Meet the Press Season 2018 Episode 1 January 7, 2018

On January 7, 2018, Meet the Press aired its first episode of the 2018 season. The show has a long-standing history, having first debuted in 1947, and has become one of the most iconic and influential political talk shows in American television history. This episode was no exception, featuring some of the most prominent figures in the world of politics and media.

The episode began with a discussion of the ongoing controversy surrounding President Donald Trump's decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, which had occurred several months earlier. Host Chuck Todd interviewed Senator Mark Warner, who was the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which was investigating potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. The two discussed the importance of an independent investigation into the matter and the role of the FBI in ensuring that such an investigation is conducted fairly and impartially.

Next up was a segment on the ongoing immigration debate, which had become particularly heated in the wake of Trump's decision to rescind DACA, the program that had protected hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants from deportation. Todd moderated a roundtable discussion with several guests, including former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had become an outspoken critic of the Trump administration's policies. The group discussed the impact of immigration on the American economy, the importance of border security, and the need for a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Another major topic covered on the show was the relationship between the United States and North Korea, which had become increasingly tense over the previous year. Todd interviewed former Secretary of Defense William Perry, who had extensive experience dealing with the North Korean regime, and they discussed the diplomatic options available to the US in dealing with the threat posed by the reclusive nation. Perry emphasized the importance of maintaining strong alliances with South Korea and Japan, as well as the need to avoid any military conflict that could escalate into a wider conflict in Asia.

The final segment of the show focused on the growing problem of gun violence in America, particularly in the wake of several high-profile mass shootings that had occurred in recent years. Todd moderated a debate between two guests with opposing viewpoints: gun rights advocate Dana Loesch and gun control advocate David Hogg. The two discussed the efficacy of various gun control measures, such as bans on assault weapons and expanded background checks, and debated the role of the Second Amendment in American society.

Overall, the first episode of Meet the Press's 2018 season was a thought-provoking and informative look at some of the most pressing issues facing the nation and the world. The show's commitment to providing balanced and insightful analysis of political and social issues has made it a mainstay of American television for over seven decades, and this episode was no exception. With its engaging guests, lively debates, and expert analysis, Meet the Press continues to be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay informed about the world around them.