Rural Americans Are Waking Up to Trump's Lies in Red States!! with Col. Pam Stevenson

Summary

Podcast Summary: IHIP News – "Rural Americans Are Waking Up to Trump's Lies in Red States!! with Col. Pam Stevenson"

Release Date: May 23, 2025

Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Guest: Colonel Pamela Stevenson

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Introduction: Farewell to Senator Mitch McConnell

In this episode of IHIP News, hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan open with a strong statement condemning Senator Mitch McConnell, celebrating his retirement as a victory for democracy. They introduce their guest, Colonel Pamela Stevenson, who is running to fill McConnell’s seat in Kentucky. The hosts express their enthusiasm for having Colonel Stevenson on the show, setting the tone for a candid and impactful discussion on political dynamics in red states.

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Colonel Pam Stevenson: A Distinguished Military Background

Host:
"Thanks for having me. It's so exciting to be here because you guys are doing it." (00:43)

Colonel Stevenson:
Pamela Stevenson shares her impressive 27-year career in the United States Air Force, highlighting her roles as a prosecutor and defense counsel across 11 countries, including the Middle East, Sierra Leone, and Germany. Her extensive experience in diverse cultures has equipped her with the skills to engage effectively with varied populations, a cornerstone of her political strategy.

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Overcoming Barriers for Black Women in Politics

Host:
"This country has a very difficult time electing very qualified black women... How can we have a conversation around race, around gender, around qualifications... to get qualified black Democrats like you elected in deep red states?" (02:11)

Colonel Stevenson:
She emphasizes resilience and the power of engagement, stating, "When we engage... do what you can with what you got. That's how we win." (02:49) Stevenson recounts her challenges in areas where black women are underappreciated, using humor and determination to connect with voters and demonstrate that qualifications transcend racial and gender barriers.

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Engaging Rural American Voters: Strategies and Successes

Host:
Discusses the deep red nature of Kentucky's counties and the sense of neglect felt by working-class people due to the two-party system's focus on corporate interests over individual needs. She raises the crucial question: "What would your message be to a white, rural, gun-toting, Trump-supporting Kentuckian...?" (04:17)

Colonel Stevenson:
She advocates for personalized engagement, asking voters, "What do you need to make your life work?" (05:45) By focusing on common desires like family prosperity and personal well-being, she shifts conversations away from divisive topics to shared values, leading to increased support. "When we keep... give them facts... we can make some headway." (08:22)

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Addressing Economic Inequality and Populist Messaging

Host:
Highlights the exploitation of the working class by the Republican Party, emphasizing the need to expose how policies favor billionaires over everyday people. She raises concerns about rural voters being misled by propaganda, questioning whether they recognize the economic drain caused by corporate subsidies. "If we can start messaging that on a large scale will tip the scale some and so do you." (07:00)

Colonel Stevenson:
She confirms receptiveness when approached with relatable economic issues, sharing an example: "We talked about the economy... they were all like, yeah, that would be great." (08:22) Stevenson stresses the importance of continuous, clear communication to dismantle misconceptions and align voters with the reality of economic policies.

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The Role of Governor Andy Brashear

Host:
Commends Governor Andy Brashear for his inclusive leadership and moral stance, despite being a "white choir boy" figure. She connects his faith-driven approach to ethical governance, suggesting it resonates in a deeply religious state and counters the rise of MAGA policies. "Having partners and allies like Andy Brashear... can help states like mine that are just so off the MAGA cliff right now." (10:27)

Colonel Stevenson:
As an ordained minister, she echoes the importance of treating everyone with respect and focusing on substantive issues over partisan talking points. She highlights her efforts to protect vulnerable populations, such as preventing Medicaid cuts for children, reinforcing the moral imperative behind her policies. "Love never fails... we need health care." (12:42)

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Strategies for Overcoming Polarization and Fractured Communities

Host:
Expresses concern over the increasing polarization and reignition of racism, advocating for inclusive and compassionate political messaging. She underscores the necessity of addressing economic injustices without alienating minority groups. "These MAGA policies really harm people... further marginalize people." (11:00)

Colonel Stevenson:
She emphasizes the need for unity despite differences, advocating for shared values and mutual respect. "Why do we get in a public space and think we have to agree before we can do good?" (15:01) Stevenson calls for a focus on common goals and principled governance to advance Kentucky’s progress.

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Conclusion: Call to Action and Future Steps

As the conversation draws to a close, Colonel Stevenson passionately urges listeners to support her campaign, providing her website for volunteering and donations: "Stevenson4senate.com if you want to volunteer, if you want the newsletter... we need you." (16:17)

Host:
Encourages listeners to actively support Stevenson’s mission to oust McConnell, framing it as a battle against a "fascist regime." She reiterates the importance of collective effort in driving political change. "There's nothing more beautiful than we are going to be done with Mitch McConnell." (16:41)

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Key Takeaways

• Engagement Over Confrontation: Building connections through understanding and addressing voters' immediate needs rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.

• Economic Focus: Highlighting how current policies adversely affect the working class and advocating for equitable economic reforms.

• Inclusive Messaging: Ensuring that efforts to uplift one marginalized group do not exclude or alienate others, fostering a unified front for change.

• Moral and Ethical Leadership: Leveraging personal integrity and ethical standards to garner trust and support from a diverse electorate.

• Persistent Communication: Continuously disseminating clear, fact-based messages to overcome misinformation and shift public perception.

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This episode of IHIP News offers a compelling discussion on political strategies in red states, presenting Colonel Pamela Stevenson as a resilient and compassionate candidate poised to challenge entrenched political norms. Her approach emphasizes empathy, economic justice, and inclusive governance, aiming to resonate deeply with rural American voters and drive meaningful change.

Transcript

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[Host of IHIP News]

Nobody has been a bigger stain on democracy than Senator Mitch McConnell. Thankfully for our civilization and for our country, he is retiring and somebody who is running for his seat. I am so excited to welcome Colonel Pamela Stevenson to IHIP News. Colonel, how are you today?

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

I am fabulous, and thank you for having me. It's so exciting to be here because you guys are doing it.

[Host of IHIP News]

We're trying. I mean, we are. It's hard. And as you know, living in a red state, sometimes you're closer to MAGA and MAGA policies than you want to be. Although you all have a great governor there in Kentucky. But who. Whom we've had on this podcast. But let's talk a little bit about. You're a colonel. I mean, that is fantastic.

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

Yes. I served 27 years in the United States Air Force. I had the privilege and honor of fighting for the promise of America. And I, along with thousands of other military members, willingly said, if you have to take my life, take it. I don't want you to. But what we stand for is so important that we're willing. So I retired as a colonel, and I wanted to come back to Kentucky to do the same thing for Kentucky that I did for America in the military. I was a prosecutor, a defense counsel. I lived in 11 countries. I was a legal liaison in countries like the Middle East, Molly Chad, Sierra Leone, Germany, England. I learned how to work with all types of people and cultures and listen for what will make the difference for the promise of America.

[Host of IHIP News]

Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Colonel, this country has a very difficult time electing very qualified black women. And black women have just such an uphill battle in this country. How can we have a conversation around race, around gender, around qualifications, bluntly, without skirting around the sides of it and get qualified black Democrats like you, very qualified black Democrats like you elected in deep red states.

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

Well, like I like to tell people, when the America sent me to the Middle east where they don't appreciate short black women or women at all, I couldn't say I can't get it done because of who I proudly am. I had to find a way. And this is what I discovered, that when we engage, when we engage, and I'm talking about everyone, do what you can with what you got. That's how we win. When we don't engage, we get what we got. So I am confident that when we do the work and let go of the well, that that can't happen. We win. Everything is possible, impossible, until it's possible. So I tell all the people that I come in contact with, because I've been in a lot of counties where they don't even have black cows, and I'm being playful because I like having fun while we do the work.

[Host of IHIP News]

I agree.

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

And I tell everybody what would make your life work? I asked that question. And when we talk about that, we get miracles happening. And that's how my numbers in rural counties went up, because I'm interested in people. And when they figure out she's really interested in people, they listen. And that's the beginning.

[Host of IHIP News]

Let's talk about rural America and rural island Oklahoma. You're in Kentucky. And these counties go deeply, deeply, deeply red. I mean, you know, some of them 80, 89% red. And the narrative is that these people have been neglected by both parties. And I think that's a very valid complaint because you have this two party system where people are beholden, the politicians are beholden to corporations, and working class people have been left aside. And now we have this issue where the Democrats are kind of having this slight civil about identity politics. I'm a firm believer that nobody is free until everybody is free. And that means that we can't leave one person behind, even the little trans kid that might be raised in a MAGA household, that somebody has to fight for that person and that all of these programs and rights are for them as well. What would your message be to a white, rural, gun toting, Trump supporting Kentuckian that has that fears that trans Kids or the LGBTQ+ community or immigrants are somehow the reason that they can't have nice things.

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

And what I have done when I've gone to these rural areas is ask them the question, what do you need to make your life work? What is it that would have you be happy and satisfied? So, because no matter where I was, whether I was in the Middle east or California, Mississippi, Alabama, everybody wants the same things. They want their children to do better, they want their families to thrive, and they want their one life to make a difference. And I engage with them about that. We focus on the wrong things. And so far, thus far, I've not had anybody say, no, no, no, no, I want to talk about this. They really want to talk about their lives and they want somebody to listen. And the other is a distraction, gives them something to do while the other hand is doing something against them.

[Host of IHIP News]

And don't you think that's a message that we need to take forward, that the reason you can't have nice things is not because of an immigrant, it's not because of a black lady, it's not because of the LGBTQ plus people. The reason you can't have nice things is because the Republican Party has lied to you for decades and told you they care about family values. Meanwhile, they are shifting wealth away from working class families to the top, top, top percent. And now the corruption that we're seeing is on a scale that is just staggering and jaw dropping. And the exploitation of that working class is even greater than it has ever been under this current administration. So emerging this populist economic message while not leaving any of our minorities or marginalized groups behind. I fear that people in rural counties are so locked into propaganda and they, they believe the reason they can't have nice things is because people are on government subsidies instead of these billionaires being subsidized by our government. And that message, I think from being in a red state and you in a red state, if we can start messaging that on a large scale will tip the scale some and so do you. When you talk to these people in rural Kentucky, are they open to the idea that the grift and the subsidizing is at their expense for the billionaires? Are they seeing this?

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

Yes. Once I get their attention by not attracting, by not attacking their God and focusing on their life, then they can hear when we talk about what is the cause of your discomfort. So, for example, I was talking to someone that was against welfare and I kept listening and come to find out that person is on disability and has friends on ebt. But that's not food stamps, that's ebt. So we have to meet them where they are and message in the language that they use. And when I do that, they understand. I'm like, so do you want your disability check cut? They're like, no, how would I live? Exactly. Now, where do you think that money's going? Where do you think who's getting the tax breaks? And they'll tell me so. The work is to have the conversations with them in a way that they can hear it. And while it seems like, oh, that's a lot, well, I find it very receptive. Like last night I was in a rural eastern Kentucky and we talked about the economy and, and their families in a tax code, A tax code that will give them the same loopholes or similar loopholes as billion dollar Corporations, and they were all like, yeah, that would be great. So when we keep. If we can get the wall to come down so we can get through to their heart and give them facts, not about a person, but about their situation, right, Then we can make some headway. And we have to keep messaging and messaging and not stop. It's going to take a lot of messaging to make sure they hear and hear until they press the button in the voting booth.

[Host of IHIP News]

I think that Kentucky is a really interesting place to keep our eyes on right now because Andy Brashear, your governor, he didn't abandon anybody. And he is a man of faith. And he. I'm not a religious person, but when I hear Andy Brashear speak about his faith, calls for him not to bully anyone and to stand up for the most marginalized, that speaks to me. I mean, it doesn't, you know, and I'm not having some bedside, you know, conversion or anything like that, but I feel like if, if, if people that are of faith message that way, living in a deeply religious state, that it might remind them, why are we worshiping these corporations above what's right and decent and fair? And the fact that he did that and that he won is really interesting to me because the Andy Bershear type of politician to go into a deep red state. And of course, again, the elephant in the room, he's a white choir boy. I mean, he came up. He was in Oklahoma City, and he walked in and I. And he came to our podcast and recorded in person. I thought, damn, this guy's right out of central casting. I mean, this is just perfect. And so while we are reconciling this, this reignition of racism, it's always been there, but it's more beholden. I mean, they're more emboldened right now. And having partners and allies like Andy Bershear in your state, I think can help states like mine that are just so off the MAGA cliff right now. And these policies, these MAGA policies really harm people. They further marginalize people. They further bully people. And so as you move forward in this campaign and you campaign against, you know, probably a white Republican who is going to throw all sorts of racist shit your way, both overt and covert, what would your message be to a very fractured American, I assume very fractured Kentucky right now?

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

Well, as an ordained minister, so I am religious, I believe that love never fails. Love never fails. Now, while it looks a little shaky right now, while it looks like people aren't doing what they need to do, I have to stand on my principles and treat everyone the way I've been taught to treat them. I am in a legislature as the leader where there are 80 Republicans and 19 Democrats. And so we have to constantly engage. And I engage by saying I want to focus on what the issue is and not what you think. I want to focus on how we can make Kentucky better and not your talking points. And we make some leeway. So as I travel around the state, I deal in facts and I also tell them, for example, the budget last night, 225,000 Kentucky children will lose Medicaid, 225,000. Most of these children are disabled. And we're saying we are children. We are a country that where we feel like every child should be loved and protected and then we cut their health care. As far as I can tell, if you're a human being in a body, we need health care. And then to do it so that multi billionaire corporations can make more money is directly against our faith. So I am constantly talking to people about the what. So this is the fact. Here's the proof, here's the receipts. Now what do you have to say about that? We are making some headway. I would say yes, most people consider Kentucky a red state, but I would also say that Kentucky is a state that doesn't vote. That sometimes when we beat people over their heads, when they have two or three jobs trying to keep their family afloat, when they, they have life coming at them when things are happening, the first thing they want to cut off is the political talking heads. I can't deal with that. I've got my child to deal with, my parent to deal with.

[Host of IHIP News]

Right.

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

So we've got to reach the people who have decided they don't have the capacity. We've got to reach the people that want to hold their vote hostage for what? What you gonna get. And listen to why they would do that. I often say to people, I've been married 42 years and I would like to believe my husband agrees with everything I say. And we know that's not true. So why do we get in a public space and think we have to agree before we can do good? Why do we get in a public space and say we have to see eye to eye before we move the state of Kentucky forward? We don't. We have to agree what our values are and we have to enact the things that we think are true. And right now we're not doing that.

[Host of IHIP News]

Well, Colonel, I want to thank you so much for joining me on IHIP News and I wish you the best of luck. I would love nothing more than seeing you replace that just wretched, I mean wretched, horrible stain on democracy. Mitch McConnell, I just think this would be your victory would be chef's kiss.

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

Well and I would have to say I would not, I would not be able to go back to my team if I didn't give a shout out to where you can reach me. Stevenson4senate.com if you want to volunteer, if you want the newsletter, if you want to know how this one is going to rock the world not only for Kentucky but for you, go to stevenson4senate.com donate volunteer, we need you. Thank you.

[Host of IHIP News]

That's right listener. Go to her website and support and lift up all voices that are fighting this fascist regime and there's nothing more beautiful than we are going to be done with Mitch McConnell. Colonel, thank you so much for joining me this morning.

[Colonel Pamela Stevenson]

You're welcome.