The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe: Friday edition

The Republican Party is feeling the strains that come from devolving from a political movement to a personality cult.

The “America First” president has become a military adventurer who threatens war crimes on a whim, antagonizes allies for sport, and turns a blind eye to the suffering of working Americans.

At the same time the U.S. military is achieving most of its goals in Iran, it is failing historically on the political front.

The Iranian regime survives, its nuclear program remains a threat, and the Strait of Hormuz is closed.

At home, gas is more than $4 a gallon as inflation rises sharply. The affordability crisis that cost Democrats the White House in 2024 will now likely destroy the Republican majority in 2026.

The loudest and most powerful voices on the right are striking out against a president they supported two years ago. And Donald Trump is responding with his own attacks.

This presidency is in a spiral. Peggy Noonan says it’s reached a new low. The question remains how bad do things need to get before Republican senators finally step in?

Tragically, that question always answers itself.

ON THE CALENDAR

The Red Sox are in St. Louis tonight, and I’ll be watching. Here’s what’s happening elsewhere across the country this weekend:

Out west, more than 100,000 people descend on the desert in Indio, California, for Coachella, now in its 25th year. Headliners include Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G — who makes history as the first Latina to top the bill. Stream it all free on YouTube.

In the Big Apple, the New York International Auto Show opens for its 126th appearance. Test-drive — or just admire — a Rolls, a Lamborghini, or a Lincoln — and catch a “Fast and Furious” star while you’re at it.

In Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania Avenue transforms this weekend into the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the country — the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. Sumo wrestling, J-pop, sake tastings, and street food, all in the shadow of the Capitol.

In Columbia, South Carolina, PokeKon brings the faithful together for a one-day collector’s paradise — cards, retro games, cosplay, candy, and a chance to meet voice actor Mike Pollock, the man behind Snorlax. Kids under 11 get in free.
And in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Pintastic New England takes over 25,000 square feet of the Royal Plaza Hotel with more than 300 pinball machines, tournaments for every skill level, and deep-dive seminars on the history and craft of the game. Equal parts nostalgia and serious competition.

MAILBAG

If JD Vance is in Hungary supporting the right-wing party, wouldn’t that be considered as the U.S. government interfering with the Hungarian elections? — Bruce M., Moncton, New Brunswick

It should be considered interfering in Hungary’s election because it is interfering in Hungary’s election. This is not a one-off for the Trump administration. Its stated goal is to replace traditional allies with right-wing extremists in every government across Europe.

Unfortunately for JD Vance, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and of course Victor Orbán, the Hungarian autocrat’s anti-democratic reign appears to be coming to an end. And if you believe the prediction markets, Vance’s visit to Budapest actually damaged Orbán’s standing with voters.

Vance’s and Trump’s brands seem to be politically toxic both at home and around the world. Considering the contempt they have heaped upon our best friends and closest allies, their soiled reputation is well earned.

There has been some chatter about the 25th Amendment. Can you please explain how it works? Is it even plausible? — Robin C., Boise, Idaho

Great question, Robin. The 25th Amendment was ratified in 1967 after John F. Kennedy’s assassination revealed that the country needed a clearer succession plan.

The section everyone’s focused on right now requires the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president unable to serve.

It’s not the first time debates about this amendment have come up under Donald Trump. After Jan. 6, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos discussed invoking the amendment with Vice President Mike Pence and other Cabinet members. Pence said no, and DeVos resigned the next day.

If we had a Cabinet filled with people of real character who took their oaths to the Constitution seriously, this debate would look very different. But we don’t, and Vance won’t — not with his eye on 2028.

Our friends at Axios put together a good explainer worth reading here.

I just wanted to compliment Friday’s show before Easter. I loved the way Joe was weaving Scripture & his commentary together with his guest. Masterful job, Joe. It made me feel like I’d been to church, very inspirational. Always look forward to your shows. It seems you always put enough quirk or funk into it to take our minds off some of the terrible news you have to report on each weekday. — Judy M., Norman, Okla.

Judy, thank you so much for your very kind words. It means a great deal to me. I’m glad to hear that our Good Friday show inspired you — and to know that our “Morning Joe” family’s approach to the news provides you a bit of relief from the difficult times we are all moving through as a country. We will keep pushing forward together and, with God’s help, get to the other side stronger and more determined to protect our democracy than ever before.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

ONE MORE SHOT

The moon, backlit by the sun during a solar eclipse, captured on April 6 by NASA’s Orion spacecraft. Earthshine lights the moon’s left edge; Saturn and Mars are visible at right.

Artemis II is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific tonight, completing its historic lunar flyby. Here comes the difficult part.