For the First Time Since hes indicated hes pursuing a run for a run for the presidency at least interested. Jeb is likely to have to run against is gathered in iowa this morning. Everyone except jeb. The current president and first lady also taking off for india not long ago with word of a major change in their itinerary, something well tell you in a bit. Sad news from the world of baseball this morning, all of that and plenty more in just label the on the show. We begin this morning with this with the still unfolding scandal that everyone sports fans nonsports fans alike, everyone has been talking about all week now. Scandal that threatens to overshadow next sundays super bowl in arizona. This is about the new England Patriots and the deflated footballs they used in the first half of last sundays afc championship game. Thats when they dismantled the hapless Indianapolis Colts with 457. Late yesterday, the nfl finally broke its silence confirming that the balls the patriots used were in fact underinflated and then restored to their correct weight for the second half of the game. The leagues statement does not provide a timetable for its investigation which raises serious doubts about whether this will be resolved about the by the time this kicks off a week from sunday. It interviewed 40 people so far. Kornolojy, monday morning, tom brady initially tried to laugh off reports of an nfl investigation into the deflated balls with but then by wednesday, he learned that the investigation was no laughing matter with reports leaking that 11 of the 12 footballs that the patriots used in the game, in the first half of the game were underinflated by two pounds per square inch each, a feeding frenzy ensued by thursday patriots were in full Crisis Management mode. No knowledge whatsoever of the situation until monday morning. Ive learned a lot more about this process in the last three days than i knew or had talked about it in the last 40 years that ive coached in this league. Im comfortable saying that that nobody did it as far as i know, i dont know everything. I also understand that i was in the locker room preparing, i dont know what happened over the course of the process with the footballs. I feel like ive always played within the rules, i would never do anything to break the rules. And i believe in fair play and i respect the league and, you know, everything that theyre doing to try to create very competitive Playing Field for all the nfl teams. Yeah the nfl released a statement about the Ongoing Investigation yesterday saying quote, while the evidence thus far supports the conclusion that footballs underinflated were used by the patriots in the first half they were properly inflated for the soekd half and confirmed to have remanled properly inflated. Patriots outscored 280 in that second half meaning they actually played better when the underinflated balls were switched out. Whats at stake here is more than just this years super bowl, a stake on legacies of one of the most successful head coaches and one of the most successful quarterbacks in the history of the nfl. This is a pair thats appeared in five super bowls already. Next sunday will be the sixth. If won three of them so far. At the same time, the patriots havent won the big one in ten years now since they beat the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005. And as patriots haters like to point out, no shortage of them those three super bowl wins came when the patriots were videotaping their opponents, play calling signals, a violation that led to the socalled spygate scandal. These were supposed to mean redemption proof they could still win when it matters most and something to stuff back in the face of all those critics who talk about spygate. A win would tie belichick and brady for the most for any coach or quarterback in nfl history. Instead, eight days and counting before the sixth super bowl in 14 years, all anyone is asking is this who knew about the deflated footballs and when did they know it . For more on all of this im joined by a woman in massachusetts, investigative Sports Reporter for the boston globe, here on set, anita marks shes a radio host with nbc sports and former professional Football Player and the Huffington Post. Sharra, you heard from belichick the coach in the opening there, i want to play brady for a moment. This is brady later on the day on thursday unusual press conference. Here he is talking about the perfect football. When i pick those footballs out, at that point, you know to me theyre perfect. I dont want anyone touching the balls after that. I dont want anyone rubbing them. You know putting any air in taking any air out. To me those balls are perfect and thats what i expect when i show up on the field. Sherra if one things jumped out at me it was the body language. I was watching that it sounded to me like the voice was almost quivering at times. This was a guy, felt like he was holding back some, you know, show of emotion. This guy was communicating fear he was scared. And i know, you know not all professional athletes are comfortable, but ive seen brady in front of the cameras before never like this before. Yeah, it was a much different brady on thursday evening when he spoke to the press. In a packed press room at that. He normally is extremely confident, and very articulate and he makes interesting points and this one you really felt that he was following some sort of talking points memo and that he was very nervous about saying the wrong thing or giving a wrong impression. He looked incredibly uncomfortable and more uncomfortable as this 30minute long press conference draked on. By the end, looked like the patriots left him twisting in the wind. Anita and jordan some of the context, everybody has gotten this great education about how footballs are selected for nfl games. I think people are shocked to find out that the they dont have 12 balls they use. Theres rituals for scuffing up the ball putting it in the dryer, i think we can show you, aaron rogers Green Bay Packers super bowl winning quarterback. He talked a few months ago about how he likes to overinflates football. Theres underinflating, overinflating. There was expectation heading into this Brady Press Conference on thursday. Some were saying with belichick, especially with brady that hed acknowledge something about like yeah, i kind of like them softer, maybe ive told the team, i dont know anything about the weights, maybe we underinflated them, it was a mistake, i learned from it. I think the absolute flat denial was surprising. First and foremost as you stated, i played womens professional football for five years. There is nothing more important than a quarterback on game day than his footballs. I mean to the point where im, i made sure i took care of the ball boys to make sure theyre feeding me new bams maybe every other series. To make sure that i have the balls that i need in order to play my best football how much that is weight its the size, its the scuffing its the wear and tear. So how sensitive are you to extremely, extremely sensitive. What did agree in air pressure would you notice. Two pounds off . You would notice. And its it is also slight but it is. Its a better grip. Especially if you have smaller hands. Kurt warner had some of the smallest hands in the nfl, not surprise me if kurt warner liked a softer ball where maybe Russell Wilson has the largest hands in the nfl. Maybe aaron rogers does. Your ball needs to be more inflated. It depends on your hand size but for me to sit here and belief that tom brady did not know the difference between a 12. 5 or 11. 5 and know that those balls, keep in mind, those balls were reinflated at the half. They knew. They knew. And when he has said in the past that he likes them on the softer side and now hes saying 12. 5, it surprised me jordan to me my read on the press conference was, this was an organization that made a decision that nothings going to be proven here. Theres going to be no smoking gun. Everybody can suspect anything they want, but if we saw stone wall, if we all say nothing, theyll never prove anything. Also they dont to want take a risk before the super bowl. To me thats another story here. Youre talking about eight days now. Its shocking that the nfl did not send an investigator to tom brady in the three days from sundays win over indy to thursdays press conference. Then the super bowl you can imagine how awful it would be if Bill Belichick was suspended, tom brady, theres other elements as well. How does it look for league if they play next week patriots win 2814 and three weeks later, oh, we completed our investigation leagues going to make their money. Theres a lot of money on the line a here. Does that hurt the reputation of the league they have to say, by the way, when we concluded, they did cheat. I think what hurts the rentation of the league of whats happened for Roger Goodell and there was a complaint about balls in november that it didnt follow up with now were in the playoffs and we have a massive issue. Thats another thing, listen this ball deflategate this didnt happen in an afc championship game. This is an fc chap game this is something thats been happening far while. Probably not just be the patriots right . That theyre doing it keep in mind, this is another part of the story thats not being talked about enough, and that is you had John Harbaugh head coach of the ravens contact chuck pga know head coach, prior to the game and saying we think jason luck reported this we think the kicking balls were different. Right. Heads up. So now what were seeing theres 31 other coaches in the nfl that i think have had it with the patriots and Bill Belichick and the fact that they push the envelope, now theyre clueing each other in. Theyve had it with the pats far while. This isnt just an afc championship situation, this has been going on all season if not for a few seasons. Lets get sherra back in this im a patriots fan, i think something happened here. Ill make the case that it didnt add up. Let me ask you, the attitude youre hearing from boston sports fans up there, is this whoa we did something wrong here, were embarrassed or the whole league hates us the whole world hates us lets just sort of circle the wagons and stick together . Whats the mentality of the boston sports fan on this . I was going to say, the whole world hates us lets circle the wagons. If you look at the polls taken in the area you see that everyone in new england believes brady and belichick, and everyone outside of new england doesnt. And then when asked if the patriots were cheaters everyone inside new england said no and everyone outside said yes, they believe the patriots are cheaters. So people here are, as usual, supporting the patriots and just believe that this is sour grapes against a team that has a tremendous winning legacy. And refused to see it any differently. And i mean thats my question on this too, when i say, its become this thing, they cheated or they didnt. Everything is tainted if they did. If its proven they did get the air out of the balls, does that fall, to me the question is the line between gamesmanship and cheating. This is a sport where receivers pretend to catch balls that hit the ground. Hold on every play even though its illegal, its against the rules, is that cheating or competitive advantage . They hope the refs dont see it. Sfoobl similar to baseball when youre stealing signs, is that okay . Is that a competitive advantage or really against the rules . This to it seems to me breaking the rules, and it is cheating. Talking to receivers, we have Donte Stallworth on he played with tom brady and he said its hard to know but he also said that listen if the balls are inflated or deflative does give you a competitive advantage. One final note i wanted to make there was a report published in the wall street journal today, patriots had the fewest a. Fumbles in the last five years of the nfl. Great running back coach in new england, well talk about this after. We need to quickly, final question. What happens here . If theres an investigation and it finds brady, you know, knowingly did this had a role in this somebody in the organization, they can pinpoint what kind of punishment do you think were looking at here . Based on what we saw with bountygate with the new england saints and sean peyton and of course that coaching crew i mean, thats thats in my opinion, add the motivation for players to play harder. Thats just cheating. Youre suspending peyton for an entire season. Thats a precedent that cheating is a lot worse. I think you need to suspend Bill Belichick, maybe an entire season. Maybe tom brady for a half but also keep in mind Roger Goodell rules the roost. Roger craft is one of his biggest owner supporters craft, rooney, mara itll be interesting how hard of a hammer is goodell going to come down on an owner who is one of his biggest and strongest and most politically powerful owners. Who used a lot of capitol seven years ago to get through the spygate thing. I listened to it the other day, i believe billelichick, i think brady had more to doed with it. Absolutely. Thanks to sherra anita, jordan, well talk about this a lot longer, probably will more. Still ahead, ive been looking forward to something elts, the man, the myth the legend actor director writer mr. Alan alda will be joining us here on this set this morning to talk about going back to sleep. Hes going to explain. And next live to iowa where at least eight wouldbe president s are gathering to kiss the ring of one of the republican parties most outspoken and controversial opponents of immigration. Before we go sad news to report overnight, baseball fans everywhere getting word that chicago cubs legend ernie banks has passed away. Known simply as mr. Cub, the hall of fame shortstop was one of the greatest hitters in the games history. Beloved by fans for his unflappable optimism and the joy he brought to the game. It was ernie banks who liked to say, lets play two. President and Michelle Obama said quote, he was loved everywhere including michelle when he was a girl used to sit with her dad and watch him play on tv. Ernie banks, was 83 years old. Be right back. The question i get get the most is probably, do you feel fear . Whats the closest you have ever come to death . Theyre boring. I have a website because i need a way to put myself forward in my own way. This is my story and and this is how i want to share it with people. Im alex honnold and this is my squarespace. Can this decadent, fruit topped pastry. With indulgent streusel crumble, be from. Fiber one. 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Hes a controversial figure in the Republican Party and a party that says its trying to reach more diverse supporters particularly latinos, but king once told a conservative website that for every undocumented immigrant who is a high school valedictorian, theres another that way 130 pounds and calves the size of coconuts. Michelle obama will be sitting with an undocumented College Student at the state of the Union Address, he tweeted out this obama perverts discretion by inviting a deport to believe sit in place of honor at the state of the union with the first lady. I should say the with alito who hasnt attended a state of the union speech since 2010 as msnbc reports, dreamers young immigrants brought to the u. S. Illegally as children will be protesting the event this weekend in iowa. It was that same group in fact that confronted king and rand paul back in august. When paul heard the conversation that they were starting he promptly left the table. He is not attending todays event. Its also worth noting that two of the other most talked about candidates jeb bush and mitt romney arent in iowa this weekend. As msnbc benji sarlin reports, they snubbed him. What should we expect in iowa today . Joining us live in des moines we have casey hunt political correspondent, thanks both of you for joining us. Casey, let me start with you, jeb bush made a little bit of noise about a month ago when he talked about his concept of running for president. His strategy being, you have to be willing to lose the primary to win the general election. Look at an event like this lightning rod like steve king with his name all over it and jeb bush is nowhere to be seen is that part of that jeb bush strategy he outlined . I think its hard not to see it that way, steve, but you have to look at it from the other way around which is to say that this crowd will be a crowd of activists the demand is high we have 1,200 people coming 1,000 on the wait list organizers say. Think about, if this actually was jeb bushs first trip to iowa, and there was an audience of conservatives, many of whom support steve king and steve kings positions on immigration, this isnt going to be a place where hes going to exactly find a lot of cheering and if you can imagine how people would react to him having a bad first appearance in iowa i think that that also is part of the calculation. I think more broadly, you know, jeb versus mitt is sort of the emerging theme, and romney is not here either. And i talked to some close romney sources over the course of the last couple of days and, you know, they met of course in utah, and they described the meeting as quote unquote entrenched, both not really moving from where they stood as you know, they try to make their decisions. Interesting. Interesting tid bit there. Kelly, lets start with the headliner, not the candidates but the man who put this together, steve king. We, you know, put some of those quotes up that hes put out there, controversial quotes. I know ive talked to plenty of republicans, always off the record, but plenty of republicans in sort of i guess the Party Establishment who just wish this guy would go away. They wish he wouldnt talk like this, wish he wouldnt open his mouth and talk about immigration. Here we are looking at the potential republican candidates going out to iowa to be seen at his event because he has support among the conservative grassroots, i wonder do you see a problem there for the party when National Candidates chase somebody like steve king chase after his support, doesnt that also taint them with some of these things he said . The summit speaks for itself steve, as casey reported 1,200 people, about that number on the waiting list. People were lined up here way before 7 00 a. M. 6 00 a. M. Or so central time theres a lot of interest here for the, really the imaginations of direct democracy. These candidates get to come to this summit and take their case directly to the people. You want to the win iowa caucus in either party, you have to invest the shoe leather, you have to show up. And many people are billing this including msnbc as the opening kick off of the 2016 season. I think even those of us who have a hand in the organization of the summit are surprised at the demand and the popularity of this summit how much president ial apyre rants and other opinion leaders, Office Holder and former Office Holders are taking the stage today to make their case directly to the people. Congressman steve king has never endorsed any republican caucuses. And i think thats a real issue of intrigue going into 2016. I bet if you asked any of the people here if they would like his endorsement, you probably wouldnt hear a no in the house, but you might as well ask them. Do you agree with what casey was saying if jeb bush especially with his immigration track record was in that in that room today talking to that crowd, would that be a chilling reception for jeb bush . Its hard to tell. I actually think its a wide open race here in iowa for the first time on the republican side in quite a while including 2012 where you will mitt romney Rick Santorum weighing the iowa caucus in the same night . Mr. Undecided is leading the pack. Theres a lot of excitement in the room for dr. Ben carson whose never held office. Youve got some of the beltway favorites like senator ted cruz will be here. Then youve got the governors who, will try to show they have a record of accomplishment in their respective states that they can way take to 1600 pennsylvania avenue. I think the one thing youll see today is a lack of fear to run against bill clinton and Hillary Clinton and all of clinton candidacy would mean. And that is saying something, we know if she runs she will have all the kings horses the money machine, media public frankly helping her along. And for these people to take the stage and even consider running against such a juggernaut in 2016 tells you how committed they are to providing an alternative point of view. This is interesting strategically of course, the republicans want to play the underdog against the big clinton machine, we see that taking shape there, casey, let me ask you about one of the high profiles Chris Christie its been explained to me that the christie strategy as it relates to steve king he sees himself as messages electability in a lot of ways and steve king is a little incompatible with that but he has a relationship with steve king that goes back a number of years, friendly personal relationship. And the strategy is one of neutralizing steve king. Not that youre going to win him over, but theyre going to keep him from saying hey guys Chris Christie is way too liberal, hes a rhino, is that the game theyre playing here . Look i think Chris Christie actually of all of the candidates who are here today stands to benefit the most. And i think, you know, watching steve kings planned introduction of Chris Christie will tell you a lot. As you point out, they have a friendly personal relationship and if king does in fact introduce him sort of warmly to this crowd, thats going to go a long way. Ive talked to a lot of people since i landed here in iowa a few days ago who say that Chris Christie is so far being chronically underestimated here. He has one of the best consultants in the state working for him as a key advisor to the Governor Terry brandt stead, he also is somebody who is viewed in some ways as fearless. And that in some ways is what this represents today. Maybe this isnt quite his crowd, but that doesnt mean hes afraid to show up and talk to them. Ive also talked to people who dispute this idea that his brash personality isnt iowa nice enough if that makes sense. At least not with the caucus who are looking for somebody whos going to aggressively take it to Hillary Clinton. So, i think the reception he receives here today will tell us a lot about how much they plan to play in iowa as a potential Christie Campaign. I think youre totally right, and inits a test of sort of the basic calculation of the Christie Campaign he has this power of personality where he ka can walk in the room and people think he can win them over with the penalty and get them to sort of rationalizing a way, i can live with that because they want to be with him. The christie people think he has a very unique skill there. Ive seen that in new jersey i tend to agree, interesting to see how that plays out. Keeping a close eye, thanks to republican strategist Kelly Ann Conway and casey hunt for joining us appreciate that. Still ahead this morning, white house is reactions to the israeli prime ministers plan to visit congress. And heres a hint theres not going to be a red carpet for benjamin jeten ya hue. Up first president obama is under fire for the interview with youtube stars. Ill get someone to explain the green lipstick too, thats next. The world is filled with air. But for people with copd sometimes breathing air can be difficult. If you have copd, ask your doctor about oncedaily anoro ellipta. It helps people with copd breathe better for a full 24hours. Anoro ellipta is the first fdaapproved product containing two longacting bronchodilators in one inhaler. Anoro is not for asthma. Anoro contains a type of medicine that increases risk of death in people with asthma. It is not known if this risk is increased in copd. 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They have smart online tools so you only pay for whats right for you which saves money. They settle claims quickly which saves time, which saves money. They drive an allhybrid claims fleet which saves gas, which saves money. They were born online, and built to save money, which means when they save, you save. Because thats how it should work in the modern world. Esurance. Backed by allstate. Click or call. Sunday dinners at my house. Its a full day for me, and i love it. But when i started having back pain my sister had to come help. I dont like asking for help. I took tylenol but i had to take six pills to get through the day. So my daughter brought over some aleve. Its just two pills, all day and now, im back aleve. Two pills. All day strong, all day long. And now introducing aleve pm for a better am. 36 hours later, people are still talking about president obamas interviews on thursday with youtube stars. Some old media saying obama shouldnt go on ellen or the view or colbert. It just seemed beneath the dignity of the office to hang out with some of these youtubers. And if you remember president obama also got some beneath the dignity of the office blowback last year for appearing with comedian zack on his mock interview show between two firms. And the people who host wonder why the show is called that and you see the ferns there. More than you think, together they have more than 13 million subscribers. Their videos have been viewed more than 1. 7 billion times. Those are numbers most tv networks would love to have. It raises the questions. Are interviews beneath the dignity of the office as howard claims or obama ahead of the curve and recognizing how people get news these days . Joining us to talk about this is our panel this morning. Of course nancy whos a contributor to cbs sunday morning. So, i always this is just a topic thats always fascinate med, the concept of where the dignity of the presidency, where that line is i remember george bush senior criticized our bill clinton as a candidate for going on hall. And they said this white house would never do that. Its beneath our dignity, it is a line somewhere. Nixon was on laugh in and when you look at the numbers of followers, im going to start wearing green lipstick. Obviously do you know what the deal with that is . It looks bad. African American Woman please please. But no this is the future people are getting information now from all different kinds of sources, i think people even didnt like president ial candidates advertising and doing commercials when it all began. I think thats right. Yeah, they said the i like ad campaign that Dwight Eisenhower ran, i dont know if they used the specific phase beneath the presidency, but you shouldnt be selling it like soap. This is soap. Id be interested to find out what the earliest instances of somebody saying that some method of using the media to communicate to the public wasnt that mckinly doing the front porch campaign. To go out there and promise you and make all sorts of speeches been of course there were a number of them. He just didnt want to compete with that. You know what would be beneath the dignity of office if he put on the lipstick. Thank you. The only i problem, this is a way we not only reach people who can be hard to reach. The only thing is he has an obligation to talk to more traditional media, who know the issues the best asking the most obnoxious questions. As long as he is being accessible. He does not do that enough. Look at the state of the union which would be a natural time to talk to a place like usa today. So long as coincidentally. To pick an outlet. Thats what i would say. I disagree with howie on this but i do think he has an obligation to do both kinds of things. I will say this the the press conference where he asked only female reporters. I thought that was such a great way im for that. Usa today seems to be where youre making the case here. Does anybody know the stars . I had never heard of them. Theyre all these ads in the new york subway for bethany mota. These numbers are remarkable, it reflects the fact that unfortunate fact its difficult to get young people to watch traditional television. Theres a conflict of interest when somebody like howard is basically saying dont use the new channels use the old channels. Eni think thats a bias that a lot of us fall into because we work at these traditional outlets, we agree it would be great. You have to meet the audience halfway, people are not reading newspapers. And some of the questions they were decent questions. Town hall debates we have in the president ial campaign, often puts them more on the spot because its harder to just fill bust aerocitizen who is asking a question. Even in not the most complicated way about something thats really on their mind. Thats true yeah. I disagree with both of you. Thats for another time. I dont like the town hall debates, i think its a forced thing. I feel that we more about like the white house Correspondents Dinner and that cozy relationship the president president s have. Town hall debates, the idea is youre going to get a question that a random person. This is the question i care about. I think when you get is sometimes a random person is suddenly in the spotlight, and comes up with a question that they didnt really want to ask but they want to sound smart. Reporters do that too. Good point, put me in my place. Next we have more with the round table. Big changes, surprising changes potentially coming to a very old senate tradition. Were going to talk about that on the other side. 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I know i have a 798 fico score thanks to the tools and help on experian. Com. Kaboom. Well, i just have a few other questions. Chuck, the only other question you need to ask is, what else can you do for me . Ill just take a water. Get your credit swagger on. Become a member of experian credit tracker and find out your fico score powered by experian. Fico scores are used in 90 of credit decisions. All right. This was huge news when it happened in april, and now it is on its way to the Supreme Court. The justices announcing yesterday theyve decided to take an oklahoma lethal injection case. As the state which had the botched execution back then now justices will decide whether three drug cocktail used in the state is constitutional. Or whether it amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. So remember this story from back back in the spring and absolutely terrible story. It brought to the surface all the issues too about the states having to come up with all these drug combinations maybe having trouble getting the drugs and therefore you dont have what you need and these terrible problems ensue. I guess also in the bigger sense, this gets the debate over the Death Penalty. This is where people say cruel and unusual punishment this is what theyre talking about. Absolutely. You know its one of those issues that to it seems to me just not black or white. Im against the Death Penalty, but then once i started meeting my new nieces and nephews and i remember thinking if anybody hurt them grr. But the idea of lethal injections and just the horrible nature of it and i dont know. Also, i dont know whether what the state is looking for is a quiet way to kill people. Theres that aspect of it. Yuck. You see this court seeming to address skrept schism about capitol punishment. Clearly there are four willing to talk about this thats why they needed to take the case. Last year they had a case where they expanded the consideration has to be given to the iq of someone youre going to execute. They made it harder to execute people right on the borderline of being eligible for execution. So maybe theres a kind of shift that we see quietly going under way with this court on when this kind of punishment is accept tabl. I think the interesting thing were seeing in the story is theres a change in the facts on the ground of execution that as its gotten written out of acceptable society. The reason that states are having the problems is that a lot of companies, especially in europe, have been prevent, have not been shipping products in European Countries have been taking steps to make sure it would be more difficult for u. S. States to put their execution protocols into place. Maybe, i mean you can have an idea where like, execution could be constitutional, but theres no constitutional way to do it in the United States anymore. Yeah. The tools have been taken away. I think that reflects that, you know theres been this judgment that this is something that shouldnt be in the hands of the state to do it does the thing that strikes me about it though youll have the story of did we was an innocent man killed here . And theres a case in georgia a couple years ago, this looks really suspicious, and your reaction is whoa i dont want the Death Penalty at all. Then a story, i remember this awful one in connecticut where this family was held host anl in its own home, the mother was killed the father was the leading Death Penalty proponent, got that on the books up there, and the support you is that true in the polls in connecticut, in new england state, a lot of the antiDeath Penalty when that happened and he spoke out, support for the Death Penalty doubled. Its the emotions on both sides of this. Anyway remember when i think we wanted to tell you about, hurry me along here. Big show today. Gop controls the chamber and were Getting Senate republicans are embracing those changes and maybe want to go further. This is politico reporting that Republican Leadership is considering a new plan to abolish filibusters, this time for Supreme Court no, maam neeps if they do that now and president obama has a nominee, would it need 60 votes . Could be a favor for president obama at least in the short term. My thanks to the panel this morning. We will see you later in the show. Still ahead on the show sesame street throwing shade at the patriots . Well show you funny video. And next what could steal headlines from the patriots in a moment like this . Heres a hint with something you see on the ground every day this time of year. Well go live to massachusetts, big storm brewing, stay with us. Can this decadent, fruit topped pastry. With indulgent streusel crumble, be from. Fiber one. Fiber one streusel. Congratulations. Youre down with crestor. Yes when diet and exercise arent enough, adding crestor lowers bad cholesterol up to 55 . Crestor is not for people with Liver Disease or women who are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant. Tell your doctor all medicines you take. Call your doctor if you have muscle pain or weakness, feel unusually tired have loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes. These could be signs of serious side effects. Im down with crestor make your move. Ask your doctor about crestor. Millions in the northeast are waking up this morning to a nasty wintery mix or what they might call a Winter Wonderland result of a noreaster making its way up the east. Overnight snowfall follows the biggest winter storm of the year that blanketed new mexico and texas earlier this week. Msnbc joins us live from andover, massachusetts, tell what you say to expect in new england today. Yeah steve, this is the first real big snowstorm of the season just north of boston. So far to give you perspective, boston is only has about five inches of snow so far this year. Usually they have about 17 inches. So this will get them up a little bit closer to the normal range. Right now weve got a heavy, wet snow falling, its been falling since 5 00 5 30 this morning and piling up quickly. We probably have nearly two inches of snow here on the ground as i take a look behind me and most of the roads here throughout andover got snowcovered quickly. I was talking to a driver who came here on i495 and she said that that interstate highway that kind of forms a semicircle around the boston area was completely snowcovered. We have heard of a few jackknife trucks, but so far, no injuries and people are slowly going about their business on a saturday. Luckily, no commute today. So boston should handle this just fine. All right. Msnbc chris palone hometown of jay leno by the way. Still ahead, trying to get my head around that fact that alan alda will talk about sleep. Maybe im asleep well find out. Travel plans changed this morning so president obama can pay respects to the late King Abdullah of saudi arabia, details on that, next. Ive been called a control freak. I like to think of myself as more of a control. Enthusiast. Mmm, a perfect 177degrees. And thats why this road warrior rents from national. I can bypass the counter and go straight to my car. And i dont have to talk to any humans, unless i want to. And i dont. And national lets me choose any car in the aisle. Control. Its so, whats the word . Sexy. Go national. Go like a pro. When heartburn comes creeping up on you. Fight back with relief so smooth. Its fast. Tums smoothies starts dissolving the instant it touches your tongue. And neutralizes stomach acid at the source. Tum, tum tum tum. Smoothies only from tums. Turn around every now and then i get a little bit hungry and theres nothing good around turn around, barry i finally found the right snack [ female announcer ] fiber one. The president and first lady are on their way to india that the hour. They departed Andrews Air Force base earlier this morning. Didnt make it out of town quietly though. Indian officials were the first to report that president obama would not be visiting the taj ma hall as planned on tuesday, thats the last day of the trip. The white house then confirmed that instead he will be traveling to riad to pay his respects to the saudi royal family, this following the death of King Abdullah. Here to talk about this as well as other major stories making headlines in the middle east this morning. I want to bring in aman hes the foreign con spornt and e. J. Deon aman let me start with you. More broadly, the u. S. And its relationship with saudi arabia because the obituaries for abdullah talk about how he was a moderating influence. He tried to modernize Saudi Society in some ways at the same time, the story of saudi arabia is an alliance between that family between that saudi royal family and religious fundamentalists, and when the United States looks at americans look at saudi arabia we say well we know our government has this alliance with the royal family we also know that all the 9 11 hijackers came from saudi arabia. Theyre producing a lot of violent jihadists. Tell us about the nature and the american relationship with it. Yeah theres a few points here, one is, when youre talking about saudi arabias progress i think its best not to compare saudi arabia to other countries in the world. I think what you do is measure where saudi arabia was when King Abdullah took charge of the country. Hes been the king of ten, effective ruler nor 20. In the course hes tried to push the country in a certain direction which is to open up the economy a little bit to try to fight a little bit of the corruption. To try to kind of open up Educational Opportunities for women, but by no means has the country gone in the direction where a lot of the International Community wants to see them go. Theres still stonings journalist was flogged the other day. Absolutely. And the human rights record is abysmal. Public executions stonings lashing against the blogger who was just a secular blogger. All kinds of problems with saudi arabia from a kind of religious socioconservative perspective and that is women cant drive, cant travel. Theres all kinds of problems. But when people talk about this particular king being a reformer, theyre not talking about like him really revolutionizing the country, theyre talk abouting where he took the country in his 20 years at the helm and bringing it to the world trade organization. The other part youre talking about, he introduced the arab peace proposal which was a Bold Initiative for an arab comprehensive peace deal that ended that ongoing conflict. That didnt work out, but gives you a sense of his that sta tus in the region and what he was capable of pushing through. On a different note the thing about his death is not about this king but its about whos now in line to become a successor in the kingdom. What we seen is that we are now nearing the end of the original children of the founder of saudi arabia. Why thats so important is because yes, the country has traditionally been very stable in its succession plans, very clear, very good. But now for the first time, we are seeing a possibility that a grandson of the founder of saudi arabia is going to helm that country. And thats where the divisions are going to start to emerge. E. J. I want to bring you in other things making headlines too, busy week of news in the middle east, thats a new thing, but, theres this. Benjamin netanyahu, invited to address the u. S. Congress by john boehner apparently the white house was completely cut out of this. The white house is furious, all sorts of headlines about that this week. Here one, a senior u. S. Official saying that he spat in our face. Publicly. And thats no way to behave. Theyre talking about benjamin netanyahu. They ought to member that he has two years left in presidency and there will be a price. So that relationship between president obama and benjamin netanyahu, its been strained far while. The white house now saying to the press apparently there is going to be a price to pay. How does this play out in terms of iran in terms of the palestinians and israelis just in terms of that relationship between netanyahu and obama . Well its a mess. Id be remissed by the fwa i didnt say you were my favorite political commentator this week for reciting the words, i am a patriots apoll gist in these very troubled times. We stand together. We do stick together. Its really tough out there. Um, you know this is a strange and terrible thing, i think, that, the leader of the opposition party, the president , inviting a foreign leader to speak against our president s policies, now yes, america has a special relationship with israel, lots of americans have special feelings toward israel thats all true but here youre going to have minister netanyahu, coming in basically because he opposes the negotiations that president obama is undertaking with iran on their nuclear program. He thinks president obamas too soft on iran israel and the saudis, i think underneath it all are worried that president obamas trying over the long run to create a new relationship with iran. And so not only will this create problems especially if netanyahus reelected, but i think this creates a real problem with john boehner over the long run between the president and john boehner. A deeper problem. Yeah it was extraordinary move to have that split showing up publicly like that. A lot more i wanted to go to. We got to get to the reset. Thanks to iowa man and contributor from msnbce. J. For getting up this morning. Appreciate the story. Another full hour though of news and politics plus alan alda all of that next hour, stay with us. Okay buddy whats your favorite kind of cheerios . Honey nut. But. Chocolate is my other favorite. But Apple Cinnamon is my favorite too. And fruity. Oh yeah, and frosted okay, but. Whats youre most favorite of all . Hmm. The kind i have with you. Me too. If youre running a business legalzoom has your back. Over the last 10 years weve helped over one million Business Owners get started. 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For every way you make chicken noodle soup, make it delicious with swanson®. Obamas best speech ever . And thanks for staying with us this saturday morning, lots more to get to this hour including the fallout, both good and bad from the president s state of the Union Address this week. Also did sesame street actually weigh in on the patriots scandal . Weve been telling you, alan alda, hes on the hunt for a few good scientists hawkeye pierce is going to be here on this set, minutes from now. We to want begin this hour with this mornings still unfolding news that president obama is skipping his visit to the Taj Taj Mahal on tuesday. Hes on his way there right now. Hes going to skipping that visit in order to pay his respects to the new saudi king in riad. Kristin welker is live at the white house. Kristin, whats going on with the change of plans . Reporter hey steve, good morning, youre right, this was just a few hours ago that the white house made the announcement that president obama is going to cut his india trip short and travel to saudi arabia to pay his respects after the death of King Abdullah. The president is expected to meet with the new saudi King King Salman while hes in riad on tuesday. Vice President Biden as youll recall was initially leaded to state the delegation. Josh ernest says quote, as the president s and Vice President s travel schedules became clearer, we became aware that this coincided with the president s india india. The president will again meet with king salman but also saudi officials. Hes going to offer his condolences on behalf of the American People according to the white house. Important to point out, steve, its pretty uncommon for president obama to cut his travel plans short, but the decision was made in this case in part of course because saudi arabia is one of americas closest allies in the region and key partner in the fight against isis. Now this change means as you said that the president is going to skip his plans to visit the taj mahal in india, hes going to hold bilateral talks there. All of this comes amidst deep instability after forces ousts propertyamerican president there. It raises a lot of questions about u. S. Foreign policy in the region and the fight against isis and aqap. Kristin welker live for us appreciate that. Turning now to the biggest speech of the week and what one long time journalist says is the best speech that barack obama has ever delivered. Hell be here to tell us why he thinks that in adjust moment. Just a moment. First president obama walked into the capitol on tuesday night, intent on telling congress and the country that americas economy is bouncing back strongly on his watch. And every step we were told our goals were misguided, or too ambitious, that we would crush jobs and explode deficits. Instead weve seen the fastest Economic Growth in over a decade, our deficits cut by twothirds, a stock market that has doubled, and Health Care Inflation at its lowest rate in 50 years. [ applause ] the president pressed for ambitious agenda for his last two years in office and notably absent were vows to the republican landslide in the Midterm Election just two months ago. He was relaxed, confident to his critics, maybe ian a little caulk even a little cocky. I have no more campaigns to run. [ applause ] my only agenda i know because i won both of them. [ applause ] one thing was clear, this is not a president whos ready to fade from the political stage and take a back seat during the supposed lame duck years of his presidency. And that speech spurred Pulitzer Prize winning David Maraniss to tweet this obamas best speech period. Talk about why he was that moved, im joined by David Maraniss author of barack obama the story. Thanks for joining us barack obama makes the speech of the Democratic Convention in 2004 that basically makes him president four years later. Gives that speech on race in philadelphia. You watched this on tuesday night and you said better than all those, better than Everything Else . Well ive tweeted stranger tweets before but sometimes i tweet a little bit to provoke, but in many ways i thought it was his best speech. 04 was the speech that set him up, but it was easier in a sense, no one knew him, he had a great story to tell that was unknown to the public. And he had a riff that caught. Are the philly speech was fought with danger talking about race in a time when his campaign and in 2008 was on edge. And, but it was one dimensional. Very deep but one dimensional. I would say that his two acceptance speeches are pretty much forgettable. I dont think i could recite one line from either of those. What made this one stand out . This speech was the full obama. It included he took credit for what hes done. Which he hasnt often done very well. He set a marker for what he would not do with the republicans. Sort of putting that line in the sand. He offered many sort of clintonian policies that moved him into the middle to a certain extent. And then he he he wasnt a laundry list litany it did many things including sort of his going back to the riff from 04, after all that hes gone through endured over the six years to go back to that took a certain amount of foots pa. At the end twice we saw his sort of basketball trash talking. The first of which i thought worked very well the second was right on the line. But when you put it altogether, it was president obama at his most confident and cohesive and clear. Thats not to say that all the policies made sense or that his, sort of eliting parts of the troubles in the middle east was the right thing to do but as a speech i thought it was right up there. All right. Yeah, as you say, those two ad lib lines, basketball trash talk, those are the biggest things. Certainly funny moments. David maraniss appreciate that. We to want look at what might have been the strangest moment in Barack Obamas speech. The one moment out of all those times when the audience burst and all those Standing Ovations the one moment when it was the republicans who were cheering the president on. And when it was the democrats who were sitting on their hands and frowning. That moment had to do with the issue of trade. And with president obamas request that Congress Give them Fast Track Authority to negotiate two trade deals. One with ten pacific nations, another with the european union. Fast track Authority Means that whatever the president negotiates congress would then have to give a simple up or down vote on it. No changes, no amendments just a yes or no vote on what the president brings them from his negotiations. Critics are calling this nafta on steroids, the president tried to address their concerns on tuesday. Look, i am i amount first one to admit, im the first one to admit that past trade deals havent lived up to the hype and thats why weve gone after countries that break the rules at our expense. But 95 of the worlds customers live outside our borders. We cant close ourselves off from those opportunities. Republicans loved that moment so much that wisconsin congressman paul ryan went on morning joe the next day to say this i agree with every word he said in the speech with respect to trade and asia and getting in there and helping write the rules instead of china writing the rule. Hes in the middle of negotiating a trade agreement with asian nations. More jobs for america, this means more experts for us. This is something we had to get on top of us and i agree with him on that. All right. And joining me now talk about it is one of those republicans who was cheering the president on there, republican congressman Leonard Lance of new jersey. I should point out that we also plan to have a democratic congresswoman from connecticut on to represent the democrats upset with the president though there. Unfortunately the noreaster prevented her from getting to the studio. Joining us this morning, thanks to congressman lance for being here. Let me start with Fast Track Authority. Giving the president this power to negotiate and then present to Congress Something for an up down vote. Takes congress out of this process in a big way. Gives the president a the love power, and i a lot of power. And republicans are advocating this is the same group who are trying to sue the president for overstepping his executive power for asserting too much power, and now you want to give him more of it . Fast track requires constitutional action by the congress, and i think thats the difference, steve. But we want to see what the negotiations produce before we agree to it but i tend to agree with paul ryan and the Republican Party by in large believes in free trade because itll create american jobs at american standards, and this is important to our economy, for example, to the agricultural aek or it of our economy to open that for example in japan. So let me put up actually we have a quote, i think from congresswoman deloro couldnt be on the show unfortunately, i think we have a quote from her here. These are some of her objections, i dont believe we ought to give up our constitution authority to review these agreement and this particular agreement goes well beyond any of the trade agreements weve had in the past. There is still a constitutional role, but if he comes back with something, if youre on the democratic side for instance congresswoman deloro and says wait a minute, this doesnt do enough to protect wages and Environmental Standards here in the United States, we to want have the good benefits. Of trade, but we want protections, youre powerless to do anything about that. I think we want to see what the agreement contains and the trade representative mr. Froman is working hard on that issue. And the president promised in the state of the union speech that these issues would be addressed. And we want them addressed as well. But i do believe ultimately in free trade, and i am hope that we can reach that end point. Big business is very much for this. Were reading all sorts of stories about the big corporate lobby really starting to engage to get congress to give the president this kind of approval. At the same time unions dont like this. Give you an example here one of the concerns i think here is this concept about the race to the bottom. The race to the bottom when it comes to wages for workers in this country. We had a report the other day that out of all the good economic signs weve had, Median Income in the country is down. People really struggling. And i think workers might look at this and unions might say, if you enter this arrangement with the asian countries, youre putting the American Worker in a way, in competition with workers in vietnam. And how can that not do anything but per sip at a time a race to the bottom when it comes to the basic Living Conditions and wages for the workers . We dont favor a race to the bottom, and we want to make sure that standards are increased in asia and in europe as well. And let me say that we think that this will create more american jobs. And the president and his negotiators are working on this issue, and regarding lobbyists, if its opened up at the congressional level, i think there will be a great deal of lobbying and itll be a thousand cuts and death by that. And i think thats one of the challenges, and this authority has been granted in the past in 2002 with a republican president , and now it is a democratic president who is asking for it and we want to work cooperatively with president obama and with his at administration if possible. There are going to be republican deflections on this. The tea party doesnt like the idea of Big International agreements. Youre going to need republicans are going to need a number of democratic votes on this, do you think youll come up with enough democrats who say this is okay . Absolutely its going to have to be bipartisan. And republicans have not signed up for this without first seeing what is in the agreement. We havent said yes, we are open to the possibility, but yes i just mean to give him the authority. Youre going need democratic votes to give him the authority. Absolutely. And this has to be bipartisan and the president has to be able to produce democratic votes, this is not something thats going to occur exclusively with republican votes. Okay. Were always saying do they ever do anything together in washington . Here it is this is a perspective action some democrats are happy, some republicans are. Interesting. Thank you from new jersey for taking a few minutes this morning. Still ahead, alan alda is in the building and looking far few good scientists. Hes going to explain that to you. Next, you keep hearing that mitt romney wants to run for president again and keep asking why, were going to show you the encouraging numbers that hes seen. Thats next. Oh yea, thats coming down lets get some rocks, man. Health can change in a minute. So cvs health is changing healthcare. Making it more accessible and affordable with walkin medical care, no appointments needed and most insurance accepted. Minuteclinic. Another innovation from cvs health. Because health is everything. I have a cold with terrible chest congestion. Better take something. Theraflu severe cold doesnt treat chest congestion. Really . New alkaseltzer plus day powder rushes relief to your worst cold symptoms plus chest congestion. Oh, what a relief it is. Here we go ring ring progresso i cant believe im eating bacon and rich creamy cheese before my sisters wedding well its only 100 calories, so youll be ready for that dress uhhuh. You dont love the dress . I love my sister. 40 flavors. 100 calories or less. How can power consumption in china impact wool exports from new zealand textile production in spain and the use of medical technology in the u. S. . At t. Rowe price we understand the connections of a complex, global economy. Its just one reason over 85 of our mutual funds beat their 10year lipper average. T. Rowe price. Invest with confidence. Request a prospectus or summary prospectus with investment information, risks, fees and expenses to read and consider carefully before investing. Like, literally ran into him. [rambling]. This story had 30 minutes left. Until kim realized that Stouffers Mac and cheese is made with real cheddar aged to perfection for 6 long months. When you start with the best cheddar, you get the best mac and cheese. So, what about jessica . What about her . Stouffers. Made for you to love. Nestle. Good food. Good life. You keep hearing that mitt romney is interesting in running for president again, for the third time. And you probably keep asking the question, why . What does he think is going to be different this time . What is he seeing that would make him think that . Lets go to the big board, lets look at the numbers and see if we can come up with an answer. I think question. Let me take you through it. Right now, these are new numbers, from the nbc news wall street journal poll. They tested whats your opinion of three of the big names in the mix, Hillary Clinton 45 positive, 37 negative. Doing good there. We know hillary sort of the front runner early on. Look at this mitt romney 27 positive, 40 negative. Not a very good number. Discouraging number, but if youre mitt romney and youre hearing everybody tell you, get out of the way, its jeb bushs turn, hes going to bring this party around. Look at this jeb bush 19 positive, 32 negative. It was even worse than romney. If youre mitt romney youre saying im not doing great, but why do i have to get out for a guy thats doing worse. Take a look at this one, head to head, Hillary Clinton versus romney Hillary Clinton versus bush. Democrats are happy, shes beating both of them. If youre romney youre saying im down 15 push is down 13. Its not like hes even. You cant say hes more electable than me not with numbers like this keep going, theres more among republicans, Republican Voters whats your view of romney whats your view of bush . Romney 5215, thats a 37 point spread positive. Bush, 3715, thats only a 22 point spread. Romney more popular than jeb bush. Heres even more interesting things among tea party republicans, the most conservative element of the Republican Party, romney 5218, jeb bush 2920. Mitt romney might look and say if jeb bush runs, theres room to the right of jeb bush for me. And now take a look at this, this is a chart weve shown a few times, every time that polls have matched up mitt romney and jeb bush in the same poll of national republicans, every time, mitt romney has beaten jeb bush. In the last few months. 11 points here. Nine points here five points here, eight points here. And you see christie behind both of them. Again, it makes sense actually if youre mitt romney yeah, youve run twice, lost, yeah probably have an uphill fight against Hillary Clinton. If youre looking at the republican nomination and hearing republicans say oh the big juggernauts coming you can look at the numbers and you could reasonably say, why not me . So thats the logic behind it thanks to the big board. Up next if ever there were a person who needed to learn more about sleep, its probably me. Scientific american frontiers one and only, alan alda were going to talk about your big project, big challenge for 11yearolds and scientists. Well talk about it on the other side. Thats great. Thank you. This is jim. A man who doesnt stand still. But jim has afib, Atrial Fibrillation an irregular heartbeat not caused by a heart valve problem. That puts jim at a greater risk of stroke. For years, jims medicine tied him to a monthly trip to the clinic to get his blood tested. But now, with onceaday xarelto®, jims on the move. Jims doctor recommended xarelto®. Like warfarin, xarelto® is proven effective to reduce afibrelated stroke risk. But xarelto® is the first and only onceaday prescription blood thinner for patients with afib not caused by a heart valve problem that doesnt require regular blood monitoring. So jims not tied to that monitoring routine. Gps proceed to the designated route. Not today. For patients currently well managed on warfarin, there is limited information on how xarelto® and warfarin compare in reducing the risk of stroke. Xarelto® is just one pill a day taken with the evening meal. Plus, with no known dietary restrictions jim can eat the Healthy Foods he likes. Dont stop taking xarelto® rivaroxaban, unless your doctor tells you to. While taking xarelto®, you may bruise more easily and it may take longer for bleeding to stop. Xarelto® may increase your risk of bleeding if you take certain medicines. Xarelto® can cause serious bleeding and in rare cases, may be fatal. Get help right away if you develop unexpected bleeding, unusual bruising, or tingling. If you have had spinal anesthesia while on xarelto® watch for back pain or any nerve or muscle related signs or symptoms. Do not take xarelto® if you have an artificial heart valve or abnormal bleeding. Tell your doctor before all planned medical or dental procedures. Before starting xarelto®, tell your doctor about any conditions such as kidney, liver, or bleeding problems. Jim changed his routine. Ask your doctor about xarelto®. Onceaday xarelto® means no regular blood monitoring, no known dietary restrictions. For information and savings options, download the xarelto® Patient Center app call 1888xarelto or visit goxarelto. Com. [meow mix jingle slowly and quietly plucks] right on cue. [cat meows] meow, meow, meow, meow. Its more than just a meal its meow mix mealtime. With great taste and 100 complete nutrition, its the only one cats ask for by name. Can this decadent, fruit topped pastry. With indulgent streusel crumble, be from. Fiber one. Fiber one streusel. Push your enterprise and you can move the world. But to get from the old way to the new youll need the right it infrastructure. From a partner who knows how to make your enterprise more agile, borderless and secure. Hp helps business move on all the possibilities of today. And stay ready for everything that is still to come. He is an icon of stage, screen and television millions still know him at Army Sergeant hawkeye pierce from mash. One of the most watched shows in television history. How about the senator he played in martins film about howard hughes, the aviator, got an oscar nomination back in 2005. Those are just two of the many memorable roles hes played in the career that has spanned decades and also included a 15 year run hosting the acclaimed pbs series Scientific American frontiers. That was a show that opened Many Americans eyes to the wonders and possibilities of scientific discovery discovery. He is created the center for communicating science at Stony Brook University on long island. His mission is train the next generation of scientists about how to communicate to people like me. People without ph. D. S, People Better at hisy in school than molecular biology and chemistry. He is here today with a new challenge for scientists all around the world, a competition thats going to be judged by 11yearolds. Here to explain all of this i am really pleased, really excited to welcome up alan alda welcome. Hi. So so much i want to talk about. Lets start with this competition here this is the flame challenge. The first year it would challenge scientists to explain what a flame is so that 11yearolds could understand it and be delighted by the explanation. Each year we change the challenge. This year, the challenge is what is sleep . And that question came from the kids themselves. 11yearolds all around the country and around the world. What were you going to asked me . This challenge, and this program you vun basically that scientists do all this incredible work and yet, to explain that to get that across to people you have to speak in maybe a less scientific language. Thats what youre trying to address here. You know we dont want them to be less accurate. We want them to be more accessible to the people who dont have as you said a second ago, dont have the same training dont have doctorates in whatever field theyre in. How do you explain to somebody and not dumb it down not make it inaccurate but get them to understand it. Thats, thats the challenge. What are some of the keys to that . Well one of the keys is to understand who youre talking to. How do they think . What language do they use . I wouldnt speak to you in chinese. Unless i thought you could understand me. Right. To get in the same wavelength, get on the same wavelength with the person youre communicating with is really the basis of it. And thats why at the center for communicating science, we actually train scientists with improvization, games and exercises because not to turn them into comedians, but to turn them into people who can focus on the other person make eye contact and see whats going on in their head while theyre talking to them. And finding out if the theyre getting it. If theyre following it. Whats the experience like . Do they do they get, do they get what youre saying and that connect with it or just scientists who cant communicate. Thats the stereotype about scientists, theyre distant and cold and to want talk in numbers. They actually crave this human contact that we help them get. And theyre very happy to get up to the next stage of communication where they look people in the eye and talk their language. Its really now its for the flame challenge, scientists have until february 13th to enter the contest. I hope they will. The wonderful thing about this is while they try to explain what sleep is to kids either show a video or through a short written piece, the kids are either going to get it or not. And the scientists are going to be judged by the kids. I love this. It turns out to be a great teaching experience, great learning experience for the kids because they they get the responsibility now of saying thats a good explanation, but it could be a little better, you know. The great thing is i think right around that time when youre about 11 everything seems to be open and available and you can start to learn it. But i can remember right around then things like science and other things became this like science with the capital s, and we do share improvisation, i was with the tour company and alan alda was one of the beginners. Its a real way to learn to communicate. And the idea of learning science that way is so exciting. And that that connection that you get in improv is so liberating. Didnt it change you as a person . Well, its great because its all about listening and communicating and responding to what youre getting right then at the moment. Thats scientific in a way. You know this intimate tone that can develop when two people are in the same space together, theyre really paying attention to each other, that intimate tone opens the door to understanding difficult things. Im trying to think of this challenge. So the idea of explaining sleep. And im not, obviously i am not strong in my scientific background, how would i explain that to anybody . Is that something you could explain . Close your eyes and you see darkness and maybe youre breathing slows down and i dont know what i would say after that. Whats it good for . How come, we all want to know this and 11yearolds who are curious people and wont take a simple answer on the surface that, you know, that doesnt really explain it they wont take that for granted. They want to know things like why do we need sleep . Why do we get sick and get hallucinations if we dont get enough sleep . What happens to the brain . I remember being a kid and thinking, what a waste the concept of sleep was, eight hours out of the day. I cant do anything. I want to watch tv. All this other stuff. When you realize that onethird of our lives is spent unconscious, why . What do we go through that for . Its a very interesting thing. Scientists can make a video that demonstrates it. Weve seen all kinds of winning videos, if you go to the website, flamechallenge. Org, flame challenge. Org, you can see the winning entries from past years and the imagination that they put into it and the different ways theyve approached it are so interesting. You can get tips about how to make yours better. What kind of interest . International competition . International. We have scientists from all over the world. Sending in entries. We have classrooms signed up by their teachers. I hope teachers will sign up more classrooms. Last year we had 27,000 kids everywhere all over the United States from south america, belgium, china, we had them from everywhere. The first year we had an aboriginal class from australia. It was really exciting. Where were you when i failed my physics regions . I didnt do well in school either with chemistry. And now, im hungry for that and i want to understand it. Okay. So the flame challenge and the challenge this year for scientists around the world is to explain sleep and do it in a way that 11yearolds can understand. Im very interested now because hosting a very very Early Morning show on the weekend, i have newfound appreciation for sleep. Anyway, i want to thank our special guests today, alan alda great to have you here. Thank you. Nancy giles. Why the word of the day on sesame street yesterday should have maybe been a coincidence, but maybe wasnt. Well explain that. Up next is your morning looking like this . Whats in store this afternoon . Some nasty weather out there. Well find out all about it right after this. Curling up in bed with a Favorite Book is nice. But i think women would rather curl up with their favorite man. But heres the thing about half of men over 40 have some degree of erectile dysfunction. Well, viagra helps guys with ed get and keep an erection. And remember, you only take it when you need it. Ask your doctor if your heart is healthy enough for sex. Do not take viagra if you take nitrates for chest pain; it may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. 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Live from studio 3a in Rockefeller Center jau, its time for a special tournament of champions edition of americas first cable news political game show, up against the clock. He tied for the seasons high score, but hes ready to break away from the pack, say hello to josh. Youve seen his buzzer speed, but wait until you see this jersey shore residents fist pump its brian. She met her husband on a campaign bus, and her political knowledge is like a mat truck, please welcome susan. And now, the host of up against the clock, the never underinflated, steve kornacki. Oh thank you, jim cutler thank you studio audience thank you for everybody tuning in at home for another exciting tournament edition of up against the clock. Today we continue to narrow the field down to those final three who will play for the world championship, just two weeks from today. With us today, three contestants, josh brian, susan, all of them to be here today had to win their qualifying contest, and then be approved by our selection committee, a very rigorous process. Congratulations to all of you for making it this far, but only one of you will advance to the finals. Just to quickly go over rules for the studio audience and anybody joining us for the first time. This is a very simple fastpaced Current Events and Politics News quiz. Three rounds 100 points in the first, 200 in the second they get harder as we go along, contestants can ring any time. You will be penalized for wrong answers. Take that into account and because this is tournament play we are supersizing the rounds today, 105 seconds long instead of the usual 100. Contestants, i hope you carboloaded today. As always, please no outbursts, contestants require absolute concentration up against the clock, and with that, are you ready to play . Ready. Lets put those 105 seconds on the clock. Ive the 100 point questions and the 100 point round begins with this. Damage was done this week to one of the worlds most famous archaeological brian. It was the statue tomb of king tut. 100 points on the board. After interviewing president obama on thursday youtube star Glozell Green presented him with this, her trademark gift. Susan. Green lipstick. Susan ties brian. 100 point tossup question orin hatch would like to strike up the same kind of crosspartisan relationship he enjoyed with ted kennedy with this current susan. No child left behind incorrect with this current massachusetts senator. Josh. Elizabeth warren. 100 points for josh and stop the clock, not only did you get 100 points for successfully answering that question, but you triggered our quote of note video bonus. For an additional 100 points riskfree. If you can identify it we will double your score, give you an extra 100 points. Please, direct your attention to our video monitor, mr. Alan alda. Hi, im alan alda with this weeks up against the clock quote of note. Which korean war era president supposedly once said always be sincere, even if you dont mean it . Good luck. Extra 100 points. Truman. Truman it is. He said that with confidence. Double scored 2d 00 put the clock back in motion. We return with this 100 point toss up question on thursday, vote time pose a smoking ban in many places passed unanimously near the mouth of the mississippi river. Josh. New orleans. New orleans. 100 points for josh 100 point toss up. Two amendments this week that linked Climate Change to what . Josh. Human activity. Human activity is right. 100 point tossup. There were at least five republican responses to the state of the Union Address on tuesday, yet only one of them had this persons rebuttal outtakes accident tally posted ted cruz. Ted cruzs outtakes post on the youtube. 100 points for josh. 100 point toss up. Her state of the Union Response on tuesday night, iowa senator joni ernst said in order to keep her shoes dry as a child brian. Bread bags. Bread bags. Brian is on the board. 100 point toss up. Terry was released from the hospital this week brian. Falling off a horse in europe. A horse was what we were looking for. Thats enough information, and this brings us to the end of the round, brian getting to 300 with the late answer, josh in the lead. Susan taking a chance, she trailed after the first round, good news for you, susan, make up ground quickly as we move to the 200 point round. These questions are twice as hard. They are twice as valuable. A lot happen when we start the second round. Lets put the clock on the board. And well begin with this. On thursday the field to replace retiring california senator Barbara Boxer narrowed susan. Wouldnt run. When tom styre said he wouldnt run. Whisked away to a secret location, this cabinet secretary josh. Anthony fox. Designated survivor. Stop the clock. Stop the clock because josh you have triggered our use it or lose it bonus question. Heres thousand works, because you successfully answered that kbe and told that transportation secretary anthony fox was the designated survivor at the state of the Union Address on tuesday, i have in my hands a followup question that is somehow related to the one i just asked you. Now you can hear that question and try to answer it and if you do, youll get an extra 200 points but if youre wrong, youll lose 2900 points or you can pass. Josh wifb the bonus question will you use it . I will use it. Here it is, your related question prior oont fox was the mayor of what city . Charlotte. Charlotte, north carolina. He knew that one. 200 pointings opening up a lead there. Goes back in motion with this federal judge this week ruled that socalled dreamers in this Western State can keep their brian. Arizona. Arizona, they can keep their drivers license expressing interest in a run for congress from iowa this week was gary kroeger who more than 30 years ago portrayed exVice PresidentWalton Mondale a as cast member on what weekend comedy show . Susan. Time. Saturday night live. 200 points for brian. Catching up there. Proposal to raise the gas tax in exchange for an income tax cut was floated this week by this governor of south carolina. Josh. Niki haley. Yeah floated 200 to josh. After an incident that occurred during Training Camp the u. S. Womens National Team suspended this soccer goalie for 30 weeks. Hope solo. Well accept that. I was thinking the last name first. After initially not confirming his specific whereabouts on an overseas trip josh. Natten diehl. It was revealed that the governor of this state went to the u. K. For an economic develop georgia. Georgia and brian moving into the lead 200 point toss up. Talking about this guest ahead of his inauguration on wednesday, new Maryland Governor larry hogan said im not quite as mean i havent told anybody to sit down and shut up. Josh. 100 pound round, phd level. The hardest possible questions, the most valuable possible questions very spensful will dim the lights for dramatic effect. That trip to the finals will be decided in the next 105 seconds. The cards are in my hand we begin the third round with this young woman from this state was sentenced in federal court on friday after convicted of trying to aid Islamic State militants in syria. Brian. Brian. Colorado. That was in colorado. 300 point question recorded this week that the release of a documentary about bill clinton is substantialed due to disagreements about control between the former president and this legendary director. 300 point toss up giving a speech at American University this week, famous political offspring called herself darth vairds daughter. Ders daughter. Name one of them. She named three, 300 points for susan. Wouldnt that be 900. Estimated net worth of 2 million. The richest elected official in america is bill haslam governor of what state . Tennessee. Shat erlg january Box Office Records last weekend was the movie american sniper which is directed by Clint Eastwood who back in the 1980s served as the elected mayor caramel. 300 points for josh. On his final night as the governor of maryland this week martin oanimally attending the state of the Union Address in washington, d. C. As the guest of this former first daughter of the city of baltimore. Nancy pelosi. Nancy pelosi daughter of a former mayor, 300 for susan. Demonstrators were arrested inside the Supreme Court on wednesday when they interrupted arguments to protest the fifth anniversary of citizens united. Citizens united. 300 points. Claiming the school failed to provide them with meaningful educational, two College Athletes sued this power house this week. Brian. Florida state. Incorrect. Josh or susan . Susan for the win . Time, it was university of north carolina. Josh with a 200 point margin over susan wins the game with 1700 points. Advances to the championship and josh not only that but if you are successful two beaks from now in the championship, you will win the grand prize for the season which we are going to tell you all about right now. With your victory today, you earn a spot on contestants row in the up against the clock tournament of champions title game. Putting you one step closer to earning this seasons grand prize and unforgettable night at the ball park. Yes, thats right, well send you and three of your closest friends on a free new york city subway ride. Historic mcu stadium in brooklyn home of the new york mets short Season Minor League affiliate, the brooklyn cyclones cyclones, but wait, theres more. Youll also be personally escorted to the Pitchers Mound before the game by sandy the seagull. The official mascot. Where youll throw out the ceremonial first pitch. All of this could be yours, but only if youre smart enough fast enough and tough enough to win the up against the clock championship. All right. And there is your bract, josh jessica in the championship. One more game there, sam, evan one of them will join them in the championship game. Two weeks from now, congratulations, josh. Thanks to the brooklyn cyclones for participating. Top headlines and also muppets that are catching our eye this morning. Thats next. Cant say thank you enough. You have made my life special by being apart of it. everyone cheers glad you made it buddy. Thanks for inviting me. Thanks again my friends. For everything for all your help. Through all lifes milestones our trusted advisors are with you every step of the way. Congratulations thanks for helping me plan for my retirement. You should Come Celebrate with us. Id be honored. Plan for your goals with advisors you know and trust. 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Because wearing a different kind of underwear, is no big deal. Support the cause and get a free sample of depend at underwareness. Com. Stamps. Com is the best. And back here on the set usa today susan page from the New York Times and, excuse me from the New York Times with josh bear and nbc 4 new yorks Brian Thompson all just recovering from the heated competition. Again, congratulations on that. Thank you. Im still waiting for my copies. Cocoon 2, the return. Yes. Sorry. Well get our Prizes Department on that as soon as the show is over. Catch up right now with some other news stories buzzing this morning in the catching up segment. Heres one, we have some sound here, people asking was this a coin dense or not that on sesame street yesterday they reaired an old episode with this word of the day. Whats the word on the street . Inflate. What does the word inflate mean . Its when you fill something with air. A show spokesperson telling the Huffington Post it was a coincidence. Right. I dont think i buy that. Did they follow it up the next day with the word cheat . I think their statement is about as believable as tom brady. Ill put it that way. What else do we have here . Other headlines, this is interesting, nbc news saying that ed davos, rich and powerful are paying 43 for hot dog. 43 hot dog with pickers and fried onions this is in the swiss ski town. The price shot up that made things more important. It would normally be 26, much more reasonable. I never go to these things. Whats the discount without the fried onions . Ever been to these . The best thing about switzerland, you goat complain to everybody about how expensive thing is. When youre really bragging. Yes, exactly. Other news this morning, abc news never saw this one coming. Sarah palin on 2016 of course shes interested in the race palin being interviewed and saying, shes interested in the race she cant wait for new energy which asked about mitt romney and jeb bush. Shes in iowa for this event. Iowa freedom summit. We talked about that earlier. Is she going to be at front of the republican candidate congo line or the back . I think shes next to trump wherever it is. I think at the book signing table. Shes very interested in pretending to run for president in order to sell books and get speaking fees. Shes not alone in that general strategy. The other thing is it works. Its worked well. Susan page josh brian, for the quick catching us today. Join us again tomorrow morning. Ly talk to john hoegen from north dakota about the expected vote in the meantime, if you didnt have enough play the online version and do it at our facebook page. Coming up next is Melissa Harris perry, thanks for getting up, well see you tomorrow. I was not expecting to get a ford. We went around the country talking to people who made the switch to ford. It felt nicer than my bmw. Good gas mileage. Ecoboost makes a four cylinder engine feel like a six cylinder. 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And the universal coverage we almost got. But first, president obama keeps it classy. Good morning im Melissa Harris perry, lets take a Little Journey together back to january 2009. Do you remember . In a historic political victory, president obama assumed office and as he did, the country was making a less triumphant history, the worst economic prices since the great