Exclusive: How Sen. Schatz is talking about climate in an affordability crisis

Americans are "connecting the dots" between climate and affordability strain, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said Monday at an Axios House event on the sidelines of Climate Week and the UN General Assembly.Why it matters: But as pocketbook issues dominate a critical midterm race, Schatz says that doesn't mean the first thing he mentions to constituents is climate. Still, climate-tangent conversations — like utility prices and the data center boom — are looming over the polls.Driving the news: "I think we should talk about climate in the context of people not being able to afford their lives," Sc