Marco Rubio’s 2028 ambitions

Plus, Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer |

VIEW IN BROWSER Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 Today, we’re looking at Katie Zacharia’s disastrous first press conference, Marco Rubio’s looming 2028 decision, what Sherrod Brown gets wrong about impeaching Trump and more. Plus, Chris Hayes examines the ”hacks” and “grifters” Trump surrounds himself with.   Samuel Corum / Sipa / Bloomberg via Getty Images Katie Zacharia’s first press conference proved there’s no meritocracy in Trump’s White House By David Litt At her inaugural briefing as President Donald Trump’s new press secretary Tuesday morning, Katie Zacharia answered a handful of questions. But her performance raised many more.   In a way, I can empathize. I started working in the Obama White House when I was 24. I needed some basic training, too. But I was hired for a junior role, while press secretary is one of the White House’s most senior positions.   In 2015, Trump promised that if he were elected president, he would “surround myself only with the best and most serious people.” It would be easy to conclude that this pledge to hire the best people is just another broken promise.   But the truth might be more complicated — and in a way, more dangerous for the country.   This is a preview of David Litt’s latest column. Read the full column here. Respond directly to David Litt’s latest column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Respond directly to David Litt’s latest column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Must Reads   Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Will Marco Rubio run for president in 2028? Trump calls him a “master.” Polls show him gaining on Vance. So why hasn’t Marco Rubio made a move? Read more from Felicia Schwartz and Jacqueline Alemany. Federal judge indefinitely reverses White House ban on national news organizations in victory for press U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly sided with MS NOW, CNN and Politico in their bid for access to the White House under the Trump administration. Read more from Fallon Gallagher. Sherrod Brown doesn't get to decide if Trump is impeached The Ohio Democrat didn’t have to support impeaching Trump immediately — but shutting down the idea completely was a mistake, argues Hayes Brown. Read more. Democrats are pushing into Trump country. Are they going far enough? Some analysts say the party left seats on the table in its 2006 wave. This year, Democrats are targeting districts Trump won by 20 points, but a cash gap could keep winnable races out of reach. Read more from Kevin Frey. Anna Lefkowitz / MS NOW;  Pete Kiehart for The Washington Post via Getty Images; Getty Images Hegseth’s Christian nationalist crusade at the Pentagon riles troops Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s rhetoric has prompted hundreds of service members to file complaints with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Read more from Priya Sridhar and Peggy Helman. Letter to the Editor   “I am not a farmer. But it’s easy to admire them when I bite into a juicy peach from Georgia, a crisp apple from Michigan or a ripe strawberry from Florida. I think it’s time for the conservative farmers of America to finally understand that Republicans in Congress do not have their best interests at heart — and to tell them so with their vote.” Catherine B., Plymouth, Michigan, responding to “Farmers are upset about fuel costs, but some are sticking with Republicans anyway” by Adam Hudacek and Nnamdi Egwuonwu and “Democrats make a play for farmers squeezed by Trump’s economy” by Adam Hudacek.    Read Catherine’s full letter here. To send your own letter to the editor, review our submission guidelines and use this form.   Top Videos   DEADLINE: WHITE HOUSE Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer, undergoes successful surgery Watch now   ALL IN WITH CHRIS HAYES Hayes: Trump hires ‘hacks, grifters and scoundrels’ Watch now   STATE OF PLAY WITH PETER ALEXANDER Kimberly Guilfoyle resigns as U.S. ambassador to Greece Watch now   THE MOMENT WITH KATY TUR Rohde on Trump saying Russia deal will lower prices: ‘It's just false’ Watch now   More from MS NOW   Dan Harris, author and "10% Happier" podcast host, answers questions from MS NOW Members about mindfulness and stress while exploring practical ways to navigate today’s nonstop news landscape. Submit your questions for Dan to answer on his Live Q&A "Never Worry Alone" every Monday at 4 p.m. ET. This week on “Clock It,” Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels are joined by Michael Steele to discuss the state of the Republican party, big money in politics, and more. Listen now and subscribe to MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening and bonus content. 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE