guards in schools with support from the father of one sandy hook victim. >> i'm putting it on you, i'm putting it on the experts out there to do something with these recommendations, to implement solutions, so people don't have to go through what i'm going through. deal or no deal? as the senate's gang of eight gets a little closer to an agreements on immigration reform, we'll be joined by two members of a new bipartisan task force, former governors ed rendell and haley barbour. ♪ tonight, tonight ♪ where will they tape tonight ♪ in new york, will it stay in l.a. ♪ ♪ tonight, tonight ♪ my ratings were all right ♪ 20 years and i'm still in

first place ♪ ♪ tonight, tonight ♪ why do they say we fight ♪ i like you like me, we're okay ♪ ♪ tonight, tonight ♪ who cares who holds tonight ♪ people just want a light the next day ♪ and i never knew leno could sing. good day, i'm andrea mitchell live in washington where the nra has announced new proposals to put armed guards in schools around the country as part of its pushback against new gun laws, joining knee for our daily fix, chris cillizza, msnbc contributor and managing editor of postpolitics.com and politico's chief white house

correspondent mike allen. thanks to both of you. chris cillizza, the nra going out really strong against the momentum, the momentum around the country, if not in congress for new gun laws. >> yeah, it's fascinating, andrea, i think you've put your finger on it. even as we sort of see this, at least concerns being raised by gun rights, gun control advocates, about this senate bill out there, it's likelihood of passage. you see connecticut, you see colorado, you see other states moving toward at the state level, moving toward more strict gun control policy. it's fast naturing, when we analyze the effect that newtown has had, have a tendency to look at the national level. which is important. but we should look also at the state level, at least in several cases, connecticut and colorado being the two most obvious, you are seeing some tightening of gun laws. >> of course mike allen, connecticut and colorado both having been so damaged by

horrendous gun tragedies. so it may be is more understandable. but you also have governors in both states will to lead and legislatures willing to respond. >> that's right and you've put your finger on a huge issue here in washington. you can almost hear, feel the momentum going out of the push for gun control on capitol hill. even as you point out, it remains high around the country. what other issue is that three-quarters issue. on monday we're going to see president obama traveling to talk about gun control, remind people that it's a priority for him. he said there needs to be a vote on some of these measures, he hasn't been too specific about what he's exactly been pushing. so president obama needs to make this personal, he needs to do that with lawmakers, too. there are some democratic senators from red states, reluctant to either make a deal on this or to vote for it. he's going to have to do a little horse-trading with them, convince them that there's something bigger going on than their local politics. >> eel be traveling to connecticut next week as you

point out and to colorado tomorrow. so he is becoming more active, there's been some criticism in some circles that he hasn't been active enough. the other big issue that we're talking about is gay marriage. mark kirk now becomes the second republican senator to come out in support of gay marriage, today, chris cillizza. >> yeah, look if you ask me for five republicans who would be the most likely to do this, andrea, mark kirk would be on that list. he's in sort of the centrist coalition, in the senate. we have seen someone like lisa merkowski as well from alaska saying her position on that is evolving, but she's not come out to say that she supports gay marriage. my guess is you'll see one or two more republicans come out in support of same-sex marriage before you see all of the rest of the seven democrats. if you take tom carper from delaware who came out and said he supports gay marriage. there are seven democrats left.

joe mansion, west virginia, mary landrieu, louisiana, potentially mark pryor, i think may be the last hold-out in arkansas. who may not sort of join the momentum among democratic senators, in get on the issue. i think the story may shift to what republican senators are now and republican house members are coming out and saying yes, i now support gay marriage. >> and senator kirk's statement, when i climb the capitol steps in january, i promised that i would return to the senate with an open mind and greater respect for others of same-sex. and he goes on to say, same-sex couples should have the right to civil marriage. our time on this earth is limited, i know that. so what is the impact of that, mike allen? >> yeah, andrea. in that statement of course we have senator kirk, referring to his amazing recovery from a stroke last year. he was away from the capitol. the first week in january, we saw it on this program. we saw the amazing shot of him

walking up those steps. and andrea, i think what we saw in the statement today was an indication of how republicans are going to be moving. now you're not going to see as chris cillizza suggested, a lot of republican senators coming out and saying i'm nor gay marriage. but andrea, i know you're hearing the same thing around town. that republicans at all levels say that this issue is moving much faster than they expected. even a few months ago, republicans told me they thought going into the 2016 cycle. we think it should be a state issue. try to punt that way, saying it is up to the states. senator marco rubio of florida is headed that way. but as republicans read the polls and look at the amazing age split on this issue. realize that even if opinion doesn't change any more, that just in a matter of time, this will be a 70-30 issue in the country.

you you say republicans are going to need to find something new. i think the new middle ground is going to be for republicans to say we're going to put aside gay marriage as a legality for churches, we're against it. but we're not going to take a position for the state. so that they're not going to impose it federally. but say it's a religious issue, that's going to be the new ground. >> mike allen, thank you so much, thanks, chris cillizza. a bipartisan group of former lawmakers and political leaders is working on its own recommendations for immigration reform. trying to push the debate forward on capitol hill. joining me two co-chairs of this bipartisan policy centers, former pennsylvania governor and nbc news political analyst, ed rendell and former republican governor, mississippi governor hailey barbour. haley, what do you say about gay marriage, what john lewis has described as the civil rights issue of our generation. >> well my state -- my state had

a referendum on this and voted 81% that marriage is an institution between one man and one woman as a union. that's my state's position. that's my position. there are people that disagree with me and i respect that. i don't think you'll see our state change its position on that i thought it was interesting to hear msnbc on the previous program advocating state's rights on gun control. i'm just this is all a new day to me to see y'all advocating states rights on so many things. >> in fact the supreme court may settle the issue of gay marriage by not settling it and making it basically a state issue. overturning doma and letting states make their own decision. anyway, immigration reform. that's the topic. where you two are coming together across party lines.

ed rendell, what do you think can be achieved? are you lining up behind the gang of eight and where you think they are emerging in this group led by chuck schumer and a number of republicans. >> first, haley and i are joined by condoleezza rice and henry cisneros and we haven't had a chance to look at everything in the gang of eight proposal. we think it's in line with the way that awful us are leaning. we want a bipartisan solution, we want to help the solution get through the senate and the house and there's going to be a lot of time and a lot of energy put into this. and we can help by advocating, people coming together like we've come together. we can also help by doing some research. for example, it hasn't reared its head yet, but the cost of this. what's the cost going to be? we want to make sure the cbo score something in line with the realistic costs, including some offsets of this.

point system, many countries have a point system for ranking who gets green cards essentially. as a priority. we want to evaluate those point systems and make that information available to the house and senate committees. >> haley barbour, when we talk about immigration reform, we have seen the shot across the bow on sunday morning before "meet the press" and the talk shows, the sunday talk shows about a half hour before we heard from marco rubio, saying a, it isn't a done deal yet, it isn't signed, sealed and delivered, chuck schumer being far more optimistic about it. is marco rubio trying to protect his right flank? or is he trying to protect the deal and make sure that it doesn't get shot down prematurely? >> i think he's trying to protect the opportunity at the end of the day to get something done by being realistic. i was in the white house in 1986 when we did the last big immigration reform bill. it took -- >> i remember it well. >> sure you do.

were you in the white house, too. it took the full two years of the congress. it is enormously complicated and complex. and it is great do see people getting closer and closer together, agreeing on principles, working on this and that. but we shouldn't forget that this is an enormously complex piece of legislation that has many facets. ed talked about just some of the things that very little has even been said about. so i wish it would be done next week, but it's better than it be done right than it be done in a hurry. >> ed rendell, let me ask you about someone you worked vr closely with. hillary clinton is reemerging a bit more this week. she's got two big speeches, tonight, vital voices the organization she found and friday, women in the world and she's going to be out on the lecture circuit, she's writing a book. what does this tell you, if anything, about where her head is now? a month or two out of public

office? >> nothing specific, andrea. i think it tells you that hillary clinton is going to have an active life regardless of whether she chooses to go back into elective office. hillary clinton is going to push for the issues she believes in, either as hillary clinton private citizen, former senator, former secretary of state, former first lady. or as a candidate for president. but you'll hear from hillary clinton either way. i truly believe that hillary clinton hasn't made up her mind. we hillary clintonites may have made up our minds about what she should do, but i don't think she's made up hers, yet. >> what do you do if it becomes hillary versus joe biden. he'll be on the stage with her tonight at the kennedy center. >> i think most of us care very deeply about both of them. but as i said, i don't think he can stand in the way of history. i think the time has come for a woman president. the only one on the horizon right now who could fill that role is hillary clinton. and i think joe is going to hear that from a number of people,

his supporters and hillary's supporters as well. and he's going to have to make that decision, it's tough to stand in the way of history. we found that out in 2008. >> and haley barbour, one who knows politics very well, is hillary clinton the kind of candidate who would clear the field, should she run? >> well i would have thought that in 2008. and in fact i'm one who said she'll win the 2008 democratic nomination going away. that's not what happened. a different historical strain prevailed i wouldn't bet against ms. clinton. one thing i've learned is it's way too early to be talking about presidential politics in the democratic party or the republican party. we got a lot to do and right now guys like ed and i are trying to work on real legislation that

ought to have bipartisan support. that will be good for the country's economy, for economic growth at a time when we need more economic growth and job creation and so i'm glad most democrats are not thinking about 2016. they're thinking about what we ought to be doing today on issues like immigration reform. >> haley makes a great point. immigration reform has always been looked at as sort of a civil rights issue or personal issue, it's wls a huge economic issue for this country, the h 1 b visa question, the guest worker question for migrant workers and people who work in restaurants and hotels. it's a huge economic driver as well. that's why optimism is high, it appears that the afl-cio and the chamber of commerce have reached a broad agreement about the guest worker provision. >> ed rendell, haley barbour great it see both of you. coming up, north korea saying it will restart a nuclear

reactor. how real is that threat? and still ahead -- clinton is back, her former chief of staff on what's next for the former secretary of state, plus voices tonight. [ female announcer ] a classic macaroni & cheese from stouffer's starts with freshly-made pasta, and 100% real cheddar cheese. but what makes stouffer's mac n' cheese best of all. that moment you enjoy it at home. stouffer's. made with care for you or your family. our largest selection of lobster entrees, like lobster lover's dream or new grilled lobster and lobster tacos. come in now and sea food differently. now, buy one lobsterfest entree and get one 1/2 off with a coupon at redlobster.com.

like other precious things that start off white, it yellows over time. when it comes to your smile, if you're not whitening, you're yellowing. crest whitestrips whiten as well as $500 professional treatments. guaranteed. crest 3d white whitestrips.

north korean leader, kim jong un, dialed up his rhetoric again today, announcing he would restart a nuclear reactor dismantled back in 2008 as part of an international agreement. nbc chief foreign correspondent, richard engel, is live in seoul, south korea. richard, this was hailed by the bush administration as a big deal when they blew up the cooling tower at the yongbon nuclear reactor in exchange for a huge amount of aid. what next in south korea?

>> people here are wondering -- >> we're obviously having some difficulty with richard engel's camera there, let's see if we can get back to him. okay, we have lost that satellite. so with apologies, but joining me now for the latest on developments in pyongyang, delaware senator chris kunitz, a member of the foreign relations committee. i was trying to discuss with richard, this was an agreement, an international agreement. we gave fuel oil to north korea in exchange for blowing up that cooling tower. now he says he's going to rebuild this. is this another empty threat or is this a serious move towards crossing a line? >> this is the latest in a series of very troubling

bellicose statements by north korea's erratic young leader, kim jong un. the suggestion that they would restart this five megawatt graphite reactor, dedicated to the production of nuclear weapons-grade plutonium is deeply concerning. the united states has taken a series of strong actions to shore up our strength and our partnership with south korea, to re assure our allies in the region and to engage china and russia who have concerns and interests in making sure that the korean peninsula remains peaceful. this is a the latest in a whole series of deeply troubling statements and actions by the north korean leader. another reminder of why we need to be strongly engaged in the world and i'm encouraged that secretary kerry is on his way to the region for a series of meetings in seoul and in japan and with our allies in the region. >> that at least is presumably his schedule in coming weeks, he is going to meet with south

korean foreign minister today, show, what message do we have to send to the south koreans. for the first time now we're hearing serious conversation in south korea, in japan, about wanting nuclear weapons of their own as a deterrent, which would of course lead to a serious proliferation threat on the peninsula. >> that's right, andrea. one of our core interests is preventing regional proliferation. we've sent to the region an aegis-class destroyer, that's capable of coordinating missile defense. we're relocating there some radar capabilities, and we've sent their both b-2 bombers and f-22 fighters, as well as recently completing military exercises with the south koreans. all of this was started by north korea's nuclear test in february of its third nuclear weapon and increasingly threatening statements about their intention of using a new generation of long range ballistic missile against their enemies in south korea and the united states. so we haven't seen in recent days, the steps that would be

probably being taken, if the entire north korean military were being put on alert for an impending attack. but all of the statements and all of the actions are increasingly concerns and they demand focus and attention by the united states and by the international community, to rein in this young leader. it's possible that he's doing it this as a way to secure his leadership role in north korea. but these are very irresponsible and threatening statements. it's another reminder of why we also have to continue to act strongly to prevent the iranians from gaining a nuclear weapons capability. if north korea is a serious threat to us, imagine if we were trying to deal with north korea and iran at the same time. >> senator koontz, i want you to put on your political hat for a moment, as a delaware senator and a long-time politician with joe biden. women's voices on the same stage as hillary clinton and we were

talking to haley barbour and ed rendell. ed rendell suggested that if secretary clinton, if hillary decides to run in 2016, that many of her supporters, like ed rendell, who are also very close to joe biden, would argue this is her moment in history. and that he should perhaps back off. do you think they will end up, could end up running against each other? or 0 do you think she would preempt the field? >> well 2016 is still a long way off and there's a lot of history to be made from now until then. one of the things that joe biden, our vice president i think deserves a lot of credit for is really pressing forward the issue of marriage equality 678 something that my senior senator, tom corper, as well as other senators from republican mark kirk to rob portman to bob casey have come out for in the last couple of days. his role in moving that forward and insuring that that's at the top of the national agenda. even as we wait for a decision by the supreme court on whether they will repeal doma, joe

biden's leadership role in the violence against women act, there are a number of things that he has done that has earned him a place in history and a role in the leadership of the political class of the united states. and i think it is too early for any of us to prejudge what should happen in 2016. obviously secretary clinton did a remarkable job as secretary of state. she would have a commanding national position were she to be a candidate in 2016. i think there's a lot of time to play out between now and then. >> thanks so much, senator koontz. and let's go back to seoul, south korea and richard engel. we had a little communications difficulty before. richard, i was asking you about the kim jong un threat to rebuild the yongbon nuclear complex, which the cooling tower as you know had been blown up in 2008. as part of an international agreement. so are all bets off? >> washington was involved in that agreement. it was billed as a major

accomplishment and now diplomacy is being rolled back. that deal was to offer north korea fuel in exchange for giving up some of its nuclear capacities. kim jong un is now saying that he wants that nuclear capacity, he wants to be able to produce the weapons-grade plutonium for his nuclear weapons. a statement by north korea said that putting this facility yongbon, back online which could take several months, is designed to enhance and enrich his already-robust nuclear program, nuclear weapons program. so it is a very real threat. i don't see short of military action or any kind of direct interventi intervention, what would stop him from doing this. this is certainly within his territory. and he doesn't seem to be easily deterred even with warships on their way and military exercises here and international condemnation that has come from even some of his allies.

>> richard engel, on his post in seoul, south korea, thank you, richard. coming up next, hillary clinton's return to the public stage, we'll talk with her former chief of staff. and still ahead, texas on edge. public officials taking extra precautions as the manhunt for a killer continues. mom always got good nutrition to taste great. she was a picky eater. well now i'm her dietitian and last year, she wasn't eating so well. so i recommended boost complete nutritional drink to help her get the nutrition she was missing. and now she drinks it every day. well, it tastes great! [ male announcer ] boost has 26 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin d to support strong bones, and 10 grams of protein to help maintain muscle. and our great taste is guaranteed or your money back. learn more at boost.com [ dietitian ] now, nothing keeps mom from doing what she loves... being my mom. a body at rest tends to stay at rest... while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. staying active can actually ease arthritis symptoms.

but if you have arthritis, staying active can be difficult. prescription celebrex can help relieve arthritis pain so your body can stay in motion. because just one 200mg celebrex a day can provide 24 hour relief for many with arthritis pain and inflammation. plus, in clinical studies, celebrex is proven to improve daily physical function so moving is easier. celebrex can be taken with or without food. and it's not a narcotic. you and your doctor should balance the benefits with the risks. all prescription nsaids, like celebrex, ibuprofen, naproxen and meloxicam have the same cardiovascular warning. they all may increase the chance of heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death. this chance increases if you have heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure or when nsaids are taken for long periods. nsaids, like celebrex, increase the chance of serious skin or allergic reactions or stomach and intestine problems, such as bleeding and ulcers, which can occur without warning and may cause death. patients also taking aspirin and the elderly are at increased risk for stomach bleeding and ulcers.

don't take celebrex if you have bleeding in the stomach or intestine, or had an asthma attack, hives, other allergies to aspirin, nsaids or sulfonamides. get help right away if you have swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. tell your doctor your medical history. and find an arthritis treatment for you. visit celebrex.com and ask your doctor about celebrex. for a body in motion. could lose tens of thousands of dollars on their 401(k) to hidden fees. thankfully e-trade has low cost investments and no hidden fees. but, you know, if you're still bent on blowing this fat stack of cash, there's a couple of ways you could do it. ♪ ♪ or just go to e-trade and save it. boom. ♪ otherworldly things. but there are some things i've never seen before. this ge jet engine can understand

5,000 data samples per second. which is good for business. because planes use less fuel, spend less time on the ground and more time in the air. suddenly, faraway places don't seem so...far away. ♪ when hillary clinton appears at the annual gathering of vital voices, the women's global leadership organization that she founded 14 years ago, she'll be presenting an award to the group's first director, milan vervier, who went on to become the first u.s. ambassador at large for global womens issues and also invited, vice president joe biden, widely seen as a potential democratic rival to clinton if she were to seek the 2016 presidential until nation. joining me now, milan vervier, director of the georgetown

center for women, peace and security. you are one busy ambassador. first of all, congratulations on the georgetown institute. >> thanks so much. >> it's a great place for you to be. and all that you have achieved, you were the first global ambassador on women's issues and when you started this, it was some said marginalized, but you and hillary clinton did not let it become marginalized, you made it part and parcel of our international policy. the president has signed the order. this is not something that can be disbanded and now secretary kerry is continuing. >> well that's so true and i think it's a recognition that all over the world, women are on the front lines of change. and no country can get ahead if it leaves half of its people behind. and secretary clinton as first lady, and then as senator, her work through vital voices, her work as secretary, has been consistent in recognizing that women's rights are human rights, and that women need to take their place, to advance social,

political and economic change around the world. because otherwise, progress is going to be left behind. countries are going to be left behind. and we're not tapping so much of the talent around the world. >> there are also really tough issues right now in egypt. we're seeing violence against women, the breakdown of security. the muslim brotherhood leadership. not protecting women. women who are involved in the revolution no longer have the ability to have an active voice. women and men. but women are politicly vulnerable. what do we do about egypt? what do we do about afghanistan and the potential that all of the advances will be rolled back once we withdraw our troops and the next election is held. >> well i think the most important thing we have to do as a government is to recognize that this is an important in which we need to make the case for why it is critical to do so. and afghanistan for example,

women as you've said have made enormous progress over the last ten years. girls are in school by the million, women are 25% of the parliament. every time i'm with them, which is frequently, i am astounded at the kind of progress that they are making. and the important role that they have to play. you know, if there's going to be a sustainable peace in afghanistan, it will not happen if women are silenced or marginalized, that peace will be subverted. women have been active politically. they've been active at all levels, the provincial, local levels as well as parliament. they're active economically. secretary kerry, just met with women entrepreneurs when he was in afghanistan. they will be critical to an economic transition as we continue to wind down there. so we as the united states have to be focused with all of the countries that have joined in this effort, to create a better future for afghanistan. with respect to egypt, it is a

very, very critical time. and you're so right. women were on the front lines in egypt. they were in tahrir square, they were there with the men, there was no violence, they were there for dignity, for a better future for their country. they were there for better times and opportunities. and to see what has happened, particularly the levels of violence is absolutely not something anybody can, can allow to be an ongoing proposition. so we have to do what we can, as well as others who have a voice, that can be listened to, to stand up in that country to protect women against this violence and for women to take their rightful place. >> as someone who was the chief of staff in the east wing of the white house for hillary clinton and knows her so well in the state department and traveled the world with her, and i know she has not decided nor would

she decide at this stage. but isn't she the largest figure on the democratic party scene? i mean who is a bigger figure to challenge her? you're going to have two leading democrats on the stage tonight. >> you are going to have two leading democrats. >> awkward? >> i don't think awkward. you know the vice president has been very active in his senate career in terms of fighting violence against women. and tonight, the award he will be presenting to men from india, men have to be part of the solution. will be for that purpose. i think that certainly you had a previous segment that went into these issues in some political detail. and i don't know anything more than anybody else, but we're fortunate to have the kind of talent we have in this country and it's a long way off 2016. and we don't know who the candidates will be at this point. but i can say with surety, that

secretary clinton, hillary clinton will continue to be active, no matter what she chooses to do, i want to support her in the way that she decides she wants to carry on going forward. she will be active, she will be committed, she will be dedicated. both on women's issues and on a range of so many other issues that she has cared about over the years. >> and very briefly, do you think she has it in her to run another tough campaign? >> i think she can do whatever she sets her mind to doing. >> milan vervier, congratulations on tonight's award, we'll be there cheering you on. thanks. up next, mitt romney's top campaign strategist about the culture wars, ha does he think the republican party should do next? on the issues of guns and same-sex marriage. you're watching "andrea mitchell reports" only on msnbc. at a dry cleaner,

we replaced people with a machine. what? customers didn't like it. so why do banks do it? hello? hello?! if your bank doesn't let you talk to a real person 24/7, you need an ally. hello? ally bank. your money needs an ally.

what is the latest theory of the case? >> hi there, aubdia, early this morning. the county judge told us the sheriff was planning a news conference for this afternoon and now we're being told that's no longer the case. that shows how careful authorities are being about releasing information on this case. but authorities with knowledge of that investigation are telling us a few things. one, that the d.a. mike mcclelland was shot 20 times, that suggests that this was a very personal attack. somebody really had it in for him. basically. and there have been several theories about who did this. federal authorities are looking

into all of them. everything from a white supremicist prison gang to a drug cartel to someone with a personal grudge. now today several sources are telling us they're downplaying the white supremicist prison gang theory. even though the kaufman county d.a.'s office had been involved in prosecuting some of those cases. the question remains why would the prison gang target this d.a.'s office when there were others that were much more involved. so authorities are looking into all of that. meanwhile, a memorial service is scheduled for d.a. mike mclelland and his wife on thursday, the courthouse will be closed. a terrifying manhunt. and today, mark kirk became the second republican senator to change his position on gay marriage. he said today that life comes down to who you love and who loves you back. government has no place in the middle. but most republican leaders have been resisting the message of change that younger voters in both parties are telling them, to follow in the polls. joining me is stewart stevens, manager of mitt

romney's 2012 presidential campaign and a contributor to the "daily beast." stuart thanks very much for joining us. what about gay marriage? it seems that the party is not party leaders at least, with a very few exceptions are not moving in the direction of what seems to be the growing almost overwhelming sentiment around the country, particularly younger generations? >> well first i think we have to say 200 hours ago or so, hillary clinton hadn't announced that she was for gay marriage. the 2008 democratic platform that barack obama ran on was not for gay marriage. so i think it's good it take a step back and look at where the country is on this. and where people are thinking about it and looking into their hearts and coming to a decision. i think to try to divide this between political lines, is really the wrong way to go. and it's clearly not a party issue, when you have hillary clinton following rob portman.

>> but -- >> i don't think people are looking at it as an rnd issue. >> it will be that in the political season. is it a civil rights issue? you have leaders like john lewis who argued against doma when it was approved, he was one of 17 house members who voted against it. he calls it the civil rights issue of our generation. let me play. >> i think it's first of all, how you cannot have the greatest respect for the congressman. but i think that one has to be careful about pushing it to these extremes. because as i said, i mean -- in 2008, the platform of the democratic party was not for gay marriage. so to say that this is a litmus test on civil rights when four years ago, the democratic party was against it, i think is just not productive in the discussion. if that's the case --

>> but, stuart, four years down the road, should the republican party as it revisits where needs to move and how to reach out to a broader number of people in the electorate, shouldn't the republican party show some leadership here, too? >> i think the republican party, if rob portman that came out, you have another senator today. this is up for individuals across the country to look at, to think about and i think it's very much a family issue, very much a kitchen table issue. that's where this is going to be, generated from. you have different states that are looking at this. and i think that it's just not helpful to try to make this a hyper-political issue. that's really why i wrote this piece. because i think to the agree we try to do that and try to score political points on it, i think that it downgrades the discussion. and i think it makes it more difficult for people to talk to each other. if ever there was an issue that people need to talk to others

about. to have conversations about, it would be something of this nature. >> if you believe it is a civil rights issue, if someone believes that, it's a question of morality. it's not a question of politics. so to remain silent and not take a stand is to really defy a moral imperative. >> so two weeks ago hillary clinton was on the wrong side of the definitive civil rights issue of all time? i find that a hard case to make and a year and a half ago, barack obama was on the wrong side of the definitive civil rights issue of our time? i think that those are -- that's a very difficult case to make. >> you can argue that hillary clinton did not endorse gay marriage obviously she was part of the administration, her husband's administration, that signed doma into law. but in every step. every act she took at the state department in terms of partnership rights and spousal rights for foreign service

officers, she extended benefits, she did things in her job that were possible under the law. to the extend of her job. >> i think that's admirable. i think that when you try to turn on a dime and say that something that both parties were not for, four years ago, is suddenly litmus test, civil rights issue, i don't think that that's productive. i think it doesn't help people talk to each other. it doesn't help people be able to craw conclusions, i think that people have to come to look at the issue, look in their hearts, talk to their neighbors, talk to family members. i think where the issue is now is clearly not going to be where it is in six months. where it is in a year. and i think we need to allow people to have that time to discuss it and you know, the president is the one that used to use the language, evolving, he used that language for four

years. and clearly, this is an issue that's evolving in a lot of people's minds. >> stewart stevens, we'll have to leave it there, thank you very much and we'll be right back. ♪ the middle of this special moment and i need to run off to the bathroom. ♪ i'm fed up with always having to put my bladder's needs ahead of my daughter. ♪ so today, i'm finally talking to my doctor about overactive bladder symptoms. [ female announcer ] know that gotta go feeling? ask your doctor about prescription toviaz. one toviaz pill a day significantly reduces sudden urges and accidents, for 24 hours. if you have certain stomach problems or glaucoma, or can not empty your bladder, you should not take toviaz. get emergency medical help right away if your face, lips, throat or tongue swells. toviaz can cause blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness and decreased sweating. do not drive, operate machinery or do unsafe tasks until you know how toviaz affects you. the most common side effects are dry mouth and constipation.

talk to your doctor about toviaz. the most common side effects are dry mouth and constipation. what's the "new" in the new new york?. a new property tax cap... and the lowest middle class income tax rate in 60 years... and a billion dollars in tax breaks and incentives. new opportunities for business. over 250,000 new private sector jobs were created over the last two years. and 17 straight months of job growth. with the most private sector jobs ever. lower taxes, new incentives, new jobs, now that's news. to grow or start your business in the new new york visit thenewny.com

license and registration please. what's this? uhh, it's my geico insurance id card, sir. it's digital, uh, pretty cool right? maybe. you know why i pulled you over today? because i'm a pig driving a convertible? tail light's out.. fix it.

digital insurance id cards. just a click away with the geico mobile app. leaders of autism speaks rang in world autism awareness day at the new york stock exchange this morning. and tonight, landmarks around the world will take part in autism speaks annual pledge to light it up blue, it aims to shine a light on the illness that affects millions of american families. bob and suzanne wright are the founders of autism speaks and they join me now. thanks so much. great to see you again. suzanne, bob. let's talk about what the challenge is this year, bob, how far have we gone and what do we need to do as obama care kicks in? what is not, where are the cracks not being filled? >> well we really have to pick up on the other part of sandy hook, one was guns, the other is

mental health. and if anything gave us an opportunity to get into that, it was sandy hook. unfortunately, guns have taken over. so head me draw some conclusions. one of the things i think we've concluded, is that community is really everything for these children and families with autism. and we have to learn how to break learn to break down some of the controlling issues regarding privacy? parents need to exchange information about their child with doctors and therapists, and turn that information needs to be exchanged with school districts and fire and rescue people. and people in the community. and those communities have to exchange information so when that child is out there in the community, a lot of people know about his or her situation. know about the parents and they can get help and support. it didn't help in sandy hook,

although those are wonderful people there, but that connectivity exists. when we have walks, we see people thousands and thousands all coming together. you don't see the meltdowns. you don't see a lot of the stress that exists when parents are in grocery stores on their own with children. that whole issue of community i think is an enormous one. that's not about money. that's about really pulling together on the side, the congress side, the insurance side. we need to get insurance for these families. we need to have doctors and hospitals on our side trying to get that insurance so they can treat these children the way they can for any other serious disease. and we need to do it quickly. we tried very hard. we have insurance bills in 32 states but it isn't enough. we need the federal government to act because they control the insurance requirements for all the large corporations, like my form he corporation, ge. having said all that, we're

right now on awareness day and suzanne will take you through the incredible job that she's done on it. i'll just take you on the corporate side. we have toys "r" us is our main national support. we have 1,000 stores for this whole month that will be heavily engaged in autism awareness and presentations. we have dollar general with 11,000 stores in the united states, all heavily involved in this. that's a very big commitment. we have white castle with hundreds of stores. i'm just giving you some of the big examples. they'll be doing things all during the month on the corporate side. and most recently, we have major league baseball announced yesterday, today that they are going to be supporting us, all 30 teams in major league baseball are going to be out there in the parks. the last thing i'll mention is we kicked this off with a really exciting party up in boston on saturday night with local 25, the international brotherhood of teamsters who has been a supporter of autism for the last

six years and one of the most generous, devoted groups. that is community. because there are teamsters all over the united states. all are family people and they get it. >> and suzanne, you get it. you have been a force of nature. a life force behind this movement. what are you hoping to achieve with all the public awareness this day and throughout the year? >> thank you for wearing our pin. that's so nice of you. >> we're halfway there. we have 93 countries. i'm hoping for every country next year. we have over 7,000 buildings around the world. a few years ago, we had 200. so this is a community of hope in action. we have churches, front porches, schools, auditoriums, playgrounds, all lighting up blue. tonight they'll be, the george washington bridge is also lighting up. we're very hopeful with this awareness campaign, that no longer will it be shameful to say the word autism i even

called cardinal dolan to ask if he would get the arch diocese involved. so 400 churches will be lighting it up blue. and the diocese in washington point and then we have the international space station going up again. the awareness is enormous. >> antarctica. >> my seventh continent. last year, my wish was to be in every country. now i want to devote a moment to ask every faith to join us. this cuts across every faith. it doesn't matter if you're catholic, jewish, i want synagogues, mosques, the episcopals, i want everybody to join us in this worldwide campaign for autism. >> thank you both so much for what you've done. love you both, always will. we'll be right back. >> thank you. as well as they could because they don't take it with food. switch to citracal maximum plus d. it's the only calcium supplement that can be taken with or without food. my doctor recommends citracal maximum. it's all about absorption.

humans. we are beautifully imperfect creatures living in an imperfect world. that's why liberty mutual insurance has your back, offering exclusive products like optional better car replacement, where if your car is totaled, we give you the money to buy one a model year newer. call... and ask an insurance expert about all our benefits today, like our 24/7 support and service, because at liberty mutual insurance, we believe our customers do their best out there in the world, so we do everything we can to be there for them when they need us. plus, you could save hundreds when you switch, up to $423. call... today. liberty mutual insurance -- responsibility. what's your policy?

only hertz gives you a carfirmation. hey, this is challenger. i'll be waiting for you in stall 5. it confirms your reservation and the location your car is in, the moment you land.

that does it for this edition of "andrea mitchell reports." we'll be back tomorrow. "news nation" with attempt ron hall is next. ♪ [ instrumental ]

[ girl ] when i started playing soccer, i wasn't so good. [ barks ] so me and sadie started practicing. we practiced a lot. now i've got some moves! [ crowd cheering ] spin kick! whoo-hoo! [ giggling ] [ announcer ] we know how important your dog is to your whole family. so help keep him strong and healthy... with the total care nutrition in purina dog chow. because you're not just a family. you're a dog family.