Andy Beshear Podcast
Episode 33 – "Rob Sand, Phil Weiser and Government That Actually Works"
Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Andy Beshear
Guests: Rob Sand (Iowa State Auditor & gubernatorial candidate), Phil Weiser (Colorado Attorney General)
Episode Overview
This episode examines real-world public service, focusing first on Rob Sand—currently Iowa’s State Auditor and a Democratic candidate for governor—then shifting to legal fights led by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser against recent federal policies. The discussions move beyond party lines to spotlight accountability, community unity, the value of public institutions, and what drives these leaders personally. The episode closes with a lively Q&A segment, featuring candid personal reflections from Andy Beshear.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Rob Sand: A Pragmatic Approach to Politics (00:26–29:44)
Turning Iowa Blue—Or Making Politics Better?
- Rob Sand's View: Candid discussion about running as a Democrat in a traditionally red state (01:53).
- Elected statewide in Iowa twice, despite Trump victories.
- Iowa voters value independence and authenticity over party loyalty.
- Quote:
- “We can do better than this, and we ought to be focused not on, you know, a color, but it’s the kind of things we tell our kids when they go to school…be good, tell the truth, do your best.”
— Rob Sand (02:39)
- “We can do better than this, and we ought to be focused not on, you know, a color, but it’s the kind of things we tell our kids when they go to school…be good, tell the truth, do your best.”
The Role—and Limitations—of State Auditors
- Sand explains the office as the “taxpayers’ watchdog,” auditing government—not taxpayers (04:01).
- Describes uncovering record misuse of funds and subsequent legislative retaliation:
- Legislature limited auditor access to agency data after his re-election.
- Quote:
- “In my first term, we uncovered a record amount of misspent money...the legislature responded...by changing the law to make it so that state agencies can hide waste and abuse.”
— Rob Sand (04:44)
- “In my first term, we uncovered a record amount of misspent money...the legislature responded...by changing the law to make it so that state agencies can hide waste and abuse.”
Town Halls and Real Unity
- Rob holds 100 public town halls in 99 counties every year (06:14).
- Starts by celebrating political differences, then sings "America the Beautiful" together.
- Quote:
- “This moment is truly supposed to be about all of us when we do it.”
— Rob Sand (07:59)
- “This moment is truly supposed to be about all of us when we do it.”
Issues Defining Iowa: Costs, Education, Healthcare
- Rising costs and slow income growth (Iowa ranks 48th for personal income growth) are top concerns.
- Privatization of education via vouchers is widely unpopular—a lack of oversight and potential for rampant profit-taking.
- “They can do that, and we’re not allowed to audit them.” (08:43)
- Beshear notes bipartisan support for public schools, even in rural areas (09:22–10:00).
- Rural healthcare is in crisis—over 100,000 Iowans projected to lose coverage; 20 hospitals at risk, many counties with no OB unit (12:46).
- Sand critiques recent federal policy as “alternative math,” with true rural hospital cuts masked by misleading figures (13:22).
- “Do the math. 130 minus 50 equals 80 billion less...a tremendous amount for hospitals that are already scrimping and saving.”
— Rob Sand (13:49)
- “Do the math. 130 minus 50 equals 80 billion less...a tremendous amount for hospitals that are already scrimping and saving.”
- Tariffs are crushing Iowa’s farm economy; elected officials “don’t have the courage to stand up against” national party leaders (15:11–16:37).
Personal Motivation—Rob’s “Why” (18:02)
- Faith shapes his public service: choosing his son’s name based on “Father of Peace”.
- “If there’s one thing I think we need right now, it’s more peacemakers in this world.” (18:22)
- Open about faith, but emphasizes authenticity over calculation:
- “No matter what your faith is, being open about it and helping people understand what your why is is a great way to illustrate it.” — Rob Sand (19:47)
Family, Fun & Secret Superpowers
- Talks about family, bow-hunting, and playing live music:
- “I do sing, and I also can play guitar and a little bit of piano.” (24:41)
- “If it was on the radio in the late ’90s, I probably can play it. And blues. I like to do a lot of blues.” (25:06)
- Shares a humorous fashion faux pas story—bib overalls inspired by Kris Kross (25:46).
The Elevator Pitch
- “This is a campaign about making Iowa not redder or bluer, but better and truer…Personal income growth in Iowa is 48th, but our growth rate for cancer is number one. We need change…” (26:49–27:24)
- Iowa has a history of electing Democrats; the present isn’t set in stone (27:24–28:44).
Getting Involved
- rob sand.com or socials @robsandIA (28:48)
- Playful banter about people mispronouncing their names (29:10–29:41)
2. Phil Weiser on Fighting for SNAP Benefits (29:53–33:50)
The SNAP Lawsuit: “Lawless and Cruel”
- Beshear and Weiser discuss their successful legal action to force the federal government to honor SNAP food assistance during a shutdown.
- Timestamps:
- Introduction (29:53)
- Lawsuit recap and administration’s actions (30:53–32:49)
- Notable Quotes:
- “The administration is not above the law. It can't deliberately withhold food from people who rely on SNAP.”
— Phil Weiser (31:26) - “It's hard to understand how any administration can act in a way that is more lawless and more cruel than this.”
— Phil Weiser (32:49) - “That's taking food off of somebody's table.”
— Andy Beshear (33:43)
- “The administration is not above the law. It can't deliberately withhold food from people who rely on SNAP.”
3. “Ask Andy” & Personal Reflections (35:21–51:07)
Light-Hearted Q&A With John McConnell
- Relationship and family stories from high school, brush with (failed) fashion trends, musical and sports preferences.
- Andy discusses personal motivations for entering politics (37:39–40:33).
- Emotional story of a Medicaid expansion beneficiary:
- “I got to help a dad achieve a dream he thought was dead…a woman walks on the elevator and just bursts into tears…‘I'm alive today because of you.’” (38:01–39:27)
- Emotional story of a Medicaid expansion beneficiary:
- Favorite foods, vacations, Kentucky pride, ties to baseball and college sports.
- “As governor of Kentucky, you have two jobs: root for your in-state schools and to root against Duke.” (40:54)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Rob Sand: “Not redder or bluer, but better and truer.” (02:38, 26:49)
- Rob Sand: “If there's one thing I think we need right now, it's more peacemakers in this world.” (18:22)
- Andy Beshear (on unity): “We pledge to a country and a flag, not one individual, but we also pledge to keep our country indivisible.” (07:40)
- Phil Weiser: “This administration is not above the law. It can't deliberately withhold food from people who rely on SNAP.” (31:26)
- Andy Beshear (on public education): “We defeated a constitutional amendment that would have allowed vouchers…by 30 points—a 60 point swing.” (09:22)
- Rob Sand (on legislative backlash): “If I had been a Democrat who was just quiet as a church mouse … they wouldn’t have felt the need to do it. It’s because I was actually making a difference.” (05:19)
- Andy Beshear (personal story): “A woman walks on the elevator and just bursts into tears… ‘I’m alive today because of you.’” (39:15)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:26 – Rob Sand on making Iowa less political, more honest
- 04:01 – Explaining the Auditor’s role & political retaliation
- 06:14 – Town halls & fostering unity
- 08:23 – Top town hall concerns: costs, education, healthcare
- 10:00 – Public education’s role in rural communities
- 12:46 – Rural hospitals in crisis, the impact of federal policy
- 15:10 – Tariffs & their effect on Iowa farmers
- 18:02 – “Why” Rob is called to public service
- 24:41 – Rob’s musical side and secret talents
- 25:46 – Embarrassing fashion moments
- 26:49 – Rob’s campaign elevator pitch
- 29:53 – Introducing Phil Weiser’s segment
- 30:53 – Discussion of SNAP lawsuit and federal overreach
- 33:43 – “Taking food off of somebody’s table”
- 35:21 – “Ask Andy” segment with personal/fun questions
- 37:39 – Andy Beshear’s personal motivation for public service
- 40:54 – Kentucky college sports loyalty
- 48:28 – Kentucky vacation spots
- 49:13 – Mammoth Cave concert memory
Flow & Tone
The episode is honest, warm, and candid. Both host and guests emphasize empathy, pragmatism, and the importance of listening—whether discussing state policy, recounting family stories, or fielding light-hearted questions. Beshear’s humanity and curiosity shine through; Sand’s authenticity and sense of humor are clear. Even on contentious issues, the tone remains constructive and solution-oriented.
For more information on Rob Sand:
Website: robsand.com
Social: @robsandIA