First shipments were delivered about two hours ago. We expect to see Health Care Workers start getting their shots later this morning. In just a short time ago, hhs secretary alex azar shared some excellent, excellent news. You and i could be getting our shots as early as february or march. If we get the Johnson Johnson or astrazeneca vaccine approved in january, when their data comes in, well have significant additional supplies and, again, late february, in the march time period youll start seeing much more like a flu vaccination campaign. People going into their kroger, their cvs, walgreens. The general population . Yeah. Wow. That is absolutely awesome news but do not forget, even if we get the vaccines by march, it is still a long way off. And every single day brings more pain and suffering across this country. Today, we expect to pass 300,000 deaths in america. Lets put that into context. Thats more than the uk, france, italy, russia and spain combined. And weve been averaging more than 200,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths a day for almost a week. Weve got reporters across the country waiting for that vaccine to arrive. And i want to take you there start with my colleague, my partner, ali velshi in houston, texas. Texas is supposed to get a quarter million doses in this first wave. How are they getting ready . Yeah, so you and i know this place as an oil state and oil city. Houston is a medical city. Were getting 225,000 closes through the course of the week. Theyre going to san antonio, dallas, austin and then here to houston. Houston has the biggest Medical Campus in the entire world, the Texas Medical Center. The way were going to see the vaccination distributed in texas as a whole is about 19,000 doses. Well go to the four centers today. To bits and pieces of austin, dallas, houston and san antonio. Then were going to see another 75,000 doses tomorrow. And the remaining doses, about 100,000, will be through the course of the week. Now the Texas Medical Center i was telling you about, every hospital that you think of in houston if you come down here, mostly what you see is hospitals. They have about 9,000 beds. More than 100,000 employees. And they are going to thats just in houston now. Theyre going to start distributing that vaccine today. The one hospital in the Texas Medical Center that will be getting the vaccine today is the m. D. Anderson clinic. Well be talking to the ceo in a couple of hours. Its a cancer center. Theyre getting those shipments today and theyll be distributing them today. The point that is valid here is the one you just made with alex azar that regular folks are not getting it any time soon. This will be just for Health Professionals this week. Ali, thank you. Stay safe where you are. Lets head to ellison barber in detroit, michigan. Whats the status where you are . Hey, stephanie. Beaumont health has everything set up and ready to go for the moment that they get their shipment of vaccines. We just watched a few minutes ago, they got a new fridge to store the vaccine and you watched as they wheeled that fridge inside. Theres a lot of moving parts, a lot of lastminute work to make sure everything is ready to go. They say they are prepared here. They have already paired off pharmacy techs and nurses so as soon as they get the boxes of the vaccine, they can Work Together to take it out, get it ready to go and inject it within minutes. Gosh, i never thought id what i feel is hope for a different 2021. Not only in our hospitals and clinics and health care but for peoples personal lives as well that have been so impacted by this pandemic. So, across eight hospitals, Beaumont Health says theyve identified 11,000 employees who are considered high priority. They work with covid19 patients. Theyre in the emergency room. Theyre the icus but theyre only expecting to get about 975 doses of this vaccine. So within that group of 11,000 high priority workers, they have done a lottery to decide who goes first. Never thought id be getting choked up at the sight of a fridge but this san his an hist day. Lets head to Gabe Gutierrez in columbus, ohio. When are they expecting to get their initial shipment, and whats their game plan . Hi there, stephanie. Actually, were awaiting that initial shipment within the next ten minutes. We understand the u. P. S. Driver is on the way. Will be coming down this road. And stephanie, we understand that the u. P. S. Truck is set to go into that loading dock right over there. You see hospital staff as well as Ohio Governor mike dewine awaiting that first shipment. This is an incredible moment. This hospital is about to get 975 doses, and they expect to vaccinate 20 to 30 frontline workers here today. About an hour or so after they get this initial shipment. So were awaiting it right now. As we have been seeing, this were there yesterday in michigan as the initial doses rolled out. About half million or so right off the bat, about 2 million or so more by the end of the week. This is one of the 600 or so sites that are expected to get these doses by wednesday. Its an astounding logistical challenge that is happening. The shipments came overnight. The u. P. S. Facility got them. We are our team tells us its heading over here right now from the u. P. S. Hub here in columbus, and u. P. S. Driver is bringing it right now to this loading dock, and about an hour after that, we understand the first vaccinations of frontline workers at the ohio state wexner Medical Center are about to get under way. I want you to flag my team when it arrives. I was at the langon Medical Center and i was astounded. Its easy to forget. We talk about covid every day from home. Those hospital workers, those Health Care Workers, the doctors, the nurses, the therapists, the people in the facilities cleaning them, day in and day out, those are american heroes. And its good to see them getting the vaccine first. I want to dig deeper on all of this and bring in dr. Michael osterholm, a member of president elect bidens covid Advisory Board and director for the center for Infectious Disease research at the university of minnesota. Its always good to have you here. But i want to go through this past year. We got to remember the timeline. This virus was detected on december 31st of last year. Not even a year ago. Its genetic sequence shared in january. The first Clinical Trial started in april and here we are in december with a vaccine being delivered. As a person who has spent their entire professional life working on Infectious Diseases, how would you describe what were seeing today and the effort it took to get us here . First of all, stephanie, welcome back. Were glad youre with us again. Thank you very much. And in that note, i think you can personally attest to the critical importance of trying to deal with this disease as we have. Weve dealt with it with science. And what you are seeing today is the fruits of those science. Private companies, academic researchers and a number of seasoned Government Research employees. People who have actually been at the leading edge of what we call regulatory science, how to bring these vaccines through safely and effectively. And it really is a moment for us to understand the power of science. And im confident that, as the days go on, this power of science can win over the evil of this virus. The power of science. Weve always got time to talk about that. How about the states. Are they ready for this . Do they have the money, the resources that it takes to distribute it . You know, the states are not. And im in touch with them frequently. I come from a long state experience. And unfortunately, this is going to be a length that is going to be, at best, fragile. In order to get the vaccines out, you have to have people who are trained. You have to have the resources to make that happen. You have to have the information that you can give to the public, that will help them understand why they want the vaccine, what they can expect in terms of the safety issues, the effectiveness issues and that right now, i think, is our weakest link. And we need to do whatever we can to shore that up as soon as possible. Secretary azar was on the today show with our colleagues this morning. He said the general population could expect to be walking into a cvs or walgreens to get their shot by the end of march. Flu vaccinestyle. Do you think thats realistic . You know, i dont know. I cant comment directly because i dont have access to the kind of information that he does. You know, the Biden Harris Transition Team has already made it clear that theyre looking for, in that first 100 days, to have a major roll out of vaccine. I support their numbers. I think that they surely have a good inside view on this. So i think we can make a dent in this issue in a big way, but we do also have to set expectations. I, for one, am one of those that will be very impatient to get my vaccine, but i cant step one step in front of what is my turn. And i think well see for the next several months a lot of people wanting the vaccine who arent going to be able to get it because of just the time it takes to roll it out. So thats where i think its really important to manage expectations that, as much vaccine as possibly can be produced is getting out effectively and quickly. You are on the biden harris team. What are you most concerned about in terms of taking over this effort while its already under way . Well, i cant speak for the biden harris team. Im just one member of an Advisory Board, but i do know the Transition Team has the expertise to actually understand what is currently available through the current administrations efforts and then what needs to be done after that. So im confident that on january 20th, the new administration will hit the ground running with this vaccine issue in regards to the number of doses available, how its being manufactured, how its getting out to the public, and im confident that that will be an effectively run program. When do you think we will start seeing the trajectory of cases and deaths in this country being impacted by the number of people who are getting vaccines . Right now, people are sick and dying. Well, you know, i will go so far as to say, why do we have to wait until the vaccines get here . Right now were heading into the holiday season. I worry very much about the transmission well see there. Just as were coming off the thanksgiving season and we see an incredible number of cases coming out of those events that took place in everyones homes. So my first message right now is, please understand if you have a situation in your home where you have outside members of the family, people who havent been bubbled up or quarantined for 10 to 14 days, you know, you might not have grandpa and grandma or mom and dad here again next year for christmas if we dont prevent the transmission from those settings. And so thats the first step. The second step, as you said, what can we do in terms of vaccine itself. The first line were trying to protect are Health Care Workers and those residents of longterm care facilities. We can have a big impact on the number of deaths quickly if longterm care facilities have a wrap it up, take the vaccine because thats where a lot of the deaths have been. Also from Health Care Workers standpoint we can provide better care to those patients who have covid19 because Health Care Workers themselves are able to go to work. So i think thats where were going to really see the first big impact. Dr. Michael osterholm, always good see you. Thank you so much for sharing your insight and expertise. Every time youre here, you make us better and smarter. To you at home, stay tuned. Stay tuned on msnbc all day long as we have special coverage of this big day. Right now you are looking on your screen at columbus, ohio, where representatives from that hospital are waiting for that fedex truck to arrive to bring those vaccines to muchneeded Health Care Workers. In the next hour, my colleague Hallie Jackson will be interviewing the one and only dr. Anthony fauci about todays vaccine rollout. But weve got a lot more to cover in this hour. Coming up next, at least one statehouse is already closed, not because of covid. Theyre closed because of threats of violence as electors from all 50 states meet today to affirm joe bidens president ial victory. First, after over a century, clevelands Major League Baseball team will reportedly change its name. Nbc news, which has not been able to verify these reports, reached out to the team which had no comment but, according to multiple outlets, the team will drop the indians nickname after years of protest. The team said it would consider a name change in july and they have dropped the controversial chief logo from its hat and jersey months ago. Still no official word on the nickname, but changing its name did help the washington football team. Theyre having a great season. So you only pay for what you need. Isnt that what you just did . Service stand back, im gonna show ya how doug and limu roll, ya you know you got to live it if you wanna wi. [ music stops ] time out only pay for what you need. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. 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They even get nationwide 5g at no extra cost. And since they are on the carrier rated 1 in customer satisfation, they live happily ever after. Again, again xfinity mobile. Your wireless. Your rules. Your way to stay closer together. Click, call, or visit an xfinity store today. Welcome back. You are watching special breaking coverage. On your screen right now, columbus, ohio. The university Medical Center now waiting moments from now that u. P. S. Truck will be arriving with their first dose of vaccines. We know the special refrigerators have already been brought into the building. Those vaccines will be distributed to Health Care Workers. I want to bring in my colleague Gabe Gutierrez is there. Gabe, i cant see you, but i can hear you because your camera is showing us oh, here you are. Showing us this hospital as they eagerly await this vaccine. Whats happening . Hey there, stephanie. I want to get out of the way. You can see that u. P. S. Truck. Its showing a fedex truck. Thats not the one, but behind it is a u. P. S. Truck that just pulled in here. Hospital staff had gathered around to wait for it. You see that fedex truck as its backing in. Its the u. P. S. Truck right behind it. Loading dock 10 right there. The governor waited for it and now we see right now. This s this is an historic moment. Weve got to turn to new york where Governor Andrew Cuomo is speaking because the first new yorker will be getting their vaccine in moments. Lets take you to the governor, andrew cuomo. So michael, dr. Chester, senator lindsey, were all with you. Thank you so much. And let me also express our thanks to you for your extraordinary leadership during this whole pandemic over the last number of months and, obviously, today. And the fact that you committed to science and data to guide your leadership is absolutely extraordinary. As you said, were in queens. Queens was the epicenter of the covid issue back a number of months ago. This is where it hit the hardest. And this was right at the center. And weve seen well over 100,000 covid patients. And at one point back in april, we had over 3,500 patients in our hospitals. And as you said, we are the Largest Health system in new york and we are very, very proud of our frontline staff and the frontline staff of all of the hospitals and all of the facilities across the region. They did spectacular work, and they are the real heroes. So its a pleasure to be here with sandra and dr. Chester, and i dont think we need to delay any further because this is a special moment, a special day. This is what everybody has been waiting for to be able to give the vaccine and to hopefully see this is the beginning of the end of the covid issue. But i just would like to say something, though, that just because were giving out the vaccine is no excuse for the public out there not to continue wearing masks, not to social distance, et cetera. You have to continue to comply with safety standards, even though the vaccine is going to be distributed over the next couple of months. You have to do both if were going to be successful here as you know very well. Again, governor, we thank you. Thank you for your extraordinary leadership, and with that, let me turn it over to dr. Chester and then and with sandra here. Sandra is a Critical Care nurse. Has been on the front lines all during the crisis. Is a director in Critical Care. She has seen a lot. And she is very, very happy to be here to receive the vaccine and dr. Chester is a director of our Employee Health services. So with that, dr. Chester, well turn it over to you. Thank you. Im feeling great. Im ready. Lets do this. [ applause ] how are you feeling . Im feeling great. Thank you. Sandra, you didnt flinch. I take it that dr. Chester has a good touch. She has a good touch, and it didnt feel any different from taking any other vaccine. Great. Dr. Chester, your work with the kit from your end . Everything worked perfectly. Thank you. And youre feeling well . Governor cuomo, im feeling well. I would like to thank all the frontline workers, all my colleagues who have been doing a yeomans job through this pandemic all over the world. I am hopeful. I feel hopeful today. Relieved. I feel like healing is coming. I hope this marks the beginning to the end of a very painful time in our history. I want to instill Public Confidence that the vaccine is safe. Were in a pandemic and so we all need to do our part to put an end to the pandemic. And to not give up too soon. Theres light at the end of the tunnel, but we still need to continue to wear a mask, to social distance. I believe in science as a nurse. My practice is guided by science, so i trust science. What i dont trust is that, if i contract covid, i dont know how it will impact me or those who i come in contact with so i encourage everyone to take the vaccine. You said it very well, sandra. Public confidence that the vaccine is safe. Were in a pandemic, and so we all need to do our part to put an end to the pandemic and to not give up the theres light at the end of the tunnel but we still continue to wear our mask, to social distance. I believe in science as a nurse. My practice is guided by science. And so i trust science. What i dont trust is that if i contract covid, i dont know how it will impact me or those who i come in contact with. So i encourage everyone to take the vaccine. Thank you, senator and sandra. We trust science in new york. The federal government approved the vaccine. We have new york state have a separate panel that also approved the vaccine, and weve been following the science all along. I hope this gives you and the Health Care Workers who are battling this every day a sense of security and safety and a little more confidence in doing your job once the second vaccine has been administered. In new york we prioritize Health Care Workers at the top of the list who receive the vaccine because we know that you are out there every day putting your lives in danger for the rest of us. So we want to make sure were doing everything we can to keep you safe. And the point about new yorkers and americans having to do their part and take the vaccine because the vaccine only works if the American People take it. They estimate we need 75 to 85 of americans to take the vaccine for it to be effective. So every american has to do their part, and your point is right. Its going to take months before the vaccine hits critical mass. So this is the light at the end of the tunnel, but its a long tunnel. And we need people to continue to be do the right thing and the smart thing all through the holiday season. And hopefully when we get to about june, they estimate the vaccine can hit critical mass. But the Health Care Workers will get it first. Because we know that youre superstressed during this holiday season. So god bless you. I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for what you do. Everybody knows it. Everybody knows how brave you are and skilled and talented and selfless. When they use the word heroes, we dont mean that lightly. We mean it deeply and sincerely. What you do, showing up every day, you really are heroes, and we wish you and your family a blessed holiday season. Thank you for your leadership once again, my friend. Thank you, governor. We will win. Thank you. When my time comes when my time comes, i want dr. Chester. I like her style. No problem. Thank you guys. Thank you very much. Thank you, governor. [ applause ] when his time comes. Governor andrew cuomo at this historic moment. According to the governors office, nurse Sandra Lindsey is the first person in the United States to be receiving a vaccine. A health care worker, a Critical Care nurse who, right there, urged all American People to take the vaccine when its available to them. But until then, take every possible precaution. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Watch your distance. History made this morning. I want to go back to Gabe Gutierrez in columbus, ohio. I had to leave you. I know Health Care Workers there are waiting as the vaccine is being unloaded from that u. P. S. Truck. Just moments ago, here in new york, in queens at long island Jewish Hospital we saw a Critical Care nurse get the first vaccine. Whats happening where you are . Yeah, stephanie, incredible to see that happen in new york city. The first epicenter of this virus in the u. S. As we know, stephanie, this virus is spread throughout so much of this country, including the midwest. And here in ohio, just a few moments ago, that u. P. S. Truck brought the first coronavirus vaccines to the Ohio State University wexner Medical Center. The governor and other hospital staff met that u. P. S. Truck. We understand the vaccine is now being unloaded and its expected to be distributed to between 20 and 30 frontline workers in about the next hour or so. The timing is very fluid here. But stephanie, again, this is an historic moment. To see this happen after such a devastating year, there are hospital workers that we have been speaking with say this could be the beginning of the end of this pandemic. But again, the vaccine doses just arrived here. This is something that were starting to see more and more throughout the morning as u. P. S. And fedex trucks make their way across the country. I just heard from a hospital source in the dakotas. Its already starting to arrive there as well, four hours ahead of schedule in north dakota. Thats going to be the challenge, stephanie. How can this vaccine be distributed . Its an incredible logistical challenge but we can see this morning that u. P. S. Truck already brought the first doses of the vaccine, 975 doses, about 20 or 30 20 to 30 frontline workers here and then they expect to distribute more of them in the coming days here at the Ohio State University. An incredible logistical challenge, but hope and help is on the way. We are watching it all unfold this morning. History being made. Lets bring in dr. Lisa cooper. Shes the director of the Johns Hopkins center for Health Equity and a professor at the johns hop cain kins school of public health. Why are Health Disparities everyones problem . Doctor, these are this is an incredible morning. Whats your reaction to what youre seeing . It is so exciting. Im just thrilled to see this moment arrive. This is such a critical time in the health of our country. There are so many lives at stake. And this vaccine has incredible potential to save lives and to improve our quality of life and actually get us back to working and kids back in school. So im thrilled. Health equity is, obviously, the world of expertise. We know how much this pandemic has hurt the black and brown community. But we also know from polls that distrust of the vaccine is particularly high among white among africanamericans. What do you think that stems from . So, you know, it stems from a long history of oppression in this country. We know Structural Racism where people of color have not had opportunities to live life that are healthy and productive. There are ongoing disparities in health care. Many people in communities of color still remember so many egregious acts against them from the time of slavery to the Tuskegee Syphilis experiment and even through current day experiences of discrimination. So its not surprising that mistrust is there in terms of what science could do to harm people. But people need to remember that there have been lots of changes in the way science is conducted since that time to protect people from harm. So there are a lot of things in place to protect people. Scientific teams are much more racially and ethically diverse. One of the developers of the vaccine san africanamerican woman, dr. Corbett. There are scientists who are experts in Community Engagement who are also involved. So, you know, there are a lot of protections in place. But the mistrust is understandable. What do we need to do right now to help our most vulnerable communities . We know how the pandemic has hit them. But we also know, come skwjanua more and more people are going to become food insecure. People are going to lose their homes. People are losing their jobs. What do we need to do right now beyond logistics plans for the distribution of the vaccine which is months away . Well, i think we all need public Health Professionals, people in the media, Health Professionals, leaders just like Governor Andrew Cuomo, need to work with community leaders, with trusted organizations, faith organizations, businesses, schools. They need to work with local celebrities, artists. Anybody who is trusted in communities of color to deliver this message of how to protect themselves from getting covid19 and to help them to actually believe more in the safety of the vaccine. I think we need to have people who are health frontline Health Care Workers like the nurse we just saw who stepped up to the plate and gave her testimony and was willing to be a role model. So i think we all need to Work Together to give that story to make sure people have Accurate Information and that they can make an informed decision about this. We cant force anybody to take the vaccine, and we wouldnt want to do that. I think everyone has to make their own decision, but it needs to be an informed decision, and they should seek out trusted physicians, nurses. We really need to work with people who are in those local communities who understand the concerns, be empathetic, not be judgmental and be very clear and answer all questions. A great way to build trust is to change policies to help all americans. Is there an immediate policy change or Government Action that could help some of the most vulnerable americans who are saying the system has never worked for me. Why is it going to work now . Absolutely. I mean, i think the country is looking to local and National Leaders to make decisions on policies. Things like the economic stimulus package. Things that will deliver relief to people who need housing assistance, who need Unemployment Benefits right now. Make sure their Health Insurance benefits are continuing. So National Leaders can actually act right now in a way that would engender Greater Trust from communities of color and actually from all communities. Are you going to be getting the vaccine when its your turn . Absolutely. Im going to be one of the first, as soon as im eligible for it. I have the utmost confidence in the safety of it. I participated in the safety monitoring boards of vaccine trials before. I know what the process is. And i dont think this is going to be any different from any other vaccine. So im getting it. Dr. Kooper, thank you for joining us. We look forward to reading your book. Nobody would choose to make this the topic, but let this pandemic be a reason we start to really focus on Health Equity in this country. Is urgent. Thank you for joining us. Right now, you are looking at louisville, kentucky, where what is that, a u. P. S. Truck is making its way to the University Hospital where they will be distributing their first dose of their vaccines later today. And stick with us. Were going to take a quick break. When we come back, continue our special coverage on this historic day. We have already seen it in new york, just a few moments ago. A Critical Care nurse receiving the first vaccine. Columbus, ohio, getting their shipment, and those shipments are making their way across this country today. [ engines revving ] its amazing to see them in the wild like th shhh. [ engine revs ] for those who were born to ride, theres progressive. Subway is open and serving footlongs contactfree. Order in the app for quick and easy pickup. Or, get contactfree Curbside Pickup staying home . Get delivery so many ways to get footlongs contactfree subway. Eat fresh. To help you build a flexible wealth plan. Youll have access to taxsmart investing strategies, and with brokerage accounts online trades are commission free. Personalized advice. Unmatched value. At fidelity, you can have both. Coto build a house, you need ary ststrong foundation. [music playing throughout] the same is true for building a business. Blackowned businesses are an integral part of americas foundation. They lay the groundwork for other black businesses like mine that turns concrete into something beautiful. Im kimberley robles, and im the owner and founder of robles concrete design. The Citi Foundation is helping our Community Partners facilitate more loans to blackowned businesses. Welcome back to this very busy news day as we await more vaccine arrivals. Weve got to cover the other big story of the day. Nearly six weeks after election day, on normal schedule, joe biden is set to officially become president. When electors from all 50 states meet at their State Capitols to officially cast their votes. Whats normally just a formality now carries a lot of weight after President Trump and his allies have spent many weeks trying to overturn the results of this election with completely baseless lawsuits. Theyve even gone so far as to absolutely undermine our democracy and ask states to pick different electors that will cast their votes for President Trump. For this very reason, several states are taking extra steps to make the process more transparent and to keep their electors physically safe. Think about that. Physically safe. Weve got reporters covering every angle of this story. Vaughn hillyard, Maura Barrett and carol lee outside the white house. Vaughn, the Michigan House and senate are actually closing their offices today and not because of covid. They are closed because of threats of violence. Can you explain this . Stephanie, legislative official told us last night there were Credible Threats of violence here in michigan which led the senate and the house to tell its members to not come to work today. The capitol here is closed. Typically open to the public. And youll recall those images, the video from earlier this summer when militias entered the State Capitol behind me armed. This is an open carry state. And youll recall, it was just a few months ago in which 13 men were charged in alleged kidnapping plot of the governor here, gretchen whitmer. It was on november 23rd when michigan certified its election results. More than 100 protesters, including members of the proud boys were outside of this capitol here. Gretchen whitmer will be attending here the ceremony, the event, this meeting at 2 00 pm eastern today in which the 16 electors will be officially casting their vote for joe biden and for senator kamala harris. And youll note, this is a president who over the weekend said in an interview that, quote, its not over. And last week the Arizona Republican party put out in a tweet that individuals should be prepared to die for the effort of President Trump. While this has been a ceremonious act here on this federal law says the monday after the second wednesday of december is a very serious nature in which these are taking place near michigan and across the country. Vaughn, thank you. When vaughn says militias stormed the capitol, those are domestic terrorists. They have nothing to do with following the law. Maura, take us to pennsylvania which has been the center of a number of the president s absolutely failed, and im going to say it, completely embarrassing lawsuits. Officials there worried about any possible issues . Well, stephanie, this is the site where we saw hundreds of folks gather when the race was called for joe biden. They were both in support and against that declaration. Of course, pennsylvania was an extremely contentious state leading up to the election and afterwa afterwards, but as we watch what might happen today outside the building, inside the Capitol Building at 12 00 pm eastern is when the states 20 electors will be voting. Expect to vote for president elect joe biden. Pennsylvania is not a state that requires its electors to vote for what the state voted in the popular vote. Of course, pennsylvania did go for joe biden. And whats interesting, as well, is that the Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers earlier this month sent a letter to Congress Asking them to reject joe bidens electors. The president calling the house gop speaker here twice just last week. So i reached out this morning to the Pennsylvania Republican to see if today, after that final vote, if they will accept the results for president joe biden. We have not heard back yet, but this all as pennsylvania has been a closely watched race leading up to the election and after, with all of these lawsuits that weve been tracking, this will finally be a once and for all end to any question of joe bidens presidency. There are no questions, but, carol, take us to the president who is stomping around the oval office saying, this fight isnt over. But besides his desire to raise more money from his supporters, what in the world is going on here . Yeah, its a great question, steph. I think what youre going to see from the president is more of the same in terms of his rhetoric, alleging fraud, saying that he actually won this election when we know thats not the case. And he told fox news over the weekend, this is not over saying that he would push, quote unquote, local cases after that significant setback from the Supreme Court where the president lashed out and said the Supreme Court had chickened out because it rejected his case. That case out of texas. And the president tweeting recently saying we have just begun to fight. But as you noted, this is a fight thats been going on for more than a month. And dozens of legal cases that have just been rejected by court after court. And yet the president says that hes going to continue to fight on. What some of his allies are looking sat january 6th. That day that congress meets to tally the Electoral College votes. Some allies in congress saying theyll try to disrupt that process somehow. Again, this is something that no one expects will actually go anywhere or do anything to overturn the results of the election. What youre hearing is a number of republicans coming out, increasingly saying this is something the president just needs to move on from. We heard senator Lamar Alexander saying that to chuck on meet the press over the weekend, karl rove said over the weekend that the president risks looking like a sore loser at this point. So the question now is, after today, how many more republicans will join that chorus of voices because youre already seeing some damage from the president s rhetoric here just in terms of polling showing that a lot of republicans, a vast majority of republicans believe this election was taken from him when we know that is not the case. Then what could this do Going Forward . Because carol, we know these lawsuits are baseless. And the president doesnt have a credible fight. What the president has successfully done is raised a whole lot of money for himself and kept himself on the front page of every newspaper which most lameduck president s cant do. Because people are focused on the future and policy. Hes not the next president of the United States. Everyone knows that. However, for the 125 republican lawmakers that signed on to the texas lawsuit, wont this impact how our democracy works in the future . We know they know hes not the next president. Well, were already seeing some impact on this just in that runoff in the senate in georgia where republicans risk basically suppressing their own the president s rhetoric, suppressing their own vote because people think that this was an election that was rigged and that somehow that happened then and thats what will happen next month when that election takes place. And youve seen republicans have to come out and explicitly explain, including the incumbent senators who are running for reelection say, no, were fixing the system. The system was broken on november 3rd, but its going to be fine next month. Theyre already seeing some of those consequences. And this is something that experts and people who have been studying elections for a long time think that could be with us for cycles election cycles to come. Can you explain to me, though, the rationale because while the president lost the election, republicans lost at the top of the ticket, they did really well as far as congressmen and senators. So are they saying the election was aokay, worked well for most of us, just not for the big guy . How does that argument work . Its a very its a lot of mixed messaging as youve seen. And weve seen a number of republicans come out and try to thread the needle on this. And its tricky. And its not necessarily working when you see those polling numbers that think that where a number of republicans think this election was, indeed, fraudulent and was taken from the president. It shows that the president s effort is having an impact. And it will have an impact on future elections and could potentially have an impact on the one that could decide the who controls the senate in january. It is extraordinary. Carol, thank you so much. Vaughn, maura, a very, very important day. It becomes official on schedule, and thats really important to note. There have been no delays or disruptions despite the president s baseless and expensive lawsuits. I want to turn to congress because this morning, there could be new signs of muchneeded hope for the latest covid relief negotiations on capitol hill. Bipartisan negotiators just to e latest covid relief negotiations on capitol hill. Negotiators just decided to split the latest package into two. The first bill will be 748 billion for things like Small Business loans, job benefits and Vaccine Distribution. Things we need immediately. Weve needed for months. The or bill has 160 billion to fund state and local governments. This comes not a moment too soon. The clock is ticking on all these things set to expire at the end of this year. A sign of just how desperate things have become. The Washington Post is reporting more americans ahave resorted to shoplifting food, food like baby formula, diapers, toilet paper, so they dont go hungry. I want to bring in my friend anna palmer. Anna, do these proposals seem like they have any shot of getting past before the new year . Every day that passes, people are losing their homes and going hungry and are sick. Its a dire situation. And i think that is not lost on congress. Right now there are five days until its supposed to be the end of the legislative session. This is the this feel in the offing between senators. I really think what you need to look at, all of your viewers should be looking at the filings between pelosi and mcconnell. When they get together in a room, until then, none of this is real. They decide what is going to happen, and theyre still really apart on some of the controversial issues. The liability provision as well as some of the state and local provisions. They have not come to any sort of agreement on those. The liability provision, which obviously is a huge priority for meatpackers, manufacturers, but for every day americans who are losing their homes, who are losing their jobs, Liability Protection is not a priority. When you say we need to focus on their body language, what is it . Where do things stand between Mitch Mcconnell, chuck schumer, nancy pelosi . They have been working around the clock. I think theyre serious about the concept they want to get something done. As always, devil is in the details. Steven mnuchin had a phone call over the weekend on sunday with the speaker. You know, its been interesting. The president has been on twitter talking about his election and not about the need to pass this. So the question i have is will the leaders come together in the next couple days . Theyre going to have to in order to get it done by friday, and if they dont, they could push it into the ive been covering kochcongress a long ti. Bernie sanders said it last week. Mitch mcconnell, we dont need christmas break. We need to work through this for the American People. Is there any chance a, they delay the christmas break, and is there any sign that youre seeing from either Mitch Mcconnells office or Nancy Pelosis office that theyre doing something . It doesnt matter if you live in a red or blue state. People are suffering in every single city and state. I do think theyre serious about wanting to try to get something done. If you bring up bernie sanders, he could be a sticky wicket in all of this. He and senator josh holly are pressing the idea of a direct payment. Those side issues, it will be interesting to see if theyre willing to give something up. You started to hear some of the leaders talk like that. I think its going to be today and tomorrow truly what are pelosi saying . What is Mitch Mcconnell saying . Are they going to come together . It is certainly possible that they push this into the weekend. Or even early next week. I think they want to try to get something done. Both sides are saying that. So usually i am a pessimist, but i feel like theres optimism. We have the first vaccine shot. Theres going to be a momentum and push particularly among the other senators and house members to try to get something done. Today in new york when restaurants and bars close for indoor service, we know all that sorts of hospitality workers lost their jobs today. They need help. How about money for Vaccine Distribution . You know, billions of dollars to get over this logistical hurdle. Any plans of that money, and why on earth wouldnt the gop want to fund that . Its always a time of the details. I think there is a vast agreement on the 748 billion part of that package. I think the question really is going to be what does happen with that state and local issue . Are they able to craft it in a way they dont feel like some of the state and local governments are going to be using this funding to patch holes and things that dont have anything to do with the coronavirus and the impact of it. I think thats going to be what we should be watching. Where the details are. What does the speaker say . Does she and Mitch Mcconnell sit down or their negotiators and staff start to come together on this . And well be able to tell fairly quickly, i think this week whether or not this is an opportunity to make progress. Got to find a path. As important as the heros act has been and to hear democrats talk about it all the time, its meaningless. We could pass it all day and every day. But if it only passes in the house where which you did months ago, it goes nowhere. Theyve got to find a way to help us Going Forward. Anna, thank you for joining us on this historic hour. Think about this day. On this day joe biden will officially be named our next president. And in this last hour, we saw a critical nurse here in new york in queens which seven months ago was the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis. We saw a Critical Care nurse receive the first dose of the pfizer vaccine, and at this moment fedex and u. P. S. Trucks are delivering refrigeration systems and vaccines across the country. Stay with us as we see this throughout the day. And in the next hour Hallie Jackson will be interviewing dr. Anthony fauci. Stay tuned. A lot to cover today. Thank you for watching. Good to be back in new york with you. Ing it smaller, and youll be surprised at how easily starting small can lead to something big. Start stopping with nicorette. Starting small can lead to something big. Robinwithout the commission fees. So, you can start investing today wherever you are even hanging with your dog. So, what are you waiting for . Download now and get your first stock on us. Robinhood. Help the world believe in holiday magic. Thing and this year was harder than ever. And yet, somehow, you all found a way to pull it off. Its not about the toys or the ornaments but about coming together. Santa, santa, youre on mute just wanted to say thanks. Thanks for believing. Hope and health are arriving this morning. With a new york nurse making history just moments ago as this country puts into motion a vaccine rollout like we have never seen starting this morning. Im feeling well. I feel hopeful today. Thats one of the medical heros who has been on the front lines all year. The first person in this country to get this vaccine, and she will not be the last. Far from it. We expect to see more vaccinations in other states this hour. This is the light at the end of the tunnel, but its a