Gas, Groceries, and Rent (with Paul Begala)

Veteran political strategist Paul Begala joins the Hot Dish to discuss how the Democratic Party can reconnect with rural Americans. He offers straightforward actions each of us can take to respond to the challenges of chaos in Washington and State Capitals and to help our neighbors get past the misinformation and propaganda to see the truth about the dangerous impacts of the Donald Trump / Elon Musk administration on rural and small-town values.

But first, Joel speaks with Isaac Wright, founder of the Rural Voter Institute, about Democrats' communication challenges and the need to speak about values like personal faith.

This episode is packed with political strategies, insights into rural issues, and suggestions on how to make political messaging that resonates with middle America. Listen for a deeper understanding of our country's current political dynamics and practical suggestions for making an impact.

Join hosts Joel and Heidi Heitkamp on The Hot Dish every other week to learn about the economic and cultural issues pertinent to rural constituents and the importance of effective messaging. The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org. 

• (01:28) - Isaac Wright and Joel on the challenges Democrats face in rural America
• (04:32) - Improving the message on guns (Democrats aren't going to take them all)
• (07:54) - The risks to Farmers posed by the Trump/Musk Administration
• (11:07) - Democrats need to talk about Faith
• (15:12) - The new DNC chair Ken Martin
• (17:52) - Heidi speaks with veteran political strategist Paul Begala
• (19:22) - Donald Trump is betraying rural Americans
• (26:15) - Paul Begala's recommendations for what you should do
• (34:21) - Paul Begala's mantra is "Gas, Groceries, and Rent"