The main political focus is on the Schumer Shutdown and the revelation that 40 million Americans are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits (food stamps) starting November 1st. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins states the USDA is out of funds and unequivocally cannot issue benefits after October 31st, condemning Senate Democrats for having voted 13 times to keep the government closed as a means of political "leverage". Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, author of the book How to Test Negative for Stupid, also criticizes the Democrats for using the crisis for political gain, stating "even duct tape can't fix stupid". Kennedy notes that Democrats also voted no on a bill to fund the military and the SNAP program.
The show dedicates time to the "Auto Pen" scandal, where the House Oversight Committee released a report alleging President Biden's political advisors covered up his cognitive decline. The report claims Biden's inner circle used the auto pen to sign pardons, commutations, and executive orders—some of which should now be declared null and void. Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Jim Jordan argue that Biden was largely "checked out" of his presidency.
On the economic front, fiduciary portfolio manager Brien Krank reports that the stock market is seeing "new highs" and real dollars are driving Mag 7 tech stocks higher. However, he warns of a "K-shaped economy," where industrials and technology are booming while the consumer side is struggling, marked by layoffs at major companies like Amazon and a consumer recession. The conversation touches on the beef market, with Brooke Rollins defending President Trump's proposal to import Argentinian beef to lower prices, arguing the low domestic cattle herd is the true problem.
Sports, Weather, and Personnel Notes:
- Shohei Ohtani is praised as "not human" for pitching six strong innings the night after going on base nine times in an 18-inning game. His historic performance continued in the World Series, which is now tied at two games apiece.
- The Wild lost their fourth overtime game in 11 games, falling to the Jets 4-3.
- The local forecast calls for sunshine today and a high of 49 degrees. Flurries are possible for Halloween on Friday, but Sunday is expected to be sunny and 60 degrees. Dean Wysocki states that the winter outlook shows "no signs of any big cold air outbreaks".
- Bridgette Readel is off this week, preparing for the Ag Show on the radio next Wednesday.
- Randy Jackson from American Idol is noted to have a birthday today and is the same Randy Jackson who was a bassist for Journey and lost a significant amount of weight following a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Standout Moments:
- 0:01:40 - Brooke Rollins mentions that SNAP benefits are set to expire November 1st, potentially affecting over 40 million Americans.
- 0:10:20 - Hannity and Comer discuss the Oversight Committee's final report on Biden's mental decline and the use of the auto pen.
- 0:12:44 - Jim Jordan reveals that the memo used to open the Arctic Frost investigation, which targeted 160 Republicans, was legally "deficient".
- 0:15:37 - Dean Wysocki mentions Hurricane Melissa hitting Cuba as a Cat 3 and that no damage reports have yet come in from Jamaica.
- 0:22:21 - Brooke Rollins states the USDA unequivocally does not have the $9.2 billion to continue the SNAP program in November.
- 0:23:01 - Brooke Rollins defends President Trump's proposal to import Argentinian beef, arguing it will not compromise the long-term goal of rebuilding the domestic herd.
- 0:25:01 - Brien Krank explains the "K-shaped economy", where tech is booming but the consumer side is struggling.
- 0:36:09 - Senator John Kennedy says, "I don't know. I've watched her a little bit. I remember when she worked for President Bush. I suppose she's not as bad as some members of the liberal media, but that's fake praise. That's like it's like being the smartest person on the view."