Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
- Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) is in his first term as Colorado’s governor. Hickenlooper was a small business owner, opening Colorado’s first brewpub, and geologist before he entered politics by running for mayor of Denver in 2003. While mayor, Hickenlooper helped to make Denver the site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. He stayed in office until elected governor in 2010.
- Hickenlooper has helped President Obama campaign around Colorado, a battleground state that offers up nine electoral votes. Hickenlooper has focused on tourism, an important industry in the state, while showing support for the president. He’s credited Obama with helping pass a travel promotion act that has helped increase international tourism in Colorado. He also applauded the president’s travels to the state after its tragedies this year including the shooting in Aurora and devastating wildfires.
- Hickenlooper spoke at the Democratic National Convention in September, focusing on community and bipartisanship. Although the president had inherited crises that were “among the worst any President has faced,” he had faced them with “optimism, compassion and courage.” He said, “We have the power to come together. We need to do this as a nation. It will take a spirit of generosity and collaboration to meet the difficult challenges we face.”
- Here is Gov. Hickenlooper’s previous appearance on the show.
Gov. John Kasich (R-OH)
- Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) was sworn into office in 2011. Prior to his governorship, Kasich represented Ohio’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives where he served as the chairman of the House Budget Committee and he focused on balancing the federal budget. After 18 years, he retired from the House and explored a presidential run in 2000. He also previously served as a managing director at Lehman Brothers and as a Fox News commentator.
- Kasich has stumped for the GOP ticket throughout Ohio, which has 18 electoral votes at stake. Kasich has touted Ohio’s economy for its turnaround, but he says there is still worry because of uncertainty in Washington and Mitt Romney “will remove that uncertainty. He will be clear on what he wants to do and we'll do better. At the end of the day, all I care about in this stated who is going to be the best job creator. I don't have any doubt in my mind that Romney is the better job creator.”
- Kasich has had a recent improvement in his popularity in Ohio. Last month, The Washington Post found that Kasich was one of the most popular governors with a 52 percent approval rating among registered voters. Kasich’s approval rating last November was 36 percent. Kasich was in the news a lot of 2011 because of a battle over a ballot referendum on Senate Bill 5, which restricted collective bargaining rights and Kasich supported.
- Kasich is the author of “Every Other Monday.” Watch Gov. Kasich’s most recent appearance on Meet the Press.
Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI)
- Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) is also in his first term as governor, elected in 2010. Walker had served as Milwaukee county executive for eight years and in the State Assembly.
- Walker has stumped for the Romney-Ryan ticket across Wisconsin, which holds 10 electoral votes. Walker said he knew Romney “had the passion and the courage to be an exceptional president” when he named fellow Wisconsin native Rep. Paul Ryan as his choice for VP. In September, Walker made news for calling upon Romney to have more of the “fire in the belly” he saw when Romney announced Ryan as his running mate.
- Walker, like Gov. Kasich, was embroiled in a battle with unions last year over a state bill that would limit unions’ rights. The bill was later found to be unconstitutional in court, although Walker remained confident the decision would be overturned. He said, “We are confident that the state will ultimately prevail in the appeals process.” Walker was forced to run in a recall election last year after the controversy with the unions. He won with 53 percent of the vote, making him the first governor to win a recall election.
- Watch Gov. Walker’s latest appearance here.
Roundtable: Fiorina, Dionne, Brooks, Maddow, Todd
- Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard Carly Fiorina is currently vice chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which is working to elect a Republican majority to the Senate, and a co-chair of Mitt Romney’s campaign in California. She is campaigning for Romney across the country, specifically helping him target support from women voters. She is also the author of “Tough Choices.” Watch her latest Meet the Press appearance.
- Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne wrote this week that “right wing has lost the election of 2012” and that can be seen in Mitt Romney’s move toward the center. Dionne wrote, “If conservatism were winning, does anyone doubt that Romney would be running as a conservative?” But it is also evidenced in the fact the “right is going along because its partisans know Romney has no other option.” Here is Dionne’s most recent appearance on the show.
- New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote about what it means to be a moderate. He said, “It is not just finding the midpoint between two opposing poles and opportunistically planting yourself there. Only people who know nothing about moderation think it means that.” Watch his latest appearance on Meet the Press here.
- Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, said on her show this week that Mitt Romney is not actually running as a moderate. She said, “It’s not actually what he’s doing [running as a moderate]. He’s doing a kitchen sink approach where he’s doing everything all at once, because he’s still doing Dick Cheney, Glenn Beck, sending Paul Ryan to Alabama and all these other places where he can speak freely.” Watch her latest Meet the Press appearance.
- NBC Political Director and Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd wrote in NBC’s First Read Friday that while attention is focused on Ohio, Colorado looks to be the closest race of the election and “what’s going on in Colorado could signal what happens in Florida and Virginia: Romney has made gains with suburban women, while Obama leads big among Latinos.” Here is his most recent appearance on the show.
Follow these guests on Twitter:
- Gov. John Hickenlooper: @hickforco
- Gov. Scott Walker: @ScottKWalker
- Gov. John Kasich: @JohnKasich
- Carly Fiorina: @CarlyforCA
- E.J. Dionne: @EJDionne
- David Brooks: @nytdavidbrooks
- Rachel Maddow: @maddow
- Chuck Todd: @chucktodd
Also follow @meetthepress for live updates during the show.
Leave a Comment:
It is very apparent and tragic that our nation's political status quo does not allow or promote a collective conversation regarding the most important issues that face us.
These maybe the most serious political and economic times we have faced in nearly a century. And as such, the controlled media discussion does not allow any room for the public debate of the important issues.
The best intellectual spirit and conversation is not allowed into the conversation. The highest dimensions of American thinking are turned away by political bullies whose attacks are toxic, angry, mean spirited, and simplistic.
Right now this minute we have a 25% child poverty rate, of the 35 developed nations we rank 2nd behind Romania! We have highest incarceration rate in the world and of any nation in world history. Citizens United is turning our democracy into an auction for power by financial special interests. There are 17,000 starving children who die in the world everyday.We spend more on the military than the next 14 countries combined.
The nation does not want to hear how we wage war anymore, we want to discuss how we create peace.
No true search for enlightenment ignores the suffering of other sentient beings.
Which Republican will be the first to say who the real Romney is? He has switched so many times, that it is impossible to keep up with what he really believes. He's going to overturn Roe V Wade.....He's not going to overturn Roe V Wade......He's against Planned Parenthood......He's for Planned Parenthood.....He's for firing teachers....now he loves teachers and wants more to be hired.......He thinks large class sizes are better for learning........He says we should have smaller class size....He wants to get rid of all of Obamacare on his first day in office......He wants to keep parts of Obamacare........He thinks we should consider going to war with Iran........He thinks we should use sanctions.........He doesn't care about the 47% of Americans.........He cares about 100 % of Americans.......What does this man believe? It can confuse even the brightest person, and I think that is exactly what he wants to do! Confuse people, and then they can select the Romney they like the most and vote for that Romney. I really want to know why Romney's son Tagg was able to get his company, Hart Intercivic, be the company that will count the votes in Ohio? THIS IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. THE COMPANY HAS A 0 OUT OF 12 FOR SECURITY, AND UNAUTHORIZED CAN GAIN ACCESS TO THE MEMORY CARDS, THUS CHANGING THE VOTING COUNTS!!! WAS THERE SOME KIND OF PAY OFF? I NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING IN MY LIFE AND I AM 72 YEARS OLD. I'D LIKE SOME ANSWERS ALSO AS TO WHY ROMNEY HAS GOTTEN AWAY WITH BEING SO SECRETIVE IN REGARDS TO INCOME TAX RETURNS, INTERVIEWS, FACT-CHECKS, HIS BANK ACCOUNTS OUT OF THE USA, AND OTHERS? WHEN HAVE WE EVER HAD SUCH A SECRETIVE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNER? AND ONE WHO HAS FLIP-FLOPPED SO MUCH??
I miss Tim Russert! Mr. Russert grilled every politician tenaciously. I am terribly disappointed that the current administration is getting a pass on Benghazi. No one is asking the tough questions, and this was obviously never a riot caused by a video. This is important, as the whistle blowers are coming out and talking. Navy Seals leave no man behind....why did the White House? I am one of those pro choice women that everyone is trying to suck up to. Believe it or not, intelligent women want real answers about real issues. Where is the beef? I will be looking for some tomorrow.
Can't agree more, David Gregory obviously shows his political preferrence. He might as well get behind his Democratic cronnies and give them a shoulder massage as he asks them a question.
It is a sad fact that he calls himself a journalist when he refuses to ask the tough questions like getting the "truth" behind the Libya coverup.
I believe I saw him hound the Romney 47% comment for 3 weeks, but lets the Obama administration slide by letting them lie and deceive the American people, you should be ashamed of yourself!
The latest rumor making the rounds is that Barack Obama replaced General Carter Ham at Africom after the general made a move to help the US security officials at the Benghazi consulate and annex. Ham was replaced by Gen. David Rodriquez on October 18.” Is this true?
We will never get that answer watching Meet the Press. It"s so sad. I really enjoyed the program before Tim Russert passed away. Carli tried to bring up Benghazi and was cut off. Russert would have pressed hard for an answer. We owe our Navy Seals and Ambassadors way more than this. David said that he would get back to Benghazi....we will see.
I miss Tim Russert as well. You are correct that he used to grill each guest fully. What I saw in today's show tells me David doesn't have the chops to be in that seat. I have for some time now gotten the strong feeling that David is a very partisan host - definitely leaning to the right or even the far right. He never once questioned the CEO of HP (what the heck was she doing there other than the fact her company sponsors the show - wonder how her BOARD feels about her activism?). She recited every talking point that we have heard from the Romney campaign and was never once questioned about the accuracy or authenticity of those statements. At one point she actually made the statement that she could make the case that the President has changed his positions more than Mitt Romney. David let her say that and NEVER even questioned it! Either he is too partisan or is totally unprepared for hosting this show! He also never once challenged the Governor of Ohio when he listed his talking points from the Romney campaign yet when the Governor of Colorado was allowed to speak David decided it was time to go negative and ask him why the President had slipped in the polls in the state instead of allowing the Governor to speak about his State's successes under a Democratic Governor and a Democratic President.
Tim would have drilled down on the dishonesty of Mr. Romney and would have forced his surrogates to defend his flip flopping nature. He also would never have let the Republican mouthpieces off so easily on the issue of the horrible statements made by the candidate from Indiana on rape and abortion. The HP CEO made the statement that he apologized for those statements and was unchallenged by David on that factually inaccurate statement. Again, probably driven by the fact that HP sponsors his show.
I was once excited that David was going to be the host of this show after Tim Russert passed away. My mind has now changed completely. Who is the next host, NBC News? Please restore the integrity of this wonderful show.
I can't but wonder if Russert would have buried Benghazi like Gregory did today...
It is so ridiculous that NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC and CNN will not "press" the president on the obvious "cover-up" BEFORE the election. MTP (David) knew what is being covered by Fox on this story with Ty Wood's father's interview yesterday, but blatantly ignored the story so more of the American people will not know the truth of the cover-up before the election. Tim Russert is rolling over in his grave at the liberal spin of Meet the Press under David Gregory. He said during the show that "we would get back to Benghazi," but lied about that, and that should have been the lead topic.
Isn't the "Press" supposed to be the fourth "check and balance" on governmental power? What the heck has happened to the press? You all should be ashamed of yourselves for not pressing the issues on Benghazi. I remember David Gregory used to annoy and press George Bush during press conferences, but NBC and MTP and Brian Williams keep offering up cupcake questions for Obama. Maybe David should quit doing double=duty as backup for the Today show and get back to what he was formerly when zealously going after George Bush. It's a shame really. Maybe a Boycott of NBC and the other media outlets that refuse to cover this Benghazi scandal is in order...
Gary. The American people know what happened in Benghazi. The story is out it's just that the MSM is not talking about it because it will make Obama look very, very bad. It would require the "suspsension of disbelief" to buy into the story that this had anything to do with the video. The administration had real time connections to this event and elected to do nothing. This is Obama's last straw.
Yes, Ken, I agree. You and I know, but how many Americans do not know of what might turn out to be an impeachable offense by the President because of what seems to be a "vast Left Wing Conspiracy" LOL! to try and keep Obama holding onto power. I am sick of Fox, too. Is there any media outlet that can truly offer coverage of the major issues facing the American people without deceitful motives? It truly is sickening to realize that there is no more free press in this country anymore. There is only spin on the Left (ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN) and spin on the Right (Fox). How do the American people demand answers from Obama BEFORE the election, if the press will not "press" Obama before the election?
Just get to the bottom line. If you were undesirably conceived would you elect to be aborted?
Many want to make fun of Trump, but you know what, I just learned of this Youtube video for the first time, as I have never seen this guy, Larry Sinclair, covered in the media. Go google YT for Larry Sinclair, Obama, Don Young.
The Romney campaign has decided to squelch any talk about Bengazzi after Romneys gaffe in the second debtae. David Gregory specifically said "we are focusing on the economy and how this may effect voting" and Carly goes off on Bengazzi. David Gregory's wife made a posh donation to the Romney campaign a few months back, so I wouldn't buy he is a democrat. I think for awhile he was so republican that producers said he could interview at Fox if he wanted. One thing everyone can agree on is how much we all miss Tim Russert-I miss him every Sunday!
TRC, you're forgetting that the loaded question by David was about trust of the president. She had a right to bring up Benghazi and our distrust of the Benghazi cover-up. David cut off Carly as she was giving a cogent answer, and David lied when he said they were going to get back to Benghazi later. Benghazi should have been a lead topic instead of the gay/lesbian agenda pushed by Rachel and whoever the other guy was, I think his name was Barney Frank or something.
Correction, the question that was loaded was how could they trust Romney, and Carly rightfully brought up how do we trust Obama, given the Benghazi cover-up, promise to cut the deficit in half, unemployment under 6% promise, etc.