If you want to know how ABC’s This Week Anchor Martha Raddatz, 72, feels about someone, just look at how she describes them. There is no grey area about her sentiments on War Secretary Pete Hegseth after she introduced a video of him for a segment about his announcement that the military will require physically fit troops. Men and women will now have to meet the same fitness standard.
“Hegseth, the former Fox News weekend host and Army National Guard major, who served a 12-month tour in Iraq two decades ago…” See what she did there? First, Raddatz tried to minimize Hegseth’s expertise. Then in the second half of the introduction, she suggests that Hegseth is a lightweight compared to the people he was addressing. “… Speaking to senior leaders who are some of the most experienced war fighters in a generation …” Next she hints that they had some strong feelings about his directives but were too professional to let it be known. “… Generals and admirals who followed military protocol, showing no response as Hegseth laid out his new vision.”
The introduction is an intentional attack on Hegseth’s credibility.
By contrast, Raddatz gave a glowing introduction of a retired military woman, signaling credibility to viewers.
“Lillian Pfluke, a retired Army officer with a master’s in mechanical engineering, is a world champion cyclist,” Raddatz brimmed, later adding that Pfluke, “was in the first class of female cadets at West Point.”
You won’t be shocked to learn Pfluke was not a fan of Hegseth’s plan. Neither was Raddatz’s next guest“… retired General Pete Chiarelli. He served two tours of duty in Iraq during some of the most challenging days of the war and later served as Army vice chief of staff.”
But you know who she didn’t have on the show? Hegseth. Even though her promotion of the segment before the commercial break made it sound like he was coming up next.
“Coming up, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sets new standards for the military. How is it going over with current and former commanders? That conversation when we come back.” She also mislabeled him. Hegseth is secretary of War now. Since her script is written, we can assume that was slight was intentional.
These are the things you notice when the answers are removed and you are left with just the questions, below:
(Introduction)
Anchor Martha Raddatz: Two years after the October 7 attack in Israel, is an end to the war in Gaza within reach? This Week starts now.
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RADDATZ: Israel and Hamas back President Trump’s plan to free all remaining hostages.
But with key differences remaining, will the peace plan actually end the conflict? This morning, Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the latest reaction from freed hostage Keith Siegel, plus former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis.
Shutdown showdown.
The federal government grinds to a halt as Washington clashes over health care spending.
How much longer will the shutdown last? We’ll ask Democratic Sen. Cory Booker.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lays out his standards to the nation’s top commanders.
We’ll get reaction from former Army Vice Chief of Staff Peter Chiarelli.
Plus, analysis from our powerhouse roundtable.
(Live at anchor desk)
RADDATZ: Good morning, and welcome to This Week.
This morning, just days away from the two-year anniversary of the horrific Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, a sense of hope for the release of the remaining hostages and for the end of the war in Gaza. But that hope remains temperate with significant gaps still remaining to reach a deal.
Overnight, Israelis rallying for peace after Hamas agreed in principle to President Trump’s proposed 20-point peace plan, including the release of all remaining hostages still held inside Gaza. But with conditions. President Trump and leaders around the world responding positively to the progress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying in a televised statement last night, we are on the verge of a very great achievement.
Our Ian Pannell, who has covered this work extensively, starts us off.
Israel And Hamas Peace Talks
(video clip)
CHIEF FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT IAN PANNELL:
This morning, mounting hope for a major diplomatic breakthrough and an end to the war in Gaza.
The president’s 20-point plan calls for the war to end immediately, but calls first for the release of all remaining hostages within 72 hours. In its response, Hamas saying it would release all the hostages as long as “proper field conditions” are met. Those conditions, unclear.
In exchange, some 250 Palestinian prisoners would be released, as well as 1,700 Gazans detained since October, including women and children, and the bodies of 15 Gazans for each dead Israeli returned.
The plan also calls for Israel to gradually withdraw from Gaza, handing over the administration of the strip to an international body with support from Arab nations. A massive increase in humanitarian aid into the devastated enclave would follow if an agreement is reached.
Trump reacting on social media, saying he believes Hamas is “ready for a lasting peace,” and that “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.”
Netanyahu, speaking to the nation in Hebrew on Saturday evening, saying, “we’re on the verge of a great achievement. Hopefully, in the coming days, during the Sukkot holiday, we’ll be able to announce the return of all our hostages.”
But despite Trump’s calls, IDF attacks on Gaza City continuing overnight. And there is still many questions and skepticism, not least because Hamas hasn’t agreed to disarm as demanded by President Trump.
(Live from Israel)
PANNELL: And, Martha, there’s still a long way to go. Negotiators are going to meet in Egypt tomorrow to try and hammer out the details and get this across the finish line, as resolutions to some of those key issues really remain allusive.
But there are signs of hope that the end to this devastating conflict may be in sight. And I think it’s going to depend on two key things. Number one, will either side compromise? And I think above all else, President Trump has really changed this game. Is he willing to stay the course, knock heads together and push this across the finish line.
Martha.
RADDATZ: Our thanks to Ian Pannell.
I’m joined now by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Good morning to you, Mr. Secretary.
RADDATZ: Let’s pick up where Ian left off. Are there real signs of hope here? Is this different?
RADDATZ: And, Mr. Secretary, let’s drill down on some of those things. One of the things that Hamas said about releasing the hostages is, “with the provision of proper field conditions for carrying out the exchange.” You mentioned that briefly, but is that a complicated process? Do you really have hope they will be released and these aren’t things to stall?
RADDATZ: There were bombings last night.
RADDATZ: There were bombings last night in Gaza City.
RADDATZ: And one of the things President Trump said is that the — “the hostages should be returned to Israel within 72 hours of acceptance of the plan.” Has that clock started, or do you not quite think they’ve accepted the plan?
RADDATZ: And you’re talking about within a couple of days? Should we expect it next week if it doesn’t happen this week?
RADDATZ: And, Secretary Rubio, President Trump also said that Hamas cannot pose a threat again. They have not talked about part of this deal, which is disarming.
RADDATZ: And President Trump’s ally, Sen. Lindsey Graham, was critical of Hamas’s response. He said it was a classic, “yes, but.”
What would you say to the senator?
RADDATZ: We are certainly all hoping it happens as well. Thanks for joining us this morning, Mr. Secretary. We appreciate it.
RADDATZ: As we mentioned, it has been two years since the Hamas massacre on October 7, and we wanted to take a moment to return to one of the places devastated by that attack that we visited shortly afterwards.
(video clip)
RADDATZ (voice-over): Two years ago this week, this small community of around 800 people in southern Israel, Kfar Aza, was ravaged. Hamas militants infiltrating this kibbutz right on the border with Gaza, murdering 64 and taking 19 hostage.
This is the gate where the Hamas terrorists broke through, one of 30 locations where they gained access.
When we returned a year later, on the anniversary of the massacre, the devastation, the pain was still evident. The abandoned community, a shrine to the dead and the missing.
It’s his home.
We met Liran Berman, whose twin younger brothers, Ziv and Gali, now 28 years old, are still being held in Gaza, somewhere just miles away.
Liran returns here often to feel their presence.
And last night, with news of a possible hostage release, Liran rallied with other hostage families in Tel Aviv.
Raddatz Questions Israeli-American Former Hostage Keith Siegel
(Live in Studio)
RADDATZ (on camera): American Israeli Keith Siegel was also taken hostage from Kfar Aza on October 7th before his release this February after 484 days. He returned to visit his ravaged former home on the kibbutz two weeks after his release. You can see him there. And he joins us now.
It is good to see you, Mr. Siegel. We’re so happy you were able to join us today.
You heard Liran Berman there say he is suspended between hope and dread. How optimistic are you that this plan will see the release of the hostages?
You’ve known Liran and the Berman twins at Kfar Aza since they were babies really, and you did see them when you were being held. Can you tell us anything about them and what condition they were in?
Can you tell us a bit about your own captivity?
I cannot imagine what you went through. We hope that the others will be released soon. As your T-shirt says, bring them home. Thank you.
Raddatz Questions NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral James Stavridis
RADDATZ: And I’m joined by former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral James Stavridis, whose book, The Restless Wave, is now available in paperback. It’s so good to see you, Admiral Stavridis.
From what you heard from Secretary Rubio, the president, and others, do you think this time there could be a ceasefire?
RADDATZ: And when you look at the release of the hostages, if they release the hostages, in many ways, they don’t have a lot to negotiate with in the future. So, do you see that happening before they deal with everything else?
RADDATZ: We saw last night, we talked about this with Secretary Rubio, but we saw last night, the Israelis were bombing again even though they said they wouldn’t. He said they would be looking into that. What do you think is going on? And will Israel stop bombing? Or is there this line where you can call something defense?
RADDATZ: And, Admiral, I want to ask you about — turn to Venezuela. You’ve seen those attacks, those U.S. strikes on boats that the president said are drug smugglers or drug traffickers, drug cartels. What’s your take on that?
RADDATZ: And just quickly if you can, the legality of this. He says that it is in armed conflict with drug cartels.
RADDATZ: Okay. Thanks so much, Admiral Stavridis. It’s always good to see you.
Up next, it’s now day five of the government shutdown. How long could it last? We’ll ask Democratic Sen. Cory Booker.
We’re back in two minutes.
(commercial break)
Raddatz Questions Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.
(begin video clip)
RADDATZ: Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticizing Democrats for not supporting a short-term budget resolution to keep the government open.
I’m joined in studio by Democratic Sen. Cory Booker on day five of this shutdown.
Let’s talk about what John Thune said and whether there have been any negotiations or conversations this weekend, bipartisan.
RADDATZ: But what’s not different is this is a short-term seven-week extension. Seven weeks, which the Republicans say you could negotiate in. And those Affordable Care subsidies do not run out until the end of the year.
RADDATZ: But they need Democrats, obviously.
RADDATZ: Aren’t you a little worried that they’re going to blame you for that because they need Democrats? Yes, those could affect your constituents.
RADDATZ: And I want to play something from your colleague from New Hampshire, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen — she had to say about the negotiations.
RADDATZ: Let’s listen.
(video clip)
RADDATZ: Your reaction to that?
RADDATZ: Let’s talk about what she just said —
RADDATZ: — and about leadership and your own party leadership. Do you have any disappointment in your party leadership?
RADDATZ: So, you’re fine — you’re fine with your leadership, with everything the Democrats have been doing?
RADDATZ: Speaking of bringing together, are you confident that your entire caucus, save those Democrats who’ve already sided, three Democrats who’ve already sided with Republicans, will stay firm?
RADDATZ: OK. Thanks very much for joining us this morning, senator.
Good to see you.
Coming up, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sets new standards for the military. How is it going over with current and former commanders? That conversation when we come back.
(commercial break)
Raddatz Questions retired General Pete Chiarelli
(video clip)
RADDATZ: President Trump speaking to the nation’s top military leaders where he shattered longstanding protocol to keep politics separate from the military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struck a similar tone as he announced a sweeping series of changes to military policies and standards.
(video clip)
RADDATZ (voice over): It was an unprecedented gathering of military leaders with an unprecedented warning from Secretary Pete Hegseth.
RADDATZ (voice over): Hegseth, the former Fox News weekend host and Army National Guard major, who served a 12-month tour in Iraq two decades ago, speaking to senior leaders who are some of the most experienced war fighters in a generation. Generals and admirals who followed military protocol, showing no response as Hegseth laid out his new vision.
RADDATZ (voice over): Announcing that a high male standard will now be the norm for ground combat roles.
RADDATZ (voice over): Women have served for more than a decade in ground combat.
RADDATZ (voice over): Lillian Pfluke, a retired Army officer with a master’s in mechanical engineering, is a world champion cyclist.
RADDATZ (voice over): And this announcement from Hegseth on new rules about bullying and hazing.
RADDATZ (voice over): Also concerned Pfluke, who was in the first class of female cadets at West Point.
RADDATZ (voice over): But Pfluke sees possible irony in Hegseth’s call to end DEI programs.
RADDATZ (voice over): But Pete Hegseth has a message for anyone in the military who questions his plans, including those hundreds of senior leaders who sat silently before him.
(Live at anchor desk)
RADDATZ (on camera): And I’m joined now by retired General Pete Chiarelli. He served two tours of duty in Iraq during some of the most challenging days of the war and later served as Army vice chief of staff.
It’s good to see you this morning, General Chiarelli.
You know a lot of people who were in that room with Pete Hegseth and President Trump. Tell me what you’re hearing and what your reaction to the speech was.
RADDATZ: And I want to go — you were also — let — I want to play something that Secretary Pete Hegseth said during that meeting that directly involves you.
(video clip)
RADDATZ: Okay. Didn’t pronounce your name correctly, but he said Chiarelli. He was certainly talking about you.
I think we know about General Milley. President Trump does not like him.
Frank McKenzie was head of CENTCOM during the withdrawal of Afghanistan. So, that is likely the reason he called him out.
You’ve been retired for 13 years. Why did he call you out, do you believe?
RADDATZ: He did talk about rules of engagement. There are some people over the years who did complain that the rules of engagement were too strict. You don’t believe so?
RADDATZ: And the rules of engagement again are there to protect civilians and non-combatants. Correct?
RADDATZ: And I want to talk this morning, and you talk about rules of engagement. The president wants to send National Guard. He was — it’s been here in Washington, D.C. Of course, that’s different to Chicago, to other cities.
When you see that happening, what are your thoughts?
RADDATZ: And I want to go back to the speech again, just overall, just finally here. What you heard in the military going forward, you heard him say to the generals, “If you do not agree with this, resign.”
Do you think people will resign? Is there a red line? Is there anything unlawful about what he said?
RADDATZ: Okay. Thanks so much for joining us this morning, General Chiarelli. Good to see you again.
Coming up, who’s taking the blame for the shutdown? The roundtable shares their take when we come back.
(commercial break)
This Week Round Table Discussion
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RADDATZ: The debate within the GOP over whether the Trump administration should target blue states with cuts as the government shutdown drags on, the roundtable will discuss that and more when we come back.
(commercial break)
RADDATZ: Let’s bring in our roundtable, former DNC chair Donna Brazile, former RNC chair and former Trump White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, and Puck Chief Washington correspondent, Leigh Ann Caldwell.
Great to see you all on this Sunday morning. I want to start with our reporter here.
Leigh Ann, Republicans and Democrats still seem miles apart. How long will this go on or do you see any movement whatsoever? Didn’t sound like it from Cory Booker.
RADDATZ: So, Donna, the longer this shutdown goes on, the more pain everyone is feeling. And again, and it’s what I was talking about with Cory Booker, asking for a seven-week extension.
RADDATZ: And Reince, voters, those polls — polled anyway, do seem to be putting the blame on the Republicans. In the most recent “Washington Post” poll found more people blame Republicans than Democrats for the shutdown, and voters consistently say they want those Obamacare subsidies extended.
RADDATZ: You’re going to want to jump in here, I can tell.
(CROSSTALK)
RADDATZ: They’re going to get paid?
PRIEBUS: They’re going to get paid.
RADDATZ: Eventually. But meanwhile, paycheck to paycheck.
(CROSSTALK)
RADDATZ: OK. I want to — I want to shut guys down for just a second.
I want to shut you guys down.
RADDATZ: And go to Leigh Ann because you didn’t really answer that question, Reince, about polls.
RADDATZ: Should — it’s a “Washington Post” poll and a Kaiser Family Fund. Should the White House be concerned about this? When they look at polls like that, I’m sure there are other polls, but when they look at polls like this that are blaming the Republicans, should the White House be nervous?
(crosstalk)
RADDATZ: Reince, and I do want to ask you about the mass firings that the president has promised. We haven’t seen that yet. We’ve seen some silly memes about it. They say, no, no, it would be really hard to lay off these people, but that hasn’t happened. Will that happen? What’s the end game here?
RADDATZ: And Leigh Ann, I’m going to let you finish here. We have about 30 seconds. How long do you think this can last? I mean, what is the sense up there?
RADDATZ: And I’m sure everybody watching the polls will watch the government shutdown and hope it ends pretty soon.
RADDATZ: Thanks for all of you for being here this morning, and we’ll be right back.
(commercial break)
RADDATZ: Thanks for sharing part of your Sunday with us. Check out World News Tonight and have a great day.