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Just dropped · Trial Balloon · Ep. 192

November Surprises

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Trial Balloon · Ep. 192: November Surprises

Corruption Is Now the Top Voter Issue

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“Voters are now more concerned about government corruption than any other issue, including high grocery and gas prices, according to the final CNBC All-America Economic Survey before the Nov. 3 midterm election.”

“The finding follows a monthslong messaging effort by Democrats to link widespread economic dissatisfaction with what they allege is rampant corruption by President Donald Trump and his Republican allies.”

“CNBC’s survey of 1,000 registered U.S. voters found 36% of respondents pointing to government corruption as one of the most important issues facing the country right now. The cost of food and groceries came second with 34%, followed by protecting democracy and the price of gas, which garnered 23% each.”

Earlier for members: It’s the Corruption Too, Stupid

Trump Turns the GOP’s Ad Headache Into a Migraine

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Aaron Blake: “President Donald Trump has been undermining his own party for months, continuously causing more headaches for Republicans even long after most presidents would’ve taken the Election Day cue to rein themselves in.”

“So why would that stop on the eve of those elections?”

“Trump’s latest move is trying to bully Republicans into embracing a highly controversial political ad that seeks to weaponize a situation involving alleged child sexual abuse. The ad has clearly rubbed many GOP officeholders the wrong way, from both a moral and a political perspective.”

Where Democrats Think GOP Gerrymandering Will Backfire

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“House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is heading to Texas this weekend as Democrats become increasingly confident that GOP-led gerrymandering could backfire in both the Lone Star State and in Florida,” Semafor reports.

“Shifts among Latino voters, who represent sizable portions of the electorate in both states, and Trump’s sagging approval rating appear to be driving Democrats’ strength in redder areas.”

Trump’s Battle with the Media Ramps Up

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“As President Donald Trump barnstorms the country ahead of the midterms, on top of his usual White House events this week, he’s had some pointed exchanges with journalists in his path. He called one reporter a ‘dummy,’ another ‘a stupid person’ and a third ‘a sick person,'” the Washington Sun reports.

“The angry name-calling comes as tensions between the White House and the media have ratcheted up.”

NPR: Trump’s attacks on the press have become a war.

Democrats Aim to Build Momentum with Epstein Ad Blitz

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“As the limits of where Democrats hope to win in 2026 creep further into reliably red territory, party operatives have been turning more often to a wedge issue that helped Donald Trump win in 2024 — disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein,” the Washington Sun reports.

“In Kansas, a state that Trump won by more than more than 16 points that is now considered a genuine pick-up opportunity for Democrats, one advertisement slams Republican Sen. Roger Marshall for his September 2025 vote to block the Epstein files release.”

Video Shows Mayor Charging at Resident

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“A township council meeting Wednesday night erupted into chaos when Pemberton Township, NJ Mayor Matthew Bianchini (R) charged toward a resident during what has been described as long-simmering tensions boiling over,” WPVI reports.

“The mayor was restrained by others in attendance before being removed from the room.”

Said Bianchini: “I just basically snapped. I hate to put it this way, but it’s a long time coming.”

Iran Threatens Wider Strikes if U.S. Attacks

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“Iran’s message is stark: If the U.S. and Israel restart their air campaign, Tehran will respond with strikes not only on American bases and warships but on airports, pipelines and other civilian targets in the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“The warnings, issued publicly and in private diplomatic communications, are clearly aimed at deterring any attack with tough talk. But they also signal a real threat. Iran retains significant missile and drone stocks and the ability to use them.”

“Analysts estimate Iran has hundreds to thousands of ballistic missiles, and U.S. and regional officials believe it has resumed production of ballistic missiles in limited numbers using stockpiled components and working in underground facilities.”

Trump Calls LeBron James a ‘Total Disgrace’

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“President Donald Trump attacked Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James on Thursday over a video appearing to show the NBA star stretching during the national anthem ahead of his Sixers debut against the New York Knicks on Tuesday,” ABC News reports.

Said Trump: “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!”

He added: “I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE. LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!”

Iowa Is in Play as Economic Woes Mount

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New York Times: “The country’s economic crosscurrents are cascading across Iowa. High gas prices, elevated interest rates and Mr. Trump’s unpredictable economic policies, including tariffs, have been battering rural America over the last year. Iowa’s economy contracted in 2025 and notched the weakest annual growth rate in the country, according to the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis.”

“Polls suggest that the state that helped propel Mr. Trump’s political rise could flip in favor of Democrats when voters cast their ballots next month.”