Meet the Press Season 2015 Episode 13 April 12, 2015
On the April 12, 2015 episode of Meet the Press, host Chuck Todd welcomed a roundtable of political commentators to discuss the latest news in politics.
The first segment focused on the ongoing controversy surrounding Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Todd spoke with Indiana Governor Mike Pence about the law and the backlash it had received from the LGBT community, as well as businesses and politicians who opposed it. Pence defended the law as a necessary measure to protect religious freedom, but also said he would consider changes to the law to clarify that it would not be used to discriminate against anyone. The panel analyzed the political fallout from the controversy and discussed whether similar laws could pass in other states.
The second segment explored the issue of police reform in the wake of recent incidents of police brutality and the subsequent protests that have swept the country. Todd spoke with Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton about what can be done to improve police-community relations. The panel discussed the role of body cameras and other technology in holding police accountable, as well as the need for more training and better communication between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
In the third segment, Todd spoke with Senator Lindsey Graham about his potential presidential campaign and his positions on various foreign policy issues. Graham discussed his support for military intervention in Syria and Iraq, his opposition to the nuclear deal with Iran, and his concerns about the rising influence of ISIS in the Middle East. The panel analyzed Graham's foreign policy stances and his political prospects in the crowded field of Republican presidential candidates.
The final segment of the show featured an interview with author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates about his new book, "Between the World and Me." Coates discussed his experiences growing up as a black man in America and the ways in which racism and inequality still permeate American society. The panel discussed the book's impact on the national conversation about race and whether it could help bring about positive change.
Overall, the April 12, 2015 episode of Meet the Press provided a comprehensive look at some of the most pressing issues facing the country at the time. From religious freedom to police reform to foreign policy to racial inequality, the show offered a diverse range of perspectives and insights from expert guests.