The Brett Cooper Show

Episode 99 — "Meet the Pick-Me Politician Trying to Flip Tennessee"
Date: November 25, 2025
Host: Brett Cooper

Episode Overview

In this episode, Brett Cooper dives into the surprising and controversial special election taking place in Tennessee's 7th congressional district. The focus centers on Democratic candidate Afton Bain, a self-described outsider whose statements about Nashville, progressive activism, and political tactics have stirred significant debate. Brett dissects Bain's public persona, past social media activity, stances on hot-button issues, and the broader implications this race holds for both Tennessee and the GOP nationwide.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Tennessee’s Special Election Matters

• Brett expresses surprise at facing a polarizing local candidate after previously mocking other states’ political controversies.
• The 7th district covers much of middle Tennessee, making it a pivotal and now nationally-watched race.
• “This local election is making national news because of how unhinged this candidate is. But unfortunately, I don't know if the GOP has the horsepower to get in her way.” (02:23)

2. Introducing Afton Bain: The “Pick-Me” Politician

• Afton Bain, 33, Tennessee-born, running as a Democrat.
• Gained notoriety for statements expressing hatred for Nashville’s tourist culture:
  • “I hate the city. I hate the Bachelorettes. I hate the Pedal Taverns. I hate country music. I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently.” (04:05)
• Brett critiques Bain’s anti-Nashville stance as classic “pick-me” behavior—trying to be different for attention:
  • “[This is] the embodiment of a pick me political candidate… Oh my God, I hate country music. I literally hate every single thing about Nashville.” (05:45)
• Social media reactions question why someone who “hates everything” would run for office representing those things.

3. Bain’s Public Response & Attempts at Damage Control

• Following backlash, Bain walks back on her comments, claiming to love Nashville's cultural institutions:
  • “I cry no less than 10 times in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the girl that just goes to the Ryman to hang out.” (09:40)
• Brett is unconvinced:
  • “Afton, you literally said it yourself… That is a common thing in politics to be like, 'They’ve done this to me.' Can you believe that they're making us do this?... Those are words that came out of your actual mouth.” (11:02)

4. Progressive Focus: Trans Rights and Responding to Tragedy

• Bain’s campaign and activism pivot heavily into LGBTQ+ advocacy, especially post-Covenant shooting:
  • “I promised to carry a Trans Bill of Rights so that we could push back against the far-right narrative that is being emanated by Matt Walsh and the Daily Wire, who have set up their home in Nashville. And I promise to do that. I promise to fight for our trans community.” (13:52, quoting Bain)
• Brett’s commentary:
  • “She’s not fighting for Nashvillians. She’s just fighting against Matt Walsh and Daily Wire. That’s a winning, winning strategy. But of course, I’m saying that, and she might actually win.” (14:18)

5. Anti-Tennessee Sentiments and Political Worldview

• Bain describes East Tennessee as “godforsaken,” echoing her family's views:
  • “You're never supposed to move back to godforsaken East Tennessee.” (16:20, quoting Bain’s mother)
• Brett contrasts Republican pride in state/country with what she views as Democratic “elitist disdain.”
• Notable quote: “Say what you want about Republicans and Republican problems, but at least it seems conservatives love this country, love their states, and want to bring them to greatness. Democrats, on the contrary, are hell bent on ripping it to shreds.” (17:05)

6. Bain’s History of Radical Social Media Posts

• Old tweets resurface endorsing violence against police:
  • “Good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe that burning down a police station is justified.” (18:10, quoting Bain’s 2020 retweet)
• When pressed on MSNBC about her past tweets, Bain dodges:
  • "I'm not going to engage in cable news talking points." (20:27, quoting Bain)
• Brett criticizes refusal to clarify:
  • “You're not going to clarify your opinions that you previously posted publicly? Did you think they would just… vanish out of thin air if you've deleted them before you ran for public office?” (20:42)

7. Disdain for Law Enforcement & ICE

• Past livestream shows Bain bragging about harassing federal agents:
  • “We've got our girl squad and we're bullying the ICE vehicles and state troopers. So this is like, this is a win.” (24:05, quoting Bain)
• Brett's take:
  • “What do you think you're actually going to get done… that's really what it is. At the end of the day, it's absurd and ridiculous and performative.” (24:35)

8. Big Democratic Backing and the "AOC of Tennessee"

• House Democrats' Super PAC recently contributed $1 million to Bain’s campaign.
• National attention dubs her the "AOC of Tennessee."
• Brett expresses concern:
  • “The idea of this woman taking over a deep red district in middle Tennessee would have been unthinkable… Like, I actually am quite concerned about this.” (27:25)

9. Affordability Messaging and the Weak GOP Response

• Bain’s campaign mirrors progressive successes in other states, focusing on affordability:
  • “My message is one of helping working families across Tennessee… affordability, health care, cost of living, protect workers.” (29:00, paraphrased)
• Brett notes that GOP candidate Matt Van Epps relies on generic Trump-era messaging, failing to resonate:
  • “Matt Van Epp's campaign seems to be centered on the fact that he will support the Trump agenda... Right now, people don’t care about that. They care about money in their pockets.” (31:18)
• Brett plays Bain’s effective campaign ad (32:10).
• Insight: Successful messaging in 2025 is about affordability and fresh, anti-establishment personas—transcending party line purity.

10. Takeaways for Tennessee, the GOP, and Future Elections

• Brett urges conservatives not to take their electorate for granted, warning this race should be a wake-up call.
• “You cannot just rely on deep red voters to turn out. If she wins, that will be the lesson. You cannot just rely on a Trump endorsement and a vague promise to fulfill the MAGA agenda.” (36:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:23 | Brett Cooper | “This local election is making national news because of how unhinged this candidate is...” | | 04:05 | Afton Bain | “I hate the city. I hate the Bachelorettes. I hate the Pedal Taverns. I hate country music...” | | 09:40 | Afton Bain | “I cry no less than 10 times in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the girl that just goes to the Ryman to hang out.” | | 13:52 | Afton Bain | “I promise to carry a Trans Bill of Rights so that we could push back against the far right narrative...” | | 16:20 | Bain’s Mother | “You're never supposed to move back to godforsaken East Tennessee.” | | 18:10 | Afton Bain | “Good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe that burning down a police station is justified.” | | 20:27 | Afton Bain | “I'm not going to engage in cable news talking points.” | | 24:05 | Afton Bain | “We've got our girl squad and we're bullying the ICE vehicles and state troopers.” | | 31:18 | Brett Cooper | “Right now, people don’t care about [the Trump agenda]. They care about money in their pockets.”| | 36:28 | Brett Cooper | “You cannot just rely on deep red voters to turn out. If she wins, that will be the lesson.” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00-02:30 — Setting the stage: Special election’s significance in TN
• 02:30-06:00 — Introducing Afton Bain: Viral “I hate Nashville” controversy & social media reactions
• 07:00-12:00 — Bain’s attempted walk-back & further criticisms
• 13:30-16:30 — Progressive activism focus: Trans rights after Nashville tragedy
• 16:30-18:30 — Bain's anti-Tennessee worldview: “godforsaken” upbringing
• 18:30-22:00 — 2020 tweets supporting violence against police & MSNBC interview dodge
• 24:00-26:00 — Bragging about harassing ICE/state troopers
• 27:00-29:30 — National Democratic support & risk of district flipping blue
• 29:30-33:00 — Messaging wars: Affordability vs. tribalism, GOP campaign missteps
• 36:00-end — Broader lessons for GOP and looming midterm strategies

Final Thoughts

Brett Cooper delivers a pointed, often sarcastic critique of Afton Bain’s candidacy, using clips, tweets, and campaign messaging to argue that substance and authenticity matter less than effective, populist messaging—especially in a skeptical, shifting political landscape. The outcome of Tennessee’s special election holds potential lessons for both parties, highlighting the dangers of complacency and the changing priorities of American voters.