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Very small things.
That and end -- going back quite right in the first day or so those get ironed out.
And then when they had the games themselves begin in the athletes take over.
All the mistakes the organizing committee and I made a few.
All of those are overwhelmed by the the many -- with the athletes carry out that could capture the spirit of the games.
We -- holding.
Olympic Games in one of the busiest most active bustling cities anywhere in the world and of course it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games with digital -- And the middle of nowhere maybe a reference to Mitt Romney hosting the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City 2002 -- a bumpy start for the presumptive Republican nominee.
-- -- this is power play I -- Mike Emanuel Fox News chief congressional correspondent filling in for Chris start well.
Who's getting a well deserved few days off we have a lot of ground to cover we have my good friend colleague Juan Williams here in the studio.
But first let's kick things off with a quick update from our colleague.
Chief regret chief political correspondent Carl Cameron over and jolly old under London -- don't car.
A great Michael and maybe you want.
Mr.
Romney has just wrapped up a visit with the Irish -- shock which is the equivalent of the Irish speaker of the house here in London.
And the traffic is so snarled because of all the chaos from the Olympics Romney.
Chose not to actually take a motorcade over to the Irish embassy he hosted.
His Secret Service -- -- All walking down the street across London they actually met some bugs and -- -- bottom half a mile or a mile or so impressed had to jump out of a van they were Jason and had to walk into.
Fairly uneventful meeting they talk a little bit -- Irish the Ireland Irish economy.
As mr.
Romney has been wrapping up all kinds of meetings with various different dignitaries in advance of tonight's opening ceremonies for the Olympics -- played those sound -- of a lot of -- the brits.
Really upset and offended by Mitt Romney's commentary about some of the logistical glitches that occurred in advance of today's opening ceremonies.
And he while he's been beaten up by the London press -- somebody -- characterized him as backing away from his initial statements.
Truth is he really hasn't.
Few days ago he was asked by Brian Williams on NBC about these reports and what he thought about the preparations.
And the reports all over the world have been that the security had a real problem there were questions about whether or not immigration and customs officials we're gonna be showing up and whether a private company was gonna come through.
What is necessary security details.
That private company pulled the plug in the last week in the government of the comments and and and provide troops to provide services so.
Ronnie was referring to what he had heard and what is in fact the case here.
And the British who have been reporting on it themselves and worried about it turned around and have been plowing into -- ever since it pretty much concluded last night.
The UK is completely focused on the games not the political games between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama in American politics with the Olympic Games so.
-- today stuck to his guns and yet another interview when he said look.
I was talking about these reports and yes there are always some problems he's acknowledged that what he ran the Olympics a decade ago in Salt Lake he made some mistakes and there -- problems -- to the by the time the games actually.
Began.
Everything seemed to work out the athletes took over so.
Romney has had some other gaffes according to the British press -- he got here he mentioned MI six their international intelligence agency -- its.
Customary something that people just don't talk about here.
Even though we do in the US and there's lots of TV shows all over the world about MI six and MI five.
So is that there are things that he has done that are sort of a break in protocol -- of course.
The English are very very -- uptight about such things and they've had a lot of fun let loose in their hair down at Romney's expense.
But all this ends after the opening ceremonies tonight for Mitt Romney tomorrow we'll get -- -- go to Israel.
His wife and however will stay here.
Her odds of -- horses competing in the games and that won't be completed until the seventh and eighth Olympic Games obviously go all the way until the twelfth.
Which means mrs.
Romney will not be back in the states until several days after Mitt Romney returns.
So for those folks watching the vice presidential.
Sweepstakes play out.
Don't expect much to happen at least until -- -- -- and probably not until the Olympics are over after the twelfth like.
Well Carl thank you very very much we hope you're getting I -- -- working really hard but hopefully you're enjoying some of jolly old London in.
We which obviously the folks -- whether they're great.
Very safe Olympics as well course.
We we got -- -- hit.
The heat waves that we've been having in the states like.
Actually came here the last couple of days yesterday was in the eighties.
Which for England is just tremendous mean people were actually complaining about it you know all my gosh it's just too hot these days a little bit overcast now what.
-- -- a great -- and it's wonderful to be here in London where the Olympics are going on.
-- -- get over -- later today he's done with his public meetings for the rest of the day again not a heck of a lot of news made but his campaign today.
Is going to town on Barack Obama because of those GDP numbers you know with -- gross domestic product dropping almost half a point down to one point 5%.
The Romney campaign's economic advisor Glenn Hubbard today.
Call this a deceleration which of course it is of the economies that if these numbers stay the way they are.
Unemployment will never recover -- Carl thank you very much keep up the great work you're doing fantastic brother about.
Joining me is still Juan Williams -- -- you heard -- make reference to the GDP numbers obviously disappointing for.
The United States of America disappointing for the Obama administration what's the political.
Ramification of this in this -- -- we want to 102 days out from the election.
Well it clearly the economy is the driving issue -- -- any question that according to the voters it's the number one issue some people talk about -- But in fact that is not the number one issue its job production overall economic and that's when you come to GDP.
The thing is here that you know if you talk to people if you look at some of the measures like for example people -- been filing for unemployment this week has gone down.
So we don't know exactly what that means it could be that people just giving up and then take part in kind but that -- down now we look at -- GDP numbers and the projections.
And they look a little lower.
Will come to bigger numbers in terms of unemployment numbers and it next week.
And those numbers have more psychological impact in terms of how the American people see it I think more political consequence going forward although.
There's a character -- of thought Michael I think you're familiar with that which is.
The American people made up their mind about what they think -- with regard to the economy so even if you see a -- -- improvement or a slight.
Worsening of the unemployment number it's not gonna make a big difference and and and pushed the very few -- 8% of Americans who are undecided on the election when where.
On the wrong side of things obviously he's had a couple of bumps on his trip to London but if this allows his campaign talk about the economy and what they would like to do differently there's also the issue.
Who he's going to pick for a running mate and there's something in the papers that caught our eyes today let's show the viewers here.
Doctor Condoleezza Rice in the Financial Times wrote an op Ed in -- she writes quote.
The American people have to be inspired to lead again they need to be reminded that the US is not just any other country.
We are exceptional in the clarity of our conviction.
That free markets and free peoples hold the key to the future.
And her willingness to act and those beliefs failure to do so would leave a vacuum likely fill by those who will not champion a balance of power that favors freedom.
That would be a tragedy for American interest and values and those who share them.
I think this sounds like somebody who thinks she might either running mate.
Or is perhaps she auditioning to be the running mate.
Want this is actually at first of all let's be clear the audience you thought Mike and you -- my attention appreciated because I was fascinated by first of all.
The venues the financial times of London where is Mitt Romney -- -- that well guess what.
Is this an appeal by Condi Rice to -- -- in -- to say here I am.
I'm great ago I've got a message and the message is America exceptional isn't this the lead paragraph in the -- is quite interesting it says.
You know the fact that America is a superpower is not a problem for the world it makes -- progress global stability possible.
That we are a force for good in the world.
And so excited to be is if it was a statement coming from -- to -- it is -- I can deliver foreign policy contact.
That will realize you were.
You know you're diabetes the American people remember -- has no foreign policy experience if you go back to.
Mean -- go back to Bob Dole.
George W.
Bush John McCain always guys -- say they had more on politics that you're from Texas remember George Bush -- they I was dealing with Mexico right.
Ronnie can't even say that as former governor -- his his background is all domestic and I think rice would -- this in nicely now.
The other part of this ticket in my parents -- this -- -- and our secure office I said.
The far right would not be happy with cigarettes.
That she's she says she's moderately pro choice.
I think she's has no problem with gays and -- like it actually hurts her social agenda is not hard right.
-- -- want folks at home to mark this down.
If Condi Rice is the running mate you heard it here first on power play check it out back.
Now it becomes Rob Portman well you can just scrap the tape -- Carlson a New York so this is a very interactive show tweeted me Mike Emanuel fox.
-- your handle.
You are worried he Juan Williams tell us what you think -- on the chat we up money more power play and thank you very much for joining us will be back.
In a moment.
The vast majority of Americans from bouncing a tax increase next year.
Is the house.
Doesn't act.
We need 218 votes in the House of Representatives.
218 votes Basra can make sure that 90% of Americans don't see their taxes -- -- Obama making his pitch for the middle class tax cuts to be extended after passing the United States senate he's -- on -- House of Representatives to follow suit.
Doesn't sound likely I'm Mike Emanuel filling in for Chris -- -- and this is power play here is -- speaker John Boehner responding to the president.
The -- off campaign -- so everyone who'll listen that he -- really mean what he's.
That it and really means you didn't build it.
-- -- I'll tell you what.
If you Marshall reduced him of American small business owners.
The best -- you can do is drop your plan.
To increase their taxes and Jane -- the first.
And that is speaker Boehner response of course house Republicans would like to extend all the bush tax cuts for a year -- and work on tax reform.
In the new year joining me here in the studio for a fair and balanced discussion of these issues and war we have a lovely and talented.
Christie -- -- from new -- communications.
And Michelle Celeste.
Ladies welcome.
Thanks for having us your thoughts on now where we go the tax cuts once again we have a case -- United States senate wants to do one thing the House of Representatives wants to do another the president is with this and it.
How does this play out.
Well it almost feels like we're Bill Murray in Groundhog Day you know do we do this two years ago we did the exact same thing at the end of -- ten.
Here's a question -- ask ourselves what do we gain by increasing taxes on people who earn over 200000 dollars to 50000 dollars a year.
To Obama his argument is that it's fair -- -- more and should pay more.
But you're thinking about what American voters care about.
Creating jobs increasing revenue growing the economy reducing the deficit would increasing taxes on the -- -- that you know you could argue that I don't even make a dent in the interest that we -- And the best way I would argue to increase revenue and get the economy going again.
Is to create jobs he's had to do that it's like slowly back away from the small business owners let them -- let them take the reins and let them create jobs.
Because you get more people working you get unemployment down -- more people paying taxes to contribute to revenue the government through them.
Speculators a couple of things that much time and time Boehner don't seem to understand and that is what the average small business owner looks like.
90% of small business owners do make less than 250000.
Dollars a year.
Which is what we're talking about extending.
The tax breaks for but actually to be clear here's another thing banner -- -- -- doesn't seem to understand.
Actually everyone would get a tax break for the first 250000.
Dollars if you make more than that you're not that's the debate we're having -- those.
There's topped two -- percent of Americans who make more then.
250000.
Dollars a year.
So we're talking about how to create jobs you know -- most -- businesses and America operate.
Through a handful of moderately paid employees.
Are not talking about Google this -- Mark Zuckerberg.
-- these are people who are making millions -- millions dollars.
So I'm so actually extending those tax cuts for the people were making and under 250000 dollars.
What it does is it puts money back in people who people's pockets who really need it that's how we get the economy -- again.
Let me ask both obvious today GDP numbers come out disappointing US economy grew at an annual rate of one point 5% in the second quarter and what's the political reality in this debate over taxes does that strengthen the hand of Republicans -- like to see them all extended saying hey we better not mess with this there are headlines in the economy sputtering.
USA today report came in here said Obama plays defense on GDP numbers so how does this impact this debate we're having in Washington.
Over tax cuts.
I think we double down on different I think that that the president continues to say -- he's been saying all along which is that this is really debate about the middle class and what we can do for them that's why as part of their Recovery Act he passed the largest middle class tax cut in history -- like this debate.
For the president for the administration has always been all about.
What we're going to do for again it was 90% of us who make less than 250000.
Dollars and not the 2% of us who make more than.
I'm asking for Republicans.
They're going to go back to the sort of -- an argument that they've been all along about the so called.
Job creators that are part of that the 2%.
You know I would say that debate has been debunked again and again and again that's.
That putting more and getting more tax breaks more special privileges and as the top has not anything for the economy -- not gonna do it if we keep it going.
-- wouldn't be a special tax breaks for people to copy the special continuation of the current tax levels for everybody so to say that it would be a tax cut which really added -- hurt us but yeah.
For over a decade house and argued these things are tax cut is not true it's just not a tax increase and only in DC you see people twist words like that.
To make you know the big feed the government's addiction to the taxpayer it it continuation of the bush era policies to us now.
So since we -- on the Internet we are blowing up the Internet.
We welcome your comments and on the chat.
We have somebody says there is no class warfare the Democrats are just keeping the tax cuts.
For a certain group we welcome your comments keep them coming you can between all three of us -- a matter of fact.
And it's so essentially.
What happens were a 102.
Days from the election.
People are worried about the fiscal cliff.
What do they do want it I mean you guys watch this stuff as well as I -- I mean today pot.
Today do they do an extension of six months -- and say the new congress is gonna figured out how you know we've heard everybody's position.
What's the reality how does this get done.
And it.
Republicans and Democrats -- do the same thing that they did last time two years ago in the same situation will probably continue it for another five months six months at least into the beginning at 2013.
So that it doesn't affect the election so much that.
Again that's not -- -- -- didn't solve anything last time it didn't tell when he it's not going to solve anything again this time we really need is tax reform and unfortunately.
Neither side has done any job.
Take to fix it in the past two years but will likely -- dollar legislator to deal with it before him.
I certainly -- very I believe that the biggest reason that Americans are frustrated with congress the biggest reason why you sometimes see there then polling in single digits.
Is because they can't seem to get anything -- and I think.
The americans' frustration with congress' inability to get anything down it was probably had a fever pitch last summer when we're talking about the debt ceiling an -- debate.
When we actually for the first time in history lost our AAA credit rating simply because congress couldn't ingredient anything down.
And I I don't see anything changing I -- for a number.
Can we combat we've -- definitely -- -- -- more about congress and a couple of other issues maybe a little.
Veep stakes let's go to the chat one Richard Holland -- says do not raise taxes during a recession.
Stupid idea and will not fix anything but we're not technically in a recession but a lot before worried that the cut the economy is sputtering at this point.
In Danny -- says one is Obama going to realize that if you make 250000.
Dollars you -- not rich and that is an argument.
I have heard I've talked to Chuck Schumer on the hill about that he agrees a lot of his constituents in Manhattan 250000 dollars you are not wealthy and.
-- Wall Street investor you would not be a super -- if you're human dignity if you're making 250000 dollars Chuck Schumer has a lot of people on Wall Street who -- in his district that's correct but again the numbers are what they are -- talking about 90% of Americans -- make less than that then then yes you are -- -- we have.
Remember income is a lot different and well so people who -- earning 250000 dollars a year aren't necessarily rich they may have a lot of debt they're taking care than they have a lot of health care bills are taking care and eighty underwater mortgage.
So to say that just because you're earning 250000 dollars he doesn't mean you're rich and who was president Omar who is a government -- to decide when you're -- Face thank you very much.
-- -- back in a moment please keep your tweets coming please keep chatting and will review some of your comments -- in a moment.
Ever suggested that the background check -- -- every.
Crime from occurring in America and even one as heinous as this I'm not gonna get into the specifics haven't.
What happened in Aurora because there's obviously an ongoing.
Investigation.
But we do need to take a broader look at what we can do to reduce violence in America -- That was -- -- secretary Jay Carney talking gun control here we are a week after the tragic shooting in Aurora Colorado in the -- political dynamic is here in Washington there are not as many calls for new gone -- restrictions are new gun laws.
So let's get into that with our guests here in the studio Christie -- from new -- communications.
And Michelle Celeste -- bill -- communications director.
So there does not seem to be an appetite.
You know quite often after her horrible crimes you hear hey let's do something about gun control.
Why.
You know my camera to take -- -- democratic strategist hat here -- and saying that no one is exactly profiling courage here and I think that.
That's disappointing across the board.
Both President Obama and Mitt Romney supported at the very least they supported the assault weapons ban in the past.
Now I see that I'm Romney is basically running from that you see that the president.
Says in theory that he agrees -- -- still but that he's not going to take any real action to get past.
In his defense I suppose there's there's not really the votes in congress really -- that political will to actually put it up for a vote and Harry Reid and and others who -- that they're not going to take it out.
Still I think that there's a fundamental misunderstanding.
Of the politics here.
I think that this is an issue where Democrats have long believed that they're not going to win on public safety laws and therefore -- -- her I had to take the month.
-- -- -- I'm I just think that's if you look at.
There's a number of common sense proposals that we could address that -- been gun owning households do support.
-- things like.
Looking at whether someone is purchasing a large quantity of assault weapons or yet -- those sorts of common sense policies.
So there -- in -- beat both the political will -- The president wouldn't actually have to go to anybody different and he goes to for anybody else and people that you're he's gonna look to for support here are.
Our women are single women they are and college educated married women.
It you know minorities urban households these are things at the same coalition he puts together again and again.
-- -- example of how little left -- there is on Capitol Hill for this senate majority leader Harry Reid said you know what are you doing this fall.
Watching Bryce Harper win baseball games for the Washington Nationals and so -- right.
-- that gun control of any sort is not going anywhere your -- and it.
Aside from the politics too there's nothing the government is going to do.
You can't reduce violence by stripping innocent American people the ability to defend themselves and if -- committed to doing something illegal.
Like very dominant Dolores shooting.
They're gonna do something illegal and I want to leave it up to the government to implement more lives to defend me you clarity on the right to do them myself.
And the difference of course is that he didn't mean well he of course acted totally over the way to keep purchased the guns was not a legal.
And that that is where you actually can take steps you can take steps to ensure that your average.
Un American isn't able to get military grade weapons out of that would've probably got down yeah.
-- assumptions about what somebody is going to do before they committed a crime it's almost like minority report.
And you're you're assuming that because somebody is buying a certain type of weapon -- maybe we should do the same thing if people are buying large knives for cooking you know where do you draw the line.
We've got such a chat comment on this gun control issue can you read this T.
If Bloomberg New York mayor got his wish in the police went on strike who do you think would ensure they have an -- -- it bodyguard worked to.
All right so are clearly an issue that fires people up.
It's hard to draw conclusions after he sees something.
Happen in Aurora Colorado some people who made the point that.
If you wanna do something horrific.
Odds are you'll be able to find a way and so it's interesting because I'm gonna do this story later today on Fox News and he reached out to the folks at the NRA -- for comment for an interview for anything and they said they're not doing anything.
And so how much of this do you think is or the Washington responses worry that.
The gun lobby could -- -- people out of office if they start tampering with -- with adjusting gun laws.
And -- here is another misunderstanding of the politics the fact is that very few people have been voted in or out because of the support -- the -- I'm -- we believe that they are much more politically powerful than they actually are.
-- you know and another thing that tends to happen in the aftermath of these tragedies.
Is that we call for.
And we see that now is not time for politics now is not the time to be discuss those issues.
-- and particularly disappointing because one it's the only time we do in fact think about these issues and focus on them.
And to that seems to be some sort of a code to say let's not talk about public safety laws let's not talk about gun control right now.
Seems to be you know to the detriment of a lot of people that we don't have those conversations.
Have a couple more comments I'll -- you get a point in Texas aviator -- remember the Second Amendment is not about hunting.
It's about -- people being able to defend against tribal government I don't on an assault weapon political term but have no problem people owning them Richard Holland -- -- AK forty sevens and they are fifteens are rifles.
I use my behind they are not assault weapons are big bad ugly human killing machines itself this is definitely an emotional issue to show -- The governor went to the fact that in the aftermath of shootings like this and in tragedies it is a matter politics -- gun control advocates of compounds that we need stricter laws.
People who are pro gun rights let's -- we don't but.
Most people stop looking at the facts you.
Many people cherry pick the fact that Britain has strict laws and a lot -- -- -- we do however if you look at Mexico you'll get Russia you look at Brazil.
They have a lot stricter gun laws and we do -- -- -- -- murder -- in the US on the other hand if you look at Israel you look at Switzerland has.
Highest gun ownership rates in the world.
And a lot less murder rate so.
Possibly to the facts a lot of times politics comes into play but if we look at numbers and I think we can come to consensus.
We only have about a minute left I've got two female.
Guests.
I want to talk to you about -- stakes start Condi Rice Financial Times today lays out what foreign policy could be in the next Republican administration.
Made my -- go up big game is she the one.
Or -- -- auditioning to be the one with Mitt Romney over -- -- your thoughts on Condi Rice.
I had silly yes access point -- no I don't think that she's not darnedest things -- -- I don't think that she's in any kind of serious contention to be the one.
I'm the right -- actually been fairly vocal about who they believe is on the shortlist.
And -- yourself -- said that she believes it is going to be someone who is sort of some of similar temperament as her husband which points to -- more like a Rob Portman I'm so glad that unfortunately.
Or fortunately I suppose I'm is not going to overshadow.
Mitt Romney doesn't seem to have a lot and -- -- department but I.
Anything is possible she was discounted immediately.
By many on the right because she is somewhat pro choice and so I think if she were to be a contender that would have to be vetted but she certainly does know what it takes to govern she's very -- foreign policy Romney's overseas.
This week hurting himself on the world stage -- this just may be helping him mountain front.
Michelle -- thank you so much experience this has been power play -- are -- all will be back on Monday on Mike Emanuel chief congressional correspondent for Fox News.
Thanks for watching semi some -- what do you think.
Have a wonderful day in a great weekend.
