The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Governor Josh Shapiro Announces 2026 Re-Election Campaign
Date: January 10, 2026
Guests: Governor Josh Shapiro (PA), Ben, Brett & Jordy Meiselas
Main Theme: Governance Over Spectacle – Governor Josh Shapiro’s Achievements, Re-Election Bid, and Contrast to National Politics
Episode Overview
This episode features an in-depth interview with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has just launched his 2026 re-election campaign. The Meiselas brothers invite Governor Shapiro to reflect on his administration’s bipartisan achievements, offer his vision for Pennsylvania’s future, and draw sharp contrasts between his "normal," results-oriented approach and the chaos characterizing national politics, particularly under the Trump–Vance administration.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The State of U.S. Politics and Approval Ratings
[02:13]
- Ben Meiselas opens by highlighting national polling that shows Donald Trump’s sinking approval—“only 4%” net in Texas—and widespread American concern over inflation.
- Democrats are surging in swing states and among independents, while policies such as military action abroad are deeply unpopular.
- Trump is contrasted with high-achieving, bipartisan governors, especially Shapiro.
Quote:
“I want to talk about normalcy... Because I am just sick and tired of the drama...the posts every morning, the lies to the American people, the attacks on our country by this Trump regime. Speaking about good governance, normalcy, and getting stuff done, let's bring in Governor Shapiro...”
— Ben Meiselas [05:47]
2. Governor Shapiro’s Bipartisan Record and Philosophy
[06:05]
- Governor Josh Shapiro describes his philosophy: government as a force for good, getting results regardless of legislative divisions.
- Record investments in public education and public safety.
- Only growing economy in the Northeast U.S.
- Seven tax cuts.
- Success working across the aisle: “You can bring people together and you can get stuff done.”
- Clear contrast between Pennsylvania’s calm, competent leadership and D.C.’s “chaos and cruelty.”
Quote:
“I just believe government can be a force for good in people's lives and it's incumbent upon me and others in positions of authority to deliver for folks. That's what we've done… We've shown here in Pennsylvania you can bring people together and you can get stuff done.”
— Josh Shapiro [06:13]
3. What Should Government Look Like?
[07:27]
- The hosts critique the national political spectacle and reality-TV style drama.
- Ben calls for a return to the basics: “Is the government delivering affordable health care? What are they doing for my education? …for my family?”
[08:25]
- Shapiro reflects on Pennsylvanians’ core desires: good schools, safe communities, economic opportunity, and working government.
- Stresses the simplicity of the public’s needs: “basic blocking and tackling of government.”
- Emphasizes bipartisan and independent support.
- Reiterates need for “calm, competent leadership.”
Quote:
“If you actually stop and listen... folks basically want the same few things: good schools, safe communities, economic opportunities. This is not rocket science... But if you really stop and listen, that's what people want from their government.”
— Josh Shapiro [08:31]
4. Contrasting Leadership: Trump–Vance Vs. Shapiro
[09:52]
- The hosts play a clip of Vice President J.D. Vance holding a combative press conference.
- Vance lashes out at the press regarding the Minneapolis incident.
- The hosts and Shapiro denounce this “WWE spectacle.”
[10:59]
- Shapiro’s reaction:
- Calls Vance "profoundly and pathetically a weak human being.”
- Accuses Vance of serving only Trump and gaslighting the public.
- Advocates for calm, thorough investigations in tragic matters, recalling his own experience as Attorney General.
- Blames the national admin for “making a community less safe... instead of creating more safety and security.”
Quote:
“What we need right now is not idiotic gaslighting from the sitting Vice President of the United States, but we need a real thorough investigation as to what occurred.”
— Josh Shapiro [11:29]
5. Health Care Crisis in Pennsylvania
[13:20]
- The hosts ask about the impact of expiring ACA subsidies and rising premiums.
- Shapiro outlines the consequences:
- Projected 510,000 Pennsylvanians losing healthcare.
- Crisis blamed on Trump–Vance tax cuts for the wealthy and refusal to extend ACA subsidies.
- Budget cuts impossible for states to offset.
- Families forced to choose between doubled premiums and putting food on the table.
- Shapiro outlines the consequences:
Quote:
“I've talked to folks who are now having to choose between paying double for their premiums or being able to afford to feed their kids. This is not the way it should be in the United States of America.”
— Josh Shapiro [14:32]
6. Shapiro’s Vision for 2026 and Beyond
[15:11]
- Goals for the next term:
- Raise minimum wage to $15/hr.
- Pass the Fairness Act (LGBTQ legal protections).
- Further tax cuts for working Pennsylvanians.
- Hold exploitative actors accountable.
- Flip four U.S. House seats and win a PA legislative trifecta.
Quote:
“We got a lot more work to do and I'm focused on doing that work. And I'm focused in this campaign on not just winning reelection for me... but on lifting others up.”
— Josh Shapiro [15:25]
7. Call to Action
[16:18]
- Shapiro invites listeners to join his grassroots campaign:
- Visit JoshShapiro.org or text “NORMAL” to 32210.
Memorable Outro Moment:
“There you. There you go. You know, I'm, it's good thing I'm a media guy and not a campaign normal. Very normal.”
— Ben Meiselas, joking about the “normal” campaign slogan [16:29]
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- “We’re all about getting stuff done... It's a great contrast, frankly, with the chaos and the cruelty and the corruption we're seeing in D.C.”
— Josh Shapiro [06:33] - “You know what I think we need more of in our politics today? Government that just simply works for people, that gets stuff done and that eliminates the chaos and instead has calm, competent leadership.”
— Josh Shapiro [08:57] - “J.D. Vance knows better, man. He should be ashamed of himself...”
— Josh Shapiro [12:52]
Important Segments & Timestamps
- [02:13] – Opening discussion: Trump’s polling, contrast with PA's success
- [06:05] – Shapiro joins, outlines bipartisan Pennsylvania achievements
- [08:25] – What citizens want from government; the basics, bipartisan appeal
- [10:29] – J.D. Vance’s press conference & Shapiro’s scathing response
- [13:54] – Pennsylvania’s health care crisis post-ACA subsidy cuts
- [15:17] – Shapiro’s platform for re-election and legislative plans
- [16:18] – Call to action for campaign supporters
Tone & Style
- Conversational, direct, and humorous (“baseline normal” running joke)
- Emphasis on practical governance, bipartisan cooperation, and rejecting political spectacle
For New Listeners
This episode shows why Shapiro is considered a rising Democratic star: clear, bipartisan results and a laser focus on “normal” government—contrasting starkly with the performative chaos of national MAGA politics. The MeidasTouch brothers’ trademark comedic banter balances sharp analysis and in-depth policy discussion.
Perfect for: Listeners interested in state-level leadership, practical governance, and the road to restoring civility and effectiveness in American democracy.