Happy Half Hour with Brett Erlich: October 14, 2026

Iranian officials warn that the U.S. and Israel could resume attacks before Israel’s upcoming election, with Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei threatening retaliation against U.S. assets across the region, including data centers and AI facilities. The White House denies plans to attack Iran before the U.S. midterms, but stalled diplomacy and military deployments are fueling fears of a wider conflict. Michigan Senate candidates Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed face off in a debate over their competing views, while a growing Democratic backlash calls on Rep. Ilhan Omar and state Sen. Omar Fateh to cancel their planned event with Hasan Piker, citing his past comments.

AIPAC announces it will no longer endorse candidates. Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign admits to producing controversial attack ad, which conservatives are defending. Zelenskyy offers to concede land to Putin and Russia agrees to more negotiations. Billionaire banker got a pardon after giving Alina Habba a huge contract. ProPublica’s new report alleges that defense contractor bribed Rep. Jim Clyburn and the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Can Donald Trump and Iran ever reach another deal? Analyst Trita Parsi weighs in on a new Zeteo report exposing US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, for leveraging his position for his own financial gains.

Ana receives a powerful shoutout from children in Gaza as the human cost of the conflict continues to resonate. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin’s CEO says demand for defense spending is “permanent,” raising questions about who profits as the Iran war drives military demand. Jeremy Loffredo joins the show.

CALLING ALL ALUMNI! Join Cenk Uygur and Brett Erlich for tonight's episode of Old School. Ok topics…Cenk texted me this morning : Are you your toe? I'm not sure what that means? I can’t wait to find out though. Next we’ll discuss, complaining…does it actually work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices