Podcast Summary: Tangle – "PREVIEW - The Friday Edition: If I were running for president in 2028…"

Host: Isaac Saul
Date: November 21, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special preview episode, host Isaac Saul explores a thought-provoking scenario: what if he were to run for president in 2028? As an independent journalist committed to presenting diverse viewpoints, Saul uses this exercise to lay out a hypothetical campaign platform aimed at the often-overlooked “middle band” of American voters. Drawing on his experience with Tangle and observations of recent political trends, he meticulously outlines a 10-point plan reflecting a centrist, pragmatic approach—one that seeks to transcend polarized party lines. This episode offers insights into both the current state of American politics and the kind of leadership Saul believes could unify the nation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why a Centrist Campaign?

Saul's Motivation and Vision

• Saul reiterates he has no ambitions to run for office, but people occasionally encourage him due to his balanced commentary ([01:43]).
  • “I'm not running for president. I never would. ... I'm not qualified. I'm just some idiot with a keyboard. So please don't vote for people like me to be president.”
• He believes centrist voters—the "middle band"—are underrepresented and could form the base for a landslide victory with the right candidate.
  • “I would go after the middle band of the American populace. ... I think they are really underrepresented in today’s politics and ... the right candidate with the right framing ... could win in a landslide.” ([02:23])
  • “The priorities of the middle band of the American voter are often sensible and fair.” ([02:55])
• Saul underscores that his hypothetical platform isn’t about bland centrism, but a pragmatic appeal to Americans tired of partisan extremes.

2. Political Context and Data

• He points out how recent elections have been cycles of seeking change, citing Obama, Trump, and Biden as examples of different kinds of “change candidates.” ([03:43])
• Saul highlights statistics about the growing number of self-identified independents:
  • “A 2024 Gallup poll ... shows that the share of self-identified independents continues to grow. 43% of Americans describe themselves as independent. ... The description alone is a strong signal about how many Americans view their own politics and how appealing a more moderate less party forward political campaign could be.” ([05:18])

3. The 10‑Point Presidential Platform

Saul introduces his platform, noting these aren’t necessarily his personal views, but what he’d propose as a viable centrist campaign ([06:40]).

Platform Points 1–5 (as covered in this preview):

1. The Affordability Agenda: Abundance + Deregulation

• Merge left’s “abundance movement” with right’s push for deregulation.
• Focus on:
  • Reducing zoning regulations
  • Streamlining environmental reviews
  • “All of the above” energy (oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear)
  • Cutting red tape to expand housing and energy
  • “An obvious huge middle ground of consensus exists around reducing zoning laws, streamlining environmental reviews, embracing an all of the above energy approach, ... and cutting red tape.” ([07:19])

2. Defending the Disenfranchised, Rejecting Cultural Extremes:

• Protect marginalized groups, but also avoid enforcing “ultra-progressive” social norms.
• Example: Codify protections against discrimination (as in the Bostock Supreme Court decision), but raise thresholds on medical interventions for minors.
• Emphasize kindness and decency while protecting both free speech and religious liberty.
  • “My party platform would push Americans to be decent and kind, but make space for carve-outs on free speech and religious liberty grounds...” ([08:40])

3. Policing and Military: Support and Accountability

• Support “the work of the police and military,” but impose “unapologetic accountability” for wrongdoing.
• Policies: Zero-tolerance for police abuses, robust oversight, paired with a supportive culture for law enforcement.
• “The vast majority of cops are good, ... but the police should have oversight, too.”
• Similarly, support the military while striving for “the most moral army in the history of the world.” ([09:59])

4. Foreign Policy: Soft Power, Military Caution

• Emphasize a “militarily isolationist” disposition, avoid ground incursions and extrajudicial actions.
• Support foreign aid agencies and press allies to share in defense responsibilities.
• “Support the funding of groups like USAID ... embrace Trump’s demand for NATO allies to meet contributing demands ... but avoid at all costs, incursions and extrajudicial killings.” ([10:37])

5. Immigration: Security and Pathways

• “Intense border security and zero tolerance for people here illegally committing crimes.”
• At the same time, expand legal immigration pathways, especially for work.
• Focus on deterring illegal crossings, prioritizing deportation for those who commit crimes, streamlining judicial review, and increasing temporary work visas.
• “Lower rates of border crossings due to deterrent effect ... and a large increase in the availability of temporary work visas...” ([11:23])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On why he wouldn’t run:
  “I'm not sick in the head. Which I think you have to be to run for president. Respectfully.” (Isaac Saul, [01:48])
• On Americans’ political identity:
  “43% of Americans describe themselves as independent ... The description alone is a strong signal about how many Americans view their own politics...” (Isaac Saul, [05:21])
• On seeking moderation:
  “This third option would be a politics not of partisan rancor but of moderation. And in this current climate, it could read as refreshing and extreme in its own right.” (Isaac Saul, [04:24])
• On engagement with listeners:
  “I have gotten this push from readers before ... I get all these emails like you gotta run. And I'm like no, never. ... But I love you guys so thank you for the confidence.” ([01:50])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:43] – Show proper begins; Saul introduces the episode’s premise
• [02:23] – Why Saul would focus on centrist voters
• [03:43] – Historical review of “change” candidates
• [05:18] – The rise of independent voters, Gallup poll stats
• [06:40] – Introduction to the 10-point presidential platform
• [07:19] – Point 1: The Affordability Agenda
• [08:40] – Point 2: Defend the Disenfranchised, Avoid Extremes
• [09:59] – Point 3: Police & Military—Balance Support and Accountability
• [10:37] – Point 4: Soft Power Foreign Policy
• [11:23] – Point 5: Stronger Border, Easier Legal Pathways

Tone and Delivery

• Saul's tone is direct, self-deprecating, and personable, injecting humor into serious topics.
• He emphasizes good faith, independence, and respect for listeners’ intelligence, aiming for clarity over partisanship.

Conclusion

Takeaway

This episode stands out as a nuanced thought experiment in American politics, offering a clear, actionable centrist vision for 2028. Saul’s 10-point platform (with five points previewed here) combines pragmatism with empathy, rooted in the belief that most Americans long for sensible, moderate leadership. Both the approach and substance offer a refreshing counterpoint to the polarizing rhetoric dominating today’s discourse.

To hear the rest of the 10-point platform and complete episode, listeners are encouraged to subscribe via Tangle’s newsletter or premium podcast.