Rising Costs Test Republicans Before Midterms

Summary

Bloomberg This Weekend examines how affordability and rising costs are shaping the midterm political debate. Tim O'Brien argues Trump's proposed $5,000 dividend is a stunt, that tariffs and the Iran war are inflationary, and that gasoline prices will not come down before the election, making energy a liability for Republicans. Julie Fine reports on growing political resistance to Texas data centers and on the Paxton-Talarico race. A clip of Jeff Currie flags an extremely high probability that gasoline hits $5 a gallon before the midterms.

• Affordability and rising energy costs dominate the midterm political debate.
• Tim O'Brien calls Trump's proposed $5,000 dividend a costly stunt unlikely to pass Congress.
• O'Brien says tariffs and the Iran war are inflationary and no near-term policy fix exists for energy prices.
• Jeff Currie clip: extremely high probability that gasoline reaches $5 a gallon before the midterms.
• O'Brien expects gasoline prices to stay elevated through the election, a major liability for Republicans.
• Julie Fine: Texas data center growth faces political pushback over water and power costs.
• Texas Paxton-Talarico race remains close, with Talarico holding a slight edge.
• Trump's Ireland visit and reunification comments drew attention alongside convention dynamics.