soften things a little bit. add amendments. for one of the major parties to effectively step out against this, that would be a huge no-no just because of that public mandate, because of that public vote we have in june. >> nbc's lucy kafanov from london. thanks, lucy. still ahead on "morning joe," secretary of defense robert gates joins us here on set. also ahead -- >> how is the meeting going, mr. president. >> very good. we have a fantastic relationship with everybody at the table. it's totally just a beautiful, beautiful relationship. >> donald trump touts -- >> donnie, you're laughing. >> that's him. >> beautiful. >> it's a beautiful relationship. >> the whole relationship. >> beautiful. >> beautiful relationship with congress as his nominees speed through committees. we'll get a live report from hallie jackson at the white house. >> still laughing.