The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary Episode: "Trump in Terror After Shock Polls for GOP… in Tennessee!! (with Mike Cortese)"
Release Date: August 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas dive deep into the shifting political landscape in Tennessee, particularly focusing on the challenges facing the GOP in light of recent economic policies and controversial political figures. The episode features a candid conversation with Mike Cortez, a Metro Nashville council member running against GOP candidate Andy Ogles in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District.

Economic Impact of Trump's Tariff Policies

Host (00:28):
"Donald Trump is getting a rude awakening in Tennessee... if you hit [R] at the ballot box, you're voting for a recession right now because that's what Donald Trump's bringing to Tennessee."

The discussion begins with an analysis of the adverse effects of former President Donald Trump's tariff policies on Tennessee's economy. The hosts highlight several alarming developments:

• Plant Closures and Job Losses:
  • Bridgestone is shutting down its plant in La Verne, affecting 700 workers.
  • Adient has closed two facilities in Columbia and Lexington, resulting in over 400 layoffs.
  • Purdue Farms has ceased operations at its poultry plant in Monterey, laying off 433 employees.

Host (02:15):
"Tennessee ranks among one of the top 10 states for auto part exports with nearly 350 jobs tied to manufacturing... the proposed tariffs on steel, machinery and other parts are really impacting the industry there."

The tariffs on essential materials like steel and machinery have severely disrupted Tennessee's robust manufacturing sector, leading to significant job losses and economic uncertainty.

Healthcare and Social Services Cuts

The episode shifts focus to the repercussions of the recent budget bill on Tennessee's healthcare and social services:

• Nursing Homes:

  • At least 12 Tennessee nursing homes are at risk of closure due to Medicaid cuts.

• Affordable Care Act (ACA):

  • Estimates indicate that 68,000 to 170,000 Tennesseans could lose access to ACA marketplace insurance plans.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

  • Work requirements introduced in the budget bill are projected to reduce SNAP benefits by 20%, amounting to approximately $250 to $300 million in cuts for Tennessee.

Host (04:05):
"These cuts are not just numbers; they're real people losing access to essential services."

Political Corruption and Andy Ogles' Controversies

The conversation intensifies as the hosts scrutinize Andy Ogles, a GOP congressman, citing multiple instances of alleged misconduct:

• False Claims About Economics Background:

  • Andy Ogles portrayed himself as an economist but, upon review, only minimally qualified in the field. A Tennessee outlet revealed his incomplete economics coursework transcript.

• Campaign Funding Misrepresentations:

  • Ogles falsely claimed to have loaned himself $320,000 for his campaign, drawing parallels to George Santos' financial fabrications.

• FBI Investigation:

  • Andy Ogles admitted to making "mistakes" in campaign filings. Following an FBI raid, he stated:

  Andy Ogles (05:07):
  "It's been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial filings... I am confident all involved would conclude the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes and nothing more."

• Constitutional Amendments for Third Term:

  • Ogles introduced legislation to amend the Constitution, allowing Trump a third term.

  Mike Cortez (05:07):
  "So, you're willing to break the Constitution and have President Trump have a third term?"

  Andy Ogles (05:12):
  "Well, actually I have a bill that amends the Constitution and there's a process by which you can do that..."

Mike Cortez's Campaign Against Andy Ogles

Host (05:34):
Introduces Mike Cortez, who is challenging Andy Ogles in the 5th Congressional District.

Mike Cortez (06:11):
"There's too much vitriol in our politics... I'm attacking his choices to sell out his neighbors at every turn."

Key points from Cortez's perspective:

• Gerrymandering Challenges:

  • Tennessee's districts have been gerrymandered to dilute Democratic votes, making his campaign an uphill battle.

• Voter Engagement Strategy:

  • Focuses on meeting voters where they are, reducing partisanship, and building a broad coalition.
  • Emphasizes increasing voter turnout in a state known for low participation rates.

• Personal Background and Motivation:

  • Mike Cortez shares his personal story of overcoming adversity, highlighting his commitment to serving the community.

  Mike Cortez (11:13):
  "I was able to achieve the American dream because... people around me... allowed that... and a lot of hard work."

• Campaign Goals:

  • Website: www.mikefortennessee.com
  • Building a blueprint for winning in Tennessee to inspire broader political shifts.
  • Countering "dark money" influences supporting Ogles with grassroots support and donations.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The hosts commend Mike Cortez for his dedication and urge listeners to support his campaign to foster positive change in Tennessee.

Host (14:36):
"Politics is ultimately about people first... we're here to help people, not to go party with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, which is Ogles' dream."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and support the podcast's mission for truth and democracy.

Notable Quotes

• Host (00:28):
  "Donald Trump is getting a rude awakening in Tennessee... you're voting for a recession right now because that's what Donald Trump's bringing to Tennessee."

• Andy Ogles (05:12):
  "There's a process by which you can amend the Constitution... but I think what it does is it forces a conversation."

• Mike Cortez (06:11):
  "There's too much vitriol in our politics... I'm attacking his choices to sell out his neighbors at every turn."

• Mike Cortez (11:13):
  "I was able to achieve the American dream because... people around me... allowed that... and a lot of hard work."

Key Takeaways

• Economic Struggles: Trump's tariff policies have significantly harmed Tennessee's manufacturing sector, leading to job losses and plant closures.

• Healthcare Cuts: Recent budget bills threaten to strip thousands of Tennesseans of essential healthcare services and SNAP benefits.

• Political Integrity: GOP representative Andy Ogles faces serious allegations regarding his qualifications, campaign funding transparency, and attempts to alter the Constitution for political gain.

• Grassroots Campaigns: Mike Cortez embodies a grassroots approach, focusing on voter engagement and broad coalition-building to counteract entrenched political interests and gerrymandering.

For more detailed discussions and updates, tune into The MeidasTouch Podcast every Tuesday and Friday morning, and join the live sessions on their YouTube channel every Monday and Thursday night at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.