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Host
T Mobile 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. If the election were to be held today, Donald Trump would be losing all of these states. I mean, just take a look at the latest YouGov economist tracking. He's negative 10 in Michigan, negative 9 in Nevada, negative 8 in Wisconsin, negative 8 in Pennsylvania, negative 6 in Arizona, negative 5 in North Carolina, negative 5 in Georgia. The Atlantic Journal Constitution shows how new polling finds that most Georgia voters oppose Donald Trump's disastrous budget plan. His approval ratings in Georgia are below 43% right now. And again, you know, Georgia unfortunately went for Donald Trump in 2024. I just think back to February when we were seeing in red districts like MAGA Republican Rich McCormick's district was when people started showing up in February to let these MAGA Republican Congress members in the red districts know how the people felt about them. And I'm just thinking, here we are in August, now they're not even doing town halls, these MAGA Republicans. But when they did do them in February, here's what it looked like. Just to remind you, let's play it.
Congressman
We're not in a cult, not as a party.
Dr. Jasmine Clark
Elon was going to be the main topic tonight, and he's going to continue to be the main topic tonight because we are all freaking pissed off about this. You're gonna hear it and feel it. 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.
Congressman
When you talk about tyranny, when you talk about presidential power, I remember having the same discussion with Republicans when Biden was elected. The funny thing is you're sitting here and a lot of you would probably say those January sixes who are yelling just as loud as you, who are upset just like you were supposed to have great balance and power. We are. You can disagree with me all you want, but I'm just telling you the way it is. And, and I get that you don't agree with me and you think I'm not telling the truth unless they're lying to me and you can say they are. So, so who, okay.
Host
What is the expected outcome of Canadian tariffs?
Congressman
Most of the tariffs were immediately lifted because they conceded you.
Dr. Jasmine Clark
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.
Congressman
I am definitely not scared of you. Vote.
Host
Well, that was in February. Doesn't that feel like that was generations ago? That was five months ago. And we've seen since then all of those voters there who showed up were right to feel the fears that, that they saw at the time. And what they saw come. And we've seen what Trump and Mustard dismantling the government. We see the disastrous impacts now of the trade war against the world. We see the disastrous budget bill that's going to be taking off potentially millions of people off their health care in Georgia. I want to bring in a state representative of Georgia who's running for Congress in Georgia's 13th congressional district. Want to bring in Dr. Jasmine Clark, PhD, microbiologist, a sitting state legislator, an educator. You're someone who has devoted your life to science, someone who's devoted your life to a fact based approach. And you've seen the cuts in Georgia and throughout the country. And you're running against someone also who's got a lot of health problems, who wasn't even there for like missed a whole month of voting. As, as, as well. So just let's start off with Georgia. Since that clip I showed you of Congressmember McCormick and since those days in February. Where are we now? And then let's talk about your race.
Dr. Jasmine Clark
Yeah, absolutely. So I think the people of Georgia are definitely still, still feeling like the policies of Donald Trump and the policies of MAGA are harming our communities. So you talk about small business owners. They are still feeling consequence, these consequences of the tariffs. It goes up, it goes down. 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. When you talk about immigration, like, the immigration policies of Trump and MAGA have been an absolute failure. And what we're seeing are American citizens or green card holders getting caught up in the fray. And Republicans will say, oh, well, it's fine. Everything is getting figured out on the back end. But none of them would be okay with being detained, arrested, shipped off to random places because of a, oops, my bad, you know, oh, well, like, get over it. Like, that is not the way that people want our government to run. Also here in Atlanta, we have the cdc and the cuts to. To the cdc and the indiscriminate firing that was done by Doge and Elon Musk, we are still feeling the effects of that today. I've stood on the corner with several of the CDC workers in protest to say, bring those jobs back. But also, let's have people in place in leadership that actually value research and understand just why public health is so important to. To our country and to our state and to our communities. And so those are just some of the things that I'm hearing all around Georgia. What I saw the graphic about Donald Trump's numbers here in Georgia. Absolutely. I am not surprised. I feel like Republican policies are always a little unpopular. However, people are now really starting to feel it. And let's be honest, everyone was talking about the price of eggs at the beginning of the year. 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. And now people are kind of, you know, coming to grips with that.
Host
They don't like that Donald Trump wants to build a $200 million ballroom. They're not into that plan. Or getting a Qatari jet for himself. That will become a personal gift to him because the Republicans have blocked any amendments to prevent that happening. You mean they don't like that Donald Trump's out there golfing and opening up golf courses in Scotland and Aberdeen and telling everybody that it's the greatest golf course in the world? I don't know. I mean, isn't that what the people in Georgia? They don't want to see Donald Trump sell meme coins and colognes and perfumes or talk about how hot Sydney Sweeney is on a daily basis? You mean to tell me that people. That those aren't the kitchen table issues?
Dr. Jasmine Clark
You know, call me crazy, but I do think that 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, which is pretty much what most of these policies have been about. It's been about Donald Trump, because if there's one thing that Donald Trump is good at, it is centering Donald Trump and making sure that that is the, the focus of the day. And except for when it comes to Epstein, because then when it comes to the Epstein files, he wants you to talk about everything else but that. So, you know, I find it very curious and very interesting how this man loves to be in the spotlight until it turned into that. And then he was like, o, look over here, look over there, look at my golf course, look at my cemented over Rose Garden, all of these things. But yes, please don't look at me and please don't look at the Epstein files.
Host
Let's talk about your race before we go. Obviously, Democratic primary, there are some people who say with all of the conflict, there's a debate out there about challenging sitting people, letting room for new leadership, having a different type of advocacy of people, people who now want to fight on the front lines and make way for a new group of fighters. And that's, I think, kind of the lane that you're pushing for is like, okay, we appreciate the work, but it's time for some new leadership. Talk to us about your campaign, why this is an important primary and where we go from here.
Dr. Jasmine Clark
Yeah, absolutely. So I'm running for Georgia's Congressional District 13, and it has a sitting incumbent that has been there for over 20 years. And, you know, during the time that he's been there, I'm not going to say that I've agreed with him 100%, but I've agreed with him on most things. That said, with recent health challenges, as well as people in the district, in the community, just saying, where is he? I decided to step up. You know, Georgia does not have any purple districts. There are no competitive seats for Congress in the state of Georgia due to gerrymandering. We have Republican seats and we have Democratic seats. That's it. And so the only opportunity for people like myself to actually go to Congress and fight is usually to run against an incumbent. So the district is made up of six counties. Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale, DeKalb, Henry and Clayton. The majority of the district, out of all those six counties, the majority or the largest county that is represented in the district is Gwinnett county, where I live and where I have served and where I have represented the people since 2018. And, you know, this Race this campaign. That's not about singling out one person. And it is not about, you know, trying to, you know, disrupt. It's more about answering the call. I got the call from the community. They said, we would love to see you there. Ironically, the clip you showed with Rich McCormick, I had a town hall that same exact day. Mine did not go the way that Rich's went. By the way mine went was much more peaceful. But that town hall was actually supposed to be a federal, state and local town hall. But unfortunately, the congressman was not able to come and his staffers showed up very, very late. Like was only there for the last 15 minutes of the town hall. And so that was a moment where I said, my community wants to hear from their congressmen. You can see people want to hear from their congressperson. I am, I know they want to hear from me too. They want to hear about what's going on at the state level. But back in February, people were like, wow, what is going on in Congress? And they were reaching out and he didn't show up. And so I want to be a congressperson that shows up. I want to bring my science voice to the, to Congress the way I brought it to the Georgia state legislature. 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, and just generally fight like a scientists. I mean, I really get in the weeds and I ask some tough questions. I want to do that same thing up in Congress. So that's the reason why I'm running for congressional district 13.
Host
Where can people find out more about the campaign?
Dr. Jasmine Clark
Absolutely. They can go to my website, which is jasmine4ga.com I'm also on a social media look up Jasmine Clark for Georgia. You should be able to find me and yeah, please come out. I'm on TikTok. I'm on Instagram, I'm on Facebook, I'm on Threads. I'm on Blue Sky. All the things. Things. I am on all of the different platforms, but of course you can always start on my website.
Host
Jasmine4ga.com Dr. Jasmine Clark, thanks for joining us.
Dr. Jasmine Clark
Yes, thank you.
Host
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Podcast Information:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.”
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...”
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.
Dr. Jasmine Clark provides an in-depth analysis of how Trump’s policies have adversely affected Georgia:
Economic Turmoil and Tariffs:
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.”
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.
Immigration Policies:
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...”
She criticizes the harsh immigration measures, emphasizing the human cost and the broader social implications of such policies.
Public Health and CDC Cuts:
At [05:23]:
“Cuts to the CDC and the indiscriminate firing that was done... we are still feeling the effects of that today.”
Dr. Clark discusses the long-term consequences of reducing funding and personnel at the CDC, underlining the ongoing challenges in public health infrastructure.
Economic Indicators and Consumer Prices:
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.”
Highlighting consumer grievances, she points to everyday issues like the rising cost of living as a direct result of ineffective policies.
Distrust in Leadership:
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...”
Dr. Clark emphasizes the growing disenchantment with leaders who prioritize personal interests over public welfare.
The conversation transitions to Dr. Clark’s bid for Congress in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.