Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode Title: "Trump gets Nightmare News in Florida with Shock Poll!!"

Date: January 25, 2026

Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Special Guest: Pia Don Diaz

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the surprising downturn for Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans in Florida, as highlighted by shocking new polling numbers showing Trump’s popularity sinking in traditionally conservative states. The episode dives deep into why Florida, once seen as "ruby red," is shifting, covering political missteps, demographic discontent, and local races. The discussion then transitions to a compelling interview with Pia Don Diaz, a Democratic congressional candidate breaking records in Florida's 21st district, exploring her background, campaign strategy, and views on the changing political landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump's Declining Popularity in Florida and Red States

[02:54]

• New polling shows Donald Trump underwater in multiple red states:
  • Texas: -17.2 pt net approval
  • Florida: -7.5 pt net approval
• Florida, long a GOP stronghold, is no longer solidly red.
  • Democratic upsets in state races, shifting demographics, and widespread voter anger.

Memorable Quote:

• "Take a look. The Cuban population deported at the highest rate ever when Donald Trump and the MAGA regime said, 'Oh, we're not going to go after you. We're just going to go after the criminals.' The pro-opposition, pro-democracy Venezuelan population... they are dismayed and disenchanted." — Political Commentator [03:24]

• Factors contributing to voter frustration in Florida:

  • Economic issues: high utility/insurance costs, unaffordable living.
  • Trump’s unpopular policies, such as new offshore drilling proposals.
  • Damage to tourism due to international boycotts following Trump’s rhetoric.
  • Governor DeSantis’s tone-deaf response to national disasters.

Memorable Moment:

• "DeSantis is like, 'Well, at least it's 80 degrees here in Florida.' Ha ha ha. It's not funny. We should all be Americans. DeSantis not rooting against areas to die." — Political Commentator [05:12]

2. Republican Disconnection and Controversy

[06:09]

• MAGA-aligned Florida politicians, like Rep. Brian Mast, appear out of touch and sometimes openly hostile to their constituents.
• Mast's unwavering support for Trump and Elon Musk's "Doge" initiative (referring to privatizations/cuts as a supposed cost-saver) is met with local criticism and boos at town halls.

Notable Quote:

• "This is why I believe that there is a good chance for Florida to turn purple or possibly even blue." — Political Commentator [06:58]

3. Interview: Pia Don Diaz – Democratic Challenger in FL-21

Pia's Background and Motivation

[09:09]

• Lifelong public servant:
  • Taught in high-poverty schools; founded a high school in Harlem with a 100% college acceptance rate.
  • White House fellow; public policy advocate; born and raised in Jupiter, FL.
• Her family is deeply rooted in the district; both parents are educators or in public service.
• She’s raised over $1 million as a Democratic candidate, breaking state fundraising records.

Notable Quote:

• "I think that folks in our district are beginning to take wind of this and say, 'This is not what we signed up for and you’re not here to represent us.'" — Pia Don Diaz [11:15]

The State of Florida’s 21st District

[12:13]

• District has trended Republican: Trump won by 58% (2024); Mast at 62%
• Demographics: ~40% Republican, 30% Democrat, 30% independent
• Despite GOP edge, there are signs of shifting tides — local Democratic wins and widespread voter dissatisfaction.

Pia’s Remarkable Educational Work

[13:18]

• Opened her own high school in Harlem at age 28.
• Achieved what was considered impossible: "86% [of] my students live below the poverty line. And we succeeded in getting 100% of them off to college on the public dollar."
• School is continuing its legacy with ongoing graduation and college placement success.

Notable Quote:

• "We told families that if they came to this school that they had never heard of, their child would earn admission to college... we built that school with blood, sweat, and tears." — Pia Don Diaz [14:19]

Her Campaign Strategy & Surging Momentum

[17:20]

• Detailed statistics on district composition.
• Outlines recent Democratic swings in local races:
  • 23% (April win), 22% (September win), 22% (December win)
• Strategy combines robust fundraising, coalition-building (business, nonprofit, public officials), and a grassroots, people-focused approach (100+ house parties before November).

Notable Quote:

• "We need to make this campaign one that people see and feel and can touch. And I want to bring back that human feel to congressional races, especially with a message that is going to meet voters." — Pia Don Diaz [18:28]

• Voters now identify less with parties, more as 'political observers' wanting candidates addressing daily needs: affordability, healthcare, Social Security, clean water.

Pia’s Closing Call to Action

[20:17]

• Visit piaforcongress.com to learn more and join the campaign.
• “We are building a real coalition that is local, statewide, and national to flip this red seat blue.” [20:24]

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• "What was once thought of as a ruby red state, Florida no longer looks to be that way." — Political Commentator [03:00]
• “Florida is getting absolutely crushed. It’s got a completely out of touch Governor DeSantis who is mocking the east coast... It’s not funny. We should all be Americans.” — Political Commentator [05:20]
• "Brian Mast has been in this seat since 2016. And … I went to Brian Mast’s Town Hall. I was really taken aback by how angry it was and how many people were there and Brian Mast’s total inability to address people’s concerns." — Pia Don Diaz [10:48]
• “We must keep hitting milestones with fundraising, national endorsements, building deep coalitions, and a human touch—making this campaign something people see, feel, and can touch.” — Pia Don Diaz [18:25]

Important Timestamps for Segments

• [02:54] – Trump’s shockingly poor poll numbers in Florida and other red states
• [06:09] – MAGA politicians' attitude and disconnect with their districts
• [09:09]–[20:53] – Interview with Pia Don Diaz: her background, campaign, and Florida politics
• [17:20] – Pia discusses the changing demographics and campaign approach
• [20:17] – Pia shares how listeners can support or learn more about her campaign

Tone & Style

The episode balances thorough political analysis with the characteristic playful banter and comedic edge of the Meiselas brothers, infused with a strong pro-democracy stance. The interview with Pia Don Diaz is both inspiring and substantive, emphasizing hope, grassroots activism, and the importance of authenticity in politics.

Takeaway

Despite Florida’s reputation as a Republican bastion, both data and on-the-ground energy are signaling dramatic shifts. Candidates like Pia Don Diaz, with deep local ties and proven grassroots credentials, are capitalizing on widespread frustration with GOP incumbents and offering a fresh, participatory vision for the state’s future.