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    • MSNBC hosts discuss implications of Republican debate for Biden's reelectionMSNBC hosts suggest impeachment proceedings could help Biden regain momentum, with Ron Klain providing insights on Republican party chaos and election strategies.

      Last night's Republican debate was described as a train wreck by the co-hosts of MSNBC's "How to Win 2024" podcast, Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri. They discussed the implications of the debate for President Biden's reelection, suggesting that impeachment proceedings could provide an opportunity for Biden to gain traction. The podcast also featured a special guest, Ron Klain, who has extensive experience in high-level debate preparation and policy strategy. The hosts expressed their excitement to hear Klain's insights on the chaotic state of the Republican party. Additionally, they planned to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Senator Bob Menendez and his involvement in a bribery scandal. Overall, the podcast promised to provide in-depth analysis of the campaign news and behind-the-scenes strategies for winning elections, with a focus on the upcoming 2024 election.

    • A chaotic Republican primary debate leaves many candidates strugglingFormer President Trump's union pitch failed, Biden looked presidential, but the debate lacked substance and clarity, leaving no clear winner

      The Republican primary debate was a failure for many candidates, particularly those at the "kiddie table," who struggled to make a relevant impact. Newt Gingrich believes former President Donald Trump's attempt to present himself as pro-union during Halloween was also a failed attempt to win over voters. Meanwhile, Joe Biden came out of the week looking more presidential and capable, despite not doing well with union workers in the past. The chaos and conflict within the Republican party and the messy debate made the entire process appear unimportant and chaotic, with none of the candidates truly rising to the occasion.

    • Biden campaign's messaging strategy for 2024Biden campaign positions itself well for 2024 reelect by distinguishing between 'normal' Republicans and MAGA extremists, appealing to independents, and isolating radical elements of the GOP.

      That the Biden campaign's handling of recent political events, including the Michigan rally and the Arizona speech at the McCain Institute, has positioned them well for the 2024 reelect. By distinguishing between "normal" Republicans and those driven and intimidated by MAGA extremists, they are able to appeal to independent voters while also highlighting the threat posed by the more radical elements of the Republican Party. This messaging strategy, reminiscent of President Biden's 2022 Philadelphia speech, aims to isolate the MAGA crowd and frame them as out of touch with mainstream American values. The Biden campaign's ability to effectively communicate this message and capitalize on the chaos of the Republican Party could be a winning strategy in the upcoming elections.

    • Renowned political strategist Ron Klain expresses confusion over recent Republican debatesThe recent Republican debates lacked a clear strategy, came across as unlikable, and some candidates' aggressive behavior may not resonate well with voters.

      Learning from the discussion with Ron Klain, a renowned political strategist and debate prep expert, is that the recent Republican debates lacked a clear strategy and came across as unlikable and distasteful to many viewers. Klain, who has worked with former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, expressed his confusion about the attacks among candidates, especially since most of them were not targeting former President Donald Trump directly. He emphasized the importance of leaving debates likable, especially for lesser-known candidates. Klain also noted that the behavior of some candidates, such as Nikki Haley, while appearing strong and intelligent, came across as aggressively angry and may not resonate well with voters. Overall, the debates seemed to be more about trying to secure second place rather than focusing on beating Trump or presenting a compelling case for their own presidency.

    • Presenting oneself positively is key to winning over votersAnger or negativity can be off-putting. Focus on being likable and relatable, and contrast your message and actions with opponents.

      The way a candidate presents themselves is crucial in winning over voters, especially independent ones. Anger or negativity can be off-putting and may not help a candidate gain support. Instead, being likable and relatable is important. Additionally, focusing on rivals who are far ahead in the race rather than trying to pass those who are closer may not be an effective strategy. The contrast between the candidates' messages and actions was highlighted during the week, with Biden's visit to Detroit and Trump's actions in Michigan and Arizona. The comparison between the two and their approaches to democracy provided a clear distinction for voters.

    • Biden's Team of Political Strategists and Effective SurrogatesPresident Biden has a solid team of political strategists and effective surrogates, including Mark Donnelly, Anita Dunn, Jen Dillon, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Vice President Harris, who are actively spreading his message and highlighting his accomplishments.

      Despite concerns about the deployment of surrogates and the perceived absence of a more aggressive approach towards attacking former President Trump, President Biden has a solid team of political strategists and effective surrogates in place. His chief advisers and strategists, Mark Donnelly, Anita Dunn, and Jen Dillon, have been with him since his campaign days and continue to lead his political efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Harris are among his most effective surrogates, who have been actively spreading the president's message on the road. While some argue that the president himself needs to be more aggressive, there is an opportunity to engage young people and voters of color by highlighting his accomplishments. Overall, the Biden administration has a strong team and effective messaging strategy in place.

    • Biden campaign should focus on both messagesBiden campaign should educate voters about accomplishments and threats from MAGA Republicans. Impeachment hearings are a distraction, resources should be spent addressing pressing issues.

      The Biden campaign should focus on both educating voters about the president's accomplishments and the threats posed by MAGA Republicans, as both messages are important. The more Trump is out in the public eye, the more it may energize Biden's supporters. The impeachment hearings, according to the speaker, are a waste of time and a distraction from addressing the country's pressing issues. The Biden administration is focusing on reaching out to various communities, and Vice President Harris is a valuable asset in this effort. The lack of evidence presented during the impeachment hearings further highlights the political nature of the proceedings, and the government's resources would be better spent addressing the needs of the American people.

    • Biden's Campaign Manager Expresses Optimism for 2024 ElectionBiden's focus on issues like reproductive rights and democracy resonated with voters in 2022, and he's expected to continue discussing accomplishments and agenda in 2023. Despite challenges, Klain remains confident in Biden's ability to win in 2024. Elected officials must face ethical consequences if they engage in unethical behavior.

      Ron Klain, the campaign manager for President Joe Biden, expressed optimism about Biden's chances in the 2024 presidential election. Klain believes that Biden's focus on issues like reproductive rights and democracy resonated with voters in 2022, and he expects Biden to continue discussing his accomplishments and agenda in the coming year. Despite the challenges of a tough campaign against Donald Trump, Klain remains confident in Biden's ability to win based on the American people's previous support for him. However, the discussion also touched on the potential ethical issues surrounding Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who was indicted on bribery charges and left a Senate caucus lunch without addressing the scandal. The ethics committee is now investigating the matter, and Klain emphasized that elected officials are not entitled to their seats if they engage in unethical behavior.

    • Democratic Party's Ethical Dilemma with Senator MenendezThe Menendez scandal tests the Democratic Party's ability to maintain its moral high ground and consistency in handling ethical issues, risking hypocrisy and damaging their credibility.

      The ongoing scandal involving Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and his ethical issues poses a significant threat to the Democratic Party, not just in his own re-election bid in 2024, but also in terms of the party's ability to maintain its moral high ground and avoid appearing hypocritical. Menendez's indictment on bribery and corruption charges has raised concerns about Democrats' inconsistency in handling such matters, as they previously criticized Republicans for similar issues but have been more lenient with their own. The Republicans, on the other hand, are defending Menendez, using the argument of "whataboutism" to deflect attention from their own party's issues. The ethics committee's response to this situation remains to be seen, but the indictment's serious allegations and potential national security implications call for a strong response from the Democratic Party to maintain their credibility and integrity.

    • The Team Behind 'How to Win 2024' PodcastThe podcast is produced by a team of experienced professionals including Alicia Conley, Jessica Schrecker, Ivy Green, Bryson Barnes, Paul Robert Monsey, Jamaris Perez, Ayesha Turner, and Rebecca Cutler. It can be found and followed on various podcast platforms.

      The team behind the "How to Win 2024" podcast includes Alicia Conley as the senior producer, Jessica Schrecker and Ivy Green as segment producers, Bryson Barnes as the technical director, Paul Robert Monsey as the audio engineer, Jamaris Perez as the associate producer, Ayesha Turner as the executive producer for MSNBC audio, and Rebecca Cutler as the senior vice president for content strategy at MSNBC. The podcast can be found and followed wherever podcasts are available. Stay tuned for the latest insights and analysis on the 2024 presidential race.

    Recent Episodes from Prosecuting Donald Trump

    ‘A Dessert Topping and a Floor Wax’

    ‘A Dessert Topping and a Floor Wax’

    There has been a slew of hearings before Judge Aileen Cannon in the Florida documents case over the past few days, and veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord examine why some of these seem like unnecessary delays. Then, why Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg is asking for the limited gag order to continue in New York as Donald Trump awaits sentencing. And lastly, Mary and Andrew game out some scenarios as we hurry up and wait for the Supreme Court to decide on presidential immunity.

    Also, an exciting announcement! On Saturday, September 7th, MSNBC will be hosting a live event in Brooklyn called “MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024”. It will be your chance to hear thought-provoking conversations about the most pressing issues of our time, and to do so in person with some of your favorite MSNBC hosts. You can also take part in a sit-down dinner for an insider’s view of the upcoming election. Visit https://www.msnbc.com/DEMOCRACY2024 to learn more.

    Trigger Avenue

    Trigger Avenue

    This week, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dive deep into several pending motions, including Jack Smith’s pre-trial motion to modify Trump's conditions of release in the Florida documents case, which would effectively impose a gag order, just under a different legal principle. Plus: Trump’s push to end the post-trial gag order in New York. And what's at issue in the suppression motion also filed in Florida that Judge Cannon will hear next Tuesday. Last up: a preview of Fischer v. United States, a pending Supreme Court case that could have a trickle-down effect on Trump’s DC case.

    Note: Listeners can send questions to: ProsecutingTrumpQuestions@nbcuni.com

    Post-Trial and Pre-Trial

    Post-Trial and Pre-Trial

    Former President Trump awaits his sentencing in New York, but he wants the gag order lifted in the meantime. Is that typical? Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down that motion, and the mechanics of sentencing in the lead up to July 11th. They also highlight Attorney General Merrick Garland’s recent op-ed calling for an end to escalated assaults on our judicial system in the wake of Trump’s verdict in Manhattan. Last up, Andrew and Mary scrutinize Judge Cannon’s schedule revisions for several motions in Florida documents case, and analyze the significance of Georgia racketeering case being stayed pending appeal.

    Further reading: Here is Attorney General Merrick Garland’s OpEd in the Washington Post that Andrew and Mary spoke about: Opinion- Merrick Garland: Unfounded attacks on the Justice Department must end

    Note: Listeners can send questions to: ProsecutingTrumpQuestions@nbcuni.com

    BONUS: Season 2 of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra”

    BONUS: Season 2 of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra”

    As a bonus for listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of the second season of the award-winning original series, “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra.” In the chart-topping second season, Rachel Maddow returns to uncover the shocking history of the ultra-right’s reach into American politics. Listen to the entire first episode now, and follow the show to get the whole series: https://link.chtbl.com/rmpust_fdlw. You can also subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access to every episode the Friday before it drops, and ad-free listening to all episodes of Ultra seasons one and two.

    The Disinformation Campaign

    The Disinformation Campaign

    It’s been less than a week since the jury reached a verdict in Donald Trump’s criminal trial and the political spin on the result is dizzying. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord seek to debunk several claims entered into the public discourse, especially around the Department of Justice being involved in a state case and that the trial was somehow ‘rigged’. They also address some breaking news out of Wisconsin, where Kenneth Chesebro, Jim Troupis and Michael Roman were criminally charged in that state's  fake elector scheme. Then, Andrew and Mary review the latest in Florida after Special Counsel Jack Smith refiled his motion to bar Trump from making statements that endanger law enforcement.

    Note: Listeners can send questions to: ProsecutingTrumpQuestions@nbcuni.com

    BONUS: Witness to History

    BONUS: Witness to History

    In a new special, Andrew Weissmann, Rachel Maddow and our team give an intimate and personal look inside the Trump courtroom. They tell some never-before-heard stories about what it was like to witness, firsthand, some of the most explosive moments of the trial. In addition to Rachel and Andrew, you'll hear from Joy Reid, Lawrence O’Donnell, Chris Hayes, Katie Phang, Lisa Rubin, Yasmin Vossoughian, and Laura Jarrett. Together, they share what it was like to witness history from the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse.

    In Closing

    In Closing

    It’s a historic moment, as the country awaits the jury’s verdict in the first ever criminal trial of a former president. To assess the gravity of what each side needed to convey in summations, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord scrutinize the approach to closing arguments by both the defense and the prosecution. Then, they turn to the latest from the Florida documents case, where Judge Cannon and Special Counsel Jack Smith are at odds. The issue: Donald Trump’s ‘lies’ posted and amplified, concerning the search warrants executed on his Mar-a-Lago estate in 2022.

    "The E-mail Speaks for Itself"

    "The E-mail Speaks for Itself"

    Ahead of Tuesday’s closing arguments in the first ever criminal trial of a former president, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail Tuesday’s crushing cross examination of Robert Costello by Susan Hoffinger, and what it means for the defense’s attempt to undermine Michael Cohen’s credibility. Then, what listeners should infer from the charging conference- as this determines what the jury can deliberate on. And big picture: what each side needs to accomplish in their respective closing arguments.

    130,000 Reasons

    130,000 Reasons

    Donald Trump’s defense team rested on Tuesday without calling the former President to the stand. But some crucial points were made before the conclusion of Michael Cohen’s cross examination that veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord explain in depth. They also weigh in on some courtroom tactics that worked and others that didn’t go over well from both the prosecution and the defense. Plus, Andrew and Mary detail some of the gambits used by defense witness Robert Costello that were admonished by Judge Merchan.

    Related Episodes

    BONUS: How to Win 2024: The “Kiddie Table” Debate

    BONUS: How to Win 2024: The “Kiddie Table” Debate

    Debate guru Ron Klain joins Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri on their new podcast “How to Win 2024” to discuss the winners and losers of the 2nd GOP debate and what it could mean for President Biden’s re-election campaign. Plus, the House Republicans’ impeachment effort that voters want nothing to do with. Listen each week and click here to follow the show.

    BONUS: How to Win 2024: The “Kiddie Table” Debate

    BONUS: How to Win 2024: The “Kiddie Table” Debate

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    BONUS: How to Win 2024: The “Kiddie Table” Debate

    BONUS: How to Win 2024: The “Kiddie Table” Debate

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    BONUS: How to Win 2024: The “Kiddie Table” Debate

    BONUS: How to Win 2024: The “Kiddie Table” Debate

    Debate guru Ron Klain joins Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri on their new podcast “How to Win 2024” to discuss the winners and losers of the 2nd GOP debate and what it could mean for President Biden’s re-election campaign. Plus, the House Republicans’ impeachment effort that voters want nothing to do with. Listen each week and click here to follow the show.