Meet the Press Season 2019 Episode 1 January 6, 2019
- January 6, 2019
January 6, 2019 marked the premiere of season 2019 of the popular political talk show, Meet the Press. Hosted by Chuck Todd, the episode featured an array of prominent political figures who offered their insights and perspectives on the current state of affairs in Washington, D.C.
The episode began with a discussion on the government shutdown that had begun just before the New Year. Todd spoke with Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) about the impasse between Congress and the White House over funding for a border wall. The senators offered differing opinions on the matter, with Warner calling for a compromise and Blunt emphasizing the need for national security.
The conversation then turned to the upcoming 116th Congress, which was set to begin just a few days after the episode aired. Todd spoke with incoming freshman Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) about their goals and aspirations for their time in office. Sherrill discussed her desire to work across party lines to address the opioid crisis and improve access to healthcare, while Crenshaw spoke about his commitment to national security and fiscal responsibility.
Next, Todd delved into the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. He spoke with Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), who was set to take over as the new Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Schiff expressed his concerns about the Trump administration's handling of the investigation, and emphasized the need for a full accounting of Russia's actions.
In a later segment, Todd sat down with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat and former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett to discuss the current state of political and social discourse in America. The panelists discussed the impact of social media on public discourse, and the challenges faced by politicians and citizens in navigating a rapidly changing media landscape.
The final segment of the episode focused on the upcoming 2020 presidential election. Todd spoke with political strategists David Axelrod and Mike Murphy about the potential candidates and key issues that could shape the election. The panelists offered their perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of potential Democratic candidates, and discussed the challenges that could face both parties in the coming year.
Overall, the premiere episode of Meet the Press season 2019 offered a thought-provoking and insightful look at the major political and social issues facing the country in the new year. With a diverse range of guests and perspectives, the show provided a valuable forum for intelligent and informed discussion of the most pressing issues of our time.
