Welcome back. And joining me now is Democratic Congressman Ro K Connor of California. Congressman Kana, welcome back to Meet the Press.>> Good morning. Thanks for having me on. >> Well, it's wonderful to have you back.And I do want to start with the CDC congressman. President Trump's decision to fire the CDC director Susan Minarz just weeks after she was sworn in and after she clashed with HHS Secretary Kennedy over the issue of vaccines. Four other top CDC scientists quit in protest.Now, I had the opportun ...

The last word with Lawrence O'Donnell starts right now with my my good friend Melissa Murray in for Lawrence. Good evening, Melissa. >> Good evening, Chris.Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Republicans in Texas have moved forward with Donald Trump's plan to redraw congressional districts.What's the goal. Well, to give Donald Trump and the GOP five additional seats in the 2026 midterm elections, which are now just 439 days away. In the Texas state capital today, Democrats didn't hold back, condemning the maps ...

Earlier tonight, Republicans in the Texas House of Representatives passed their new Trump sanctioned congressional maps that aim to give Republicans more seats in Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms. Despite various efforts by Texas Democrats to block the gerrymandering, including leaving the state for two weeks to deny a quorum, they eventually traveled back to Texas this week. And tonight, the map's passed, which means that tomorrow the bill goes to the Texas Senate, where it will likely pass and land on ...

Redistricting and Political Strategy - The Democratic party is concerned about Republican-led redistricting efforts in states like Texas, viewing them as attempts to gain an unfair advantage [2][6][8] - The party is considering a ballot measure in California to address redistricting, emphasizing voter input, contrasting it with Texas' approach [4][9] - The proposed measure is framed as a temporary response to actions by Donald Trump, with the independent commission returning in 2031 [14] - The party aims to protect communities of color and uphold the Voting Rights Act in redistricting efforts [14] Concerns and Challenges - The Democratic party acknowledges losing millions of voter registrations, indicating a need to better connect with voters' concerns [15] - The party recognizes the need to address Americans' worries about the cost of living and job security [16][17] - The party believes unchecked power of Donald Trump and House Republicans after the 2026 elections will impact the ability of families across the country to provide for their families [18] Policy and Messaging - The Democratic party emphasizes the importance of healthcare access and affordable living for Americans [19][22] - The party accuses Texas Republicans of rigging the system due to a lack of a strong policy platform [20][21]

Ryan, tell me you're there, what you're seeing, what it feels like as this fight reaches its climax. >> Well, Chris, I'm not inside the capital yet. Thank you for bearing with me on on what's been a a hectic week.Um, uh, for all week it has felt very tense here. Um, in fact, just yesterday, we saw an evacuation at the Texas capital after a threat uh to to law enforcement and lawmakers lives. Uh the Department of Public Safety says that a a social media threat told people to go to the Capitol and shoot anybo ...

Redistricting & Voting Rights - The report highlights accusations that President Trump is attempting to undermine democracy through redistricting efforts, specifically in Texas, which are seen as a violation of the Voting Rights Act [1] - Democrats are responding to Trump's actions by considering similar redistricting tactics in states where they hold power, described as "fighting fire with fire" [3][6] - The John Lewis voting rights bill, which aimed to change how districts are drawn in all 50 states, is mentioned as a potential solution to partisan gerrymandering [7] Political Strategy & Momentum - Democrats believe they are gaining momentum, citing special election victories and overperformance in recent elections [4] - The report suggests that Trump's unpopularity and unfulfilled promises are contributing to potential Democratic gains in the House of Representatives in 2026 [5] - The Democratic party emphasizes the need for a Congress with a "backbone" that can work in a bipartisan fashion, contrasting this with the Republican's focus on power [9][10] State-Level Politics & Governance - The importance of state-level politics in securing democracy and rights is emphasized, highlighting the role of governors in this fight [13] - The podcast featuring governors aims to provide deeper insights into their motivations, fears, and solutions for the problems facing the country [15]

This is what oligarchy feels like. Not someday, right now. We know that a better world is possible.And we are willing to do something about it. >> If we stand together, we can defeat Trumpism. We can defeat authoritarianism. We can defeat oligarchy. We can create a new nation.Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Okaziocortez have drawn tens of thousands of people to their fighting oligarchy rallies across blue and red states. In fact, Senator Sanders is kicking off new rallies in West Virgini ...

The GOP's redistricting push is gaining full steam now. According to new reporting from Punch Bowl News, House Republicans are now now eyeing up to at least a dozen seats across the country in Texas, in Florida, Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio. Joining us now, journalist and author of Anti-Democratic: Inside the Right 50 Years Plot to Control America, American Elections, David Dailyaly, and national affairs correspondent at The Nation, John Nichols.Uh, thanks both of you for being with us. Uh, John, walk us thr ...

Voting Rights & Democracy - The Voting Rights Act, signed into law 60 years ago, is under attack, with Texas Republicans accused of erasing its legacy through district manipulation [1][2] - The core issue is framed as a fight to protect democracy against those who would trade it for power, emphasizing the importance of collective action and resistance [3][8] - The redistricting efforts in Texas are described as a "rigged districtricting" and a "pole tax," designed to discriminate against Black and Brown voters [6][7] - Concerns are raised that the actions in Texas could set a precedent for other states and the entire country, highlighting the national implications of the issue [7] - The speakers emphasize the need to stand up for the right to vote, which people have died for, and to keep democracy in place [8] Political Landscape & Accusations - The speakers accuse Donald Trump and his allies of trying to rig the system by changing the rules and shutting voters out of the process [43][44] - There are accusations that the redistricting is racially motivated, with specific examples of districts being packed with African-Americans and economic engines being removed [49][51] - Missouri representatives claim that Donald Trump drew maps in Washington D C and sent them to Texas and Missouri [19][20] - The representatives from North Carolina highlight the dangers of partisan gerrymandering, citing their own state's experience where Republicans have a disproportionate number of seats despite Democrats receiving more votes [34][36][37] Call to Action & Support - The speakers call for unity and support for the Texas legislators who are fighting against the redistricting efforts, emphasizing that they are not alone [3][4][11][15][39] - The representatives from other states express their solidarity with Texas and pledge to fight against similar efforts in their own states [18][22][23][39] - The speakers urge the media to change their narrative and accurately portray the situation in Texas, emphasizing that it is not just about partisan politics but about racial discrimination [49][62] - The Texas state representatives get paid $600 per month and are being fined $500 per day, highlighting the financial sacrifices they are making [61]

If a year ago when we were campaigning against Donald Trump, we had said Donald Trump is going to try to radically change election rules before the midterm elections, he's going to get his allied governors to file lawsuits to remove dulyeleed Democrats from office and replace them with their own handpicked lackey. And then Donald Trump is going to send the FBI to go illegally arrest Democratic lawmakers just because they disagree with him. People would have said we were acting crazy.But it's not crazy. It's ...