The Joy Reid Show — Bonus Episode: Cori Bush Interview

Date: October 15, 2025
Host: Joy-Ann Reid
Guest: Cori Bush, Former Congresswoman (MO-1), activist, and current candidate for Congress

Episode Overview

In this special episode, Joy-Ann Reid sits down with Cori Bush, who discusses her political journey, her ouster from Congress, and her bid to reclaim her Missouri seat. The conversation delves into the hard realities of progressive Democratic politics, the power of special interests and AIPAC in recent elections, the inner workings and tensions of Congress, as well as personal stories of struggle and resilience. The episode offers firsthand insight into Bush's motivations, legislative priorities, and ongoing commitment to her St. Louis community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cori Bush’s Political Journey & Motivation

• Background:
  Bush discusses her grassroots origins as a nurse, single mother, and Ferguson protestor, eventually unseating a long-standing political dynasty in Missouri's 1st District.
• Why She’s Running Again:
  Bush emphasizes her deep bond with her community, describing St. Louis as resilient and in need of a leader “who shows up.”

  “I’m the one that shows up. St. Louis needs that type of representative, the one that shows up, the one that will get gritty because we’re a gritty people, the one that will stand with all of humanity because that’s who we are.” (08:39)

• Tensions with Current Representative Wesley Bell:
  Bush critiques Bell, stating he lacks her connection with the community and willingness to act boldly.

  “He’s not like us. ... One thing they say to me is, ‘Cori, we don’t agree on the issues, but you are a fighter. And so for that, I support you.’” (09:51–10:15)

2. Relationship and Fallout with Wesley Bell

• Origins of Their Relationship:
  Bush met Bell during the Ferguson protests; initially, he was not trusted by activists. They later developed a working “kinship” as pioneering Black officials.
• Alleged Betrayal:
  Bush recounts Bell’s assurances he wouldn’t run against her, then his subsequent decision (aligned with her pro-ceasefire stance on Israel-Gaza) to challenge her, apparently motivated by disagreement over Middle East policy and AIPAC support.

  “So, you know, initially during the Ferguson uprising, that’s when I met him… But people, most of us frontline activists, knew of him as just being someone who wasn’t all that friendly to the protesters, who didn’t embrace us.” (13:44) “He came out the day that he announced… He had a press conference… he spoke about standing 100% with Israel and he talked about me and… the ceasefire resolution that I introduced. And that was his reason for running against me.” (21:33)

3. The Power of AIPAC and Money in Politics

• AIPAC Involvement:
  Bush details AIPAC's escalating intervention in Democratic primaries, targeting progressive Black incumbents, especially those critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

  “I was told, well, some articles came out... saying the Republicans, like, I was like one of their biggest targets... But then once I came out with the ceasefire resolution and AIPAC started talking about... they have $100 million to challenge Democrats who are, I guess, pro Palestine...” (23:33)

• Impact on Elections:
  Bush and Jamal Bowman were both ousted amid massive outside spending.

  “It wound up being $15 million with APAC money and crypto money, and I think it was even big real estate.” (25:43)

• Congressional Leadership’s Response:
  Bush describes limited support from Democratic leadership, noting hesitation related to past primary challenges to incumbents.

  “Yes, there were conversations that, oh, we're going to be there for you ... Then it turned into... a lot of back and forth because... I had supported when Nina Turner was running before...” (26:15)

4. Insider Perspective: Congressional Dynamics & The “Squad”

• Tensions Faced by Progressive Newcomers:
  The squad’s victories by unseating incumbents bred suspicion from the Democratic establishment, despite their legislative productivity.

  “I showed up in Congress and I worked my butt off... We championed on houselessness, we championed the Equal Rights Amendment... climate justice... $2 billion home to my district.” (28:00–29:00)

• Advice for the Party:
  Bush urges Democrats to utilize members’ true strengths and avoid “sidelining” effective messengers or fighters, regardless of ideology.

  “Don’t sideline us. I am a strong believer and you have those who are skilled in a particular area do that thing.” (30:38)

5. Inside AIPAC’s Influence in Congress

• Strategies & Tactics:
  Bush describes being warned about AIPAC’s reach, including attempts to influence or silence members—even prior to entering Congress.

  “AIPAC said that they know you’re not going to change your policy stance. They just want you to be silent about it. If you’re not silent... expect to have a tumultuous entrance into your tenure in Congress.” (33:35)

• AIPAC’s Junkets & Pressure:
  Anecdotes of members being warned about “handlers” or honeytraps, and Bush’s refusal to attend “propaganda” trips.

  “I learned about the trip years ago... They do those trips with clergy, state officials... it starts before you ever hit federal level.” (34:39)

6. Legislative Fights & The Build Back Better Debate

• Progressive Leverage Lost:
  Bush recounts the struggle to preserve the full Build Back Better agenda, the splitting of the bill, and standing up to pressure from Biden for a partial win.

  “If we would have passed the Build Back Better act along with the infrastructure bill ... maybe people would not have been supporting Donald Trump over the price of eggs.” (42:58–44:45)

7. Poverty, Representation, and Marginalization

• Why Representation Matters:
  Bush stresses the need for elected officials who’ve lived through poverty and can effectively advocate for the marginalized.

  “You’re not sworn in saying that for the people who voted for me... No, you represent all of the people.” (48:09)

• Critique of the Democratic Establishment:
  She criticizes discomfort around naming and addressing poverty.

  “I remember being told when I entered Congress, don’t say poor. And I was so glad when I was put on the poverty task force...” (47:13)

8. Personal Stories: Security, Threats, and Ethics Accusations

• Attacks and Security Risks:
  Bush describes frequent death threats, attempts on her life, and needing ongoing security.

  “I had not only threats, I had attempts on my life... trying to date with security, you know, but so we were dating, and security would be with me.” (51:56–53:27)

• Husband’s Role & Ethics Investigation:
  The episode covers the scrutiny and DOJ investigation over Bush hiring her security-expert husband, their compliance with regulations, and the personal toll.

  “Once we were investigated by Office of Congressional Ethics and it came back unanimous, no wrongdoing, that person was even more angry... But we were confident... we knew that we would be okay. But... they keep coming back trying to see if they could find something.” (55:57–58:00)

9. Policy Lightning Round & Reflections on Democratic Futures

(Timestamps are for start of issues; detail responses span several minutes each.)

• Tariffs & Working Families:
  (62:24) Bush opposes regressive tariffs, saying people in St. Louis can’t afford further cost increases.
• Federal Troops in "Blue Cities":
  (63:38) She warns Trump’s use of militarized force is designed to sow chaos and fears for democracy.
• Election Integrity:
  (64:55) Expresses uncertainty about free and fair elections, hopes for a “warrior” capable of restoring democratic norms.
• Immigration:
  (65:20) Advocates for a “humane process and pathway for citizenship.” Recalls the inhumanity witnessed at the border.
• Healthcare & CR Votes:
  (68:02) Bush would vote with Democrats to prevent coverage loss and supports expanding government healthcare.
• Abortion Rights:
  (70:04) Fears de facto national abortion ban; stresses the importance of defending Mifepristone access and the ERA.
• ERA & Biden’s Legacy:
  (71:36) Criticizes Biden for failing to record the ERA, sees this as a missed moment for gender equality.
• Student Debt Relief:
  (74:45) Praises Biden’s achievements in student debt cancellation but believes Gaza will define his legacy for many young voters.

10. Reflections on Gaza & Prospects for Peace

• Ceasefire Agreements:
  (76:22) Skeptical about announced ceasefire, citing past experience: “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
• Long-term effects and Aid:
  Expresses concern about meaningful humanitarian aid, environmental and health effects in Gaza.

11. Rebuilding After Trump, Black Women, and Hope

• Economic Hardship:
  (79:41) Acknowledges heavy job losses among Black women post-Trump, stressing the need to rebuild by empowering sidelined leaders and advancing skilled Black professionals.
• Grassroots Solutions:
  Calls for “table-flippers”—bold activists and organizers—to lead the rebuilding process.
• On Representing St. Louis Again:
  (83:45) Her plans depend on who wins the presidency; first action would be to reverse Trump-aligned legislation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Fighting for Her District:
  “I’m running again because St. Louis deserves leadership that doesn’t wait for permission, doesn’t answer to wealthy donors, and doesn’t hide when things get tough.” (05:57, campaign video)
• On the Power of Money in Politics:
  “Have you ever had 25 million against you? So how do you know I will be fine?” (25:31)
• On AIPAC’s Threats:
  “If the tanks didn’t back me down during the Ferguson uprising... you think you all coming for me... is going to stop me?” (33:36)
• On Messaging and Progressive Tension:
  “Don’t sideline us... Have those who are skilled in a particular area do that thing.” (30:38)
• On Security Threats and Personal Resilience:
  “I had not only threats, I had attempts on my life.” (52:29)

Lighthearted & Personal Segments

• Walk-on Song:
  "Never Scared” by Bone Crusher (85:45)
• Favorite Musical:
  “The Wiz”—Bush would play Dorothy. (86:11)
• Hope and Joy:
  Hope: “We are still here which means so much more can be done.” (87:16) Joy: “My husband and our kids… Because my family has gone through everything that I’ve gone through.” (87:41)
• St. Louis Food Recommendation:
  Ribs—both “hood ribs” and “bougie ribs”—and St. Louis Chinese food. (88:41)

Conclusion

This episode provides a deep, personal, and strategic look at Cori Bush’s experience in Congress, her philosophy on representation, and the realities of American political power, particularly as it intersects with special interests and grassroots activism. It is an unfiltered account of a progressive movement navigating institutional pushback, personal adversity, and systemic challenges, all through the resilient voice of Cori Bush.

For listeners who want to understand the current and future struggles within the Democratic party, the role of AIPAC in Democratic primaries, the lived reality of political activism, and the enduring spirit of Cori Bush, this episode is essential.