Election Day, The Passing of Dick Cheney, and Artic Frost updates

Key Takeaways

Former Vice President Dick Cheney's extensive public service career was highlighted.
Ongoing government shutdown impacts federal workers, SNAP benefits, and air travel.
"Operation Arctic Frost," a suspected surveillance operation, raised bipartisan concern.
Relocation of FBI headquarters from Washington D.C. was a debated topic.
Election Day discussions focused on key races in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.
The Senate filibuster was defended as a protection for minority rights and a policy mechanism.
Federal government real estate holdings, including 7,700 vacant buildings, were noted.

Hugh Hewitt recounted former Vice President Dick Cheney's extensive career as White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President.
Cheney oversaw the First Gulf War as Secretary of Defense and was influential in foreign policy and national security.
He became White House Chief of Staff at age 34 in the Ford administration.
Cheney's operational style emphasized process, crisis preparation, and a belief in the executive branch.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito expressed concern that the government shutdown affected agencies like the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers.
Furloughed government workers and bureaucratic delays were reported to hinder construction projects and permit approvals.
Senator Capito defended the Senate filibuster as a protection for minority rights and a mechanism for negotiation.
Senate Republicans emphasized unity in focusing on reopening the government, suggesting obstruction from Democrats.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito expressed hope for a government shutdown resolution by the week's end, noting her previous votes to keep the government open.
Senator Joni Ernst discussed the strain on small businesses with federal contracts due to the ongoing shutdown, expressing hope for a resolution.
A potential strategy to end the shutdown involved packaging appropriations bills with a clean continuing resolution, possibly extending to December or January.
Senator Ernst critiqued the potential relocation of the FBI to the Reagan Building, arguing for moving the agency outside the Beltway, possibly to Iowa.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito expressed shock and supported an investigation into "Operation Arctic Frost," citing a lack of transparency regarding accessed data.
Senator Joni Ernst called the investigation "shameful," suggesting targeted companies could face lawsuits and proposing a select committee.
Senator Eric Schmitt confirmed "Arctic Frost" is a significant Republican concern, with new revelations involving over 400 individuals and organizations, including the Republican AG Association.
The scale of the "Arctic Frost" investigation was compared to Watergate, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry to prevent future abuses.

Senator Joni Ernst noted the existence of 7,700 vacant federal buildings across the U.S. with significant maintenance costs.
A suggestion was made to divest excess federal properties, estimating that selling six buildings in Washington D.C. could generate $400 million.
James Lileks estimated a high percentage of federal buildings are empty, concurring with the host that 7,700 have been empty for some time.
A discussion on the FBI's move included a desire to preserve the old J. Edgar Hoover Building as a monument to past governmental failures.

Bret Baier previewed election night coverage, discussing potential call times for New York, Virginia, and New Jersey.
Discussion centered on a New York candidate's stance on BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) and their response to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
A New York candidate's populist pitch, including proposals for cheaper groceries and a $30 minimum wage, faced scrutiny.
Republicans in New York were reportedly considering supporting a candidate they disliked more than the city itself, with discussions of a potential 12-15% vote share.

Speakers reflected on former Vice President Dick Cheney's consequential vice presidency, his expansion of executive power, and his national security approach post-9/11.
Recollections of Cheney's career highlighted his early relationship with Donald Rumsfeld and his role as White House Chief of Staff under President Ford.
His significant influence on George W. Bush's vice presidential selection process was noted, emphasizing Cheney's intellect and political understanding.

Byron York discussed election night predictions focusing on New York City, where a candidate was projected to win despite criticisms.
Concerns were raised about New York City's tax structure, with a significant portion of the tax burden falling on 1% of the population, potentially leading to an exodus.
In New Jersey, Republican candidate Chitterelli was seen as strong against incumbent Mikey Sherrill, with property taxes identified as a key issue.
Virginia's Attorney General race was anticipated to be close due to candidate Jay Jones's 116 mph speeding ticket and a questionable community service arrangement in 2022.

A debate occurred regarding whether federal employees, frustrated with government shutdowns, would vote Democrat.
The host suggested Democrats extended a government shutdown past Election Day to mobilize federal employee turnout.
A related protest was characterized as a Democrat Get Out The Vote effort.