Sunday shows preview: Russian charges, Florida shooting dominate coverage

by Max Greenwood - 02/17/18 6:14 PM ET

The Justice Department’s indictment of 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities on Friday offered a stunning example of a foreign government’s plot to sew chaos in and influence the outcome of a U.S. presidential election.

The indictments – the first pertaining to special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s role in the 2016 election – also rebuffed President Trump’s past claims that the Russia probe is a “hoax.”

Now, lawmakers and national security officials are pointing to the indictments to draw attention to warnings that Russia is poised to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections.

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Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, has been among the most vocal lawmakers warning about Russian efforts to meddle in future U.S. elections. He’s set to appear on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who helmed the department as the U.S. became aware of Russian influence campaign in 2016, is expected to go on ABC’s “This Week,” where he’s sure to address the indictments.

Likewise, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, another Obama administration alum, will appear on “State of the Union.” Clapper has been steadfast in his warnings about Russia’s election meddling efforts.

A shooting at a South Florida high school this week also rocked the nation and reignited calls from activists and some lawmakers for stricter gun-control laws.

The attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. left 17 people dead and 14 others injured, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in modern U.S. history.

The suspected shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, allegedly carried out the attack with an AR-15, an assault-style rifle that he purchased legally from a dealer in Coral Springs, Fla.

Rep. Ted Deutch (R-Fla.), who represents the district encompassing Parkland, will appear on “This Week” to reflect on the tragedy.

Here’s the full lineup:

NBC’s “Meet the Press”: Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will appear on the show.

“Fox News Sunday”: Retired astronaut Mark Kelly will make an appearance. He’ll be joined by conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.

CBS’s “Face the Nation”: Former Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta will be on. Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) will also appear. Reps. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), Ed Royce (R-Calif.), Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) will go on the show, as well.

CNN’s “State of the Union”: Schiff and Clapper will appear on the show, as will Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

ABC’s “This Week”: Deutch and Johnson will be on the show, as will former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.