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CNN This Morning
Obama Blasts Trump And Republicans In Stump Speech For Spanberger; Millions Of Americans Lose Access To SNAP Benefits; Police: Nothing Indicates Train Stabbing Spree Was Terror Related; Fire At Mexican Store Kills At Least 23 People In Sonora; Trump Orders U.S. Military To Prepare For Action In Nigeria; White House Limits Reporter Access To Press Secretary's Office; L.A. Dodgers Repeat As World Series Champions; Arrests Made In Alleged Foiled Attack In Michigan. Millions of American Lose Access to SNAP Benefits; Trump Hosts Great Gatsby Halloween Party at Mar-a-Lago; Obama Rallying Democrats; L.A. Dodgers World Series Champions. Aired 7-8a ET
Aired November 02, 2025 - 07:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[07:00:22]
VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN HOST: Brand new week, thanks for starting it with me. It's Sunday, November 2nd. I'm Victor Blackwell.
Here's what you need to know this morning. It's the final push before Election Day and the Democrats are bringing out their closer.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: There is absolutely no evidence that Republican policies have made life better for the people of New Jersey.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: President Obama stumping for Democratic candidates in key races this weekend. His closing message to voters.
We're following breaking news out of the U.K. 11 people hurt in a stabbing attack on a train. We have new details coming from the police in the last few minutes.
Also, day 33 of the government shutdown, there's been little progress to reopen. But Speaker Mike Johnson seems to think that he knows when this will end.
Plus, the Dodgers have done it again.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Dodgers stand tall and win back-to-back titles.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: The Dodgers mounted an incredible comeback to take the series. We've got your highlights.
And the Queen of Christmas is back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But now it's time (ph).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Yes, it is, Mariah. How early, though, is too early for some to get into the Christmas spirit? That's ahead in the Roundup.
All right, Election Day, 48 hours away now. We're closely watching races in four critical states to determine how voters are feeling about the second Trump term. Races for governor of New Jersey and Virginia are getting the most attention, along with the mayoral race in New York City. Also, Proposition 50 in California.
First up in New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill polling slightly ahead of Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Democrat Abigail Spanberger has a double-digit lead in the polls over Virginia Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
New York now, early voting is off the charts. Former President Barack Obama stopped short of endorsing Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor, but the former president called Mamdani, offered his support, and reportedly praised his campaign against former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
California, voters there are weighing Proposition 50. That's a ballot measure to temporarily enact a new congressional map drawn by Democrats in response to Republican-driven redistricting in Texas and other states.
Democrats are turning to their closer to deliver the critical wins on Tuesday. Former President Barack Obama campaigned on Saturday with the nominees for governor in Virginia and New Jersey. He told voters to use their power to break with the president.
More now from CNN's Eva McKend in Richmond. Eva, good morning.
EVA MCKEND, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Victor.
The candidates for governor here in Virginia running out of time to make their case to voters. Abigail Spanberger getting a big boost from former President Barack Obama, who really served as a base motivator, getting Democrats in this state excited and energized ahead of the election. Obama spoke to a very key issue here in Virginia, the aggressive cuts that have come from the Trump administration and the impacts it has on federal workers across the state.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including a lot of people here in Virginia, have lost their jobs to pay for those billionaire tax cuts. We're talking about people who have dedicated their lives to public service, who make the country work. Healthcare premiums for millions of people are about to double or even triple next year.
Meanwhile, the government is shut down. And the Republicans who currently are in charge of Congress, they're not even pretending to solve the problem. They have not even been showing up to work.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MCKEND: Obama's energizing speech really in line with the campaign argument that Spanberger has long tried to make, as she's focused heavily on affordability and the cost of living, and then also being a leader that can insulate Virginians from some of the impacts coming from the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate, also busy on the campaign trail, making her case, arguing that she would be an extension of the popular Youngkin-Earle-Sears agenda. Victor?
BLACKWELL: Eva McKend, thank you very much.
And be sure to tune in Tuesday for CNN's election night coverage that starts at 5:00 p.m. Eastern on CNN. And you can also stream our coverage on the CNN app.
[07:05:05]
House Speaker Mike Johnson is suggesting there could finally be movement to end the month-long government shutdown, but not until after Election Day. Speaking at a Republican-Jewish coalition event, Johnson accused Democrats of deliberately delaying negotiations. He said they don't want to fold before the key races this week in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R), HOUSE SPEAKER: I mean, we do have a sense that something may change next week. Of course, there's a big election on Tuesday, and sort of the conventional wisdom on the Hill right now is that they're waiting for that to pass because they can't take the wrath of their radical, frankly anti-Semitic, socialist Marxist base.
If they fold too soon, they're afraid it might affect voter turnout. But that really is the sum total of their calculus right now.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Millions of Americans are still waiting on essential federal subsidies and benefits as Democrats and Republicans trade blame. Well, it's day 33 now of this government shutdown. And despite an order from two judges to partially fund them, SNAP benefits, otherwise known as food stamps, did not go out this weekend. Nearly one in eight Americans use food stamps.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) DOMINIQUE ANDERSON, FEDERAL WORKER: When I first started working with the FDA, I really thought that that was the best career move. Honestly, this has been devastating.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Also, federal workers being affected, also critical time for some American children and veterans, including disabled veterans like Juanita.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JUANITA CAVAZOS, DISABLED VETERAN: And that's the saddest thing about it. You know, you go and you give of your life almost, and then to be in these circumstances in the United States, that's just unforgiving.
GARY HERBER, RET. ARMY SERGEANT: The last person in this country that should ever have to ask for a handout from the community to feed their own family is the men and women that wear the cloth of our nation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Let's talk about the help for these families who are just trying to figure out a way to put food on their tables. Their communities are stepping in. One mother started buying groceries for another, and when that mom posted a picture of her empty fridge in their Facebook group.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AMANDA STEWART, HELPING FOOD FAMILIES: Whatever I can do, if I can organize for families to get fed, then I want to do it. The thought of kids not having food or families not having food in life right now breaks my heart.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can sleep peacefully now. I was worried. I was scared.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I got milk.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And she has her milk.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: She has her milk. The message from some people to lawmakers and state officials is clear -- get the government back open.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VICTOR ROMAN, TSA WORKER: Do your job. You should not be able to run for reelection if it shuts down. Come do my job if you want. I will -- I'll gladly take your paid vacation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: We're following breaking news this morning. About an hour ago, British Transport Police said there is no indication that a stabbing attack on board a train that left 11 people injured was terror-related. So far, two people have been arrested. British Transport Police say both are British nationals.
The attack happened last night aboard a London-bound train. Initially, police said nine of the 10 people injured were hospitalized with life- threatening injuries. And then police say another victim later showed up at the hospital.
We're turned now to CNN International Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson with the latest. So what do we learn from these transport police?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Yes, I think the headline here is that the police are very clearly trying to tamp down any speculation that has been behind other attacks in the U.K. over recent months and years, social media speculation that has led to violent disturbance on the streets
Very clearly, the police officer at that press conference saying that although counterterrorism police involved at an early stage, nothing leading them to believe that it is right now. Here's what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN LOVELESS, SUPERINTENDENT, BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE: British Transport Police declared a major incident yesterday. And counterterrorism policing were initially supporting our investigation. However, at this stage, there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROBERTSON: And the other thing that he said that sort of become typical of the police and these types of incidents was to give specific details quite early in the investigation on the people arrested. Two people arrested, he said, describing them as a 32-year- old. He described him as black, British born national and a 35-year- old British born of Caribbean descent. That's how he described them.
Both being held at separate police stations for questioning at this time. Absolutely horrific stories emerging from passengers on that train early in the evening. And I -- one man described as well that he was on the train with his children, rushed to the end of the train when he realized that there was something untoward going on.
[07:10:09]
People were moving. There were people with blood, with open wounds. And then when the train pulled into the station, he said they literally didn't quite know what to do, then jumped off the train and ran and started knocking on doors of houses to seek shelter.
Police saying they got there within eight minutes of getting that emergency call. Horrific. But now we know fewer people injured. 11 last night appeared to have been injured. Nine, it was thought with life threatening. Four of them now released from hospital. Two, however, remain with life threatening injuries.
BLACKWELL: All right, Nic, thank you.
Headlines for you this morning, a fire tore through a general store in northern Mexico. 23 people were killed. 11 others were hurt. That fire started at a Waldo store in Hermosillo. Officials say that several children are among the victims. Investigators are looking into what caused the fire.
President Trump has ordered the military to prepare for action in Nigeria. He says the country is not doing enough to protect Christians from violence. Trump is warning that he'll cut off U.S. aid to the Nigerian -- to Nigeria if the government there does not move fast.
Nigerian officials deny the claims. They say both Christians and Muslims have been targeted. That announcement has raised questions about U.S. military involvement and future relations with Nigeria.
Reporters at the White House can no longer enter the Press Secretary's Office without an appointment. Now, that area has been open to journalists for decades. Reporters had full access during Trump's first term. But in this second term, the administration has moved to limit traditional media access. Officials say the change is for security reasons. The press calls it a setback for transparency.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are celebrating a second straight World Series title. They won game seven in an extra inning thriller in Toronto. Carolyn Manno joins us now with the highlights. Carolyn?
CAROLYN MANNO, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Victor. This was the most entertaining World Series in recent memory. Last night's game is truly going to be remembered as an instant classic. It's not hyperbolic to say that. I mean, the Dodgers beat the Blue Jays 5-4 in extra innings to win their second straight World Series title.
And there are so many storylines to choose from in this game alone. Toronto jumped out to an early lead. It was highlighted by a three-run shot from Bo Bichette off of Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani in the third inning. And then L.A. just fought back. They were chipping away at the lead slowly.
And with the Jays just two outs away from a World Series win in the top of the ninth inning, the Dodgers season saved by the unlikeliest of heroes, Miguel Rojas, who wasn't even in the starting lineup when the series began, blasting that game-tying solo shot, which sent the game to extras.
And that drama only surpassed by the incredible Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the World Series MVP, pitching in relief on no rest after starting in game 6, getting the Dodgers out of a jam with the series on the line in the ninth. And then the deadlock at the plate broken by a home run from Will Smith in the 11th that gave the Dodgers a one-run lead.
Yamamoto ended up throwing two and two-thirds scoreless innings in total to earn his third win of the series, cementing a legendary October performance for the 8th and the Dodgers as a group. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FREDDIE FREEMAN, 3X WORLD SERIES CHAMPION: Back-to-back is so hard to do, and to be able to pull that off and be a part of the group that does it, it's absolutely incredible.
DAVE ROBERTS, DODGERS MANAGER: I've never been more proud of a group of guys that are standing behind me right now. Yamamoto's the goat! He's the goat! Yama's the goat!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MANNO: This is such a likable group, Victor. They're building a dynasty in L.A., and my job was just on the ground the entire time. I mean, this series has delivered in ways that few have, and it will be remembered for a very long time.
BLACKWELL: All right, Carolyn Manno calling an instant classic.
All right, thanks, Carolyn.
Next on CNN This Morning, we're learning more about multiple arrests in connection with what the FBI says was an ISIS-inspired attack. What tipped them off? Next.
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[07:19:01]
BLACKWELL: There are new details about a potential terror attack that was thwarted by the FBI. Two law enforcement sources told CNN that two people have been arrested, three others are being questioned in connection with this incident. Age range here, 16 to 20.
The alleged ISIS-inspired plot was discovered by the FBI through an online chat room that they've been monitoring for months. CNN's Leigh Waldman has the latest from Dearborn, Michigan.
LEIGH WALDMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Victor. Aside from that initial statement that was put out by FBI Director Kash Patel, we haven't heard much else from the FBI about the activity that was here in Dearborn, but also in neighboring Inkster, Michigan.
We spoke to neighbors here in Dearborn who live near one of the houses that was subject of that FBI activity. They tell us they're confused. They have a lot of questions here saying that their neighbors were good, kind people.
One man was spoke to who lives just two houses down. He said he described what he sounded like bombs going off. He told us he saw Michigan State Police here, but also many FBI agents as well.
[07:20:07]
Take a listen to what he had to say when we asked him about what the FBI director alleges to have happened here. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LARAIB IRFAN, NEIGHBOR: I'm not sure where they actually stopped the terrorist attack at, but if that's what he's saying, then, you know, it's just like, wow, like, I can't believe that something like that would even go down on my block.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALDMAN: About 10 minutes away from where we are now at a second home here in Dearborn where there was reported FBI activity early on Friday as well, we spoke to a man there and he took a video of what the scene looked like early Friday. And in the video, you can see a large presence of law enforcement and what sounds like an announcement being played. Once in Arabic, once in English, saying that we're the FBI, we have a warrant, come out with your hands up.
Now, we've gotten a statement from a lawyer who says he's representing one of the men who was arrested on Friday, a 20-year-old man. He says he's a U.S. born citizen and that lawyer is critical of Kash Patel's statement he put out there saying that no charges have been filed against his client.
That statement reads in part, quote, "We are confident that once the facts are reviewed objectively, it will be clear there was never any planned mass casualty event or coordinated terror plot of any kind." We followed up with the FBI, asked the nature of the charges these men could be facing or when those charges would come down. And they said that any criminal charges is decided by the respective United States attorney's office.
We've reached out to them. They've confirmed no charges have still been filed at this point. Victor?
BLACKWELL: Leigh Waldman, thank you for that report.
A powerful system, a storm system developing along the West Coast, heavy rain, strong winds, possible flooding all in the forecast. Let's bring in now CNN Meteorologist Allison Chinchar. What are you watching?
ALLISON CHINCHAR, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes. So we've got a storm that I'm sure will pop up here in just a second.
BLACKWELL: There it is.
CHINCHAR: Yes, there we go. So, yes, all of these dots represent the level of the atmospheric river event. So low end would be like a level one, high end is a level five. We're forecasting all these orange dots that you see here. So southwestern Oregon and northern California to be a level 4.
Now the difference between a four and a five really isn't that much in terms of impacts. You're still expected to have some very heavy rain, very gusty winds. And, yes, even the potential for some coastal erosion and flooding right through some of these areas. Here's a look. Now you'll notice very early Friday, we get that first wave. It's very light. You're talking very light sprinkles, light rain showers, and even some dry snow up in some of the higher elevations.
Once we get into Monday, late into the day, especially evening and overnight timeline, that's when we start to see the first round of really heavy rain begin to push in. That will continue into Tuesday, even into Wednesday and Thursday.
This is going to be a multi-day event. And here you can see that system right there, that low kind of spreading all of that moisture across most of these states. You're looking at widespread totals of about 2 to 5 inches of rain along the coast and some pretty heavy snow in the higher elevations as well.
BLACKWELL: All right, Allison, thank you.
So the White House is starting to look like something from, I don't know, an HGTV show, including this bathroom makeover, Lincoln's bathroom. Our panel reacts to the marble and gold and all the rest that's happening in this morning's roundup.
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[07:27:38]
BLACKWELL: Two judges ruled that the Trump administration must at least partially fund SNAP benefits, but people still may miss meals in the meantime as that process could take a while.
Joining me now for our morning roundup, Podcast Host Bill Nigut, Columnist and Author Michael Harriot, and Judge Ashley Willcott. Welcome to you all.
Bill, let me start with you. Day 33 of the shutdown. If it goes to Wednesday, it will be the longest in U.S. history. SNAP benefits and people losing that support, is that something that could hasten an end to the shutdown?
BILL NIGUT, HOST, WABE PODCAST "IN THESE TIMES": Well, you'd like to think so, but we've seen no sign that Republicans are ready to go back to negotiate in Washington. They continue really to hold people who rely on food stamps, on SNAP benefits. They hold them hostage saying it's up to the Democrats to make a deal to go ahead and vote for the continuing resolution as it is. I don't see anything. Mike Johnson, another week, they're not going to be in session in the House.
BLACKWELL: Now, Republicans would say it's Democrats --
NIGUT: Yes.
BLACKWELL: -- who are holding those five votes.
NIGUT: Yes.
BLACKWELL: And they're the ones that are holding the country hostage. NIGUT: Absolutely.
BLACKWELL: Yes.
NIGUT: And I'm not even trying to argue for which side is correct, just that what we're seeing now is complete stasis. Nobody seems to want to govern right now. And it's terribly troubling when millions of people are at risk of not having food.
JUDGE ASHLEY WILLCOTT, RETIRED JUDGE: Can I put a plug in for the judges then? Because the federal judges have stepped in too and have ordered them to pay it and said, listen, it doesn't mean a shutdown doesn't mean there's no SNAP. That's not how it works. It means you have to find the funding, and that's the nature of the emergency funding that Congress has available.
So at least they have said whether or not Trump is going to follow these orders is a different issue. But at least the federal judges have said, no, you have to use emergency funding --
NIGUT: Yes, the money is there.
MICHAEL HARRIOT, COLUMNIST, "THE GRIO": Yes.
WILLCOTT: It's there. Use it.
HARRIOT: I always feel like we're living in a Bizarro world where like what she just said, right? The judges -- two judges have issued directors to Trump. And we're wondering, well, is the president going to follow the law that has been reiterated by these judges?
And I also think it's important to remember that when Trump is out there partying in Mar-a-Lago, right, there are people starving, but that is a welfare party too. Those billionaires that attend that Great Gatsby party and are wearing their flappers, they are getting government assistance. That's why they're there in Mar-a-Lago, to get their form of welfare.
So, it's not just that they're withholding benefits from poor people, that they're withholding it while they're giving it to rich people.
VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN ANCHOR: You know, it's interesting that you bring up, because for people who don't know, there was a Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago that the president attended, Great Gatsby inspired, and this line sticks out. The theme is, quote, "a little party never killed nobody."
And so, you've got them dressed -- of all themes at this moment, and the theme of the Great Gatsby, the picture you saw there was the U.S. attorney there in D.C., Jeanine Pirro, the president you see, the secretary of state, you've got performers there with feathers. The optics and the juxtaposition at any other time, where you have federal workers in food lines and billionaires dancing on a Great Gatsby theme, Bill.
BILL NIGUT, HOST, WABE PODCAST "IN THESE TIMES": Yes, it's pretty horrendous. I mean, you know, F. Scott Fitzgerald, the whole point of the Great Gatsby, the novel, was about the privileged class, multimillionaires, billionaires of the time, and how they took advantage of and abused those who were not in their same class.
And, you know, the last line of Gatsby, not to get too literary on you, talks about boats beating backward into the past. And that's pretty representative of what I think, so far, the Trump administration is doing with the country is turning us backward in so many areas.
BLACKWELL: And it's not even to mention the Lincoln bathroom, as it's called, or the bathroom in the Lincoln bedroom, the remodeling that's happening. I mean, this was before. The president said that that wasn't reflective of Lincoln's time, although I don't know that there is a bathroom that would be in the White House reflective of the 1860s. But he's now made this change. Again, the optics.
And is this a distraction? Because there were some people who say that you're paying attention to the wrong things. Is it a distraction or is it the makings of a narrative?
HARRIOT: I think it is indicative of this kind of authoritarian takeover where he can do what he wants to do, right? Like if there is a president who -- like what -- it's not can't be that bad for him to be partying at Mar-a-Lago when the world has seen him partying with Jeffrey Epstein, right. Like who's going to take the mantle from Jeffrey Epstein but our president, right.
And when you talk about the White House, like the idea that he is just -- like I don't think people are understanding that no one is objecting to the White House being remodeled. I think when the White House is usually remodeled, Congress pays for it.
BLACKWELL: There's a process.
HARRIOT: Right, there's a process. And he's just saying, yes, this is my house now. And let me tear out a bedroom and put in a party room. And I think that is the thing that people are objecting to.
BLACKWELL: Let's look ahead to Tuesday, because I want to make sure we get time in here of the elections coming statewide races in New Jersey and Virginia, Prop 50 in California, the mayoral race in New York City. President Obama stopped short of endorsement of Zohran Mamdani. He has endorsed mayors in the past, but it doesn't happen often. What do you think informs that that kind of hold back of impressive to watch? Call me if you need me, but not going as he goes further with others.
NIGUT: President Obama has made it quite clear in his most recent comments that he's frustrated with this split personality, I think, in the Democratic Party. Democrats don't know which way to turn. You've got a Mamdani, a Democratic socialist who has an enormous following, has generated great energy around his race. You've got AOC thinking about maybe she'll run for president. And so, there's that progressive wing of the party that's very excited about a new future for the party. And at the same time, you've got the Chuck Schumers and other more moderate Democrats who are scared to death of what the future portends. So, I think Obama has finally said somebody's got to jump in here and try to figure out the next steps for this party.
JUDGE ASHLEY WILLCOTT, RETIRED JUDGE AND COURT TV ANCHOR: But yet he's not stepping in to say I'm going to be the leader of it, he's saying I'm going to step in to assist. But I think it still underscores they don't have a leader at this point.
HARRIOT: Well, I think the other thing is that if you are a Democratic socialist, if you're Mamdani and you are a real progressive, do you want Obama endorsing you?
BLACKWELL: He's the biggest star in the party. What do you think he wouldn't want Obama?
HARRIOT: Right. But if you are trying to say, I want to lead this party past this era where it was -- they're chasing moderate votes, that kind of Obama got mired down into because he was the symbol of progressivism, but he wasn't that progressive.
[07:35:00]
NIGUT: I've got to take a little issue with you there. You just said it. Barack Obama is the most popular Democrat in the country and has been for a long time. If -- when he says to Mamdani, I'll consult on your campaign, I'll help you, he may not be formally endorsing him, but he is certainly saying, we can handle the Democratic socialist as mayor of New York. I think it's a great attribute for Mamdani to have Obama talking about him positively.
BLACKWELL: Last 15.
HARRIOT: And I think also we have to realize, too, that we keep ascribing what's going on in the most progressive city to the rest of the Democratic Party. And it's just a political talking point because the people of New York choose their mayor. And then every -- like this is not going to be happening in Waterloo, Iowa, what's going on in New York.
BLACKWELL: All right. Pause. Everybody stand by. Up next, Queen of Christmas. She is officially declared. I can't hit the note, but it's time.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[07:40:00]
BLACKWELL: Back with the Morning Roundup. Actress Julia Fox is getting some heat for her Halloween costume. Bill Nigut, Michael Harriot, and Judge Ashley Willcott are back here with me. And here it is. This is that pink suit. Let's put the pictures back up. The pink suit that Jackie Kennedy was wearing in -- when her husband was assassinated, complete with the bloodstains on the suit.
Judge, when you see this picture, what's your reaction?
WILLCOTT: First of all, Jackie Kennedy didn't want to take her clothes off, that suit off, because she wanted everyone to understand, hey, this is what happened. Second of all, how many other Halloween costumes are not offensive? Many are. So, yes, some are appalled by this. But I don't know -- she's making a statement. She's making a statement. So, I don't know that it rises to a level of, I can't believe she would ever do this.
BLACKWELL: Yes, let me read her statement here, because she says that it's not a costume, it is a statement. Part of what she posted on social media, that her decision, speaking of Jackie Kennedy, not to change clothes, even after being encouraged to, was an act of extraordinary bravery. It was performance, protest, and mourning all at once. A woman weaponizing image and grace to expose brutality. It's about trauma, power, and how femininity itself is a form of resistance. Long live Jackie O.
NIGUT: I was in high school on that day, November 22, 1963. The indelible images of first Kennedy himself shot in the head and then Jackie Kennedy in that suit have become part of the national psyche. There's certainly something I will always carry with me and have in many ways shaped much of my view of our country.
I find it offensive. I understand your point, Judge, but I was just offended when I saw it. This is not something I want to see again in real life.
HARRIOT: I just have to say, I'm just glad we're not talking about somebody in blackface for the first time in a million Halloweens so --
BLACKWELL: Yes. I mean, they were out there, because you could see them on socials, but this is the one that's getting so much reaction --
HARRIOT: Yes. So, at least she's not in black face.
BROWN: -- at least from the celebrity sect. Let's talk now about the morning we all woke up to. We got an extra hour of sleep. And listen, when this show starts at 6:00, we appreciate that extra hour of sleep. Moving back to standard time. And there's a poll out from AP and ORC that says that 12 percent favor the current system of changing clocks. 56 percent prefer daylight saving time all year. 42 percent prefer standard time.
Now, I had to ask my team -- these are wrong numbers up right now. I had to ask my team, which one are we going into? I just know fall back, spring forward.
WILLCOTT: Yes, that's what everybody knows.
HARRIOT: Do people still change clocks? Who's back there winding a clock in 2025?
BLACKWELL: The producer of this hour --
HARRIOT: I just wake up and it's the right time on my phone.
BLACKWELL: -- has a grandfather clock, right? So, he's doing it.
NIGUT: You know what's interesting about this? Everybody kind of thinks that time is immutable, that it's a fixed scientific reality. It's not at all.
WILLCOTT: It's not.
NIGUT: Do you know that in the late 1800s, 150 years ago, there were more than 100 time zones in cities across the United States? Because every city could set its own time according to when the sun was at its peak in the sky. It was the railroad --
WILLCOTT: It's an energy issue.
NIGUT: -- that finally came along and created four times. So, this is just another reminder that there's nothing immutable about time. It can be what we want it to be.
HARRIOT: I love that we're getting into philosophical time.
BLACKWELL: Well, speaking of time, excellent, excellent segue.
WILLCOTT: It's too soon. It's too soon, Victor.
BLACKWELL: Let's play it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARIAH CAREY, SINGER: It's time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: You know, when Mariah Carey hits that note, it is the unofficial start to the holiday season, Christmas specifically. And I am ready. You say it's too soon. Why?
WILLCOTT: Too soon. I say too soon. Because I believe Thanksgiving comes first. And the day of Thanksgiving, that's when my Christmas stuff comes out.
[07:45:00]
HARRIOT: Yes, we're giving short shrift to candy yams, I feel like. We got to focus on our priorities. But it does seem like Christmas starts like right after Labor Day.
BLACKWELL: My Christmas tree is going up Tuesday.
NIGUT: Are you serious?
BLACKWELL: I'm putting my Christmas tree up. I've been listening to -- you know, we talk about some tough stuff on this show. I've been listening to Christmas music in the shower just to get into work some days. NIGUT: You know what's interesting about you? I've seen this over the time that we've been with you, you really find ways to bring joy into your life.
BLACKWELL: Well, yes, listen. I have to. You got to balance it somehow. But the tree goes up. You know, eggnog hit the shelves, what, three weeks ago?
WILLCOTT: Three weeks ago.
BLACKWELL: The Christmas music has been playing at my house. The tree will be up on Tuesday.
WILLCOTT: Listen, the stores did put it up about Labor Day. It was the beginning of October and all the stores had Christmas stuff coming out. So, it's earlier and earlier every year.
HARRIOT: I used to do a volunteer with a tree stand for the Boy Scouts. And just sitting out there, letting people pick out their trees, man. It was one of the most miserable times. But you get to see people having joy. So, it's great, I guess, in this world now that we're living in, to see people getting joy -- having joy.
BLACKWELL: My Christmas tree is part of Thanksgiving, right? So, I don't skip over it, it's part of Thanksgiving to have that kind of, you know, the cinnamon pine smell and the tree up and everything.
WILLCOTT: OK.
BLACKWELL: One more here. Dictionary.com has now determined the word of the year, 6-7. Now, I don't have any teenagers or young children in my life, but for those who do, they are tired of 6-7, which means almost nothing.
NIGUT: Yes.
HARRIOT: Yes.
WILLCOTT: It's a trend.
HARRIOT: I want to say that I'm cool and hip. I literally had never heard of this before Dictionary.com announced that it was the word.
NIGUT: 6-7.
HARRIOT: And I was like, what?
BLACKWELL: You got to stretch out the 7. 6-7. I feel like --
WILLCOTT: So-so. I mean, it's what we used to say, like I don't know, so-so.
HARRIOT: Yes, it's me. I guess it's this generation's me.
BLACKWELL: But for the parents who are tired of it, I feel like, you know, fight back. Just start going 8-9. It means nothing. If your kids can walk around saying 6-7, fight back. All right. Bill, Michael, Judge, thank you all.
WILLCOTT: Thank you, Victor.
BLACKWELL: Next in sports, we're talking World Series and another big day of college football upsets. Just days away from the release of the first playoff rankings. Highlights next.
And you can now stream CNN This Morning Weekend live in the U.S. or catch up whenever you want in the CNN app. Stream shows, get access to exclusive CNN reporting. There's a lot there. To learn more, go to cnn.com/watch.
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[07:50:00]
BLACKWELL: Streets of L.A. were packed overnight. You know why. Dodgers fans were celebrating a second straight World Series title. Carolyn Manno joins us with more from the epic game seven comeback for the Dodgers. Lot to celebrate.
CAROLYN MANNO, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Really, there is, Victor. I mean, we talked at the top of the hour about how the Dodgers won last night's game seven. It was full of these high stakes moments that are going to be remembered for things like really clutch home runs, championship caliber defense, this pitching performance for the ages by the Japanese ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
But the Dodgers, baseball's first repeat champions now in 25 years. Think about that. Thanks to this 11-inning thriller. Down to their final two outs, Dodgers veteran Miguel Rojas stunning the crowd with a solo shot to tie the game at four. The Jays loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth, but L.A. escaped. And then it was Will Smith giving the team its first lead of the game, a solo shot in the 11th.
Japanese ace, series MVP, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, you can't talk about him enough. Coming back for his third inning of relief and helping the Dodgers steal the win on a series ending double play. If he wasn't able to do that, who else was warming up a future hall of famer, Clayton Kershaw as well, who ends an 18-year major league baseball career spent entirely with the Dodgers in storybook fashion. Lifting his third World Series trophy. 5-4 game seven win for the Dodgers overall as they continue to prove just how special this team of superstars truly is.
In college football, a trio of top 10 upsets significantly shuffling the rankings. The biggest upset of the day coming by way of number eight, Georgia Tech. The last remaining undefeated team in the ACC until Saturday, they fell to unranked NC State. The Wolfpacks offense had been struggling recently, but not on Saturday. They racked up 600 yards of total offense. Quarterback, CJ Bailey, throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for another. Georgia Tech with its worst defensive performance of the season.
And for number 10, Miami, it was an overtime thriller. This one, though, plagued by penalties, tons of mistakes on Miami's first possession of overtime. Carson Beck intercepted at the goal line. SMU then ran the ball four straight times. They kept a winning drive with a one-yard score. That's the Hurricane's second loss in three weeks. So, that really jeopardizes their playoff hopes in general.
And then you saw this SEC showdown between number nine Vanderbilt and number 20 Texas. The Longhorns just dominating the first half of this game. Arch Manning back from a concussion, setting the tone with a 75- yard touchdown on the first play. And Vanderbilt coming close to pulling off a comeback for the ages. They scored 21 unanswered points to pull within three with just 33 seconds left. But their onside kick attempt narrowly rolling out of bounds, giving Texas the win. So, the Commodores fall 34 to 31 as things get very interesting on the college football landscape, Victor, with the playoffs right around the corner. And that selection being so important.
[07:55:00]
But everybody really talking about the Dodgers this morning. I mean, what a game seven last night. Incredible for sports fans in general. Probably bringing a lot of new fans to baseball in the process with how thrilling the series was overall.
BLACKWELL: Yes, Carolyn, Andy and I were talking yesterday about how much everybody loves a game seven, but for the series to not only start the way it did in Toronto, but to end the way it did, you call it classic. And I think a lot of people agree with you.
MANNO: Yes. No, it's wild. I mean, the Dodgers having their backs against the wall at the Rogers Center, such a tough place to play. And then being able to win two games in a row back-to-back and relying on their starting rotation the way that they did. I mean, we're going to be talking about Yamamoto and what he was able to do for a very long time. I know Andy's probably in heaven right now on the road, but a lot of fun all around.
BLACKWELL: Carolyn Manno, thanks so much. New episode of "Tony Shalhoub Breaking Bread" premieres tonight at 9:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, only on CNN. And you can watch it and all of your other favorite CNN shows the day after they air on CNN's app.
Thank you for joining us for CNN This Morning Weekend. Inside Politics Sunday with Manu Raju is up next.
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