Skip to main content

tv   Jose Diaz- Balart Reports  MSNBC  December 9, 2022 7:00am-8:00am PST

7:00 am
the future is bright. thank you for being with us. we appreciate your time. >> thank you for having me. joe, some final thought this is week in our remaining sends. >> it's been a remarkable week. the democrats picked up another seat to get up to 51. then lost one. the lord give earth and take earth away. democrats certainly look like they are going to be in control and chances are good she's going to vote based on her statements. >> it certainly looks that way. the great news that an american held unjustly for a long time is back home. brittney griner and the work continues to bring home paul whelan and other americans held abroad. that does it for us. jose diaz-balart picks up the coverage right now.
7:01 am
good morning. 10:00 a.m. easter 7:00 a.m. pacific. brittney griner lands on american soil after almost ten months in detention in russia. what's ahead for her today? also breaking, arizona senator sinema is no longer a democrat. why she says she changed her party affiliation. reaction to this announcement when we talk to senator pennsylvania padila. and the mayor of kentucky, we'll when we return. >> i have never seen so much in my life. >> gas prices are now lower than they were this time last year. how low could they go? and we begin this hour with
7:02 am
our top story. basketball star brittney griner is back on u.s. soil arriving in san antonio, texas, this morning after nearly 300 days in russian custody. you see her stepping off the plane. brittney griner is seen here in video released by russian-state tv showing the very moments of the prisoner, change on the tarmac. in which the u.s. released russian arms dealer vuk tort bout. the white house is facing criticism after the deal did not include businessman and former marine paul whelan. moscow accused whelan of spying, which washington denies. president biden says the u.s. will not give up on working towards whelan's release. this morning the national security council's john kirby addressed the deal on the "today" show. >>s this was not a choice between paul or brittney. the only deal we could secure was brittney for mr. bout. that was the only deal available to us. so the choice really was either
7:03 am
we bring brittney home and get one american released or get none. and obviously, we chose to get brittney home. >> just moments ago, russian leader vladimir putin spoke on griner's release and indicated new swaps in the future are possible. joining us now is kerry sanders in san antonio, texas. white house correspondent monica alba, and justice and intelligence correspondent ken dilanian. so kerry, what did griner's reception look like this morning? >> reporter: it was extremely brief and quick. i was surprised she got off the plane herself without a whole on the raj around her. behind me is the medical center where she was brought to. she's here to get treated and not only to have the medical treatment, but also to have a little pith of psychological evaluation and assistance. because remember, ten months in
7:04 am
detention, the last month in a rather harsh penal colony in russia. take a look at the video of her arriving. it's a brief shot, but you can see she walks off the plane with purpose. she seems to be upright, strong, making her way to the hangar. once there, she made her way with the state department folks who were with her in a van. the reason she's at the army medical center here is because they have a lot of experience dealing with americans who have been held captive, detained in foreign countries. trevor reed, sergeant bergdahl, they have a system in place to work for that. of course, right now, we believe after 21 hours coming from that exchange on the tarmac there in abu dhabi, that's a long flight, rather exhausting, ten months on top of that.
7:05 am
she landed here at 4:20 a.m. local time. it's probably a pretty good bet without official lu getting it from sources she may be asleep if the hospital right now. >> and do we know what the process that she's going to be going through now thats she's in that medical center? >> reporter: the process is one of experts president medical experts will do a top physical examination. there's going to be questions about the diet she's been and some of the physical aspects of detention. and then really the focus should be, from what i'm told, is on the psychological debrief and what to expect. no matter how strong they are, detention, the unknowing aspect of all of this, all of this requires an easing back into
7:06 am
society. that's what the experts here can help her do. >> and monaco, as we heard from john kirby, was this deal always griner for bout? do we know anything else? >> this particular it ration, those were the terms. what we have learned from senior administration officials is after months of these talks and behind the scenes communications, sometimes the terms were being played out in public. that's something that the white house felt wasn't as helpful. we do remember a couple months ago when they came forward and put their proposal on the table, the u.s. wanted to see it they could get both brittney griner and paul whelan home in, change for that russian arms dealer. the russians for their part never really seriously responded. they didn't offer any kind of a counter offer, according to official n that moment. at least not publicly. there was a lot of discussion
7:07 am
over the summer about whether some of this playing out in this forum where it seemed like there was some negotiating in the press was helpful to the case of either of these what the white house says are wrongfully detained americans with brittney griner now free. so that's why negotiations took on aen different shape. ultimately, the white house feels this time around that was the only proposal on the table. the russians were saying we're willing to give you brittney griner for viktor bout or no one. that's why they felt they had to go forward with this decision and responding to questions about now what happens to paul whelan. the white house says they are still working very intensity to see if they could get hymn out. though it's unclear what that proposal would look like. senior administrate officials are reiterating they don't think the best way or path forward is to do that in public. so i wouldn't be surprised if we don't hear much about that in the weeks to comp. >> and is the white house concerned about potential
7:08 am
consequences of bout's release? >> of course, not only the white house, but national security officials are quite concerned. viktor bout may still have connections in the arms trade, could somehow be valuable to the kremlin. he still looks like a young man who could still contribute. at the same time, he was by some accounts semiretired at the time he was arrested in a sting operation in 2008 but the drug enforcement administration. some of the people he worked with are no longer in the arms trade. so the pictures is a little unclear on that. in terms of what happens now with paul whelan, it's pretty clear. his brother said thissen on air yesterday. the russians consider him to be a spy, even though the u.s. denies that. the russians are looking for a spy for spy swap. the problem is it's not clear that there are any russian spies in u.s. custody. there's one russian businessman with kremlin ties, who was
7:09 am
extradited in september and is accused of hacking and insider trading. the justice department is loathed to consider trades for people who haven't gone through the criminal justice sl. his case has a ways to go. there's a real dilemma with whelan, as long as the russians are holding out for a spy for spy that is they consider it. >> this process is at this russian going through may take awhile. what are we talking about? >> i was just checking the file and his defense lawyers tried to dismiss the case it's going forward, but that could take another year, unless he pleads guilty. i don't even know this person is considered a one for one equivalent by the russians because he's not awe accused of espionage. he's someone with ties to the kremlin who took a trip to swit
7:10 am
letter land and grabbed by authorities. it's somebody the russians would want to have back, but we'll just have to see. >> is the white house optimistic that anything going forward could happen visa see whelan or anybody else? >> if you ask president biden, the answer is absolutely yes. he intends to continue to do everything that he can. i think when you look at how this unfolded yesterday, the fact that brittney griner wees wife was brought to the white house without know whag this meeting was going to be about, she was told you're going to get an update. that speaks to the fact of how sensitive all of these negotiations go. until it's a done deal, it's not. so this is a white house that wants to be incredibly careful. they don't want to give false hope, but the president says he's going to continue working toward it. there has been a history in the administration of freed americans around the world from other countries that this negotiators have been able to bring home. but this particular case with
7:11 am
paul whelan is sensitive and john kirby said this morning he's in a different category, according to the russians, when it comes to these talks. so they would have to go forward in a different manner. but you can believe that the administration is going to continue and the biggest thing they want to reiterate is that paul whelan has not forgotten, even though he was left behind in this swat. >> thank you all very much for being with us this morning. up next, krysten sinema announced she's leaving the democratic party. why this move will have major repercussions. plus new reporting on how the biden administration is preparing for a major uptick in border crossings with title 42 ending in less than two weeks. we'll talk about that and a whole lot more with senator padilla, next. you're watching "jose diaz-balart reports." watch ing diaz-balart reports. 14 pro. (scrooge) amazing phone! (vo) this holiday season verizon gives you the new iphone 14 pro.
7:12 am
plus an apple gift, like apple watch se, ipad and beats fit pro. all on us. that's a value of up to $1900. (scrooge) wow! (vo) and there are unlimited plans for everyone starting at just $35 a line. it's our best deal of the year. get the network you deserve and the savings you want. only on verizon. research shows people remember commercials with nostalgia. so to help you remember that liberty mutual customizes your home insurance, here's one that'll really take you back. wow! what'd you get, ryan? it's customized home insurance from liberty mutual!!! what does it do, bud? it customizes our home insurance so we only pay for what we need! and what did you get, mike? i got a bike. ♪ only pay for what you need. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ i was born on the south side of chicago. it has been a long road, but now i'm working for schwab. i love to help people understand the world through their lens and invest accordingly.
7:13 am
you can call us christmas eve at four o'clock in the morning. we're gonna always make sure that you have all of the financial tools and support to secure your financial future. that means a lot for my community and for every community. this holiday season save big on all the gifts you need for the gifts that keep on giving. because while they have no idea what's going on here... -hi. -...a little something of their own will get them in the spirit. they don't know why you'd ever leave the house like this... but they'll happily hold down the fort while you're gone. -smiles! -and let's be honest, they'll never understand this whole situation... but they do get this. thank goodness. great prices. happy pets. chewy. ugh, this rental car is so boring to drive. let's be honest. the rent-a-car industry is the definition of boring. and the reason can be found in the name itself. rent - a - car?
7:14 am
you don't want a friend. you want the friend. you don't want a job. you want the job. the is always over a. that's why we don't offer a car. we offer the car. ( ♪♪ ) sixt. rent the car.
7:15 am
i am puss in boots. ( ♪♪ ) the legend will never die. ohh!!! you are down to your last life. oh no. the legend tells of a wishing star. that star will get me my lives back. the wishing star is in the dark forest. 1, 2, after you. wait, what? relief at the pump for
7:16 am
millions of drivers as gas prices fall. take a look. the average price of a regular began is $3.32. cheaper than it was this time last year. and it could fall below $3 a gallon by christmas. the average price had reached a record $5.01 per gallon in june and stayed high through the summerer and the tall. aaa says gas prices are falling like snow flakes because demand remains low we're watching a major oil spill. the keystone pipeline now shut down after more than 14,000 barrels of crude oil spilled into a kansas creek making it one of the largest spills in the u.s. in nearly a decade. i want to bring in perry at a gas station in chicago. good morning. just how low could we see gas prices fall? >> reporter: good morning to you. let's start with gas prices. we're speaking with gad gas
7:17 am
buddy. we could expect the average of gas to go below $3 a gallon. that's a far cry from that $5 number we saw in june. we're seeing some of major drops in prices on the west coast and here in the great lakes region. but in chicago, prices are still high. over my shoulder, $4.40 a fwlon. but prices are always high here in chicago. there was a seasonal drop this time of year when it comes to gas prices. people aren't driving as much. these refineries are producing more gas. the supply is going up. the number three, china is the world's third largest consumer of gas. with their zero covid policy, people aren't driving as much and that's making the supply grow. let's talk about diesel. this is what makes the country duo. we're talking about trains, trucks and ships. we're not seeing as much of a decline there as we are away with gasoline. we have numbers to show you court see of aaa.
7:18 am
the current price, $4.98. last week that was $5.13. last month, $5.36. one year ail eighth it was $3.61. they expect prices to drop in the next few weeks. >> thank you very much. appreciate that. now to some big news out of capitol hill. this morning arizona senator krysten sinema announced she's changing her party afill kwags kwags from democrat to independent. >> with don't spend a lot of time thinking about is this a republican idea or this z this a democratic idea. is this a liberal or conservative. that's not how arizonans think. >> a senior white house official tells nbc news sinema will continue to caucus with the democrats. the party just secured a 51-49 senate majority in the midterms. this shakeup comes at a busy time for lawmakers racing to get things done before the end of
7:19 am
the year like passing that major funding package needed to keep the government running. and sinema herself making a last-minute push to enact immigration reform before the end of the year. i want to bring in capitol hill correspondent ryan nobles. good morning. hp us make sense of this announcement today. >> reporter: functionally here in washington, it probably won't make anything all that different. she's been a maverick in the democrat you can caucus bucking her party on a number of big you were issues that chuck schumer had hoped to get her support on. so it is likely that will continue, especially if she agreeses to continue to be a functional member of the democratic caucus. there's precedent in that regard. we have angus king of maine, bernie sanders vermont not relk stered members but caucus for organizational purposes. that means chuck schumer will be the majority leader and still
7:20 am
have is an advantage when it comes to committees. this means the situation for sinema is going to change in arizona. she was under a tremendous amount of of pressure from the democratic party in that state who were upset with her for stepping aside and not supporting democrats' efforts on reconciliation and other funding bills. things along those lines. it was likely she was going to face a pretty stiff primary challenge when she was up for reelection. this maybe her trying to stake out her own claim as an independent in her own political stance. it's important to point out that in arizona, folks, voters registered as independents actually outnumber the voters that register as democrat. so there's a lot going on here. this does seem to be a long-term strategy for sinema, who we should also point out is not officially plans to run for
7:21 am
reelection. >> ryan nobles, thank you. joining us now is senator alex padilla of california. it's great to see you this morning. thank you for your time. first, what's your reaction to sinema's news? >> well, a little surprised, but i think not shocked because you have seen how she's gone about her work as a senator the last couple years. i think the prior segment nailed it. i don't expect much to change. she's shown has an undependent streak in how she operates. a lot of her core values are still progressive. whether it's battling climate change or defending reproductive rights and so much more. it's internal where she's distinguished herself. but look forward to continuing to work with her on these important issues. >> one of the issues she's apparently been working on is last-minute immigration reform with senator tilless calling for more protection for dreamers, beefing up border security.
7:22 am
what is the future as far as some immigration reform? what does it look like? >> i think we put this in the category of an example of we do not give up. senator sinema has shown her effectiveness in working across the aisle. so she can help bring something home here before the end of the year, i would be all for it. i think the window is tight. we need ten republicans to come along. that's wla what we haven't been able to find in a long time. i talked to republican colleagues as there's been rumors about a framework, i don't see a lot of appetite for including it. time is running out. but if it means that we're up for action, the next year, that would be great. if we strike in a bottle and get something through before the end of the year, even better. because so many others in dire
7:23 am
need of relief have waited far too long. >> but i'm glad you are giving us the lay of the land there. it does seem improbable that either as a stand alone bill or as hooked on to another one, anything on immigration reform. even something as so universally supported as daca would be part of this lame duck session. >> and my frustration with so many of my republican colleagues behind closed doors, they support dreamers. but then let's do something publicly for all the chatter that's been for a week now on the frame work or deal, nobody has seen lack waj. they haven't revealed language or a draft bill to respond to. i want to be hopeful and optimistic and continue to weigh in. but the question is what will republicans extract in exchange
7:24 am
or what is it they want? so a lot to be determined, but always keep hope alive. >> and senator, there's new exclusive reporting that the biden administration is asking congress for more than $3 billion to deal with a possible increase of migrants at the southern border when those covid restrictions end later this month. what future does this have on capitol hill? is there a correct move n your eyes? >> look, the courts have title 42 needs to end. let's remember title 42 was not immigration policy to begin with. it was covid policy. we have come a long way since the first days of the pandemic. the question is what will life look like after title 42 is lifted. whether it's december 21st, i think that date is going to change, but whatever replaces it and the need for comprehensive updates to our immigration laws,
7:25 am
it needs to be fair. it needs to be secure. it needs to be humane. >> i want to ask you about your work tealing on wildfires. ab amendment to the ndaa that provides more resources for fire suppression both passed this week. you were a leader on this. what does this mean for states as fire isn't grows more destructive? >> right. it's not just california. it's the entire west. it's suffered from hotter summers and drought. so it's about updating fema protocols and regulations. fema, they have gotten good at anticipating and responding to hurricanes and tornadoes and floods, but not so much when it comes to wildfires, which are an increasing reality in the western united states. so apply the same principles of
7:26 am
prepositioning assets, working better with communities to not just get through a disaster, but recover from a disaster is what the fire act is all about. it went through the both houses of congress with tremendous bipartisan support and i'm looking forward to the president's signature on that and one of the last pieces of business in the lame duck session is the omnibus and we do have a privilege that we're lifting a cap of the number of surplus department of defense aur craft that can be transferred to other federal agencies like california. so a lot of good stuff as we prepare for the next year, the next wildfire season. >> senator padilla, thank you for being with us this morning. >> thank you, jose. coming up, a year after a
7:27 am
deadly tornado dvastated the city of mayfield, kentucky, we go back and we revisit with a family we first met shortly after they lost everything. they now have a new home built with an added layer of protection. >> as this family begins to create new memories in their new home thrks tornado shelter is what gives them so much confidence in the future. h confidence in the future would be coaxed with a spoon on the fluffiest french toast with red currants on top we wish you a happy holiday, only at ihop. new gingersnap apple french toast, part of our new holiday menu. try all three flavors. announcer: type 2 diabetes? discover the power of 3 in parthe ozempic® tri-zone.enu. in my ozempic® tri-zone, i lowered my a1c, cv risk, and lost some weight. announcer: ozempic® provides powerful a1c reduction. in studies, the majority of people reached an a1c under 7 and maintained it. ozempic® lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events
7:28 am
such as stroke, heart attack, or death in adults also with known heart disease. and you may lose weight. adults lost up to 14 pounds. ozempic® isn't for people with type 1 diabetes. don't share needles or pens, or reuse needles. don't take ozempic® if you or your family ever had medullary thyroid cancer, or have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or if allergic to it. stop ozempic® and get medical help right away if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, severe stomach pain, or an allergic reaction. serious side effects may include pancreatitis. gallbladder problems may occur. tell your provider about vision problems or changes. taking ozempic® with a sulfonylurea or insulin may increase low blood sugar risk. side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may worsen kidney problems. join the millions already taking ozempic®. ask your health care provider about the ozempic® tri-zone. announcer: you may pay as little as $25 for a 3-month prescription. (vo) after fifteen years of the share the love event, subaru and our retailers have donated over two hundred and fifty million dollars to charity.
7:29 am
in fact, subaru is the largest corporate donor to the aspca... ...and the national park foundation. and the largest automotive donor to meals on wheels... ...and make-a-wish. get a new subaru during the share the love event and subaru and our retailers will donate three hundred dollars to charity. want your clothes to smell freshly washed all day without heavy perfumes? try downy light in-wash freshness boosters. it has long-lasting light scent, no heavy perfumes, and no dyes. finally, a light scent that lasts all day. downy light!
7:30 am
power e*trade's easy-to-use tools like dynamic charting and risk-reward analysis help make trading feel effortless. and its customizable scans with social sentiment help you find and unlock opportunities in the market i recommend nature made vitamins because i trust their quality. they were the first to be verified by usp... ...an independent organization that sets strict quality and purity standards.
7:31 am
nature made. the number one pharmacist recommended vitamin and supplement brand. 30 past the hour. tomorrow marks one year since a deadly tornado devastated the city of mayfield, kentucky. we were there last year talking to folks right after they had lost everything. this week, we went back to see how the recovery was going and we found that mayfield is still rebuilding. there's progress and there's hope. >> today there is hope in mayfield, kentucky, as it continues to recover and rebuild from last year's tornado that carved a path of death and destruction for nearly 200 miles. at least 88 people died across 5 states.
7:32 am
a temporary memorial now stands in downtown for the 24 people who died in mayfield. a year ago the county commissioner who represents mayfield joined our live coverage. he joined us again in exactly the same place. >> you can rebuild the buildings. you can rebuild the restaurants, the retail spaces, but you can't replace people. sdplr a year august we were on the ground in mayfield. hundreds of buildings, homes, places of worship destroyed in a matter of seconds. driving here on broadway a year ago, one found just a scene of destruction and devastation. one year later, there's still so much rebuilding to do. >> reporter: but many homes have been rebuilt including a brand new house for this family. we first met them last year after they survived by hiding inside their bathroom. >> i was thinking that we
7:33 am
weren't going to make it. >> does that tornado still hurt you? >> yes. when it rains or thunder, i get so nervous, so scared. i start crying. >> reporter: everything inside their house was sucked up by the tornado. everything but their statue of our lady of gaut lieu pay. it did not move. >> it's a miracle. she was there with us taking care of us. >> reporter: the disaster services homes and hope built and furnished their home for free. >> i couldn't believe it. i started crying. >> reporter: homes of hope also built jimmy's new home. >> i love it. this is what god will do for you. i never seen a town jump in there and get it together like they did.
7:34 am
>> reporter: amid a long recovery, more reasons for hope. a restaurant reopens in the middle of mostly empty lots. >> the barn is back. >> we're back. >> reporter: the barn is the first and only restaurant that has reopened in downtown mayfield. the landmark restaurant has been in susan flint's family since 1954. the tornado turned it to rubble. >> i knew immediately we were going to rebuild. that was not a questions question. >> reporter: the restaurant reopened just six months later. >> our customers appreciate it. they have a flies go. >> reporter: the soubds of a busy restaurant, a sign that mayfield is coming back. >> the county commissioner tells us there's so many plans already in place and there's funding available for the reconstruction of downtown mayfield, including a permanent memorial for the people that lost their lives. the city of mayfield is strong. it's a city as resilient as its
7:35 am
people it was an honor to be back there this week. coming up, the impact of brittney griner's release on future negotiations between the u.s. and russia. you're watching "jose diaz-balart reports." re watchin diaz-balart reports. hen tool? my brain. so i choose neuriva plus. unlike some others, neuriva plus is a multitasker supporting 6 key indicators of brain health. to help keep me sharp. neuriva: think bigger. you've put your dreams on hold. remember this? but i spoke to our advisor, and our vanguard investments are on track. “we got this, babe.” so go do what you love. thanks for being our superhero. only at vanguard, you're more than just an investor—you're an owner. giving you flexibility to follow your dreams. that's the value of ownership. i remember the gift, and it was one of those gifts
7:36 am
that it just hit. it just landed perfectly. we talked with my mom and was like, “hey do you think that we should do something like that for dad?” and she was like “you know what i think that would be actually really cool.” ♪ i figured this is a great holiday present since i won't be with him for christmas. ♪ it was the best gift that i ever received, in my entire life. because it opened up my life. unwrap your family story, with ancestrydna. ♪ i have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. now, there's skyrizi. ♪things are getting clearer♪ ♪i feel free to bare my skin♪ ♪yeah, that's all me♪ ♪nothing and me go hand in hand♪ ♪nothing on my skin♪ ♪that's my new plan♪
7:37 am
♪nothing is everything♪ achieve clearer skin with skyrizi. 3 out of 4 people achieved 90% clearer skin at 4 months. in another study, most people had 90% clearer skin, even at 4 years. and skyrizi is just 4 doses a year, after 2 starter doses. ♪it's my moment, so i just gotta say♪ ♪nothing is everything♪ serious allergic reactions and an increased risk of infections, or a lower ability to fight them, may occur. tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms, had a vaccine or plan to. ♪nothing is everything♪ now's the time to ask your doctor about skyrizi, the number one dermatologist prescribed biologic. learn how abbvie could help you save. i'm getting vaccinated with prevnar 20®. a pfizer vaccine! so am i. because i'm at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. i'm asking about prevnar 20® because there's a chance pneumococcal pneumonia could put me in the hospital. if you're 19 or older, with certain chronic conditions like copd, asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
7:38 am
or are 65 or older, you may be at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. prevnar 20® is approved in adults to help prevent infections from 20 strains of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia. in just one dose. don't get prevnar 20® if you've had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients. adults with weakened immune systems may have a lower response to the vaccine. the most common side effects were pain and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and joint pain. i want to be able to keep my plans. that's why i chose to get vaccinated with prevnar 20®. because just one dose can help protect me from pneumococcal pneumonia. ask your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated with prevnar 20® today. my most important kitchen tool? my brain.
7:39 am
so i choose neuriva plus. unlike some others, neuriva plus is a multitasker supporting 6 key indicators of brain health. to help keep me sharp. neuriva: think bigger. 38 past the hour. moments ago, nbc news learned after aoife arriving on u.s. soil, brittney griner was taken to brook army medical center in san antonio for a routine evaluation. she was released from russia yesterday in exchange for russian arms dealer viktor bout. but another high-profile american paul whelan remains in russian custody, as does another lesser known american. joining us is president of the council on foreign relations. so with viktor bout released,
7:40 am
what does leverage look like for the u.s. now to try to get whelan home? >> again, unless there's some other russian to potentially trade, there could be some spy down the road or what have you, it would be the sort of thing that putin might to if and when he decided it was in his interest. you would have some larger concern and they may want to make some gesture to influence american public or a lead opinion in the midst of this or that negotiation or sanctions consideration or something about ukraine. but again, he's not going to do it out of any humanitarian good will. this is cold, cold calllation on his part. >> you have reported on another american mark fogle in detention. tell us about mark. >> mark fogle is a teacher at the school in moscow, which is a school for the children of diplomats and for really the
7:41 am
global elite who lived in moscow. very tralkic situation where he was returning to moscow for a tenth and final year of teaching at that school a city he really, really loved. he was caught at the airport with about half an ounce of medical marijuana that he was using for chronic pain. he was eventually sentenced to 14 years in russian prison, which is just a staggering number when you think about it. >> and what's his situation? what's his situation today? >> dire, i would say because they had hoped, his family had hoped and several pretty high profile and former ambassadors, including the babs to russia have been trying to the get him included in a prisoner swap.
7:42 am
but from all indications, they haven't been able to get any traction on that. i will say that i spoke with jayne fogle yesterday after the brittney griner news. jean and she assured me that the state department has been in contact. they have told her that her husband is on the radar. they are still working. they say don't lose hope. don't be disheartened. >> meanwhile, saudi arabia and the uae claim they were a part of mediation efforts. it was kind of a joint statement they released to free griner. the u.s. denies this. how unusual is this? >> it's not unusual. you have all sorts of countries, for some reason a lot of the middle east, turkey, uae and others, israel even who have connections to various sites.
7:43 am
there's not a lot of countries that have decent or functioning diplomatic die thais to the united states and russia. so i get it. they may play sol type of an indirect or direct role is not surprising, but what matters here is not the intermediary. what matters here is the calculation of the various sides. we were willing to pay a high price to get ms. griner back. poout was more than willing to take a trade that he saw in his favor and strength his hand at home. so this happened. >> and such incredible world perspective. what message do you think this prisoner exchange sent around the world? >> i think it says that maybe the united states is willing to make a deal, even if it's involving a person who was considered really a horrible person, as he has been described by many others who have had information about what viktor bout was involved in.
7:44 am
but i think it also gives a little bit of hope to americans who being held abroad and it's not just paul whelan. there are americans being held in other places too. when they see a deal being made t gives them a little hope, but it also makes them wander. it gives them this lingering question. is it possible for someone who is not well known, not a celebrity like brittney griner to get this kind of deal. will the united states go that extra mile for someone who not a high profile person. that's the question in the minds, i think, of the fogels and a lot of people who have family members abroad in prisons and with little hope of coming back. >> what are your thoughts on that? >> fair point. i think the attention you give
7:45 am
to certain people in a funny way reduce ours leverage. the administration came under considerable pressure to get a deal for ms. griner. and putin was more than willing to pocket that. so it puts families and others in an extraordinarily difficult position. they want to put pressure on the administration. they want to make sure the case of their loved one doesn't fade off the radar. on the other hand, the very attention that it's given increases to some extent the strength of the other side. it also increases the temptation of the world to find new americans to take hostage. so this is not a simple calculation. >> thank you both for being with us this morning. up next, what the justice department is reportedly asking a federal judge to do after months of frustration with former president trump's lawyers. you're watching "jose diaz-balart reports." diaz-balart reports. 'tis the season to switch to verizon.
7:46 am
they'll give you the new iphone 14 pro. (scrooge) amazing phone! (vo) this holiday season verizon gives you the new iphone 14 pro. plus an apple gift, like apple watch se, ipad and beats fit pro. all on us. that's a value of up to $1900. (scrooge) wow! (vo) and there are unlimited plans for everyone starting at just $35 a line. it's our best deal of the year. get the network you deserve and the savings you want. only on verizon.
7:47 am
at fidelity, your dedicated advisor will help you create a comprehensive wealth plan for your full financial picture. with the right balance of risk and reward. so you can enjoy more of...this. this is the planning effect. ugh, this rental car is so boring to drive. let's be honest. the rent-a-car industry is the definition of boring. and the reason can be found in the name itself. rent - a - car? you don't want a friend. you want the friend. you don't want a job. you want the job. the is always over a. that's why we don't offer a car.
7:48 am
we offer the car. ( ♪♪ ) sixt. rent the car. good news! a new clinical study showed that centrum silver supports cognitive health in older adults. it's one more step towards taking charge of your health. so every day, you can say... ♪ youuu did it! ♪ with centrum silver. ♪♪ you pour your heart into everything you do, which is a lot. so take care of that heart with lipton. because sippin' on unsweetened lipton can help support a healthy heart. lipton. stop chuggin'. start sippin'.
7:49 am
48 past the hour. the justice department is asking a federal judge to hold trump's office in contempt of court. prosecutors allege that trump's team did not comply with the subpoena to hand over all classified document hs in the former president's possession. joining us now is ashley parker, "washington post" senior national political correspondent. it's great seeing you. let's begin with the special counsel's office looking into holding trump's legal team in contempt. why do prosecutors think this is necessary? >> well, what this really underscores is the total breakdown in trust between trump's lawyers and the department of justice prosecutors. and there's good reason for that
7:50 am
lack of trust. you may recall there was a subpoena for all these documents in may. in june trump's team said, yes, we everything over. then there was the fbi search of mar-a-lago in august that revealed dozens more classified documents proving that trump's team had, in fact, not done what they had said. >> so i'm just wondering if the judge does, in fact, rule in favor with prosecutors, what could this mean for trump ask his team? >> well, what the justice department wants is someone on trump's team to sort of unequivocally sign a document, a legally binding document that says we have turned over everything. turned over everything. and trump's team doesn't want to do that in part because they don't trust the assurances from trump himself. what it would mean is that there would likely be a daily fine of trump's team, it's unclear how
7:51 am
much that fine would be, how large it would be, who would be forced to pay the fine, but that is sort of the most immediate consequence if the judge rules in the justice department's favor. >> and the special master review of the classified documents found in mar-a-lago is coming to an end. how did that happen and what's the significance of that? >> well, the reason there was a special master review in the first place was because the former president requested it and a florida judge appointed by trump granted it. and then that was -- that was appealed and overturned, and trump's team had a period of time that just ended to appeal that ruling and they decided not to. but what it means is, it makes it a lot easier for prosecutors to look at all the documents that were seized from mar-a-lago and potentially use them as evidence in a case against the former president. >> ashley parker, thank you so much. it's great seeing you.
7:52 am
appreciate it. >> thank you. up next, the u.n. says residents in haiti's capital are facing, quote, catastrophic conditions. we'll speak with an admiral who once led the southern command about what could be done to help the desperate situation on the ground there. you're watching "jose diaz-balart reports." reports. no matter your purpose, at pnc private bank we will work with you every step of the way to help you achieve it. so let us focus on the how. just tell us - what's your why?
7:53 am
tide pods ultra oxi one ups the cleaning power of liquid. so let us focus on the how. can it one up whatever they're doing? for sure. seriously? one up the power of liquid, one up the toughest stains. any further questions? uh uh! one up the power of liquid with tide pods ultra oxi.
7:54 am
the eat fresh® refresh just won't stop! now, subway® is refreshing their catering with easy-order platters and lunchboxes perfect for any party. pool parties... tailgates... holiday parties... even retirement parties. man, i love parties. subway keeps refreshing and refreshing
7:55 am
55 past the hour. the biden administration
7:56 am
announced that it is extending temporary protection status for haitians living in the u.s. citing the dangerous conditions on the ground in haiti. and the "new york times" reports that some biden administration officials are pushing for a multinational force to move into haiti that would not include u.s. troops. joining us now is admiral james stavridis, former supreme allied commander at nato. he is an nbc news chief international analyst. it's always a pleasure to see you. you were so involved in so many things. one of them, u.n. peacekeeping mission into haiti. you've been on the ground there. how do you see this? >> when i was commander of u.s. southern command, jose, as you know, i was in charge of all military activity south of the united states for three years. from 2006 to 2009. during that period of time, the united nations had a multinational peacekeeping force up to around 8,000 troops and
7:57 am
police and it very much stabilized haiti. here's the punch line, jose. out of 8,000 troops on the ground, the u.s. had four, five people. this was truly the rest of the world. notably the brazilians, the jordanians, very successful mission. stabilized the country. as you know in 2010, a devastating earthquake pushed everything back. haiti has been struggling since then. that u.n. mission closed down in 2017. i think it's time to bring it back. >> what would be some of the real positive aspects of that and what would be some of the dangerous and, well, concerning aspects of that, admiral? >> yeah, the positive is pretty evident. what is happening today in haiti is almost complete anarchy. there's no centralized government. the former leader of the
7:58 am
government was assassinated. haiti is really being run by gangs. it's the poorest nation in the americas, one of the ten poorest in the world, and here in the united states we out to care not only for the humanitarian parts but because of the potential for a mass migration out of that place. we saw it before in the 1980s when conditions were equally dire. so a stabilization for us could bring law and order and allow aid to flow responsibly. the risks on the other side of the equation, jose, are pretty obvious. it's a chaotic situation. you would be putting a multinational force in place. there could be opposition from the gangs which are quite happy running port-au-prince. so there would be risks, but i think there's a clear case of need. it's the type of thing the united nations was constructed
7:59 am
to deal with. >> haiti has been -- it's an extraordinary place with extraordinary people and yet they've been condemned to have, you know, baby docks and we've seen how international military exercises to bring back our -- so many other things have not been permanently positive. just wondering, gosh, what can -- how can haiti progress and just become what they're capable of doing if they just had a government that would respect people? >> you lay it all out perfectly correctly, jose. this is a prime example of the simple fact that leadership matters. and if the haitians had the kind of leadership that they deserve and they are certainly capable of generating from within their society, plus that initial shot of stabilization, i think it could be turned around.
8:00 am
this is a country with a population of about 10 million. it's been independent for 200 years. it has enormous potential. we owe them a chance. >> admiral james stavridis, it's always a pleasure to see you. thank you so much for being with us this morning. and today the quarterfinal matches kicking off at the world cup. if you're not watching, i can tell you, game one between brazil and croatia is under way. 0-0. they're in halftime. and at 2:00 p.m. eastern, 11:00 a.m. pacific, argentina will take on the netherlands who defeated the u.s. in the first round of the knockout stage last week. you can watch them in a number of places but you should watch them only on telemundo. even if you don't speak spanish, just by listening to how they do it, you'll understand it. that wraps up the hour for me. i'm jose diaz-balart. i'll see you tor

172 Views

info Stream Only

Uploaded by TV Archive on