Podcast Summary: The Gist – "Jocelyn Benson on Being a Purposeful / Purple State Warrior"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Gist
• Host/Author: Peach Fish Productions
• Episode: Jocelyn Benson on Being a Purposeful / Purple State Warrior
• Release Date: May 15, 2025
• Description: In this episode, Mike Pesca engages in an in-depth conversation with Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Secretary of State and frontrunner for the 2026 gubernatorial race. They discuss Benson’s new book, her experiences navigating election integrity amidst political turmoil, the challenges of facing threats and extremism, and her vision for strengthening democracy.

Introduction and Context

The episode begins with Mike Pesca addressing recent headlines involving RFK Jr.'s contentious appearance before Senate and House committees. Pesca contextualizes RFK Jr.'s claims about vaccines and subsequent fallout, setting the stage for a broader discussion on political integrity and leadership.

Notable Quote:

“I would say it's irresponsible for you to trust RFK, but as you know, they're not going by our definition of responsible.”
— Mike Pesca [03:24]

Interview with Jocelyn Benson

Background and Book Introduction

Mike Pesca introduces Jocelyn Benson, highlighting her role as Michigan’s Secretary of State, her leadership during the 2020 election, and her new book, "The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What's Right When the Stakes Are High." Benson explains that her book originated from her experiences post-2020 election and the January 6th events, evolving into a narrative about finding personal and communal power to enact positive change.

Notable Quote:

“Through finding that power within ourselves, we can leverage and define a better world for ourselves, for the people we love, for the places we call home.”
— Jocelyn Benson [11:06]

Facing Threats and Maintaining Determination

Benson discusses the impact of death threats and violent protests directed at public officials. She emphasizes that such threats have, instead of instilling fear, reinforced her determination and fostered a sense of solidarity among officials.

Notable Quote:

“We instead become emboldened to fight even harder than we would before.”
— Jocelyn Benson [13:07]

Organized Extremism and Community Safety

The conversation shifts to the threat posed by organized neo-Nazis and far-right extremists. Benson underscores the importance of a fact-based approach to addressing extremism, advocating for community support and targeted action without broad generalizations that could harm innocent groups.

Notable Quote:

“We have to talk about it. We have to provide support for that community.”
— Jocelyn Benson [17:56]

2020 Election Challenges and Coordination

Benson recounts the extraordinary efforts taken by election officials during the 2020 election to counteract misinformation and ensure election integrity. She highlights the importance of national coordination, sharing best practices, and enhancing cybersecurity measures, particularly in the absence of robust federal support from agencies like CISA.

Notable Quote:

“Everything we were doing was going to create a precedent for if this happened again, what was done in 2020 to guide or inform what should be done in the future.”
— Jocelyn Benson [23:17]

Ballot Access and Legal Precedents

Discussing the contentious decision not to exclude Donald Trump from the Michigan ballot, Benson explains her commitment to upholding clear legal standards and avoiding setting problematic precedents. She emphasizes the importance of allowing courts to make definitive legal determinations rather than individual officials acting on nuanced or unclear interpretations.

Notable Quote:

“Ballot access is better than not when it's unclear, because it would have been very confusing.”
— Jocelyn Benson [35:36]

Transparency vs. Election Security

Benson addresses the balance between transparency and the security of election processes. In response to subpoenas from GOP members seeking sensitive election documents, she clarifies the necessity of protecting election security over complete transparency, advocating for judicial decisions to navigate these complexities.

Notable Quote:

“There is a need to always figure out the line between transparency and protecting the security of our elections.”
— Jocelyn Benson [37:23]

Reforming Public Perceptions and Government Efficiency

Transitioning to broader themes, Benson critiques the public’s perception of government as overly toxic and inefficient. She advocates for demonstrating effective governance through tangible results, such as her successful overhaul of Michigan’s DMV to enhance efficiency and user experience.

Notable Quote:

“We were able to keep people safe and educate all voters about how to participate.”
— Jocelyn Benson [40:20]

Improving the Democratic Party’s Brand

Benson shares her vision for rejuvenating the Democratic Party’s image by focusing on delivering results that improve citizens' lives. She emphasizes the importance of professional, bipartisan, and transparent leadership to rebuild trust and demonstrate the party’s commitment to tangible progress.

Notable Quote:

“We need to revisit and become that again while listening to people and really solving the problems for folks on the ground.”
— Jocelyn Benson [43:56]

Academic Leadership and Institutional Reform

Reflecting on her tenure as the dean of Wayne State Law School, Benson draws parallels between academic administration and public governance. She highlights her data-driven approach to improving the law school’s performance, making education more affordable, and enhancing employment outcomes for graduates.

Notable Quote:

“When we can stay in those fundamentals, whether we're running a government or running a law school, we can achieve great success.”
— Jocelyn Benson [44:44]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mike Pesca wraps up the interview by reiterating Jocelyn Benson's impactful work and the relevance of her book in today's political climate. Benson expresses gratitude and underscores the universal capacity for individuals to embody warrior-like resilience in their respective roles.

Notable Quote:

“You can have a warrior within us to fight for what we believe in, no matter what profession we find ourselves in.”
— Jocelyn Benson [45:35]

Pesca closes the episode by thanking Benson and acknowledging the production team, solidifying the episode's focus on leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of a better, more secure democracy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership Amidst Adversity: Jocelyn Benson exemplifies purposeful leadership by maintaining integrity and determination in the face of threats and political challenges.

2. Election Integrity: Emphasizes the critical role of coordinated efforts and cybersecurity in safeguarding democratic processes.

3. Balancing Transparency and Security: Highlights the complexities in maintaining transparency while ensuring election security, advocating for judicial oversight.

4. Rebranding Government and Politics: Advocates for demonstrating government efficiency and bipartisan professionalism to rebuild public trust and reshape political party images.

5. Personal Resilience: Encourages individuals to transform fear and adversity into purposeful action, fostering strength and solidarity.

This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into Jocelyn Benson's strategies for effective governance, her response to political turmoil, and her vision for a resilient and transparent democratic process.