Woke up this morning in washington, im here on Martin Luther King jr. , and my daughter and only grandchild to breakfast, i thought about what dr. King would have thought about, negotiating the civil war and forgetting to mention slavery is part of why the civil war was. And i think that is challenging us of all parties and races to make this beloved community a reality. Dont just sit around complaining, do something about it. And how incredible, mika, that is, as rev said, Martin Luther King, not popular in the final years of his life. He was seen as too radical by white america. He was seen as too passive and conservative with a small c, by large segments of black america that he was despised by those who wanted to use violence for civil rights. Whats remarkable, in 1965
Was assassinated. Today is Martin Luther King jr. Day, and we will discuss dr. Kings ongoing legacy, especially as important as ever, because today is also the first Nominating Contest of the pivotal 2024 president ial campaign. Turnout for the iowa caucuses could be an issue because itll be absolutely frigid tonight with temperatures well below zero across the state. Voters must be at their caucus precincts by 7 00 central time, and weather will absolutely be a factor. With us, we have the president of the national Action Network and host of msnbcs politics nation, reverend al sharpton. Founder of the conservative website, the bulwark, Charlie Sykes is with us. The host of way too early, white House Bureau Chief at politico, jonathan lemire. And in iowa, Nbc News national Affairs Analyst john heilemann
Like anybody, i would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place, but im not concerned about that now. I just want to do gods will, and he has allowed me to go up to the mountain. Ive looked over, and ive seen the promised land. I might not get there with ya, but i want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promise Land [ applause ] so im happy tonight. Im not worried about anything. Im not fearing any man. My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the lord. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speaking in memphis on april 3rd, 1968, the night before he
Now behind your liverpool, jon. Still lead the league. Debruin has returned so huge. Feels like so much has gone wrong for city yet two points out. Roger bennett. Its wonderful to be with you, meaningful Martin Luther King jr. Day to you all. Roger bennett, thank you so much. Still ahead, a deep freeze across the Hawkeye State could threaten turnout from the iowa caucuses. Well have a report from Des Moines and hear from the top three gop candidates. That is just ahead on morning joe. Eal food. Its an idea whose time has come
With the president of the united states later today. Of course, commemorating Martin Luther King jr. Day. On your radio show. On your radio show. Yes, we have come such, such a long way since the passing of Martin Luther King. At the same time, i think all good americans know that we still have quite a distance to go toward that more perfect union. Thats what makes america great. Were never satisfied. We keep pushing toward that prize. We dont need to be ashamed of it. We sure as hell dont want to look back. Republicans want to look back, oh, i liked how things were in the 1950s. Well, were not there you know, there are a lot of people who have passed that i wish were still here. Theyre gone. The 1950s are gone. But what an extraordinary world we live in today