Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Trump is Crushing Iowans. Can This Democrat Win Them Back?" (w/ Rob Sand)

Date: October 28, 2025
Host: Andrew Egger (The Bulwark)
Guest: Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and Democratic candidate for governor

Episode Overview

This episode features a wide-ranging conversation between host Andrew Egger and Rob Sand, Iowa’s State Auditor and currently the only Democrat holding statewide office in Iowa. As Rob Sand launches his campaign for governor, Egger probes Sand’s political philosophy, the Democrats’ struggles in Iowa, economic woes impacting the state, and how Sand approaches both Trump voters and party identity. The discussion offers a candid look at what it takes to win back a state that’s moved hard to the right during the Trump era.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Who is Rob Sand? [00:42–02:32]

• Background: Born and raised in Decorah, Iowa; family has deep local roots.
• Career: Former chief public corruption prosecutor; led the investigation into the "hot lotto" scandal.
• Auditor Achievements: Elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, Sand’s office uncovered record levels of misspent state money and launched a government efficiency program copied by other states.
• Backlash: Legal responses from the GOP-controlled state legislature aimed to limit the auditor’s oversight power.

Rob Sand [01:58]:
"Every single national watchdog that weighed in on this regardless of party, every single nonpartisan group... said this is a terrible idea, don't do it. They took that as all the confirmation that they needed to go ahead and do it because they just don't want to be held accountable."

2. Can a Democrat Really Win Iowa? [02:32–05:07]

• Shifting Politics: Iowa’s move from purple to red has been dramatic, but Sand argues the state still contains many swing voters.
• Close Races: Recent elections saw several near-losses for Democrats, suggesting competitiveness remains.
• Branding & Party Disillusionment: Sand distances himself from strict party allegiance, highlighting his independent approach and willingness to challenge both parties.

Rob Sand [03:50]:
"What I represent isn't exactly either Democratic or Republican. It's something different. And I think for a lot of people who are pretty fed up with the state of politics, that's what they're looking for."

3. Diagnosing the Democratic Party’s Struggles [05:07–07:28]

• Party Affiliation: Sand describes himself as "one foot in, one foot out," having initially registered as an independent.
• Two-Party Monopoly: He’s critical of how major parties have written privileges for themselves into law, limiting voter choice and innovation.
• Call for Reform: Sand welcomes other states and politicians to join a movement toward breaking the two-party hold.

Rob Sand [06:12]:
"These two private clubs have written into the law special legal privileges for themselves... I realized in Iowa, you have to [register with a party] in order to vote in a primary... but I didn't leave my independent mind behind."

4. Iowa’s Economic Hardships and Voter Outreach [07:28–10:40]

• Economic Challenges: Iowa faces severe economic issues—49th in Federal Reserve's state economy rating, 48th/49th in personal income growth—worse than most peers.
• Agricultural Pain: Farmers hit hard by tariffs, labor, and immigration policy.
• Message to Trump Voters: Sand has cross-party appeal, emphasizing pragmatic governance over ideology, attacking "insider" favoritism, and focusing on public service.

Rob Sand [09:14]:
"You can't convince me or other Iowans at that point that this is a state government that is still focused on serving Iowans, that they're serving special interest groups, they're serving insiders."

5. On Trump and the Challenge for Democrats [10:40–12:56]

• Not Running as an Anti-Trump Referendum: Sand avoids framing his campaign as a reaction against Trump.
• Willingness to Take on Anyone: Promises to fight for Iowa’s interests against any politician, Trump included, while willing to work with anyone if it benefits Iowans.
• Contrast with Iowa’s Delegation: Criticizes most of Iowa’s congressional delegation for not standing up to national party leadership when it hurts local interests.

Rob Sand [11:24]:
"I will work with anybody to do good for Iowa, but I will also stand up for Iowa against anyone who's trying to do something that's bad for Iowa, period."

6. Limits of State Power and Using the Bully Pulpit [12:56–15:50]

• Tariffs & Farm Policy: While national policy controls much, Sand believes governors can and must use their platform ("bully pulpit") to advocate for their state.
• Solidarity with Farmers: Sand refuses to pander, promising instead to authentically represent, not pretend to be, Iowa farmers.

Rob Sand [14:01]:
"I can start by saying, I know my job. I know what I'm here to do. It's not to pretend that I am you, but it is to represent you."

7. Navigating Trump’s Political Style and Iowa’s Reality [15:50–18:27]

• Trump’s Adversarial Approach: Egger asks how Sand would handle direct opposition from Trump, especially given the former president’s tendency to retaliate against critical governors.
• Anecdote – Crossing the Aisle: Sand shares a story about holding a town hall with a conservative group—despite GOP backlash—as evidence of his willingness to speak with all Iowans.

Rob Sand [16:49]:
"I’m going to talk to constituents. I’m going to work with anybody I can work with to do good. And I think Iowans understand that I’m willing to meet them. I’m willing to meet them anywhere..."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Partisan Labels:
  "I still think that we should be thinking for ourselves." – Rob Sand [05:59]

• On Democratic Competitiveness:
  "That's still a pretty fundamentally ordinary state where people are willing to vote for both parties." – Rob Sand [03:35]

• On Insider Government:
  "It's the well fed versus the fed up." – Rob Sand [10:34]

• Town Hall Story:
  "The leadership of the Iowa Republican Party called them out and read them the riot act for talking to me... Iowans do not appreciate people who are wanting to do things like that." – Rob Sand [16:49]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:42] – Rob Sand’s background and intro
• [02:32] – Why Iowa is still winnable for Democrats
• [05:07] – Diagnosing Democratic Party’s brand in Iowa
• [07:28] – Iowa’s economic situation & rural outreach
• [10:40] – Addressing Trump as a political factor
• [12:56] – What can a governor do on national economic issues?
• [15:50] – Handling Trump’s political tactics
• [16:49] – Story of bipartisan town hall amid GOP pushback

Tone & Takeaways

Rob Sand speaks candidly and pragmatically, positioning himself as a reform-minded outsider willing to challenge both parties and focus on public service over ideology. The episode captures his belief in Iowa’s independent streak, skepticism of party orthodoxy, and persistent focus on economic pain points for everyday Iowans. Even in a political climate dominated by Trump and deep polarization, Sand espouses a distinctly Midwestern, service-driven approach to leadership.