NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Episode Date: October 23, 2024

Harris says her presidency would not be a continuation of the Biden administration; Trump campaigns in North Carolina and Obama campaigns with Walz; New Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon add urgency to Blinken visit; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Tonight with Election Day, just two weeks out, our one-on-one interview with Kamala Harris at her exclusive behind-the-scenes access to her campaign. The vice president sitting down with us as she makes her closing argument. We ask her about the economy, why polls show voters trust Donald Trump more on the issue, and what she says about her gender gap with men. Does she believe sexism is a factor? Plus, what happens if Mr. Trump loses and falsely declares victory again? Are you thinking about that as a possibility? Of course. This

is a person, Donald Trump, who tried to undo a free and fair election. And our exclusive access behind the scenes, what we saw is Ms. Harris Barnstorm's three key battlegrounds making an appeal to women on abortion rights. And with two weeks left, former President Donald Trump in North Carolina with a second straight day trying to shore up that southern battleground. New deadly Israeli strikes in Beirut as Secretary of State Blinken arrives in the region to renew the U.S. push for peace. The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch charged with sex trafficking men at international sex parties with promises of modeling jobs. The outbreak of E. coli linked

to McDonald's, the CDC alert, and high-tech whale watching using AI to connect with giants of the deep. This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. Good evening and welcome. Vice President Harris tonight acknowledging her team is considering the possibility that former President Trump could try to claim victory prematurely on election night. Her comments coming in response to a question by NBC's Hallie Jackson in a one-on-one interview late today, in which Harris also spoke about whether the country is ready for a woman of color to be president. The vice president taking a day off the campaign trail, meeting with her team and sitting for interviews with two weeks to go before

election day. Meantime, former President Trump making his second straight visit to North Carolina, defending strategic territory and stepping up his pattern of hurling personal insults against Harris. All those new warnings are being sounded about foreign actors seeking to undermine the election process. But let's begin with Hallie Jackson with more of her interview with Kamala Harris. Thank you, Madam Vice President, for your time today. I'm glad to be with you. Thank you. For so many voters, we know that a huge issue for them is the economy. It's the cost of living. Our new NBC News poll shows that more voters think that the Biden administration policies have hurt them rather than help them.

And I wonder, are the last four years an obstacle to you in this race? Here's how I look at it. First of all, let me be very clear. Mine will not be a continuation of the Biden administration. I bring my own experiences, my own ideas to it. And it has informed a number of my areas of focus, most of which are, to your point, lowering costs. So part of my plan includes what we need to do to bring down the price of groceries, including the work I will do dealing with price gouging, something I dealt with when I was attorney general, something I will deal with going forward. Then why do you think that's not landing with voters? Because in the numbers, it's the opposite. Former President

Trump leads you on this issue. Well, when I'm out, this is why I'm going out to Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and and and Michigan, Michigan, excuse me, just got in late this morning, actually, but going to three states yesterday and I'm going to continue being on the road. I have to earn the vote. As you sit here today, do you think the country is ready now for a woman and a woman of color to be president? Absolutely. Absolutely. And I am saying that in terms of every walk of life of our country. You know, I think part of what is important in this election is really not only turning the page, but closing the page and the chapter on an era

that suggests that Americans are divided. The vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us. And what the American people want in their president is a president for all Americans, which is the type and kind of president I pledge to be. You've been reluctant to lean into, to talk about the historic nature of your candidacy on the campaign trail. Why is that? Well, I'm clearly a woman. I don't need to point that out to anyone. The point that most people really care about is, can you do the job? And do you have a plan to actually focus on them? There is a big gender gap in this race. Fewer men support you right now than they did President Biden. Some of your allies have suggested there's sexism at play. I wonder, do you think there is sexism at play here? Let me just tell you something. You've

come to my events and you will see there are men and women at those events. So the experience that I am having is one in which it is clear that regardless of someone's gender, they want to know that their president has a plan to lower costs, that their president has a plan to secure America in the context of our position around the world. Do you not see sexism as a factor in this race at all? I don't think of it that way. My challenge is the challenge of making sure I can talk with and listen to as many voters as possible and earn their vote. We traveled with the vice president to campaign events in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. We are out here chatting with Vice President Kamala

Harris. She is looking to win over moderate voters, Republicans undecided in this key battleground state. We're off to the next one. Wisconsin is next. Including events with former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney. You're out here trying to reach women, trying to reach moderate Republicans. We are just two weeks out from the election. If they're still undecided, it means something about your message hasn't connected with them yet. What is it? We're two weeks away from the presidential election, and people are listening to the issues. You could tell from the response here with a group of undecideds, many independents, many Republicans,

that they are open to and actually supportive of an approach that is about saying that we must have a president of the United States who honors and defends the Constitution of the United States as opposed to Donald Trump that says he wants to terminate it. And on the campaign trail, she criticized former President Trump on minimum wage after he avoided saying whether it should be raised while campaigning at a McDonald's. Do you have a number? What would you like to see it at? Well, at least $15 an hour, but we'll work with Congress, right?

That's something that is going through Congress. And we also asked her about Trump supporter, billionaire Elon Musk, campaigning in Pennsylvania with his $1 million offer to a random registered voter if they've signed his petition in favor of free speech

and the right to bear arms. Do you worry that it could be effective, his support for former President Trump in that key battleground? Listen, I'm not about doing gimmicks and all of that. I think that what we have to do and what I'm going to continue to do is to be out in communities. We also asked about abortion rights, if Congress were to be controlled by Republicans. So is a question of pragmatism then, what concessions would be on the table? Religious exemptions, for example, is that something that you would consider with the

Republican-controlled Congress? AMY GOODMAN. I don't think we should be making concessions when we're talking about a fundamental freedom to make decisions about your own body. AMY GOODMAN. We are sitting here two weeks away from election night. Last election, the former president came out on election night and declared victory before all the votes were counted.

What is your plan if he does that again in two weeks? AMY GOODMAN. Well, let me if he does that again in two weeks? Well, let me say this. We've got two weeks to go. And I'm very much grounded in the present in terms of the task at hand. And we will deal with election night and the days after as they come. And we have the resources and the expertise and the focus on that as well. So you have teams ready to go? Is that what you're saying? Are you thinking about that as a possibility? Of course. This is a person, Donald Trump, who tried to undo a free and fair election,

who still denies the will of the people, who incited a violent mob to attack the United States Capitol and 140 law enforcement officers were attacked. Would you consider, if you win and he he's convicted a pardon for former President Trump? I'm not going to get into those hypotheticals. I'm focused on the next 14 days. But do you believe, is there any part of you that subscribes to the argument that has been

made in the past that a pardon could help bring America together, could help unify the country and move them, move on? Let me tell you what's going to help us move on. I get elected president of the United States. And Hallie, let me circle back. You talked about abortion rights, among other things. I understand this week as she hits the road, abortion rights will be a big part of her pitch. That's right, Lester. She'll be heading to Texas, not a traditional presidential battleground. But her campaign is aiming to spotlight the state's restrictive abortion law as part of their push to mobilize voters on that issue. Lester. Hallie Jackson starting us off. Thanks. You can see

Hallie's complete interview on NBC News dot com. Meanwhile, former President Trump returning to battleground North Carolina today after trying to appeal to Latino voters in Florida. Garrett Haik is covering the Trump campaign for us. A crowd of Trump supporters tonight awaiting the return of Donald Trump to the Tar Heel state for the second straight day, looking to shore up a Southern battleground that's voted for Republicans for president in the last three elections, but remains competitive now. Earlier, holding a roundtable with Latino community leaders in South Florida, boasting about his support. It's an incredible community and I

liked them and they liked me and now they're seeing numbers that are shocking. And unleashing a torrent of personal insults against Vice President Harris. She's lazy as hell and she's got that reputation. She's a radical left lunatic. Meanwhile, former President Obama rallying with Tim Walz in Wisconsin on the Badger State's first day of early voting. Get off your couch and do what? Put down your phones and do what? It all comes amid a renewed focus on election security, with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence warning they expect foreign actors, particularly Russia, China, and Iran, to intensify their efforts to, quote, divide Americans and undermine Americans' confidence in the democratic process,

including by using AI. The intel agencies assess that Russia prefers for Trump to win and was behind a false story circulating online suggesting illegal activity by walls. You probably can't tell that some of us aren't real. Tonight, the nonpartisan group represent us, releasing this public service announcement, warning about deceptive election-related content created by AI, using deep-faked versions of celebrities to prove their point. These are all scams designed to trick you into not voting.

Don't fall for it. Back in North Carolina, voters eyeing the election process warily. I think this will be a fair election this year because we're already, we notice all the tricks and it's a new day under the sun, so we're aware. Do you have confidence that this election will be fairly decided? I sure hope so. I have some confidence, not 100%. I guess we'll see.

And Garrett, more than a million people have already voted in North Carolina. What are the campaigns making of the turnout we're seeing so far? Well, Lester, both campaigns are pointing to signs of strength. The Harris campaign has seen high turnout here in Greensboro and in Democrat heavy areas like the Research Triangle. The Trump campaign is noting that Republicans make up a far greater share of those voting early than in either of the last two elections here. Lesser. Garrett Haig tonight. Thank you. Meanwhile, across the globe, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel once again, trying to find a way to end the growing conflict.

Andrea Mitchell is there. Today, massive explosions in Beirut. Israeli airstrikes collapsing two apartment buildings, adding more urgency to the crisis confronting Secretary of State Antony Blinken as he arrived in Israel for a tough meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Blinken telling the Prime Minister he should capitalize on the death of Hamas leader Yaya Sinwar to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of the hostages. We have to make sure that this is a moment of opportunity to move forward. Lincoln also urging him to reach a diplomatic solution in Lebanon,

where at least 63 were killed in the past 24 hours, according to the Lebanese health ministry. NBC's Matt Bradley is there. The death toll here is likely to increase. It's been hours since this airstrike, but family members are taking it upon themselves to sift through the wreckage, looking for their loved ones. This, as in Gaza, the war continues. Food lines today, as far as the eye can see. Adding to the desperation of hostage families including Aviva Siegel who was held hostage for 51 days and whose American husband Keith is still being held in Gaza. What do you want Netanyahu to do? I would like Bibi Netanyahu to understand

that if Keith doesn't come home now he's going going to come home dead. And I want him home. I want him home alive. And tonight, with much of the aid stalled at the Gaza border, Blinken told Israel that much more needs to be done to make sure the aid reaches the people who desperately need it. Lester. Andrea, thank you. Back home, new developments in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. The sheriff's office in Buncombe County, home to Asheville, revealing today deaths were overcounted there by as many as 30, lowering the county's death toll from 72 to 42. Authorities cited factors including communication outages for the error. And now to the record October heat today, feeling more like summer than fall for millions from the plains to New England. Dozens of record highs were set this afternoon, including New York's JFK Airport hitting 80 degrees. The heat continues in the northeast

tomorrow with highs 10 to 25 degrees above average. We'll take a break here. And in 60 seconds, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch arrested on charges of sex trafficking. The new details in the federal investigation next. Back now with a stunning indictment, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch charged with sex trafficking men at international parties with promises of modeling jobs for the clothing retailer. Stephanie Goss now on the accusations he faces. Tonight, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, Mike Jeffries, who built the teen clothing brand in part on racy and at times sexually suggestive advertising, stands accused of multiple federal charges for sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. He was using his power, his wealth, and his influence to traffic men for his own

sexual pleasure. Similar allegations were made in a 2023 documentary. I didn't feel safe to like say no or I don't feel comfortable with this. I didn't have control. Though it's unclear if they were part of today's charges. According to the federal indictment, Jeffries, along with an employee and his romantic partner, employed coercive, fraudulent and deceptive tactics to get men to attend sex events, both within the U.S. and overseas, including France, Morocco and St. Barts from 2008 to 2015. They spent millions of dollars on a massive infrastructure to support this operation and maintain its secrecy. Prosecutors say the men were paid and led to believe they could get modeling deals or career opportunities if they took part in sex acts.

15 unidentified victims say they were often given alcohol and drugs, including muscle relaxants called poppers, according to the indictment. Jeffrey's attorney did not respond to NBC's request for comment, but spoke after his client was released on bond by a Florida federal judge. We'll be dealing with these matters in court, not out here. The former CEO stepped down from his role in 2014, the company struggling after a string of scandals. The focus of another documentary, a 2003 lawsuit alleging discrimination. Abercrombie settled and denied wrongdoing. Catalogs with sexually charged content were pulled, along with controversial T-shirts

criticized for being racist and sexist. A decade later, Jeffries, once one of the most influential CEOs in the country, now charged with crimes that have proven could put him in prison for life. The U.S. attorney says there could be dozens more victims. He's calling on them to come forward and contact the FBI, Lester. All right, Stephanie, thanks very much. Coming up, the CDC reporting a deadly outbreak of E. coli tied to onions on some McDonald's hamburgers. The state's impacted and what you should know next. A story just developing tonight, the CDC announcing a severe and deadly outbreak of E. coli. Almost 50 people getting sick after

eating McDonald's quarter pounders in 10 states. Liz Kreutz is following this. Liz, do we know what caused it? Well, Lester McDonald says they believe the outbreak may be linked to the slivered onions used in the quarter pounder. The CDC is reporting E. coli cases across 10 different states, the majority of them in Colorado and Nebraska. Ten people have been hospitalized and one elderly person in Colorado has died. McDonald's says the slivered onions are all tied to a single supplier that serves three distribution centers. The company says safety is its top priority and they are temporarily removing that burger and pausing distribution

of slivered onions in the affected areas. Lester. All right, Liz Kreutz with that news. Thank you. We'll take a break right here. The incredible way AI is changing how we think about some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. That's coming up next for Good News Tonight. Finally, the good news about the tail of a whale and how new technology and anyone with a camera can help track their great migrations and their health. Here's Anne Thompson. Oh, I just saw a whale. It's feeding time for humpback whales off of California's central coast. Oh, whales behind us.

And prime time for scientist Ted Cheeseman. There they are. The cold water offering the whales an all-you-can-eat buffet of anchovies and krill. Once hunted to near extinction, whales are now resurfacing here in Monterey Bay in dramatic numbers. Now with just a camera, photos from scientists and the public are helping researchers track whales from anywhere around the world he can really see that well there thanks to artificial intelligence in real time he can match their tails or flukes oh my gosh and look at the matches that tells stories of where the

whales have been and how healthy they are how do you know that's a killer whale scar? By the parallel lines there. The pictures are uploaded and matched on Cheeseman's website, Happy Whale. Through AI, that image is matched to other whales already photographed, like this one called Old Timer and Monet. Our last recorded sighting of Monet was back in February down in Oaxaca, Mexico. Now, is it true that no two whale tails are alike? Absolutely. You know, like a fingerprint or a face. Every humpback whale's tail is distinct. Schiesman says it's facial recognition technology that makes this possible and fast. How long does it take you per photo? We don't measure the time. It's instantaneous. Over 100,000 humpbacks identify. Some migrate thousands of miles navigating threats from fishing lines and

waters warmed by climate change, making food harder to find. But Cheeseman says the most valuable information gained may be human. You connect with one whale, it connects you with the whole ocean. To have that healthy ocean, we have to treat it like it's part of our home. It's like it's a place we care about. Using technology to connect and preserve the ocean for everyone and everything. Ann Thompson, NBC News, Monterey, California. Absolutely fascinating. That's nightly news for this Tuesday. Thank you for watching. I'm Lester Holt. Please take care of yourself and each other.

Good night.