-runner donald trump is switching things up with a new charm offensive. peter alexander shows us how he's reinvents himself as donald trump the family man. >> reporter: donald trump buried the hatchet with fox news less than a week after he insisted he's boycott fox for the foreseeable future. >> am i fair to say that in order for you to win the republican nomination that you'll have to change your style and be a bit kinder and more mature? is that a fair question? >> i think it's certainly fair. i think it's not a maturity question but it's fair. >> reporter: with his popularity numbers below the likes of ben carson, carly fiorina or hillary clinton, he's already everywhere. >> i'm on a lot of covers. i think more than any supermodel. >> reporter: he's now launching a new pr campaign to show a more personal side, opening up his lavish manhattan penthouse to "people" magazine. "my life is so busy and so crazy and i'm away all the time" he says "if i can stay home and do nothing it's considered a great luxury." the tough talking father of five speaking affectionately about his third wife a

strategy from the brash aggressive tone that's put him in the lead. nbc's peter alexander joins us live now from washington. i don't think anyone would be greatly surprised by poll numbers regarding latino voters. but the notion that trump wants to transition from this brash style as i've pointed out, peter, that put him at the top of the polls is interesting. >> that's exactly right. he's always said that he sort of views a glamorized role for the president in the u.s. recent article for "the new york times" he even gave jimmy carter for carrying his own bags off air force one. after a ban from fox news for a whole knicsix days, he was back fox as he tries to shore up support by introducing himself as donald trump, family man. >> the return of one donald trump. >> reporter: donald trump has buried the hatchet with fox news back on the network tuesday less than a week after insisting he would boycott fox for the foreseeable future. >> am i fair to say that in order for you to win republican nomination, that you are going to have to change your style and be a bit kinder and more mature.

nbc national correspondent peter alexander has more on the republican front-runner. peter, good morning to you. >> reporter: hey, matt, good morning to you. after a ban on fox news that lasted a whole six days, trump returned to the air and got challenged over whether he'll have to adopt a more mature style going forward this. comes as the top republican is actively trying to shore up support by reintroducing himself at donald trump, family man. >> the return of one donald trump. >> reporter: donald trump is ve -- has buried the hatchet with fox news after insisting he boy cod fox for the foreseeable future. >> aim fair to say that in order for you to win the republican nomination that you're going to have to change your style and be a bit kinder and more mature, is that a fair question? >> well, i think it's fair. i think the word mature is not appropriate, but i think it's certainly fair. >> reporter: with his support stalling and popularity numbers well below the likes of ben carson, carly fiorina or hillary clinton, the brash billionaire who is already everywhere -- >> look,

. trump in a moment, but first nbc national correspondent peter alexander crunched the numbers on the proposal, and we also have a revealing new poll in the presidential race. peter, good morning. >> reporter: to be fair we let the experts do the crunching, but trump is the least popular politician from either party in a brand new poll behind ben carson, carly fiorina and hillary clinton, a quarter of americans have a positive opinion of trump, nearly 6 in 10 a negative one, and this morning those experts are weighing in on that ambitious tax plan that could mean a major tax cut for most americans, especially the rich, but at what cost. donald trump is now defending his tough talk while admitting he could soften his tone. >> probably it is a little childish, but you know what. this is a campaign and usually and i think you know this better than anybody, i'm responding to them. >> reporter: new signs that it may be camping up with trump. a new nbc news/"wall street journal" trump shows the billionaire fares worst that in his top challengers in hypothetical matchups against both hillary

reaction this morning to donald trump's new tax plan. peter alexander joins us live more with how people are questioning trump's map. >> for weeks, donald trump found to hike tax on the hedge fund guys and the wealthy. his new ambitious plan is now out and it does promise to cut taxes across the board, especially for the wealthiest americans. his plan reduces the number of tax brackets from four -- from seven to four with millions paying no federal taxes at all. the highest tax bracket will be lowered to 25%. corporate taxes capped, 15% there. trump says the plan would be to pay by eliminating various penalty and deductions, but the experts say this could cost trillions depending on what tax breaks donald trump wipes out. his group helped consult on the proposal. we see coming up on the "today" show, we'll let the experts weigh in and have some of the latest numbers from our new nbc news wall street journal poll. we'll show you where donald trump ranks among all politicians when it comes to popularity. >>> peter alexander, thank you. watch for his report on the "today" show. >>> p

break things down with chuck todd in a moment. peter alexander, peter, good morning. >> with his momentum stalling, donald trump is going to invail his tax plan today including the tax hikes. he and ben carson all locked up at the top. two of their challengers are picking up steam and not backing down with one of them trashing trump's campaign as a freak show. despite the curtains collapsing on carly fiorina in san antonio the other day it's been anything but lights out for her campaign. fiorina and marco rubio tied for third place. trump on 60 minutes. >> i'm on a lot of covers. i think more than almost any super model. i think more than any super model. >> trying to combat he's light on substance he previewed a new tax plan. >> it's going to be a tremendous incentive to grow the economy and we're going the take in more money. >> trump may be feeling the heat most recently teeing off on rubio. >> he's a light weight. we have this clown, marco rubio. i've been so nice to him. >> in an interview with mpr news he dismissed trump. >> i would just say this, he is a very sensitive per

alexander. peter, good morning. >> reporter: hey, with his momentum stalling donald trump will unveil his tax plan today including tax hikes for the have wealthy. this morning he and ben carson, as you noted, all locked up at the top, but two of their challengers are picking up steam. they are not backing down with one of them trashing trump's campaign as a freak show. despite the kurt tans collapsing sunday n tht lately it's been anything but light's out for her campaign. the new nbc news/"wall street journal" poll show fiorina and rubio tied for third place and trump and dr. ben carson at the top. trump on "60 minutes." >> i'm on a lot of covers, more than any supermodel. >> reporter: and trying to combat accusations he's light on subs tans trump previewed a new tax plan, including cuts. >> overall a tremendous incentive to grow the economy, and we're going to take in the same or more money, and i think we'll have something that's going to be spectacular. >> reporter: trump may be feeling the heat, most recently teeing off on rubio. >> lightweight. he's a lightweight. you have this

wait to see the pope, i want to turn to peter alexander to pick up tom what you were talking about. the pope making a speech to the united nations. picking up on many of the themes he addressed to a joint meeting of congress. peter tell us about that speech and how it was received. >> it was an incredible moment. let's be frank. this body has existed, the united nations, for seven years. they have heard from popes in the past. but never on an occasion like this. there were 170 world leaders on this day. he spoke to this universal fraternity. the respect for the sacredness of life. >> and as the camera moves in you can get a good look at one of the beams from one of the towers there that is a centerpiece of this museum. the crowd gathered, about 500 to 700 people inside. there will be prayers offered in different languages by different religious leaders. the service is called a witness to peace and it will include prayers for those who died on september 11. here's the pope. [ applause ] cardinal dolan escorting the pope to the front of the gathering and you can see religious leaders

there is former mayor bloomberg, and as we watch this and wait to see the pope, i want to turn to peter alexander, and pick up, tom, what you were talking about, the pope this morning making a speech to the united nations, and picking up many themes he made in a joint meeting of congress. >> it was an incredible moment, let's be frank. this body has existed, the united nations, existed for 70 years, and pope francis is the fourth to address the u.n., but never on an occasion like this. there were 170 world leaders here on this day, the most powerful gathering ever under one roof, and as we look at the moving pictures from ground zero, he spoke to this universal fraternity. >> as the camera moves in you can get a good look at one of the beams from one of the towers there, it's a centerpiece of this museum and this exhibit, and the crowd gathered, about 500 to 700 people inside and there will be prayers offered in different languages by different religious leaders, and this is -- the service is called a witness to peace, and it will include prayers for those who died on september 11th. an

care of. i want to go to peter alexander, our national correspondent, who's been listening along with us to the pope's address. we heard some of those same themes, we talked about immigrants, we heard about the environment. i also thought i heard, peter, a gentle prodding of this body, the united nations, to say remember your charter, remember your founding documents and live up to those words. >> i think that's right, recognize this is the 70th anniversary of the united nations. that's why there are so many world leaders here on this occasion. he commended the u.n. for all the good work it has done, but also encouraged it to keep going. saying there's so much more that needs to be done. you talked about that common humanity, he refers to the environment throughout the speech, he said the right of the environment, man is not authorized to abuse earth. that was a central theme, as well. savannah? >> well, we heard him loud and clear and he has a busy day ahead of him. he will meet with families at the 9/11 memorial and museum. later he will have a procession through central park and a

their responsibility to service and elected to take care of. i want to go to peter alexander, he's been listening to the pope's address, and i thought we heard some of those same things. we talked about immigrants, we heard about the environment. i also thought i heard, peter, a gentle prodding of this body, the united nations to say, remember your aaroer,erer, founding documents and live up to those words. no i think that' s exactly right, sa nnah. recognize this is the 70th anniversary of the united nations, that's why there are so many world leaders which now inclouds the pope. he commended the u.n. for all e good work it ha done and encouraged it to keep going saying there's o much more to be done. he talked about the common humanity, he said the right of the environment that man is not authorized to abuse earth. that was a central theme as well. savannah. >> well, we heard him loud and clear, and he has a busy day ahead of him. will meet with families at e 9/11 memorial and museum, later he will have a procession through central park and a mass at madison square garden tonight

and rights of the poor in his speech before many world leaders. peter alexander is covering that side of the pope's visit. peter, good morning. >> good morning to you. in fact, this was the most powerful gathering under one roof in history. 170 world leaders on hand to hear the pope again make history on this day. speaking to them, in effect asking for their assistance, saying how much he appreciated the work that the united nations has done but there's so much more that needs to be done in the future for all humanity. he referred to his comments about the environment and about the poor, again, themes he echoed on this day, as wellment it will be the busiest day of pope francis' trip. now he heads down to ground zero, a day that certainly tested the faith of all americans. he'll visit privately with some of the 9/11 families before he goes up to a school in harlem. he will then ride through central park with 80,000 tickets distributed, before celebrating mass tonight at madison square garden. natalie? >> thank you, peter alexander outside the united nations. >>> a deadly collisio

turn to peter alexander who is listen along at the u.n. and has a preview about what the pope is expected to say. i think we are going to hear some of the themes that we've heard during the pope's entire visit. >> yeah, that's exactly right. obviously we've heard a lot of this message about things like climate change and income and equality. the right of the environment as the pope will describe it in these remarks, we've been given a look at them already, expected to speak 30 or 35 minutes, that's one of the priorities that the pope will communicate to the crowd today. what's been striking to me, is even yesterday as he spoke on the west front of the capitol, we heard the pope ask for the prayers from the faithful. he said even those who are not catholic, we ask for you good wishes. if you've been trying to recruit americans and really the world on to this effort to make a different. >> peter, there's a huge issue before the world right now -- i interrupt myself to tell you we have the transligs. let's take a listen. i can only reiterate the appreciation expressed by my predeces

give a mass at madison square garden. peter alexander is stationed at the united nations. peter, what is the pope expected to say to what is being billed as the largest gathering of world leaders ever at the u.n.? >> reporter: it is the largest gathering because this is the 70th anniversary, you have 170 world leaders, the most powerful gathering under one roof that this pope will be speaking before. we watch the dignitaries, i can see the u.s. ambassador, samantha powers passing a short distance away, walking alongside some of her aides now. can you take a picture now? we'll see if we can show you the u.s. ambassador who is walking in right now. i spoke to her a short time ago. she told me hough she's been moved by the inspirational words of this pope francis and her desire, her goal and the greatest challenge is the activation, the implementation of what he says across this planet because as we think of our congress in this country as being defined by its dysfunction, this is a heavily difuncti dysfunctional body than we witness here in the united states. but pope francis likely to

spirit of the people throughout it as well. >> peter alexander a little less than a mile from us here at the u.n., thank you very much. >> pope francis is staying at the vatican mission to the u.n. and that's on the city's upper east side and nbc's stephanie gosk is here this morning for us. >> reporter: good morning to you. anybody looking at this security and thinking maybe i'll wander down and catch a quick glimpse of the pope sipping his espresso, they are going to be disappointed. this is a security presence like nothing i have ever sean in new york. you have the streets blockaded three blocks north and south and two avenues wide. they have sand trucks. there's a law enforcement presence here and when we arrived here this morning, hundreds of police officers behind our camera position here getting ready for their orders of the day and as we mentioned the pope is staa ng in rhe townhouse here at 19th century townhouse, actually very typical for this very wealthy neighborhood of new york city. it was owned by a 19th century mayor, and we're told that they actually had to update the wi

. that's where we find nbc national correspondent peter alexander. peter, good morning to you. >> reporter: hey, matt, good morning to you. in washington pope francis was really speaking to congress and the american people, but today he will be addressing the world. this is going to be the largest most powerful gathering ever under one roof. there isn't a bigger international stage than this. the 70th anniversary of the united nations, 170 world leaders will be here. presidents, prime ministers, kings and queens, and this is just the fourth pope ever to speak before the u.n. this morning his holiness is enjoying his first ever visit to new york city. >> papa francisco, welcome to st. patrick's cathedral. >> pope francis receiving a warm welcome from timothy cardinal dolan at a prayer vigil at the city's most iconic cathedral, st. patrick's, and extending a special thanks to the women of the church. >> translator: and to you, religious women and sisters and mothers of this people, i wish to say thank you. >> reporter: today the 78-year-old pontiff has another exhausting day ahead. his morni

before world leaders at the u.n. that's where we find nbc national correspondent peter alexander. peter, good morning to you. >> reporter: hey, matt, good morning to you. in washington pope francis was really speaking to congress and the american people, but today he will be addressing the world. this is going to be the largest most powerful gathering ever un boder one roof. there isn't a bigger international stage than this. the 70th anniversary of the united nations, 170 world leaders will be here. presidents, prime ministers,

his authority, it's authority as the successor of peter that safeguards the conversation, as he said to the bishops and the family he said said whatever you feel. be not afraid. peter is here. >> so you expect, here is what i don't understand, alexander help me on this. it is the notion of what exactly is doctrine. and how do you change doctrine? >> well, this is a big debate within the church because many sustain that there is a difference between tradition and doctrine there are many things the church does. it is a nearly 2,000 year institution. many practices have simply been done for centuries and have acquired a kind of solidity of doctrine even though they are in fact historical products even, you know, the church holds to the idea of priest celibacy. but it was not firmly pronounced until the middle ages and violated for much of the church's history. and yet that has become an issue that is considered to be decided doctrinally. so the whole thing distinguishing, depending who you are talking to, certain things are tradition and certain things are doctrine. for certain very tra

persuasions could take in many different ways. >> i want to go to peter alexander now because he's on the capitol grounds and as we can see, pope francis is making his way through the hallway. and he will in a second step out on to the balcony. peter, let me turn to you, you're surrounded by people. take me through what happens as they get their glimpse of this pope. >> well, for the last hour or so, the people here have basically been watching like we have on television, this visit by pope francis. and in matter of moments they're going to bet the moment they have been waiting for. which is the chance to see him walk on to that speaker's balcony. this is historic not only because he was the first pope to speak before the joint meeting of congress, but the first anybody, the first individual to give remarks from the speaker's balcony. 50,000 tickets distributed here. and the moment during those remarks, during the pope's speech to congress that really -- we hear applause again as the cameras show him once again, was when he referred to the golden rule. that was the biggest ovation, th

different political persuasions could take in many different ways. >> i want to go to peter alexander now because he's on the capitol grounds and as we can see, pope francis is making his way through the hallway. and he will in a second step out on to the balcony. peter, let me turn to you, you're surrounded by people. take me through what happens as they get their glimpse of this pope. >> well, for the last hour or so, the people here have basically been watching like we have on television, this visit by pope francis. and in matter of moments they're going to bet the moment they have been waiting for. which is the chance to see him walk on to that speaker's balcony. this is historic not only because he was the first pope to speak before the joint meeting of congress, but the first anybody, the first individual to give remarks from the speaker's balcony. 50,000 tickets distributed here. and the moment during those remarks, during the pope's speech to congress that really -- we hear applause again as the cameras show him once again, was when he referred to the golden rule. th

peter alexander now because he's on the capitol grounds and as we can see, pope francis is making his way through the hallway. and he will in a second step out on to the balcony. peter, let me turn to you, you're surrounded by people. take me through what happens as they get their glimpse of this pope. >> well, for the last hour or so, the people here have basically been watching like we have on television, this visit by pope francis. and in matter of moments they're going to bet the moment they have been waiting for. which is the chance to see him walk on to that speaker's balcony. this is historic not only

could take in many different ways. >> i want to go to peter alexander now because he's on the capitol grounds and as we can see, pope francis is making his way through the hallway. and he will in a second step out on to the balcony. peter, let me turn to you, you're surrounded by people. take me through what happens as they get their glimpse of this pope. >> well, for the last hour or so, the people here have basically been watching like we have on television, this visit by pope francis. and in matter of moments they're going to bet the moment they have been waiting for. which is the chance to see him walk on to that speaker's balcony. this is historic not only because he was the first pope to speak before the joint meeting of congress, but the first anybody, the first individual to give remarks from the speaker's balcony. 50,000 tickets distributed here. and the moment during those remarks, during the pope's speech to congress that really -- we hear applause again as the cameras show him once again, was when he referred to the golden rule. that was the biggest ovation, the bi

. peter alexander is also at the capitol talking about what to expect. can you hear me? >> reporter: i can hear you well. 50,000 tickets have been handed out for people to have this opportunity. they will be watching on judgmejumb jumbotr jumbotrons. it really feels like it's a rock star event. i saw some nearby students from a catholic school, she said we wouldn't do this for a rock star. we would only do this for our pope. we've met so many nice people, including this family from chicago and memphis most recently. tennessee right now. nicole and zack, thank you for being here. you were here yesterday to see the parade. you're here again today with three little ones, as you try to hold them. what is it that brings you out here and makes it so meaningful? >> we just wanted -- it's kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. we wanted to see pope francis. even though we're not going to be very close with the little ones, we kind of feel like we're part of the action and it makes us feel like it's something special. i don't know if the kids will be old enough to remember, but they might rememb

ever address congress. peter alexander is also at the capital, talking about what we can expect. peter, can you hear me? >> reporter: i hear you well. this is a remarkable scene. 50,000 tickets have been handed out for people to have this opportunity. they will be watching on jumbotron jumbotrons. as we said earlier today, speaking to folks, i said, it feels like it's a rock star event, doesn't it? a student said to me, we wouldn't do this for a rock star, only for our pope. we've met so many nice people, including this family from chicago and memphis, most recently. >> tennessee. >> thanks so much for being here. you're brave. you were here yesterday to see the parade. what makes this meaningful? >> we're part of the action. >> you've been snapping photos. i'm sure the kids will remember this. your grandmother is 93 years old, always dreamed of seeing the pope. for you so experience this, what does it mean in a family like yours? >> we're taking a lot of photos for her. she's on the canadian border in northern minnesota. she's always wanted to see a pope. when i said we were go

get to. it's all live. we have an interview with cardinal codolan ahead. peter alexander is with the crowds gathering to see the pope on the east side of the capitol. >> reporter: good morning. hours away before they get their chance to see pope francis. we'll spend hour two hours on cl hill. he'll speak before the house and senate. he'll visit privately with congressional leaders before he walks out to the speakers balcony. this will be his view, looking at more than 50,000 people who got tickets for today's event. many more expected to gather outside for their chance to hear pope francis' second day of his u.s. tour. >> reporter: it's a history-making morning on capitol hill, as francis is the first pope to address congress, in what is expected to be a 30-minute speech delivered in english. he'll be introduced by the house sergeant at arm, as the pope of the holy see. unlike these scenes with lawmakers competing to shake the president's hands, congressional asked members to be in their best behavior, refraining from conversations and handshakes along and down the center aisle. the

. peter alexander is with the crowds gathering to see the pope on the east side of the capitol. >> reporter: good morning. hours away before they get their chance to see pope francis. we'll spend hour on two hours on capitol hill. he'll speak before the house and senate. he'll visit privately with congressional leaders before he walks out to the speakers balcony. this will be his view, looking at more than 50,000 people who got tickets for today's event. outside for their chance to hear pope francis' second day of his u.s. tour. >> reporter: it's a history-making morning on capitol hill, as francis is the first pope to address congress, in what is expected to be a 30-minute speech delivered in english. he'll be introduced by the house sergeant at arm, as the pope of the holy see. unlike these scenes with lawmakers competing to shake the president's hands, congressional asked members to be in their best behavior, refraining from conversations and handshakes along and down the center aisle. the pontiff spent his first day tackling hot-button issues on the left and right, applaudi

well into in sight of our peter alexander who we joined a second ago. pete kerr we see him? >> matt, we do see him and more importantly thousands of people in this crowd are seeing him for the first time. it's striking how meaningful this moment is for so many people. 70 million american catholics, of course, in this city washington, d.c. not known for its spirituality and for reflection. there are so many people of faith who have come here on this day. we met one young man a short time ago who's a college freshman at george washington here in washington, d.c. who said he made the decision to come to d.c. for college because of this moment. because of this one day and as we see the pope coming in our direction, this is the moment he will certainly not soon forget. it's the flickering light. this is a pope who prefers simplicity over pageantry and pomp but for the individuals here, just any element of this as they get to be a part of is worth celebrating. >> keep in mind as we're watching these images of children being brought to the pope, they're being brought to the pope by represe

cross the the driveway and reach out and touch people who had been there so long. peter alexander is at the parade route. give usa sense of what we'll be seeing over the next few minutes. >> people have been cheering, chanting, singing for the last few hours. some arrived at about 4:00 this morning. we'll give you a look. this the scene. more than 200,000 people they estimate on this glorious day waiting for what is really the only chance in washington, if you don't have a ticket, to see pope francis. one woman said to me a few minutes ago, just being here, i feel like i'm in heaven. no pizzas so far but certainly people bringing items to be blessed by the pope. one family came with their 18-year-old son. they said they woke him up way too early, long before a normal family would do it, on a day like this they wanted to bring his bass tichlal cross, so he would have a chance to be part of this historic moment. this ellipse he's going to travel is less than a mile. 4/5 of a mile. they say it's like a mini inauguration. atmosphere is incredible. many spanish figures from argentina latin a

and the first lady and a lot of other dignitaries. peter alexander is with us in washington. i believe he's along the parade route that the pope will take a little later this morning. are you with me? >> yeah, i am. these folks have been streaming in here for five hours now. there were some folks that got her shortly after midnight last night for the opportunity to witness this moment. only a short time from now, the pope, if he keeps the schedule, should be here for a matter of hours for the parade route after visiting with the president. what really is striking is just the enthusiasm, the energy, the joyfulness that you see in so many of the people here, many of them young, many of them with ailments all here saying whether or not they get touched by the pope physically, they've already felt touched and blessed by this visit. i was struck by some the things that the individuals said today. what's unique about this pope and why we want to be here is because he's accepting of us, he is forgiving and he is like one of us. another man i met a short time ago said to me, when i ask

first lady and a lot of other dignitaries. peter alexander is with us this morning in washington. i believe he is along the parade route that the pope will take a little later this morning. peter, you with me? >> reporter: yeah, matt, i am. these folks have been streaming in here for five hours now. there were some folks that got here shortly after midnight last night for the opportunity to witness this moment. only a short time from now the pope, if he keeps the schedule, should be here in a matter of hours for a parade route itself after visiting with the president and after that ceremony right behind you there. what rea >>lly is striking is just the enthusiasm, the energy, the yfulness that you see in so many of the people here. many of them young, many of them with ailments, all here saying that whether or not they get touched by the pope physically, they have already felt touched and blessed ou by teis.s visit. i was struck by some e of the things that some of the individuals that i met here, what's unique about it pope and why we want to be here is becae he is accepting of us.

to bring it to you live. let's start with nbc national correspondent peter alexander. he's along what will be today's parade route just south of the white house. peter, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, matt. this is really going to be a remarkable day as some people here have described it. it feels kind of like a pep real and kind of like a prayer gathering, a unique and historic moment, the first opportunity for so many americans to see this pope in person. this is the only place in washington where you don't need a ticket to see the pope as he arrives. of course, pope francis has worn the world's affection had his gestures of empathy, of warmth. he has also shown multiple signs of solidarity with the suffering, and in many ways this is both a spiritual and political journey for this pope who will be hitting the centers of u.s. government, of power and of history, of course, finishing his trip in philadelphia later this week. when he arrived yesterday he was greeted at joint base andrews and what was really a remarkable moment by president obama and the first fami

correspondent peter alexander. he's along what will be today's parade route just south of the white house. peter, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, matt. this is really going to be a remarkable day as some people here have described it. it feels kind of like a pep real and kind of like a prayer gathering, a unique and historic moment, the first opportunity for so many americans to see this pope in person. this is the only place in washington where you don't need arrives. of course, pope francis has worn the world's affection had his gestures of empathy, of warmth. he has also shown multiple signs of solidarity with the suffering, and in many ways this is both a spiritual and political journey for this pope who will be hitting the centers of u.s. government, of power and of history, of course, finishing his trip in philadelphia later this week. when he arrived yesterday he was greeted at joint base andrews and what was really a remarkable moment by president obama and the first family as well as the bidens. one of only two times that the president has gone there as a show of

strictly nonpolitical u.s. visit in a city immersed in politics. nbc's peter alexander has the details. >> reporter: his holiness made history, touching down outside washington, francis' first visit to the u.s. the pope welcomed by president obama and the first lady at joint base andrews, a gesture so rare this president's only done it once before. the holy father also showing special affection for schoolchildren. he then left andrews in an italian made fiat, dwarfed by the american suvs carrying his secret service detail. earlier aboard a jet dubbed shepherd one francis told reporters that he would not bring up the issue of the u.s. embargo on cuba, saying this is a pastoral trip, not a political one. awaiting him in washington, a city known for tight security, police everywhere closing streets, putting up barricades, and everywhere excitement. >> there it is. going by. and there's the pope. >> we're really focusing on the message of love and mercy and the joy that he brings to all of us here. >> reporter: francis will visit with the president at the white house on thursday, b

states after arriving in washington yesterday. peter alexander filed this report. >> his holiness today made history. his first visit to the u. s. the pope welcomed by president obama and the first lady at base andrews. he's only done it once before. also showing special affection for school children. he then left in a fiat dwarfed by the american suvs carrying his secret service detail. he said he would not bring up the issue of the u.s. embargo on cuba saying this is a pastoral trip and not a political one. the pope calling for a tenderness. thousands lined the streets to greet francis as he made a surprise trip to celebrate mass at cuba's holiest signs. even raul castro seemed impressed meeting with him for the third time. carrying his own briefcase as he boarded a flight to the u. s. awaiting him in washington a city known for tight security police everywhere closing streets, putting up barricades and everywhere excitement. >> there it s going by, and there's the pope. >> we're focussing on the message of love and mercy and the joy he brings to all of us here. >> francis will visit

political lens. we begin with peter alexander. quite a welcome today. >> that is right. this is a historic trip. pope francis is now in for the night. but his arrival has energized so many americans, including more than 70 million american catholics. his holiness today made history, touching down outside of washington, francis's first visit to the u.s. the pope welcomed by president obama and the first lady at andrews, so rare a president has only done it once before. and the holy father showing attention to school children. and he left in a fiat, dwarfed by the american suvs carrying his secret service detail. aboard a jet dubbed shepherd one. he would not bring up the u.s. embargo on cuba saying this is a pastoral trip, not a political one. in cuba, a remarkable reception with the pope calling for a revolution of tenderness. the streets to greet francis as he made a surprise visit at the cuba's holy shrine and taking photos with some of the hosts. and even castro seemed impressed, meeting finally with him today for the third time. the 78-year-old pontiff carrying his own briefca

seen through a political lense. we begin with peter alexander. quite a welcome today. >> that is right. trip. pope francis is now in for the night. but his arrival has energized so many americans, including 70 million american catholics. his holiness today made history, touching down outside of washington, francis's first visit to the u.s. joined by president obama and the first lady at andrews, so rare a president has only done it once before. and the father showing attention to school children. and he left in a fiat, carrying his secret service detail. aboard a jet dubbed jeb one. he would not bring up the u.s. embargo on cuba saying this is a pastoral trip, not a political one. in cuba, a remarkable reception with the pope calling for a revolution of tenderness. today thousands lined the streets to green francis as he made a surprise visit at the cuba's holy shrine and taking photos with some of the hosts. and even castro was impressed, meeting finally with him today for the third time. carrying his own briefcase as he boarded a flight to the u.s. awaiting in washington, a cit

-city tour has law enforcement, as you can imagine, on high alert. nbc's peter alexander is live at the white house with more information. you need to mark your calendar around also prepare to watch our full coverage here on msnbc. >> reporter: so this is going to be the americans' first real chance to see this much, celebrated much amired pope up close and personal. six days, three cities for the head of the catholic church that's by far the biggest denomination in this country with more than 70 million catholics nationwide. from the moment pope francis arrives today, it will kick off a series of firsts. the 78-year-old's first-ever trip to the u.s. to be personally welcomed to andrews air force base by president obama. a gesture so rare this president has only done it once before. on wednesday, francis makes an 18th century missionary a saint, the first canonization on american soil. thursday he becomes the first pope to address a joint meeting of congress. >> members of congress have been told to not shake the pope's hand when he comes down the aisle. there is a dignity to this occas

in the washington d.c. area later this afternoon. his first trip ever to the united states. peter alexander is standing by live at the white house. but we start this morning with claudio lavanga. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, jose. he's wrapping up here in cuba. now look at who's in that crowd. it's the president, raul castro, again. the president how the people p poem's visit here on island has reconstituted a path between the state and the catholic church and word for tolerance. if you don't think that's a miracle, consider what happened yesterday. the east the country has suffered one of the last doubts in a century. >> and a lot of talk who the pope is not meeting with, not meeting with dissidents, opposition leaders. here's what they said, claudio. >> he -- imagine that he's so busy to waste his time with non-important persons and non-important issues. >> when someone brings a message of hope, it's always good, but there won't be much more because with a government like we have to gain something more is very complicated and the pope knows that. >> claudio, it seems

trip to the u.s. nbc national correspondent peter alexander is at the white house. one of the stops on the pope's six-day tour, peter, good morning to you. >> reporter: hey, matt, good morning to you. he'll be here about this time tomorrow morning. this is the first chance that americans first see this much celebrated, much admired pope up close and personal. a six-day three-city trip for the head of the catholic church by far the biggest denomination in the country with more than 70 million catholics wordwide. from the moment the pope arrives it will mark a series of firsts, the 78-year-old's first trip to the u.s. to be personally welcomed to andrews air force base by president obama, a gesture so rare this president has only done it once before. on wednesday francis makes an 18th century missionary a saint, the first canonization on american soil. thursday, he becomes the first pope to address a joint meeting of congress >> the members of congress been told do not shake the pope's hand when he comes down the aisle. there's a dignity to this occasion because this is someone, you know

. his first trip ever to the united states. peter alexander is standing by live at the white house. but we start this morning with au

alexander is at the white house. one of the stops on the pope's six-day tour, peter, good morning to you. >> reporter: hey, matt, good morning to you. he'll be here about this time tomorrow morning. americans first see this much lebrated, much admired pope up close and personal. a six-day three-city trip for the head of the catholic church by far the biggest denomination in the country with more than 70 million catholics wordwide. from the moment the pope arrives it will mark a series of firsts, the 78-year-old's first trip to the u.s. to be personally welcomed to andrews air force base by president obama, a gesture so rare this president has only done it once before. on wednesday francis makes an th century missionary a saint, the first canonizion oa american soil. thursday, he becomes the first pope to asdress a jdent meeting of congrcos >> the members of congress been told do not shake the pope's hand when he comes down the aisle. there's a dignity to this occasion because this is someone, you know, who is, again, above politics. >> reporter: for this pope who embraces simplicity

this race has defied the pundits at every turn. peter alexander has late details. >> i will suspend my campaign immediately. >> this evening's announcement punctuated a dramatic and humiliated fall for scott walker who hoped his departure would stop donald trump. >> i encourage other presidential candidates to consider doing the same. >> but popular wisconsin governor concluding he no longer has a path to the republican nomination. as recently as mid-july, he led the polls in iowa. last week pinning his hopes on the neighboring state. >> we're putting all of our eggs in a basket for iowa. we're committed to iowa. >> but he dropped to is% in t% >> but he dropped to is% in t%1 recent national poll. the harley-riding 47-year-old has been touted as a strong republican leader made for the national stage. with a personal biography and conservator and evangelical roots to make him a contender. but his campaign was hampered by repeated missteps. early on comparing his battle to islamic militants. >> if i can take on protesters, i can do the same with the rest of the world. >> suggesting ope