Did Iran Energy Costs Cost Republicans The Midterm? Dr. Michael Bussler Explains

The Dawn Stensland Show tackles a packed post-election Thursday with breaking international diplomacy, tough economic realities, and unfiltered political post-mortems. Dawn spotlights First Lady Melania Trump making history at the White House by hosting representatives from Ukraine and Russia following her direct mediation of an 800-person civilian evacuation in Oleschki. We examine the rare humanitarian breakthrough, hear from Melania's team, and critique the mainstream media's refusal to celebrate a historic achievement by a Republican First Lady. Meanwhile, Dawn addresses the post-election mood, dissecting President Trump's viral interactions with White House construction workers and questioning the messaging divide within the party. Stockton University economics professor Dr. Michael Bussler checks in to evaluate third-quarter GDP growth, record-low jobless claims, and the broader financial picture. Dr. Bussler argues that voter frustration over high energy prices and the ongoing Iran war drove the election outcome rather than broad enthusiasm for Democratic policy. We examine the stock market's reaction, the regional electricity controversies surrounding proposed tech data centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and the Treasury Department's newly announced opportunity zones designed to stimulate long-term private business investment across thousands of economically distressed communities. Broadcast veteran Larry Mendte checks in after reporting from the New York City Marathon to put the recent election shift into clear perspective. Larry pushes back on media hyperbole, explaining why this turnover fails to reach the top ten historic midterms and cautioning incoming House Democrats against overplaying their hand with political investigations. Dawn and Larry debate incoming Oversight leadership, the fight over the Jeffrey Epstein records, Marco Rubio's potential 2028 presidential path, and the persistent frustration with federal gridlock. The crew wraps with lighter moments, discussing sold-out listener tours and hilarious behind-the-scenes broadcast memories.