IHIP News: "Trump's Red States Are Fed Up With MAGA; Liberal Candidates Takeover"

Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Guest: Cindy Munson, Democratic House Leader, Oklahoma Gubernatorial Candidate
Date: September 27, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights Cindy Munson, the Democratic House Leader in Oklahoma, as she launches her campaign for governor in one of the most Republican states in America. Hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan (aka "Pumps") unpack Oklahoma's struggling social infrastructure, the toxic influence of MAGA politics, and the weaponization of faith by Republican leaders. The show is a fiery, unfiltered discussion on messaging, hope, and how Democrats can reclaim lost ground in deep red states.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reality of Running as a Democrat in Deep-Red Oklahoma

[01:58]

• Host Jennifer Welch questions how Munson plans to compete with Trump's high approval in Oklahoma and GOP dominance.
• Cindy Munson: Highlights her history as the first Democrat to represent House District 85 and points to examples in Kansas and Kentucky:

  "There is a pathway, there are examples out there... There is a lot more hope out there. Even in rural Oklahoma, when you have face to face conversations." ([02:19])

• Munson stresses “hard work” and the power of face-to-face engagement.

2. Policy Failures and Impact on Daily Life

[04:34]

• Hosts discuss eroding public services as MAGA policies gut healthcare and education.
• Munson blasts the Republican record:

  “We're 50th in the nation for education. We’re nearly at the bottom for healthcare. There is not true economic prosperity in this state. And that's because Republicans have been in control for nearly two decades.” ([04:34])

3. Grassroots vs. Big Money in Campaigns

[04:34]

• Munson refuses to be swayed by super PAC dollars, focusing on donations from everyday people.

  “I have never been persuaded by a single dollar... I have rejected dollars from PACs and individuals... We're more focused on individual donors.” ([04:34])

4. Rural Discontent and Closing Hospitals

[06:33]

• “Are rural Oklahomans feeling Trump’s policy impacts?” Munson shares dire warnings about Medicaid cuts leading to hospital closures.

  “The number one issue that they have most concern is health care.” ([06:33])

• Medicaid expansion was voter-driven, not by GOP leaders.

5. Faith, Weaponization, and Republican Hypocrisy

[08:26]

• Welch cuts deep into how Oklahoma politicians use Christianity as cover while scapegoating marginalized groups.

  “They weaponize the faith of Christianity against the people in these rural areas... Meanwhile he is demonizing the poor and helping the rich accumulate more wealth.” — Jennifer Welch ([08:26])

• Munson describes the challenge:

  “I've had to face... colleagues weaponizing the Bible, weaponizing Bible verses to justify child abuse, to justify women who are raped, to justify things that are horrific…” ([10:13])

• Munson emphasizes authenticity, showing up “where people don’t expect me to be,” and speaking human-to-human.

6. Simple Messaging: Calling Out the Lies

[12:02]

• Hosts urge Munson to use aggressive, clear messaging — “go pit bull” on Republican lies and failures.

  “They have been lying to Oklahomans for decades and the proof is in the pudding. Attack first and then talk about what you can do later. In this post-Trump America...you've got to immediately define these people. Nobody likes a liar.” — Jennifer Welch ([15:10])

• Munson agrees about the need for conviction and calls out “constant tax cuts” for the wealthy that drain state services:

  “They want to give us some kind of scapegoat... when really it’s them. These people have the most power... and they choose not to [use it].” ([19:20])

7. Alternative to Extremism & Declining Quality of Life

[20:00]

• Welch points to Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear for being inclusive, contrasting him to Oklahoma leaders.
• Oklahoma’s history with right-wing extremism (e.g., Timothy McVeigh) is cited:

  “No one knows domestic terrorism better than Oklahomans. And it is heartbreaking.” — Cindy Munson ([22:04])

• The hosts lament the electorate’s recurring choice for “cruelty over compassion” and “money over kindness.”

8. Hope, Grassroots Work, and Persistence

[26:24]

• Munson shares a personal story, her family background, and the importance of hope:

  “I walk into a building every day that I'm not meant to be in, but I make a way and I believe that we can get back to that place... little Cindys across the state who are just like me, who dreamed of having some kind of great life...” ([26:24])

• Munson calls on discouraged Democrats to shed pessimism and re-engage:

  “They’re banking on us not believing in ourselves and not showing up. That’s how they win.” ([28:57])

• Welch agrees — but gives tough love: “As long as you call them all liars, I’m in.” ([31:18])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On campaigning in hostile territory:

  “I'm a normal person, just like you. You know, let's get back to being normal and what it's like to actually live in this state and the challenges that we're facing.” — Cindy Munson ([12:41])

• On Republican strategies:

  "If you and I are at each other's throats, we're not going to talk about education, we're not going to talk about reproductive health care... Who should we be mad at, each other or them?" — Cindy Munson ([11:43])

• On the need for Democrats to show up:

  "I've had Republican men who have said, 'I have never seen a Democrat show up in this part of my community'... I haven't even seen a Republican show up yet." — Cindy Munson ([12:41])

• On decades of political deception:

  “They have been manipulated and lied to by these corporate owned fake Christian politicians. The results are in. Yeah, they are dead last.” — Jennifer Welch ([19:20])

• On the stakes:

  “If you care... you have to care about Oklahoma, you have to care about the child who's going to a school that's under resourced when it does not have to be, a woman who is probably going to die because she doesn't have abortion access...” — Cindy Munson ([26:24])

• On activism:

  "You cannot just hope and pray Cindy does it. You got to get involved. And that means your money and your time and your efforts, your belief, your belief system's got to shift a little bit." — Jennifer Welch ([31:18])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:19 — Introduction of Cindy Munson and her gubernatorial run
• 02:19 — Munson’s case for hope as a Democrat in red states
• 04:34 — Oklahoma’s state rankings and campaign finance
• 06:33 — Rural challenges, hospital closures, and health care
• 08:26 — Weaponization of faith and GOP hypocrisy
• 10:13 — Munson’s personal approach to bridging divides
• 12:41 — Messaging in rural, conservative communities
• 15:10 — Urging an aggressive, “pit bull” campaign strategy
• 19:20 — Tax policy and the perpetual scapegoating tactic
• 22:04 — Reflections on extremism and the need for a real alternative
• 26:24 — Personal story, hope, and a call to action
• 28:57 — Overcoming despair within the Democratic base
• 31:18 — Wrap-up and fundraising pitch

Tone & Style

The tone throughout is passionate, irreverent, and deeply personal — the hosts punctuate sharp criticism of GOP leadership with moments of humor and direct advice. Munson is hopeful yet steely, stressing authenticity, integrity, and the importance of grassroots engagement.

For Listeners Who Missed It:

Expect a bracing critique of Oklahoma’s Republican establishment, a rallying cry for honest, aggressive Democratic campaigning, and a candid, inspiring vision from a Democratic candidate who refuses to give up on her state. The episode masterfully blends political insight, biting humor, and actionable optimism for progressives in red states and beyond.

Get involved: CindyMunson.com
"All hands on deck. You got to get in the game if you want things to change." — Cindy Munson ([30:52])