. The reason she is on the plane, is in part, because she is not an employee. The way it has been described to me, is trump feels like, laura, you are not a part of the campaign, but we revalue you, so let me repay you by taking you on this trip, especially for this debate, a big moment for me. So, some of the Postdebate Reporting suggests that trumps own perception of his performance is really untethered to reality. You know many close to trump, reasonably well. Is that actually how he sees it, or what he wants people to believe . Because axial suggests trumps Inner Circle lies to him. Do they have no choice but to lie to him . I mean, i think the short answer is yes. As we reported, when trump came out of the room, and asked his aides, how did i do . Some of them actually told him, they thought it was great to his face. But, it is abundantly clear at this point that even trumps advisers know that Debate Performance was bad. The thing with these guys, when they start trying to spin you in the middle of the debate. I was fielding texts from some Trump Campaign officials who were saying, he is not even angry, he is not yelling, what debate are you watching . And i think that was the early indication that things were going off the rails. Later, privately, a number of trump officials told me that they know that that debate did not convince anyone. They see it as a colossal missed opportunity. You know, the benefit with undecided voters, independent voters, very, very small, if at all, any benefit. And i think that is the code i view, that the campaign has. Whether or not telling trump, is a different story. And i think at this point, it may not make any difference telling trump, because as we all know in 2020, if trump hears something he doesnt like, he just ignores it. Yeah, true. One more quick question because republicans are also concerned that trumps campaign has invested far fewer resources for its Turnout Operation in Battleground States, then previous races. What is this about . It feels like a mist for them . Yeah, the Trump Campaign has outsourced its entire ground operation, effectively, to a number of Super Pacs in Battleground States, which means that the Trump Campaigns former formal presence is really, really small. For instance, take pennsylvania. The Trump Campaign would release numbers, because again, when they are very proud of the numbers, they post about them. And the only thing we could get out of the Trump Campaign was this was the first time ever we have seen that from the Trump Campaign, saying we have more than 50 people in pennsylvania. That is in stark comparison to the rncs projected goals for this cycle, which was to have 88 to 90 staffers. And it is an even starker difference, compared to what the Harris Campaign has in pennsylvania, because they have 375 paid staffers, 375 is more than 50, it is not a very good comparison. And with respect to the Super Pacs, the problem that the Trump Campaign now has, is that these pacs have only started spinning up in recent weeks, which means two things. Number one, all of the Door Knockers and canvassers have very limited voter contacts. You know, we know from previous cycles, that it often takes multiple, repeated visits to voters to return a ballot, that is number one. Second of all, the really good people are gone. You cant find them anymore. No one really wants to take a two month job. So, i think that is a problem they have. Hugo lowell, we will see you again soon, my friend. Thank you very much. In moments, watch a wild Police Chase involving a Golf Cart no, it did not happen in florida. In florida. Thanks oh hey Pickle Hi Dad i brought moms glasses from the hotel oh, great shes in the ballroom. The big one. Im coming up vacations are better with the Credit Gods are on your side. Rewards once available to the few are now accessible to the many. 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Firefighters in Southern California are finally gaining some ground with three massive and destructive wildfires that have been raging for days now. This is thanks to cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Lets get to liz kreutz, joining us from los angeles. Hi, liz. What is the Status Today with these three fires . Where do they stand . Reporter hey, alex, yeah, you are right. Thankfully, the Weather Conditions have really improved, so that will hopefully allow firefighters to get a better handle on things, but there is still a long way to go to get control of these three big wildfires. You can see here, the three of them, the one with the most containment right now is the line fire, that one is 25 contained. The airport fire, 9 contained. The bridge fire, 3 contained. So, still a long way to go there, and we do hope they make that progress this week. This fire is burning in some of the remote areas, mountainous areas, it is not as much threatening homes and property at this moment. And so, some people have been able, alex, to go back to their homes. And in some cases, they are seeing their properties gone, destroyed. Thousands of people do remain evacuated right now. We are learning more about those harrowing stories of survival, including the really dramatic video of a woman running barefoot as she tried to escape the flames. It looks apocalyptic, that video, with the flames all around her. Nbc news spoke with the firefighter that rescued her. He said she was screaming and in pain, asking for help. Here is what he said about that moment. Did you ever think you would end up in a situation like that . Absolutely not. That is one thing you never want to see and i hope i never see that one again. Reporter there luckily have been no deaths associated with these fires and you likely prevented one yourself. How does that sit with you . Well, hearing it that way, it feels pretty darn good. Reporter so, that is the silver lining, alex, that nobody has died from these fires, just given how massive they are, how quickly they come. The line fire, that what is believed to have been started by arson. The suspect is 34yearold justin houston, he has been charged with nine felony counts. His arraignment is scheduled for monday. If convicted, he could face at least 10 years in prison. The hope, right now, though, alex, is that this Weather Improving will allow the firefighters to get more containment and hopefully, folks can get back to their homes. Because now, it has been over a week for people away from their jobs, away from school, as they remain evacuated right now. It is so hard to watch those fires such a crime, such a shame. But, that woman, that video, barefoot, walking on hot embers, i just wow. Reporter i know. Yeah. That is a picture i will not soon forget. Liz kreutz, thank you so much. We will get another update from you later on. Lets get to todays other top stories. Boeing and Union Negotiators are set to resume talks next week is more than 30,000 machinists are striking this weekend. The workers rejected a new labor contract, wanting bigger raises and traditional pensions restored. Oversees today, iran successfully launched a new satellite, sent into space on a rocket built by the countrys revolutionary guard. It is the second such launch this year. Take a look at this video of police in arkansas chasing a man in a stolen Golf Cart. It all came to a dramatic end when a civilian jumped in the back of that Golf Cart. The driver is charged now with Felony Theft and fleeing. Preventing another January 6th, the remarkable step taken this week in washington. Ashin new today, the department of Homeland Security announced increased security for the official electoral Vote Count at the capital on January 6th, 2025. It comes as a new documentary premieres next week, revealing the inside story of the trump administrations attempt to overturn the 2020 election. I was for trump the whole time. I walked for him, i campaigned for him, it was fun. I love the judges, i love the Tax Cuts. I was emotionally invested in him winning. He kind of felt like family to me. And then they cheated it started. They are cheaters. Stopping the steel gives viewers a idea of the claims of the election was stolen. Joining me now, the director of stealing the steal, dan agree. Before we get into the film quickly, the Dhs Designation of the Vote Certification as a national special security event, it puts it on par with the super bowl, with the state of the union, and more. Given what you witnessed, should this be its permanent status, now . Thats a very interesting question, because in fact, January 6th was really the last kind of hail mary, the last explosion of a much longer attempt to overturn the results of the election, that began way back in january. In the process of making this documentary, i felt that that long process, which help happens at county level, state level, with elected officials, and electoral appointees, i felt that was more dangerous than January 6th. But, there is no harm in beefing up security around the capital, that is for sure. Most of the interviews you did for the film, they were with republicans. Here is former speaker of the arizona state house, rusty bowers, Recounting Efforts from Donald Trumps attorneys to show proof of Voting Fraud in that state. Lets all watch. Really, you remember when you told me you were going to bring me some proof . Have you got it . No, i dont. Jenna, you have the proof . She goes, yeah, yeah, weve got the proof. She had a satchel. I dont have it with me. It is probably back at the hotel. Okay. Thanks for letting me come. Im gone. I knew what he wanted, i knew what he was asking, and i told him they had to bring me the proof and they didnt bring it. So, i wasnt able to do anything. Stunning. Were all of your conversations about false elections claims so cut and dry . I mean, did any of them show intent to go along with trumps plan to overturn the election . Well, there were several figures in the film who absolutely embraced the idea that the election was going to be stolen. We had the young man who gave controversy with his video, we have the cueing on shem and others who went along with it. But, the elected officials who, by and large, love trump, voted for him, really wanted to come back into power, but balked at being asked to betray the american constitution. None of those had any hesitation at all, because there was no proof, there was no evidence, and as rusty says elsewhere in the film, bring me the proof and we can talk, but no proof, no talk. Yeah, so, at the debate this week, dan, trump was asked whether he regrets his actions on January 6th, but he immediately started his revisionist rhetoric again. From what you have learned in your discussions, was it really an innocent Freudian Slip on the Debate Stage when he said we, to describe the rioters at the capital . Well, i you know, January 6th i actually made a film called For The Capital for hbo and we looked at the capital crisis. I think January 6th was, that was meant to put pressure on mike pence. I think maybe the we was the collective desire to course the Vice President into Casting Doubts on the electoral results and throwing the election back to congress. Which, clearly failed. And also, we have Vice President mike pences chief of staff, and his lead counsel, and greg jacobs, mike pences counsel, and the film by saying, you know, you have to be very, very careful