prepares to take executive action on deportations. the results of our new "wall street journal" poll. hostage rescue after another american is killed by isis. why won't the white house reconsider paying ransom to get them back? >> paying ransoms, we're making it clear to other organizations we're willing to pay ransoms only puts american citizens at greater risk. >> we will talk to the mother of james foley about what grieving parents want from the president. and the battle for jerusalem. that's what israel's prime minister says is at hand after a deadly attack on a synagogue. still, the faithful remain. >> we're staying here, we're not moving anywhere. we're going to have to move on with our life. this terrorist attack is not going to change anything. we're going to continue with our life.

good day, everyone, i'm andrea mitchell in washington. and we begin with that record-breaking deadly snowstorm crippling western new york state with as much as 6 feet of snow in only 24 hours, trapping hundreds of vehicles on impassable roads. lake effect snow falls are routine in this part of the country but nothing as dramatic as this prompting the twitter #buffalosnow trending worldwide with photos like these. could even more snow be heading their way. mike bettes has managed to dig out and has the latest from hamburg, new york. >> reporter: yeah, there's a lot of work to be done, you're trying to clear about 40 inches of snow here in hamburg. but people have lives they've got to get on with. the gentlemen behind us are trying to clear the snow off their vehicles here. i'm going to talk to them here. where are you from? and where are you trying to get to? >> washington state. trying to get to the airport, of course. >> which airport? >> buffalo. >> reporter: how many of you are there?

and how many vehicles to clear out? >> six vehicles and probably seven or eight of us. >> reporter: you ever seen anything like this before? >> back in washington state, we get the snow, but nothing quite like this. >> how tough has this been to clear? >> wet and heavy on the bottom. >> yeah. >> powdery on top. >> it's exhausting, huh? >> it is. it is. >> keep up the good work. they've got this one just about cleared out. this one has been cleared out. i'd say they made a fundamental error, they piled up the snow behind the vehicle. these guys have got it right. they piled the snow in front of the vehicle because they've got to back out. now, the other issue becomes this. okay, you clear your car out, right? but -- the driveway hasn't been plowed out yet here at the hotel. where do you go? you can't get anywhere, unfortunately. the great news in all of this, if there is any good news is that it's not going to snow for most of the day here in hamburg. and so we'll have a good opportunity to get ahead of all of this.

and also pretty difficult travel situations. i have noticed i-90, which is behind our camera here. i've seen traffic on it. at least they've unstuck some of the semis. i've seen all semis. that's it. we've talked to state troopers, said they're probably not going to reopen until they get all those vehicles unstuck. looks like they're making progress and maybe at some point today, they do reopen i-90. >> and that was mike bettes filing earlier from the weather channel. thanks to him. president obama has ordered a review, meanwhile, on foreign policy of the administration's diplomatic policies for the safe release of hostages held by terror groups like isis. but he is not reconsidering the long held prohibition under democrats and republican presidents against paying ransom to when they release, either directly or through middle men. >> the one thing i want to make it clear. that ransoms should not be paid

to terrorist organizations holding hostages. >> this comes as the administration deals with isis killing of peter kassig. james foley was held captive in august. his mother diane foley joins me now from chicago. mrs. foley, it's good to see you again. thank you very much for being willing to talk about this. what is the family reactions? i know you've been in touch with other families, as well, and your reaction to the white house reviewing the policy but not reviewing the no ransom prohibition. >> well, we're very thankful to representative duncan hunter r for, you know, bringing this issue forward and very thankful to the president for recognizing the need to reevaluate the policy. we're very thankful for that. it is hopeful for us, you know. i think it's very important. that it be done. i guess our only concern, andrea, is that you know

families who have gone through this, such as ourselves might be invited to the discussion. i think it's very hard for people outside of this to really understand the problems we encountered. so -- but we're very hopeful. and very thankful to the department of defense, certainly to the group who tried to do that rescue this summer. very thankful for them. >> and decision, though, not to pay ransom. here you've got french hostages and italians and other nationalities from europe, being released because money has been paid, we're talking about at least $20 million has been paid in recent months to isis by some reports. yet, americans and british hostages are dying. do you think that ransom should be paid perhaps by a middle man?

not by the country itself, to try to preserve the deniability if you will that we are ransoming our people back. >> well, i primarily feel it's vital that our country and great britain value their courageous journalists and humanitarian workers. i think actual decisions about policy i would leave to the experts. however, i really do not see any confirmed data, real research that shows that paying ransom does, in fact, increase kidnappings. we do not pay ransom, yet, we've had definite increase in -- excuse me, kidnapping of americans. so, you know, that is one of the things i would hope jim's foundation can do is to actually research this issue. and see if there's actually any

data that shows this is the case. i think it needs to be researched, certainly. >> and one of the things that we've talked about is the fact people from the nsc said it would be illegal if any intermediaries were to pay ransom. tell me about that. >> well, that occurred very late in this past spring when as families we're struggling to figure out how to get our sons out. we came to realize, you know, that our government was not going to pay ransom, but we were desperate to try to do it then on our own. however, you know, this was one individual who, you know, said this to us. it was very upsetting because he

set a lot of us back and confused our efforts and such. however, you know, there's no precedent for any prosecution for families. and our legal counsel, you know, said that was, you know, had never happened before. the problem was, there was -- we had no recourse as families of captive americans. and we just didn't know what to do. it was very difficult. we received no information or guidance in that regard. we really hoped to be part of this discussion. i deeply hope that no other american families would go through what we have. we can do better as americans. not since their son's death.

i've e-mailed them and i certainly plan to. i want to give them a little space. he was their only son. so just so heartbreaking for them. and he was certainly an american hero also. >> and heartbreaking, heartbreaking, obviously, for you and your husband and the rest of your family. our condolences again. thanks for talking to us today. >> thank you for your time and support. so appreciate it. >> you bet. >> and with more now on the u.s. hostage policy review, such a difficult question. i'm joined by tom donalon. you've been in this role, and you've had to face these tough decisions. what do you say to diane foley and her husband? >> well, thanks for having me, andrea. and the first thing i said is that the incredible strength that mrs. foley and her family have demonstrated is really extraordinary and continuing to make, you know, constructive contributions to the countries

through her efforts and the foundation's efforts. that's the first thing i'd like to say. second, the president's ordered a comprehensive review of the hostage policy. it's a complicated, it's a complicated set of things, right? it includes, by the way, looking at intelligence collection, looking at the techniques by which we go about trying to get release. and other, other approaches. it also includes, i think the president wanted to have this looked at. family engagements. how is this coordinated in the government? who is communicating with the families of those who have been taken, u.s. citizens, and that's the first obligation of anyone in the united states is to protect the safety and security of the citizens. who is interacting with the families, how is information being exchanged, being coordinated. i think the suggestion that diane foley made about having the families involved in this review is absolutely correct. >> it does seem there was a lack of sensitivity to put it mildly

on the part of whoever was handling it. i'd been hearing for months very quietly. they didn't want to speak publicly. they'd been told if they spoke out, they could endanger their son's life. other families had told me, whoever was dealing with them from the white house, the fbi were not very helpful. >> yeah. >> there needs to be a team approach. >> this is an important point. that's one of the focuses of the review. who is going to be the lee liaison. and getting information back from the families. i agree, there needs to be an absolute set of decisions taken here, with respect to who is responsible and who interacts with the families who are going through these terrible circumstances. >> and isn't part of the problem also we've had the successful release of some hostages held by other groups who could be pressured by other countries that had previously supported these militant and terror

groups. but isis is a case unto itself. and once other splinter groups perhaps traded and passed on some of their american captives or british captives to isis, that's when it's basically a death -- >> well, i think it became a much more difficult circumstance. isis controls so much territory. and their goals here, you know, are so radical. and they basically using these hostages, for publicity. for propaganda purposes. >> you can survive. we see these great pictures of people coming out and being released, the french and others and reunited with their families. so what do we say? to parents who are angrier about this than anything else? that the europeans get out and their sons are beheaded? >> well, a couple of things. number one, the united states undertakes extensive efforts to get our citizens back and we have a track record of doing that. number two, this issue of

payment is a complicated issue and it's not just the issue of making americans more vulnerable. in some circumstances i think it would. it's also the issue of sustaining these organizations. in terms of financial support. hostage taking, ransom is a key source of funding for these organizations. not just isis. isis is a specific circumstance here. and they have multiple sources of support, including oil smuggling and taxation and basically running the rackets on places they overtake. and other places around the world, there are groups that rely principally on ransom as the means of funding their terror activities into the future. >> tom, thank you so much for your expertise. really appreciate it. and we can now report that the snowstorm that slammed upstate new york has killed six people. governor andrew cuomo has deployed 150 members of the national guard to help clear snow-clogged roads and remove abandoned vehicles.

the women's basketball team was among hundreds stuck along the new york state throughway until they were freed this morning. their coach spoke to msnbc. >> we were fortunate enough to have a motor coach. we had power, we had movies, 15 players to entertain my sons so they didn't go crazy, as well. we played games. they made up songs, we made videos. anything we could do to keep ourselves busy. >> the team was finally freed at 4:00 this morning. and we just have to show you this very different scene from the toronto zoo. this panda was clearly enjoying his time in the snow. his keepers at the zoo have nicknamed his move down the hill, bear boggeting. that's one happy panda. and you're watching "andrea mitchell reports."

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a grand total of three votes, three votes kept two nationally debated bills from passing the senate last night. and reaching the president's desk. what is the legislative future for the keystone pipeline and separately the nsa reform? with the republican majority coming into town. joining us for our daily fix, msnbc contributor and managing editor of postpolitics.com and bloomberg deputy managing editor jeanne cummings. welcome both. first to you, let's talk about democratic defections on keystone. it failed 59-41. one short of the 60 votes it needed with 14 democrats supporting it. >> right. and, andrea, if you look at the 14 democrats supporting it, it's basically every democrat who is in a swing to potentially republican leaning state or democrats who are up for

reelection in those states in 2016. obviously mary landrieu -- she has real power for them in washington. this failing, i think, does not help. but i would say, i think she was very unlikely to win that december 6th runoff. no matter what happened tuesday night, this is a symbolic, no thank you from her party. >> and nine, maybe ten of these are going to be around in the new senate. what are the chances of stopping keystone coming up in the new senate? >> well, of course, the president could make his decision between now and then. he is awaiting a lawsuit in nebraska to be resolved. and so that could happen in the

intervening weeks. >> isn't every signal out of the white house he does not want to go forward with it? >> those are the indications, yes. that he's not particular -- he doesn't think it's necessary anymore. we have plenty of oil, gas prices are coming down, there aren't that many jobs associated with it. and the environmental concerns are high. even though the state department, environmental impact study did not register in a really bad way against building the keystone. >> and there's a big argument from the canadians in particular that you have a worse environmental effects from transporting the oil by rail because the oil is already being transported. they're not going to stop. >> exactly. and so that's -- >> the oil -- >> goes on. does it make it easier for the republicans? maybe not because the four that are -- the democrats who voted for it are being replaced by republicans, somewhat would go in for the democrats that

weren't for it, republicans come in. and we kind of end up at about the same vote total. >> maybe not the 67 needed to override a veto. let's look at the nsa privacy bill. we talked to pat leahy, the cheer architect of it. and that also failed. that, do you think is mostly the beheadings, isis? the whole climate now of national security and fear of terrorism. >> i do -- you know, andrea, we've gone back and forth on this. i feel like certainly since september 11th. we had the debate over the patriot act. there wasn't a huge debate at the time, but the debate over the reauthorization of the patriot act. obviously edward snowden and the surveillance program has complicated this. it's a rift within the republican party, which is worth paying attention to. you have somebody like rand paul who is going to run for president, very much on the civil liberties side of that debate and with democrats, at least in the senate on that debate.

you have others and ted cruz would be in there. most of the other establishment republicans, marco rubio, are going to err on the side of caution as it relates to the politics of sort of national security and terrorism and be for a harder line in terms of what the government can do. >> thanks very much. and the government is demanding a nationwide recall with cars with air bags. including honda, chrysler, ford, bmw from 2008 or earlier. until now, the government was only pushing for the recall in hot and humid climates thought to contribute to the defect. telling nbc news it is committed to addressing all safety issues promptly. ugh... ...heartburn. did someone say burn? try alka seltzer reliefchews. they work just as fast and taste better than tums smoothies assorted fruit. mmm... amazing.

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israel is cracking down on security around jerusalem today. even as worshippers have returned to the synagogue where four rabbis were brutally murdered by palestinian men yesterday. a police officer also died from the resulting shootout. the victims included four rabbis and one israeli police officer who had died after that shootout. mourners around the world are remembering the victims, including a teacher of kansas born rabbi. >> had he lived, another 20 years from now, you would have heard as his name as perhaps one of the most prominent rabbis in jerusalem. >> joining me now is nbc's chief global correspondent bill nealy. bill, the crackdown, the security, what about the possible palestinian response. further retaliation. you're now sitting on a real tinderbox there. >> yes, a tinderbox, a powder keg, this is a country that's

tense and anxious and no more so than in jerusalem, a city that's still in shock, still reeling from the horror of what happened yesterday, which did go beyond, if you like, what you've seen since july. a number of smaller incidents. this was slaughter, mass murder inside a synagogue. it broke for many people, broke a lot of barriers. but you're absolutely right. and there is no obvious solution either to this immediate wave of attacks or to the broader political impact between israelis and palestinians. i'll give you a couple of examples. police demolished a home last night of a palestinian who had actually been involved in a previous deadly attack. but, you know, does anyone really think that demolishing the home of a palestinian will deter further violence? will stop another attack? or is it simply collective punishment, illegal and international law, of course, which will simply increase the

frustration and the anger of palestinians. and also, the two men that carried out yesterday's attack. two cousins. the problem is these men were unknown to them. they had no police records, no obvious affiliation and that's the challenge ahead for the israeli authority. how do you stop something that's essentially, we've talked about asymmetric warfare. at street level, you've got guys not with suicide vests or sophisticated bombs, but with meat cleavers and vehicles using them as weapons of war. so for the israeli authority, this really is a challenge going forward. >> it's a real intelligence challenge and security challenge, indeed. thank you so much, bill nealy from israel. and we have breaking news from the white house to announce nbc news has confirmed, president obama will be making his announcement tomorrow night to

detail his executive action on immigration. senator bob menendez is joining us next. stay with us. the holiday season is here,

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and zero first month's payment on select new volkswagen models. president obama will be making his big announcement on an immigration executive action tomorrow night in the nation. our new nbc news "wall street journal" poll out this hour indicates that american people are not in favor of the president bypassing congress by ten points with it breaking along partisan lines. nearly a majority, 48% of americans disapprove of the president taking executive action. 38% approve of this white house strategy. 57% of americans still favor a pathway to citizenship. and that number skyrockets to 74%. those same people are forced to pay a fine or pay back taxes or pass a security background check. new jersey senator bob menendez joins me now.

senator, thanks very much. what do you think about the fact that the president's going to come to the nation. i don't know if he briefed you yet on the elements of his plan. but he's going to take executive action, something he'd said a year ago was against the law. and by 48-38, people in our new poll say that's wrong, don't bypass congress. >> well, first of all, i think always how the question is asked is important. i think what a recent washington post poll asked, should the president take executive action if a republican -- they say, yes, they should act. and i think that americans would have a different view if they understand that president eisenhower. have used executive action on -- who gave 1.5 million undocumented people in the

country, which is about 40% of the undocumented people in the country protection through executive action. and so, i think the real issue here is not executive action or a legislation, the real issue in the failure of the house of representatives controlled by republicans to act a year and a ha half, that is the essence of what your poll indicated people support as a pathway to citizenship that since they haven't acted, i think the president should act. and the american people have come to understand that's not unusual as evidenced by history, then hopefully that will instigate republicans in the congress who will share both houses on immigration reform. >> i want to point out in our question, which is carefully worded, it is, as you may know executive orders or actions taken by a president who can put regulations in effect that do not require congressional approval.

his executive action would stay in place unless or until congress passed immigration reform legislation to take its place. it goes on from there. it's a very carefully worded question and it's 48-38. in any case, let me ask you this, in terms of being able to sustain this given the republicans coming in, boehner's statement said, for instance, spokesman said if the emperor obama ignores the american people and announces an amnesty plan, then he himself has said exceeds his constitutional authority, he'll cement his legacy of lawlessness. now, i don't know how you break this down, obviously it's not amnesty. emperor obama there, obviously fighting words. >> look, this is laughable. this is the same republican party who in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2013 and in the house of representatives controlled by

the republicans in 2014 refused to act on immigration reform. so they have an antidote to their concern about executive action. it's called passing legislation. it's called offering votes on their own form of immigration reform, even if it's different than the overwhelmingly bipartisan senate bill. but they failed to do that. the only actions they've taken is to oppose immigration reform, which every analyst looks at, including the congressional budget office and said we would reduce the national debt by nearly $1 trillion over the first 20 years, we would grow 1.1 million jobs over the first ten years. we would raise the incomes of all americans and raise the gdp of the country. what do we ever do that raises gdp, creates jobs, lowers the deficit, and by the way, provides national security. it had one of the most robust border protection elements that we have seen in any piece of legislation in quite some time. so it's their failure that is in

my mind, the core of why the president needs to act. because it's in the national interest and security of the united states for him to act. i'd rather know who is here to pursue the american dream versus who is here to do it harm. i can't do that if people are living in the shadows. >> thank you very much. and in rome, pope francis is shining a light on autism hoping to end the stigma of a disorder that affects some 70 million people across the globe. the vatican is set to hold the first ever conference on autism. it's going to kick off tomorrow, attended by more than 650 people from 57 different countries, truly global gathering. the conference was the brain child of autism speaks founders. will be speaking there tomorrow and joining me now from rome. congratulations bob and suzanne to you for engaging the vatican in this. bob, how important is it that the pope is going to be now embracing this as a cause and speaking globally about what needs to be done to help people

with autism. >> well, thank you for having us on. the whole nature of the event, which is sponsored by the vatican and is put on by the vatican is incredibly encouraging. it's a great awareness opportunity for people of all faiths. and the fact that the pope is going to attend at the end and actually be talking to people at the end of it is very, very encouraging and exciting. an enormous ability to reach people all over the world. and we're hoping he will ask for some prayers and explain how important it is for families to take care of their children -- >> pope francis meets the world of autism. >> the fact is that he can

communicate acceptance and love in the way no other human being on the globe can. what does this mean to you, suzanne? >> yes. i'm sorry, andrea, i didn't hear you. >> i'm sorry, i know we have a big satellite delay. communicating acceptance and love on behalf of the family, of the families of people with autism. >> yes. and for including them in his compassion and telling the 1.2 billion people of faith that we need to be including these children and families with autism who have been isolated for so long and his message of love and compassion of faith is so important to the world. and i'm hoping his leadership will lead to other faiths of the world. autism doesn't discriminate against any faith. >> bob -- >> doesn't discriminate against anybody. >> no.

>> bob, review for us the latest statistics on the numbers of people. what is the breakdown of people somewhere on the spectrum? >> well, in the u.s. numbers which are pretty much what we see around the world are 1 in 68 people and 1 in 42 boys. closer to 3% of the population of men are boys. that's a staggering statistic. >> were you surprised by the recent conversation with our own bryan williams about how he feels he is somewhere on the spectrum because of the way he has responded to things all his life? >> yeah, he saw that play on broadway and saw himself there, which i thought was amazing. and you know, jerry's been a great friend of ours, he's given

us several concerts. i think in his thought process, he said, gee, i have a few of those aspects of autism. and i think he was brave and courageous to say the words on national television and tell the world we can talk about it openly. >> he's a very deliberate man. and i think it was a lot of honesty. >> it's all extraordinary. i can't believe what you have pulled off. we can't wait to talk to you on the other side of this visit and learn what it was like to have an audience with the pope and have him speaking out. thank you so much, bob and suzanne wright in rome tonight. and growing pot is already a big industry in california. is it time to make it legal? we'll talk coming up. and even piano tuners were just as simple? thanks to angie's list, now it is. we've made hiring anyone from a handyman to a dog walker as simple as a few clicks.

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out the national guard, but police officials and ferguson protesters already at odds over security preparations. will tear gas and riot gear be used? will there be an advance notice from the grand jury? big questions for missouri and the nation. california attorney general camela harris is here in washington where she's delivered a speech for the center of american progress on fighting crimes smartly. i want to talk to you about that in a moment. welcome, general harris. talking about your proposals in a second. but first, ferguson, as a law enforcement official, you and others have to be concerned about what happened before and whether this can happen again with what some are criticizing as an advance callout of a national guard. >> yeah, i mean, listen, andrea, as we know, i'm a career prosecutor. and i feel very strongly that in order for law enforcement to do its job. and in order for us to achieve public safety in the community, all communities, there has to be

a relationship of trust between law enforcement and the community it polices. and when that is eroded. when that does not exist, it's not in anyone's best interest. so i am concerned with what's happening in ferguson. i can only hope and pray there will be peace in that community, but there's clearly a lot of work that needs to be done to develop a relationship of trust between that community and law enforcement in that region. there's no question. >> and certainly there's a lot of other information that indicates this could be a tough decision for the grand jury. i don't know why it's taken so long. we can see things could be done very quickly in some of the jurisdictions they are. but it could be a decision that comes up that the community doesn't like. >> that's certainly possible. i don't have any firsthand information about the evidence or what the grand jury deliberations. but i think the most important thing is that this community is

allowed to heal. and it is, i think, my concern is many people's concern that the -- the response to -- and the preparation for the grand jury decision might actually not be the most productive way of giving respect to that community. i think there should be an assumption that the community is going to obey the law. and so i'd like to see that the response by leaders in that community operates from the presumption that that community is a law-abiding community that wants peace. but, of course, law enforcement has a responsibility after and when the crime occurs to react and respond. but preparation includes also working on relationships and trust. >> now, your smart on crime speech addresses student dropouts. and you've connected the two. with what's happening even at elementary school levels. tell me about that.

>> well, i've done a study of who the homicide victims were under the age of 25 and found that 94% were high school dropouts. when we looked closer, we found in public schools of the chronically -- many were elementary schools, missing up to as many as 80 days of 180-day school year. 82% of the prisoners of united states are high school dropouts. african-american men between 30 and 34. 2/3 likely to be incarcerated, have been incarcerated or dead. there's a real connection between the issue of truancy and public safety. and i strongly believe if we're going to be smart on crime in our country in terms of criminal justice policy, we need to be equally invested in prevention as we are in reaction. and prevention of crime means focusing on an issue like elementary school truancy because the connections are clear. and we can actually fix the problem, but it means focusing on these our youngest of children giving resources to the families that are raising them

because those families have a natural desire to parent their children well, but not necessarily the skills or the resources. but let's put as much attention into prevention as we do into reaction. and i think we will be smarter with the limited resources we have. >> do you have any research on the impact of marijuana use, which is not legal in california, but you've said it's only a matter of time. >> medical is. >> but what about -- what about illegal marijuana in california. and the impact of that on young people and their dropout rates. or is there any connection that you can determine? >> well -- what we are doing and what i'm doing as the chief law enforcement officer of the state is watching what's happening in washington and colorado which have both legalized marijuana for recreational use to see how they are actually handling all of the issues, including the impact and -- of legalization on young people.

and it is based on my research we need to be thoughtful on that. there is research showing it can damage a developing human brain. and so what we're doing is watching what colorado and washington is doing and we'll take cues from them. but generally speaking, i think it is something that is, you know, relatively inevitable in terms of, it is happening in this country. we need to do it in a smart way that recognizes that there are dangers. and we need precautions and safeguards to avoid those dangers. >> great to see you. attorney general of california. >> yeah. >> thank you very much. >> thank you. good to be here. cold, good to be here. >> it is cold. and more trouble for comedian bill cosby. netflix announced today it's postponing launch of cosby's new stand-up special. as for nbc entertainment, it is not commenting on plans for a new show on the network which has been previously announced.

the netflix decision came hours after janice dickinson added her name to a growing list of women who have accused the comic of sexual assault. in a statement, cosby's attorney says janice dickinson's story accusing bill cosby of rape is a complete lie. the only story she gave 12 years ago in her autobiography as well as in her interview with the media was that she refused to sleep with mr. cosby and he blew her off, close quote. that's the end of their statement. and this is andrea mitchell reports on msnbc. nyquil cold and flu liquid gels don't unstuff your nose. really? alka-seltzer plus night rushes relief to eight symptoms of a full blown cold including your stuffy nose. (breath of relief) oh, what a relief it is. thanks. anytime. ♪ there's confidence... then there's trusting your vehicle maintenance to ford service confidence. our expertise, technology, and high quality parts means your peace of mind. it's no wonder last year we sold

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talked about the audacity of hope, it's the power grab. >> yes we first reported to make his announcement tomorrow night. political correspondent kasie hunt at the republican governor's annual meeting, annual conference.

>> yes, the reaction here is overwhelmingly against the president. you heard governor walker there. i've always spoken with governor mike pence and governor bobby jindal of louisiana. they all paint this as a power grab from president obama. something he urged republicans to take it to the courts. i will say, though, it's easy for republicans to cost this as a problem with the president. as long as this is about obama, they're on pretty safe ground. but when you move past that to questions about what they would do with the undocumented immigrants when you move to questions about whether the government should be shutdown over this. which is been under discussion on the hill. that's a tougher line of questioning. >> and, in fact, the house has not done a thing on immigration with the senate bill for almost two years. they have vulnerability there, as well. thanks for your report. and that does it for us, a busy

edition of "andrea mitchell reports." follow the show online. and ronan farrow joins us with what's coming up next. >> great segment earlier on the ransom issues. very complicated and loved your take on it. we've got a big show coming up, everybody. keep it right here. you heard the breaking news about the timing on immigration reform. well, a take-up ahead on what that looks like on the ground. it's part two of my border battle series. and today, we tackle a big controversy. the ways in which people face death on the border. and some of the last-ditch efforts, expensive efforts at that being undertaken. also, an interesting and unexpected take on the news of the day from one jesse ventura. it's time for the "your business" entrepreneur of the week. julie howell celebrates live local saturdays at her store. she shows work from area artists as part of the shop small

initiative. in town, you'll also see banners and t-shirts reminding residents to shop, dine, play and love local. for more, watch "your business" on sunday mornings. >> founding partner of small business saturday, november 29th. ♪ let us be lovers, we'll marry our fortunes together ♪ ♪ i've got some real estate here in my bag ♪ ♪ it took me four days to hitch-hike from saginaw ♪ ♪ "i've come to look for america" ♪ then the spill. now the scrub and the second guess. finally, the rewash. or you can make it easy and do the pop with tide pods.

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[ snow intensifies ] [ sleighbells ring in the distance ] aleve. all day pain relief with just 2 pills. get back to being you. as the company that's all about printing. but did you know we also support hospitals using electronic health records for more than 30 million patients? or that our software helps over 20 million smartphone users remotely configure e-mail every month? or how about processing nearly $5 billion in electronic toll payments a year? in fact, today's xerox is working in surprising ways to help companies simplify the way work gets done and life gets lived. with xerox, you're ready for real business. welcome to the program, everybody. a lot going on right now. 1:00 p.m. on the east coast, 10:00 a.m. on the west. here's what you should know. we got confirmation at this

moment that president obama will be making his immigration announcement tomorrow night. two sources are telling our reporters that the president will make that announcement at 8:00 p.m. followed by a rally with senator harry reid. a live report with all the details in just a minute with chris jansing. and governor cuomo declaring a state of emergency and activating the national guard. this is, of course, as the state reels from a deadly weather emergency. troopers are using all terrain vehicles to search those stretches of interstate 90. these are from a truck driver who says he's been stuck since 1:00 a.m. tuesday. nearly 100 cars are trapped in that stretch, including one owned by a woman named katelyn bataglia. she spoke to a local affiliate this morning. >> we are like sitting ducks.