Podcast Summary: GA State Rep. Jasmine Clark on Trump Policies Harming Georgia
Podcast Information:
- Title: The MeidasTouch Podcast
- Host/Author: MeidasTouch Network
- Episode: GA State Rep. Jasmine Clark on Trump Policies Harming Georgia
- Release Date: August 6, 2025
Introduction
In the August 6, 2025 episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Jasmine Clark, a Georgia state representative, microbiologist, and congressional candidate. The discussion centers on the detrimental effects of former President Donald Trump's policies on the state of Georgia, examining various socio-economic and political impacts. This episode offers a blend of insightful political analysis, brotherly banter, and a deep dive into the current political climate in Georgia.
Trump’s Declining Popularity in Red States
The episode begins with the hosts highlighting a significant political shift in traditionally red states. At [00:52], the host remarks:
“Donald Trump just got a rude awakening from many red states, including, well, purplish states turning red states, but like Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan.”
Referencing the latest YouGov economist tracking, the host details the negative approval ratings Trump is receiving across several states:
- Michigan: -10
- Nevada: -9
- Wisconsin: -8
- Pennsylvania: -8
- Arizona: -6
- North Carolina: -5
- Georgia: -5
These figures underscore a significant decline in Trump’s support, with the host emphasizing, "Trump's approval ratings in Georgia are below 43% right now." This sets the stage for the conversation about how these declining numbers are impacting local politics and policies.
Clip: Congressman and Dr. Jasmine Clark on Trump’s Policies [02:17 - 04:02]
A pivotal moment in the episode features a brief yet revealing clip between a Congressman and Dr. Clark. The exchange highlights the tension surrounding discussions of tyranny and presidential power under Trump's administration.
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Dr. Jasmine Clark at [02:22]:
“Tyranny is rising in the White House and a man has declared himself our king. So I would like to know, rather the people would like to know what you congressmen and your fellow congressman are going to do to rein in the Megalomaniac in the.”
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Congressman at [02:54]:
“When you talk about tyranny, when you talk about presidential power... We are, you can disagree with me all you want...”
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Dr. Jasmine Clark at [03:49]:
“It is a voter suppression law that you signed on as a sponsor of. And I want to know why you're scared for me to vote.”
This interaction sets the tone for the episode, illustrating the deep-seated concerns about democratic processes and the influence of Trump’s policies in Georgia.
Impact of Trump’s Policies on Georgia [04:02 - 09:43]
Dr. Jasmine Clark provides an in-depth analysis of how Trump’s policies have adversely affected Georgia:
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Economic Turmoil and Tariffs:
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At [05:23]:
“The policies of Donald Trump and the policies of MAGA are harming our communities... People don't know what's going on. But what they do know is that it's hurting their pockets, it's hurting their businesses.”
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Dr. Clark elaborates on the instability caused by tariffs, highlighting the uncertainty businesses face and the direct impact on consumers, such as the rising price of eggs in Georgia.
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Immigration Policies:
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At [05:23]:
“The immigration policies of Trump and MAGA have been an absolute failure. American citizens or green card holders are getting caught up in the fray...”
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She criticizes the harsh immigration measures, emphasizing the human cost and the broader social implications of such policies.
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Public Health and CDC Cuts:
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At [05:23]:
“Cuts to the CDC and the indiscriminate firing that was done... we are still feeling the effects of that today.”
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Dr. Clark discusses the long-term consequences of reducing funding and personnel at the CDC, underlining the ongoing challenges in public health infrastructure.
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Economic Indicators and Consumer Prices:
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At [07:54]:
“The price of eggs in Georgia have not gone down. They have actually gone up. And so none of these policies are actually serving the people.”
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Highlighting consumer grievances, she points to everyday issues like the rising cost of living as a direct result of ineffective policies.
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Distrust in Leadership:
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At [08:37]:
“People in Georgia, people across this nation, don't really care to continue to enrich Donald Trump and his friends' pockets or to boost Donald Trump's ego...”
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Dr. Clark emphasizes the growing disenchantment with leaders who prioritize personal interests over public welfare.
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Dr. Jasmine Clark’s Congressional Campaign [09:43 - 14:07]
The conversation transitions to Dr. Clark’s bid for Congress in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.
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Campaign Motivation:
At [10:25], Dr. Clark states:
“I want to be a congressperson that shows up. I want to bring my science voice to the Congress...”
She underscores her commitment to science-based policy-making and her dedication to representing her community’s interests effectively.
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Challenging an Incumbent:
At [10:25], Dr. Clark explains:
“Georgia does not have any purple districts. There are Republican seats and there are Democratic seats. So the only opportunity... is to run against an incumbent.”
Highlighting the lack of competitive seats due to gerrymandering, Dr. Clark frames her campaign as a necessary challenge to longstanding political figures.
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Community Support and Engagement:
At [12:00], Dr. Clark shares:
“I got the call from the community. They said, we would love to see you there.”
She reflects on her active engagement with constituents and the community-driven impetus behind her candidacy.
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Commitment to Public Health and Education:
At [10:25], Dr. Clark emphasizes:
“As the only PhD scientist currently in the Georgia state legislature, I have been able to use my science voice to really fight for the people, fight for public health, fight for research, fight for education.”
Her background in science positions her uniquely to advocate for evidence-based policies in Congress.
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Campaign Outreach:
At [13:36], Dr. Clark provides:
“They can go to my website, which is jasmine4ga.com... I'm on TikTok, I'm on Instagram, I'm on Facebook, I'm on Threads...”
She encourages listeners to engage with her campaign across various platforms, emphasizing accessibility and transparency.
Conclusion
Dr. Jasmine Clark’s interview on The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a nuanced exploration of the detrimental impacts of Trump’s policies on Georgia. From economic instability and flawed immigration measures to weakened public health infrastructure, the discussion paints a picture of a state grappling with the fallout of national political decisions. Dr. Clark’s candidacy emerges as a response to these challenges, embodying a call for scientifically informed, community-focused leadership. Listeners are encouraged to support her campaign through her website and social media channels, signaling a movement towards progressive change in Georgia’s political landscape.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and direct quotes to provide a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.