Linda Gradstein: CBS Middle East Correspondent on the election in Israel
Early Edition with Ryan BridgeShow Notes
Israeli voter turnout's reached a record high in the election that could determine Benjamin Netanyahu's political future. CNN exit polls show Gadi Eisenkot's on 52 seats to Netanyahu's 50. Security is the leading issue among voters, with many blaming Netanyahu for the October 7th attack. CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge both camps will likely need a coalition to form a government. She says the Arab Citizens of Israel, who are at about 20%, could put Eisenkot over the top, but some of his partners are expected to refuse to work with Arab members. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The election could factor into whether this afternoon brings the Reserve Bank's third OCR hike of the year. Most economists predict a 25 basis point lift to 3%. Inflation's sitting at 3.7% – outside its target band. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge there's an argument for holding off until December, but he expects the Reserve Bank will toe the market's line. He says it might be disruptive otherwise, so close to the election, but that doesn't mean it's the best idea. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A property investor is questioning why Labour's rent-to-own scheme should stop at just state houses. The party is proposing allowing Kainga Ora to put aside $100 rent a week, working up to a deposit. Labour would also lift the income cap for 5% deposits to $300,000, making more buyers eligible. Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge it's a good idea but it's niche. He says it could be all for all working people, giving them this $100 credit wherever they go. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 28th of October 2026, mortgage holders are bracing for another OCR hike, Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan what we can expect. The Labour party want state housing tenants to own their own home, Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball shares his thoughts. Israel is going to the voting booth today, CBS Middle East Correspondent Linda Gradstein has the latest. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the details on two British nationals charged over an alleged plot to assist Iran's intelligence service as part of the investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford and the leaders of Norway and Finland held a rare 'frank' phone conversation with Vladimir Putin. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This morning I can't stay silent on this issue that's been raised in the campaign. This comment, made by New Zealand First candidate and former Defence Minister Ron Mark, is outrageous and wrong. Ron, Ron, Ron. There is nothing wrong with an expressing oneself via a man bun. Some call them twat tops. A douche donut. A head turd. They've been called a lot of things, but a sign of weakness? No. Have you never seen a Japanese Samurai? Or a Norse Viking? Both are elite warriors. Samurai fight with swords and use them to literally chop off their enemy's head. These guys are tough. Pete Hegseth tough. They're ruthless. They're clinical. But also a bit stylish. What about Jason Mamoa? They don't call him a Hollywood heavyweight for nothing, do they? He's just bought a house in Queenstown worth $15m. Do you know what he paid with? Warrior cash. Do you know what he looked like doing it? Amazing. As anyone who's grown a bun or a top-knot knows all-too well, it takes balls of steel to stick it out through the awkward growth phase. Months of uncertainty. Of making a plan and sticking to it. You must wake up each morning to that clown mop, look it straight in the follicles and say... "damn it, I am who I am and I'm not changing". That's what I call courageous. These warriors should be celebrated, not sidelined. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK's new Chancellor is set to deliver his first Budget. John Healey will set out Labour's tax and spending plans on October 28th, with tax increases possible. Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce told Ryan Bridge there have been some hints about what the Budget will include, such as some redistribution of funds from the wealthiest to those who need it the most. But she says it'll will be very tight fiscally, and will be watched very carefully by the capital markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.