Andy Beshear Podcast – Episode 25: Governor Jared Polis, Attorney General Rayfield, and Free Speech
Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Andy Beshear
Guests: Governor Jared Polis (Colorado), Attorney General Dan Rayfield (Oregon), John Rabinowitz, John McConnell
Overview
This 25th episode of the Andy Beshear Podcast is “solid gold,” featuring candid and far-reaching conversations with Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, alongside a roundtable discussion on pressing national issues with friends John Rabinowitz and John McConnell. The episode dives deep into the realities of governing, discusses threats to free speech, analyzes chaotic national immigration and tariff policy, and offers a relatable perspective on contemporary America—all delivered with honesty, warmth, and humor.
Key Segments and Insights
1. Conversation with Governor Jared Polis
[00:03 – 16:43]
Colorado Roots and Path to Office
- Polis praises Colorado’s outdoors, culture, and opportunities for an active lifestyle ([01:58]).
- Shares his transition from entrepreneur (ProFlowers.com, BlueMountain.com, Techstars) to public servant ([02:33]).
“I was able to sell a company and do well enough and not have to prioritize making money, I wanted to give back.” — Jared Polis ([03:34])
The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
- Reflects on crafting the ACA as a Congressman and the challenge/importance of expanding health access ([04:31]).
- Stresses the ACA’s legacy: staying on parents’ insurance until 26, banning pre-existing condition exclusions.
- Warns that lapsing federal tax credits would hike insurance premiums:
“Absent that, our insurance office estimated rates will go up by 34% for many Coloradans...It’s brutal.” — Polis ([06:14])
- Expresses concern for rural healthcare and the damaging impact of federal policy rollbacks.
Depoliticizing Governance
- Both agree that people want real results—roads, schools, safety—regardless of partisanship:
“These are not things Republicans want and Democrats don’t want...” — Polis ([08:12])
“Why” of Public Service
- Polis’s core motivation: “It’s really about making a positive difference...” ([09:10])
On Being Governor
- Ran to implement universal preschool/kindergarten, boost renewables, and cut healthcare costs ([09:45]).
“If I don’t do this, the state I care so much about won’t be able to get these things done.” — Polis
National Political Landscape & Pro-Business Views
- Notes Democrats’ success holding governorships while cautioning about national party struggles ([10:34]).
- Discusses why Democrats should be the pro-business party, pushing back against Trump/Biden tariff policies:
“The one thing businesses don’t like is uncertainty. And right now the entire tariff regime is uncertain.” — Polis ([13:38])
Personal & Lighthearted Questions
- Favorite food: Sushi/Japanese ([13:57])
- Secret superpower: Cooking with his son (“...sometimes he’s a chef and I’m the sous chef”) ([14:19])
- Family favorite: Hiking near Boulder ([14:54])
- Shoe game: Sneakers—became his “brand” accidentally ([15:37])
- Encourages Beshear to bring his “shoe game” to the DGA ([16:25])
2. Roundtable: Free Speech, Immigration, and Executive Overreach
[17:53 – 32:15]
Free Speech and “The Kimmel Affair”
- Discussion on government threats leading to Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and rapid reinstatement ([17:53]).
“When I hear about the Kimmel matter…if his ratings are low…then get rid of them. But no way should the FCC step in and regulate speech...” — John Rabinowitz ([19:08])
- Worry about regulatory overreach affecting media, especially with companies needing administration approval for mergers ([20:43]).
- Noted Republican discomfort at undermining free speech:
“The thought of his speech being taken away really offended all of us.” — Rabinowitz ([21:14])
Immigration/Tech Visas Chaos
- Critique of sudden, high H-1B visa fees ($100k) disrupting tech and healthcare industries ([21:43]).
“I do believe in putting America first…But I also think these companies and these corporations may not be able to find the skilled workers in America.” — Rabinowitz ([22:42])
- Dislike of policy “gimmicks” and the need for thoughtful, data-driven immigration reform ([23:17])
- Recognition of foreign doctors filling critical rural healthcare gaps, especially from India and Pakistan ([24:13]).
Abuse of Executive Power
- President’s overt pressure on DOJ to prosecute political opponents ([25:07]).
“It would be the biggest scandal of scandals in just about any other presidency. But in this administration it just feels like a Monday or was it a Sunday?” — Beshear ([25:40])
- Importance of judicial independence and prosecutorial ethics ([26:00]).
Misinformation and Leadership
- Discussion of presidential claim linking Tylenol to autism—condemned as dangerous misinformation ([28:23]).
“Anytime you’re going to make a scientific discovery, you should probably have science with you as well.” — John McConnell ([28:48])
- The need for leadership that unites rather than divides, illustrated by the president’s remarks at Charlie Kirk’s funeral versus his widow’s graceful response ([29:49]):
“She showed grace. We should have all shown grace in that moment.” — Rabinowitz ([32:08])
3. Statement of the Case: Attorney General Dan Rayfield on Tariffs and the Law
[32:15 – 40:47]
Why the Lawsuit?
- Trump administration used an emergency power (never before used this way) to raise tariffs far beyond statutory limits ([33:22], [34:00]).
- Chaos caused for American businesses, raising costs unpredictably and hampering investment ([35:00])
- Courts (specialized Court of International Trade) have sided with AGs and governors in challenging the president’s overreach.
Principles at Stake
“It’s not about partisanship. It’s about are our citizens, whether it’s the state or the country, being harmed. And then if we are being harmed, is it the result of an unconstitutional action? In this case, an overreach of presidential power.” — Rayfield ([37:35])
- Democratic AGs have won nearly all cases brought on separation-of-powers grounds ([37:45]).
Notable Moment
- Rayfield explains tariffs in Gen Z lingo for Beshear’s son:
“Tariffs are literally the most sus old world DLC ever. It’s like the working class is getting nerfed IRL while some boss level boomers are just sitting there like pay up fam. So yeah, tariffs are basically just capitalism’s way of saying get wrecked to the people who can least afford it.” ([40:04])
(Leads to much laughter—breaks legalese for accessibility.)
4. Ask Andy: Listener Q&A
[41:56 – end]
Personal and Light-Hearted
- Favorite Star Wars film: “Return of the Jedi,” special mention for the newest trilogy ([42:13]).
- No soda anymore (“If I couldn't give up soda, how could I tell her not to do other things in life?...thank God it wasn’t bourbon.”) — on quitting after his daughter’s intervention ([42:54])
- Favorite ice cream: Peanut butter and chocolate, banana, and (recently) mint chocolate chip ([44:05])
On Leaders Defending Free Speech
- Respect for Republicans like Rand Paul and Ted Cruz defending Jimmy Kimmel’s rights even as President criticizes ([44:44]).
“Free speech is not supposed to be partisan and it protects people in both parties or no parties to be able to express themselves.” — Beshear
On Moments of Laughter & Inspiration in Office
- Found solace during pandemic death announcements in the kindness (e.g., green lights of compassion) shown by Kentuckians ([47:46])
If He Could Invite Any Three Kentuckians
- Jack Harlow, Abraham Lincoln (“yes, he’s from Kentucky!”), Tyler Childers ([46:36]).
On Optimism and Human Nature
- Recommends a book referencing the real Lord of the Flies incident, which debunks the idea people turn on each other under pressure.
“I’ve really, really enjoyed reading that because I believe that there’s this false assumption out there that people want to cause harm to each other. That’s not who the people of this world are.” ([49:08])
Memorable Quotes
- “You talk to anybody in business, the one thing businesses don’t like is uncertainty. And right now the entire tariff regime is uncertain.” — Jared Polis ([13:38])
- “The law should overtake political motivation.” — John Rabinowitz ([27:29])
- “Free speech is not supposed to be partisan...it protects people in both parties or no parties to be able to express themselves.” — Andy Beshear ([44:44])
- “Tariffs are literally the most sus old world DLC ever. It's like the working class is getting nerfed IRL...” — Dan Rayfield ([40:04])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Governor Jared Polis interview: [00:03 – 16:43]
- Roundtable (Free Speech, Immigration, Exec Power): [17:53 – 32:15]
- AG Dan Rayfield ("Statement of the Case"): [32:15 – 40:47]
- Ask Andy Q&A: [41:56 – end]
Tone and Takeaways
The tone is warm, frank, sometimes humorous, and deeply earnest—a human conversation about the demands on leaders, the strain of national politics, the threat of institutional overreach, and the value of compassion and connection. This episode provides strong, accessible insight into both policy and character—with an unwavering respect for democratic norms and the basic decency of people.
Listen if you want unfiltered perspectives on the real challenges—and quiet hopes—shaping America right now.