special attention to the game that is afoot. and once you expose it, on a regular basis, and you see what's going on, as a distraction to any-real efforts toward progress or dialogue towards the same. the more obvious it is, the uglier it gets. and hopefully, it will be easier to reject. that's it for us. and now, i turn you to the big show, "cnn tonight," with its star, don lemon. >> you missed it up. >> what? >> you messed it up. >> how? >> you got the name wrong. >> what did i say? >> roll that back, so he can see it again, please. what does it say in the teleprompter? you can't -- your eyes are bad? you can't read? what does that say? you are watching cnn -- no, you are watching, and i am very proud to say it, nobody deserves their name on a show more. don lemon tonight, with its big star, don lemon, right now. >> am i supposed to say this is don lemon tonight, i am don lemon? >> oh, yeah. >> as many times as possible?

>> or you should just say i am the don. >> how many calls did you get this weekend? >> man, i've never seen anybody make something hard, that was as simple as that. and i told you, before we went on, make sure they know it's not bad, don. oh, of course, i will. >> it was supposed to be a little tease. i didn't think it was going to do -- i said, tune in on monday. what does that mean? that means, i'll be here on monday to tell you -- i said, and i will tell you what it is. >> no, i knew it was going to be a messed up night. you know how i knew? >> how? >> when i walked in, i won't say who it was. but a member of your team is waving at me as i walk down the hall. and i say hey, how you doing? and as i get closer, they say, oh, sorry, i thought it was don. and i was like, what? what? i knew it was going to be a weird night. but i am happy for you, with the change. >> thank you. >> and i like the look. i like whatever you like. so, as long as you keep doing what you do, i got no

complaints. >> i am going to keep doing that, with a renewed commitment. with -- with the name change, comes a renewed commitment to do what we do, and that's hold people accountable. speak truth -- truth to power, on this program. you do it on yours. i do it on mine. we do it a little bit differently. but, as it should be. that's how it should be, right? you do your show. you're chris. sometimes. and i'm don. >> different foods in the buffet, brother. all tasty, though. all tasty. >> so i got to get to it. >> i love you, d lemon, i am very excited to be part of the inaugural "don lemon tonight" show. but i got don lemon 24/7. >> your family is sick of it. kidding. all right. see you later. >> congratulations, i love you, and good luck. >> thank you very much. i appreciate it. so, everyone, without further ado, this is "don lemon tonight. kw " has a ring to it, doesn't it? i think so. so, this is what i was trying to

convey to chris. we may have a new name, but we have the same mission. even stronger mission, and a renewed commitment to that mission. to have the kinds of conversations america needs, if we are going to move ahead as a country. since i have been doing this show, we have been not -- not doing provocative topics, just to be provocative. but doing it, because i wanted to -- we, as a team, wanted to move the country forward. and the dialogue forward. talking about things that many people didn't talk about, in ways that a lot of people didn't talk about. and people would rather not. but we do it, anyways. we did it, anyways, and we're going to continue to do it. we are going to continue to keep calling out the lies. we are going to do this show, in a way that is interesting, as it has been from the very beginning. we are going to keep standing up for the truth, whether you like it or not. we're going to tell the truth, on this show. and a lot of people love it.

most people love it. but the people who don't have the truth on their side. they hate it. we are going to hold people accountable for their words and their actions, and we're going to do it with grace. with grace. as i write in my book, we need to hold people accountable but with grace. that's really important, to me. you want to know why? as someone who really came from -- i shouldn't say nothing but i didn't have a silver spoon in my mouth, right? i wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. and if you believe that america is for everyone, then you certainly believe that america's about redemption. america is about redemption. it is not just about cancelling people. we got to stop that. we've got to stop going back into people's past, years and decades ago, and trying to cancel them for things. yes, we want to hold them accountable. we got to stop cancelling people for accusations. accusations just an accusation until -- it's innocent, until proven guilty, in this country. so, it's about redemption, with

accountability. that's really important, too. so, what does that accountability look like? you have to be able to speak the truth, when doing it. you can't just sweep the lies under the rug. and there is no-better example than what's going on in the gop, right now. i'm going to take you to arizona's maricopa county. pushing forward with a clown show. this audit of the votes fueled by the former president, who will tell any lie, no matter how outrageous it is. but there are a few tr truth-tellers out there. the republican -- that's right -- the republican who heads the county election department, calling the president's lies about a database he falsely claims was deleted, calling those lies unhinged saying it is all as false as two plus two equals five. he is telling erin burnett this

about spreading the lies. here it is. >> stop indulging this. stop giving space for lies. i just wondering what's going on here. who are these people who are defaming us? i don't think they're professionals. >> i want tou listen, now, to a man named bill gates. not that -- no, not the bill gates that you are thinking. the republican vice chair of the maricopa board of supervisors. >> four out of the five members of the board of supervisors are republicans. i want to be clear, that i believe that joe biden won the election. all right? and the reason that i feel confident in saying that, particularly in maricopa county, is that we overturned every stone. we asked the difficult questions. all right? and we certified the election back, in november. but now, it's time to say, enough is enough. it is time to push back on the big lie. >> republicans calling it the big lie. there are republicans, who are standing up for the truth. pushing back on that big lie. the one-time party of lincoln

seems determined to drive out its own. okay? like, georgia's lieutenant governor, jeff duncan. announcing, today, that he won't run again in 2022. going on to say and i quote, it always feels coldest right before the sun rises. i believe that it -- i believe that is the exact moment, in the republican party -- the republican party is caught in right now. and i am committed to being part of creating those better days ahead of our conservative party across the country. so, for our conservative party across the country. that as the house is set to vote this week on setting up an independent commission to investigate the attack on the capitol. the attack, we all saw with our own eyes and we heard with our own ears. the tattack spawned by the formr president's lies. hunting lawmakers. putting up a gallows outside of the capitol chanting, hang mike pence. >> hang mike pence! hang mike pence!

>> we heard them. we saw them. yet, far too many republicans are trying to whitewash what happened on january 6th. trying to defend the lies, that started it all. liz cheney, who was kicked out of her leadership position when her own party attempted to silence her, is telling fox news. fox that the gop leaders are complicit. >> i ask this about, both, mccarthy and -- and -- and elise stefanik. are they being complicit in, what you consider, the trump lies? >> they are. and i -- i'm not willing to do that. you know, i think that -- that there are some things that have to be bigger than party. that have to be bigger than partisanship. our oath to the constitution is one of those. i've seen countries. i have worked in countries around the world, where you don't have a peaceful transition of power. what's happening, right now, with donald trump and -- and his continued attacks on the constitution and the rule of law is dangerous. and -- and we, all, have an

obligation to stand up against that. >> they are complicit. and like i said, accountability demands that you stand up for the truth. we can't act like everything is fine, right now. rioters tried to overturn our government less-than-four months ago. and the liars and deniers are, still, at it. >> there was no insurrection. and to call it an insurrection, in my opinion, is a bold-faced lie. >> outright propaganda and lies are being used to unleash the national-security state against law-abiding u.s. citizens. especially, trump voters. as a result, the doj has harassing -- harassing peaceful patriots across the country. >> it was trump supporters who lost their lives that day, not trump supporters who were taking the lives of others. >> when i see this sheet, on our timeline. and on the, let's see -- okay at 2:07 -- a mob of trump supporters breached the steps. i don't know who did a poll.

that it's trump supporters. >> there have been things worse than people without any firearms coming into a building. >> those are lies. a rewrite of history. and this is what i mean, by accountability. congressman andrew clyde. you heard him, there, saying there was no insurrection. he also compared it to a normal-tourist visit. this is what he was doing during the insurrection, that he is now denying. okay. take a good look at that picture. there he is. barricading the house door, as rioters stormed the capitol. he knows exactly what happened, on that day. have to barricade the door. yet, he lies and says that there's no insurrection. but there are some republicans standing up against those lies, thankfully, like lisa murkowski telling cnn quote, i am auoffend by that. this was not a peaceful protest.

we got to get beyond that rhetoric, and acknowledge that what happened were acts of aggression and destruction towards an institution. and there were some people intent on harming the people, that were part of that institution. you heard what officer michael fanone told me. you heard what a true-american hero, who risked his life to defend capitol, you heard what he told me about the lies. >> i'm not a politician. i'm not an elected official. i don't expect anybody to give two shits about my opinions. but i will say this. you know, those are lies. and peddling that bullshit is an assault on every officer that fought to defend the capitol. it's disgraceful. >> that, as republicans, like lindsey graham, are now saying, 2020 is over. >> i accept the results of the election. 2020 is over, for me.

i'm ready to march on, and hopefully take back the house and the senate in 2022. >> all right. well, let's see how long that lasts, for him. but the truth is, it will never be over, as long as the big lie lives on. >> the notion that this was, somehow, a tourist event, is disgraceful and despicable. and, you know, i won't be part of -- of whitewashing what happened on january 6th. nobody should be part of it. and people ought to be held accountable. >> i said it, at the top of the show. we are going to hold people accountable. we are going to keep standing up for the truth. we are going to keep calling out the lies. that is our mission, on this show. and you can depend on it. but can a party, that seems to stand for nothing more than the big lie, win in 2022? will the base still buy into those lies? more, up next, on "don lemon tonight." >> people's ballots and money are not make believe.

it's time to be done with this craziness, and get on with our county's critical business. the world around you may seem like an immovable, implacable place. it is not. it can be bright. quiet. and safe. it's a change that will be felt from this street. to this street. to no street. and everywhere in between. all it takes is the slightest push in just the right place and that will be the tipping point that changes everything. ♪ ♪ as your business changes, the united states postal service is changing with it. with e-commerce that runs at the speed of now. next day and two-day shipping nationwide, and returns right from the doorstep. it's a whole new world out there. let's not keep it waiting. tonight, i'll be eating fried avocado tacos. [doorbell rings] [doorbell rings] thank you. ooo... you gonna eat that at lesliepalooza? what?

who's coming to that? everyone's coming, everybody. you, her, me, all of us. everyone's coming, everybody. you know when your dog is itching for a treat. itching for an outing... or itching for some cuddle time. but you may not know when he's itching for help... licking for help... or rubbing for help. if your dog does these frequently. they may be signs of an allergic skin condition that needs treatment. don't wait. talk to your veterinarian and learn more at itchingforhelp.com.

cal: our confident forever plan is possible with a cfp® professional. a cfp® professional can help you build a complete financial plan. visit letsmakeaplan.org to find your cfp® professional. ♪ you could take your ulcerative colitis treatment in a different direction. talk to your doctor about xeljanz, a pill, not an injection or infusion, for adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis when a certain medicine did not help enough. xeljanz is the first and only fda-approved pill for moderate to severe uc. it can reduce symptoms in as early as two weeks, improve the appearance of the intestinal lining, and provide lasting steroid-free remission. xeljanz can lower your ability to fight infections. before and during treatment, your doctor should check for infections, like tb and do blood tests. tell your doctor if you've had hepatitis b or c, have flu-like symptoms, or are prone to infections.

serious, sometimes fatal infections, cancers, including lymphoma, and blood clots have happened. taking a higher than recommended dose of xeljanz for ra may increase risk of death. tears in the stomach or intestines and serious allergic reactions have happened. you could take your uc treatment in a different direction. ask your gastroenterologist about xeljanz. congresswoman liz cheney ramping up her warnings to her

fellow republicans about the direction the party is moving in. she is saying it is dangerous that trump continues to push the big lie of election fraud. and that a violent insurrection, like january 6th, that capitol riot, could happen, again. so let's bring in frank luntz. he is the pollster and communication strategist extraordinaire. the numbers don't lie, frank. thank you for joining. we appreciate seeing you. we see what's going on in maricopa county, with this sham of a recount of the 2020-presidential election. even republican officials there are pushing back against the president -- the former-president's claims that a database was deleted. calling them unhinged. and yet, trump and the election lie, still, has immense support. is the republican party's base at odds with the truth? >> well, the base is still, overwhelmingly, pro-trump. i -- i've said, before, that if donald trump decides he wants to

run in 2024, he would win the republican nomination. although, as favorable as republicans are to him, independents and democrats are hostile. i think, the american people are looking forward, not looking backward. and they are looking to what you are going to do in the coming weeks and months, rather than what happened on election day. the former president is really focused on november, because it's embarrassing to him. he lost and he doesn't want to acknowledge it. i get that. but if republicans want to be successful, they have to focus on the future. they have to, both, hold joe biden accountable, as you said in your monologue. they have to talk about the programs, and what's wrong with them. and perhaps, more importantly, they have to give an alternative vision for the future. and i can promise you this. no one, no republican, is going to get elected by focusing on what happened in november of 2020. they need to focus on what happens in november of 2022. >> all right. having said that, because, listen, you -- you do these amazing-focus groups that i --

that i get to watch. either, live on tv or online. liz cheney says that she believes that gop leaders, kevin mccarthy, elise stefanik, that they are complicit in trump's election lies. my question is how deep is the gop's commitment to this lie? and what's it doing to the party? you said, look, they can't look back at november. they have to look ahead at november. but, how deep is it? and what is it doing to the party? >> well, what's interesting is how much people, on both sides, think our democrat process is in sync here. that democrats believe in voter suppression. republicans believe in voter fraud. they have different reasons for why they feel the democratic process isn't working. and it's -- it's very broken. but in the end, it's the economy that people vote on. it's their sense of security and peace of mind that people used to decide between the two parties. and, don, i know that there are people who want to focus -- well, donald trump and the media -- want to focus on what

happened in november. want to focus on the treatment of november. i'll -- i'll say it to make it easy on you. donald trump lost. joe biden won. and i don't understand why that is so difficult for republicans to say. but i'll tell you this. if you focus on the election results, you will not be doing the public's work. you will be not focused on what the american people really want. and so, it's tantamount for republicans to move on. that you have to demonstrate why all the spending is going to hurt the country. why it's not infrastructure, that it's really more-social programs. why the solutions of the biden administration are not the best solutions for the american people, either, in the short-term or the long-term. the gop makes a big mistake, if it gets wrapped up into this recount that's going on in november. it will not win them a single vote next november. >> when you are talking about policy.

you mentioned, last time that you were on, that the gop, you said, needed to focus on policy instead of what happened in november and instead of the big lie. it appears the gop is desperate to find an attack on joe biden. trying to find one that sticks. he said republicans don't have a coherent pushback. it's all cancel culture, the border. do you deagree with that? and is anything sticking, frank? >> nothing is sticking. i agree with the point that they have not put together that message, that will take them to a majority. now, if you get it inside the -- i am a numbers guy. if you look at redistricting right now, that, in itself, is going to add a few seats to the republican polls. but that, in itself, is not enough. if you look at it historically, in about 90% of the cases, in the first mid-year or off-year election, the other party picks

up seats. and the republicans are already very close to a majority, at least in the house. and they're 50-50 in the senate. but setting that aside. if the gop wants to win, they need to show that the biden administration, that the programs they have are filled with waste, fraud, abuse, and even corruption. they need to talk about hardworking taxpayers and the challenge that they're facing. frankly, the thing i have seen in my focus groups is that they need to talk about the commitments that are being made for the next generation to this generation. the idea that this is so much spending that our kids, our grandchildren, are going to end up having to pay for. we're billing them for our excesses. and that's not fair. if they focus on that, then they've got a reasonable shot at winning the majority. >> but, frank, do they have a leg to stand on? the former -- the former president did spend a lot of money, as well. but does that even matter? is it just about messaging? >> well, that's a very fair point. in fact, that is a point that's

kept some republicans quiet. that donald trump cannot call himself a deficit hawk and that the debt increased almost as much under him as it did under four years of the previous president. but that doesn't change the fact that what's happening right now is so-much beyond what happened over the last-four years. and the question is, does this economy need it? are we spending so much that we could end up with a debt crisis? an interest-rate crisis? we need to focus on the future, not just what's happening right now. and need to focus on hardworking taxpayers, not just these segments that -- that joe biden is paying attention to. >> frank luntz, we appreciate you joining even though you've almost lost your voice from a cold. because he says it rains all the time in london. so, thank you, a lot, frank. we will see you soon. >> thank you. >> yeah, and feel better. thank you very much. the house set to vote on a commission to investigate the january-6th insurrection. the vote, expected on wednesday.

what does former-impeachment manager, congresswoman stacey plaskett, expect? she will tell me, next. i booked our hotel on kayak. it's flexible if we need to cancel. cancel. i haven't left the house in a year. nothing will stop me from vacation.

no canceling. flexible cancellation. kayak. search one and done. fwhen i'm on my hands. and knees and i'm digging through the dirt. i feel something in me, like a fire, that's just growing. i feel kinder, when nature is so kind to me. find more ways to grow at miracle-gro.com. are the color cartridges in your printer ready for another school year? what's cyan mean? it means "cyan-ora" honor roll. the epson ecotank. no more cartridges. it comes with an incredible amount of ink. just fill and chill.

as your business changes, the united states postal service is changing with it. with e-commerce that runs at the speed of now. next day and two-day shipping nationwide, and returns right from the doorstep. it's a whole new world out there. let's not keep it waiting.

gop leaders appearing split over a commission to investigate the january-6th insurrection. as republicans try to downplay the reality of what happened that day, a top-senate republicans -- top-senate republican says that he expects the bill, establishing the commission, to pass the senate, in some form. the house is expected to pass their own bill on wednesday of the let's discuss, now, with congresswoman stacey plaskett. democrat delegate from the virgin islands who was a house-impeachment manager during trump's second impeachment. it's always good to see you, congresswoman. thank you for joining. nearly every day, some republicans are whitewashing this insurrection. it shows why it is so important to have this commission. what kind of testimony do we want to hear, to get the truth?

>> oh, my goodness. first, congratulations on the new show. i'm happy to be here, on this first installation of bigger-and-better things for you. >> thank you. >> i think we want to hear so much, from so many different sectors here. i think it's important for us to get as much information as feasible from federal law enforcement and those individuals who are already investigating. and have arrested over-500 individuals, who were involved in the insurrection. they could not arrest that many individuals if, in fact, there was not a violent attack against our democracy. i think that, alone, speaks volumes about what actually occurred on january 6th. i think we, also, want to hear from individuals who were close to the president, the former president, during that time. what he knew, and did not know. what individuals knew, before january 6th.

the factors that led to individuals coming. and how the prior administration helped or facilitated that. and most importantly, how we prevent this from happening, again? >> and speaking of that, kevin mccarthy spoke to trump, on january 6th. cnn has reported that mccarthy begged him to call off the rioters. and trump told -- told him, well, i guess, these people are more upset about the election than you are. congresswoman, do you think mccarthy should be subpoenaed if he refuses to testify? >> well, i think it's important for us to hear, from mccarthy, what he did, or did not, say to the president. i would hope that he would want to facilitate a clear understanding of what the president knew, or did not know. you know, i'm questioning whether, under subpoena, what he will, or will not, give up in truthful information. we see leader mccarthy

vacillating, and his story has changed, drastically, since the days immediately after january 6th. i'm not sure, how credible his testimony would be now. and what he would or would not be willing to say, even under oath, at this time. >> will he -- >> that's how little confidence i have in the republican party. >> well, he would have a role, though, in picking five people for the ten-person commission. are you worried that he's -- he is going to choose deniers to try to muddy the waters and turn it into a circus? >> you know, that's possible. i think that the individuals that will be there, i think the evidence will speak for itself. i have to give credit to individuals, like congressman who is the ranking member with chairman benny thompson, who heads up the homeland security committee. who have worked out a bipartisan

committee -- a bipartisan agreement, as to what this commission should look like. and i am hopeful that there are other individuals, within the party, the republican party, who want to get to the truth. and, you know, steadier heads will -- will rule the day, over those who spend most of their time in mar-a-lago. getting their marching orders from former-president trump. >> well, let's talk about -- i'm sure you have heard about this. maybe, you've even witnessed some of this stuff. republicans are spreading this big lie. marjorie taylor greene is running amuck. that's why i said you may have witnessed some of it. confronting lawmakers, right, in the capitol. matt gaetz is being investigated for alleged-sex crimes. how is congress supposed to get anything done with these kinds of antics? these distractions? >> well, thankfully, there are a greater majority of individuals who are actually working for the people that have elected them. than some of these clowns, that are representing, i don't know

who in washington, in the form of matt gaetz and marjorie taylor greene. and even those individuals, on the republican side, who really want to get things done. listen. every day, i'm focused on what the people who elected me, the people of the virgin islands, want and need. we have tremendous needs in our communities. you know that, very well, don. and there are a number of members, on both sides of the aisle, particularly the democrats, who want to work towards that. i'm excited about president biden's jobs plan. the opportunity that's there, to equalize the playing field, not just in education but, in job training. $100 billion going towards job training. creating new industry. leveling the digital divide. you know, in terms of broadband. and so many things, that so many of us are looking for.

just recently, epa has executed a stop -- a stopgap on the oil refinery that is, you know, jobs for so many people in the virgin islands. so many of us are worried about climate change. on how we can provide for our families. how do we reverse -- how do we equalize equity? how do we create homeownership for families that have been denied that for a generation? that's what the great majority of democrats are working on and unfortunately, i think what is going to happen is, we are going to negotiate. we are going to work on something that a bipartisan group of americans are interested in. republicans will not vote for it. and then, they're going to take credit for it. and let their constituents know what this jobs plan, that we have put forward, is going to do for them. but, you know, that's the name of the game. and most of us are willing to play it, because we want to ensure that the people who sent

us to washington are being taken care of. >> let's talk about voting rights. okay? still, under assault. senator joe manchin, lisa murkowski, are calling to reauthorize the voting rights act. but that's far-less sweeping than legislation the house, already, passed. the for the people act. is anything going to get done here? >> i have to think that, you know, my former colleague, kristen sinema, joe manchin, and others, are going to come to the table. and are going to negotiate, in good faith, to ensure this happens. unfortunately, what we need for a voting-rights act is 60 individuals. and i'm hoping that they will understand the history of the filibuster. and how it has been utilized to absolutely decimate progress in some of the most fundamental-american ways. in terms of civil rights. in terms of voting rights. in terms of equal housing.

in terms of education. and that, they will reject the use of the jim-crow filibuster, to stop these things from happening. if you want to debate an issue, stand up and debate it. but to be able to block fundamental legislation is fundamentally wrong. and so, i'm hopeful that those discussions with those individuals will keep that from happening. and we'll be able to pass that. because, along with so much of the voting rights that the republicans are putting forward in some of these states. we know that they are trying to block progress in america. they are trying to stop america from continuing to grow. from sectors of our population from being engaged and being enfranchised. and so, the voting rights act, as particularly the for the people act, which not only supports voting rights.

but stop gerrymandering. dark money in elections. it's got to pass. >> congresswoman plaskett, thank you. always appreciate having you. >> thank you. so good to see you. congratulations, don. >> thank you, very much. i really appreciate it. republicans say it's racist. they say it's marxist. they say it's anti-american. you'd almost think that they don't know what critical-race theory actually means. but, you will, after the next segment. so, stay with us. "don lemon tonight." plan for my business, but all my employees need something different. oh, we can help with that. okay, imagine this... your mover, rob, he's on the scene and needs a plan with a mobile hotspot. we cut to downtown, your sales rep lisa has to send some files, asap! so basically i can pick the right plan for each employee... yeah i should've just led with that... with at&t business... you can pick the best plan for each employee and only pay for the features they need.

[ crowd cheering ] [ engine revving ] [ race light countdown ] ♪ ♪ when you save money with allstate you feel like you're winning. safe drivers save 40% saving is easy when you're in good hands. allstate. click or call for a quote today.

cal: our confident forever plan is possible with a cfp® professional. a cfp® professional can help you build a complete financial plan. visit letsmakeaplan.org to find your cfp® professional. ♪ visit letsmakeaplan.org when sending a text at 3am...l. ...is something you won't regret. craving pizza. personal assistance, 24/7. one of the many things you could expect when you're with amex.

we know how much you count on us... ...and that's why we're here 24/7... ...and on the road maintaining a fast and reliable network. we're always working to ensure the internet meets your needs... ...by making access easier for all... ...with comcast lift zones and our internet essentials program. we're invested in making our apps easy... ...to give you personalized assistance around the clock. and we're committed to keeping our team and customers safe by working from home... ...and using precautions in store. see what we're up to at xfinity.com/commitment

so, i really want you, all, to pay attention to this next segment. it's really, really important, right now. it's all conservatives are talking about. you have probably heard the attacks on critical-race theory. but what, exactly, is it? and why are some people so opposed to it? here's cnn's jason carroll.

>> reporter: can you tell me what critical-race theory is? >> no. >> critical-race theory? >> reporter: critical-race theory. >> no. i don't know. >> guessing or not. across the country, a number of politicians are getting it wrong. >> critical-race theory a marxist doctrine that rejects the vision of martin luther king jr. >> absolutely, false. >> it's basically teaching kids to hate our country, and to hate each other, based on race. >> false. and slanderous. >> reporter: meet professor and scholar, kimberly crenshaw. crenshaw is one of the founders of critical-race theory, which she helped develop in the late 1980s. in short, critical-race theory is an approach, based on the idea that the history of white supremacy, still, has a very real and lasting impact on our society and institutions, today. >> critical-race theory just says, let's pay attention to

what has happened in this country. and how, what has happened in this country, is continuing to create differential outcomes. so we can become that country, that we say we are. so, critical-race theory is not anti-patriotic. in fact, it is more patriotic than those who are opposed to it because we believe in the 13th and the 14th and the 15th amendment. we believe in the promises of equality. and we know we can't get there, if we can't confront and talk honestly about inequality. >> reporter: critical-race theory is not a doctrine. it's not a manuscript. one way of describing it is looking with a critical eye at race and institutions. let's take an example from history. the declaration of independence says, all men are created equal. a critical-race theorist would note that, slavery persisted, for almost-100 years, after those words were written. and it was more than a century, before women got the right to vote. so, why is the term causing such a stir in conservative-political

circles today? >> this left-wing nonsense that suggests that any race is inherently inferior or racist or oppressive. >> reporter: opponents are concerned critical-race theory is, or will be, forced on students. supporters say that critical-race theory is not based on the view of this race is good, this race is bad. supporters, also, say, in the wake of protests and calls for racial equality, in the past year, those unnerved by it are now using critical-race theory as a catch-all term for everything related to race, politics, and education in this country. so says, princeton professor, imani perry. >> i think this is the sort of post-trump era way of inciting anxiety, fear, and actually trying to, sort of, elicit a hostility towards the progress that, i think, we've begun to make in the -- just the last couple of months. >> reporter: to date, at least

eight states have taken steps to ban topics surrounding critical-race theory, without naming it. including, oklahoma. >> we cannot revert to 100-year-old thinking, that a person is any-less valuable or inherently racist, by the color of their skin. >> reporter: to be clear, critical-race theory does not say someone is racist because of the color of their skin. and it does not say, anyone should be ashamed of themselves because of the color of their skin. still, some parents, who hear the term, are speaking out at school-board meetings. >> just because i do not want critical-race theory taught to my children in school, does not mean that i am a racist. dammit. >> reporter: but crenshaw says the theory is about looking at racism still engrained in american institutions. and she says we have to talk about it. >> if the censoring of all conversation about racism is called racism. that's what this move is really

about. it's really not about a theory. it's really about what's in people's hearts. it's about an effort to shut down all conversation about the sources and the reproduction of racial inequality. >> reporter: jason carroll, cnn, new york. >> as always, our thanks to jason carroll. i want to discuss, now, with cnn political commentator, ashley allison. a former-senior policy adviser to president barack obama. very informative report, ashley. i hope you thought so, as well. thank you for joining. you just heard what jason reported. lots of people don't know what critical-race theory even is. so, why does everyone have an opinion about it? >> well, i think you're absolutely right, that the majority of people who are probably kmentding on what critical race theory is. there are people, and i believe many of them are the elected officials that are pushing this law, that do have understanding of it. and they're afraid of it

because, for so long in this country, our history has been told, through the lens of whiteness. and if you are used to having that privilege, that authority, invoked in you. that your story is the -- the dominant culture. that your perspective is more relevant than my perspective because i'm not white. then, changing that may feel uncomfortable to you. but critical-race theory just says that we have to expand the story to tell everyone's perspective. and failure to do that is really failing america, and failing children and failing our elected leaders because we have to know the whole story so that we don't repeat some of the mistakes our past. >> yeah. it's really -- i agree with you. it's really tough. for people to -- it's tough for people to change, especially if you are used to being the preeminent voice. and as you said it, history is -- has been used to -- to, you know -- to elevate you

and -- and denigrate others. then, you know, that's what you're used to. that -- it may seem -- it may seem like something's being taken away from you. it is being used as -- as a giant-talking point, ashley. the right keeps calling it racist. just this month, alone, the fox-propaganda networks mentioned critical-race theory 221 times. just some of it. here it is. >> republicans are furious over the firing of a space force commander who spoke out against marxist ideology and critical race theory. >> critical race theory. >> critical race theory. >> critical race theory. >> critical race theory should absolutely bother you. >> critical-race theory is being taught in our schools. >> critical-race theory. it is, quote, rooted in critical race theory, which is rooted in marxism. >> rooted in marxism. why is this so triggering for them? >> you know, i -- oh, my --

just -- i don't even have words. i'm not even giving it that much attention. but what i will say is that they use these -- these tropes to incite chaos. to -- they serve as a distraction. a lot of times, on issues around race. so that they can't really get to the -- the fullness of the story. and what do i mean by that? they say, like, if you teach critical-race theory, then you don't love america. but really, the courage to teach critical-race theory is saying, to america, that, despite removing indigenous people from their land. despite enslaving black people, and having them build this country, for free. despite saying, give me your poor. you know, all the folks, come to the shore. except, for those coming from the southern border. despite a former president, who uses racist names, and helps increase hate crimes that are going against asian-americans. despite that, critical-race

theory says, if we look it, in its evil eye, the original sin of this country and even some of its most-recent sins, that we love america enough to move beyond it, because we can find solutions to end the hate. to end the discrimination. but what republicans are doing, and what conservatives are doing, is they -- they throw it out there, as a threat, because they don't have this love for the country that people who want to tell the whole story do. they have an infatuation with this country. if it doesn't go their way, then they're going to ghost you or leave you or don't want to have anything to do with you. but real love is having those tough, honest conversations. people who are pushing critical race theory really love america despite the pain it has caused and say, if we can work together, there is something better and she can reach her greatest ideal. but fox and the folk who's are trying to demonize critical race theory are just, you know,

fearmongering and really feeding into the big lie. it's all a part of the big lie. >> ashley allison, thank you so much. i always appreciate having you on. next time say how you really feel. >> thanks, don. up next, how a murder investigation in colorado may have revealed voter fraud. we're going to tell you what we know . my garden brings us together. my garden is my therapy.

find more ways to grow at miracle-gro.com. go with simparica trio it's triple protection made simple! simparica trio is the first and only monthly chewable that covers heartworm disease, ticks and fleas, round and hookworms. dogs get triple protection in just one simparica trio! this drug class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including seizures. use with caution in dogs with a history of these disorders. protect him with all your heart. when we started carvana, they told us simparica trio. that selling cars 100% online wouldn't work. protect him with all your heart. but we went to work. building an experience that lets you shop over 17,000 cars from home. creating a coast to coast network to deliver your car as soon as tomorrow. recruiting an army of customer advocates to make your experience incredible. and putting you in control of the whole thing with powerful technology. that's why we've become the nation's fastest growing retailer. because our customers love it.

see for yourself, at carvana.com. as your business changes, the united states postal service is changing with it. with e-commerce that runs at the speed of now. next day and two-day shipping nationwide, and returns right from the doorstep. it's a whole new world out there. let's not keep it waiting.

it's a whole new world odignity.. it demands a rapid covid test, because we all deserve an answer. it demands your heart stays connected to your doctor, so you know it's beating as it should. and a rapid test to help evaluate concussion, in case something were to happen. at abbott, we fight for these moments, developing life-changing technologies. because dignity demands it. ♪ ♪ take this. a colorado man facing a murder charge in the disappearance of his wife now also charged with voter fraud. accused of using her mail-in ballot to vote for donald trump in the 2020 election. this is according to an affidavit, all right? barry lee more few told fbi

agents that he wanted trump to win, and he knew his wife would have voted for the former president anyway. so he mailed in her ballot. but a clerk said she was immediately suspicious when it arrived back in october. that's because there are missing person posters all over the county for suzanne morefew, who disappeared in may 2020. her signature was not on the ballot, but barry lee more few's name was handwritten on the witness line. the fbi interviewed him last month where he allegedly told them he didn't know that it is against the law to vote for his spouse. but he really wanted trump to win re-election, and besides, everybody cheats. that's what he says. so he was charged only last week with murder a full year after suzanne after going out for a bike ride. her bike was eventually found, but authorities say they have

yet to find her body. an example of voter fraud. someone voting for trump, not for biden. next, congressman matt gaetz's friend pleading guilty a sex trafficking case and saying he'll provide substantial assistance to prosecutors. one for me? you mean us? what about me? and me? how about us? yeah, how about us? great question. wait, can i get one in green? got one for me?! hey, what about me? what about us? is there an ev for me? ev for me? us? what about me? me? for me? ♪ ♪ (dog whimpers)

these folks don't have time to go to the post office they use stamps.com all the services of the post office only cheaper get a 4-week trial plus postage and a digital scale go to stamps.com/tv and never go to the post office again. a few months with the ww app and i'm down 20 pounds. you want to see how i do it? get a 4-week trial plus postage and a digital scale it'll blow your mind. strong start on my activity points today so i don't have to skip any rope and i don't have to skip any meals, which is great, because i hate doing both. still think about pizza,

(ding) and i still get to eat it too. with ww, i can enjoy the food i want when i want. download the ww app and join now. ww. weight watchers reimagined. try ww today with a 14-day free trial. why haven't you joined yet? oh, cause you're waiting cal: our confident forever plan is possible for this commercial to end. i get it. with a cfp® professional. a cfp® professional can help you build a complete financial plan. visit letsmakeaplan.org to find your cfp® professional. ♪

at worksman cycles, visit letsmakeaplan.org to find your cfp® professional. we've been building bikes for a hundred years. but our customers' needs have changed, so we expanded our product line to include electric cycles. we used the unlimited 1.5 percent cash back from our chase ink business unlimited ® credit card to help purchase tools and materials to build new models. and each time we use our card, we earn cash back to help grow our business. it's more than cycling, it's finding innovative ways to move forward. chase for business ® . make more of what's yours ® .