COMING UP ON “MEET THE PRESS WITH CHUCK TODD” 2/1/15: EXCLUSIVE W/ REP. PAUL RYAN; ROBERT GATES ON ISIS; PLUS CONCUSSIONS IN FOOTBALL

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), chairman of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, joins Chuck for an exclusive interview. In the final two years of President Obama’s term, Chairman Ryan will likely be a key member to bridge the gap between the Republican-led Congress and the White House. What does compromise on tax policy and trade look like? And with Romney ruling out a 2016 run, what does his former running mate think about the decision and the state of GOP field?

 

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)

Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee

 

# # #

 

A DEEP DIVE ABROAD: Former Sec. of Defense Gates will join the show for a deep dive on foreign affairs. As the number of hostages captured by ISIS continues to grow, how can the U.S. and our allies combat this enemy? Plus, what does a new King in Saudi Arabia mean for the United States’ relationship with this critical, but flawed ally? What does the leadership change mean for the overall landscape of the Middle East?

 

Robert Gates

Former Secretary of Defense

 

# # #

 

CONCUSSIONS IN FOOTBALL: A Super Bowl Sunday conversation on the impact of concussions in America’s favorite game. Given the growing number of cognitive problems among former football players, will parents think twice before allowing their children to play? Plus, what can the NFL do to protect both current and former players? Are they doing enough?

 

Leonard Marshall

Former NFL Player

 

DeMaurice Smith

Executive Director, NFL Players Association

 

# # #

 

POLITICAL PANEL: Following Romney’s decision to make room for the “next generation of Republican leaders,” who in the GOP will step forward for a 2016 run? Plus: Savannah Guthrie joins us just hours ahead of her exclusive live interview with President Obama. What message will he send to the millions of Americans tuning in for the big game?

 

Savannah Guthrie

Co-Anchor, TODAY

 

Mark Halperin

Managing Editor, Bloomberg Politics and Host, Bloomberg TV’s “With All Due Respect”

 

Jim Cramer

Host, CNBC’s Mad Money

 

Kathleen Parker

Columnist, Washington Post

 

# # #

# # #

# # #

For more information contact:
Maggie Steenland
NBC News
212-664-7874

maggie.steenland@nbcuni.com

# # #

MEET THE PRESS

“Meet the Press” is where newsmakers come to make news—setting the political agenda, and spotlighting the impact Washington decision-making has on people across the country. “Meet the Press” reaches more than 3 million people every Sunday through its broadcasts and millions more through NBCNews.com, the #TweetThePress interview series, Flipboard, and social media platforms.  Chuck Todd is the moderator of “Meet the Press” and John Reiss is the executive producer.

# # #