Sen. Ernst no longer wants to talk about Hegseth

Plus, Biden to commute sentences of roughly 1,500 offenders

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 THE LATEST There's a reason Joni Ernst doesn't want to talk about Pete Hegseth anymore By Brendan Buck The fate of Pete Hegseth's chances to be the next secretary of defense may still be in the hands of Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa. But, for now, she kindly requests that you ask someone else about it.   In issuing a statement this week pledging to "support Pete through this process," Ernst has sought to remove herself from the spotlight, one that shines hotter than ever in the Trump era.   Ernst, deliberately or not, found herself as a main character in the Hegseth confirmation drama. A survivor of sexual assault and military veteran herself, she has obvious questions about Hegseth's views on women in combat, as well as an accusation of sexual misconduct against him (for which he was not charged and which he denies).    This is a preview of Brendan Buck's latest article. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES PAUL WALDMAN What Trump's replacement of Lina Khan reveals about JD Vance Don't expect this administration to take the side of consumers when they come in conflict with corporate interests. Read more. DANIEL R. DEPETRIS Trump says the U.S. 'should have nothing to do with' Syria. He's right. But when Trump uttered similar sentiments in his first administration, he did not follow through. Read more. CLARISSA-JAN LIM Capitol Police arrest activist accused of attacking Nancy Mace, as witnesses dispute allegation Mace said she was 'physically accosted' by a man advocating for transgender rights. Witnesses with a group affiliated with the man dispute the allegation, saying the two simply shared a handshake. Read more. JULIO RICARDO VARELA Netflix's decision to adapt this literary masterpiece could have been a disaster. But it wasn't. The Netflix series offers countless moments of brilliance that prove creating art from other works of art is still possible. Read more.         TOP VIDEOS WAY TOO EARLY Biden commutes sentences of roughly 1,500 offenders in largest single-day act of clemency WATCH NOW 11TH HOUR Trumpworld celebrates resignation announcement from Wray (who was appointed by Trump) WATCH NOW THE REIDOUT Rep. Jeffries: House Democrats are prepared for second Trump administration  WATCH NOW ANDREA MITCHELL REPORTS Trump plans to lift restriction on ICE arrests at churches, schools and hospitals WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC A new episode of "Prosecuting Donald Trump" is now available. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord summarize the 80-page motion filed by Donald Trump's legal team to dismiss his New York criminal case, and underscore why a sitting president might find a pending case constricting. Listen now, and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening and bonus content. TWe're in strange times. In the U.S., we're finding ourselves in a situation in which the possibility of genuine democratic retrenchment and some version of presidential authoritarian dictatorship is a real possibility. There's a lot to consider as the liberal democracy we've become accustomed to could erode right before our eyes in the near future. Steve Levitsky is a professor of government at Harvard and serves as the director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies. Levitsky is also a New York Times bestselling author of numerous books including, "How Democracies Die" and "Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point," which he co-authored with Daniel Ziblatt. He joins WITHpod to discuss entering into a new era, the uncertainty of this moment, the process by which a democracy might backslide into something that's less democratic and resisting the erosion. Listen now.    MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE