The MeidasTouch Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: This Vulnerable GOP District Just Got Blown Wide Open (Mike Sacks Interview)
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Guest: Mike Sachs, Democratic Candidate for New York's 17th Congressional District

1. Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the political dynamics of New York's 17th Congressional District. The episode centers around GOP Congressman Mike Lawler's recent admissions regarding Social Security cuts and explores the broader implications for the district's political landscape. Democratic candidate Mike Sachs joins the discussion to critique Lawler's policies and campaign strategies.

2. GOP Congressman Mike Lawler's Admission on Social Security Cuts

Clip Playback:
Ben introduces a clip from MSNBC featuring Republican Congressman Mike Lawler discussing potential Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid cuts.

Lawler's Statement ([01:57] - [02:54]):

"Basically, defense spending, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid."
"Most of our debt is accrued by mandatory spending. There are savings to be had in the Defense Department... across every agency and department in the federal government."

Ben's Analysis ([02:03] - [02:54]):
Ben highlights Lawler's blunt acknowledgment that significant portions of the federal budget are earmarked for essential programs, leaving limited room for cuts. He juxtaposes this with former President Donald Trump's substantial military spending proposals, questioning the feasibility and political motives behind such decisions.

3. Lawler's Stand on Federal Spending

Second Clip Playback:
A clip captures Lawler's defensive stance during a CNN town hall, where he interrupts Democratic Congresswoman Hayes.

Lawler's Interaction ([03:36] - [04:04]):

"What we're talking about is burning down the house instead of taking out the garbage... There is waste in the federal government. All of us would like to see that go."

Ben's Critique ([04:04] - [04:31]):
Ben criticizes Lawler's aggressive rhetorical style, comparing it to former President Trump's confrontational debate tactics. He underscores Lawler's repeated use of the term "trillion" in budget discussions, viewing it as a lack of substantive policy proposals and a penchant for hyperbole.

4. Democratic Majority PAC's Ad on Lawler

Ad Playback:
Ben plays a Democratic Majority PAC advertisement targeting Mike Lawler, emphasizing his support for tariffs and economic policies detrimental to consumers.

Ad Highlights ([04:31] - [05:02]):

The ad portrays Lawler as supportive of tariffs that increase costs for everyday Americans, labeling them as taxes passed onto consumers and predicting economic downturns.

Ben's Commentary ([05:02] - [05:25]):
Ben elaborates on the negative impact of tariffs endorsed by Lawler, connecting them to broader economic consequences such as inflation and recession. He frames Lawler's policies as self-serving, benefiting wealthy elites at the expense of the general populace.

5. Mike Sachs's Interview and Critique of Lawler

Introduction to Guest ([05:02] - [05:25]):
Ben introduces Mike Sachs, a Democratic contender for the congressional seat, highlighting his opposition to Lawler's MAGA-aligned policies masquerading as moderation.

Mike Sachs's Critique ([05:25] - [12:57]):

• Lawler's Deceptive Moderation:

  "Mike Lawler pretends to be a moderate up here while he votes MAGA down there."

• Impact on Social Services:

  "He has allowed our Social Security office to close and then had to beg the Dear Leader to reopen it here in Westchester... He's failed to combat threats to Medicaid."

• Tariffs and Economic Mismanagement:

  "Lawler saying, well, you know, it's worth checking out to see how this goes... He's not willing to use the power of the purse and the people's voice in the House to stand up to a personalist autocrat in the White House."

• Effect on Veterans:

  "Lawler's failed to do a damn thing about veterans losing their livelihoods thanks to Trump and Musk's chainsawing federal jobs."

• Vision for the Future:

  "We need someone with the vision to match this moment... to rebuild our country into something better, bigger, stronger, more secure, freer and more prosperous."

**Key Points from Sachs:

1. Misrepresentation as a Centrist: Sachs accuses Lawler of masking his true MAGA agenda under the guise of centrism, misleading voters about his policy intentions.

2. Failure to Protect Social Services: Highlighting Lawler's role in shutting down Social Security offices and threatening Medicaid, Sachs emphasizes the tangible negative effects on constituents.

3. Economic Policies Harm Consumers: Sachs critiques Lawler's support for tariffs, linking them to increased consumer prices and economic instability.

4. Negligence Towards Veterans: Addressing Lawler's inaction on veterans' employment, Sachs underscores the human cost of neglecting federal job cuts.

5. Call for Democratic Renewal: Sachs advocates for a comprehensive rebuilding of governmental institutions to ensure they serve all Americans, not just wealthy elites.

6. Conclusion

Ben wraps up the episode by reinforcing Mike Sachs's position as a genuine alternative to Lawler's alleged MAGA-driven policies. He encourages listeners to support Sachs's campaign, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes democratic values and the well-being of all constituents over elite interests.

Call to Action ([11:53] - [13:11]):
Ben invites listeners to learn more about Mike Sachs by visiting his campaign website and urges them to subscribe to the podcast and engage on social media to support the MeidasTouch Network's mission of promoting democracy and accountability.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Lawler on Federal Spending ([02:03]):
  "You can't cut from the rest of the budget to balance things."

• Mike Sachs on Lawler's Policies ([05:25]):
  "He is MAGA, not moderate."

• Lawler's Defensive Statement ([03:56] - [04:04]):
  "What we're talking about is burning down the house instead of taking out the garbage."

• Mike Sachs on Economic Impact ([08:20]):
  "People did not ask for this and people are now waking up to that here in this district."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast provides a critical examination of Congressman Mike Lawler's policies and political tactics within New York's 17th Congressional District. Through incisive analysis and a candid interview with Democratic candidate Mike Sachs, the episode underscores the stakes of upcoming elections and the pivotal choice facing voters between sustaining MAGA-aligned governance or embracing a vision for a more equitable and democratic future.