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Understand today's news with Jen Psaki

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MSNBC DAILY

Understand today's news with Jen Psaki

Monday, October 19, 2026

The truth isn't complicated

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By Jen Psaki

 

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff didn’t hold back during a wide-ranging interview with MSNBC this week. When I asked him if he thought Donald Trump was scared to debate his wife, he didn’t mince words: “Yes, he should be.”

 

The truth is not more complicated than that. Even Fox News anchor Bret Baier agrees that it’s Trump, and not Kamala Harris, who is refusing to explore the possibility of a second debate on Fox News.

 

At this point in a typical election cycle, candidates and voters are focused on analyzing and rehashing the fall’s three big presidential debates. But Trump’s fear of being embarrassed on the debate stage again means it is increasingly unlikely that he and Harris will reunite for another pre-election matchup.

 

Emhoff spoke candidly about this debate debacle during our conversation. We also discussed how the rise of antisemitism has taken a personal toll, and the Republican Party’s cowardly response to Mark Robinson.

 

You can watch our full conversation on tomorrow’s show, at 12 p.m. ET.

 

Read more exclusive insights from Jen Psaki here. And tune into "Inside with Jen Psaki" Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, and Sundays at 12 p.m. ET on MSNBC.

 
 

TOP STORIES

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REP. JOE MORELLE

I help oversee federal elections. Mike Johnson's comments threaten our democracy.

It is disturbingly clear that the Republican Party is setting the stage to once again attempt to overturn a lawful American election. Read more.

ZEESHAN ALEEM

A Senate investigation discovers new red flags surrounding Jared Kushner's private equity firm

Why is Donald Trump's son-in-law raking in millions in fees from investors but not delivering them money? Read more.

MICHAEL PODHORZER

The latest Trump and Harris polls are selling us a myth about 'undecided' voters

There are far fewer genuinely persuadable voters in America than there are survey respondents who say they are 'undecided.' Read more.

NOOR NOMAN

Maggie Smith acted for over 70 years. Picking her best role is easy.

British actor Maggie Smith died Friday at 89 years old. Read more.

 
 

        TOP VIDEOS

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THE WEEKEND

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah killed in Israeli strike on Beirut, group confirms

WATCH NOW

ALEX WAGNER TONIGHT

Kamala Harris blasts Donald Trump for playing political games with border policy

WATCH NOW

KATY TUR

Trump meets with Zelenskyy despite backlash for his comments about Vance

WATCH NOW

ALL IN

Leaked 2020 DMs reveal JD Vance ripped Trump as 'emperor' who 'failed to deliver'

WATCH NOW

MORE FROM MSNBC

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Tomorrow, September 29, join Symone Sanders Townsend and Melissa Murray for an MSNBC special, “Black Women in America: The Road to 2024.” Through conversations with actress Kerry Washington, political strategist Donna Brazile, and more, they’ll explore how Black women are thinking about this election and what candidates can do to earn their votes in November. Watch “Black Women in America: The Road to 2024” tomorrow, September 29 at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC and streaming on Peacock.

 

Next Saturday, MSNBC Films Presents 'My Generation.' The new four-part documentary series from NBC News Studios takes an in-depth look at four distinct generations and how members of each have been shaped by the cultural and political events of their time. First up: Baby Boomers, narrated by Forest Whitaker. 'My Generation' premieres next Saturday at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC.

 

MSNBC INSIGHTS

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Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.

 

This weekend on MSNBC

SATURDAY

  • MSNBC’s “Alex Witt Reports” at 1pm ET: Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)… Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.)… Colo. Secy. of State Jena Griswold… Elizabeth Neumann… Hugo Lowell
  • MSNBC’s “PoliticsNation” at 5pm ET: Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.)… Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.)… Rep. Elect LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.)

 

SUNDAY

  • MSNBC’s “The Weekend” at 8am ET: Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.)… Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)… Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.)
  • MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki” at 12pm ET: Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.)… Mary Trump


*Subject to change

 
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