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Josh Turek
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Podcast Host
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Josh Turek
If you could say something to President Trump, he was going to hear you
Podcast Host
right now, what would it be?
Josh Turek
You are a worthless pile of. And you voted for him how many times? Three times. That was my bad. Apparently I'm an idiot.
Podcast Host
She goes, apparently I'm an idiot. What about this Michigan Trump voter who says I'm a fool? Play this clip.
Josh Turek
I'm a fool, I guess. Why so, Lindsey? Well, the prices were down slightly for a short period of time, but currently where I'm at, prices have jumped a dollar. So for someone like me who's a working person, I mean, yeah, it's good for him to say who makes, you know, a million dollar a day or whatever an hour. But on the other hand, it makes a very big difference to someone like me who has to fill in the gas tank every single week and go to work.
Podcast Host
Then in one of the reddest states, in the reddest districts, represented by a guy by the name of Josh Turek. He sat down with some people there and here's what they had to say. Let's play it.
Josh Turek
Okay? I'm going to be very, very political. We could spend a billion dollars a day to kill other people's kids in other countries. We could afford to spend some money on Iowa schools and Iowa healthcare. It is two Americas now. It is the haves and the have nots, eroding the middle class, our rural communities, more and more people struggling. And we've got people in D.C. right now that are just looking out for the billionaires and special interest groups and large corporations.
Podcast Host
Then you take a look at some of these latest polls. The latest Reuters Ipsos has Donald Trump's approval. 36%, 62% disapprove on the issue of the economy. He's the worst in presidential history. And even at Biden's lowest polling on the economy, Trump is now significantly worse than that. On the economy, net negative 33. On the cost of living, Trump's a net negative 41. And his overall disapproval at 62%. Even when you look at white non college men, a group that Donald Trump would always call like his core base In March of 2025, it was plus 17. In December 2025, I mean, not all that long ago. PL right now, negative 4 against white non college men. I want to bring in right now, Josh Turek, state legislator over in Iowa, House district over there, that's the reddest. In Iowa, House District 20, you are the Democrat, I should say, representing the reddest district that a Democrat is representing in Iowa, a district that Donald Trump has won. Every time you're winning as a Democrat, not only is Donald Trump won your same district, but he's won him by like just huge numbers. And you've been able to win that, which I think is significant. Because you're also running for the United States Senate seat in Iowa, which we'll talk about that as well. But, you know, you saw those videos. You know the state of Iowa just about as good as anybody. Talk to us about what you're seeing. There are. You're seeing real changes there because we're seeing these special elections. What are you seeing, Josh?
Josh Turek
Yeah, absolutely. First of all, thanks for having me. It's good to be back with you again. I do. I represent the reddest district that is represented by a Democrat in Iowa. The two communities that I represent in the Iowa legislature, Carter Lake, Trump won by 18 points. In my hometown of Council Bluff, he won by 10 points. Everything that you've been saying is exactly what we have been seeing and feeling. Everywhere that we're going, all across the state, it doesn't matter. Urban areas, rural areas, people are struggling. They are struggling just to keep food on the table, a roof above their head. And they're upset, and they're recognizing that we need change, both at the state and the federal level. And there is something specific that is happening here in Iowa. You talk about the special elections. A Trump +25 district, we outright win. Trump +11 district, we win by 10 points. I've been saying that the stars have perfectly aligned here in Iowa. We are going to be the center of the political universe. This is the only state you're looking at being able to flip three congressional races. We can flip this open governor's race, and we can absolutely win this open U.S. senate seat and change this country.
Podcast Host
Right? I mean, every aspect of the lives of people who live in Iowa have come under attack. I mean, whether it is in healthcare, whether it's farmers, I mean, putting farmers through, like, a torture ritual, whether it's the trade war against the world, rising input costs, closing markets, bailouts, then fertilizer being halted on the Strait of Hormuz, not arriving, even though purchase orders were made, new bailouts are needed. I mean, you've got that going on. And then Trump just goes, the farmers love me. The farmers love me. You know, throughout Donald Trump's career, if you want to call it that, you know, he's run his businesses, in my opinion, like Ponzi's, and they've gone bankrupt over and over again. And people realize it. I feel like we've hit that moment where a lot of big promises are made. For reasons that remain a bit unclear to me, people would continue to give this liar and lifelong con artist the benefit of the doubt. But it seems like with every Ponzi scheme. Iowa farmers. All right, Pay up now. Okay, we're at the end of the line. Where are these things? And then it's like a war in Iran. What? What, What. What are you doing? Covering up the Epstein files. Huh? That's what I see happening. Is that similar to what you're seeing with the farmers?
Josh Turek
Yeah, without a doubt. I mean, this is a state that has bottomed out. I mean, we are dead last for economic growth, 48 for personal income growth. We're closing healthcare centers all over the state. This is due to bad policy. Big, beautiful bill cuts to Medicaid when 2 and 5 Iowans in the rural communities are on Medicaid. We're closing school over the state. We're the only state with a growing cancer rate. And now we lead the nation in farm foreclosures. And when you're going into these rural communities and you're talking to these farmers, they're telling you, I voted for Trump, I voted for Grassley, I voted for Ernst, but I've had enough. The state needs change. We lead the nation in farm foreclosures. And you're looking at now a situation because of bad tariff policy and also because of this unnecessary conflict in Iran, we're looking at a situation where 30% of our farmers don't even have the fertilizer needed. And we're two months away here from planting season. I mean, it is a. We are moving towards an absolute Farmageddon here in this state. And, you know, like the farm crisis that we saw 40 years ago, where we lost half of our family farms. And these rural communities have been absolutely decimated. They've lost their pharmacies. They don't have grocery stores in these rural communities. Their schools have closed, their health care centers have closed. And everywhere that we're going out in these rural Iowa communities, we're seeing the Trump signs, the Trump flags. They are down. And they're saying, we need change. We need change at the federal level, we need change at the state level. And they're looking to someone like me with a genuineness and an authenticity. I'm the only one in this race. It's not even a millionaire. And they're saying, we need someone like you, a genuine populace that is going to go up there and actually look out for Iowa and Iowans, and not just up there looking out for billionaires and large corporations.
Podcast Host
Talk about the stakes of this race. I mean, for those who, you know, don't remember, right, this was Joni Ernst's seat, and she was the One who said, we're all going to die anyway, so why does it matter if we suffer now? Or words. And then she recorded a video of herself outside of a cemetery and then said, look, everyone's dead and they're not. They. Are they upset about. I was like the most ridiculous video. Are they upset about getting their health care ripped away?
Josh Turek
Hahaha.
Podcast Host
I was like, just the strangest stuff in the world. Talk to us about Iowa, the stakes, your message to the voters and where people can learn more about your campaign.
Josh Turek
Yeah, my message to the voters is that I'm a common sense prairie populist and my message is out there is that we need a livable wage and affordable housing and affordable healthcare addressing the cancer crisis that we're having in this state. We're the only state with a growing cancer rate, that we need to do something about the water quality crisis that we're having in this state. The stakes couldn't be higher. I mean, we're looking at a situation where we're seeing democracy eroded, lack of checks and balances in place, and we're looking at a middle class that is being hollowed out. And it's happening here the most egregiously here in Iowa. We are dead last for economic growth. Everywhere that I'm going, people are struggling. They're struggling just to keep the lights on and food on the table. And we're looking at a situation where, here in Iowa, I really believe to all of your listeners out there, this is the very best state to invest in. This is the only state where you're looking at being able to flip three of the four congressional races like we did in Trump's first midterm. We can win this open governor's race and we can win this open U.S. senate seat. We just got our first independent pullback on the ratios, myself and my Republican opponent, Ashley Henson. Tide this is not a red state. This is a common sense state. This is a state that we had three of the four congressional races go our way during Trump's midterm. Traveling the state for the last six months. There is significantly more energy and desire for change right now. We can win this race and we can win it with a candidate like me, with proven results of being able to win in very, very red environments. I am battle tested and I'm the only one in this primary that has even run against a Republican. I know that I can win and this messaging can win. And the amazing opportunity that we've got here in Iowa is, you know, I'm only here because of the work of a longtime senator, Senator Tom Harkin, the father of the American with Disabilities Act. And we really deserve here in Iowa to once again have a senator that is fighting for the people, fighting for Iowa and Iowans, fighting for social and economic justice, and not just looking out for billionaires and large corporations. That's the opportunity we've got here in Iowa. If we can win here in Iowa, we can get to 51 in the US Senate and we can fundamentally not just change the state, but change this country. Those are the stakes.
Podcast Host
Josh. Where could people learn more about you again?
Josh Turek
Yeah, they can. They can learn about me. My website is Turek T U R E k the number four. That was my basketball number. Turek fouriowa.com please join us. I'm not taking any corporate PAC money. We are relying just off of individual donations. And so please join our effort. Help us push for change. We really can win this U.S. senate seat and fundamentally change the state of Iowa and change this country.
Podcast Host
And humble about that. Basketball number four time Paralympian, two times gold medalist in wheelchair basketball. Incredible accomplishments there and appreciate all you're doing, Josh.
Josh Turek
Hey, before we go, I got one last thing to ask you a special favor. My sister listens to you every single day. I told her that I was getting on with you. She's just gone through stage two breast cancer. She's just gone through a double mastectomy. And if you could give her a shout out, her name is you let. I know it would put a smile on her face and it would mean a lot to her.
Podcast Host
You let. We are grateful in the mightiest mighty to have you. We wish you all of the best. And afterwards, you let, I'll give Josh my cell number and give me a call. You let, I'd love to speak with you and I'd love to hear your voice and hear your story. So from the bottom of all our heart, all the might as mighty are rooting for you. And I look forward to talking to you over the phone as well.
Josh Turek
Thank you, my friend. I appreciate that.
Podcast Host
Everybody hit subscribe. Let's get to 7 million subscribers. 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 Vital Farms farmers do a lot for their hens, like giving them open pastures with lots of fresh air and sunshine. Because who doesn't love a good sunbathe, a stretch and a breeze through their feathers while foraging on a natural buffet of grasses. One thing is for sure, all that extra care means good eggs for you. So look for the black carton in the egg aisle and visit vitalfarms.com to learn more. Vital Farms Good eggs no Shortcuts Carvana is so easy. Just a click and we've got ourselves a car. See so many cars.
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Josh Turek
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Date: March 30, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)
Guest: Josh Turek, Iowa State Legislator and U.S. Senate Candidate
In this urgent and deeply reflective episode, the Meiselas brothers examine a political sea change: Donald Trump’s precipitous collapse in deep red states, backed by local voter testimonies and special election data. With the guest appearance of Iowa State Legislator and U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek, the episode offers local perspectives from “Trump Country,” discussing the economic and social deterioration under Trump’s policies and the unprecedented opportunities for Democratic resurgence in 2026. The conversation intertwines data, ground-level stories, and pointed criticism of both Trump and entrenched Republican officials.
“Donald Trump is panicking as the reddest districts in the reddest states are turning blue.”
— Podcast Host [02:29]
The show includes real voter soundbites from Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Iowa demonstrating a marked shift:
Pennsylvania Voter:
“You are a worthless pile of…”
“Apparently, I’m an idiot.”
— [Clip at 04:50-05:01]
Michigan Trump Voter:
“I’m a fool, I guess… it makes a very big difference to someone like me who has to fill in the gas tank every single week and go to work.”
— [05:10-05:48]
Iowa Rural Resident:
“We could spend a billion dollars a day to kill other people’s kids in other countries. We could afford to spend some money on Iowa schools and Iowa healthcare. It is two Americas now.”
— [06:00-06:28]
Josh Turek describes representing the “reddest district that is represented by a Democrat in Iowa” (Trump +18 and Trump +10 towns) and witnessing daily the economic suffering:
“Everywhere we’re going, all across the state, it doesn’t matter—urban areas, rural areas—people are struggling… and they’re recognizing that we need change.”
— Josh Turek [08:08-09:15]
Election Data:
Trump’s trade policies, farm bailouts, and long-term conflicts are blamed for devastating Iowa’s rural economy and farm closures.
“Farmageddon” and crisis-level fertilizer shortages due to “unnecessary conflict in Iran” were highlighted.
“We are dead last for economic growth, 48th for personal income growth… And now we lead the nation in farm foreclosures. When you’re going into these rural communities… they’re telling you, ‘I voted for Trump… but I’ve had enough… We need change…’”
— Josh Turek [10:44-12:29]
The episode argues Iowa is uniquely positioned for Democratic gains, including three congressional races and a U.S. Senate seat.
Turek frames himself as a “common sense prairie populist”—the only non-millionaire in the Senate race, refusing corporate PAC money.
“The stakes couldn’t be higher. We are dead last for economic growth. Everywhere that I’m going, people are struggling… We can win this race… I’m battle-tested and I’m the only one in this primary that has even run against a Republican. I know that I can win and this messaging can win.”
— Josh Turek [13:08-14:22]
The collapse of healthcare, loss of rural pharmacies and schools, water quality crisis, the highest cancer growth rate, and erasure of the middle class are described as existential threats.
Turek calls to restore the “Harkin legacy” (Sen. Tom Harkin, father of the ADA) as a beacon for Iowa’s future.
On Trump’s Farmer Support:
“Throughout Donald Trump’s career… he’s run his businesses… like Ponzi’s, and they’ve gone bankrupt over and over again… I feel like we’ve hit that moment where a lot of big promises are made… but it seems like, with every Ponzi scheme… Alright, pay up now. Okay, we’re at the end of the line.”
— Podcast Host [09:15-10:44]
On Local Discontent:
“Trump signs, the Trump flags. They are down. And they’re saying, ‘We need change at the federal level, we need change at the state level.’”
— Josh Turek [11:57-12:29]
Josh’s Shoutout to His Sister:
“Yulet, we are grateful… We wish you all of the best… All the Meidas Mighty are rooting for you…”
— Podcast Host [16:11-16:31]
This episode spotlights a seismic change: voter disillusionment with Donald Trump and the Republican establishment in states once assumed to be politically unshakable. Interviewing local Democratic leader Josh Turek, the MeidasTouch team provides a blend of data, personal testimony, and critical analysis articulating both a grassroots crisis and a rare strategic opportunity for Democrats in 2026. Turek's message is framed as hopeful but urgent: Iowa, ravaged by “Farmageddon,” economic decline, and policy failures, is ripe for change—if Democrats can seize the moment with authenticity and action.
This summary covers all major content segments and notable highlights, omitting advertisements and non-content banter.