The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Troy Jackson on Fighting for Working Class and Maine Gov. Race
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network – Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Guest: Troy Jackson (former Maine Senate President, Democratic candidate for Governor of Maine)
Episode Overview
This episode spotlights the economic and political challenges facing working people in Maine, against the backdrop of the upcoming gubernatorial race. Special guest Troy Jackson, lifelong logger and former Maine Senate President, discusses his campaign for governor, the impact of federal policy decisions on Maine workers, and the urgent need for politicians to advocate forcefully for working families. The conversation is framed by a recent "Fight the Oligarchy" rally, highlighting grassroots momentum in Maine, and is rich with discussion about reclaiming the Democratic Party’s focus on the American worker.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Maine as a Microcosm of Working-Class Struggles
[01:10–04:00]
- The episode opens referencing a packed rally in Portland, Maine, featuring Bernie Sanders and Troy Jackson, signaling growing grassroots energy.
- The hosts play a segment from More Perfect Union detailing sudden layoffs among Maine’s trades workers following the repeal of clean energy investments by the Trump administration.
Notable moment: "It was like a light switch got opened and all of our work just disappeared overnight." – Maine worker, [02:35]
2. Troy Jackson’s Vision and Motivation
[04:02–05:02]
- Jackson’s powerful speech at the rally underscores his campaign’s focus:
- The erosion of the American Dream—homeownership, job security, retirement—due to an economy rigged against workers.
- His lifelong experience as a logger and working-class roots uniquely position him to understand and advocate for Mainers.
"We have to break the status quo. It's not working for us." – Troy Jackson, [04:58]
"I'm running for the people who work their entire lives and still can't afford to retire because the economic system in this country is rigged against them..." – Troy Jackson, [04:10]
3. The Status Quo and Political Disillusionment
[05:02–06:56]
- Jackson reflects on his frustration with both parties failing to listen to or deliver for working people:
- Even as a leading Democrat, he felt everyday concerns were ignored.
- Critique of federal policies—like tax cuts for the wealthy—leaving working people behind.
- He details his personal motivation:
"For me, it seems like, you know, I've been born to fight against people like Trump...to fight against billionaires. Since I was a young boy, that's what I have always had to deal with, and that's what I'm going to deal with if I'm elected governor." – Troy Jackson, [06:12]
4. How the Democratic Message Lost Ground
[06:56–10:16]
- Hosts and Jackson discuss how Trump presented fake solutions to working-class Americans, while Democrats faltered by abandoning bread-and-butter issues.
- Jackson cites past policy efforts in childcare, eldercare, and healthcare, but bemoans loss of focus on economic justice.
- Sharp criticism for politicians more interested in careerism than real advocacy:
"Politicians should be upset with themselves if they haven't delivered...It's about delivering for people in this country that really need help. And we're not doing that. And we need to start doing that." – Troy Jackson, [09:33]
5. Shifts in Maine’s Political Climate
[10:16–12:01]
- Maine’s open, ranked-choice primary (June 2026) is discussed, with independents and former Trump voters reportedly reconsidering their support.
- Jackson describes rising “buyer’s remorse” among former Trump supporters as local industries and social services suffer due to recent federal actions.
"With tariffs here in Maine, concern about lumber prices...trying to get fertilizer out of Canada, all those things are becoming really problematic...we're going to see a lot of issues here with our hospitals and with our nursing homes." – Troy Jackson, [11:00]
6. The Value of Authentic, Working-Class Representation
[12:01–13:06]
- Jackson invites listeners to learn more about his campaign, emphasizing his lived experience as both a union member and a working-class Mainer.
“I talk funny. I didn’t go to a great school or anything like that. I went to an everyday university. But, but I’m fighting for everyday people and this is a different campaign.” – Troy Jackson, [12:39]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the broken economic system:
"The American dream of putting down roots and owning a home and being able to provide for your family with a good paying job is moving way out of reach."
– Troy Jackson, [04:04] -
On political alienation:
"I think people across the state and probably across the country are feeling like, doesn't matter who it is, Democrats or Republicans, you know, they're getting a raw deal."
– Troy Jackson, [05:29] -
On working-class frustration:
"They’re upset and they're pissed off, and I don't blame them."
– Troy Jackson, [06:42] -
On the Democrat’s lost message:
"Democrats seem like they've kind of given up that message to Republicans. And that is why working class people, unfortunately, are leaving the party or looking for something else."
– Troy Jackson, [08:47]
Key Segment Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:10 | Intro to Maine rally, backdrop of layoffs, More Perfect Union clip | | 04:02 | Troy Jackson’s rally speech (audio clip) | | 05:02 | Interview with Troy Jackson begins | | 06:56 | Discussion: Trump’s empty promises, Dems dropping the ball | | 08:02 | Jackson on his motivation, policy focus, critique of politicians | | 10:16 | Maine’s open/ranked-choice primary details; shifting voter base | | 12:01 | Jackson’s campaign message, call-to-action for listeners |
Closing & Further Information
Troy Jackson emphasizes his campaign’s authenticity and grassroots focus, distinguishing himself as a genuine working-class candidate and inviting support via JacksonForMaine.com.
Host Ben closes:
“Troy, it’s great to have you on the show. We hope to have you back soon. Keep us posted on everything that’s happening in Maine and good luck on the campaign.” – [13:06]
Summary by The MeidasTouch Podcast Team
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