with us on this thursday morning. morning joe starts right now. as you know, i can t talk about the particulars of this or any other ongoing criminal matter. as i said when i pointed mr. smith, i did so because it underscores the justice department s commitment to both independence and accountability. mr. smith is a veteran career prosecutor. he has assembled a group of experienced and talented prosecutors and agents who share his commitment to integrity and the rule of law. any questions about this matter will have to be answered by their filings in court. attorney general merrick gar garland with brief words for the first time since donald trump s federal indictment. is it just me or, willie, are we starting to see again not a complete breaking of ice but sort of more thawing of ice, mike pence day one, this is horrible. day two, it s bad, but i m going to pardon him. day three, too early to talk about pardons. because you know, the news came out and i m sure mike p
i m curious just amazing. leslie odom jr. is that like when paul mccartney says i want to hold your hand or it s electrifying. it was a moment in time that was so extraordinary. it still touches me and moves me. leslie odom jr. in the broadway hit hamilton and won a tony for his tony-winning performance. he s returning in the satire. hopefully people will get very used to saying that name. a nonconfederate romp through the cotton path in which he portrays the title role played by the legendary davis and he joins us now. it s great to have you.