Bulwark Takes

Episode: Sen. Cortez Masto: I Want to Win Votes, Not Go Viral

Date: August 23, 2025
Host: Lauren Egan (The Bulwark)
Guest: Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)

Main Theme

This episode centers on Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s moderate approach to Democratic politics in a polarized era. She discusses why Democrats must focus on common-sense solutions, how to win swing states, the pitfalls of viral or “show horse” politics, and her current policy and political priorities as chair of the moderate Democrats PAC. Senator Cortez Masto insists the key to building a winning coalition is listening to voters and prioritizing substantive results over performative gestures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. How to Win in Swing States: Substance Over Purity ([00:56]-[03:50])

• Lauren Egan asks about shifts within the Democratic Party post-2024, especially regarding ideological purity and performative politics.
• Senator Cortez Masto emphasizes that "there's enough room for all of us" in the Democratic Party, but the focus must be on "what voters want," meaning lower costs, community safety, and health.
• She warns that to flip the Senate or House, Democrats “have to pick up swing states like Nevada or a rural red or red states.” This requires engaging with all voters, not just ideological bases.

"If we’re doing that as Democrats and reaching out and talking to folks, then we are going to be able to win these elections. But we got to show up and we got to have these conversations."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([01:47])

2. Party Strategy: Do No Harm & Prioritize Common Concerns ([03:50]-[07:01])

• Lauren questions whether national Democrats, especially from blue states, understand the challenges of moderate, swing-state candidates facing tough votes (e.g., on gun control).
• Cortez Masto advocates for Democrats to “do no harm to one another,” recognizing the variety of district needs, and to focus messaging on security, costs, and pragmatic policies, especially in sensitive areas like border security and immigration.

"It really is a matter of Democrats understanding what voters want in swing states like mine... We have to focus on those voters."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([01:47])

"Why can't we do both [border security and immigration reform] and just be common sense? Because that's what I'm finding voters are. They're not stupid and... they're just looking for people to... work together."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([05:35])

3. What Does 'Fighting Back Against Trump' Mean? ([07:01]-[10:31])

• Lauren references a Senate floor clash between Cortez Masto and Sen. Cory Booker, where Booker accused moderates of complicity by working on bipartisan policing bills.
• Cortez Masto draws a distinction between performative opposition and results-driven leadership. She stresses the importance of “fighting bad policies” from the Trump administration while still delivering tangible improvements to people's lives.

"It is going to win them over if they see us not only fighting him on those bad policies that are harming us... But at the same time, show the voters that we also are working on their behalf."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([09:01])

4. Winning Senate Races: Candidate Quality and Connection ([11:02]-[15:06])

• Lauren asks about the upcoming tough 2026 Senate map and lessons from Cortez Masto’s time chairing the DSCC.
• Cortez Masto highlights 2020 wins in Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia as proof that “quality of candidate” and focusing on “common sense issues” (costs, healthcare, safety) can flip tough states.
• She underscores the importance of candidate connection with voters, particularly in rural and transient communities.

"So it can be done with the quality of a candidate. Absolutely. But it goes back to... the candidate talking to their voters about what matters to them."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([12:33])

5. Moderates & The Attention Economy ([15:06]-[18:38])

• Lauren reads a New York Times description of Cortez Masto as “one of the flashy lawmakers” and notes that moderates often struggle for attention in a “TikTok” political environment.
• Cortez Masto distinguishes between seeking viral moments and building authentic community connections:
  • “I admit I’m a workhorse, like, let’s solve this problem... But I do have to... get out into voters and say, here’s why I want you to vote for me.”
  • She emphasizes repeated, face-to-face engagement with constituents as an alternative to “show horse” politics.

"There's a difference between going viral and being a show horse... Not sure that translates into voters supporting you."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([16:00])

"You're not one of those Washington people, you're one of us... They may say, no, she's not one of those crazies. I may not vote for her, but I'm not going to vote against her."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([17:10])

6. Upcoming Government Shutdown: Negotiation & Priorities ([18:38]-[20:48])

• Lauren asks how Democrats should approach government shutdown negotiations and what issues Cortez Masto would prioritize if Democrats could make demands.
• Cortez Masto argues the burden is on Republicans, who “set the agenda,” to “lift everybody up” with a budget that doesn’t take away healthcare or essential programs. She frames Democratic cooperation as contingent on Republican choices.

"The Republicans are in control... What they should be doing is identifying those areas that lift everybody up in this country, that don't take away programs or health care."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([19:18])

7. The Energy and Inflation Issue in Nevada ([20:48]-[22:38])

• Lauren brings up the issue of energy prices as a possible midterm focal point.
• Cortez Masto says that, in Nevada, food and healthcare costs are even more prominent voter concerns, but stresses that the state’s transition to solar and renewables has helped keep energy costs down.
• She criticizes current administration efforts to target solar energy, warning this will alienate Nevadans who have benefited economically from renewables.

"Solar has provided an opportunity for us to keep our costs down, create great jobs... and grow our economy... And now we have an administration that is targeting solar... that is going to backfire in Nevada."
— Sen. Cortez Masto ([21:14])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If we're going to win, that means we're out talking to our voters and what matters to them. I didn't get elected and reelected in Nevada by just a Democratic base. Republicans supported me. Nonpartisans, 37% of the registered voters in Nevada are nonpartisans."
  — Sen. Cortez Masto on coalition-building ([07:56])

• "It's not an either or. And that's where our party needs to be. Because at the end of the day, we have to win if we're going to be a backstopping Congress."
  — Sen. Cortez Masto on fighting Trump while still delivering for constituents ([09:44])

• "There is something to be said about not just being a moderate, but more importantly, just talking to your voters and... developing common sense policies that solve problems in this country."
  — Sen. Cortez Masto ([13:28])

Segment Timestamps

• [00:56] — Correct pronunciation of "Nevada," swing-state context
• [01:12] — Party shifts and the role of moderates after 2024
• [03:50] — Party strategy and balancing national messaging
• [07:01] — Senate floor skirmish with Sen. Booker, fighting Trump
• [11:02] — Senate map for 2026 and DSCC lessons learned
• [15:06] — Getting attention as a moderate, viral politics vs. grassroots engagement
• [18:38] — Government shutdown negotiations and priorities
• [20:48] — Energy prices, renewables, and inflation as campaign issues

Takeaway

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto makes a forceful argument for pragmatic, voter-focused Democratic politics, cautioning against both ideological purity and performative social media antics. She underscores the need for “common sense” solutions, coalition-building, and consistent outreach—especially in swing states—if Democrats want to fend off GOP attacks and win future races. Moderates, she insists, do best not by going viral, but by earning the trust of voters across the spectrum through substance, consistency, and direct connection.