Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – “The Only NORMAL Democrat Is Showing How To WIN (W/ Gov. Jared Polis)”

Release Date: February 24, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller from The Bulwark engages in a candid and insightful conversation with Governor Jared Polis of Colorado. The discussion delves into governance, policy reforms, economic strategies, social issues, and the future of the Democratic Party. Through a dynamic exchange, both speakers explore how principled leadership and pragmatic solutions can pave the way for political success and societal prosperity.

1. Introduction of Guests (Heath Mayo, 01:00)

The episode begins with Heath Mayo introducing Governor Jared Polis and Tim Miller. Heath highlights Polis as a “solutions-driven governor” known for his ability to collaborate across party lines to tackle Colorado’s affordability crisis. Polis’s background as a business entrepreneur, education leader, and Congressman is emphasized, showcasing his multifaceted approach to governance.

Notable Quote:

"I think Governor Polis is really a solutions driven governor who has really shown the ability to work with anybody and everybody in his state who is willing to tackle the affordability crisis across a number of metrics."
— Heath Mayo [01:00]

2. Opening Banter and Setting the Tone (03:21 – 04:51)

Tim Miller opens with light-hearted banter about incorporating pyrotechnics in future events and humorously suggests exchanging Polis for another politician. This sets a relaxed atmosphere for the ensuing serious discussions.

Notable Quote:

"Next year we're going to make this happen. It's my home state, Governor. Not anymore. I'm in Louisiana now."
— Tim Miller [03:21]

3. Alignment on Principles and Policy Overlap (04:11 – 06:17)

Miller references Heath's 15 principles, urging Polis to identify areas of alignment. Polis acknowledges the abundance of principles and emphasizes key values such as integrity, character, virtue, and the importance of free and functioning markets.

Notable Quotes:

"Integrity, character, and virtue matters. That might be sort of a sad wish as opposed to kind of a value..."
— Jared Polis [05:28]

"Free and functioning markets deliver prosperity. I mean, absolutely. And I think that's been forgotten."
— Jared Polis [05:42]

Miller and Polis discover significant policy overlap, particularly in areas like free markets and regulatory reforms, highlighting their shared commitment to economic freedom and efficiency.

4. Tax and Housing Reforms in Colorado (06:42 – 08:59)

The conversation shifts to Colorado’s tax policies and housing initiatives under Polis’s administration. Polis details substantial income tax reductions, from 4.63% to 4.25%, and efforts to cut property taxes and cap future increases.

Notable Quote:

"Our income tax rate was 4.63%. We cut it at the ballot box to 4.5, we cut at the ballot box to 4.4, and then we cut it through the legislature to 4.25%."
— Jared Polis [08:46]

On housing, Polis discusses innovative approaches to increasing supply, such as modular homes and faith-based land initiatives, aiming to reduce Denver’s high rent and housing costs.

Notable Quote:

"We have artificial government imposed constraints on supply. That is a single reason why a home would cost a lot more than its replacement value."
— Jared Polis [08:40]

5. Environmental and Regulatory Reforms (05:00 – 07:38)

Polis addresses the need for EPA and NEPA reforms, emphasizing that these regulatory bodies require updates to better serve economic and environmental goals. He recounts eliminating 208 outdated executive orders to streamline government operations.

Notable Quote:

"We got rid of 208 old executive orders... vast majority over the last 10, 20 years."
— Jared Polis [07:06]

Polis urges the legislature to follow suit in reviewing and eliminating inefficient laws, advocating for a government that facilitates rather than hinders economic growth.

6. Social Issues and Women's Sports Policy (09:07 – 12:03)

The discussion turns to social issues, particularly the contentious topic of women's sports and gender participation. Polis shares a personal anecdote about his children’s experiences, highlighting the importance of fairness and participation without compromising integrity in sports.

Notable Quote:

"We want fairness and we want to provide ways people can participate."
— Jared Polis [11:23]

Polis emphasizes rational discourse and the need to focus on substantive issues like the cost of living rather than peripheral controversies.

7. Current Administration’s Policies and Challenges (12:03 – 18:28)

Polis critiques the current administration’s handling of tariffs and trade policies, expressing concerns over economic uncertainty and potential recession risks due to prolonged trade tensions.

Notable Quote:

"Whatever is happening here, please try to wrap this up in the next few months because investment is frozen. Nobody can plan. The uncertainty is the enemy of prosperity."
— Jared Polis [13:25]

He also discusses the impact of government cuts on essential services in Colorado, such as fire prevention and park management, advocating for thoughtful and efficient government operations.

Notable Quote:

"They actually laid off a lot of the folks involved with fire prevention, park management in Colorado, which are incredibly important."
— Jared Polis [13:56]

8. Government Efficiency and Fiscal Responsibility (18:28 – 20:54)

Polis highlights the necessity of fiscal responsibility, supporting a balanced budget and expressing the need for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. He underscores the importance of evaluating government programs for necessity and efficiency.

Notable Quote:

"For every government program, you should ask really two questions. First is, should we even be doing this?"
— Jared Polis [15:31]

Polis advocates for strategic budgeting to prevent waste and ensure that government initiatives are both effective and economically viable.

9. Health Policies and Future Collaborations (21:10 – 22:39)

The conversation shifts to health policies, where Polis discusses his collaboration with RFK III on health and prevention initiatives. He expresses enthusiasm for reducing chronic diseases and enhancing public health in Colorado.

Notable Quote:

"Colorado is a healthy state. We have one of the lowest obesity rates, healthy diet, we get one of the longest lifespans."
— Jared Polis [21:20]

Polis also addresses concerns about pandemic preparedness, reaffirming the importance of scientific research and effective health policies.

10. The Democratic Party and Future Strategies (23:41 – 27:55)

Miller probes Polis on how the Democratic Party can regain appeal among working-class voters and avoid being perceived as the establishment. Polis responds by emphasizing the importance of offering viable economic alternatives and embracing free trade, reflecting on past Democratic successes in fostering economic growth.

Notable Quote:

"We need to offer the alternative. And the Democrats have not always been, you know, pure on these issues."
— Jared Polis [24:13]

Polis outlines Colorado’s initiatives, such as free universal preschool and tax reductions, as models that focus on addressing constituents’ immediate needs while promoting long-term economic prosperity.

11. Reflections on COVID-19 Management (26:54 – 28:00)

Polis reflects on Colorado’s COVID-19 response, advocating for a balanced approach that encouraged mask-wearing without imposing mandates, fostering individual agency in health decisions.

Notable Quote:

"We encourage, but we didn't have, we said the mandates didn't make sense."
— Jared Polis [27:23]

He underscores the importance of being prepared for future health crises by maintaining robust research and public health infrastructures.

12. Nominating Future Democratic Leaders (28:00 – 29:20)

In the final segment, Miller invites Polis to nominate other Democrats for future events. Polis suggests figures like Abigail Spanberger and expresses a desire for inclusive and bipartisan participation to strengthen the party’s foundation.

Notable Quote:

"This is not partisan. We should have a lot of great folks."
— Jared Polis [28:47]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a mutual appreciation for Polis’s leadership and optimism. Miller’s closing remarks commend Polis as “the only NORMAL Democrat” and express hope that more leaders like him will emerge to foster bipartisan cooperation and effective governance.

Notable Quote:

"That's my man. It's Governor Jared Polis, everybody. If only we had 50 like him, we'd be in better shape."
— Tim Miller [29:20]

Key Takeaways:

• Principled Leadership: Polis exemplifies a pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach, focusing on economic growth, regulatory efficiency, and social fairness.

• Economic Reforms: Significant tax cuts and housing initiatives in Colorado aim to enhance affordability and stimulate the local economy.

• Government Efficiency: Emphasis on eliminating outdated executive orders and promoting fiscal responsibility to ensure effective governance.

• Health and Social Policies: Commitment to public health, chronic disease prevention, and inclusive social policies while maintaining individual agency.

• Democratic Strategy: Advocating for free trade, balanced budgets, and inclusive leadership to regain appeal among diverse voter bases.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Governor Jared Polis's strategies for winning through pragmatic governance and principled leadership, providing valuable insights for Democrats and political enthusiasts alike.