U.S.SPECIAL REPORT

Democrats tie corruption to high costs in final midterms push

Democrats argue that billionaire and corporate influence in Washington directly drive up costs for rent, groceries and gas—a closing pitch aimed at swaying voters in final midterm weeks.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Chip Darnell on Wake Up, America
Published 5:12 AM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Chip Darnell on this story, from Wake Up, America at 5:12 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The New York Times's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “Democrats Tie Corruption to High Costs in Final Midterms Push”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 5:12 AM ET on Wake Up, America, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Chip Darnell.
Topics: Democrats.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesDemocrats Tie Corruption to High Costs in Final Midterms Push

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorDemocratic leaders are making a closing argument in the midterms that connects Washington profiteering to what things cost you, according to The New York Times.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe pitch is that billionaires and corporate America have so much influence in Washington that the effects show up in your rent, your groceries and your gas, and party leaders hope that message lands with voters in these final weeks.

▶ Watch BBN liveMore U.S. →

More Shorts

All videos →

Photo: Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Recalls: Rangers call up a goalie, Gatorade, SuperValu salmonRead the story
Photo: U.S. Department of State · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Will Rubio, Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez run for president?Read the story
▶ Hot Take or Not · U.S.Rescued Lurcher Jude Learns to Play: Doctorates Can't CompeteAbout this segment
Photo: Montclair Film · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Jon Batiste says he's an introvert, makes "social music"Read the story
Photo: Remi Jouan · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Charles de Gaulle airport owner linked to services for sanctioned…Read the story
▶ Interviews · U.S.Raleigh Tornadoes: Consultant Wants a 12-Week Wind StudyAbout this segment
▶ As it aired · U.S.A New Anti-Aging Drug Looks to Turn Back the Clock on Skin AgeRead the story
▶ As it aired · U.S.Far-Right Election Groups Are Now Targeting Nursing HomesRead the story
▶ Interviews · U.S.Beach Boys Health Scare: Publicist on a Yacht Keeps Changing BoatsAbout this segment
Photo: Moreau36 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
▶ As it aired · U.S.Steve Hilton tours Skid Row, blames California DemocratsRead the story