Blue Bench Podcast

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!

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.

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...

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

The so-called Big Beautiful Bill will threaten access to health coverage for tens of thousands of Montanans in years to come. Now, Gianforte’s Department of Health and Human Services is trying to speed up the process, imposing work requirements and higher costs than the rest of the country. State Senator Cora Neumann from Bozeman sits down with us today to discuss. Join the resistance and leave public comment by Aug. 18th! LINK HERE: https://dphhs.mt.gov/1115DemonstrationWaiver/index

Jorgia and Andy rally around the cowardice of Sen. Daines, Sen. Sheehy, Rep. Zinke, and Rep. Downing - after shutting down the House to protect a pedophile, they're now appearing to skip out on town halls again. Montana Democrats are hosting their own town hall, Thursday July 31 @ 6pm - RSVP at montanademocrats.org/townhall. The two also discuss Trump's insane trade war, his "deal" with the EU, and how back to school shopping is forcing parents to pinch pennies.

The so-called Big Beautiful Bill will threaten access to health coverage for tens of thousands of Montanans in years to come. Now, Gianforte’s Department of Health and Human Services is trying to speed up the process, imposing work requirements and higher costs than the rest of the country. State Senator Cora Neumann from Bozeman sits down with us today to discuss. Join the resistance and leave public comment by Aug. 18th!

LINK HERE: https://dphhs.mt.gov/1115DemonstrationWaiver/index

On this week's episode, Jorgia and Andy dive into the topic that has the whole country tuned in: the Epstein Files. We also explain how DPHHS is trying to kick Montanans off of Medicaid a year and a half earlier than necessary, and why cuts to public media are so detrimental to a rural state like ours.

Contact DPHHS - dphhscomments@mt.gov - Subject: HELP Demonstration Waiver

Suggested body:

DPHHS’s decision to rush a 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver is cruel, hasty, and threatens to kick 31,000 Montanans (including 4,000 kids) off of Me...

Jorgia and Andy give a whirlwind recap of the last week in Montana politics. The two discuss the arrest of Christopher Martinez by ICE in Helena and the impact Trump's cuts to tribal colleges will have on Indigenous communities. To no one's surprise, the MTGOP is up to no good and their new chair is no role model. Also, the Held v. Montana kids are suing Donald Trump and AG Knudsen is getting in the middle of it (we think he's salty he keeps losing) - tune in now! After the passage of the Big, Ugly Bill, Montana faces...

This week on The Blue Bench Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Representative James Reavis of Billings to break down some of the biggest vetoes from Governor Gianforte’s desk and what they mean for Montana families. We also dig into the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” and share tips on staying engaged and fired up through the summer months.

Jorgia is joined by No Time for Neutral's new co-host: Andy Nelson! The two attempt to break down Trump's Big, Ugly, No Good, Very Bad Bill. It's a HUGE piece of legislation, with cuts to healthcare, education, and clean energy. The deficit goes up, billionaires make more money, and the rest of us get left out in the cold.

A loving reminder from MDP: Take care of yourselves. Holding our delegation accountable is crucial right now, but this is a long fight. Burnout is real and we need you with us for the long haul! We recommend...

On this episode, we sit down with public lands champion Land Tawney. We talk about why protecting our public lands matters, how to take meaningful action, and the power of pressuring lawmakers to put people over profit. Don’t miss this one!

Jorgia and Shannon discuss Governor Gianforte's vetoes this session. He's vetoed anything from property tax relief for veterans to a bill holding his office accountable to the people. Tune in for the full rundown!

This week we sit down with longtime advocate and leader Nancy Keenan to talk about the fight for reproductive freedom in a post-Roe America. From her years at NARAL Pro-Choice America to her work in her home state of Montana, Nancy shares lessons from the frontlines and how everyday people can be effective advocates during this critical moment.

Jorgia and Shannon discuss the massive turnout at No Kings protests in Montana and the United States and what it might mean for the future. They also recap new updates in the Big Ugly Terrible Bill and talk about the tragedy in Minnesota - and why we need to come back together.

Contact Sens. Daines and Sheehy to say NO to the reconciliation bill.

Daines: DC: (202) 224-2651, Helena: (406) 443-3189

Sheehy: DC: (202) 224-2641, Helena: (406) 441-1069

This week on Blue Bench Podcast, Gaby and special co-host Andy Nelson, MDP’s Blue Bench Associate, sit down with Missoula Councilwoman Jennifer Savage. Earlier this month, Councilwoman Savage led the charge on a landmark resolution making the Pride flag an official city flag of Missoula, circumventing a law that bans the Pride flag from flying on public buildings. You don’t want to miss this episode!

On this week's No Time for Neutral, Shannon and Jorgia unpack the LA protests and Northwestern Energy's latest greed scheme. Shannon takes us back to school to learn about the veto process, and the two talk all things.. Hamilton (the musical, not the Founding Father, but him too.. technically)

This week on No Time for Neutral, we talk about the Elon–Trump breakup (spoiler: it's MESSY) and the newest Senate noise around the GOP’s “big beautiful bill”—but more importantly, we focus on what really matters: rebuilding the middle class and where Democrats go from here. Tune in for honest conversation, a few laughs, and a hopeful look at the road ahead for Democrats fighting for real progress.

Contact Sens. Daines and Sheehy to say NO to the budget bill.

Daines: DC: (202) 224-2651, Helena: (406) 443-3189

Sheehy: DC: (202) 224-2641, Helena: (406) 441-1069

In this episode, we sit down with newly elected DNC Chair Ken Martin to talk about how Democrats can rebuild trust and regain ground in rural America—including right here in Montana. From from community organizing to healthcare access, Chair Martin shares his vision for reconnecting with rural voters.

This week, we’re joined by Rebecca Miller and Johnny Ratka Skinner, Chair and board member of the Valley Neighbors of Flathead, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting immigrants to resources in the Flathead area, and equipping communities to provide resources for immigrants.

Our guests discuss challenges facing the immigrant community in the Flathead Valley, including the recent arrest and detention of a Venezuelan man who was pulled over for a broken headlight. He was here legally.

You don't want to miss this episode!

In the latest episode of the Blue Bench's new segment, No Time for Neutral, Shannon and Jorgia recap the GOP budget: How will Medicaid cuts affect Montana? Why do Republicans keep stealing from the poor to give to the rich?

They also talk higher education attacks, Governor Gianforte's latest vetoes, and Northwestern Energy's latest antics. There's also some good news too - finally!

Call the PSC before June 9 at 406-444-6150 and tell them no more rate hikes for Northwestern Energy!

Welcome to Season 2 of the Blue Bench Podcast. Now that the Legislative session is over, we're changing our focus to the national stage. Every week, we'll have interviews that help bring national news and issues home here to Montana. This week, we interviewed farmer and rancher from central Montana, Ben Peterson. Ben is on the board of the Farmers Union, Cattleman's Beef Board, and the Montana Democratic Party. Ben discusses everything from Trump's tariffs, to life as Democrat in rural Montana, to the proposed cuts to the USDA.

There's no time for neutral because sitting this out isn't an option.

Welcome to Blue Bench Season 2! We'll be splitting the podcast into two episodes so you get all the information you need - but don't worry, we're not getting rid of anything! In this season opener, Jorgia and Shannon recap the last week of politics and it's a doozy. They talk Trump's Qatari plane, habeas corpus, the GOP budget, and what's going on locally in Montana - and what you can do to protect your neighbors from the latest Republican attacks.

Join us for our final episode of Blue Bench Podcast Season One, where we’ve been covering the Montana Legislature since January. We close season one with our very first guest, Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers.Senator Flowers answers our lingering questions about the session and shares his parting words of wisdom to future leaders.Don't worry! The podcast isn't over! MDP will continue dropping weekly podcasts in your feed. Standby for some exciting announcements regarding new content!