Meet the Press Season 2018 Episode 7 February 18, 2018

On February 18, 2018, Meet the Press aired its seventh episode of the 2018 season. This episode provided a thorough analysis of the ongoing issue of gun control in the United States, which was at the forefront of national conversation following the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida just a few days prior.

Moderator Chuck Todd began the program by speaking with Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was facing intense scrutiny for his stance on gun control in the wake of the shooting. Todd challenged Rubio on his acceptance of campaign donations from the National Rifle Association and pressed him on his hesitancy to support measures that would make it more difficult for individuals to obtain firearms.

Later in the program, Todd spoke with survivors of the Parkland shooting, a group of high school students who had begun a passionate campaign for gun control reform. They discussed their experiences during the shooting and their frustration with politicians who they felt were not doing enough to keep them safe. The students were articulate and impassioned in their arguments for stronger gun laws, and their presence on the show added a powerful emotional element to the discussion.

In addition to the gun control debate, Meet the Press also explored other topics of national interest. Todd spoke with former Trump campaign advisor Rick Gates, who had been indicted in connection with special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Gates spoke about his role in the campaign and denied any wrongdoing. Todd also interviewed Senator Mark Warner about the ongoing investigation and the recent indictment of 13 Russian nationals for their involvement in the election.

The show also featured a panel discussion with journalist Andrea Mitchell, Republican strategist Rich Lowry, and Democratic strategist Stephanie Cutter. They discussed a wide range of topics, including the importance of the mid-term elections, the possibility of a government shutdown, and the recent resignation of White House staff secretary Rob Porter amid allegations of domestic abuse.

Overall, the February 18, 2018 episode of Meet the Press provided a thorough and thought-provoking examination of the most pressing issues facing the country at that time. The program's focus on gun control and its inclusion of the voices of Parkland shooting survivors helped to elevate the conversation and ensure that the issue remained at the forefront of the national discourse.