The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Democrat Bobby Cole Discusses Race for Texas Governor
Date: December 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers welcome Bobby Cole, Democratic candidate for Texas governor, to discuss his campaign, the political climate in Texas, and the challenges faced by working families in the state. The conversation dives into the economic hardships inflicted by current GOP policies, healthcare affordability, partisan entrenchment, and Cole’s personal journey from cattle rancher and firefighter to reform-minded candidate. The episode focuses on the urgent need to protect democracy and work towards a government that serves the people, not just special interests.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Texas in Crisis: Economic and Social Challenges

[02:41-07:17]

• The hosts highlight the damage caused by the Trump regime and Governor Greg Abbott:
  • Health insurance premiums and utility costs are skyrocketing.
  • Texas's refusal to expand Medicaid has left millions without affordable coverage.
  • Trump’s tariffs have harmed small businesses, with concrete examples from local Texas entrepreneurs.
  • Loss of 120,000 small business jobs reported in the last month alone.
  • Health care premium increases: “According to the Texas Association of Health Plans… in Texas, it's expected to top 115%, which means the average monthly cost for a family is forecasted to jump from $1,600 to more than $3,400.” [07:13]
• The lack of federal emergency response for local disasters due to state politics is discussed.

Voter Disenfranchisement and Gerrymandering

[07:18-08:54]

• Recent Supreme Court decisions allowed Texas to gerrymander districts, favoring GOP control.
• The prevailing assumption that Hispanic voters are moving towards Trump is challenged, with hosts citing a dramatic net-negative approval among Hispanic voters.
• Ben Meiselas remarks: “Trump's support with Hispanics in Texas and throughout the country has collapsed. Negative 58 net approval among the Hispanic community.” [07:52]

Bobby Cole on Why He’s Running

[08:04-11:22]

• Bobby Cole outlines his motivations:
  • Disillusionment with a government “tearing itself down to the point that it doesn’t function for the people.”
  • Belief in government as an extension of the people: “Government is the people and people are the government.” [10:41]
  • A commitment to supporting working families, affordable healthcare, fair wages, and true representation.
• Notable Quote:
  • “I would run. I am running for governor because I want to make government actually work for the people and actually meet their needs.” — Bobby Cole [10:52]

Battling Deep Partisan Entrenchment

[08:54-10:19]

• Discussion of Texas’s history and the belief that the state can return to Democratic leadership.
• The hosts and Cole agree that the current party in power acts counter to the interest of the majority.

Personal Story and Call to Service

[11:22-14:39]

• Cole reflects on his upbringing, his grandparents’ generation, and the sense of duty that inspired him to enter politics:
  • “The government didn’t come to him and say, hey, would it be convenient… They just said, you know, your service is demanded. Here’s a gun, and slapped him on the back and said go fight for your country. And so that’s the attitude I took.” [12:34]
• He views the current rise of authoritarian MAGA politics as a direct threat to democracy and his children’s legacy.
• Cole positions himself as a rural candidate able to reach and represent rural Texans whose values are being ignored by the GOP.

Vision for Texas and Grassroots Organizing

[14:39-15:40]

• Cole calls for public support and highlights his grassroots, people-powered campaign.
  • “This campaign is about the people and I need the people’s help. …I am the candidate that can do in Texas what a generation—it’s been a generation since—as a Democrat, I can win this state. I am change. I am the agent of change and I am for working families and I’m for fair wages and economic justice and I’m for protecting the legacy of democracy that’s been left to all of us. And I want to make sure it’s given to the next generation.” [14:59]
• Directs listeners to coleforgovernor.com for more information and ways to get involved.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s almost like they don’t want anybody to vote for them. And the only way I can explain that is they don’t want your vote. They’re gonna gerrymander their way in, or they’re simply not going to have a vote anymore. So, you know, when you got the Supreme Court in your back pocket.” — Bobby Cole [08:25]

• “If you’re not going to fight for [your children’s future], I don’t know what you’ll fight for. And… there’s this MAGA movement afoot, and it’s an authoritarian movement.” — Bobby Cole [12:01]

• “If that candidate could break through and become the Democratic governor of Texas, it would be a big red roadblock to this MAGA movement nationally. And that’s what I’m prepared to do.” — Bobby Cole [14:34]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:41] – Texas protests and economic pain under GOP policies
• [05:32] – Health care premium increases and coverage crisis
• [07:18] – Gerrymandering and Hispanic voter trends
• [08:04] – Bobby Cole joins; campaign motivations and critique of GOP
• [10:41] – Cole's philosophy on government serving the people
• [11:22] – Cole’s personal background and call to service
• [14:39] – Cole’s closing campaign message and grassroots call

Tone:
The tone throughout is a mix of urgency, frustration with the current GOP leadership, and optimism for change anchored in grassroots activism and genuine public service. Bobby Cole, practical and plainspoken, channels rural values and a sense of duty, while the hosts layer their trademark humor and fervent support for democracy.