The Gist – Episode: BLT: Bacon, Lettuce, and Todd

Release Date: May 10, 2025
Host: Peach Fish Productions

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Gist, host Pesca delves into the intricacies of American politics by featuring two prominent figures: Chuck Todd, former host of Meet the Press, and Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. The episode navigates through discussions on political reforms, campaign strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party.

Expanding the House of Representatives with Chuck Todd

Timestamp [01:04] - Host Introduction

Pesca begins the episode by referencing an unaired interview with Chuck Todd, highlighting Todd's TED Talk on the expansion of the House of Representatives. The host explains Todd's proposition, which includes:

• Avoiding Constitutional Amendments: Todd suggests expanding the House without the need for constitutional changes.
• Electoral College Reformation: Proposes altering the Electoral College to reduce the disproportionate influence of sparsely populated states like Wyoming.

Timestamp [06:36] - Chuck Todd Discusses Reform

Chuck Todd elaborates on his vision for modernizing democracy:

"The infrastructure of democracy needs updating and it just simply needs updating... bringing Washington closer to the people."
(06:36)

He advocates for increasing the number of House members to enhance representation and reduce gerrymandering, proposing an increase to approximately 800 members. Todd believes this change would allow for more diverse political voices and better representation of community interests.

Key Insights:

• Enhanced Representation: Smaller constituencies would lead to representatives being more attuned to their communities.
• Reduction of Gerrymandering: More House members could make it harder to manipulate electoral districts for political gain.
• Impact on Electoral College: Adjusting the House size would balance the Electoral College, diminishing the overrepresentation of less populous states.

Timestamp [09:02] - Host Concerns Addressed

Pesca raises concerns about the feasibility and potential downsides of expanding the House, such as managing over a thousand members and the increased likelihood of having more extreme representatives. Chuck Todd counters by emphasizing the benefits of closer representation and diversity within the House.

"You're more likely to understand how your community works in a totality... it makes gerrymandering harder."
(09:02)

Interview with Congressman Don Bacon

Timestamp [14:32] - Introduction to Don Bacon

Pesca introduces Don Bacon, highlighting his tenure as a retired Air Force general and his role as a moderate Republican who has successfully critiqued former President Donald Trump on policy grounds, particularly regarding Ukraine.

Timestamp [15:12] - COVID-19 Impact on Campaigning

The conversation shifts to how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Bacon's campaign strategies:

"Our focus was to do constituent services and to make sure people understood what was in the CARES bill..."
(15:12)

Bacon explains that while large political gatherings were canceled, his team shifted focus to virtual town halls and community volunteer work, maintaining strong constituent relations despite the pandemic.

Key Topics:

• Constituent Services: Emphasis on supporting constituents through economic relief measures.
• Campaign Adjustments: Transition from in-person events to virtual engagement and direct assistance.

Timestamp [17:40] - Campaign Advantages and Challenges

Discussing the competitive nature of his district, Bacon acknowledges the Democrats' early advantage in digital fundraising but highlights his strong ground game and volunteer efforts as key strengths.

"We have a really good door knocking team and a really good calling program... we're a little farther behind, but..."
(19:27)

Timestamp [21:07] - Navigating Political Polarization

Bacon addresses the politicization of health measures like mask-wearing during the pandemic:

"I've had Democrats say, don, you better not go out without your mask... I just try to blend in with what's going on."
(22:10)

He emphasizes adaptability and respect for diverse viewpoints while maintaining personal health practices.

Timestamp [23:08] - Views on Federal Response to COVID-19

Bacon discusses public perception of the federal government's handling of the pandemic, noting that while some partisan critics exist, many constituents felt that both national and state leaders handled the situation effectively.

Election Strategy and Political Alignment

Timestamp [27:28] - Association with Donald Trump

Pesca probes into how alignment with Donald Trump affects Bacon's political standing, especially in a competitive district:

"It's not a simple answer... you cannot win just with your base, but you can't lose your base either."
(28:50)

Bacon highlights his balanced approach, appealing to both Republican supporters and moderate independents. His high Lugar Center index score underscores his bipartisan efforts.

Key Points:

• Bipartisan Endorsements: Received support from figures across the political spectrum, including former Democratic officials.
• Policy Alignment: Strong alignment with Republican policies, particularly on issues like pro-life stances and Second Amendment rights.
• Moderate Appeal: Efforts to engage with independent and moderate voters to secure electoral victory in a purple district.

Concluding Remarks

Pesca wraps up the episode by acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind The Gist, thanking the production team, and briefly mentioning sponsors. The episode offers listeners a nuanced perspective on political reform and the practical challenges faced by moderates like Don Bacon in contemporary American politics.

Notable Quotes:

"I think the infrastructure of democracy needs updating... bringing Washington closer to the people."
(06:36)

"We have a really good door knocking team and a really good calling program... we're a little farther behind, but..."
(19:27)

"It's not a simple answer... you cannot win just with your base, but you can't lose your base either."
(28:50)

Conclusion

This episode of The Gist provides an insightful exploration of political reform ideas and the strategic navigation required in modern campaigning. Through the perspectives of Chuck Todd and Don Bacon, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities within the American political landscape and the ongoing efforts to bridge partisan divides.