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Ron Filipkowski
MAGA Mike looked off. He looked scared. His voice was cracking and it was a day where, you know, you would think that maybe he'd be spiking the football, I don't know. But he refused to answer questions from the press. He like, ran away when they were asking basic questions like, what are you going to do on the Affordable Care Act? You're going to extend? Are you going to do a vote to extend the substance? Just watch for yourself. MAGA Mike behaving even more odd than normal, if you can believe that. Here, play this clip.
MAGA Mike (Mike Johnson)
And finally do the right thing and help us to bring an end to the pain of the American people. This has gone on too long. Too many people have suffered and it's long overdue. That's the update I wanted to give you this morning. There are probably lots of questions, but I'm going to get a lot of my own questions answered later today, so stay tuned for more. Thanks. So.
Ron Filipkowski
I mean, you're the speaker of the House, man. What do you mean you're going to get some of your own questions answered later in the day? Like, aren't you supposed to be like the guy? Like, aren't, aren't you the guy who answers the questions for, for other people? So then Manu Raju from CNN tried to catch up for him as he was walking to his office. And again, very odd. Here, play this clip.
Interviewer
Guarantee the bill passes that Senate on.
Ron Filipkowski
Aca, you'll give it a vote in the House.
MAGA Mike (Mike Johnson)
Look, we're going to do in the House what we always do. That is a deliberative process. Find consensus on whatever, whatever the proposal is. As you know, as you know, I do not guarantee the outcome of legislation.
Interviewer
Or dates or deadlines.
MAGA Mike (Mike Johnson)
Exactly, exactly as I always do.
Interviewer
But it's not guaranteeing.
Ron Filipkowski
In other words, MAGA Mike, the Speaker of the House is saying that they will not likely put up a vote on extending the Affordable Care act subsidies in the House of Representatives. So not only sure what the Democrats in the Senate, those eight Democrats were thinking he was going to do. Of course he's taking orders from Donald Trump. But he was asked on Greta Van Sustren, you know, so do you guys have a plan? Are the Republicans going to come up with a solution before December 31st? Because people's premiums are about to spike. Watch what Maga Mike responds. Let's play this clip.
Interviewer
Well, is the Republican idea or solution going to go into effect at midnight on December 31?
MAGA Mike (Mike Johnson)
Because people are going to get sticker.
Ron Filipkowski
Shock on this insurance.
Interviewer
I mean, this is really sort of an urgent matter for a lot of people.
MAGA Mike (Mike Johnson)
Yeah, it's an urgent matter for us and it has been, which is why we put it into the bill that we passed in the early summer and the Democrats fought to take it out. So we're reintroducing some of these ideas. There's a lot of ideas on how to draw drive the cost down. And we have November and December to work on that. We're going to have get a bipartisan consensus on some of this. And so we'll be presenting our ideas and putting them on the table.
Ron Filipkowski
Okay, so they have concepts of an idea, concepts of a plan, maybe, I don't know. He's got, he tries this again. He goes on Fox and he says we've got notebooks of full of ideas. You want, you want to share them? Here, play this clip.
MAGA Mike (Mike Johnson)
Subsidizing the insurance companies is not the answer because it just drives the cost up even further. So we need to look at the root causes. The Republican Party is the party that is working on, that has been working on it and has more ideas going forward. Forward. We've got to bring down the cost and you can do that in a responsible way that also increases access and quality of care. And we've got, we got notebooks full of ideas on how to do that. We got a built consensus around it.
Ron Filipkowski
Notebooks full of ideas that nobody has seen, fake votes that aren't going to happen in the future. The hell is going on here? I want to bring in Democratic Congressmember Ro Khanna to try to make sense of this. Congressman Khan, it's great to see again. So you had these eight Democrats in the Senate saying woohoo, we got the Republicans to agree to a vote in the Senate not that they'll agree to extend the subsidies. And like the whole time we've been saying, well, even if they did that, they're going to vote against it and they're not even going to bring it up in the House. And then you hear Maga Mike, just doing the same shtick over and over again. What do you make of it?
Interviewer
Congressman, that was quite a collection of clips and it would be laughable if it weren't so sad. I mean, I was talking to someone whose father is a taxi driver in Arizona. That father has cancer. His premium is going to go up from $44 a month to $2,600 a month. This is life and death for folks. And you know, Johnson keeps saying, I've got notebooks full of plans. Do you notice it never says what the plan is, not even like one sentence. The reality is the plan is basically allow these premiums to spike for 20 million Americans. For some it's going to be a debt sentence. For others it's going to mean medical bankruptcy. And look, the eight senators knew that. Come on, Dick Durbin, he's been in the Senate for, I don't know, 50 years. You don't think he knows that the House was never going to take it up? Give me a break. And then it's awfully convenient that those eight senators happen to be the senators that are not up in 2026 and they're all consulting Schumer. I mean, people are sick of this. That's why I called on Schumer to step down.
Ron Filipkowski
Congressman, this whole thing is so strange because we had this incredible Tuesday. People were animated, excited. There was a blue tsunami. You had all of these areas that were Democrats lost voters. They come back to the Democrats finally. It's like we're fighting. We feel good. Every data point is like people want Democrats to fight. And then all of a sudden on Sunday, you know, it almost in a way felt to me like these senators were almost like annoyed that the results reflected the Democratic Party going in like, like a kid who you take away their candy almost. It almost felt like they were upset that this was going in and that the Democratic Party was kind of generationally shifting and going back to a lot of its roots. And they were like, one final trick for you. Here's what we're gonna do it. And I'm like, I was on, I was in a plane. Unfortunately, it was able to take off decently on time. And I'm, as this is going on, I'm like thinking to myself, like, what the hell just happened? We had the greatest day. Why, why are we acting like losers when we, when we won big and the American people are fighting with us?
Interviewer
It's totally mind boggling. But you know what? The one thing we had in common on the day we won, we had New voices. Fresh, young, bold voices. There are a bunch of folks who've been there 30, 40 years. They proclaim themselves the adult in the rooms. Well, guess what? The adult in the rooms have screwed over a lot of the American people for the last 30 or 40 years. They've seen wage inequality rise. They've seen rents become unaffordable. They've seen homes be priced out of their ability to buy it. They've seen childcare costs skyrocket. They've seen medical bankruptcies happen. 70% don't believe in the American dream. And they think this governing class needs to go. We need new voices. We need new leaders. If you've been in office for over 20 years, you shouldn't be leading the future of the Democratic Party. This is a time for people like Abigail and Zoran and Mikey and new voices from all parts of our party. We've got a lot of talent. You know, someone said to me, in a joke, joking way, or perhaps as serious, perhaps they're like, well, this backbencher from the house is calling for Schumer to step down. And all my supporters started coming to my defense saying, Khan is not a backbencher. He talks to Ben. He goes, he goes on the media. I said, no, no, no, you know, I don't care. The point is, the backbenchers need to come to the front. Those of us in the back, we need to move to the front. And a new generation of leadership needs to emerge.
Ron Filipkowski
Look, when I was in basketball camp, at Lutheran basketball camp, I was Mr. Hustle, six man off the bench. That six man role, Mr. Hustle, summer after summer is a good. But the reality is, is that we do need Mr. Hustle. We do need the person off the bench who can hit the threes. We do need new starters, you know, for this team and to look fresh. And by the way, I don't view that as an insult to the old guys. Well, actually, you know, and I think that's where people personalize this. I think there's a way to say, you know, we tribute and salute the work that was done in the past at a certain period in history. And different times in history call for different things. And I think that's sometimes what leadership is, is all about. You know, I'll tell you this. So what my, my dad told me growing up is he goes, this was like a leadership lesson. He says any good head coach wants to promote their assistant coach to become a great head coach. A bad head coach wants to be the keep their assistant coaches as assistants for Their life. And I think that there's a parallel here. At some point, part of a legacy is bringing up the new generation to lead in. In a way that's helpful in this moment. And I don't think it's insulting to the older leadership. I just think we gotta recognize new moments, call for new times. What do you think about that?
Interviewer
I love that. I love the analogy of the bad coach, because I think that's unfortunately what we've had in the Democratic Party. Some people have done great, but they haven't cultivated and made way for a new generation. Look on Senator Schumer. I have given him credit publicly and privately for the chipset, for the infrastructure bill, for ira, for. For the American rescue plan. Let's not kid ourselves. Most of that stuff would not have passed if it weren't for his leadership. But that doesn't mean that he's the right person to lead now. And I think some of these folks need to, with grace, continue to serve. They just don't have to be out in front. And what we need out in front is that new Energy that excited 100,000 volunteers in New York, that excited folks in rural Virginia for Abigail. They got people in suburbs, in Mikey Sherrill's case, turning away from Donald Trump and voting for her in one year. Flipped communities. That's who we need out there in front, speaking for the Democratic Party. The country is telling us that. They keep telling us, just get new leadership. And we. I don't know what we're doing, but I hope now this is a wake up call. You know, unfortunately, I've never had a more viral tweet in my career. I wish they were listening to my economic policy or my childcare policy with the amount that they are listening to my call for new leadership in the Senate. But it shows. It struck a nerve.
Ron Filipkowski
Well, I do think that. The reality is, is I do think that they listen to that, and I think that's why it went viral. I mean, there's lots of people who make posts about a lot of different topics, but I think that people know that what it's backed up with is these economic policies, these health care policies that are concrete. You list specifics, you're unapologetic, you go into red territories and you speak with all different types of people. You show up in some podcast that I tell my crew. I'm like, why is Ro going on that podcast? That's Rokhan. That's what you do. That. That. That's. That's what you do because you're trying to engage with lots of, with lots of audiences. But it seems also, Congressman, that there's a lot of stuff that's even in this legislation that people like. What, wait, what that's, that's in there? Like in one of these bills, the Republican senators put in a provision where they'll each be able to like write themselves checks from the Department of Justice for subpoenaing phone records in connection with the January 6th insurrection for $500,000 each. And there's like their own group of eight. There's a group of eight and they want to pay themselves 500k and settle with themselves the way Trump wants to settle with himself. From the doj, they built, they built in a provision specifically for senators. If you are a senator and this happens the greatest craziest. What are we doing?
Interviewer
It's crazy. I mean, it's, it's corruption in your face. It's sort of like they don't even want to hide it anymore. It's just sort of what are you going to do about it? We're the senators. We have the power. We can do what we want. Well, you know what, the American people have had it. They've had it with the kind of self dealing, the enrichment, the, and that's why they keep voting for change. And I, I think we just, we were on a good note on Tuesday. That to me is the way forward.
Ron Filipkowski
Finally, just when you see kind of MAGA Mike, Donald Trump saying that, you know, look, everything's great, there's no inflation, they lie about bringing in $22 trillion, you know, all of that, you know, and by the way, you see, even people like Marjorie Taylor Greene are like, what the hell is this? Like, this isn't America first. There does seem to be something changing in this country though. Notwithstanding this kind of gut punch by what took place, there does seem to be hope and optimism if we can harness it in the right way. I want to give you the final word there.
Interviewer
Absolutely. Look, here's their problem. They're now in power. When you're out of power, you could spin, you can put out a viral video, you can attack others and you can do propaganda. And you have an army of influencers. You know what you can't spend when someone walks into the store and they're paying more for coffee, they're paying more for their burgers, they're paying more for their electricity bill. They're suddenly their premiums go up. And I don't care how effective you are and how many influencers you are and how many Podcasts you do. And whatever your army is, you're not going to convince people that their bills are going down. And so that's the problem. They've got reality staring at them and the American people are done with them. And that's the opportunity. I hope folks who were disappointed with these eight senators don't get discouraged. Make it your motivation to run for office. Make it your motivation to support someone for office. Make it your motivation to help take back our party. My view is that Tuesday was a harbinger of bigger victories in 2026, bigger victories in 2028, and we're going to have a political realignment of the likes we haven't seen probably since Barack Obama in 2008. So this, this should be the fuel for us. Not sort of, okay, let's go back and bashing the Democratic Party and all in terms of doomerism. Let, let's just say, look, we've got a lot going for us. We've got to have some folks make way so we can have an energetic midterm election.
Ron Filipkowski
Congressman, as a fake. Final question. My producer saying I have to ask you a question about the discharge petition because if there is may move along if the shutdown ends, is the discharge petition that you and Congressmember Massie put forward to release the Epstein files. Lots of people are still saying after Adelita Grijalva sworn in that maga, Mike's going to try to pull something to block the discharge petition by using some procedural maneuver. While I have you on, I got to ask you about that.
Interviewer
It's going to be huge. I mean, Adelitogral is probably going to get sworn in Wednesday. Seven days after that, we will get a vote on the Epstein file. Now that seven legislative days, I believe we are going to get that. I'll break some news. We're talking with Mike Massie now of getting another major press conference with the survivors early next week at the Capitol. There's going to be so much momentum left and right to say out with the Epstein class, rich and powerful people who abused young girls who think they live by a different set of rules. America is done with you. We're done with that kind of elite impunity and corruption. And I believe we will get this vote. 60 votes. Probably 60 Republicans will line up and vote for it. It's going to be the first day that Donald Trump will be a lame duck when he has 60 Republicans voting against him. So I am committed to this. And that is one silver lining of the House opening back as it takes up this this terrible bill is Adelita Grijala does get sworn in and we will get that vote on the Epstein files.
Ron Filipkowski
That was the real final question. Thank you Congressman Khanna. We appreciate it. Thank you everybody. Hit subscribe let's get to 6 million subscribers. Thanks so much. Want to stay plugged in? Become a subscriber to our substack@midasplus.com you'll get daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski ad free episodes of our podcast and more exclusive content only available@midasplus.com Foreign freedom from T Mobile we'll pay off four phones up to three 200 and give you four free phones all on America's largest 5G network. Visit T mobile.com FamilyFreedom up to 800 per line via virtual prepaid card typically takes 15 days. Free phone via 24 monthly bill credits with finance agreement example Apple iPhone 16128 gigs 829.99 eligible trade in example iPhone 11 Pro for well qualified credits end and balance due if you pay off early or cancel contact us.
Date: November 12, 2025
Featured Guest: Rep. Ro Khanna
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ron Filipkowski, with contributions from Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
This episode features a lively and candid discussion with Rep. Ro Khanna on navigating the Democratic Party’s internal battles, confronting MAGA extremism, and urgently advocating for new leadership and policies that matter to working Americans. The conversation takes place in the context of significant Democratic wins at the polls, mounting frustration with establishment Senate leaders, and pressing legislative fights over healthcare and transparency. The hosts and Khanna combine sharp political analysis, colorful analogy, and personal commentary to rally listeners towards progressive action and party renewal.
Timestamps: 00:30–04:59
Rep. Ro Khanna: "Johnson keeps saying, I've got notebooks full of plans. Do you notice it never says what the plan is, not even like one sentence. The reality is the plan is basically allow these premiums to spike for 20 million Americans... For some it's going to be a debt [sic] sentence. For others it's going to mean medical bankruptcy."
(05:01)
Timestamps: 06:05–10:09
The hosts and Khanna vent frustration at eight Democratic senators who negotiated with Republicans in a way that, according to the panel, predictably failed to protect millions from imminent healthcare cost spikes.
Khanna points out these senators were notably not up for re-election in 2026 and calls out political maneuvering that lacks urgency or accountability.
Khanna directly calls for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down to make room for a new generation of bold, energetic leaders:
Rep. Ro Khanna: "If you've been in office for over 20 years, you shouldn't be leading the future of the Democratic Party...the backbenchers need to come to the front."
(07:19)
Ron Filipkowski (Host): "Any good head coach wants to promote their assistant coach to become a great head coach. A bad head coach wants to keep their assistant coaches as assistants for their life... At some point, part of a legacy is bringing up the new generation to lead."
(09:08)
Timestamps: 06:05–14:02
Rep. Ro Khanna: "We need new voices. We need new leaders...This is a time for people like Abigail and Zoran and Mikey and new voices from all parts of our party."
(07:20)
Timestamps: 11:37–13:29
Rep. Ro Khanna: "It's corruption in your face. It's sort of like they don't even want to hide it anymore... the American people have had it. They've had it with the kind of self dealing, the enrichment..."
(13:02)
Timestamps: 13:29–15:34
Rep. Ro Khanna: "I don't care how effective you are and how many influencers you are... you're not going to convince people that their bills are going down. And so that's the problem. They've got reality staring at them and the American people are done with them. And that's the opportunity... Tuesday was a harbinger of bigger victories in 2026, bigger victories in 2028..."
(14:02)
Timestamps: 15:34–17:09
Rep. Ro Khanna: "There's going to be so much momentum left and right to say out with the Epstein class, rich and powerful people who abused young girls who think they live by a different set of rules. America is done with you."
(16:38)
The episode’s tone is passionate, urgent, and unfiltered—mixing populist outrage with optimism and humor. Khanna and the hosts speak directly and candidly about insider politics, openly call out leaders of both parties, and repeatedly invoke the need for new blood and bold action against corruption, MAGA extremism, and institutional inertia.
For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode offers a road map for those eager to see change: new voices, urgent policies, real transparency, and a renewed fight against both MAGA extremism and complacency within the Democratic Party.