As Congress returns for its fall session, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” will gather America’s political leaders from both sides of the aisle to discuss the pivotal issues of the pre-election season, live from the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 16. The three-hour broadcast will conclude with the “Morning Joe” Bipartisan Health Challenge, a call to action on an issue both parties can agree on – it’s never too late to get healthy.
Inspired by Mika Brzezinski’s passion for healthy living, the challenge will raise awareness of the growing obesity epidemic and encourage viewers to live active lifestyles. The event will take place in conjunction with “Healthy at NBCU,” NBC Universal’s company-wide health and wellness initiative.
“I challenge Democrats and Republicans to put politics aside and join us on the path to good health,” said Brzezinski. “Being healthy is one thing we can all agree on.”
Mika Brzezinski, Joe Scarborough, and Willie Geist will be joined on the Mall by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Director of Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Rep. Shelley Capito (R-WV), Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ), and many others.
“Morning Joe’s” Bipartisan Health Challenge is being presented in association with New York Road Runners and is sponsored by UnitedHealthCare.
Media interested in attending should email Lauren.Skowronski@nbcuni.com
Chris Licht is the executive producer of “Morning Joe” (MSNBC weekdays 6:00 – 9:00 a.m. ET).
About New York Road Runners:
Headquartered in New York City, New York Road Runners is dedicated to advancing the sport of running, enhancing health and fitness for all, and meeting our community’s needs. Our goal is to use the expertise acquired in our 52-year history to empower all people to live fitter, healthier lives through participation in our races, community events, instruction and training resources, and youth programs. Our races and other events draw more than 300,000 people each year. The ING New York City Marathon, NYRR’s premier event, is the largest and most inclusive marathon in the world, attracting the world’s top professional runners every year and raising nearly $25 million for charity in 2009. NYRR’s running-based youth programs, which currently serve more than 100,000 children in hundreds of schools and community centers, promote children’s health and fitness, character development, and personal achievement in underserved communities. For more information, visit www.nyrr.org.
About Healthy at NBCU:
Launched in 2010, Healthy at NBCU is NBC Universal's company-wide initiative designed to connect consumers, marketers and employees with its breadth of health and wellness content. Throughout the year, NBC Universal uses its many media and entertainment platforms to raise awareness around the critical topics of nutritional literacy and fitness. This includes properties such as iVillage Health, NBC's hit show “The Biggest Loser," Oxygen's "Dance Your A** Off," health-themed episodes of Bravo's "Top Chef" and NBCU's award-winning "The More You Know" campaign. Additionally, both MSNBC and NBC News air numerous health segments across its programs.
