Meet the Press NOW — September 18

More Republican candidates appear to distance themselves from President Donald Trump over a state visit with the Chinese President Xi Jinping and high gas prices impacting voters. Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) discuss their bipartisan AI legislation as part of NBC’s Common Ground series. Sebastien Lai calls for the release of his father Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and media publisher, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence in Hong Kong. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump says he has a “big decision” to make about Iran in his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Steve Kornacki breaks down NBC News’ latest poll showing Trump’s approval hitting a second-term low. Kamala Harris campaigns with Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) join Meet the Press NOW to discuss the Congressional Women’s Softball game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj sits down for a Meet the Moment conversation about his career in comedy and film. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristen Welker has exclusive interviews with Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Steve Kornacki breaks down a new NBC News poll. Yamiche Alcindor, Jamelle Bouie and Sara Fagen join the roundtable. Actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj sits down for a Meet the Moment conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If there’s one issue driving this election, it’s affordability. With prices for everything from gas and groceries to healthcare and childcare rising, many Americans feel the American Dream is slipping out of reach. Meanwhile, Democrats think this could be the key to their comeback, while President Donald Trump calls affordability a “hoax” — but is still pitching $5,000 payments for every voter if Republicans maintain control of the House and the Senate.On Episode 2 of "Here’s the Scoop, Election Edition," NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake brings together NBC News senior policy reporter Shannon Pettypiece, former Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., and NBC News contributor Ashley Etienne, a former adviser to President Joe Biden, to discuss where voters are feeling the squeeze, why they don’t feel like the economy — or the government — is working for them and how the parties are responding on the campaign trail and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump says he’s banning three media outlets from the White House. Kansas senate candidate Adam Hamilton (D) reacts to Vice President Vance’s attacks over his Christian faith. President Trump reiterates promise to give $5,000  checks to Americans if Republicans win the midterms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump slams the Federal Reserve after the board unanimously voted to hike interest rates for the first time in three years. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) discusses how the Bipartisan Caucus on Artificial Intelligence is responding to warnings by tech leaders that AI may pose an existential threat to humanity. Charles Booker (D-Ky.) discusses his campaign to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigates a news chopper crash in Los Angeles that killed three people. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh announces a hike in interest rates, defying pressure from President Trump. Former Biden administration economic adviser Jared Bernstein shares his assessment of the economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A summit on the risks of AI unites voices across the political spectrum. Technology ethicist Tristan Harris discusses possible AI guardrails as Congress grapples with regulation. President Trump lashes out at the Supreme Court after it blocked the administration from using the postal service to regulate mail-in ballots. A new CBO report says the Iran war will continue to drive up inflation for Americans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump dismisses new warnings as AI leaders sound the alarm about the lack of regulation around artificial intelligence. Oil and fuel prices continue to rise amid concerns the war with Iran may be expanding. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) joins Meet the Press NOW after the Supreme Court blocked the use of a new Republican-drawn map that Missouri used in the primary elections. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.