The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. In this special election-focused edition of Deadline DC, Brad Bannon looks at two major political contests unfolding on opposite sides of the world. In the first half hour, veteran political analyst Charlie Cook joins Brad for a preview of the U.S. midterm elections. Cook explains why he sees the current environment less as a traditional “blue wave” and more as a “Trump undertow” affecting Republican enthusiasm and competitiveness. He breaks down the fight for control of the House and Senate, the importance of key races in states including Texas, Kansas and Michigan, and how inflation, energy prices, tariffs and the cost of living are shaping voter attitudes. Then, Hadar Susskind, President and CEO of New Jewish Narrative, joins Brad to preview Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election. Susskind explains how Israel’s coalition system works, the political blocs competing to govern, Benjamin Netanyahu’s position, and the potentially decisive role of Arab parties in forming the next government. The conversation also moves beyond electoral politics to the broader stakes for the Middle East, including violence in the West Bank, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, U.S.-Israel relations and Israel’s growing international isolation. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his new Substack called, 'The Bannon Ballot Blast,' at www.bradbannon.substack.com. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social. (Image Credit: Christopher Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
