This week, tensions about America’s immigration and refugee crises sparked outrage and action across the country from D.C. to California. In Washington, President Obama announced his plans to take new executive action on immigration policy while firing back at House Speaker John Boehner for his recalcitrance on immigration reform and his plans to sue the president.
Then, in the small town of Murrieta, California, pro and anti-immigration protesters faced off when the latter group staged a blockade to stop buses full of migrant children and families from entering the city. Guest host Krystal Ball (of The Cycle) will bring you the latest from both coasts and talk with her panel about what outcomes to expect from this increasingly tense political moment.
During this holiday weekend, the city of New Orleans is hosting the 20th annual Essence Festival. The three-day series of concerts and events is the largest celebration of African-American arts and culture in the United States and this year’s headliners include artists like Nas, Janelle Monáe, and Friday night’s headliner, Prince. Our own Melissa Harris-Perry will report live from the festival alongside Essence magazine editor-in-chief Vanessa Bush to discuss the intersection of race, gender and culture.
Plus, we’ll take a look at a dark-horse Republican candidate for 2016. He’s a former congressman and radio host who describes himself as “Rush Limbaugh on decaf” and, despite an almost non-existent media presence, has managed to excite GOP operatives and grassroots conservatives alike. We’ll tell you who he is on Saturday.
We’ll also bring you the stories of one of the most interesting candidates for statewide office with a jaw-dropping life story, a four-star Navy admiral making history, and a hip-hop artist who raps in iambic pentameter.
Be sure to read what we’ve linked to above, and watch Melissa Harris-Perry Saturday at 10am ET on msnbc! Also, don’t forget to join us on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #nerdland.
Andrew Joyce