Trump Promises No Iran Attack Before Midterms; Hurricane Isaias Approaches US

SPEAKER_1 (0:02)

Bloomberg Audio Studios, Podcasts, Radio, News.

Karen Moskow (0:10)

Good morning, I'm Karen Moskow.

Alexis Christoforos (0:12)

And I'm Alexis Christoforos. Here are the stories we're following today.

Karen Moskow (0:16)

Alexis, the drop in oil comes on news that President Trump said the US would not be attacking Iran before November's midterm elections. He cited, quote, productive discussions with the Islamic Republic begin more from Bloomberg's Will Kennedy.

Will Kennedy (0:32)

I think we should read it like anything that Trump says. We should take it seriously, but be skeptical, because he's likely to say something different in a day or two, or a few hours. It will bring some relief to the market, because obviously we'd had that report. I think it was maybe in the Atlantic earlier in the week that he was considering escalation before the midterm elections. And this, if it pans out, does bring some potential breathing space.

Karen Moskow (0:58)

And Bloomberg's Bill Kennedy says President Trump's decision to lay off on new strikes comes despite Iran escalating attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Alexis Christoforos (1:07)

To politics at home now, and a trio of debates were held overnight as the midterm elections are less than 25 days away.

We start in the closely watched Michigan Senate race. The two candidates there clashed on a grand rapid stage. Democratic nominee Abdul Al Sayed went after his Republican opponent Mike Rogers over high fuel costs.

Abdul El-Sayed (1:27)

There is one thing that is actually causing this. It's the war in Iran, a war that has been cheerlead by my opponent since the beginning, called it a win, win, win. I don't know about you, but when I go to the gas tank, I don't feel like I'm winning. I don't feel like our country is winning.

Alexis Christoforos (1:40)

Republican Mike Rogers hit back at Democrat Al Sayed's economic policies.

Mike Rogers (1:44)

His policies will raise the cost of every gallon of gasoline, number one, raise your utility rates, cause you $20,000 for a Medicare for all plan that takes away private insurance from individuals.

Alexis Christoforos (1:59)

The debate comes as a recent Fox News survey shows a close race as 50% of likely voters backed Al Sayed while 49% supported Rogers, which is within the margin of error.

Karen Moskow (2:10)

In May, Alexis' discussions about gas prices and the war in Iran raised notable tension in the second debate between a longtime incumbent Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson. On WMTW-TV, Jackson attacking Collins for her past support for the war in Iran claimed that Collins was profiting from the conflict.

John Staschauer (2:31)

She's the chair of appropriations.

SPEAKER_8 (2:32)

I mean, money has to come through there for these wars. She still could do some. She could use her leverage to stop this war, but instead they're making money.

SPEAKER_9 (2:41)

I mean, Senator Collins and her husband are making money more off of this war.

Karen Moskow (2:45)

Senator Collins, who is seeking a sixth term in her seat, demanded an apology.

Susan Collins (2:49)

That is absolutely outrageous, and you owe me an apology.

SPEAKER_9 (2:56)

No, you owe me an apology.

Susan Collins (2:57)

That is absolutely outrageous. To say that my husband and I are making money off the war in Iran is absolutely outrageous.

Karen Moskow (3:11)

The stakes were high for both candidates to avoid onstage gaffes and snag a strong eclipse that could move the needle of the close race. Decision Desk HQ's polling averages show Democrat Jackson, who became the party's pick after their initial nominee withdrew this summer, leading the five-term Republican incumbent by just over a point in the blue-leaning pine tree state.

Alexis Christoforos (3:33)

And in Georgia, Karen, Senator John Ossoff, the Democratic incumbent and Representative Mike Collins, the Republican challenger, faced off in the first debate in the battle for a Senate seat. Collins held his own against the more polished Ossoff, but the attacks of the night came from the incumbent.

SPEAKER_8 (3:49)

Mike Collins is a bigot and it's disqualifying for a candidate for the US Senate.

SPEAKER_11 (3:54)

Congressman, 30 seconds. Yeah, imagine being a US Senator and out there recruiting, endorsing and supporting these people that want to see Israel wiped off the map.

Alexis Christoforos (4:03)

Audio there courtesy of WSB TV. The race is the only Senate race in the country where a Democratic incumbent has a seat in a state that President Trump won in 2024 A real clear politics average of Georgia voters show that Ossoff had eight point advantage over Collins, 51% to 43%.

Karen Moskow (4:22)

Well, Alexis, as the US midterm elections approach, check out Bloomberg's Washington Edition, the newsletter about money, power and politics and the nation's capital. Our reporters provide reporting and insights to the lens of business, markets, government and the economy. Sign up now for free at bloomberg.com/newsletters.