Summary
Overview
On the eve of critical US midterm elections, hosts Katty and Anthony analyze the final hours of campaigning and preview their live election night coverage. They discuss Trump's unusual election day announcement ending US aid to Israel, his bizarre closing message about the reflecting pool drainage system, and signs that the MAGA movement may be losing momentum. With Democrats expected to take the House amid economic concerns, they explore dirty tricks in voting, candidate quality issues, and the future of the Republican Party beyond Trump.
Trump's Surprise Israel Aid Announcement
President Trump announced on Fox News that he's ending the $3.8 billion annual aid package to Israel, a policy dating back to the 1978 Camp David Accords. The timing on election morning was bizarre, with Trump claiming Israel no longer needs the aid and that candidates like El-Sayed are using it as a political tool. The hosts debate whether this was a last-minute play for Michigan voters or simply poor political timing that could alienate pro-Israel Republicans while failing to mobilize new voters.
- Trump announced ending $3.8 billion in US aid to Israel, dating from 1978 Camp David Accords
- Trump said it's because Israel no longer needs it and candidates are using it as a political tool
- Israel's favorability in the US has declined precipitously since October 7th attacks
- Announcement risks alienating pro-Israel Republicans while unlikely to drive new voters to polls
" It's a little odd that it's Trump announcing this because he's had this on again, off again, cozy relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu. "
" I'm not quite sure why he did this. Maybe he does want to deprive the Democrats in the future of a political talking point. But that's an odd way to make such an important foreign policy decision. "
Voter Suppression and Dirty Tricks
The hosts discuss various voter suppression tactics including two candidates named Dan Sullivan running in Alaska, Governor DeSantis moving polling stations in Florida away from Black neighborhoods, and closing 90 polling stations in Dallas-Fort Worth. They note the historical pattern of making it harder to vote through long lines and restrictions like banning water distribution, but suggest high turnout numbers indicate these tactics may backfire as voters become more determined when they feel their rights are threatened.
- Two Dan Sullivans on Alaska ballot creating confusion despite Supreme Court ruling both can run
- Florida governor moved polling stations away from Black neighborhoods requiring hour-long travel
- 90 polling stations closed in Dallas-Fort Worth area, similar tactics used in Wisconsin and Michigan
- High early voting turnout suggests dirty tricks may motivate rather than suppress voters
" You look at the black neighborhood. There were three polling stations in the black neighborhood. You say, okay, where do the people live? Okay, well, the people live over there. OK, well, let's put the polling station. Let's close two of the polling stations and put it way over here. So it takes them an hour to get to the polling station. "
" If you're black in the country and you're in places like Alabama and you're in places like Georgia, you're waiting in line in this country. OK, and that's the way it works here. And that's embarrassing for me. But I think we've got to be factual. "
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