DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene on Dems Winning Midterms

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene on Dems Winning Midterms
Release Date: August 9, 2025
Host/Author: MeidasTouch Network
Guests: Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)

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Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas engage in a compelling discussion with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, the Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The conversation centers around the strategies and challenges facing Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, particularly in the context of Republican efforts to influence outcomes through redistricting.

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Republican Redistricting Efforts and Democratic Response

Host 2 initiates the dialogue by addressing the alarming trend of declining approval ratings for former President Donald Trump and the increasing identification of Americans, including independents, leaning towards the Democratic Party. He highlights the desperation among MAGA Republicans, who are allegedly resorting to redistricting tactics to secure electoral victories.

Host 2 [05:37]: "Donald trump's approval plummeting to new lows and as more Americans and independents are also identifying as Democrat over Republican, these MAGA Republicans are getting very desperate and they're showing their cards just how desperate they are on live TV."

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene responds by emphasizing the Democratic understanding of constitutional principles, particularly the separation of powers, and condemns the Republicans' attempts to circumvent electoral rules.

Suzan DelBene [07:49]: "We're fighting back. People are going to be fighting back across the country because this is about representation. Republicans are scared; they know they can't win, so they're trying to rig the system."

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Gerrymandering and Election Integrity

The discussion delves into the contentious issue of gerrymandering, with Host 2 citing statements from Republican figures and media personalities who blame Democrats for manipulating electoral maps to their advantage.

Host 2 [05:37]: "Stephen Miller... says, 'Democrats have gerrymandered this country beyond recognition.'"

DelBene counters these claims by pointing out the Democrats' own history with redistricting and underscores the Republican initiatives in states like Texas and Indiana to manipulate electoral maps further.

Suzan DelBene [07:49]: "Democrats had tentacles of an octopus... they are the masters of it. Now they're hypocritically complaining about it while they engage in rigging efforts."

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DCCC's Strategy for the Midterms

When questioned about the DCCC's approach to counteracting Republican strategies, DelBene outlines a multifaceted plan focused on recruiting strong candidates, targeting key districts, and addressing the pressing issues that resonate with voters.

Suzan DelBene [09:27]: "We are targeting thirty-five districts across the country where we have opportunities to pick up seats. We have thirty-five seats, recruiting great candidates because we know when we have great candidates who are talking about the issues that matter on the ground, we win."

She highlights the overperformance of Democrats in recent special elections, attributing it to voter dissatisfaction with the current Republican administration's handling of critical issues.

Suzan DelBene [09:27]: "Since November of 2024, Democrats have been overperforming by about fifteen points because people are so outraged about what's happened under this administration."

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Key Issues Driving Voter Sentiment

The conversation shifts to the primary concerns driving voters away from the Republican Party, including the rising cost of living, healthcare challenges, and the perceived failure of Republican policies to deliver on promises.

Suzan DelBene [12:41]: "Families are struggling with the cost of housing, child care, health care, energy costs all going up because of actions taken by this administration and Republicans in Congress."

DelBene emphasizes that these tangible issues are leading to increased voter turnout and support for Democratic candidates who prioritize affordability and quality healthcare.

Suzan DelBene [14:40]: "People are outraged. That's why you see people standing up, gathering, making sure their voices are heard. We have candidates running across the country who are listening, connecting with people, talking about what they will do to lower costs."

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Policy Focus and Future Outlook

Addressing broader policy concerns, DelBene discusses the impact of Republican-led initiatives on healthcare and social security, highlighting significant cuts and increased premiums that burden American families.

Suzan DelBene [14:40]: "Massive cuts to Medicaid, premium tax credits, healthcare premiums are increasing because of the big ugly bill from Republicans. People are feeling all of that."

She conveys optimism about the Democratic strategy, believing that continued voter engagement and policy advocacy will enable Democrats to reclaim the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterms.

Suzan DelBene [15:47]: "When people's voices are heard, we're going to win and we'll take back the House in 2026."

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with DelBene reaffirming her commitment to the Democratic cause and the necessity of countering Republican strategies that undermine electoral integrity. The hosts and DelBene highlight the importance of constituency engagement and policy-focused campaigning as pivotal elements for Democratic success in the midterm elections.

Suzan DelBene [16:05]: "We have candidates running across the country who are listening, connecting with people, talking about what they will do to lower costs and ensure affordable quality healthcare."

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Key Takeaways

• Republican Redistricting Efforts: GOP leaders are allegedly engaging in redistricting to secure electoral advantages amid declining approval ratings.

• Democratic Countermeasures: The DCCC is actively recruiting strong candidates and targeting key districts to regain majority control in the House.

• Voter Concerns: Rising costs of living, healthcare challenges, and unmet promises are driving voters towards Democratic candidates.

• Policy Focus: Addressing affordability, healthcare, and social security are central to the Democratic campaign strategy.

• Hope for 2026: With strategic planning and voter engagement, Democrats aim to reclaim the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterms.

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Notable Quotes:

• Host 2 [05:37]: "MAGA Republicans are getting very desperate and they're showing their cards just how desperate they are on live TV."

• Suzan DelBene [07:49]: "Republicans are scared they know they can't win, so they're trying to rig the system."

• Suzan DelBene [09:27]: "We won in fourteen districts that Donald Trump also won in because they are strong representatives of their community."

• Suzan DelBene [12:41]: "Families are struggling with the cost of housing, child care, health care, energy costs all going up."

• Suzan DelBene [15:47]: "We're going to win and we'll take back the House in 2026."

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This episode provides an insightful look into the current political landscape, highlighting the strategies employed by both major parties as they vie for control in the critical midterm elections. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene's perspectives offer a clear roadmap of the Democratic approach to overcoming Republican tactics and addressing the pressing issues faced by American voters.

Transcript

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[Susan DelBene]

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[Host 1]

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[Susan DelBene]

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[Host 2]

Oh could.

[Susan DelBene]

I go to the next if you're thirsting for no we aren't there yet kids won't stop crying we brought snacks but they wanted other snacks stop pulling each other's hair and we made it fourteen minutes with no screams level refreshment we definitely have that swing by circle k and get a polar pop for just seventy nine cents only for inner circle members when you're feeling the heat circle k makes your day as donald trump's approval plummets to new lows and as more americans and independents are also identifying as democrat over republican these maga republicans are getting very desperate and they're showing their cards just how desperate they are on live tv they put the propaganda machine into high gear and and frankly it's incredibly humiliating one of their mouthpieces is former maga republican congress member shaffetz who's now surprise surprise a host on fox and he said you know the real issue here is democrats they don't understand separation of powers that's the issue they don't know how this really i mean after donald trump's like literally engaged in a fascist takeover of our country that's what you're beaming into your magnum mush brain viewers here play this clip yeah tough to convince him of that right now aaron meantime back to you jason three democratic representatives esplanade velasquez goldman blocked from entering an ice detention center in brooklyn they claim they were locked in a certain area but the truth is they need seven days notice they're trying to go around the rules and then they're shocked and outraged when they're blocked out jason what do you think they just don't fundamentally understand the constitution we have in this country a separation of powers the executive branch can't just blow into their offices and go talk to their staff and and go shuffle through their their papers and vice versa is true they just don't understand the constitution if they want to tour the facility i'm sure homeland security be glad to give them one but there's a right way and a wrong way to do it this is merely a political stunt yet again from these people who just want an instagram click and not really interested in solving any problems the gaslighting is so next level it's ridiculous it's so ridiculous i don't even think i need to fact check that then you have stephen miller one of donald trump's top advisors the one responsible for all of these dastardly immigration raids disappearing migrants and citizens alike into concentration camps here miller says you know the big issue here it's democrats gerrymandering that's the issue really i mean as the maga republicans are trying to rig the midterms this is the messaging and by the way i mean they're doing this to brainwash their audience on fox here play this clip the democrats have gerrymandered this country beyond recognition republicans won in the biggest blue states about forty percent of the vote in the last election states like california and new york according to the official tally but only got twenty percent of the votes i'm talking about the house republicans here you literally have donald trump this morning posting that he wants to do another census immediately to try to rig the maps we see what's happening in texas now trump has also ordered indiana to rig their maps as well here is the governor of indiana saying yeah you know we're looking into rigging our maps basically also whatever donald trump orders we may do in indiana here play this clip is.

[Host 2]

You'Re going to meet with vice president jd vance a little bit later today i know a lot of things are on the agenda but one of them is something that's caught the attention of the nation over this past week president trump wants to see some redistricting in republican led states you are one of them this is what he said to politico yesterday i'm sorry republican operatives said to politico i think the legislature is led and infiltrated by spineless republicans many former democrats desperate to hold office if anyone can give them a spine to act though it's president trump how do you see the possibility of redistricting in indiana playing out over the next six.

[Susan DelBene]

Months so you can see texas is leading the charge here and what the reaction has been down there missouri ohio indiana you know the heartland of the country all looking at the same thing and i think it's very rich for democrats remember when i looked at our map when i was a state rep that the democrats had done it looked like tentacles of an octopus they have done that and the fact that they're hypocritically now complaining about it when they have been the masters of it i think that needs to be noted here in indiana we've become more republican over time and these maps probably need the gaslighting is so next level and then you have jesse waters the host of fox just giving the game away let's show you what he says katie i believe we should just gerrymander the bejesus out of these maps and just destroy democrat representation where we can yeah and it's just we're in a war now we're in a war they screwed around and now they're about to find out let's bring in democratic congresswoman and chair of the dccc susan del benne congresswoman they're looking very desperate right there the gaslighting is next level approval for donald trump is plummeting they're engaged these maga republicans are engaged in these transparent rigging of the midterms and then they have the audacity to say those things what's the dccc doing right now what's your take on what i just showed you though i guess to start well i.

[Host 2]

Think first as you said they are running scared right now they are scared that they can't keep a majority in the house of representatives because they are not standing up for the issues that the american people care about you didn't hear once in any of those videos anyone talk about what they're hearing from people around what the people of texas want what the people of indiana want this is all about taking orders from donald trump and we should be making sure that voters get to pick their representatives that it's not politicians picking their voters that's what republicans want to do we're fighting back people are going to be fighting back across the country because this is about representation across the country they're scared they know they can't win so they're trying to rig the system.

[Susan DelBene]

We'Ve been following a lot of state and local races where we've seen democratic over performance by about ten points or so in these local races and it's always interesting to me because then every time that happens it's reported as a big shocker just happened in omaha big shocker happened in lancaster another huge i'm like are you following the data it wouldn't be a big shocker americans hate what's going on right now so what's the dccc doing just so everybody knows the democratic congressional campaign committee you work with the candidates who are running in the midterm cycle you're the leader of taking the house back that's your job so what are you doing to ensure that one if trump rigs this thing they'll still be the ability to take back the house what are you doing.

[Host 2]

To fight back well first you're right on special elections since november of twenty twenty four democrats have been overperforming by about fifteen points because people are so outraged about what's happened under this administration and with republicans in congress so we're doing a lot of things to fight back first we are targeting thirty five districts across the country where we have opportunities to pick up seats republicans only have a three seat majority in the house of representatives right now so only three more seats across the country we have thirty five seats recruiting great candidates because we know when we have great candidates who are talking about the issues that matter on the ground we win we won actually in twenty twenty four we won in fourteen districts that donald trump also won in so we have fourteen democrats in congress who won in trump districts because they are strong representatives of their community we know we can win in these districts with great candidates and we are going to be offense across the country because the number one issue to people across the country is the cost of living donald trump promised to lower costs on day one that is a big broken promise republicans have been passing legislation that raises prices for american families whether it's the tariffs that we've seen this big ugly bill they passed raising the cost of health care of food energy prices across the board republicans have broken their promise to the american people and that's why you're seeing more and more folks in special elections but more and more folks turning out across the country standing up wanting to see change we're going to have great candidates to provide them that option and we're going to take back the house in twenty twenty six you know what's.

[Susan DelBene]

Interesting is usually fox parrots the trump talking points but when it comes to trump's cover up of the epstein files or donald trump saying that he's defeated inflict and everything is great they can't do that right so their pivot is let's talk about sydney sweeney and let's talk about anything other than what's actually happening on the ground and you know when donald trump's out there and says i've saw this is what he's saying in his speeches i've solved inflation grocery prices are lower gas is a dollar ninety eight and then you combine it with him saying epstein's all a hoax to me this all comes together as you are just oh and by the way when it comes to what he's saying about you know bringing peace to ukraine his line now when you finally corner him is this was all a joke i was being sarcastic i never really meant those things you should have known that i was being sarcastic and to me that's when it's like you don't have to be a political person to just go what are you doing is that what you're hearing on the ground i mean what are you hearing from the people you know when with with your candidates across the country well.

[Host 2]

I think you're hearing exactly what you said what happens is when you say oh you know i've made prices goes down when you haven't is it doesn't ring true to people families are struggling with the cost of housing child care health care energy costs all going up because of actions taken by this administration and republicans in congress and people feel that when they go to the grocery store they know prices are going up so he can say whatever he wants to say it does not resonate with people and that's why you see such a huge response to the public and that's why republicans don't want to do town halls and talk to their constituents and because they don't want to hear from folks the challenges they're facing they just want to keep doing the bidding of donald trump in fact it seems like they don't want to listen to their constituents ever they just do whatever they're told but people are standing up they want to make sure their voices are heard and we have candidates running across the country who are listening who are connecting with people who are talking about what they will do to lower costs to help make sure that we have affordable quality health care and everywhere in our country and republicans can't fight against that because they have nothing to fight with they aren't interested in doing policy they aren't interested in connecting with their voters that's why they're running scared and that's why their big focus now is just on rigging the system anything.

[Susan DelBene]

Else that's on your mind you know oftentimes as an interview we go in with a set of questions but you're seeing things on the ground that i'm not seeing i mean you are speaking to all of these candidates who are out there speaking to people so is there anything you think that maybe isn't getting enough attention or you think should be focused on beyond the issues of kind of affordability which is a major one that needs to be spoken to at this time before we go well.

[Host 2]

I think you know affordability health care these massive cuts they're making to medicaid impacting the premium tax credits that people have had to help pay premiums huge increases coming to health care premiums next year because of the big ugly bill from republicans people are feeling all of that the cost of the grocery store the impact on health care programs that they depend on being gutted concerns around veterans benefits and social security benefits it hits everyone and so people are outraged that's why you see people standing up gathering making sure their voices are heard and i think story after story that we hear and the fact that people are willing to share their stories in this difficult time also shows how personal and impactful the actions of this administration have been to people already because only been seven months people are feeling that impact and are standing up and absolutely when people's voices are heard we're going to win and we'll take back the.

[Susan DelBene]

Majority of congresswoman susan del bene chair of the dccc and as i told you before we started one of my first internships was with the two thousand three two thousand four chair of the dccc now i get to interview the.

[Host 2]

Current chair there you go one big.

[Susan DelBene]

One the big circle everybody hit subscribe let's get to six million subscribers thanks for watching the truth is more important than ever check out our new truth over lies collection at store dot midas touch dot com all one hundred percent usa union made.

[Host 1]

From the cascades to pdx to your kitchen we recycle like we live here that's why governments brands and recycling companies are all joining together to bring change to make recycling better as in trusting that your recyclables end up in the right places to be made into new things and having brands help fund the cost of recycling you can find the latest updates at recycleon dot org oregon from mount hood to the bin under your desk together we can do this this is one of.

[Susan DelBene]

The most spectacular venues with all kinds of character and hospitality scenery these people in this gitas valley they love when you come to see what they have i'm jj harris an ellensburg rodeo clown and i want to invite you to the rodeo come hang out with us in ellensburg great rodeo great time two performances on saturday one is the extreme bulls of the year event do not miss the ellensburg rodeo august twenty ninth through september first we'll see you there.

[Host 1]

From the cascades to pdx to your kitchen we recycle like we live here that's why governments brands and recycling companies are all joining together to bring change to make recycling better as in trusting that your recyclables end up in the right places to be made into new things and having brands help fund the costs of recycling you can find the latest updates at recycleon dot org oregon from mount hood to the bin under your desk together we can do this from the cascades to pdx to your kitchen we recycle like we live here that's why governments brands and recycling companies are all joining together to bring change to make recycling better as in trusting that your recyclables end up in the right places to be made into new things and having brands help fund the cost of recycling you can find the latest updates at recycleon dot org oregon from mount hood to the bin under your desk together we can do this from the cascades to pdx to your kitchen we recycle like we live here that's why governments brands and recycling companies are all joining together to bring change to make recycling better as in trusting that your recyclables end up in the right places to be made into new things and having brands help fund the cost of recycling you can find the latest updates at recycleon dot org oregon from mount hood to the bin under your desk together we can do this.