MSNBC "Morning Joe" co-host Mika Brzezinski defended her controversial meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, addressing mounting criticism from viewers and media figures during an appearance on The Daily Beast Podcast on Wednesday.

"I've been surprised at the backlash, and the way I look at it is, people are really scared," Brzezinski told podcast hosts Samantha Bee and Joanna Coles. "It's one of the reasons we went in there, is people are really scared about Donald Trump's comments about political adversaries, a lot of people are scared because of what has happened with abortion."

Addressing concerns about journalistic boundaries, Brzezinski revealed that the meeting was conducted on background, emphasizing her commitment to transparency within those constraints. She pushed back against a reporter's suggestion about requiring "guardrails" for such meetings, questioning the basis for such assumptions about the interaction.

The revelation of the meeting has reportedly impacted the show's viewership numbers, with ratings declining in the days following the announcement. Some reports suggest the co-hosts' decision to meet with Trump was influenced by concerns about potential retribution for their past criticisms, which included characterizing him as a fascist and authoritarian threat.

The summit has drawn sharp rebukes from across the political spectrum. Liberal critics have labeled it a betrayal of viewers, while conservative commentators suggest it undermines the hosts' previous strong rhetoric against Trump. Some media observers, however, have defended the meeting as a legitimate journalistic endeavor.

Brzezinski specifically addressed Trump's past personal attacks, including his controversial tweet about her appearance. "Do I really not go in there because he tweeted about me bleeding badly from the face lift at Mar-a-Lago, I don't know, eight, nine years ago? I mean, we haven't talked in seven years," she said, adding, "I don't regret anything I've said during the campaign, and I stand by it. But I'm also looking at how to do things differently."

The backlash has extended beyond social media, with fellow MSNBC staff members expressing displeasure over the meeting. Notable media figures, including The View co-host Sunny Hostin and The Daily Show host Jon Stewart, have publicly criticized the summit, with Hostin suggesting the hosts "kissed Trump's ring" at Mar-a-Lago.

Scarborough has defended the meeting against critics, pointing to what he describes as a "massive disconnect" between social media reactions and real-world feedback, claiming they have received substantial positive response as well. The program, which counts President Joe Biden among its regular viewers and maintains close ties with the co-hosts, continues to face calls for boycotts from prominent media figures.

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CHICAGO, IL –

The massive United Center convention hall has long been the main stage for Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, whose statue stands outside the enormous structure. Jordan worked magic on the court, uniting even rival team fans who came to see him and cheered for him. Whoever decided to hold the Democratic Party convention here may have wanted some of Jordan's magic dust for Kamala Harris, and she'll need it in the very close race against Trump.

"Sweet Home Chicago", sang the Blues Brothers to the representative American city. Not the international and sophisticated New York or Los Angeles, not the diplomatic-political Washington, not one of the Deep South cities, or the Bible Belt. A city that has everything from everything and a character of its own. I'll be a bit pretentious and quote Larry, a 60-year-old black taxi driver I rode with, who gave me the perspective of an average American, if you will: "I work two jobs to help my daughters. One with three children, the second in college. I pay more than $4 a gallon for gas, and this week I got stuck too many times in traffic jams caused by protesters with scarves (keffiyeh, the traditional Arab garb) on their faces when they burn flags of my country. Let them go protest in the Middle East, what are they doing here?"

But America needs it more. The United States of America is still the strongest country in the world, but it is sick. Some might say that's too strong a word, and that it's in a period of change, but beyond the well-organized and impressive convention, the excellent speeches and the enthusiastic crowd – there are still no real solutions to American ailments: illegal immigration, which under Harris' watch, who was appointed to handle it, has grown to monstrous proportions causing difficulties and enormous damage to major cities, including Chicago itself; rising crime in many large cities; prices that have risen significantly in recent years; and foreign relations – Russia and China are allowing themselves much more than before in different parts of the world, including in our own private neighborhood.

American society is in a series of deep crises and divisions, and as in every election – and we felt this well in our series of election campaigns in recent years – the divisions are widening, statements are becoming more extreme and healing seems far off. This election campaign is no different from others also because of the opponent, Donald Trump, who takes an approach of personal attacks on Harris and her deputy in harsh language. The Democrats are not far behind. At the Chicago convention, speakers competed in derogatory terms towards him, and even Hillary Clinton said about him that he was "on the run" – an expression reserved for escaped prisoners.

On the street and on social media, the statements are much harsher, even by Israeli standards, and calls to harm candidates from both parties are too common. It's a familiar and painful truth that elections give voice to the noisy, extreme and anarchist elements much stronger than they really have. But this is probably just the assumption I'm making for us, because American politics is changing and becoming more extreme on both ends of the spectrum.

The attempt by anti-Israel and Islamist groups to take over the Democratic Party convention agenda was a complete failure, but that doesn't mean the administration's policy towards Israel won't be tougher if it's elected. Will Harris be good for Jews and Israel? It's not clear. She lacks the natural affinity for Israel of Biden and most of the old generation of Democratic leadership. But for now, the anti-Israel side in the party is proving to be less influential, and its real power is much smaller than the noise it makes. It failed in several of its main goals, including the desire to make a statement on the issue of arms sales to Israel and change the party platform accordingly, and even failed to bring the issue of the war in Gaza to one of the focal points of the convention.

At the Democratic National Convention, temporary success was recorded in curbing the extreme Democratic faction, one of whose ugly expressions is anti-Israelism, which does not hide the antisemitism behind it. Fears before the convention were at a hysterical level, which caused Harris' team to meet urgently with some of the leaders of these organizations, including Muslims who supported, even if indirectly, the October 7 massacre. What she promised them is not yet clear, but Israel should certainly closely follow developments in this arena. The moves succeeded, or perhaps the threat was exaggerated from the start, and the sigh of relief from the Democratic Party leadership echoed throughout the huge convention center in Chicago, after it became clear that the mountain was a molehill.

The attempt by anti-Israel and Islamist groups to take over the Democratic Party convention agenda was a complete failure, but that doesn't mean the administration's policy towards Israel won't be tougher if it's elected. Will Harris be good for Jews and Israel? It's not clear. She lacks the natural affinity for Israel of Biden and most of the old generation of Democratic leadership. But for now, the anti-Israel side in the party is proving to be less influential, and its real power is much smaller than the noise it makes. It failed in several of its main goals, including the desire to make a statement on the issue of arms sales to Israel and change the party platform accordingly, and even failed to bring the issue of the war in Gaza to one of the focal points of the convention.

Captain America

"Sweet Home Chicago", sang the Blues Brothers to the representative American city. Not the international and sophisticated New York or Los Angeles, not the diplomatic-political Washington, not one of the Deep South cities, or the Bible Belt. A city that has everything from everything and a character of its own. I'll be a bit pretentious and quote Larry, a 60-year-old black taxi driver I rode with, who gave me the perspective of an average American, if you will: "I work two jobs to help my daughters. One with three children, the second in college. I pay more than $4 a gallon for gas, and this week I got stuck too many times in traffic jams caused by protesters with scarves (keffiyeh, the traditional Arab garb) on their faces when they burn flags of my country. Let them go protest in the Middle East, what are they doing here?"

And what do you think about the war in Gaza? "I saw some of the reports about what happened in October to you. It's a great shame, these are not human beings. But I also see the pictures from Gaza, and it's hard. The civilians are pitiful, and my daughter cries when she sees dead babies there. Is there no way to solve this? To end all this violence already?" He tried to explain Harris' advantages like this: She is the new America, an independent woman who grew from nothing, a daughter of immigrants, understands the mindset of young people, and this is the reason why Republicans fear her.

At the Democratic National Convention, temporary success was recorded in curbing the extreme Democratic faction, one of whose ugly expressions is anti-Israelism, which does not hide the antisemitism behind it. Fears before the convention were at a hysterical level, which caused Harris's team to meet urgently with some of the leaders of these organizations, including Muslims who supported, even if indirectly, the October 7 massacre. What she promised them is not yet clear, but Israel should certainly closely follow developments in this arena. The moves succeeded, or perhaps the threat was exaggerated from the start, and the sigh of relief from the Democratic Party leadership echoed throughout the huge convention center in Chicago, after it became clear that the mountain had given birth to a mouse.

Michelle, a Jewish activist of the Democratic Party who came from Philadelphia, gave another explanation: "Even if there is something to the claims of the protesters on the streets and campuses about the war and the killing of civilians, they have crossed many red lines. I and many in the party and the Jewish street have criticism of the Israeli government's policy, but the protesters show that they are interested in the disappearance of Israel and in changing America. Burning the US flag?"

"They went too far," said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. "The freedom of expression and demonstration given to them was full, but they violated every agreement, acted violently, injured police officers, tried to damage property and more. I gave my people instructions to take off the gloves." He also, by the way, indirectly criticized his mayor, Brandon Johnson, who allowed the demonstrations, thus requiring huge amounts of police from all over the area, which has the highest crime rate in America. By Wednesday evening, the police had arrested about 80 of the protesters, and Snelling promised they would be brought to quick judgment and punished severely. The organizers of the demonstrations came prepared, and a battery of lawyers rushed to the courts to bring about their quick release.

A whiff of Intifada

At a demonstration I attended during the convention, which was attended by hundreds to nearly 1,000 people (the organizers reported tens of thousands), they broke through a police barrier three blocks from the United Center, the convention center. The police who rushed to the scene were wearing helmets and vests, holding batons, and some armed with firearms and tear gas rifles – riot control measures. The scent of a Palestinian Intifada grew strong at the sight of hundreds of masked individuals, some holding work tools to destroy the fences. The call to bring the Intifada to America is often heard in demonstrations of this kind, and the wider American public doesn't really like it, nor the burning of their flag.

It's noticeable that like its leadership, the Democratic audience at the convention prefers the positive momentum brought by the Biden-Harris change and focusing on domestic issues rather than wallowing in the Gazan mud. They cheered every statement about a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the return of the hostages, but the applause was much louder on almost every other topic. And apart from Biden, the war was mentioned only by Hillary Clinton, who was the US Secretary of State, Senator Bernie Sanders and "Squad" member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and even she spoke in the same breath about the return of the hostages and the ceasefire.

According to Jeremy Ben-Ami, Ocasio-Cortez has softened considerably towards Israel, and at the convention, a meeting was recorded between her and the families of the hostages. The keffiyeh, the hallmark of Palestinian supporters, was hardly seen inside the hall, and only once during the entire convention did an incident occur in the hall when a pro-Palestinian raised a banner claiming genocide – but it was quickly removed.

Apart from these reasons, there is another important reason why the anti-Israeli forces were pushed aside, at least for now: The American public, including the Democratic one, saw the horror images of October 7, and after them the demonstrations on campuses, many of which undermined Americanism itself. This had no small impact. Within themselves, the quiet wisdom of the masses understands that in this story, Israel should also be heard.

Those who are making Israel heard in a wonderful way are the families of the hostages and the fallen, mainly those with American citizenship, who are going on moving advocacy journeys for their loved ones and for Israel. Ruby Chen, father of Israel's hero tank driver Itay, who was killed in the battle for Nahal Oz and whose body was kidnapped, said at an event of the Israeli Consulate that he is on a mission from his son to tell and spread the story of October 7, and the importance that the whole world has in returning all the hostages, including his son. "We didn't sit shiva, despite the notice we received about Itay's death in battle. We'll do it only when he returns with the others."

They have a lot of criticism of the Israeli government and its leader. Some express it harshly, and sometimes in what seems like unfairness, with severe accusations, but in interviews and speeches in English most of them keep the criticism to themselves, speaking to the heart and conscience of the listeners.

A particularly moving performance like this was recorded on the third evening of the convention – by Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, parents of Hersh who was kidnapped from the Nova party. The appearance on stage came after much persuasion work with the organizers. Their being Chicago natives also helped the persuasion efforts. Jon and Rachel spoke American and moved the tens of thousands. A look around showed many teary eyes, even of veteran journalists like myself. They knew how to speak also about the suffering of the Gazans, and about the need for a ceasefire that would bring about the release of the hostages and the end of suffering in Gaza. The audience responded with calls of "Bring them home."

Apart from these reasons, there is another important reason why the anti-Israelis were pushed aside, at least for now: The American public, including the Democratic one, saw the horror images of October 7, and after them the demonstrations on campuses, many of which undermined Americanism itself. This had no small impact. Within themselves, the quiet wisdom of the masses understands that in this story, Israel should also be heard.

A cold Democrat

The sentiment towards the anti-Israelis was vividly illustrated in the audience's attitude towards the protest watch, which stood next to the long line on the way to the security check for the convention. I stood there on the side for almost half an hour, and the vast majority of passers-by ignored, turned a cold shoulder in the literal sense. I entered into a conversation in two languages, English and Arabic, with one of the protesters, Abdul Rahman, who admitted in frustration to the marginalization of the Palestinian issue. I asked about Hamas flags and burning the American flag. He claimed it was an unrepresentative minority, but added: "Don't rejoice too much, the journey to public opinion and decision-making junctions in the US has just begun. You have an advantage over us in organization and experience, but we are determined to change the situation and make America balanced in the conflict."

Congressman Brad Schneider of Illinois, a Jewish Democrat, says that the sidelining is not only of the pro-Palestinians, but of all extreme groups. "It's clear to us that the party and the country need to focus on the real values, on American democracy and on the warm bond with Israel. This noisy minority has little influence, and I'm sure the party, and Harris at its head, will continue the line of support for Israel, in the war to topple Hamas, in the fight against Iran and Hezbollah and in returning the hostages."

Another senior Israeli, who is deeply involved in relations between the countries, tells us that Harris is trying to quickly learn the foreign relations issues she hasn't dealt with, and among other things, she participated in the Joe Biden-Benjamin Netanyahu conversation on Wednesday. She asks tough questions, says the senior official, some out of insufficient understanding and knowledge of the situation, some sound as if they came from the less pro-Israel side. "If elected, her conduct will most likey be Obamaesque, and let's hope that she will at least learn the lessons from the failures of American foreign policy during his presidency."

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US Vice President Kamala Harris took center stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Thursday night, officially accepting her party's nomination for the presidency, having won the delegate count several weeks ago following the turbulent party leadership from President Joe Biden in the wake of his decision to withdraw from the race.

The convention hall erupted in applause as Harris ascended the platform, Beyoncé's "Freedom" providing a stirring soundtrack to the historic moment.

OK, let's get to business. Let's get to business. All right," Harris declared, cutting through the cheers. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband and to President Biden: "To our president, Joe Biden. When I think about the path that we have traveled together, Joe, I am filled with gratitude. Your record is extraordinary, as history will show, and your character is inspiring. And Doug and I love you and Jill, and are forever thankful to you both."

Video: Pro-Palestinian protestors near the DNC in Chicago / Credit: Danny Zaken

Harris then delved into her personal narrative: "So, America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was, no doubt, unexpected. But I'm no stranger to unlikely journeys. So, my mother, our mother, Shyamala Harris, had one of her own; my mother was 19 when she crossed the world alone, traveling from India to California with an unshakable dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer. When she finished school, she was supposed to return home to a traditional arranged marriage. But as fate would have it, she met my father, Donald Harris, a student from Jamaica. They fell in love and got married, and that act of self-determination made my sister, Maya, and me."

Painting a vivid picture of her formative years, Harris continued: "My mother was a brilliant, five-foot-tall brown woman with an accent. And as the eldest child – as the eldest child – I saw how the world would sometimes treat her ... but my mother never lost her cool. She was tough, courageous, a trailblazer in the fight for women's health, and she taught Maya and me a lesson that Michelle mentioned the other night. She taught us to never complain about injustice, but do something about it. Do something about it."

"And, so, on behalf of the people, on behalf of every American, regardless of party, race, gender or the language your grandmother speaks. On behalf of my mother, and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey. On behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with – people who work hard, chase their dreams and look out for one another. On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination to be president of the United States of America," she declared, making her the first African American and East Indian American woman to be on the top of the presidential ticket of a major party in the US.

Addressing the Middle East conflict, she stated: "President Biden and I are working around the clock, because now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done."

"And let me be clear. And let me be clear. I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself, because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that a terrorist organization called Hamas caused on Oct. 7, including unspeakable sexual violence and the massacre of young people at a music festival."

She noted, however, that "at the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking," stressing that "President Biden and I are working to end this war, such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination."

It's worth noting that Harris' remarks on Palestinian self-determination elicited the most enthusiastic response from the audience throughout her address. On Iran, Harris was resolute: "And know this: I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend our forces and our interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists. I will not cozy up to tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong-un, who are rooting for Trump. Who are rooting for Trump."

This speech undoubtedly marked a defining moment in Harris' political career, as the nation eagerly awaited her articulation of a presidential vision. Should she emerge victorious, Harris would etch her name in the annals of American history as the first woman to assume the presidency.

In the aftermath of Harris's speech, former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, with a pointed attack. "SHE HATES ISRAEL," the Republican presidential nominee wrote. "Wouldn't even show up to Congress for [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's session!," adding, "She caused the Attack of October 7."

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Vice President Kamala Harris has become the betting favorite to win the 2024 US presidential election, overtaking former President Donald Trump for the first time since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her on July 21, according to a report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Citing data from electionbettingodds.com, which aggregates live odds from multiple betting platforms, Harris now has a 50.5% chance of winning the election, translating to odds of -102. Trump's chances have decreased to 47.1% , or +112, at the same site. The former president's odds had reached as high as 67.9% following a reported assassination attempt on July 13.

The London-based Betfair Exchange shows Harris as the even-money favorite, with Trump at +108 odds. Paul Krishnamurty, a political betting expert at Betfair Exchange, cautioned that while Harris has gained momentum since Biden's withdrawal, it may be premature to consider this a reliable indicator of the election outcome. "That's principally because, so far, media exposure and conversation has favored her because the Democratic nomination has been the big story," Krishnamurty stated. "It probably will remain so for the rest of August. Perhaps up to the first TV debate on Sept 10." The expert added that Harris's performance under the spotlight has significantly boosted her chances, noting that she was "clearly, widely underestimated" as a candidate.

Offshore sportsbook BetOnline, which is not regulated in the US, also lists Harris as the new favorite. Dave Mason, BetOnline's sportsbook brand manager, reported on social media platform X that Harris is now the -110 favorite, while Trump can be bet at even odds for up to $10,000. Mason disclosed that the book had taken a $10,076 bet on Harris at -105 odds and another $953 at -110, before accepting a $10,000 wager on Trump at even money.

It's important to note that betting on political outcomes is not permitted at US sportsbooks. The odds and betting information provided in this article are based on offshore and international betting markets, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

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President Joe Biden and his family gathered at Camp David over the weekend, grappling with the fallout from last week's debate performance against former President Donald J. Trump. Despite growing concerns within the Democratic Party, Biden's family is urging him to stay in the race and continue fighting, according to sources close to the situation who spoke to The New York Times.

The president is now tasked with reassuring anxious Democrats and demonstrating his ability to serve another four years. His son, Hunter Biden, has emerged as one of the strongest voices encouraging the president to resist calls to drop out of the race.

"The entire family is united," said one person familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity. "You get up and keep fighting," they added, emphasizing that the president has not considered leaving the race.

While the Biden family remains supportive, some members have privately expressed frustration with the debate preparation process, questioning the strategies employed by key advisers. This sentiment was echoed publicly by John Morgan, a top Democratic donor, who criticized the president's debate team, including Ron Klain, Anita Dunn, and Bob Bauer.

"It would be like if you took a prizefighter who was going to have a title fight and put him in a sauna for 15 hours then said, 'Go fight,'" Morgan told the New York Times, placing blame on the advisers for what he termed "political malpractice."

However, sources close to the president and First Lady Jill Biden maintain that the couple continues to trust their team. Ron Klain, former White House chief of staff, defended the president's position, stating, "He is the choice of the Democratic voters. We are seeing record levels of support from grass-roots donors. We had a bad debate night. But you win campaigns by fighting – not quitting – in the face of adversity."

As the Biden campaign works to calm nerves and reassess strategy, a conference call with the national finance committee is scheduled for Monday. The president's public schedule for the coming week includes visits to an emergency operations center, a Medal of Honor ceremony, and a Fourth of July barbecue for military service members.

Despite the current challenges, Democratic allies continue to publicly support the president. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Governor Wes Moore of Maryland both defended Biden on Sunday talk shows, highlighting his accomplishments and character.

However, a recent CBS News poll revealed that 45% of Democrats want a different candidate to face Trump, and only 27% of overall voters believe Biden has the mental and cognitive health to serve as president.

As the Biden family navigates this crucial period, the president's next moves will be closely watched. Whether through press conferences, interviews, or other public appearances, Biden faces the task of changing the narrative and reaffirming his capability to lead the nation for another term.

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"Oh, Joe."

That gasp, from patrons at a Chicago bar when President Joe Biden first stumbled verbally in his debate with Donald Trump, spoke for a lot of Americans on Thursday night.

In watch parties, bars, a bowling alley and other venues where people across the country gathered to tune in, Trump supporters, happily, and Biden supporters, in their angst if not dread, seemed to largely agree they had witnessed a lopsided showdown.

By the end of the 90-plus minutes, some Democrats were saying what partisans say to put the best face on things: It's still early. One debate doesn't necessarily sway the United States. Judge him by what he's done and wants to do, not by how he says things.

But many were let down.

Biden "just didn't have the spark that we needed tonight," Rosemarie DeAngelus, a Democrat from South Portland, Maine, said from her watch party at Broadway Bowl. Trump, she said, showed "more spunk or more vigor" even if, in her view, he was telling a pack of lies.

Fellow Biden supporter and bowling alley attendee Lynn Miller, from nearby Old Orchard Beach, said: "It's like somebody gave Trump an Adderall and I don't think they gave Joe one." (The drug is used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.)

"I've never seen Trump seem so coherent," Miller said. "And I hate to say this, but Joe seemed a little bit off. But I still support him over Trump because Trump lied about every single thing that happened."

Trump supporters certainly agreed that the difference in energy and coherence between the candidates was striking. Wearing her red MAGA hat at a festive pro-Trump party in the Detroit suburb of Novi, Bonnie Call said of Biden: "He just cannot think on his feet at all. President Trump is just on."

In McAllen, Texas, near the Mexico border, London's Bar & Grill is normally loud on a day close to the weekend, but many patrons were quiet as they absorbed the debate from TV screens. Here, Biden supporters, Trump supporters and undecided voters mingled.

Among them, Vance Gonzales, 40, a moderate Democrat, said the debate convinced him that "we need another Democratic candidate, to be honest, because this is not competitive." He said of Biden: "He's not on point with anything. I think it's disappointing."

Marco Perez, 53, voted for Biden in the last election and voiced frustration with what he was hearing and seeing. "I want to hear more facts, more action as opposed to more finger-pointing, more accusations or false accusations," he said.

His friend Virginia Lopez, sitting with him, came away still not knowing whom she will support in November. She heard snappy but unsatisfying answers from the Republican. "Trump is just deflecting in all the answers and he's just lying," she said. "It doesn't feel like a real debate."

Biden? "I just feel like he's too old," she said.

Sitting up at the bar, Hector Mercado, 72, a veteran wearing a U.S. military beret, was a distinctive patron as he listened intently to the debate. Although he was a Democrat for several years, he switched parties under Ronald Reagan, a Republican.

Mercado heard Biden accuse Trump of making derogatory comments about veterans, but it didn't sway his support for Trump. "Yeah, he said a few things bad about veterans at one point back in the early days," he said of Trump. "But now he's saying, 'No, I back up the veterans and I never had any problems with him. I got a raise in my VA disability when Trump was president."

Biden's performance left him cold. "I think Trump is stronger," he said, "and Biden is a little weak."

In a Tijuana migrant shelter over the border in Mexico, people mainly from southern Mexico who are hoping to apply for asylum in the U.S. watched the debate in folding chairs in front of a screen on the wall.

The migrants, most of whom have been waiting for months for their appointments in that process, stared blankly at the screen as a Spanish-translated version of the debate played on. They watched an American democratic ritual in motion.

Andrea, who did not give her last name due to threats of violence back home, has lived at the shelter for nine months. Her debate takeaway: "Well, I feel that the people of the United States don't love Mexicans now."

At Hula Hula, a tiki bar in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, patrons cheered wildly as their city got a mention from Trump — even if it came up when the Republican was complaining about lawlessness. Biden supporter Amy Pottinger of Seattle said the Democratic president did best when Trump made him angry.

"Once he started talking about Roe v. Wade, it was like Biden woke up and was here," she said.

At the same Chicago bar where patrons exclaimed about Biden's stumbles — the M Lounge in the South Loop — the president scored with this zinger to Trump: "You have the morals of an alley cat."

"Whoa!" the viewers there said.

But at a Democratic watch party in downtown Atlanta, it was a night of jitters.

"I'm so nervous, I feel like my kid is going onstage," Georgia state Sen. Nikki Merritt said early on, patting her stomach as if she had butterflies.

Technicians struggled with sound and video. During one outage, the crowd chanted "Let's Go Joe!"

"I want to hear Joe Biden talking to the voters and ignoring the crazy man in the room," said Matthew Wilson, the Georgia Democratic Party's vice chairman.

But there was no ignoring the man they called crazy.

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Addressing Israel's ties with the United States, he touted his understanding of the American mentality and hailed the US as Israel's "biggest ally."

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Bennett said that, if elected, he was likely to see eye to eye with the administration of US President Joe Biden "90% of the time," while disagreeing on some matters.

When asked about the Israeli Arab community, Bennett said he was willing to embrace any well-meaning Israeli citizen and vowed to fight against those who reject Israel's right to exist.

Speaking about his possible kingmaker status, with electoral maths as projected by polls hinting that Bennett may hold the keys to the March 23 vote, Bennett said: "My plan is to make 10 million Israelis become kings."

Video: i24NEWS

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