On Tuesday’s NBC Today, co-host Matt Lauer welcomed Congress back from its summer recess by warning of a government shutdown: “Congress back in session, okay, after a long recess. One of the topics we're going to hear about in the coming months or weeks the possible shutdown of the government again.” The headline on screen announced: “Congress Back to Work; Top Priority: Preventing Government Shutdown.”
Turning to political analyst Nicolle Wallace and Bloomberg Politics editor Mark Halperin, Lauer wondered: “How might that play into the campaign, the race?” Surprisingly, both pundits concluded that a budget stalemate would benefit Donald Trump. Wallace proclaimed: “I think people – this whole Republican side of the race at least – was about outsiders. And I think to the degree that the men and women in Washington look like the typical gridlocked insiders, I think that could serve Trump's interests.”
While the press has routinely blamed Republicans for any spending impasse and predicted political doom for the GOP, Halperin actually concurred with Wallace’s assessment: “If Washington looks like it’s dysfunctional and he can say, ‘I can fix it and she can't because she's part of the problem,’ that would be an advantage for him for sure.”
<<< Please consider helping NewsBusters financially with your tax-deductible contribution today >>>
<<< Thank you for your support! >>>
During a news brief minutes later, Lauer again fretted over a shutdown:
As we mentioned, lawmakers go back to work on Capitol Hill today, returning from a seven-week recess. And they have a long to-do list. Again, one thing that Congress has to do in the coming month, pass legislation that would prevent a government shutdown. Both chambers will have fewer than 20 days to complete the work before taking off for their month-long election season recess. Other high priority items on the agenda – approving funds to combat the Zika virus and moving forward with an anti-terrorism package.
Perhaps he was caught off guard by his guests not following the typical liberal narrative.
Here is a full transcript of the September 9 exchange with Wallace and Halperin:
7:08 AM ET
(...)
MATT LAUER: Real quickly, I don't know why I always love the swallows returning to Capistrano, but I do. Congress back in session, okay, after a long recess. One of the topics we're going to hear about in the coming months or weeks the possible shutdown of the government again. How might that play into the campaign, the race, Nicolle?
[ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: Congress Back to Work; Top Priority: Preventing Government Shutdown]
NICOLLE WALLACE: Listen, I think people – this whole Republican side of the race at least – was about outsiders. And I think to the degree that the men and women in Washington look like the typical gridlocked insiders, I think that could serve Trump's interests.
HALPERIN: The only reason Trump is the nominee, the only reason he’s got a chance is people want change. They don't like the way Washington works. If Washington looks like it’s dysfunctional and he can say, “I can fix it and she can't because she's part of the problem,” that would be an advantage for him for sure.
(...)
