Blue Bench Podcast

Blue Bench Podcast

by Gaby Krevat and Jorgia Hawthorne

News Commentary Politics

Season 2

No Time for Neutral: Government Shutdown

Jorgie and Andy provide everything you need to know of how Republicans shut down the government. Refusing to negotiate, kicking almost 40 million Americans off healthcare... to name a few.

No Time for Neutral: Rules Changes, Free Speech, and ICE in MT

Jorgia and Andy return from the break! Montana Democrats were busy at convention this month - tune in for the new rule changes! The pair also consider what free speech looks like now in America, and recap the latest ICE detainment in Montana. Head to @flathead.democracy for more information on Luisa and Fergie.

Montana State Convention 101 - Join us Sept 13-14th in Livingston

Join the Montana Democratic Party for the 2025 State Convention Saturday, September 13th-14th! This week on the Blue Bench Podcast, interim executive director Justin Ailport and development director Tiffany Williams explain what happens at the convention and how you can join in the action. For more info, visit our website www.montanademocrats.org/2025convention

No Time for Neutral: Latin Words, Roadless Rules, and Medicare Cuts

Jorgia and Andy return to kick off the start of fall in Montana. Schools are back in session -- and so is Congress. The pair break down the effects of eliminating the de minimis tariff loophole (spoiler: it's expensive). They also explain the Medicare cuts Republicans DON'T want you to know about, and the latest Republican attack on 6.3 million acres of Montana public land.

Data Centers in Montana and NorthWestern Western Energy Merger with Black Hills - Featuring Anne Hedges from MEIC

This week on the Blue Bench Podcast, we dig into the rapid rise of data centers in Montana and what it means for our communities. Our special guest, Anne Hedges from MEIC, breaks down the environmental and economic impacts. Tune in for a timely conversation on the future of energy and water in our state.

UPDATE: How tariffs are impacting farmers in Montana with special guest Jason Boeshore

In this episode, we dive into how tariffs are affecting Montana farmers, from grain prices to the ripple effects across rural communities. Our guest, Jason Boeshore, manages the UGC grain elevator in Culbertson, MT, where he purchases grain from local farmers and provides services such as grain marketing. Jason is a proud member of the Montana Democratic Party board and is the chair of the Richland County Democrats.

No Time for Neutral: Redistricting, Mail Ballots, and Creme Brulee

Jorgia and Andy sit down to explain the two major ways Republicans are coming after your voting rights. Trump wants to eliminate mail-in ballots, which 60% of Montanans use. Texas and California are duking it out over gerrymandering, and they walk through the whole situation. Trump and Putin also dined on filet mignon and creme brulee - ending the summit with nothing while the war rages on. Make sure your voter registration is up to date at your current address! Don't let paperwork keep you from the polls - that's what Republicans are banking on.

No Time for Neutral: It's A Bad Week for Legal Precedent

Jorgia and Andy return for a recap of the Trump Administration's latest attacks on foundational legal precedent. He's called the National Guard to DC and federalized their police. They're officially seeking to overturn gay marriage at the Supreme Court. And the EPA is considering repealing their finding that greenhouse gases are harmful to public health - a finding that is crucial for progressive climate policy. Our hearts go out to the people of Anaconda, and especially the loved ones and families of the victims. This was a horrific tragedy and we are with you as you rebuild and recover.

Montana Democrats Town Hall

The Montana Democratic Party hosted a virtual town hall last week to discuss the statewide impacts of proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Democratic lawmakers and community stakeholders addressed the consequences the cuts will have on food security and access to healthcare, rural hospitals, indigenous communities, and reproductive care across the state of Montana.

Meet MDP's Interim Executive Director Justin Ailport

On this episode of the Blue Bench Podcast, we chat with the Montana Democratic Party’s Interim Executive Director Justin Ailport. We talk about his Montana roots, what drives him, and why organizing right now matters more than ever.

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