Squawk Pod

The Federal Reserve will make its next decision on interest rates immediately following election day. Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh is advising his former colleagues at the central bank to do less talking, and more thinking. Warsh considers the meaning of inflation, the role of the Fed, and offers his perspective on the last decision to cut rates by 50 basis points. The morning after Vice President Kamala Harris’ town hall with Anderson Cooper on CNN, pollster and strategist Frank Luntz explains why Harris may be struggling to win over persuadable voters. Steve Liesman breaks down CNBC’s latest election survey and explains the margin for error in both state and national polling. Plus, Boeing machinists on strike rejected the company’s latest labor contract, and Peloton’s stock is surging after an investor’s bullish comments. Kevin Warsh      19:11Frank Luntz        36:44 In this episode: Phil LeBeau, @LebeaucarnewsSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Pershing Square Capital Management CEO Bill Ackman discusses why, after years as a “centrist,” he is supporting Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Comparing the Harris campaign with Trump's, the hedge funder says a Trump win is “in the best interest of the country.” Ackman also discusses the spread of misinformation online–including in his own posts. Plus, a conversation about treasury yields evolves into a spirited political debate, and billionaire Warren Buffett tells CNBC he will not endorse any political candidates, despite impersonators and misinformation about him on social media.  Bill Ackman - 19:17 In this episode:Bill Ackman, @BillAckmanBecky Quick,@BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

Billionaire investor Paul Tudor Jones, known for his insights on markets and philanthropy through the Robin Hood Foundation, raises alarms about the U.S. fiscal deficit and spending plans from presidential candidates. He warns that increased spending could lead to a bond market sell-off and shares his investment strategy, favoring commodities and tech stocks over fixed income. The conversation touches on economic predictions surrounding the election, insights from Federal Reserve officials, and challenges facing major brands like TGI Fridays.

Mark Cuban, the billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, shares his support for Vice President Kamala Harris during his campaign trail in Arizona and Michigan. He critiques Donald Trump's tariff plans as 'insane' and reflects on the challenges of navigating political discourse amid social media backlash. The conversation also touches on corporate strategies, highlighting Starboard Value's stake in Kenvue and Disney's leadership transition, all while considering the intense political climate leading to election day.

Richard Haass, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the implications of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s recent death in Gaza, raising questions about potential shifts in the conflict. Simon Johnson, a 2024 Nobel laureate from MIT, emphasizes the role of intellectual discourse in addressing global inequality and democracy. The conversation touches on the influence of billionaires like Mark Cuban and Elon Musk in politics, as well as recent developments at CVS Health, adding depth to these pressing topics.

Antigone Davis, Meta's VP & Global Head of Safety, leads initiatives to safeguard online spaces, especially for youth. She discusses the alarming rise of sextortion scams targeting teenagers on social media. Davis highlights Meta's new Instagram campaign educating teens about these threats and the critical role of parental guidance in fostering safe online practices. Balancing user safety and privacy remains a challenge. It's a deep dive into how tech companies are tackling urgent issues in a digital age.

United Airlines has announced a $1.5B share buyback program, its first since before the pandemic. The plan has inflamed an already contentious relationship between the airline and its flight attendants, who have been pushing for a new contract. The Association of Flight Attendants International President Sara Nelson calls the buyback a “big mistake” and argues that some of that money belongs to the airline’s workers. United CEO Scott Kirby responds to Nelson’s comments, insisting that flight attendants will get an “industry-leading” contract. Plus, Qualcomm might wait until after the election to decide whether to buy Intel and Tom Brady will soon be a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Sara Nelson - 15:19Scott Kirby - 24:02 In this episode:Sara Nelson, @FlyingWithSaraBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Joseph Wolk, CFO of Johnson & Johnson, shares insights on the company’s impressive third-quarter earnings and discusses the implications of the corporate tax rate as the 2024 election approaches. Charles Phillips, co-founder of Recognize and advisor to Vice President Harris, elaborates on the new economic plan aimed at creating opportunities for Black men. The conversation also touches on the intersection of corporate strategies and governmental policies, highlighting the importance of equitable economic growth and the challenges faced by the Black community.

During SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight on Sunday, its launch tower successfully caught the rocket’s “Super Heavy” booster. “Elon Musk” Biographer Walter Isaacson discusses the latest SpaceX milestone, Tesla’s pivot to AI and robotics, and the Cybercab reveal. He also weighs how Musk’s endorsement of Fmr. Pres. Trump could impact Tesla’s performance. Next, CNBC’s Kate Rooney reports that Wall Street’s hedge funds are competing for an edge using AI, for example through quickly analyzing financial reports or avoiding the “emotional” pitfalls of trading. Plus, the latest national NBC News poll shows the two presidential candidates in a deadlocked race, Musk’s X drops Unilever from its advertising lawsuit, and Delta pauses its hot meal service on more than 200 Detroit flights because of a “food safety issue.” Walter Isaacson 12:22 In this episode:Water Isaacson, @WalterIsaacsonKate Rooney, @Kr00neyBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinZach Vallese, @zachvallese

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia and a pivotal figure in AI chip manufacturing, joins the discussion exploring the revolutionary impact of AI in customer service and tech. He and the hosts dive into Tesla's much-anticipated Cybercab event and its implications for autonomous vehicles. The launch of AMD's new AI chip heats up the competition, while President Biden's push for relief funding post-Hurricane Milton adds a political twist. The conversation wraps with insights on the future of driverless transportation and what it means for urban life.