Scoop: MEET THE PRESS on NBC - Today, February 3, 2013

Leon Panetta
Secretary of Defense

Gen. Martin Dempsey
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

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Robert Gibbs
Former White House Press Secretary
Former Senior Adviser, Obama 2012 Re-Election Campaign

Ralph Reed
Founder and Chairman, Faith and Freedom Coalition

Ana Navarro
Republican Strategist
Co-chair, McCain 2008 Hispanic Advisory Council

David Brooks
Columnist, New York Times
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Bob Costas
NBC Sports
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This Sunday: In a rare joint interview, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff GenerAl Martin Dempsey outline the challenges that lay ahead for the country's armed forces and for the next Defense secretary. What is the timetable for our troops in Afghanistan? What role should America play in the broader Middle East? Plus, as he prepares to leave government service, what legacy will Panetta - a man who has held several high-profile posts in Washington - leave behind?

Next: A busy start to President Obama's second term as both sides dig in on policy issues like guns and immigration. Plus, the political battle over the president's pick to head the Pentagon made for a combative confirmation hearing for Fmr. Sen. Chuck Hagel. How will the fights play out? Our roundtable weighs in: former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs; Chairman of the Faith and Freedom coalition Ralph Reed; former National Hispanic Co-Chair for John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign, Ana Navarro; and the New York Times' David Brooks.

Then: As the National Football League gears up for its biggest day of the year, there's no question it's enjoying enormous success. But concerns still linger about player safety and the future of the game. Bob Costas of NBC Sports will join us to share his thoughts.

NBC News political director and chief White House correspondent Chuck Todd will fill in for David Gregory, who is off this Sunday.

David Gregory is the moderator of "Meet the Press." Betsy Fischer Martin is the executive producer, Adam Verdugo is the senior producer, Chris Donovan and Ilana Marcus Drimmer are producers.

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