Dem Candidate for Florida Special Election Surges (Josh Weil Interview)

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Episode Summary: "Dem Candidate for Florida Special Election Surges (Josh Weil Interview)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The MeidasTouch Podcast
• Host/Author: MeidasTouch Network
• Episode: Dem Candidate for Florida Special Election Surges (Josh Weil Interview)
• Release Date: March 29, 2025

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1. Introduction and Context

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the hosts—Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas—delve into the dynamic political landscape surrounding the special election in Florida’s 6th congressional district. The discussion centers on the surge of Democratic candidate Josh Wheel and the implications of recent political maneuvers by Donald Trump and his affiliates.

2. Political Landscape and Recent Developments

The episode opens with a political analyst detailing the seismic shifts in American politics, particularly highlighting actions by Donald Trump and influential figures like Elon Musk. The analyst notes a significant political earthquake in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, a region historically dominated by Democrats since 1889. The flipping of a Senate seat to Democrat James Malone exemplifies the growing discontent among voters.

Key Points:

• Trump's Strategy in New York and Florida: Trump's pollster Fabrizio is reevaluating strategies in traditionally Republican strongholds. In New York's 6th district, Trump withdrawn Elise Stefanik’s nomination after polls indicated a decline in Republican support.
• Florida's 6th Congressional District: The Democratic candidate, Josh Wheel, is up by three to four points in a district previously considered a stronghold for Trump (a plus 30 or 35 Trump district).

Notable Quote:

"The reverberations of Donald Trump and Elon Musk... are being felt in pissed off voters." [00:58]

3. Impact on Venezuelan Immigrants

A poignant segment features a Venezuelan immigrant and her child, illustrating the human cost of political policies. They discuss the fear and uncertainty resulting from Trump's revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, a move that directly impacts their lives and livelihoods.

Key Points:

• Fear of Deportation: The immigrant expresses terror over the possibility of her son being deported, emphasizing the personal struggles faced by families.
• Policy Consequences: Despite initial support for Trump’s tough stance on Venezuelan criminal organizations, the unexpected revocation of TPS has left many immigrants in limbo.

Notable Quotes:

"Are you afraid of your son walking to school?" [02:55]
"What she didn't expect is for those policies to throw her life in limbo and stoke fear in her community." [03:41]

4. Debate on Social Security's Financial Viability

The podcast transitions into a heated discussion between the political analyst and an economic commentator about the sustainability of Social Security. The economic commentator labels Social Security as the "biggest Ponzi scheme of all time," arguing that current tax revenues are insufficient to meet future obligations due to demographic shifts such as increased life expectancy and declining birth rates.

Key Points:

• Immediate vs. Future Obligations: While the national debt is substantial now, future obligations for Social Security are projected to double, exacerbating the financial strain.
• Demographic Challenges: An aging population with fewer young workers contributing to the system raises concerns about the long-term viability of Social Security.

Notable Quotes:

"Social Security is the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time." [04:37]
"When you look at the future obligations of Social Security, the actual national debt is like double what people think it is." [05:17]

5. Interview with Josh Wheel

The core of the episode features an in-depth interview with Josh Wheel, the Democratic candidate for Florida’s 6th congressional district. Wheel addresses recent polling data, his campaign strategy, and the pressing issues facing voters in his district.

A. Reaction to Polling and Nomination Withdrawal

Wheel discusses the strategic withdrawal of Elise Stefanik’s nomination by Trump’s pollster Fabrizio, interpreting it as a sign of Trump's declining influence in the district. He emphasizes that Stefanik’s early withdrawal indicated an acknowledgment of impending loss.

Notable Quote:

"This isn't a move you make when you're scared. This is a move you make preparing for a loss." [06:31]

B. Voter Turnout and Campaign Momentum

Highlighting historic Democratic turnout, Wheel notes that despite Democrats comprising only 27% of registered voters, turnout has surged to about 40%. This elevated participation, especially in Volusia County where Democratic voters have surpassed Republicans, underscores the effectiveness of his campaign's mobilization efforts.

Notable Quote:

"We're seeing incredibly elevated voter turnout. And we're seeing in Volusia county... more Democrats have voted than Republicans." [08:20]

C. Key Issues: Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and VA Benefits

Wheel passionately advocates for preserving and protecting essential social safety nets. He contrasts his focus on voter-centric policies with his opponent Randy Fine’s lack of engagement on these critical issues.

Notable Quotes:

"They rely on these systems. They rely on Social Security, they rely on Medicaid, Medicare, they rely on the VA." [09:02]
"We have DeSantis here and super majority because of horrible gerrymandering... People cannot afford to live in Florida." [10:48]

D. Campaign Strategy and Closing Message

As the election approaches, Wheel urges continued voter engagement and turnout. He highlights the urgency of driving supporters to the polls in the final days, emphasizing that while momentum is on their side, the difference between support and actual votes must be bridged.

Notable Quote:

"For the next four days, we just have to keep driving out the vote every single day because there are a lot of Republicans in this district." [06:31]

E. Personal Connection and Local Impact

Wheel shares personal ties to the region, including his college years at Stony Brook University, to build rapport with listeners. He also addresses the economic concerns of retirees and fixed-income individuals, framing his campaign as a fight to secure their financial stability and peace of mind.

Notable Quotes:

"What are you Afraid of that they'll pick him up and he won't have time to call me." [03:02]
"These are people's retirement. We have to fight for their economic security." [13:40]

6. Conclusion and Election Day Preparations

In the closing segment, Wheel outlines steps for supporters to stay engaged and ensure maximum voter turnout. He promotes his campaign website, JoshWheel.us, as a hub for event information, phone banking, and volunteer opportunities.

Notable Quote:

"We have mobilized links up for phone banking. No matter where you are in the country, you can jump on for just two hours if you want." [13:52]

The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to support Wheel’s campaign and stay informed through MeidasTouch’s various platforms.

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Final Thoughts: This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the high-stakes special election in Florida’s 6th congressional district. Through expert analysis and a compelling interview with Josh Wheel, listeners gain insights into the shifting political tides, the mobilization of Democratic voters, and the critical issues at play, such as Social Security and economic security for retirees. The podcast effectively blends humor, brotherly banter, and serious political discourse, staying true to its unique style while providing valuable information for those following the election.

Transcript

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[Political Analyst]

The reverberations of Donald Trump and Elon Musk and Doge wrecking ball to the United States of America is being felt in pissed off voters. We reported before what went down earlier this week. A political earthquake in Pennsylvania, Lancaster county, which didn't go Democrat since 1889. A Democratic Senate seat there flipped to Democrat. A candidate named James Malone became the state senator there. We're seeing Donald Trump withdraw the nomination of Elise Stefanik in a plus 21 Trump district in New York after Trump's pollster Fabrizio, Trump's guy, started showing Donald Trump all of this data both what's going on in New York, Pennsylvania and of course what's going on in Florida, where Fabrizio, again Trump's pollster in the 6th congressional district in Florida has the Democratic candidate Josh Wheel up by anywhere between three, four or even more in what used to be viewed as a plus 30 plus 35 Trump district. The leaker himself, Mike Walls, now the national security adviser, used to hold the congressional seat there. So this is a vacant seat right now you have the Democratic candidate Josh Wheel running against a MAGA Republican, Doge candidate, Randy Fine. And Josh Wheel's got momentum. He said, watch what I was doing a few months ago. And he's got momentum. Look, people throughout Florida are absolutely pissed. It's no different in the sixth. And people are pissed for a lot of different reasons. I mean, you've got Trump supporters who may be Cuban or Venezuelan who are now having their family members targeted. We're seeing stories like this in Florida.

[Venezuelan Immigrant]

She's a Venezuelan immigrant now, terrified of being deported. Are you afraid of your son walking to school?

[Venezuelan Immigrant's Child]

Yes. Truly? Yes. What are you Afraid of that they'll pick him up and he won't have time to call me. Also that it might happen when I'm not with him or he's not with me. That is the worst fear I have.

[Venezuelan Immigrant]

Like so many other Venezuelans, she cheered when Donald Trump was elected because of his tough approach to policies such as his promise to crack down on a violent Venezuelan criminal organization.

[Advertiser]

We will expel every single illegal alien.

[Political Analyst]

Gang member and migrant criminal operating on American soil.

[Venezuelan Immigrant]

You supported Donald Trump even though you couldn't vote for him.

[Political Analyst]

Sissy Joe Croque.

[Venezuelan Immigrant's Child]

Yes. Yes. I believe there is a large community of Venezuelans who did.

[Venezuelan Immigrant]

What she didn't expect is for those policies to throw her life in limbo and stoke fear in her community. Carol is one of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants who were granted Temporary Protected Status, or tps, under the Biden administration. President Trump wiped that away for all Venezuelans. When they said the TPS is going to be revoked, were you surprised?

[Venezuelan Immigrant's Child]

Yes, totally. And this was a hard blow because practically the same day he took office, he went against Venezuelans.

[Political Analyst]

Then, of course, you have Donald Trump attacking Social Security, shutting down Social Security administration offices throughout the country, attacking Social Security, Medicaid attacking veterans in Florida and elsewhere. And then you've got Elon Musk saying it's a Ponzi scheme. That's why we're going after it. It's a Ponzi scheme.

[Economic Commentator]

Well, I mean, the government's one big permit scheme, if you ask me.

[Advertiser]

Yeah, well, you can tell me better than anything.

[Economic Commentator]

Social Security is the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.

[Political Analyst]

Right. Explain that.

[Economic Commentator]

Oh, so, well, people pay into Social Security and the money goes out of Social Security immediately, But the obligation for Social Security is your entire retirement career. So you're paying. You're paying. If you look at the future obligations of Social Security, it far exceeds the tax revenue. Far. Have you ever looked at the debt clock?

[Advertiser]

Yes.

[Economic Commentator]

Okay, there's our present day debt, but then there's our future obligations. So when you look at the future obligations of Social Security, the actual national debt is like double what people think it is because of the future obligations. So basically, people are living way longer than expected, and there are fewer babies being born. So you have more people who are retired and live for a long time and get retirement payments. So the future obligations. So however bad the financial situation is right now for the federal government, it will be much worse in the future.

[Political Analyst]

Let's bring in that candidate for Florida's 6th congressional district, Josh Wheel. Josh, we had you on earlier in the week before the news of the Fabrizio poll, the Trump's pollster shows you're running ahead. I don't want that to make voters think they don't need to get out. So I somewhat reluctant to even talk about it. But what do you make of this news? Clearly, you're one of the reasons why he pulled Stefanik's nomination and why they're freaking out right now. What do you make of all this, Josh?

[Josh Wheel]

When they pulled the Stefanik nomination, you know, it was earlier in the day and, you know, we looked at, you know, my team and I, we looked at each other right away and we said, you know, this isn't a move you make when you're scared. This is a move you make preparing for a loss. Like you, you think it's done. You think that you've lost this race. If you were scared, you would wait until Wednesday, you'd wait until the day after the election. And, you know, you'd probably call Representative Stefanik now and be like, listen, on Wednesday, we might be having a difficult conversation, but they pulled the trigger five days out. And then like four hours after that, we saw the polls. And, you know, the polls are, I mean, they confirm what our internal polling's been saying. But, you know, the polls show it's not just that we're leading, it's that they have him only at 41%. The Republican candidate is only at 41%, which is, you know, I don't know how big you're. You'd have to have a margin of error of 10 points to get him over 50%, which is what he would need to win. It's. He's so far behind in support that, yeah, we feel fantastic. But just like you said, we have to continue driving out the vote every single day because there are a lot of Republicans in this district. And, you know, you know, anything can happen until they call this race 7pm on Tuesday.

[Political Analyst]

So when you and I talked a few days ago, earlier in the week, you were analyzing the data, letting us know what you saw. Setting aside that Fabrizio Trump polling, as we now head into the weekend and we head towards that special election on April 1st next Tuesday, what are you seeing right now as we head into the weekend?

[Josh Wheel]

We're seeing historic Dem turnout. You know, we're still at about 40% of total voters in this election are Democrats in a district where 27% of registered voters are Democrats. So we're seeing incredibly elevated voter turnout. And we're seeing in Volusia county, the largest county in this district, more Democrats have voted than Republicans, which, you know, was historic when it happened on the first day of early voting because there hadn't been a single day of that in like, 30 years. And now it's, it's held, it's held for an entire week throughout early voting here.

[Political Analyst]

So what do we do now? What do you do now? What do the people do now? What do you want to see happen from now until April 1st? What's, you know, what's the closing message look like?

[Josh Wheel]

The closing messages, we're almost there. Our message is resonating with people in this district. I mean, we just, the local Fox 30 Fox affiliate just did a pair of side by side interviews. You know, myself and Randy Fine, separately. And, you know, it's wild because, you know, we watched him speak this entire time, and he doesn't mention the voters or the people once. His entire matches is either just about how terrible I am or how great Trump is. And, you know, I'm answering the same questions. I didn't know what Fine had said at the time when I was in the studio. And, you know, we're talking about the people, you know, you know that the people rely on these systems. They rely on Social Security, they rely on Medicaid, Medicare, they rely on the va. These are essential systems for people living. And they need someone to fight for that. They need someone to represent their interests. And, you know, that's, that's what they want. And if he's not even trying to sell it, which is just wild at this point because we're four days out. So for the next four days, we just have to keep, keep. We know we have the support, but having the support and having the votes are two different things.

[Political Analyst]

I grew up in Long island, and so a lot of my friends, parents now live in Florida, live in the congressional district you're running in and throughout.

[Josh Wheel]

What part of Long Island?

[Political Analyst]

Nassau County.

[Josh Wheel]

I went to Stony Brook.

[Political Analyst]

You're right there. Stony Brook's got a great university, great research center, which Donald Trump is absolutely gutting and wrecking right now. The incredible work that they're doing at Stony Brook University. We're probably around the same age. You may be a little younger than me. I don't know. How old are you?

[Josh Wheel]

40.

[Political Analyst]

We're exactly the same age. And you. And you grew up in Stony Brook. We may you play soccer.

[Josh Wheel]

I grew up down here in Orlando, but my family's up in Long island. And so I went up there for college. I lived with my uncle in St. James.

[Political Analyst]

So one of the big trips we took on Long island was Stony Brook University. We'd go to the research center. And it's sad to see all of that being gutted. Tom suozzi from the 3rd congressional district is the member of Congress there. You know, he's, he's great. And he's been getting standing ovations in a plus five Trump district, standing up against Trump's coddling of Putin. And I showed a lot of clips there. But what I want to talk about as well is, though, a lot of people, though, moving to Florida, they want to enjoy their retirement right now. They've worked hard for their life savings and their retirement to have the peace of mind. Social Security they paid into is going to be there. Their health care is going to be there. And what they're seeing now, you know, is every day, if they're watching Fox and you've got a lot of people in your district who watch Fox, they're seeing this so much. Woo.

[Advertiser]

Folks, this is a tough way to end the week. If you're long the market, if you're long gold, you're happy. But dow is losing about 7, 724. The S&P down 113. The NASDAQ down 484. That will do it for us.

[Josh Wheel]

Hello, folks. Welcome to Kudlow. I'm Larry Kudlow. So markets crash over 700 points today after a bad inflation report, more tariff confusion. Oh, and by the way, Republicans really going to raise taxes that could have done it. Our own Sandra Smith, Taylor Riggs and Jerry Wills be right here on set.

[Political Analyst]

That's kind of your closing message. That's what Randy Fine and Trump are doing. And you want to fight for the voters. I'll let you tell them yourself.

[Josh Wheel]

Yeah. 700 points down that day. That was one of the better days that week. He had like four days in a row where it crashed over a thousand points. Yeah, these are people's retirement. We have DeSantis here and super majority because of horrible gerrymandering, super majority Republican legislation that had made it impossible to live in Florida. People cannot afford to live in Florida. We're in a housing crisis, we're in insurance crisis. We had the inflation that the entire nation was suffering, we felt here as well. And there are a lot of people on fixed incomes, whether it's their retirement funds that just went in the wrong direction hard under the Trump administration or whether it's their Social Security or their veterans benefits. And all of those are at risk. And I can't tell you how many people have left me. It's just the anxiety, the not knowing. They never thought they'd be in a place where they didn't know if their Social Security, their next Social Security check was going to come through or what they would do if it doesn't.

[Political Analyst]

Well, we'll be following your race. The election is on April 1. What do you want people to know about where they can find more information about you from now until Election Day?

[Josh Wheel]

Yeah. Follow us at Josh Wheel Us Josh W E I L us. You can keep track of our events, where we're going to be. We have mobilized links up for phone banking. No matter where you are in the country, you can jump on for just two hours if you want, make phone calls, dial, get a hold of voters in our district, there's two days left for them to vote. Early voting is 10am to 6pm on Saturday and then it's election day, 7am to 7pm and that is it. So we've got to drive as many voters to the polls over these next four days as possible. But we are. We are. There it is. It is within our grasp. We just can't fumble the bag. That's it.

[Political Analyst]

There you have it. Josh wheel, running for Florida's 6 congressional district. Everybody hit subscribe and let's get to 5 million subscribers. Thanks for watching. Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas plus substack for ad. Free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].