Obama Hits Trail For Dems in Tight Races, Halloween Terror Plot, Another UK Stabbing: AM Update 11/3

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update, November 3, 2025

Episode Title: Obama Hits Trail For Dems in Tight Races, Halloween Terror Plot, Another UK Stabbing
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)
Date: November 3, 2025

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Overview

This episode centers on the final campaign events before the 2025 gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia, with a particular focus on Barack Obama’s return to the campaign trail to support Democratic candidates. The show also covers a thwarted Halloween terrorist plot in Michigan and a knife attack on a train in the UK, providing updates and political implications. As always, Megyn Kelly offers sharp commentary on the narratives and controversies of the day.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Election Day Eve: The Stakes in New Jersey and Virginia

• Megyn Kelly sets the scene for crucial gubernatorial races:
  • Virginia: Democrat Abigail Spanberger vs. Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears.
  • New Jersey: Republican Jack Ciattarelli vs. Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.
• Trump’s political operation is investing heavily to mobilize off-year Republican voters, although Trump himself has avoided campaign rallies in those states, instead participating in telerallies.
  • “Sometimes that can be unhelpful if the state is dominated by the other party…” — Megyn Kelly [03:05]

2. Barack Obama Hits the Campaign Trail

• Obama rallies for Democrats, emphasizing concerns about the state of American politics and launching pointed attacks on Donald Trump.
  • “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats.” — Barack Obama [00:39, repeated at 04:37]
  • “Every day this White House offers up a French batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean spiritedness and just plain craziness.” — Barack Obama [04:14]
• Obama’s message: Republicans are using the Justice Department as a political weapon, deploying the National Guard as a show of force, and scapegoating minorities.
  • “They never miss a chance to scapegoat minorities and blame DEI for every problem under the sun. You got a flat tire, must be DEI. Your wife kicked you out, DEI…” — Barack Obama [08:20]

3. Virginia Attorney General Race Scandal

• Jay Jones, Democratic AG nominee, appears at a rally without addressing his recent text message scandal in which he fantasized about murdering a Republican colleague and their family.
• Republicans, especially Earl Sears, condemn both Abigail Spanberger and Jay Jones for insufficient responses to the scandal.
  • “How about you get a backbone and tell him he needed to get out of the race? How about you do that?” — Earl Sears [06:30]
• The scandal is seen as a major factor in the tightening Attorney General race.

4. Polling and Analysis – Party Branding Challenges

• Democrats show strong polling leads in congressional preference for 2026, but party image remains a significant vulnerability.
  • “Democrats only 28% positive. Look at that: 53 negative…Democrats are 25 points underwater.” — Steve Kornacki [11:31]
• Obama’s presence in Virginia is interpreted as a sign of internal concern for Democrats, despite Spanberger’s 9-point lead for governor.
• In New Jersey, the race remains razor-thin. GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli emphasizes historical strengths in Election Day turnout.
  • “Back in 2021, I beat Phil Murphy, the current governor, on election day in person voting on the machines by 250,000.” — Jack Ciattarelli [10:35]

5. Personal Moments and Notable Exchanges

• Obama jokes with a member of the audience during a rally:
  • “I love you. But hold on... I mean, you look cute, but I am married. Michelle’s fine too.” — Barack Obama [09:24]
• Michelle Obama, meanwhile, is on a book tour and raises issues of racial bias about how her family was treated as First Family.
  • Paraphrased by Megyn Kelly [09:00]

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6. Security Incidents: Halloween Terror Plot Thwarted in Michigan

• FBI stops a potential terror attack; multiple young suspects detained, with some media tied to ISIS speculation.
• Attorney Amir Mokled disputes terrorism allegations, suggesting that the suspects are young men who “may have gone a little too far on the Internet in terms of their curiosity.”
  • “No mass casualty event or plot or terrorism act… Now, whether or not there’s some perhaps online rhetoric… we’re talking about guys that are, you know, 18 to 20 years old.” — Amir Mokled [15:26]
  • “Nobody is involved in ISIS or Al Qaeda or terrorist organizations from this group…” — Amir Mokled [15:26]
• Investigation tied to discussions in an online chat room about a “Pumpkin Day” attack (i.e., Halloween).

7. UK Train Stabbing Attack

• 11 people stabbed on a train to London in what was initially feared to be a terror attack. Motive remains unclear; a 32-year-old UK-born suspect is in custody.
• Footage showed attacker saying, “the devil’s not going to win.”
• A train employee was critically injured while trying to stop the attack, actions lauded as “nothing short of heroic.”
  • “It is clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives.” — British Transport Police, quoted by Megyn Kelly [17:10]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Barack Obama [04:37, 00:39]: “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats.”
• Steve Kornacki [11:31]: “Democrats only 28% positive…53 negative. Republicans, it’s only 37 and 46. Democrats are 25 points underwater.”
• Earl Sears [06:30]: “How about you get a backbone and tell him he needed to get out of the race?”
• Jack Ciattarelli [10:35]: “Back in 2021, I beat Phil Murphy…in person voting…by 250,000.”
• Amir Mokled [15:26]: “No mass casualty event or plot…nobody is involved in ISIS or Al Qaeda…from this group of young men who were questioned.”
• British Transport Police (quoted) [17:10]: “His actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Election Day Eve Recap & Candidate Matchups: [01:01–03:35]
• Obama’s Virginia Rally – Key Remarks: [04:10–05:01]
• Virginia AG Race Scandal & Response: [05:01–07:16]
• Polling Insights with Steve Kornacki: [11:01–12:18]
• Obama in New Jersey – Critique of GOP: [08:20–09:00]
• Ciattarelli on GOP Undercounts: [10:35–11:01]
• Halloween Terror Plot Thwarted – FBI/Michigan: [13:10–15:42]
• UK Train Stabbing Incident: [16:15–18:15]

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Tone and Context

True to Megyn Kelly’s style, the episode is direct, unfiltered, and deeply skeptical of political messaging from both sides. While providing factual details, Kelly infuses pointed commentary, questioning Democratic narratives and highlighting Republican talking points, but also relaying significant polling challenges for both parties.

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For listeners looking to stay informed on election eve (and on top national security stories), this episode succinctly distills the news, political drama, and implications heading into pivotal state elections.

Transcript

[Unknown Advertiser]

If you could hear love, what would it sound like?

[Barack Obama]

Son, can we talk about your drinking?

[Unknown Advertiser]

Yeah, Dad, I think we should.

[Megyn Kelly]

Helping those closest to you think about their excessive drinking.

[Abigail Spanberger]

Maybe that's what love sounds like.

[Megyn Kelly]

[e-mail] an OHA initiative. Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, November 3, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Barack Obama]

It's like every day is Halloween, except it's all tricks and no treats.

[Megyn Kelly]

It's Election Day Eve and Barack Obama is on the campaign trail attacking the Trump administration while he stumps for Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia, including the guy who said he wants to kill Republicans.

[Steve Kornacki]

Are there notes of caution here for Democrats? Yes, there are. This is the big one right here. The party's Image. Democrats only 28% positive.

[Megyn Kelly]

Look at that.

[Steve Kornacki]

53.

[Megyn Kelly]

Negative polling continues to show the Democrats have a major branding problem. The FBI says it thwarted a terror attack in Michigan and another shocking stabbing incident in the United Kingdom. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. I've been talking a lot about Riverbend Ranch because I love their steaks. Riverbend Ranch has taken Black Angus beef to a whole new level. For the last 35 years, Riverbend Ranch has been creating a very elite Angus herd by using ultrasound to select genetically superior cattle with a focus on flavor and tenderness. When you purchase from Riverbend Ranch, you are not only supporting the 64 Cowboys and Cowgirls and their families who work on that ranch, but you're also supporting over 260 other US ranches and the hundreds of American families who work on those. It is born in the USA, raised in the USA, and this beef is processed in the USA as well. It's aged to perfection for 21 days and shipped directly from the ranch to your home. This is not your average Black Angus beef. So order from Riverbendranch.com, use the promo code Megan for 20 bucks off your first order and let me know what you think. Riverbendranch.com promo code M E G Y N Tomorrow is Election Day when the next governor of the state of New Jersey and the next governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia will be decided in Virginia, Democrat and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger taking on Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears. In New Jersey, it's Republican Jack Ciatarelli, a former businessman and state assemblyman, against Democratic Congresswoman Mikey Sherrill Axios reporting over the weekend that Trump's political operation is spending over $1 million in each state to target Trump voters who usually sit out off year elections. Pro Trump entities, including the Republican National Committee, pouring over lists of voters the Trump campaign identified as being less dependable ahead of the 2024 elections. Operatives reportedly attempting to persuade them to vote through phone, banking and and digital ads. Mr. Trump himself has not campaigned on the ground in either New Jersey or Virginia. Sometimes that can be unhelpful if the state is dominated by the other party. But last week he participated in a telerally with current Virginia governor, Republican Glenn Youngkin, aimed at turning out voters in the state. Mr. Youngkin, seen as a formidable Republican on the national stage, but the Virginia Constitution prohibits consecutive terms for the governor position. Mr. Trump on October 24 holding a similar telerally for Jack Ciatarelli, whom he officially endorsed the Democrats. Turning to who else? Former President Barack Obama, who hit the campaign trail Saturday in both Virginia and New Jersey. Here's Mr. Obama in Norfolk, Virginia, where he used the bulk of his remarks to attack Donald Trump.

[Barack Obama]

Because let's face it, our country and our politics are in a pretty dark place right now. It's hard to know where to start, because every day this White House offers up a French batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean spiritedness and just plain craziness. We got a president who thinks it's okay to use the Justice Department to go after his political opponents. Hey, wait, wait.

[Earl Sears]

Don't boo.

[Barack Obama]

Vote. They don't hear boos, they hear votes. He's deploying the National Guard in American cities, claiming to stop crime waves that don't actually exist. We've got masked ICE agents pulling up in unmarked vans and grabbing people, including US Citizens. It's like every day is Halloween, except it's all tricks and no treats.

[Megyn Kelly]

But it was another man at the rally whose presence seemed to eclipse even that of Mr. Obama. Jay Jones, the Democrat Party's nominee for attorney general in Virginia, in a surprise appearance opening the event, making no mention of his shocking text message scandal that has upended his campaign. As first reported by National Review last month, Jones sent texts where he fantasized about the murder of a Republican colleague and the death of that colleague's children. Jones Saturday attacking altogether now President Donald Trump as well as his opponent, Republican Attorney General Jason Miaraz.

[Abigail Spanberger]

Over 50 times Jason Mears has had the chance to sue the president this year to protect Virginia and he's not stepped up. And that comes at our expense. And I got something to say to that. Virginia deserves better. And there is a reason that Donald Trump has endorsed Jason Miares in this campaign. He said, Jason will never let us down. And what that means is that he'll never let Donald Trump down. But I'm running for attorney general to put Virginia first to make sure that we protect our pocketbooks, that we protect our health care access, that we protect a woman's right to an abortion.

[Megyn Kelly]

The texting scandal becoming a big issue in the gubernatorial race with Lieutenant Governor Earl Sears on Saturday in Loudoun county attacking Abigail Spamberger for failing to call for Jones to exit the race.

[Earl Sears]

When my opponent says that when it comes to her candidate for attorney general saying that two bullets to the head for his political opponent and that the wife of his political opponent was breeding, quote, unquote, fascists and that they needed to die too, the two children. And all she says is, well, she is disgusted and then she is unhappy. Unhappy Abigail, Wait a minute. Unhappy Abigail about murder. How about you get a backbone and tell him he needed to get out of the race? How about you do that?

[Megyn Kelly]

The Real Clear Politics average of polls showing Spanberger with a nine point lead. But many pointing out Democrats would not have deployed former President Barack Obama to the Commonwealth if they were not concerned about the race. Polls in the attorney general race showing a much tighter contest. Republican Mierra's holding a 1.6-point lead over Jones in the Real Clear polling average. Mark Halperin, host of Next up with Mark Halperin on the MK Media Network, telling the Megyn Kelly show last month that Republicans need to keep the governor's race within about six points in order for Mierez to win in the AG spot.

[Amir Mokled]

I think if Spamberger wins by more.

[Megyn Kelly]

Than six, I think, I think she'll save the bottom of the ticket. But if it's close, including A.G. yeah, by six or more, I think probably the Democrats sweep. But if it's less than that, then I think Jones will lose. Mr. Obama also making an appearance in New Jersey Saturday where he reverted back to one of his favorite attacks, accusing Republicans of discriminating against minorities.

[Barack Obama]

The point is there is absolutely no evidence that Republican policies have made life better for the people in New Jersey. They've devoted enormous energy to entrenching themselves in power, punishing their enemies, enriching their friends, silencing their critics. They put on a big show of deporting people and targeting transgender folks. They never miss a chance to scapegoat minorities and blame DEI for every problem under the sun. You got a flat tire. Must be dei. Your wife kicked you out. Dei, who knew, but what they haven't done is help you.

[Megyn Kelly]

Meanwhile, his wife Michelle is making the rounds to promote her fashion book and complaining we didn't give her family the same grace we give other first families, presumably because of skin color. So who is it that's making DEI a non stop thing? Barack while in New Jersey, the 44th president seeming to flirt with a member of the audience before remembering the to shout out his Mrs.

[Barack Obama]

I love you. But hold on, I heard you girl. Just, just settle down. I'm here to talk to everybody, not just you. I mean, you look cute, but I am married. Michelle's fine too.

[Megyn Kelly]

Polls show a razor tight race between the Democrat Sheryl and the Republican Ciattarelli. Atlas intel, the number one ranked poll by Nate Silver after the 2024 election cycle has Sheryl up less than 1 point among likely voters. Unlike Virginia, New Jersey releases party registration stats for early voting through Saturday. The early in person vote is competitive, the Democrats at 41%, Republicans at 37 and unaffiliated, and other parties getting 22% of the vote. However, the Democrats have an advantage of over 266,000 votes when mail in. Plus the early in person votes are combined. At least seven Democrat mayors in the state have endorsed the Republican Ciatarelli. And Ciatarelli reminded us on the Megyn Kelly show last week that he had a dominant performance on election day back in 2021 when he almost upset incumbent Democrat and current governor Phil Murphy.

[Jack Ciatarelli]

Historically speaking, Republicans under poll in this state because we're outnumbered by so many Democrats. But the other thing to keep in mind is back in 2021, I beat Phil Murphy, the current governor, on election day in person voting on the machines by 250,000. So if we're going into election day somewhat tied based on the vote by mail ballots that have been returned and early voting, nine days of early voting. We're in really good shape.

[Megyn Kelly]

NBC News releasing a national poll Sunday showing a mixed bag for both parties. Republicans hold a 31 point lead over Democrats when it comes to border security, a 22 point lead over Dems in dealing with crime. Democrats hold an 8 point lead over the GOP when it comes to preference for control of Congress in next year's midterms. But even with that, there are warning signs about the Democrats brand. Here's NBC News chief data analyst Steve Kornacki.

[Steve Kornacki]

As we asked folks, midterm election, which party would you want to control? Congress and the Democrats have now in our poll this is significant opened up an eight point advantage over Republicans. We checked this back in the spring, it was dead even. That eight point level is typically what you would find for a party that's poised for a big midterm election. That's the kind of lead Democrats had when they swept to power in Congress in Trump's first term. So we'll see if that holds now going forward. But that's a potentially big shift. Are there notes of caution here for Democrats? Yes, there are. This is the big one right here. The party's Image. Democrats only 28% positive. Look at that, 53 negative. Republicans, it's only 37 in 46 Democrats are 25 point points underwater.

[Megyn Kelly]

Coming up, a Halloween terror attack thwarted in Michigan and a stabbing incident in the UK Leaves the country rattled. You know all those fad diets, half of Americans do it. And if you do it enough, you could be at risk of diabetes, liver damage, heart attack and stroke. Weight cycling is when you lose 10 or more pounds, but then you put the pounds back plus a couple more. That all puts tremendous strain on your organs and leads to serious health issues. Bottom line, most people need help to stop weight cycling. And that's why I want to tell you about non prescription Lean. Created by doctors, Lean is an oral supplement, not a GLP1 injectable. It uses studied ingredients which Lean says target weight loss in three powerful maintaining healthy blood sugar, helping control appetite and cravings and burning fat by converting it to energy. Burning fat helps keep the weight off. If you want to lose meaningful weight at a healthy pace and keep it off, consider adding lean to your diet and exercise lifestyle. Get 20% off when you enter [e-mail] that's code [e-mail] A scary story from Halloween. FBI Director Cash Patel announcing on X Friday his agency stopped a terror attack in Michigan. Director Patel writing, quote, this morning the FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects in Michigan who were allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend. More details to come. Thanks to the men and women of FBI and law enforcement everywhere standing guard 24, 7 and crushing our mission to defend the homeland, end quote. Details are still scarce, but a top federal law enforcement official telling Fox News that the potential attack had a connection to isis. The Detroit News reporting the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force raided two homes in Dearborn and a storage facility in nearby Inkster. Michigan attorney Amir Mokled telling the Detroit News five men were questioned by investigators, two taken into custody, including his client. Mokled claiming to live now from Fox, a national news service from Fox television stations that the group was not planning a mass casualty event or act of terrorism in Michigan and denying that the group had any ties to international terrorist organizations.

[Amir Mokled]

Well, I can't say that at this point no one's been charged with any crime. So at this point, the U.S. attorney's office has arrested at least two individuals. My client is one of the individuals detained. We can't release the details as to who that person is just yet until and if the U.S. attorney's office brings charges in this case. So things are kind of rapidly developing still as the investigation continues. I do know for certainty that there was no mass casualty event or plot or terrorism act that was planned within the city of Dearborn or state of Michigan by anybody involved in this investigation. Now, whether or not there's some perhaps online rhetoric or curiosity by these kids, we're talking about guys that are, you know, 18 to 20 years old.

[Megyn Kelly]

So.

[Amir Mokled]

So young adults and teenagers that may have gone a little too far on the Internet in terms of their curiosity, but nobody is involved in ISIS or Al Qaeda or terrorist organizations from this group of young men who were questioned yesterday by the FBI.

[Megyn Kelly]

The comment about online rhetoric tracking with a report from the Associated Press that the investigation involved discussions in an online chat room with some of the suspects. An unnamed source briefed on the investigation telling the AP the group allegedly discussed carrying out an attack on, quote, Pumpkin Day, an apparent reference to Halloween. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino posting on X writing quote, protecting the homeland is our top priority. We will not rest. And a terrifying situation in the UK Saturday night. 11 people stabbed on a London bound train in Huntington, which is about an hour away from the British capital. Yes, another horrifying stabbing in the uk. Madmen determined to kill will do so with or without a gun. Quite clearly. British Transport Police at first initiating, quote, plato, the national code word for a terror attack, but later announcing quote, at this stage there is nothing to suggest this is a terrorist incident. Police saying the suspect is Black, he is 32 years old. A British national who was born in the uk. He remains in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Initially, a 35 year old man was also arrested, but police released him after determining he was not involved. Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy saying, quote, our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident. Authorities have yet to release a motive. Footage obtained by the Daily Mail showing passengers screaming on a train platform. A man by himself, dressed in all black, with a knife is seen calmly walking. The Daily Mail reporting the attacker saying quote the devil's not going to win as he approached his victims. Of the 11 wounded, six remained hospitalized on Sunday, including a London Northeastern Railway employee in life threatening condition. The British Transport Police lauding the employee's courage, saying he stopped the incident from being far worse. Quote Detectives have reviewed the CCTV from the train and it is clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people's lives. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling the stabbing, quote appalling writing on social media quote My thoughts are with all those affected and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response. We will have more on this today on the Megyn Kelly show. And that'll do it for your AM update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusX XM Triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms.

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