Meet the Press Season 2014 Episode 20 August 10, 2014

On August 10, 2014, Meet the Press aired its 20th episode of the 2014 season. The episode featured a discussion of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, including the conflict in Gaza and the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The panel of guests included Dr. Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton; Senator John McCain, Republican from Arizona; Senator Jack Reed, Democrat from Rhode Island; and Richard Engel, Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News.

The conversation began with a focus on the United States' response to the crisis in Gaza. Senator McCain argued that the Obama administration had not done enough to support Israel, and criticized the President's recent statement condemning the Israeli shelling of a UN school in Gaza. Dr. Albright pushed back against this characterization, arguing that the United States had maintained a strong relationship with Israel and had urged both sides to work towards a ceasefire.

The discussion then turned to ISIS and the situation in Iraq. Senator Reed emphasized the need for a political solution to the crisis, arguing that the United States could not simply rely on military force to defeat the group. Richard Engel provided an on-the-ground perspective, describing the brutality of ISIS's tactics and the challenges facing the Iraqi military.

The panelists also discussed the broader implications of the crisis in the Middle East, including the impact on U.S. foreign policy and the threat posed by radical Islamic groups. Dr. Albright emphasized the need for a coordinated international response, while Senator McCain argued that the United States should take a more aggressive stance towards ISIS and other extremist groups.

The episode also featured a panel of political commentators, including Peggy Noonan of The Wall Street Journal and Eugene Robinson of The Washington Post. The panel discussed the upcoming midterm elections and the political landscape in the United States. Peggy Noonan emphasized the importance of "message discipline" for Republicans, while Eugene Robinson argued that Democrats needed to do a better job of energizing their base.

Overall, the August 10, 2014 episode of Meet the Press provided a comprehensive look at the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its impact on U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics. The episode featured a diverse range of perspectives and opinions, providing viewers with a nuanced understanding of these complex issues.