The Bulwark Podcast: Dan Osborne—Connecting with Working People

Release Date: August 1, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in an in-depth conversation with Dan Osborne, an independent candidate running for the United States Senate in Nebraska. The episode, titled "Dan Osborne: Connecting with Working People," delves into the challenges facing the Democratic Party, the dynamics of independent candidacies, and the pressing issues that resonate with working-class Americans.

1. Introduction and Political Climate

[01:30] Tim Miller:
Tim kicks off the discussion by highlighting the current state of the Democratic Party in various states, emphasizing the significance of having Dan Osborne on the podcast. He notes Osborne's recent Senate race in Nebraska, where he secured substantial support but ultimately lost by six and a half points to Deb Fisher—a state where Donald Trump previously won by a landslide.

[02:05] Dan Osborne:
Dan expresses his frustration with the Democratic Party's inability to compete effectively across key states, pointing out the structural challenges within the Senate and Electoral College that favor Republicans. He underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent a stagnant political environment.

2. Dan Osborne's Background and Candidacy

[10:11] Tim Miller:
Tim formally introduces Dan Osborne, highlighting his diverse background as a steam fitter, former union president, Navy veteran, and member of the Nebraska Army National Guard. Osborne’s journey from union leadership to an independent Senate candidate forms a significant part of the discussion.

[12:01] Dan Osborne:
Dan recounts his 20-year tenure with the Grain Millers International Union, culminating in his election as union president. He details the pivotal moment of leading a 77-day strike against a profitable Kellogg’s company that sought to undermine workers' wages and benefits. This experience ignited his passion for politics and advocacy for working-class Americans.

[17:30] Tim Miller:
Tim probes further into Osborne’s strike experience, asking about interactions with political figures like Governor Pete Ricketts, who surprisingly supported the strike by urging Kellogg’s to return workers.

3. Evolving Political Views and Independent Stance

[25:10] Dan Osborne:
Dan elaborates on his independent political stance, distancing himself from the traditional two-party system. He emphasizes economic issues over social ones, advocating for policies that ensure financial stability for ordinary Americans. Dan criticizes the lack of Democratic focus on supporting small family farms and Main Street businesses overwhelmed by corporate giants like Dollar General.

[31:07] Tim Miller:
Tim challenges Dan's critique of both political parties, seeking clarification on whether his disillusionment stems more from systemic corruption than ideological differences.

[31:36] Dan Osborne:
Dan agrees, highlighting the entrenched tribalism and corruption within both parties. He laments the divisiveness that forces individuals to choose sides, leading to fractured communities and families.

4. Economic Policies and Tariffs

[42:23] Dan Osborne:
The conversation shifts to economic policies, where Dan expresses skepticism about the efficacy of broad tariffs. He cites the negative impact on Nebraska’s farmers and small businesses, emphasizing that tariffs often act as a hidden tax on consumers rather than providing substantial benefits to American workers.

[43:28] Dan Osborne:
Dan references historical instances, such as the 2016 tariffs on soybeans, which harmed farmers and necessitated bailouts. He argues that while targeted tariffs might support specific industries, blanket tariffs generally do more harm than good by increasing costs for everyday consumers.

5. Immigration and Foreign Policy

[37:14] Dan Osborne:
Dan addresses the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies, condemning actions like raids and the separation of families. He criticizes the lack of due process and the human toll of these measures, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that balances national security with humanitarian considerations.

[44:55] Dan Osborne:
Discussing foreign policy, Dan emphasizes America's role in supporting allies and intervening in conflicts to prevent atrocities. He cites the Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts as areas where U.S. intervention is necessary to uphold human rights and global stability.

[47:43] Dan Osborne:
When questioned about supporting Israel, Dan asserts that while Israel has the right to defend itself, the U.S. should avoid supplying offensive munitions that exacerbate civilian casualties. He advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes peace and humanitarian aid.

6. Critique of Opponent and Political Strategy

[48:32] Dan Osborne:
Dan offers a scathing critique of his Senate opponent, Pete Ricketts, accusing him of embodying the worst aspects of corporate influence in politics. He highlights Ricketts' extensive spending on negative ad campaigns and his inability to address critical issues like sex trafficking, which ironically coincides with his public proclamations during relevant awareness months.

[50:13] Dan Osborne:
Dan articulates his dissatisfaction with Ricketts' failure to prioritize Nebraska's needs over party loyalty. He emphasizes the necessity for politicians to listen to and act on the genuine concerns of their constituents rather than adhering strictly to party lines.

7. Rapid-Fire Questions and Personal Insights

[51:18] Dan Osborne:
In a lighter segment, Tim engages Dan in rapid-fire questions about his views on past presidents. Dan praises Bill Clinton for economic management but criticizes Ronald Reagan for undermining union strength, notably through actions against air traffic controllers.

[53:10] Tim Miller:
The conversation concludes on a humorous note, with Dan sharing his thoughts on Nebraska's Huskers football, expressing optimism about their resurgence under new leadership.

8. Closing Remarks

[53:35] Tim Miller:
Tim thanks Dan Osborne for his participation, wishing him luck in his Senate campaign and acknowledging his commitment to working for Nebraska's working people.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Osborne [02:05]:
  "He is clearly kind of left progressive on a lot of economic issues, which is maybe the right path forward."

• Dan Osborne [04:05]:
  "And it's a crisis in part because of the Senate and how unfair the Senate is and how undemocratic the Senate is."

• Dan Osborne [25:24]:
  "I don't hang my hat on social issues. To me, being able to help the most amount of people is uplifting them economically."

• Dan Osborne [39:18]:
  "I don't know. You know, I have neighbors around here that are Trump supporters and, you know, they feel like economically his tariffs are going to get America ahead and economically."

• Dan Osborne [47:47]:
  "We all occupy this planet and we have to figure out ways to coexist with each other."

Conclusion

This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a thorough exploration of the intersection between union leadership and independent political candidacy through Dan Osborne's experiences. It underscores the complexities of navigating a two-party system that often overlooks the nuanced needs of working-class Americans. Osborne's perspectives on economic policies, immigration, and foreign affairs present a roadmap for those seeking pragmatic solutions over partisan rhetoric. His critique of traditional political structures and emphasis on genuine representation resonate with listeners who are disillusioned with the current state of American politics.

For individuals interested in alternative political voices and grassroots movements advocating for economic justice and effective governance, this episode provides valuable insights and a candid look into the challenges and aspirations of an independent candidate striving to make a meaningful impact.