Episode 9: The Governors Table with Gov. Matt Meyer & Gov. Bob Ferguson Release Date: June 5, 2025
Podcast Information: The Andy Beshear Podcast is a human-centric show hosted by Governor Andy Beshear. It features open, unscripted conversations with diverse guests, focusing on real-life stories, family, faith, and current events. The podcast aims to foster honest dialogue and connection beyond political discourse.
Introduction
In this dual-interview episode filmed in Portland, Oregon at the Democratic Governor's Association, Andy Beshear welcomes two newly elected Democratic governors: Matt Meyer of Delaware and Bob Ferguson of Washington. The episode delves into their personal journeys, motivations for entering politics, accomplishments, and the challenges they face in their respective states.
Interview with Governor Matt Meyer
Background and Early Interest in Politics
Gov. Matt Meyer shares his early engagement in politics during his youth in Delaware, highlighting his volunteer work for Senator Joe Biden's presidential campaign in the 1980s. Despite his initial passion, Meyer became disillusioned with politics, feeling it was more about giving speeches than effectuating real change. This led him to pursue software development and entrepreneurship before ultimately becoming a public school teacher.
[02:00] Matt Meyer: "I felt like if I really wanted to get stuff done, I should follow another path. And I ultimately ended up studying software development. I ended up starting a couple of businesses and ultimately went into teaching, becoming a public school teacher."
Teach for America Experience
Meyer's transformative experience with Teach for America in Anacostia, Washington D.C., profoundly influenced his career trajectory. Teaching fourth to seventh-grade math in one of the most challenging neighborhoods, he emphasizes the importance of empathy and structured discipline in education.
[04:31] Matt Meyer: "The fact that David progressed so much in that year in English and math... I believe with that I can accomplish anything if you take the right strategy."
Transition from Teaching to Business to Politics
After teaching, Meyer ventured into global business, notably developing the first e-commerce company in East Africa in the 1990s. This international experience broadened his perspective on technology and education equity. Frustrated by stagnant improvements in education and societal equity, Meyer transitioned back into local government by running for county executive, successfully defeating a long-term incumbent.
[10:15] Matt Meyer: "I quickly became a pissed-off county executive. So I ran... we won by 4% in the Democratic primary and were off and running."
Governorship Focus: Empathy and Education
As governor, Meyer prioritizes empathy and early childhood education. He advocates for universal pre-K, arguing that early investments in education can transform communities. Meyer also underscores the importance of understanding diverse community needs, whether in urban or rural settings.
[16:28] Matt Meyer: "If we can surround kids with the resources they need in the positive environments from the youngest age... we will change the trajectory of our communities in our country."
Economic Concerns: Tariffs and Medicaid
Meyer expresses concern over federal policies like tariffs and immigration laws affecting Delaware's economy, particularly the chicken farming industry. He highlights the plight of workers on temporary visas facing uncertainty due to these policies and emphasizes the need for collaboration with federal authorities to mitigate economic disruptions.
[20:15] Matt Meyer: "We're seeing a country that's being run like a cybertruck right now. It's a monstrosity subject to constant recall."
Challenges in the Role
Navigating the complexities of gubernatorial duties, Meyer notes the increased support system compared to his previous role as county executive. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration within state government to implement policies effectively.
[18:26] Matt Meyer: "The most surprising thing about the job is I have a lot more people with me."
Light Segment: Secret Superpower
Meyer reveals his knack for making smoothies, sharing a practical tip about avoiding ice for a better texture.
[22:29] Matt Meyer: "My secret superpower is making smoothies... Freeze the fruit and then put the fruit. It gives you the cold anyway."
Interview with Governor Bob Ferguson
Background: Chess and Mountain Climbing
Gov. Bob Ferguson discusses his unique hobbies—being an internationally ranked chess player and an avid mountain climber. These activities provide him with a balanced life, offering mental stimulation and a connection to the natural world.
[24:00] Bob Ferguson: "Chess is obviously using a very different part of my brain compared to the work that we do."
Path into Politics
Ferguson's path to politics was driven by grassroots initiatives. After practicing law in Seattle, he challenged a long-serving incumbent for the King County Council, winning a close race by emphasizing local issues like law enforcement and zoning. His victory underscores the importance of every vote.
[29:05] Bob Ferguson: "If one person in each precinct had changed their vote, just one, I would have lost."
Governorship Accomplishments: Public Safety
Ferguson highlights his successful push for a $100 million grant program to bolster law enforcement in Washington state, addressing the state's ranking of low per capita law enforcement officers.
[36:23] Bob Ferguson: "We got that $100 million across the finish line, and that's going to make a difference for public safety all across our state."
Economic Concerns: Tariffs and Medicaid
Similar to Meyer, Ferguson discusses the detrimental effects of federal tariffs on Washington's trade-dependent economy. He also expresses grave concerns over potential Medicaid cuts, which could lead to significant health care access issues and hospital closures.
[40:09] Bob Ferguson: "A cut of what the House, for example, adopted, the Senate were to adopt that, that would mean about a $2 billion cut to Medicaid."
Attorney General Experiences and Legal Battles
Ferguson recounts his tenure as Attorney General, particularly his swift legal action against President Trump's early executive orders, securing nationwide injunctions within a week. He emphasizes the relentless efforts of Democratic Attorneys General in upholding the rule of law.
[30:04] Bob Ferguson: "We were in federal court and got a nationwide injunction on it, which was a... For the principle that, hey, everybody's accountable to the law."
Light Segment: Secret Superpower
Ferguson shares his ability to keep up with his teenage children, balancing his active lifestyle with his role as a father.
[43:42] Bob Ferguson: "Maybe it's a combination of I can still keep up with my son... and catching my daughter during her fast-pitch softball games."
Conclusion
Andy Beshear wraps up the episode by acknowledging the impactful contributions of Governors Matt Meyer and Bob Ferguson. He teases upcoming episodes featuring other notable Democratic leaders like Tim Walsh and Wes Moore. Beshear emphasizes the importance of dedicated public servants in navigating the chaotic political landscape and standing up for the rule of law.
[Final Remarks] Andy Beshear: "We are lucky to have Democratic governors like them serving our country... Know that there's a lot of people out there trying to do the right thing."
Key Takeaways:
- Empathy in Leadership: Both governors emphasize the role of empathy in their governance, striving to understand and address the diverse needs of their constituents.
- Early Education Advocacy: A strong focus on universal pre-K and early childhood education as a foundation for community development.
- Economic Challenges: Addressing the impacts of federal tariffs and potential Medicaid cuts on local economies and public services.
- Grassroots Politics: Highlighting the significance of every vote and grassroots efforts in political victories.
- Personal Passions: Governors share personal hobbies that balance their professional responsibilities, humanizing their public personas.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Meyer: "If we can surround kids with the resources they need in the positive environments from the youngest age... we will change the trajectory of our communities in our country." [07:31]
- Bob Ferguson: "We are CEOs of our domain. We run large organizations and a lot of what we think about is how do we incentivize people." [19:56]
- Bob Ferguson: "If there was a delay, that's costing you money." [38:59]
- Matt Meyer: "By the grace of God, for the first six weeks, we never got to the third rung." [05:18]
This episode offers a comprehensive look into the minds of two dedicated governors, their paths to leadership, and their visions for their states amidst national challenges. Listeners gain valuable insights into the blend of personal experiences and professional responsibilities that shape effective governance.