This Saturday in #nerdland: A look at the Biden decision, controversy over the name of a popular political dinner, reaction to Hillary Clinton’s testimony at the Benghazi hearing, and a battle over reproductive rights in Texas.
On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden announced that he would not be running for President in 2016. Biden stated that his “window to mount a successful campaign closed,” but is that a good enough reason? Melissa talks to the panel about what this announcement means for the race and the motivations behind running for office.
Next we’ll talk about the Iowa Jefferson-Jackson dinner which takes place this Saturday. There are those who want the name changed because of the history connected to those it honors. Melissa will talk to Jamelle Bouie, Chief Political Correspondent for Slate, who will be covering the event Saturday.
Then a look into how Hillary’s testimony at the Benghazi Committee Hearing was a win for her campaign.
Plus a look into how Texas plans to marginalize Planned Parenthood by cutting off its Medicaid funding.
Joining our Saturday morning conversation will be:
- Howard Dean, MSNBC Contributor, Fmr. Democratic National Committee Chairman
- Alfonso Aguilar, Executive Director, American Principles Project’s Latino Partnership
- Aimee Meredith Cox, Asst. Professor of African American Studies, Fordham
- Eric Boehlert, Senior Fellow, Media Matters for America
- Jamelle Bouie, Chief political correspondent, Slate
- Karen Finney, Strategic Communications Adviser, Senior Spokesperson for Hillary Clinton 2016
- Nancy Northup, President and CEO, Center for Reproductive Rights
- Kenji Yoshino, Author, “Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial”
- Brielle Siskin, Restorative Justice Manager
- Sarah Jane Glynn, Director, Women’s Economic Policy, Center for American progress
To prep for our discussions, feel free to check out:
- Joe Biden Takes Shots at Hillary Clinton, Though Not by Name
- Why Iowa’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner could be a game-changer
- The left and right can agree: Benghazi Comm. Republicans blew it
- Ryan: I’m ‘ready and eager’ to be House speaker
- Texas Abortion Providers Ask Supreme Court to Reverse Ruling on Clinics
Be sure to read what we’ve linked above, and watch Melissa Harris-Perry Saturday at 10am ET on MSNBC. Join the conversation—share your thoughts about these issues on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #nerdland.
Mohamed Hassan