Hi, everyone. Happy Thursday. It's 4 o'clock in New York. We are once again in a fluid situation covering what is day four of the former Fox News weekend morning show anchors attempt to win over skeptical Senate Republicans.

At least six of them, according to NBC

news's reporting, are, quote, not comfortable supporting his bid to lead the Pentagon, putting

Hegss's candidacy, quote, in peril. Senator Joni Ernst, who is viewed as central to all of this,

today confirmed that she is, as of today, not a yes

on his confirmation. Will you support his nomination? Well, I did have a very long, lengthy

discussion with Pete yesterday, and I do appreciate his service to the nation. I also am

a combat veteran. So we talked about a number of those issues, and we will continue with the vetting

process. I think that that is incredibly important. So again, all I'm saying is we had a very frank and productive

discussion, and I know that we will continue to have conversation in the upcoming months.

Okay. It doesn't sound on your answer that you've gotten to a yes. If I'm wrong about that, correct me.

And if that is the case, it sounds to me as if the hearing will be critical

for his nomination. Am I right about that? I think, I think you are right. In fact, the nomination

is so much in peril that we are monitoring this closely. We will be for the next two hours.

For any sign that Higgs says status as Trump's first choice to run the Pentagon could change.

Or as has been widely reported, that Donald Trump has changed his mind and tapped one of his alternates.

Someone like Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who according to four sources, Trump is already, quote, in advance talks with about taking the job.

So far, Heg says attempt to win over key Senate Republicans is not going very well.

Case in point, as we showed you, Joni Ernst, who is the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate and a vocal advocate for survivors of military sexual trauma.

Here's more of what she had to say after meeting with Hegsett yesterday.

You summarized it for us?

It was a very bright, pure reception.

...