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Jessica Kriegel is Interviewed about Employment; Former Biden Advisers Testify; Tariff Rate Start Date Pushed to August 7; Alina Habba's Status as U.S. Attorney; Harris Won't Run for California Governor. Aired 6:30-7a ET
Aired August 01, 2025 - 06:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[06:30:16]
AUDIE CORNISH, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone. I'm Audie Cornish. I want to thank you for joining me on CNN THIS MORNING.
It's now half past the hour. And here's what's happening right now.
Stock futures in the red this morning, pointing towards a slump at open. This after President Trump hit nearly every U.S. trading partner with sweeping tariffs. They're set to go into effect next week.
U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff is visiting Gaza. He arrived at an aid distribution site earlier this morning alongside the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. A senior Hamas official is calling the trip a, quote, "staged personal visit" and a photo op.
Today is the final day of an NTSB hearing looking into the cause of a mid-air collision in D.C., which killed 67 people. We've now learned the air traffic control tower never told the passenger jet that the Black Hawk helicopter was nearby. The helicopter pilot told controllers that they saw the plane and would avoid it, seconds before the fatal crash.
And we're about to learn a lot about the resilience or the weakness of the Trump economy. Two hours from now, the Labor Department releases the critical July jobs report. If the majority of economists are correct, that report will show a lackluster net gain of 115,000 jobs, a slight uptick in unemployment. Now, if that's the case, the economy could be headed for trouble. How much trouble? Well, listen to this warning from former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LARRY SUMMERS, FORMER TREASURY SECRETARY: It's more likely than not that we're going to have a recession. And in the context of a recession, we'll see an extra 2 million people be unemployed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: Bringing in Jessica Kriegel now. She's the chief scientist of workplace culture at Culture Partners. Good morning, Jessica.
JESSICA KRIEGEL, CHIEF SCIENTIST OF WORKPLACE CULTURE, CULTURE PARTNERS: Good morning.
CORNISH: So, that was a pretty dire forecast. Not going to go all the way there yet because there are people who are dealing with this jobs issue right now. So, can you talk about what we can look for in the numbers that can be more telling about what people are experiencing?
KRIEGEL: Well, the jobs report is increasingly misleading. And it is hard to read. And intelligent minds disagree on how to interpret the data. That dire warning mimics another dire warning that we heard early in the year that we were headed for recession. The recession didn't come. And right now, the economic signals don't point to a recession in the second half of the year either. People are having short term memory about these things.
So, the reality is that right now, those numbers don't actually reflect the lived experiences of many Americans. There are certain segments of the American population that are experiencing much higher rates of unemployment. And so, it's hard to interpret what this means. Businesses are certainly struggling to adapt, as are the American people.
CORNISH: Well, we're noting there, black and Hispanic workers, their numbers moving to over 6 percent. College graduates also over 6 percent unemployment.
And then there are a bunch of people, I was learning, who, you know, they're in the gig economy. They're sort of like part time workers who want to be full time workers.
Listen to these TikTokers talk about how tough it is right now for them in the job market.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm a college student and I can't find a job. I have applied to over 100 jobs. I haven't heard back from anyone. No one will call me back. I don't know what to do now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have a degree. I have experience. And I can't find a job.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Every time I apply for any job, it feels like I'm just buying a lottery ticket. Like, it feels more likely to win the lottery right now than to get a job.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: Can I just get your reaction to that take? I mean, obviously, this is not a scientific poll, but it's something that I'm hearing more and more.
KRIEGEL: Well, we are too. And the reality is, for those job seekers and for businesses, the solution is the same. Right now the number one key to success for yourself or for your organization is you have to have an adaptable mindset. Adaptability is what wins right now.
We talk about two different kinds of mindsets that Culture Partners. You can either be above the line or below the line. Below the line is spending a lot of energy focusing on what's not working. The blame game. We're going to blame tariffs, the latest economic data, the lack of reliability. What we really need to do is, is go above the line, which is, how can I be adaptable? How can I surrender to reality? The reality is, it's hard right now for college graduates. Maybe that dream career you had in marketing isn't going to be the path. And perhaps you want to try looking into a career as a phlebotomist, for example, which, according to Microsoft, is very A.I. resistant career. So, that adaptability is going to be key. For those people, it's also going to be the key for business leaders.
CORNISH: We should note, I looked at that list as well. A lot of those jobs, I think, like house painter was on those jobs.
KRIEGEL: Right.
CORNISH: That's a big switch you're talking about, marketing to phlebotomist.
[06:35:04]
But it sort of says something about trying to A.I. proof your employment future.
KRIEGEL: Yes, certainly. I mean, reality is what reality is. We have to surrender to it. And so, what you can do is focus on what it is that I can control in order to drive results. And first of all, getting clear on what your goals are and then working towards that, that's going to be a lot better than creating TikToks and complaining about the way that it is.
CORNISH: Jessica Kriegel, thanks so much.
KRIEGEL: Thanks so much for having me.
CORNISH: So, more members of President Biden's inner circle are testifying to a House panel probing the mental decline of the former president, and whether or not they concealed it from the public. Former senior adviser, Mike Donilon, spoke to the House Oversight Committee Thursday and defended Biden's fitness for office. In an opening statement, obtained by CNN, Donilon said, quote, "what I saw, day in and day out, was a leader who was deeply engaged and in command on critical issues, both at home and abroad."
While Donilon was talking to a House panel, his former boss is also speaking out.
Biden delivered an address at the National Bar Association's gala in Chicago. He didn't mention Donald Trump by name, but he delivered a stark warning about, quote, "this guy in the White House."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOE BIDEN, FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT: You need to face the hard truth of this administration. It has been to ease all the gains we've made in my administration. To erase history, rather than make it. To erase fairness, equality. To erase justice itself. And that's not hyperbole, that's a fact.
Look, folks, you can't sugarcoat this. These are dark days.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: The group chat is back.
And we're just going to come to you, Alex, because, like, that's your job now.
ALEX THOMPSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Yes.
CORNISH: That's your life.
THOMPSON: Talking about Joe Biden.
CORNISH: Yes. But these interviews that are happening with the House Oversight Committee, just so people understand, they're happening behind closed doors right now. They interview them, get a sense of what they'll say in public, because they want to have public hearings.
So, are we basically going to keep hearing about this, like clear into the midterms?
THOMPSON: At least the next two months, because we already have interviews scheduled. And some are very interested. And one of the next ones coming up, which is with former senior adviser Anita Dunn. In part because there was a falling out between Anita Dunn and the Biden family, as was made clear when Hunter Biden specifically attacked her in that lengthy interview the other week.
You also have former chief of staff Jeff Zients. I also -- my understanding is that it's even possible you could have former national security advisor Jake Sullivan, other potential senior White House people.
And --
CORNISH: Will people plead the Fifth? Like, is there a scenario --
THOMPSON: Well, so, we already have had three people plead the Fifth. Biden's doctor and two of his top aides, Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal. But then we also saw Ron Klain. You saw Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti. They all sat for interviews. And they did not plead the Fifth.
CORNISH: Ye.
THOMPSON: So, it really, you know, especially with these interviews, they often don't coordinate exactly strategy. So, we don't really know.
CORNISH: So, are we seeing cracks? Right, for a time I think the sort of Biden world, as we've learned, was rather disciplined about coming together around the former president. What do you make of that list of people and sort of their different approaches to this?
SABRINA SINGH, CNN GLOBAL AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR: I don't know that we're seeing cracks. I think there are different approaches. And as Alex said, you know, because it's a legal strategy that each individual is being advised on. So, they're all getting different advice from their lawyers and they're taking different paths.
I think genuinely what you are seeing, though, is that they, you know, talked about his fitness for office and they -- and they gave their own takes on what it was like to be in the room with him. I don't know that you're seeing cracks. And frankly, I'm not like really seeing like any -- anything new or news coming out.
CORNISH: Well, it's early, right? That's what these interviews are for.
SINGH: It's so -- it's definitely early, but I'm just not seeing it.
CORNISH: Yes.
SINGH: And someone like Rep. Comer has been, you know, investigating or looking at the Bidens for so, so long. And again, I'm not -- what I'm -- I'm not seeing anything new. Like you said, we still have a few months here. But I think, ultimately, I mean, personally, Joe Biden has not been president for, you know, since Donald Trump came into office, hasn't been the nominee for over a year. I think it's actually time to focus on other things.
CORNISH: This is a good Democratic argument.
Let me let Malik jump in.
SINGH: Yes.
CORNISH: You should say, from a former Biden official, this makes sense to hear. But from the position of Republicans, how much, how long, how enthusiastic?
MELIK ABDUL, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: So, I think it was pretty clear, when the DNC decided to move the primary date basically from, you know, your Iowa, New Hampshire, to making South Carolina the first state, I think it was clear then that Joe Biden was in a diminished capacity. And we saw it. It's something that we actually lived through.
Now, the question is, though, what does that mean as far as congressional hearings? Sure, you're going to have many people who are coming out to testify, but is there a crime? You know, so I think that as far as Congress, you know, Congress, they love the theater of it all. I remember, even during Biden administrations, Republicans would have a number of hearings on The Hill. [06:40:02]
Well, there were no, like, crimes that they discovered there. And so, I think you're probably going to see a similar thing here. Maybe some embarrassing moments, for sure.
CORNISH: Yes.
ABDUL: But no -- nothing that is -- would be referred to the Department of Justice for some type of criminal prosecution.
CORNISH: Well, briefly, then, last word to you. Are there crimes to look for? I mean part of the conversation around your book was what did it mean to say cover up? And what were the implications of that?
THOMPSON: And we never -- we were never insinuating that there was any sort of criminal activity, but that they had, you know, systematically tried to disguise and cover up the extent of the decline, which is why the debate was such a shock. And, you know, and I completely agree with Sabrina that there are no bombshells yet, but we have seen a few new information yesterday. And "Axios" reported that Mike Donilon stood to make $8 million if Joe Biden was re-elected, which has caused a lot of anger among some (INAUDIBLE) people.
CORNISH: Through?
THOMPSON: By -- through the election -- re-election campaign.
CORNISH: Got it. Got it.
OK, you guys stay with me. We're going to talk about more still ahead on CNN THIS MORNING. Is Trump's former lawyer, Alina Habba, still the U.S. attorney for New Jersey? We're lawyering up with Elliot Williams to get some answers.
Plus, an amusement park ride goes terribly wrong. Dozens injured after it snaps in half.
And we want to know what's in your group chat. What are you talking about today? Reach out to us on X. We're going to talk about ours after this.
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CORNISH: It's now 45 minutes past the hour. And here is your morning roundup.
The family of Jeffrey Epstein accuser (ph) Virginia Giuffre, they are now speaking out after President Trump said she was stolen from Mar-a- Lago as a teen by Epstein.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SKY ROBERTS, BROTHER OF VIRGINIA GIUFFRE: She wasn't stolen. She was preyed upon at his property, at President Trump's property.
And it certainly makes you kind of ask the question, you know, how much he knew during that time, right?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: Trump has been saying that the incident led him to cut ties with Epstein. Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year. The family says she would have wanted the Epstein files made public.
And brace yourself for this video. Twenty-three people were injured when an amusement park ride in Saudi Arabia snapped in half midair. It sent riders crashing to the ground. The resort has been immediately shut down while an investigation is underway.
And remember doing the sit and reach and timed pull-ups in gym class? Well, they could be coming back. President Trump signing an executive order to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test, saying it's part of his effort to make America healthy again. The test was suspended 12 years ago by former President Obama to focus less on the competition aspect of health.
And President Trump has set new tariffs for several countries. But with the exception of Canada, the rest won't go into effect until next week. Not today, as was expected. One country not on the list is China. The fate of a deal is still up in the air, and the latest round of talks wrapped up Tuesday, with tariffs set to kick in August 12th if China doesn't come to the table.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SCOTT BESSENT, TREASURY SECRETARY: The Chinese are tough negotiators. We're tough too.
There's still a few technical details to be worked out on the Chinese side. Between us, I'm confident that it will be done, but it's not 100 percent done.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: CNN's Marc Stewart joins me now from Beijing.
Good morning, Marc.
And you've actually been watching Asian markets, which have been open. What's been the reaction?
MARC STEWART, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's been a tough day, Audie. I always say, it's not about the numbers, it's about the narrative. And right now Asia is just not happy with these tariffs because the majority of the nations here are seeing tariffs around the 20 percent range. So, we saw a rough day of trading in Japan, in Hong Kong, in South Korea. We talked about the trade deal reached there yesterday, a 15 percent flat tariff. But South Korea is going to make some investments in the United States. Billions of dollars of investments. That was down by nearly 4 percent. And for those of us who watch the markets here in Asia, that's a big deal. So, it does not set the tone for a positive day as markets continue trading in Europe and are set to open in the U.S. in a little less than three hours from now, Audie.
CORNISH: You have a country like Mexico, which has been able to get an extension granted, right, because they've been working with the administration. And you -- we heard earlier, you know, the administration saying they're tough negotiators. So, how is China approaching this? Could they get an extension?
STEWART: Well, this is tricky. The fact that both sides have been talking, and didn't necessarily walk away after those talks in Stockholm, Sweden, over the last few days, that's certainly encouraging. But this is tricky. I mean, if you look at Mexico and you look at Canada, these are allies. Although right now these relationships are a little bit tense. China has an adversarial relationship with the United States. And what makes it difficult is that it's not just about money and trade and tariffs, it's about things like rare earth minerals, the substances that American companies want from China that help to make things like electronics, make lights, electric vehicles.
China, in return, wants computer chips to help its high tech industries. And so, there's a lot of back and forth on that. And then you have this whole issue of ego. Obviously, President Trump wants to stand strong, but so does China's Leader Xi Jinping. He doesn't want to appear as if he's giving in to the U.S. So, that's why this U.S.- China relationship is so difficult. As we heard from the secretary of Treasury, it's really going to be up to President Trump as to whether or not this extension will be granted.
[06:50:03]
CORNISH: And in the meantime, people are going to start their back to school shopping, right, and all of these supplies that actually come from China.
STEWART: Right. And it depends on just how far ahead different stores ordered. I mean, the one thing which I'm hearing from the National Retail Federation is that prices may be higher. But China is the world's factory. So much stuff is made here. Clothing, home furnishings, appliances. Something else, Christmas decorations. In fact, earlier this year, in April, we went to a factory to the south of us here in Beijing, in a town called Yiwu. A city called Yiwu. It's where they make all of the world's Christmas decorations.
We talked to a factory owner. She has been doing business with some of these American vendors for years. And then they suddenly, after very strong business relationships, just canceled their orders. So, even if an extension is granted, we're probably going to see some tangible impact when it comes to back to school, even Christmas time, items hard to get and items certainly may cost more as well, Audie.
CORNISH: OK. That was Marc Stewart from Beijing.
I want to turn now to the legal saga unfolding with acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey, Alina Habba. Her term expired. The judge has declined to reappoint her. Then she was rehired by Attorney General Pam Bondi anyway. Can they do that?
Well, joining me to talk about this and some other legal headlines this week, it's time to lawyer up with CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Elliot Williams.
How you doing there?
ELLIOT WILLIAMS, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Hi.
CORNISH: OK, so you wanted to talk about the situation in New Jersey.
WILLIAMS: Yes.
CORNISH: What is the real world impacts for like criminal trials?
WILLIAMS: Right.
CORNISH: We're always talking about this in the context of politics.
WILLIAMS: And that's a perfect way to set it up because she is now starting to get lawsuits about her legitimacy as U.S. attorney. At least one defendant has -- says, wait a second, if the U.S. attorney is not properly appointed, then nothing this office does is legitimate.
What's -- what's fascinating about it legally is that it's the same argument made against Jack Smith, remember the former special prosecutor --
CORNISH: Yes.
WILLIAMS: Where -- special counsel, where the question was, if you are not a duly appointed special counsel, then therefore none of your work is legitimate. So, sort of watch this space. That issue is going to keep coming up, the legitimacy.
CORNISH: OK. I want to talk to you about something I heard about earlier, this data breach with the Tea Act (ph).
WILLIAMS: Oh, yes.
CORNISH: Because we were talking about the implications for just like women and safety. But I remember when I brought it up with Melik, he was like, what? They can do what? They can say what about men?
So, can you talk about the legal questions around this app and this breach?
WILLIAMS: Yes, absolutely.
So, you know, broadly speaking, there's nothing wrong with posting things on the internet. And I think a lot of these guys on Reddit are seeing the mere fact that their names are showing up on this app as itself problematic legally. That's not really the case.
Now, the problem is that the internet generally invites harassment. It invites piling on. It invites sort of a groupthink mentality. And you can see a scenario where someone is prosecuted for harassment or doxing based on the kind of information they put out. But we should be clear, it's an important app that serves, I think, an important social function. It's just, because of how it's designed, it sort of opens the door to a certain measure of risk that they ought to be careful of.
CORNISH: OK. And then I think there is one more thing you wanted to talk about this week.
WILLIAMS: Oh, yes.
CORNISH: Related to Cardi B.
WILLIAMS: Oh, yes.
CORNISH: OK. What's the tea on Cardi B?
WILLIAMS: Oh, what's the tea? Oh, I -- how much time do you have?
CORNISH: The legal tea, Elliot. The legal tea.
WILLIAMS: It -- the -- you know what -- you know what, and this is such, to me, an important story because it's the kind of thing we could giggle about, but it's legally very important. She -- she's actually being sued for assault, for assaulting someone, frankly, a security guard, in a gynecologist's office.
CORNISH: There's a lot to unpack there.
WILLIAMS: It's so hip hop.
CORNISH: Yes. OK.
WILLIAMS: It's so bonkers. But there was a question about whether her past, both as a -- an exotic dancer, a stripper, and former crimes could come up in court. And the judge said no to that for --
CORNISH: Oh, yes, we've talked about it in the past, which is how -- if the public perceives you in a certain way --
WILLIAMS: Yes.
CORNISH: Is that a problem in court?
WILLIAMS: Yes. Yes.
CORNISH: And can you say, look, they -- they shouldn't be allowed to think of my past?
WILLIAMS: Right. And it's just an important step back to note that court and trials aren't a free for all. And the mere fact that you might have done things that the public found objectionable does not mean that it needs to come in as evidence in court. And the judge sort of looked at it, said, no, there's some no's in this house, technically. I had to -- I had to. It just came to me.
THOMPSON: Elliot. Elliot.
CORNISH: Mean. So mean.
THOMPSON: That was a good one.
(CROSS TALK)
WILLIAMS: But -- but again, rule 404, prior bad act evidence can't just come into court. And I think, again, it's a silly thing, we all giggled about it, but it's a hallmark of our legal system.
CORNISH: Yes.
WILLIAMS: And this sort of jokey case that we might roll our eyes at is (INAUDIBLE).
CORNISH: You're the one making all the jokes. We were being very serious.
THOMPSON: I'm writing about (INAUDIBLE).
(CROSS TALK)
CORNISH: OK.
WILLIAMS: No, no, no, look, look, Walt Whitman would say, I contain multitudes and I did both.
CORNISH: Walt Whitman. OK, we've been on a journey and I want to get off.
[06:55:03]
Elliot, however, these jokes have earned you a place at the table a little bit longer.
WILLIAMS: Funny how that works.
CORNISH: That's how TV works.
So, here's what we're going to talk about next.
There has been a Kamala Harris sighting. The former vice president sitting down for her first post-election interview with the recently canceled Stephen Colbert. Harris ended a lot of speculation this week when she announced she is not running for governor of California next year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEPHEN COLBERT, HOST, "THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT": You said you're going to sit this one out. Why are you sitting this one out? Are you saving yourself for a different office that might be -- KAMALA HARRIS, FORMER U.S. VICE PRESIDENT: No. No. No.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: So, she's not running for governor and has no designs on the White House right now. What is the former VP's plan?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAMALA HARRIS, FORMER U.S. VICE PRESIDENT: Recently, I made the decision that I just, for now, I don't want to go back in the system. I think it's broken.
But it doesn't mean we give up. That's not my point.
STEPHEN COLBERT, HOST, "THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT":: OK, because that's what I'm -- I'm hearing, like, you don't want to be part of the fight anymore.
HARRIS: That's -- no, no, no. No. No. Oh, absolutely not. I am always going to be part of the fight.
COLBERT: OK.
HARRIS: That is not going to change.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: Group chat is back.
I think the obvious question everyone has, I don't know who wants to take this, of is she running? We're already starting with the, is he -- he or she running type questions.
Melik, you jumped. Are you -- with excitement or --
ABDUL: Of course she's running. Of course she's running. And Republicans would love to run against Kamala Harris in 2028. Now, I'll say this, and a lot of people are critical of her, there is no reason that she shouldn't run.
CORNISH: Oh. Oh contraire. President Trump was asked about Harris --
ABDUL: Well, of course.
CORNISH: Deciding not to run for California governor. And here's what he had to say about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Well, she can't speak. She can't talk. She can't do an interview. I thought it was a very strange campaign that we had. But, you know, I had two of them.
I wouldn't call her a skilled politician, would you?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CORNISH: OK. I mean, but it's the idea that, like, yes, she lost. The voters weighed in on this already. And we know she's going to have a book coming out, right?
THOMPSON: Well, to -- to push back on Melik's point a bit, it's -- it is a difficult 2028 presidential message to come out of the gate and say, I'm a little disillusioned with electoral politics, with bringing about change by working inside the system. I actually thought one of the most poignant moments of that interview was when she talked about how she had to convince her family when she wanted to run, you know, join the D.A.'s office, she had to convince her family that this was the right way, that the system could work if you work from the inside. And, to me, it sounded like someone -- she talked about how she didn't watch cable news for months, and that she feels that maybe working outside the system is a way to actually, you know, produce change.
CORNISH: Hold on. One more big question. She was asked about President Biden's decline. We spoke about that earlier. Here is how she responded to that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAMALA HARRIS, FORMER U.S. VICE PRESIDENT: Its' an instinct of mine to be someone who does not participate in piling on. And I was not going to pile on. And I just wasn't going to do that. And there was a lot of piling on at that time, and I wasn't going to participate in that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WILLIAMS: Look, this is her central challenge, distancing herself from Joe Biden in some way. And what's really amazing is she's a historic figure by any metric in the realm, in the cloth of Shirley Chisholm, an historic first. She's also historic in the way that Dan Quayle was, which is, she will forever be associated with a presidency that a lot of the public sees as not popular and is not happy with. And running for president in 2028, she's going to have to -- to toe that line.
CORNISH: This is the kind of thing that will be in Washington group chats today. But I want to talk about what else is in your group chat.
Sabrina, can I start with you?
SINGH: Sure. I mean the group chat, I think, obviously, I think the announcement of her book, of course, was -- was -- was up there. But I have to say, what's really dominating the group chats is this new show on Netflix, which is "The Hunting Wives." It is not family appropriate.
CORNISH: OK.
SINGH: But it is --
CORNISH: This is a morning show, just so you know.
SINGH: So, like, telling -- yes, telling you, you do not watch with your family. But it is -- it is -- it is fun. It is light. And everyone's talking about it.
CORNISH: OK. Melik, welcome.
ABDUL: It is muscadine season. And this is for --
CORNISH: I don't know what that word means.
ABDUL: This is for southerners.
CORNISH: OK.
ABDUL: Southerners know this is muscadine season. It's like a grape. It's muscadine and scuppernong. And in my group chat, every year we get to reminisce about my granddaddy. My granddaddy who had his muscadine vine that went around the side of the house. And my grandmother, who would make preserves and jellies from that. So, this is always a good time of the year for us because --
CORNISH: Is it just emojis of grapes?
ABDUL: Oh, yes. Oh, yes. The whole thing.
CORNISH: Yes. Let me let these guys jump in.
Last to you.
WILLIAMS: What is actually going to be on the Presidential Fitness Test?
CORNISH: Oh.
WILLIAMS: You know, because we all did it.
CORNISH: Yes.
WILLIAMS: You know, we all did it as kids. Sit ups back then --
CORNISH: I'm still doing it. I'm like running the mile.
WILLIAMS: Me too. Me too. So, but -- but, you know, as kids we all did sit ups and things like that. We exercise differently today.
[07:00:00]
Planks are important. Balance is important. But also, if there's anything that's hurting kids today, it's depression and anxiety.
CORNISH: Oh.
WILLIAMS: And what are we doing about -- I'm serious.
CORNISH: It's a word in the chat.
You?
THOMPSON: They're making a "Social Network" sequel. And Jesse Eisenberg reportedly is not going to come back as Mark Zuckerberg. And they're looking at Jeremy Strong.
CORNISH: Jeremy Strong. Oh, OK.
You guys, group chat took me on a journey. Thank you for waking up with us. We covered a lot of ground today. I'm Audie Cornish. You can get the headlines next because "CNN NEWS CENTRAL" starts right now.
