Transcripts For MSNBCW The Beat With Ari Melber 20200608 : v

For biden. Former president george bush and his brother jeb not planning to vote for President Trump either. Well get to all of that in a moment. But first, in washington today, democrats unveiling a new plan to reform americas policing. In the 1950s, news cameras exposed the brutal horror of legalized racism in the form of segregation. 70 years later, it is the cell phone camera that has exposed the continuation of violence directed at africanamericans by the police. Empathy and sympathy and words of caring for those who have died and suffered are necessary but its not enough. We must change laws and systems of accountability. Joining me now to discuss, elisia garza, from the National Domestic Workers Alliance and cofounder of the black lives matter movement. Kristen clark, executive director of the Lawyers Committee for civil rights. And jonathan kay part. Is this a genuine inflection point, and how important is it that this is a broad Multiracial Coalition from around the world lead thing charge . Its very important, stephanie. Thank you for having me. You know, we are at an unprecedented moment in this country, where we are finally starting to look honestly and critically at the role of policing in our communities. And also at the decades long project of defunding black and brown and poor communities across this country. Unfortunately, we came to this point because we have had murders in this country of people like george floyd, people like tony mcdade, people like Breonna Taylor. And we should just know in this moment, even though it is an inflection point, it will take a lot of courage and political will to start to change the rules that are shaping our lives right now. Frankly, im very heartened by the conversations that are happening across the country. Im heartened by a lot of the activity thats happening, the multiracial character of who is out in the streets raising their voices and demanding change. And im also hopeful that we dont shy away from this moment. You know, it doesnt its not lost on me that at a certain point in this country, everybody said that, you know, ending segregation was not possible. That we were scared to do it because there were all of these risks that could be contained within it. But frankly, having the courage and moving the political will to end segregation in this country was a good move for everybody. And so i hope we take that History Lesson into the present and start to reimagine how it is that we keep our communities safe. Bigger than that, how it is that we invest in communities that have been disinvested in for so long. Kristen, democrats are clearly trying to make this more than just a moment. Lets talk about what is . This new bill. It contains a National Database of police misconduct, because as it stands right now, if a Police Officer does something wrong and loses his job, he can just go one town over and get a new one. Also funding to investigate local departments and a ban on chokeholds and noknock warrants. Those are three strong points but are they enough if this is no doubt historic and comprehensive legislation introduced today. Weve always known what it would take to really reimagine policing in our country in a way that is equitable, fair, and just. And so this really is a kind of bringing together of a lot of work thats been done by grassroots advocates, by community leaders, by lawmakers, who are saying, you know what . Lets have atob comprehensive reform, because thats what it is going to take. What is most important about this bill are the provisions that speak to accountability. For far too long in our country, Police Officers have been allowed to kill, to take life, to use Excessive Force with impunity. Weve not had the measures that we need on the books to really bring these officers to justice. And this bill speaks to those issues. It modifies a federal law, 18usc 242, which is the core federal statute that can be used to criminally prosecute officers who kill without basis, by changing the standard and making it easier for federal prosecutors to bring those folks to justice. It deals with qualified immunity. And really will move communities across our country to a place that, when these incidents happen, when an eric garner is killed, when a Breonna Taylor is killed, it will have laws and measures on the books that allow these people to be brought to justice so we can deter the bad actors we know are out there. Jonathan, its clear that this is important and its needed. And i dont mean to be a debbie downer. How realistic is it that it is going to pass. We havent even seen an antilynching bill make its way through the senate. If that cant get through, does this have a chance . The way things are right now, no. And thats the point that senator harris made in her remarks at the press Conference Today introducing this bill. But to the earlier point, there is momentum here. And what made the Civil Rights Movement in the 50s and 60s propel, is it started with the people and the people marching and the people putting their bodies literally on the line to make things happen. But then it was having the support of the president. Of congress. And i think thats why this election is so important. All of these things that were talked about in this bill today stand a better chance of passage if there is a senate that will hear it, listen to it, give it a vote. But most importantly, a president of the United States who will put pen to paper and sign it into law. And so the demonstrations in the street are propellent, and then the election is the fuel, and then, you know, if joe biden does indeed succeed in ousting President Trump at the ballot box, then it will be on President Biden, then President Biden to then carry it forward. But with the pressure from the people who i think will still be in the streets, youre not a debbie downer, stephanie, you are realistic. Because of course, were seeing this happen. Because democrats control the house. But Mitch Mcconnell has shown over and over again that he is not interested in doing anything except approving more conservative judges. Elisia, how important is this momentum to joe bidens election . You know, early on, even weeks ago, there was concern he wasnt energizing voters, specifically young voters. Now weve seen joe biden out there, meeting with people. Just today he spent over an hour with George Floyds family. Is he presenting enough . Are people nrmg ienergized enout people will get out there and vote for him in a way people thought maybe not . You know, i can say without qualification that there is much more work to be done. We know that former vice President Biden has faced a lot of criticism from advocates and from organizer s frankly, we think more of this that should be done. We havent seen, again, a clear position coming from former vice President Bidens campaign about what they will do to meet this moment. And it is deeply important that he sit with the families of people who have been killed by the police. Including George Floyds family. And its also important that this campaign do the work that it needs to, to energize black communities. And part of what that is going to look like in this season is making sure that we are meeting the moment. It will not be enough to be in photoopes with, you know, kneeling. Its going to be very important that this campaign is energizing black voters to show up in november. Along society all alongside all of the other voters that need to show up in november. We still have a far way to go to really hear and feel from joe biden that hes leading in this moment. Not just in terms of meeting with families, but meeting with organizers and meeting with folks who are trying to Energize Voters right now. And really listening to what are the key things that people want to see right now. And how can i provide a platform to make sure that that message is getting out. And that people are getting energized to go to the polls in the middle of a Global Pandemic, in advance of what were hearing might be an economic depression. And also in the context of massive uprisings and deep, deep pain around what has been happening to black communities for generations. In order to solve for any of this, we have to at least acknowledge what the reality is. And i want to share what trumps acting dhs secretary said about racism and Law Enforcement. I do not think that we have a system of racism problem with local Law Enforcement in this country. You need to make sure that all Law Enforcement is acting correctly or doing their jobs correctly. When theyre not, they need to be held accountable. What do you think, kristen . I think hes blind and perhaps deaf to the cries that are coming out from the streets right now, that are coming out of the homes of the families who have lost loved ones. If he hasnt heard the protesters and their message yet, he will soon. Because my sense is that these demonstrations are a reality in this country. That this is different. People are not giving up or turning back on the important work, on the projects of reforming Police Violence, on confronting Police Violence and confronting racial violence in our country. The convergence of the tragic killing of ahmaud arbery, along with the brutal, the brutal murder of george floyd i think has erupted emotions in our country. And its why were seeing people, young and old, white, black, and brown and urban and rural parts of this country all coming out and saying its time for justice. So i think if he hasnt heard that message, he will soon. Because these protesters are not turning their back until we get it done and get it right this time. Its 2020 and we are a nation at a crossroads. And i just want to echo one important point that alicia made, which is voting is one of the most powerful forms of protest in our country. And i hope that we will see people take their voice from the streets to the ballot box during the primary season that is afoot right now. And to the ballot box in november for the upcoming general election. Jonathan, do you agree with that . Because as awful as it was to see what happened to george floyd, to learn about Breonna Taylor, sadly, none of it was a surprise. The washington post, your paper reporting there has been zero decline in Police Shootings since 2015. And thats when they started tracking it. Do you think that now things are going to change . Well, look, hope is a great motivator. And i hope that it will change. I mean, the three of us on this panel are not surprised by by the murder of george floyd or Breonna Taylor or walter scott or Trayvon Martin or tamir rice or the countless numbers of africanamericans who have been killed at the hands of Law Enforcement or just extrajudicial killing. What made the George Floyd Murder leap off the page and leap into the hearts of americans was that they saw it, they watched it. They watched a man who was alive at the beginning of the video die before their eyes. And die with the knee of a Police Officer on his neck for two minutes after he had already died. That shocked the conscience, just in the way when john lewis did at the foot of the edmon pettis bridge and he and 600 other marchers were mowed over by baton wielding state troopers in alabama, how that night when the video of that was broad cast on television, it shocked the nation. And five months later, the Voting Rights act of 1965 was signed into law by president lyndon johnson. A week after bloody sunday as its called, president johnson spoke before a joint session of congress and said the words we shall overcome. So, you know, we are at yes, we are at an inflection moment. We are at a moment where the American People of all stripes are seeing whats happening, and saying its not enough is enough, we have to do something to change the tide, because what i witnessed with my own eyes is not who we are as americans, its not who we say we are as the United States. And if were going to live if were going to be true to those ideals and live out those ideals as best as we can, then we damn well better do something about it right now. Well, if its not who we are, or if it is who we are, its not who we want to be going forward. Thank you all so much. I sincerely appreciate you joining us tonight. Were going to leave it there. Coming up, leading republicans who are refusing do you hear me . Refusing to support President Trumps reelection. Heres a name for you. George bush, colin powell. Those arent just anybody republicans, those are the big ones. Ill be speaking about it with powells former chief of staff, lawrence wilkerson. Also, the new debate about defunding police. The big tag line, everybody shouting about it. But what does it really mean . Youll be surprised. Well hear from retired captain ron johnson, who helped keep the peace after ferguson. President trump lashing out at the nfl for admitting it was wrong on justice issues. Ill be speaking live to a former football player. Im stephanie ruhle. And you are watching the beat on msnbc. And we always will. For people. For the future. And there has never been a summer when its mattered more. Wherever you go, summer safely. Get zero percent apr financing for up to five years on select models and exclusive lease offers. I have moderate to severe pnow, theres skyrizi. Things are getting clearer, yeah i feel free to bare my skin yeah thats all me. Nothing and me go hand in hand nothing on my skin thats my new plan. Nothing is everything. Keep your skin clearer with skyrizi. 3 out of 4 people achieved 90 clearer skin at 4 months. Of those, nearly 9 out of 10 sustained it through 1 year. And skyrizi is 4 doses a year, after 2 starter doses. I see nothing in a different way and its my moment so i just gotta say nothing is everything skyrizi may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. Before treatment your doctor should check you for infections and tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms such as fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches or coughs, or if you plan to or recently received a vaccine. Nothing is everything ask your dermatologist about skyrizi. No no no no no, theres no space there maybe over here . Hot hot oven mitts oven mitts everythings stuck in the drawers im sorry oh, jeez. Hi. Kelly clarkson. Try wayfair oh, ok. Its going to help you, with all of. This yeah, here you go. Thank you oh, i like that one [ laugh ] thats a lot of storage perfect. Youre welcome i love it. How did you do all this . Wayfair speaking of dinner, whatre we eating, guys . Me too. Me too. And if youre a small business, were with you. Standing by you every step of the way. Bye bye. The xfinity voice remote will find exactly that. For, happy stuff. The groups happy, im happy. You can even say a famous movie quote and it will know the right movie. Circle of trust, greg. Relax, the needles are jumping. You can learn something new any time. Education. And if youre not sure what youre looking for, say. Surprise me. Just ask what can i say to find more of what you love with the xinity voice remote. Tonight, there are growing calls to defund the police. You can see it right here. Defund the Police Painted in large yellow letters on the new black lives matter plaza in d. C. But i want to be precise what that means. It does not mean that Police Officers will lose their jobs or pensions or that well have no Law Enforcement in america. Do not worry, were not talking mad max beyond the thunder dome. What it does mean is that we have to reinvent, reorganize, and reimagine how policing is done. Part of it would reallocate money to social programs. In minneapolis, the City Council Voting to dismantle its force police force structure. The mayor saying today that he does not support abolishing the department, and i want to show what he said over the weekend. Oh, my god. In new york city, the nypd under fire for Excessive Force during the protest as you can see on the screen. Officers beating protesters with batons. Think about this, the nypd gets more than 6 of new york citys total annual budget. Mayor de blasio vowing for the first time to now cut funding for the nypd saying we are committed to seeing a shift of funding to youth services, to social services. It is unclear what exactly defunding the police would mean, what it would look like. Joe bidens campaign saying he does not believe police should be defunded. Joining me now is andrea stewart, the first ever woman and africanamerican woman leader of the state senate. And captain ron johnson, former missouri highway patrol, who led protest security during the 2014 protests in ferguson. Captain johnson, when you hear this phrase defund the police, what do you think . I think it means that our country is saying we need to look at those budgets and make sure the money is being allocated properly. Over the years, police have been given a lot of jobs, a lot of tasks that probably should be in other places. Its not saying were going to do away with policing, but look at the budgets and make sure that money is being allocated properly. I dont think that any agency should be upset if our community and taxpayers say we just want to make sure the money is being allocated properly. Senator, President Trump<\/a> either. Well get to all of that in a moment. But first, in washington today, democrats unveiling a new plan to reform americas policing. In the 1950s, news cameras exposed the brutal horror of legalized racism in the form of segregation. 70 years later, it is the cell phone camera that has exposed the continuation of violence directed at africanamericans by the police. Empathy and sympathy and words of caring for those who have died and suffered are necessary but its not enough. We must change laws and systems of accountability. Joining me now to discuss, elisia garza, from the National Domestic<\/a> Workers Alliance<\/a> and cofounder of the black lives matter movement. Kristen clark, executive director of the Lawyers Committee<\/a> for civil rights. And jonathan kay part. Is this a genuine inflection point, and how important is it that this is a broad Multiracial Coalition<\/a> from around the world lead thing charge . Its very important, stephanie. Thank you for having me. You know, we are at an unprecedented moment in this country, where we are finally starting to look honestly and critically at the role of policing in our communities. And also at the decades long project of defunding black and brown and poor communities across this country. Unfortunately, we came to this point because we have had murders in this country of people like george floyd, people like tony mcdade, people like Breonna Taylor<\/a>. And we should just know in this moment, even though it is an inflection point, it will take a lot of courage and political will to start to change the rules that are shaping our lives right now. Frankly, im very heartened by the conversations that are happening across the country. Im heartened by a lot of the activity thats happening, the multiracial character of who is out in the streets raising their voices and demanding change. And im also hopeful that we dont shy away from this moment. You know, it doesnt its not lost on me that at a certain point in this country, everybody said that, you know, ending segregation was not possible. That we were scared to do it because there were all of these risks that could be contained within it. But frankly, having the courage and moving the political will to end segregation in this country was a good move for everybody. And so i hope we take that History Lesson<\/a> into the present and start to reimagine how it is that we keep our communities safe. Bigger than that, how it is that we invest in communities that have been disinvested in for so long. Kristen, democrats are clearly trying to make this more than just a moment. Lets talk about what is . This new bill. It contains a National Database<\/a> of police misconduct, because as it stands right now, if a Police Officer<\/a> does something wrong and loses his job, he can just go one town over and get a new one. Also funding to investigate local departments and a ban on chokeholds and noknock warrants. Those are three strong points but are they enough if this is no doubt historic and comprehensive legislation introduced today. Weve always known what it would take to really reimagine policing in our country in a way that is equitable, fair, and just. And so this really is a kind of bringing together of a lot of work thats been done by grassroots advocates, by community leaders, by lawmakers, who are saying, you know what . Lets have atob comprehensive reform, because thats what it is going to take. What is most important about this bill are the provisions that speak to accountability. For far too long in our country, Police Officer<\/a>s have been allowed to kill, to take life, to use Excessive Force<\/a> with impunity. Weve not had the measures that we need on the books to really bring these officers to justice. And this bill speaks to those issues. It modifies a federal law, 18usc 242, which is the core federal statute that can be used to criminally prosecute officers who kill without basis, by changing the standard and making it easier for federal prosecutors to bring those folks to justice. It deals with qualified immunity. And really will move communities across our country to a place that, when these incidents happen, when an eric garner is killed, when a Breonna Taylor<\/a> is killed, it will have laws and measures on the books that allow these people to be brought to justice so we can deter the bad actors we know are out there. Jonathan, its clear that this is important and its needed. And i dont mean to be a debbie downer. How realistic is it that it is going to pass. We havent even seen an antilynching bill make its way through the senate. If that cant get through, does this have a chance . The way things are right now, no. And thats the point that senator harris made in her remarks at the press Conference Today<\/a> introducing this bill. But to the earlier point, there is momentum here. And what made the Civil Rights Movement<\/a> in the 50s and 60s propel, is it started with the people and the people marching and the people putting their bodies literally on the line to make things happen. But then it was having the support of the president. Of congress. And i think thats why this election is so important. All of these things that were talked about in this bill today stand a better chance of passage if there is a senate that will hear it, listen to it, give it a vote. But most importantly, a president of the United States<\/a> who will put pen to paper and sign it into law. And so the demonstrations in the street are propellent, and then the election is the fuel, and then, you know, if joe biden does indeed succeed in ousting President Trump<\/a> at the ballot box, then it will be on President Biden<\/a>, then President Biden<\/a> to then carry it forward. But with the pressure from the people who i think will still be in the streets, youre not a debbie downer, stephanie, you are realistic. Because of course, were seeing this happen. Because democrats control the house. But Mitch Mcconnell<\/a> has shown over and over again that he is not interested in doing anything except approving more conservative judges. Elisia, how important is this momentum to joe bidens election . You know, early on, even weeks ago, there was concern he wasnt energizing voters, specifically young voters. Now weve seen joe biden out there, meeting with people. Just today he spent over an hour with George Floyds<\/a> family. Is he presenting enough . Are people nrmg ienergized enout people will get out there and vote for him in a way people thought maybe not . You know, i can say without qualification that there is much more work to be done. We know that former vice President Biden<\/a> has faced a lot of criticism from advocates and from organizer s frankly, we think more of this that should be done. We havent seen, again, a clear position coming from former vice President Biden<\/a>s campaign about what they will do to meet this moment. And it is deeply important that he sit with the families of people who have been killed by the police. Including George Floyds<\/a> family. And its also important that this campaign do the work that it needs to, to energize black communities. And part of what that is going to look like in this season is making sure that we are meeting the moment. It will not be enough to be in photoopes with, you know, kneeling. Its going to be very important that this campaign is energizing black voters to show up in november. Along society all alongside all of the other voters that need to show up in november. We still have a far way to go to really hear and feel from joe biden that hes leading in this moment. Not just in terms of meeting with families, but meeting with organizers and meeting with folks who are trying to Energize Voters<\/a> right now. And really listening to what are the key things that people want to see right now. And how can i provide a platform to make sure that that message is getting out. And that people are getting energized to go to the polls in the middle of a Global Pandemic<\/a>, in advance of what were hearing might be an economic depression. And also in the context of massive uprisings and deep, deep pain around what has been happening to black communities for generations. In order to solve for any of this, we have to at least acknowledge what the reality is. And i want to share what trumps acting dhs secretary said about racism and Law Enforcement<\/a>. I do not think that we have a system of racism problem with local Law Enforcement<\/a> in this country. You need to make sure that all Law Enforcement<\/a> is acting correctly or doing their jobs correctly. When theyre not, they need to be held accountable. What do you think, kristen . I think hes blind and perhaps deaf to the cries that are coming out from the streets right now, that are coming out of the homes of the families who have lost loved ones. If he hasnt heard the protesters and their message yet, he will soon. Because my sense is that these demonstrations are a reality in this country. That this is different. People are not giving up or turning back on the important work, on the projects of reforming Police Violence<\/a>, on confronting Police Violence<\/a> and confronting racial violence in our country. The convergence of the tragic killing of ahmaud arbery, along with the brutal, the brutal murder of george floyd i think has erupted emotions in our country. And its why were seeing people, young and old, white, black, and brown and urban and rural parts of this country all coming out and saying its time for justice. So i think if he hasnt heard that message, he will soon. Because these protesters are not turning their back until we get it done and get it right this time. Its 2020 and we are a nation at a crossroads. And i just want to echo one important point that alicia made, which is voting is one of the most powerful forms of protest in our country. And i hope that we will see people take their voice from the streets to the ballot box during the primary season that is afoot right now. And to the ballot box in november for the upcoming general election. Jonathan, do you agree with that . Because as awful as it was to see what happened to george floyd, to learn about Breonna Taylor<\/a>, sadly, none of it was a surprise. The washington post, your paper reporting there has been zero decline in Police Shootings<\/a> since 2015. And thats when they started tracking it. Do you think that now things are going to change . Well, look, hope is a great motivator. And i hope that it will change. I mean, the three of us on this panel are not surprised by by the murder of george floyd or Breonna Taylor<\/a> or walter scott or Trayvon Martin<\/a> or tamir rice or the countless numbers of africanamericans who have been killed at the hands of Law Enforcement<\/a> or just extrajudicial killing. What made the George Floyd Murder<\/a> leap off the page and leap into the hearts of americans was that they saw it, they watched it. They watched a man who was alive at the beginning of the video die before their eyes. And die with the knee of a Police Officer<\/a> on his neck for two minutes after he had already died. That shocked the conscience, just in the way when john lewis did at the foot of the edmon pettis bridge and he and 600 other marchers were mowed over by baton wielding state troopers in alabama, how that night when the video of that was broad cast on television, it shocked the nation. And five months later, the Voting Rights<\/a> act of 1965 was signed into law by president lyndon johnson. A week after bloody sunday as its called, president johnson spoke before a joint session of congress and said the words we shall overcome. So, you know, we are at yes, we are at an inflection moment. We are at a moment where the American People<\/a> of all stripes are seeing whats happening, and saying its not enough is enough, we have to do something to change the tide, because what i witnessed with my own eyes is not who we are as americans, its not who we say we are as the United States<\/a>. And if were going to live if were going to be true to those ideals and live out those ideals as best as we can, then we damn well better do something about it right now. Well, if its not who we are, or if it is who we are, its not who we want to be going forward. Thank you all so much. I sincerely appreciate you joining us tonight. Were going to leave it there. Coming up, leading republicans who are refusing do you hear me . Refusing to support President Trump<\/a>s reelection. Heres a name for you. George bush, colin powell. Those arent just anybody republicans, those are the big ones. Ill be speaking about it with powells former chief of staff, lawrence wilkerson. Also, the new debate about defunding police. The big tag line, everybody shouting about it. But what does it really mean . Youll be surprised. Well hear from retired captain ron johnson, who helped keep the peace after ferguson. President trump lashing out at the nfl for admitting it was wrong on justice issues. Ill be speaking live to a former football player. Im stephanie ruhle. And you are watching the beat on msnbc. And we always will. For people. For the future. And there has never been a summer when its mattered more. Wherever you go, summer safely. Get zero percent apr financing for up to five years on select models and exclusive lease offers. I have moderate to severe pnow, theres skyrizi. Things are getting clearer, yeah i feel free to bare my skin yeah thats all me. Nothing and me go hand in hand nothing on my skin thats my new plan. Nothing is everything. Keep your skin clearer with skyrizi. 3 out of 4 people achieved 90 clearer skin at 4 months. Of those, nearly 9 out of 10 sustained it through 1 year. And skyrizi is 4 doses a year, after 2 starter doses. I see nothing in a different way and its my moment so i just gotta say nothing is everything skyrizi may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. Before treatment your doctor should check you for infections and tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms such as fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches or coughs, or if you plan to or recently received a vaccine. Nothing is everything ask your dermatologist about skyrizi. No no no no no, theres no space there maybe over here . Hot hot oven mitts oven mitts everythings stuck in the drawers im sorry oh, jeez. Hi. Kelly clarkson. Try wayfair oh, ok. Its going to help you, with all of. This yeah, here you go. Thank you oh, i like that one [ laugh ] thats a lot of storage perfect. Youre welcome i love it. How did you do all this . Wayfair speaking of dinner, whatre we eating, guys . Me too. Me too. And if youre a small business, were with you. Standing by you every step of the way. Bye bye. The xfinity voice remote will find exactly that. For, happy stuff. The groups happy, im happy. You can even say a famous movie quote and it will know the right movie. Circle of trust, greg. Relax, the needles are jumping. You can learn something new any time. Education. And if youre not sure what youre looking for, say. Surprise me. Just ask what can i say to find more of what you love with the xinity voice remote. Tonight, there are growing calls to defund the police. You can see it right here. Defund the Police Painted<\/a> in large yellow letters on the new black lives matter plaza in d. C. But i want to be precise what that means. It does not mean that Police Officer<\/a>s will lose their jobs or pensions or that well have no Law Enforcement<\/a> in america. Do not worry, were not talking mad max beyond the thunder dome. What it does mean is that we have to reinvent, reorganize, and reimagine how policing is done. Part of it would reallocate money to social programs. In minneapolis, the City Council Voting<\/a> to dismantle its force police force structure. The mayor saying today that he does not support abolishing the department, and i want to show what he said over the weekend. Oh, my god. In new york city, the nypd under fire for Excessive Force<\/a> during the protest as you can see on the screen. Officers beating protesters with batons. Think about this, the nypd gets more than 6 of new york citys total annual budget. Mayor de blasio vowing for the first time to now cut funding for the nypd saying we are committed to seeing a shift of funding to youth services, to social services. It is unclear what exactly defunding the police would mean, what it would look like. Joe bidens campaign saying he does not believe police should be defunded. Joining me now is andrea stewart, the first ever woman and africanamerican woman leader of the state senate. And captain ron johnson, former missouri highway patrol, who led protest security during the 2014 protests in ferguson. Captain johnson, when you hear this phrase defund the police, what do you think . I think it means that our country is saying we need to look at those budgets and make sure the money is being allocated properly. Over the years, police have been given a lot of jobs, a lot of tasks that probably should be in other places. Its not saying were going to do away with policing, but look at the budgets and make sure that money is being allocated properly. I dont think that any agency should be upset if our community and taxpayers say we just want to make sure the money is being allocated properly. Senator, School Budgets<\/a> see that every single year. Yet the tag line Defund Police<\/a> has our own president and other republicans saying, well, this is going to take us to a lawless nation, suddenly were abolishing the police force. Thats not what defund the police means. Thats not what any of this means. Were at a moment, and we have to take advantage of the moment. Its not always that we have an opportunity to assess how were doing what were doing. A and theres not always a time where community is so engaged. So i think every single one of us in elected office are looking at how we can make things happen. Here in new york, we are here for three days. Weve just made 911 false reporting something that cannot be done anymore without penalty. Tomorrow we will be putting more transparency in terms of police files and records. I mean, there is so many things to do and frankly, how we manage to make sure that everyone is benefiting from all of the resources we in government have is really the focus. Senator, why now . Why did all the things that you just mentioned in terms of the sweeping changes in new york absolutely seem like common sense that we should have seen years ago . You know how these things are. We are all so deeply involved in how we see things and what usually happens. And it is very, very rarely that we reach a point where everyone is watching the same thing. And for the most part, actually experiencing it. We know racial injustice, i was listening to jonathan earlier, we know the story of racial injustice. We know its the original sin of america. We know that so many of our systems really can do better for all people. But there are very rare times where everyone has decided this is the moment. So thats why now. If i, as a black woman, a mother of three children, two of them black male sons, men, and four grandsons in this position of power, if i do not take advantage of moving things that i know will help people and ensure a Better Future<\/a> for my kids and their kids, what would be the point . So thats why now. And i think the speaker feels the same exact way as a black male. So it is a rare opportunity. And its a rare opportunity when not only the whole world, but certainly the nation that we all care so deeply about, really are in one accord in get thing right. Captain, defunding or Restructuring Police<\/a> departments work. Look at camden, new jersey. The pivot to Community Policing<\/a> saw a steep decline in crime there. The department adopted an 18page use of force policy, and we know that reports of Excessive Force<\/a> complaints have dropped 95 . Given all of that, how does the president and his supporters and actually leaders in Law Enforcement<\/a> stand by this idea that the president is for law and order, but the idea of reform is against that . That doesnt seem to make sense to me. I think reform is something our country is asking for. I think this is an opportunity for Law Enforcement<\/a> to take a step toward uniting better and gaining that trust of our country. I think to show were willing to say look at our budgets. If there are things there that can be reallocated to make our country stronger, to make communities stronger, this is an opportunity. I think those agencies that will take this opportunity and embrace it, they will see a better connection with their community. When we talk about Community Policing<\/a>, this is a step toward that. Having joint efforts. And so to Defund Police<\/a>, its not saying that Police Services<\/a> are going to go away. Ive heard a lot of people that are protesters that say we dont want police to go away, we just want to make sure were using our resources, whether its in policing and other government funded agencies, just to make sure we use them properly and use it to make us all better. I agree with the senator that makes a whole lot of sense. But do you actually believe that the police union that has an enormous amount of influence is going to see it that way . I would say what should drive the way that Law Enforcement<\/a> operates in this country are the expectations of the people that live in this country. And we have to continue to stand and be united, stand strong. We elect leaders. Our leaders have to be strong. And thats why its so important to vote. We have leaders like the senator thats willing to stand up with courage and say were going to do the right thing. I think a lot of people are saying that. And i think well be okay if we have to continue in this moment and stand strong. All right. Stay strong in this moment. Senator, thank you both so much. Andrwe turn next to colin powell, joining other military figures unloading on President Trump<\/a>. Well find out why. Powells former chief of staff with me when we are back in just 30 seconds. Technologies advisor. Me too. Me too. And if youre a small business, were with you. Standing by you every step of the way. Bye bye. Protests across the country tonight as we track an extraordinary and growing rebuke of donald trump himself, from former military leaders and diplomats. The latest voice, former secretary of state colin powell, scorching President Trump<\/a>, saying hes unfit for office. We have a constitution, and we have to follow that constitution. And the president s drifted away from it. He lies. He lies about things. And he gets away with it because people will not hold him accountable. Powell is a force former joint chief of staff and echoes the letter from james mattis, accusing trump of dividing the country. Trump is pulling the National Guard<\/a> out of d. C. , after threatening a military crackdown on protesters, with officers using tear gas and rubber bullets to Disperse Protesters<\/a> in Lafayette Park<\/a> last week. Joining mess now to discuss, retired colonel wilkerson, former chief of staff to colin powell. You dont know what is in Colin Powells<\/a> head, but knowing him for as long as you have, what he represents, his priorities, are you surprised to see him speak out like this . Not really, stephanie. I was surprised somewhat that he spoke out as forcefully and porsfulpor forcefully as he did, because he usually tries to find the middle ground. It had gotten to the point lets look at it really closely. Lafayette square there, the way to st. Johns, what happened there looked a lot like Tiananmen Square<\/a> to me, and were not china. I think that really alarmed general powell, and he finally came out and said he was alarmed. On friday, a group of more than 500 former military officials and diplomats spoke out. How much of this was driven specific cli by what happened last week in Lafayette Park<\/a> . I think that was a lot of it. But you have to look at everything from the inauguration on, which powell pointed out by the way. The lying about the size of the crowd at the inauguration was just a precursor for nothing but a constant stream of lies from the white house. And its very difficult for the American People<\/a> of whatever political persuasion to make up their minds when theres nothing but lies pouring out of the white house. And powell pointed out too, this is doing perhapser repairable damage to our significant alliances in the world. Its encouraging our enemies, i can tell you that. But its doing damage to nato, its doing damage to the u. S. korea, the u. S. japan alliance. Its just monstrous what this president has done to our international relations. And i think that really got general powell and others too alarmed. So its not just whats happened recently, its a whole combination, a culmination, if you will, a crescendo of this president s actions over the last three years. Given all of that, though, those who are speaking out have one thing in common, their former former former former. Why dont we see current republicans, especially ones with military backgrounds, who truly understand this, why dont they say similar things . Last week, tom cotton saying send in the troops. I think thats an excellent question. I understand that the editor approved tom cottons oped at the New York Times<\/a> has been released. I applaud them for that. My big question right now, my significant question is, where is the senate of the United States<\/a> . That is the one body of our governing apparatus that is supposed to be interested in the nation and not itself and not its personal political power. And yet what we see from its leader Mitch Mcconnell<\/a> is nothing but the pursuit of personal power, and a sycophant attitude toward the president indeed helping the president in most of what he wants to do that is untoward to the interest of the United States<\/a>. The senate is markedly absent from this fray. I take it from Lisa Murkowski<\/a> and mitt romney and one or two others im hearing from that maybe that might change. But it needs to change swiftly. Because otherwise, i think the Republican Party<\/a> and the congress are going to go down in the American People<\/a>s estimation to even less than the 9 they now get in polls. And thats not good for the country. But, sir, we go from absent to enabling. On sunday, he specifically said that President Trump<\/a> can use the military to crack down on protesters. Watch this. Do you think that the president has the authority to unilaterally send in active duty troops if the governors oppose it . Absolutely. Unt under the antiinsurrection act, the president can use regular troops to suppress rioting. He says absolutely. Meanwhile, defense secretary esper, whose job is likely on the line because of this, has already rejected that very point. As well he should. The insurrection act is a really vague act in the first place. Second, the times that its been used over our history go back and look, Andrew Jackson<\/a> is one of those that used it as frequently as any president , have been special times, almost i would say odd times. The 1992 occasion when general powell and h. W. Bush used it in los angeles when the watts riots were taking place after rodney kings ill treatment by the police, was one of the quintessential examples of how if youre going to use it, it should be used. Thats when the california governor requested. And powell talked to h. W. Bush and toned down his remarks with regard to that use. Made those remarks unifying remarks rather than divisive remarks. So i take secretary esper and i think ultimately general mille and others, theyre right, this president doesnt know how to do that. This president is the first president in my knowledge of our history whose principal aim is to divide the American People<\/a>, not to unify them. Thats a very dangerous scenario in which to deploy the u. S. Military. Quickly, before we go, i mentioned it earlier, 500 former military and diplomatic officials signing a letter against President Trump<\/a>. Military officials. These are people rooted in chain of command, not speaking out, respect for leadership. What does that tell you historically . How unusual is it for a letter like that to be written . Lets do leave out the diplomats either. Because some of the damage President Trump<\/a> has done, as i indicated earlier, as general powell indicated, is to our international relations, but this is somewhat unique that so many military people are coming out. And in that sense, its bothersome to a military professional like myself. Because the military ought to stay out of politics. But as powell and mattis and others have said, you have to do something if it gets to the point where you think your nation is at risk. The constitution is at risk. And i think we are at that point. And so i applaud these people for coming out and making the remarks they did. Its about national security, public safety. Colonel, thank you for joining us and sharing your thoughts. Coming up next, President Trump<\/a> attacking nfl players who plan to kneel during the anthem after the commissioner Roger Goodell<\/a> admits he was wrong. New reporting and a very special guest ahead. But first, President Trump<\/a> scrambling as high profile republicans will not support his reelection. Will more gop leaders speak out . Next. vo love. Its what weve always said makes subaru, subaru. And right now, love is more important than ever. In response to covid19, subaru and our retailers are donating fifty million meals to feeding america, to help feed those who now need our help. Its all part of our commitment to our communities through subaru loves to help. Love, its what makes subaru, subaru. Im szasz. [norm] and we live in columbia, missouri. We do consulting, but we also write. [szasz] we take care of ourselves constantly; its important. We walk three to five times a week, a couple miles at a time. Weve both been taking prevagen for a little more than 11 years now. After about 30 days of taking it, we noticed clarity that we didnt notice before. Its still helping me. I still notice a difference. Prevagen. Healthier brain. Better life. And right now, is a time for action. So, for a second time were giving members a credit on their auto insurance. Because its the right thing to do. Were also giving Payment Relief<\/a> options to eligible members so they can take care of things like groceries before they worry about their insurance or credit card bills. Right now is the time to take care of what matters most. Like weve done together, so many times before. Discover all the ways were helping members at usaa. Com coronavirus discover all the ways were helping Members Around<\/a> here, nobody ever does it. I didnt do it. So when i heard they added ultra oxi to the cleaning power of tide, it was just what we needed. Dad . I didnt do it. 1 stain and odor fighter, 1 trusted. Its got to be tide. In an unprecedented crisis. A more than 10 billion cut to Public Education<\/a> couldnt be worse for our schools and kids. Laying off 57,000 educators, making class sizes bigger . Cmon. Schools must reopen safely with resources for protective equipment, sanitizing classrooms, and ensuring social distancing. Tell lawmakers and Governor Newsom<\/a> dont cut our students future. Pass a state budget that protects our public schools. Tonight, donald trump getting a very public vote of no confidence from top lead thers the gop. The New York Times<\/a> reporting many leaders in the Republican Party<\/a>, including former president george bush will not support his reelection campaign. Mitt romney joined protests over the weekend also. We need a voice against racism, we need many voices against racism and against brutality. We need to stand up and say that black lives matter. Tonight, a new nbc news wall street journal poll has trump losing to joe biden by an average of eight points in pennsylvania, wisconsin, and michigan. Joining me now, my friend tim miller, former adviser to jeb bush and current adviser to Republican Voters<\/a> against trump. Jim, in any normal scenario, lack of support from the bush family and colin powell would be a huge deal. But is there really any republican out there today who thought george bush or jeb bush were in trumps corner . This is kind of obvious. No, it is pretty obvious. Look, we went through a lot of this in 2016. So im hopeful that more and more republicans, prominent republicans will come out. They can dm me if they want to join our efforts. But its the reason why our new group Republican Voters<\/a> against trump is focused on elevating republicans, evangelicals across the country who are turning on this president because of the way hes handled the virus, the way hes handled himself. The fact that theyre sick of him. And were looking forward to being able to amplify those voices. Because that lets other republicans know out there, they know that w. Doesnt like trump. But there are people in their community that dont, too. W. Doesnt need to get reelected, neither does colin powell. We have seen lots of members of the gop say awful things about trump, take your pick, lindsey graham, ted cruz, marco rubio. And they need to stay in office and they fall right in line and stand behind the president now. Its pathetic, isnt it . I mean, theres just no way around it. Some of these guys arent up for six years. You saw ben sass who went quiet for a year. And the day after his primary ends, all of a sudden he can criticize him again. Theres not a lot of courage on the hill. And the reality of what were seeing in the polls is theyre behind the voters on this. Look at the numbers you showed. Yes, but thats polls. Lets talk about whos in office. A group which put out a new ad featuring gop voters who opposed trump. You put this ad together. But what if the harsh reality is, we watch those ads, we watch Lincoln Project<\/a> ads, and you know who thinks theyre damning, extraordinary . Democrats. Does it start do you start to think what republicans care about are judges and the stock market . Because they dont seem to be as outraged as the rest of the country. Well, theres no doubt the democrats like our ads, and thats okay. But the purpose of these ads, and i encourage you to go to it, and you can see these real voters, they dont sound like people on msnbc, stephanie. They sound like Republican Voters<\/a> who are just sick of it. And it doesnt need to be 80 of the marty that does it. It needs to be 10 . If 10 of the republicans who didnt like him last time but held their nose and voted for him, if they flip this time, joe biden is going to win in a landslide. Those are the voters were talking to and you can hear them in their own words on our site. Well, theres five months to go. A lot can happen. Tim, thank you so much. Its always great to see you. Tim miller, thank you for your time. Coming up, donald trump slamming the nfl commissioner Roger Goodell<\/a> after he apologized for the leagues past actions and said black lives matter. Anywhere a migraine attacks without worrying if its too late or where you happen to be. One dose of ubrelvy can quickly stop migraine pain and debilitating symptoms in their tracks within two hours. Unlike older medications, ubrelvy is the first pill of its kind to directly block cgrp protein believed to play a role in migraine attacks. Do not take with strong cyp3a4 inhibitors. 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Donald trump warning the nfl commissioner on allowing players to kneel in protest to Police Brutality<\/a> during the national anthem, writing they would be disrespecting the country and the flag. President trump questioning Roger Goodell<\/a> after admitting they were protesting peacefully. We at the National Football<\/a> league condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. Listening to nfl players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We the National Football<\/a> league believe black lives matter. Goodell did not mention Colin Kaepernick<\/a> by name who of course started the protest movement four years ago and has been out of a job since. If you take anything away from this hour, please let it be in. This issue became a national flashpoint with President Trump<\/a> calling protesting players sons of pitches. Mike pence staged a walkout and it cost taxpayers 325 grand. I want to explain how Colin Kaepernick<\/a> came up with the idea to kneel. He got it after he consulted with a former green beret who served in iraq and afghanistan and played for the seahawks. A green beret who thought kneeling would be respectful. He told kaepernick about a photo of Martin Luther<\/a> king jr. Kneeling in prayer and protest at selma. He also remembered himself kneeling in arlington in reverence for his fallen friends. I want to bring in donte stallworth, former nfl player an activist at the protest monday that was broken up by officials. I want to start there. Colin kaepernick kneeling was not about trashing the military, our flag or the country, but the president warped the truth and created this divide. Now here he is threatening Roger Goodell<\/a>. Yeah. It is interesting to see. I think one of the biggest issues going into this is that that, what you said, stephanie, has been lost among the entire conversation the last three years. Everybody talks about kneeling is disrespectful and all this, they dont talk about where he got the idea, who suggested that to him, whose leadership he sought out to actually come up with the way to become, to not be seen as disrespectful. In this country for far too many americans, Police Brutality<\/a> has been an abstract concept, for far too many others it has been a stark reality. So players have known that, we have grown up in these communities, have friends and families that grew up in communities where Police Brutality<\/a> is the norm or they experienced it firsthand at some point. For the president to come in and divide, make a culture war, try to divide everyone, but i think a lot of people did a good job trying to get away from that issue, although the president has the executive branch behind him where there are a lot of other things he can do, where he went to other countries and spoke about this, and domestic policy, but players fought forward. As i said back then three years ago, history will validate Colin Kaepernick<\/a>. And i think it has. It has shown what weve all been discussing for the last three years, it has shown the fruits of all that boiling to the top of this, in concert with us dealing with the Global Pandemic<\/a> with coronavirus. But three years ago and today Roger Goodell<\/a>, the league, the owners, they knew the meaning of taking a knee and they didnt stand with kaepernick. Today journalist jamal hill says she doesnt buy goodells apology. The nfl is suddenly worried about black lives now. But when the league had the opportunity to be on the right side of history, it chose the cowards path. What is your reaction, given all this information . Yeah, i agree. I think that they had an opportunity but they instead chose to stand with the president of the United States<\/a> against its own players, which is essentially threequarters of the nfl. I was glad to see players come out do you believe them now . Words aren good for a start, what kind of ally will you be. Is it going to be standing in front of the nfl players, using yourself and the nfl brand, shield as we call it, using the shield to shield the players from the president of the United States<\/a>. Thats what the players should have had three years ago and they didnt get it from anyone in the nfl except for the players. Before we go, i want to ask you about bill barrs statement about what went on in Lafayette Park<\/a> last week. You were there. He said it was normal. The Law Enforcement<\/a>s response was responding to some violent outbreaks. Was that the case . No, not at all. I was there. There was a lot of journalists there, a lot of video of nothing happening before, chanting niece, and take a knee. Mostly u. S. Park service where they came out, started swinging shields and batons, using chemical agents to disperse the crowd. Actually the video youre showing, im literally to the left of that just out of view. Im right there. And all the reporters said they used chemical agents, swinging shields and batons, it is on camera. I dont know you can refute that and that be okay. With the American People<\/a>. To me thats absurd. Well, donte, the only thing you can do is keep telling the truth. Keep showing the pictures. Donte, appreciate you joining me. I appreciate all that you do. Were going to be right back. So heres to the strong, who trust in our performance and comfortable, longlasting protection. Because your strength is supported by ours. Depend. The only thing stronger than us, is you. That Liberty Mutual<\/a> customizes your insurance, i just love hitting the open road and telling people because your strength is supported by ours. So you only pay for what you need [squawks] only pay for what you need. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Around here, nobody ever does it. I didnt do it. So when i heard they added ultra oxi to the cleaning power of tide, it was just what we needed. Dad . 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If you cant afford your medicine, abbvie may be able to help. Finally before we go, George Floyds<\/a> family will have a private Funeral Service<\/a> in houston. He will be laid to rest next to his mother. If you recall, he was calling her name in his last breaths. That does it for me. I am stephanie ruhle. See you tomorrow at 9 00 a. M. , and here at 6 00 p. M. Eastern tomorrow night. Keep it here on msnbc. See you tomorrow. Good evening from new york. I am steve kornacki. Tonight, protests continue in cities across america sparked by George Floyds<\/a> death in Minneapolis Police<\/a> custody exactly two weeks ago. Tonight, following a weekend that brought massive crowds out in the streets and cities across the country and in fact around the world,","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia801904.us.archive.org\/1\/items\/MSNBCW_20200608_220000_The_Beat_With_Ari_Melber\/MSNBCW_20200608_220000_The_Beat_With_Ari_Melber.thumbs\/MSNBCW_20200608_220000_The_Beat_With_Ari_Melber_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240618T12:35:10+00:00"}