The Mission Report: Recent Episodes
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WONK-FM has your inside look at what’s happening at the White House. Tune in Weekday mornings at 8:35 AM as we speak with our White House Correspondent Michael Bower. If you have any questions, tweet @wonkfm with #MissionReport.
A big win for former Vice President Joe Biden in SC, & Mayor Pete Buttigieg steps down, so what can we expect for Super Tuesday? We get the latest from inside the White House with NBC News Radios' Michael Bower.
Former Vice President Joe Biden has been banking on the South Carolina Primary to give him the momentum he needs going into Super Tuesday. Will he get the votes, how does the state look for the other candidates. We've got a breakdown of it all with NBC News Correspondent Michael Bower.
We saw quite a bit of drama in Nevada, how did everyone behave on the debate stage in SC? Stacy Lyn sits down with our NBC News Correspondent Michael Bower to get a full recap of the Democratic debate in South Carolina.
Washington DC traffic is no joke. Michael Bower talks with Stacy Lyn about what to expect this upcoming holiday weekend.
Stacy Lyn talks with our White House correspondent Michael Bower on former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to enter the 2020 Presidential race.
Will the impeachment hearings this week be Must See TV? Stacy Lyn discusses everything to expect this week with our White House Corespondent Michael Bower in today's Mission Report.
President Trump holds a raucous rally in Minnesota, doing what he may do best... rile up his allies and his opponents at the exact same time. Michael Bower has some of the more off color details.
The investigations and hearings continue in the impeachment inquiry. While the Administration says they will comply with a formal inquiry, the chess pieces continue to play out on the board. Michael Bower gives the play by play.
A second whistleblower has come out against President Trump. While some say this clears up the allegations, others say it creates more ambiguity. Still, more whistleblowers may be on the horizon. Michael Bower clears it all up.
House Judiciary Cmte. has started their next salvo of hearings to build their case to impeach President Donald Trump. Michael Bower talks about what worked and what didn't when they questioned 2016 Trump Campaign Director Corey Lewandowski,
Sanders and Warren punched their ticket on the first night. Booker looked solid after night two. Do any of the lesser candidates have a chance of making the stage?
Chairman Nadler says Mueller testinmony will prove President Trump broke the law, but Mueller says he will only stay with report. Is this a big deal, or more of the same?
Trump Squad. Sounds like a great TV show from the late 70s, but instead its the talk of the nation as the President has continued his attacks on "The Squad," a group of Freshmen Congresswomen with what many deem to be racist tweets. Speaker Pelosi has joined in the battle, trying to unite her caucus, as well as distance her self from everyone involved. In other words - its politics as usual.
Polls state that the majority of Americans won't donate to a presidential candidate in 2020. Does disenfranchisement follow through to planning to vote, or is it really just too early to jump on board. White House Correspondent Michael Bower reports.
The Supreme Court rules against the administration on the census question, "but you are saying there is a chance," is what the admin heard. It is possible that this could be revisited, especially if there is time to get the census out. That time is rapidly running out.
The House of Representatives passes $4.5 billion border spending package, but it faces opposition in the Senate. The Senate is expected to pass their measure that faces opposition in the House. Can a bill reach the President's desk that he won't veto? Michael Bower reports.
Stymied on Trump Administration subpoenas, Kellyanne Conway is now under scrutiny for violations to the Hatch Act. The expected outcome is another ignored subpoena, and then another contempt vote. Also, the DNC debates are sure to unveil a levy of new promises that need to be paid for by something, and Beto O'Rourke has unveiled a new 'War Tax' plan. More plans are sure to come.
President Trump unveils a policy to round up and deport illegal aliens in the United States. Apparently, this is news to ICE, as they have received no official directive on the order. All of this comes as the asylum process is in need of further review.
President Trump will officially launch his 2020 re-election bid in Orlando, Florida. While the President has a lot of detractors, his supporters are more than avid. Michael Bower talks about the people who have been waiting outside the venue for 40 hours for the chance to be at the event that will clearly be covered on the news. The polls are against the president, but the enthusiasm might suggest otherwise.
The New York Times wrote an article describing cyber crimes vs Russia, and how this all may be going on without President Trump's knowledge. He calls it treasonous, but doesn't quite say its wrong. It does offer an interesting question of what is open to the free domain of the press, but what may be giving away state secrets. Michael Bower reports.
While most of the Democratic field jockeys for position, Joe Biden and Donald Trump attack each as presumptive nominees. With the 1st primary 8 months away, there is a lot of time for these attacks to escalate even further.
An apparent deal has been struck with Mexico, but details are lacking. President Trump says over the next month and a half, it will all be made clear, but the details of those details are also lacking. What does this all mean? Michael Bower reports.
And just like that, the tariffs on Mexico that never were are gone. President Trump says that the new deal that was struck with Mexico was good enough to keep the tariffs from taking affect. Although, the 'deal' may have already been in place as far back as March or even December of last year. Was this all a play by President Trump, or was something actually achieved? Michael Bower reports.
Recap of President Trump's trip to Europe, from his time in London to his speech in Normandy, to his time on his own golf course in Scotland. This trip was a surrounding success, and a disaster, depending on who you ask. That basically is true whether he is in England or in the US. Back at home, ongoing talks with Mexico may be bearing fruit as the June 10th tariff deadline looms. Will Mexico offer enough to end the tariffs before they start. Michael Bower reports.
The threat of tariffs on Mexican goods has brought the Mexicans to Washington to attempt to make a deal. What did these negotiations bring forth? Michael Bower talks about what President trump is asking for, and what Mexico could deliver.
President Trump crosses the pond to England, and immediately rubs some from the political houses to the royal family the wrong way. Michael Bower talks about all of issues the president created for himself.
President Trump announces more tariffs, this time on Mexico. In an attempt to slow down the inflow of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers, President Trump says this tariffs, starting at 5% and getting as high as 25% by October, depend on Mexico's willingness to work with the USA on the crisis. This action does seem to be unifying, as some Republicans in Congress are joining members across the aisle in disagreement with this unilateral action.
The Supreme Court of the United States has shocked those who were thinking the new appointees by President Trump were going to be extreme right wingers. By not saying much, the court said they are not prepared to re-litigate Roe v. Wade, or at least not yet. Michael Bower explains, and breaks down what this does mean for future challenges to the country's and individual state's abortion laws.
Social Media statistics show that Trump is getting less bang for his buck on his twitter feed. How will this affect how trump gets his message out, and how he is covered in the traditional media, Michael Bower reports.
The childish behavior exhibited by the top of the political parties in DC has ratcheted up. Both Speaker Pelosi and President Trump have spent time personally insulting each other, instead of working together, and this is leading to more DC gridlock than we are used to seeing. All that said, Michael Bower indicates that there is some movement, and things getting done.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a closed door meeting with the House Democrats on whether or not they should file articles of impeachment. After the meeting, Speaker Pelosi called out President Donald Trump on covering up. Now the question is, was this planned, political gamesmanship, or a rogue comment? No matter how you spin it, the battle-lines are drawn and the Legislative / Executive Branch war continues.
The Governor of Alabama signs into law the most restrictive abortion law in the country. Missouri is close to following suit, and both states seem to not have exceptions for rape or incest. Clearly, these bills and laws, are attempts to see Roe v Wade overturned. So far, precedent says that the Supreme Court will not take the case, but in today's political world precedent may not mean much. So, what does this all mean? Michael Bower explains.
The US/China Trade War is fully in play as China retaliates with new tariffs of their own. Now the question is how long will this tit for tat escalation continue for? Can the global economy handle a prolonged trade battle? NBC Correspondent Michael Bower gets into all of the concerns from supporters and critics alike.
After a wild week of contempt and crises, the train seems to be on the same track moving forward. Another subpoena has been submitted for Don Jr. and the administration is not too happy. There is also a trade war in the offing,
House Judiciary Committee votes AG Barr in contempt. Democrats also believe that their constitutional power has been neglected. Is this much ado about nothing or is this truly a constitutional crisis? Michael Bower explains.
House Judiciary holds a hearing to hold AG Barr in contempt of Congress. No matter which side of the aisle your allegiance falls, this is an embarrassing event. Both sides could have avoided this, and both sides decided to move forward. NBC News Correspondent Michael Bower has the details.
Drawing battle-lines in the sand has worked for President Trump before, so he has been trying this tactic again with China in trade negotiations. The problem has been its been causing havoc on Wall Street. NBC News Corespondent Michael Bower breaks down the timelines for negotiations, as well as the good and bad about everyone's stocks and 401ks.
The battle between the Department of Justice and The House of Representatives continues. Will the House actually hold Attorney General William Barr in contempt, and could they go further to impeach him? If this was a tv show, it would just be getting interesting now.
Attorney General William Barr did not show to the House Judiciary Committee hearing that was scheduled. Amazingly, that was only the beginning of the day. The props came out, and the accusations did as well. Speaker Pelosi claim AG Barr lied, and a ceramic chicken was seen in AG Barr's empty chair.
Attorney General William Barr appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to explain himself and his handling of the Mueller Report. This is just a preview of what is to be expected when he appears before the House Judiciary Committee.... if he appears before the House Judiciary Committee. The battle-lines have been drawn...
Former Vice President Biden is fully in the race, and is on the attack. Knocking the rust off, Biden woo'ed union workers and is rallying support. President Trump has noticed, and while he has been advised to not take the bate, the Biden/Trump show may be a long standing one well before the general election.
The fallout for President Trump from the Mueller Report continues. The new ripples have to do with those outside of Congress, and those who may have been Trump supporters. The new narrative may be "Winter Is Coming...."
Like an episode in the Godfather Trilogy, as soon as Biden was out, they brought him back in. Not only has Joe Biden decided to run again, but he is in the running for the best first day fundraising. Now that he is in, does President Trump cancel out one of Biden's biggest flaws?
President Donald Trump has missed the deadline to have the IRS hand his tax returns over to Congress, again. Of course this will lead to strong consequences of.... apparently nothing. NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about how their may be consequences and lawsuits coming if no returns are handed over. It is possible that the Supreme Court that President Trump is counting on may rule against him.
To impeach or to investigate, that is the question. It doesn't have the ring that Hamlet had, but it is the dilemma before House Democrats. Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a conference call meeting with more than 100 members to talk about those options. NBC Correspondent Michael Bower gets into some of what both sides bring to the table, and if there would be any Republican support if the former option is taken.
The two versions of "The Mueller Report" are out. One confirms that President Trump is in the clear, the other may lead towards impeachment hearings down the road. Interestingly they are the same report. What can we really read into the report and what it says? NBC Correspondent Bill Zimpher breaks it down.
The Mueller Report is finally out. The day started with Attorney Barr speaking to press, but the question is why. He did not say anything he had already. Now, what is in the report. One thing is certain, there is a lot less redacted than anticipated. Let the fun begin in reading 448 pages of juicy material that is sure to embolden whichever side reads it.
One of the biggest tragedies in French history turned out to be about as lucky as could be. The Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire and much of it burned, but seemingly much of the possible damage was diminished due to ongoing construction already underway. Many of the relics were already moved away, and there were no reported casualties.
We now have a date for the possible release of the Mueller Report. Of course, most of the report will be redacted, but at least it will be in color. NBC Correspondent Bill Zimpher breaks down what can be expected with the next step.
Thirty-six counts of fraud, tax offenses, extortion, and more await Michael Avenatti in federal court. If he goes to trial, and is found guilty on all of them, he faces up to 335 years in prison. Lest you forget, Avenatti made a name for himself as the very vocal lawyer for Stormy Daniels. Their story may not be over either, as it is possible she will wage legal war against him as well.
President Trump has missed the deadline to hand over his tax returns to Congress. Treasury Secretary Mnunchin gave word ahead of time that this wouldn't happen. Everything is copacetic, right? Of course not. Congress believes that President Trump is not hindered from handing over taxes under audit, ergo he is hiding something.
Attorney General William Barr goes before Congress again to talk about budget concerns, and appropriations; otherwise known as clarifying the process on releasing the Mueller Report. Oh - and of course there was the little nugget on the FBI spying on a presidential candidate. In other words, the normal budgetary hearing - right?
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about Attorney General William Barr's testimony before Congress today. Supposedly only there to talk about budget issues, the AG was fiercely questioned about, and briefly discussed the Mueller Report, as well as the Administration's legal actions against the Affordable Care Act.
NBC News Correspondent Michael Bower unveils the story of Kimberly Sue Endicott and her kidnapping in Uganda. Seemingly, someone paid the ransom, but neither the Ugandan or the US governments have said they did. It is possible we will need to wait for the movie to come out to find out the details.
Not afraid to draw battle-lines, President Trump has threatened once again to close the southern border of the United States. This time, as NBC Correspondent Michael Bower reports, is different and might actually happen. While there will be a heavy economic toll for both sides of the border, could this all be part of the President's thinking.
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about the possibly controversial decision to limit hate language, to curb white nationalist or white separatist language. On the face of it, this could be warranted, but what happens if users target other users under the new rules. Lost in the discussions of the week is that AG Barr will now release the redacted version of the Mueller Report in mid to late April to Congress. In the meantime, President Trump has now gone on the offensive to verbally attack those who set out against him.
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower discusses the ramifications of President Trumps's administrations decision to challenge the Affordable Care Act in court. While President Trump claims the Republicans will be the party of healthcare, no plan has been stated. While the adjudication of this legal challenge may be over by the 2020 election, whether President Trump is successful or not may both be wins for the Democrat field.
Seemingly, no one believes Jussie Smollett's story that he did not arrange his own attack, but all charges have been dropped. NBC News Correspondent Michael Bower gets into the weeds of this ever intriguing story. While the story is all over, Smollett is 'cleared' and the evidence is sealed, but there is more to these charges being dropped than just prosecutorial discretion. One of those added news items is the connection of former 1st Lady Michelle Obama.
Taking a break from the Mueller Report. NBC Michael Bower talks about President Trump's order to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights bordering Syria. In a move that obviously was applauded by Israeli PM Netanyahu, could have dire consequences and may have further complicated the situation in the Middle East.
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about the impeccable timing to release the Mueller Report, right into Friday evening on the opening round of March Madness. The possible plan to bury a lack luster report has turned into a media firestorm of no collusion, but did or didn't he obstruct justice, concerning President Trump. So, while its over, its far from over.
Michael Bower talks about all the signs that lead the idea that the Mueller report is imminent. What can be expected when if/when it is released?
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about how the latest Cohen documents may mean that we havn't heard the last of the Mueller investigation. Is it possible the investigation is still ongoing, or even more charges are coming? Also, the Electoral College is a common debate topic these days. Sen. Warren has been outspoken against it; what is behind the debate.
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about how Special Counsel Robert Mueller was already looking into Michael Cohen, even before the FBI raided his residences and offices. It seems probably that this may have been one of Mueller's first actions, to look into Michael Cohen. Is there any significance to this, Michael Bower reports.
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about the surprising number of Republicans in the Senate vote to rebuke President Trump declaration of an national emergency. The President vetoed the measure, but now it heads to the courts. While the veto should stand, the song continues. Beto O'Rourke has jumped into the 2020 race, where does he stand among the candidates, if not on the counter tops?
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about how Paul Manafort may have gotten off easy with a total of 7 1/2 years of prison time, but NY came down hard to ruin his day. Is there more to come for Manafort, or is the worst over? Also, the United States may have been last, but President Trump and FAA did ground the 737 Max series.
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about the FBI's crackdown on the college scam of Hollywood's elite and others who bribed their kids into better schools. Like all things legal these days, does this tie into the Trump extended family? Michael takes us there.
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower breaks down the $4.7 federal budget that President Trump proposed yesterday. There are reasons why both sides of the aisle have serious concerns, but this is just the first step in the budget process. All US diplomats have been recalled from Venezuela. As the situation deteriorates even further, Venezuela puts our problems into perspective,.
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about President Trump's 2020 budget proposal. While on the face of it it seems outlandish with nearly $9 Billion requested for a wall that Democrats don't want, could this all just be, "The Art of the Deal?" Question two would be the other side of the coin, is this just second verse same as the first, shutdown showdown all over again?
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower talks about the "otherwise blameless" Paul Manafort, and the 4 year sentence he received yesterday for the blame he does deserve. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seemingly dropped the ball on the House vote to condemn Representative Ilhan Omar, by not condemning Representative Omar. Did this vote become a win for Representative Omar?
NBC correspondent Michael Bower talks about the "truck load" of information Michael Cohen gave to Congress yesterday. Another bombshell or more 'much ado about nothing?'
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower goes in depth on how things are going to play out with Congress voting to rebuke President Trump's national emergency order. While a veto is expected, and Congress does not have the votes, as of now, to override said veto, they might not be out of luck after-all.
President Trump is home after his failed negotiation with North Korea, but the news of upset nuclear nations falls further south in that Continent. NBC Correspondent Bill Zimpher breaks down the tension in Asia between India and Pakistan. He also talks about President Trump epic 2 hour rant at CPAC. The conservative crowd ate it up, but what did the Democrats think?
NBC Correspondent Michael Bower details how February 27th 2019 could have gone better for President Donald Trump. For one, he leaves Asia with nothing gained with North Korea, and his long-time former attorney testified against him, possibly giving more fodder to prosecute the President. As a bad a day as it was, this may just be the beginning of the fall out.
NBC Correspondent Bill Zimpher talks about what we can expect from the two biggest bombshells of the week: Michael Cohen before Congress, and President Trump in Vietnam to meet with Supreme Leader Kim Jong UN. The biggest question is, of course, 'Where is Dennis Rodman with all of this going on?"
NBC Correspondent Bill Zimpher talks about the impending release, or not, of the Special Counsel Robert Mueller report. Also, President Trump is in Vietnam downplaying possible positive outcomes in his second summit with Kim Jong Un. How big of a role will China play in this tete-a-tete?
NBC Correspondent, Michael Bower talks about how former Donald Trump fixer Roger Stone has a court gag order slapped upon him. This happens a week before former Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen is slated to appear before Congress, and will be asked to talk as much as he is legally allowed to.
NBC White House Correspondent Michael Bower talks about the possible new front-runner in the 2020 Democratic Nomination race, Senator Bernie Sanders. The one time extreme leftist now seems to be more mainstream, at least compared to the rest of the field. President Trump has made it official authorizing Space Force. Michael talks about who is behind it and if NASA is involved.
When all is said and done, will there be more lawsuits against President Trump's executive declaration of a national emergency, or credible candidates for the 2020 Democratic nomination for the President of the United States. NBC's White House Correspondent Michael Bower weighs in on both, and it may be pretty close.
Alexandra Lane talks with NBC Correspondent Michael Bower about the possibility of an agreed upon deal to avert another government shutdown.