Blue Bench Podcast

Blue Bench Podcast

by Gaby Krevat and Jorgia Hawthorne

News Commentary Politics

Season 2

No Time for Neutral: Greenland, Funding the Government, and Postcards

Jorgia and Andy lay it out in the simplest of terms: Montanans don't want Greenland. And they don't want another government shutdown either. But yet, Montana's delegation is seemingly doing nothing on either front -- give them a call! Plus, more on the release of the Epstein Files (or lack thereof). They also break down the latest news on Secretary Jacobsen's "election security" postcard that cost taxpayers $197,000.

No Time for Neutral: ICE, ACA, and Zinke's Lies

Happy New Year, Montana! We hope you had a restful holiday season. Jorgia and Andy return from the break with the MT Dems statement on the tragic ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis. They also discuss the Senate's war powers resolution and the House passing (finally) a resolution to extend ACA subsidies. Did you get a mailer from Ryan Zinke or Christi Jacobsen lately? We've got your fact check -- spoiler: they're lying.

No Time for Neutral: ACA Subsidy Vote + Farmer Bailout

Jorgia and Andy break down all you need to know about this week's ACA vote -- Republicans have had over 10 years to make another healthcare plan, and they STILL can't decide with three weeks until subsidies expire. Plus, Trump's latest announcement on a $12B bailout for farmers... which wouldn't be necessary if he recalled the tariffs. Bozeman! You have a representative to appoint. Gallatin County Commissioners will choose the next representative of HD 57, from the pool nominated by Gallatin County Dems. Support a candidate to the commissioners before they meet on the 16th!

No Time for Neutral: Electric Bills + Health Insurance

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday. We've got your back for what happened while everyone was at dinner! Jorgia and Andy break down the results of the TN-07 election and what it might mean for Montana's 1st District. They also discuss the plan (or lack thereof, thanks Republicans) for ACA subsidies that expire at the end of the year. Plus, Governor Gianforte's latest photo op and how the PSC approved ANOTHER rate increase.

No Time for Neutral: Nominations, Resignations and Remembering Your Oath

Jorgia and Andy wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings! And if you still need a dose of politics this week, we've got you covered. Donald Trump has called for the execution of sitting members of Congress after reminding military members to remember their oath to the Constitution. And Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned? Plus, find out how the midterms are shaping up for Democrats. Sen. Steve Daines sits on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. They will soon be hearing nomination appeals from Trump's nominee for BLM. Steve Pearce would be HORRIBLE for Montana public lands - Give Daines a call at 202-225-2651 and tell him to vote no.

No Time for Neutral: Trump's Epstein U-turn + Montana's PSC

Jorgia is joined by Aren, the data manager for the Montana Democratic Party! The two unpack Trump's complete flip on releasing the Epstein files and how the bill went through Congress... although the timing is making everyone a bit uncomfortable. Plus, the Montana Public Service commission is debating yet another increase for Northwestern Energy (for their fossil fuels plant). Don't working Montanans pay enough?

No Time for Neutral: Epstein's Emails and Ending the Shutdown

Jorgia and Andy explain how the government finally got re-opened - who, what, when, where and why. Plus, the pair get into the latest Epstein bombshell (AKA a set of emails largely incriminating Donald Trump). *Montana Democrats are still raising food and money to help our neighbors! Reach out to info@montanademocrats.org for more information.

No Time for Neutral: Blue Wave Recap!

Jorgia and Andy debrief everything you need to know about this week's elections. Democrats won up and down the ballot across the country, including right here in Montana. Plus, you'll get their take on why the levies failed and the latest shutdown update. *Reach out to info@montanademocrats.org to find out how to plug into your local food drive.

No Time for Neutral: Tariffs, SNAP and Election Day

Jorgia and Andy recap the president's latest spat with Canada, the resulting tariffs, and how this is yet another blow in a string of them for Montana farmers. They get into how SNAP is running dry, since Republicans refuse to negotiate healthcare prices. Plus, races they're watching for Election Day next week. *Don't forget to put your birth year on your ballot! It will be rejected without it. Thank a Republican for this new law. **Call the Governor and DEMAND he use contingency funds to fulfill SNAP payments in Montana for November. 406-444-3111

No Time for Neutral: Press Passes, Bailouts, and Beef

Jorgia and Andy recap Pete Hegseth's latest decisions to stifle freedom of the press and Trump's laundry list of taxpayer-funded side quests. Plus, Mike Johnson STILL has not sworn in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, Republicans have had not one - but TWO - Nazi scandals, and how Trump's latest handout to Argentina will hurt Montana ranchers the most. *CALLING ALL CATS FANS: Missed your tickets to the last MSU home game of the year vs. UC Davis on November 15? Enter in Yellowstone County Democrats raffle for a chance to win: 2 tickets (Section 106, Row 2), game-day parking, and a hotel stay for two at the Element in Bozeman! Tickets can be purchased 1 for $25 or 3 for $60 at yellowstonedemocrats.org/raffle.

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