Podcast Summary:

The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Ammar Campa-Najjar Discusses His Plans to Defeat Darrell Issa in CA Race
Air Date: December 17, 2025
Guest: Amar Campa-Najjar

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Amar Campa-Najjar, a Navy officer and progressive candidate, who is challenging Congressman Darrell Issa in California’s 48th District. The conversation dives into the district's shifting political landscape, Issa’s alignment with Donald Trump, challenges facing local constituents, and Campa-Najjar’s biography and campaign approach—including his view that it's time to retire Issa and push California’s 48th further blue.

Key Discussion Points

1. Decline of Trump and GOP Division (00:28–03:37)

• Ben Meiselas opens the episode discussing crashing approval ratings for Donald Trump and growing disillusionment among both MAGA and non-MAGA Republicans.
• Example: Trump’s “beyond the pale” social media attacks—specifically his comments on Rob Reiner’s family tragedy—are losing him even stalwart supporters.
• Notable Quote (Ben Meiselas, 01:20):
  "His approval dropped from 57% to 50%. And we’re seeing the pushback on a daily basis as Trump’s behavior is just not acting like a freaking adult."
• Discussion of prominent Republicans (e.g., Don Bacon, Marjorie Taylor Greene) distancing themselves from Trump due to recent behavior.

2. California’s Political Shift & Darrell Issa’s Vulnerability (03:37–07:36)

• Clip played of Darrell Issa dodging questions about running for office in California or Texas, underscoring Issa’s perceived lack of commitment to his district.
• Introduction of Amar Campa-Najjar as the Democratic challenger with newfound momentum due to redistricting and demographic shifts.
• Campa-Najjar discusses the major swing:
  "I ran against him before in a very Republican district…Now it’s a D+3 district. And that just tells you it swings by 18 points in my favor." (04:28)
• Host comment: "This might feel like another interview, but this is really a retirement party for Darrell Issa." (04:28)
• Campa-Najjar emphasizes Issa’s full alignment with Trump, calling it "an albatross around his neck in this new district," and highlights Issa’s wealthy, self-dealing reputation.

3. Constituent Concerns: Economy & Accountability (07:36–10:10)

• Discussion on local issues: Cost of healthcare, housing, tariffs, and the impact of national policies on everyday lives.
• Campa-Najjar:
  "They want fighters who will put them first. Even Republicans in this district are feeling what I hear from them. They say, 'I feel lied to.'” (09:20)
• His campaign approach is inclusive:
  "You can belong before you believe in this campaign…give us a shot as Democrats to lower costs, increase wages…Then maybe your heart will soften to the more social issues…" (09:43)
• Heavy focus on connecting with disaffected Republicans and reframing the Democrats as the practical choice on economic issues.

4. Amar Campa-Najjar’s Background & Vision (10:10–12:34)

• Personal story:
  • Mexican American and Palestinian American background; lived in Gaza.
  • Naval officer, brings a global and military perspective to public service.
  • Describes himself as Trump’s “nightmare” due to his heritage and military service.
• Quote:
  "America serves best not when we lead by the example of our power, but the power of our example." (10:58)
• Focus on values: Advocates for projecting American values domestically and internationally and healing polarization at home.
• Foreign policy perspective: Hopes for nuanced, peace-driven leadership on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

5. Campaign Details & Call to Action (12:34–13:29)

• Campaign transparency: No corporate PAC money. $750,000 raised from 25,000 individual donors.
• Campaign website: AMARforcongress.com (12:37)
• Broad endorsements: Support from a range of high-profile Democrats and veterans groups.
• Closing quote:
  "This is not just one seat. This would send a shot across the bow that the days of the Trump Maga movement are numbered, beginning with the first person to ever support him back in 2015." (13:17)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s approval collapse:
  “Trump’s strong approval rating among those who call themselves MAGA… just dropped to 70%. He has a 30% disapproval amongst MAGA.” — Ben Meiselas (00:28)

• On Issa’s loyalty to Trump:
  “There’s only one person who’s with him every step of the way, has a 100% voting record with Trump, and that’s Darrell Issa.” — Amar Campa-Najjar (06:05)

• On bipartisan outreach:
  “You could belong before you believe in this campaign if you’re a Republican and you don’t believe in everything I stand for. Give us a shot as Democrats to lower costs and increase wages…” — Amar Campa-Najjar (09:43)

• On service and values:
  “America serves best not when we lead by the example of our power, but the power of our example.” — Amar Campa-Najjar (10:58)

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Content | Start – End | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------| | GOP fracture & Trump | Ben Meiselas details disillusionment with Trump | 00:28–03:37 | | Clip of Issa dodging Qs | Illustration of Issa’s evasiveness, intro to Campa-Najjar | 03:37–04:28 | | CA-48 political outlook | Campa-Najjar on redistricting, district’s shift | 04:28–07:36 | | Economic/local issues | Discussion on economic stress, approach to disaffected Republicans | 07:36–10:10 | | Campa-Najjar’s bio | His background and values; outreach to healing and bipartisanship | 10:10–12:34 | | Campaign call to action | Fundraising, endorsements, final push message | 12:34–13:29 |

Tone and Style

• The tone is sharp, energetic, and rooted in the brothers’ signature blend of humor and pointed political critique.
• Campa-Najjar is passionate, inclusive, and optimistic; the hosts are supportive, direct, and occasionally lighthearted even on serious topics.

Summary Takeaway

Amar Campa-Najjar’s campaign against Darrell Issa in California’s 48th is set against a backdrop of a rapidly changing political landscape, with Trump’s influence waning even among Republicans. Campa-Najjar’s focus is on unifying voters across lines of party and background by centering economic fairness, values-based leadership, and a pragmatic vision for the future of the district and the country. The episode is a call for Democratic mobilization and a warning shot to politicians clinging to Trump-era politics.