VINCE Podcast Episode 13: "What REALLY Happened In Wisconsin?" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: April 2, 2025
Host: Vince Coglianese
Guest: Chris Bedford, Senior Chief Mega Political Correspondent for The Blaze

1. Introduction to Wisconsin Election Results

In this episode, Vince delves deep into the recent Wisconsin elections, highlighting significant outcomes and their implications for the Republican Party and the broader political landscape.

• Voter ID Constitutional Amendment:

  • Victory for Republicans: Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to enshrine voter ID laws, reinforcing election integrity measures.
  • Context: Despite challenges from a perceived liberal-leaning Supreme Court in Wisconsin, the electorate's support prevents the dismantling of voter ID requirements.
  • Quote: “Voters in Wisconsin voted overwhelmingly yesterday to say, yes, we love voter ID. We love it so much, we want it enshrined in the state constitution.” [00:XX]

• Special Elections in Florida:

  • Republican Retentions: Both Republican seats in Florida, previously held by Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, were successfully retained in special elections.
  • Significance: These results are viewed as hard-fought victories, solidifying Republican presence despite the challenging election cycle.

• Wisconsin Supreme Court Race:

  • Democratic Win: Susan Crawford defeated Republican Brad Schimmel with 55% of the vote to Schimmel's 45%, marking a notable setback for Republicans.
  • Analysis: The loss is attributed to ineffective messaging and failure to resonate with low propensity voters.
  • Quote: “Susan Crawford ended as of this morning with 55% of the vote to Brad Schimmel's 45%.” [00:XX]

2. Challenges in Mobilizing Low Propensity Voters

Vince emphasizes the shift in the Republican voter base, highlighting the transition from high propensity voters to predominantly low propensity voters who don't consistently participate in elections.

• Turnout Statistics:

  • Off-Cycle Elections: Approximately 2.3 million people voted in Wisconsin's off-year elections, compared to 3.4 million in the presidential election the previous year.
  • Implication: The reduced turnout significantly impacts close races, as seen in Wisconsin where Trump narrowly won by less than a point in the presidential race.

• Republican Strategy Flaws:

  • Messaging Failure: Despite robust get-out-the-vote efforts by operatives like Scott Pressler and organizations such as Turning Point Action, the Republican message failed to compellingly convey how voting would directly benefit low propensity voters.
  • Quote: “They have to catch up. I mean, in almost every single race in November, last November, Donald Trump outperformed the Republican Party.” [32:54]

3. Cory Booker's Senate Floor Stunt

A significant portion of the episode critiques Senator Cory Booker's recent 24-hour speech on the Senate floor, portraying it as a futile and self-serving act rather than a meaningful legislative effort.

• Vince's Critique:

  • Perception: Booker’s extended speech is dismissed as a publicity stunt aimed at drawing attention rather than effectuating policy changes.
  • Quote: “Nobody's taking Medicaid away, you idiot. This guy is unbelievable.” [24:58]

• Impact on Democratic Image:

  • Negative Portrayal: Vince argues that such theatrics contribute to the Democrats' declining approval ratings and fail to address voters' practical concerns.
  • Guest Agreement: Chris Bedford concurs, suggesting that Booker’s actions reflect the Democratic Party's lack of effective leadership and cohesive messaging.
    • Quote from Chris Bedford: “Cory Booker, I think, is trying to fill a vacuum. There's no real leadership nationally.” [28:10]

4. President Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs and Trade War

The episode transitions to a discussion on President Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs, aimed at retaliating against countries perceived to have taken advantage of the U.S. economically.

• Economic Rationale:

  • Trade Imbalance: The tariffs target nations like Canada and Mexico, which heavily rely on American trade, thereby inflicting greater economic impact on them than on the U.S.
  • Quote: “President Trump is announcing these reciprocal tariffs and there's these doomsday things going on.” [34:39]

• Strategic Messaging:

  • Clarity Needed: Vince criticizes the lack of comprehensive communication from the White House regarding specific tariffs, advocating for a detailed "cheat sheet" to inform the public.
  • Quote: “The White House should have released a full list of every heinous tariff that is imposed on the United States by the worst actors on the planet.” [35:39]

• Guest Insights:

  • Chris Bedford's Perspective: Emphasizes the necessity of strong Republican support for tariffs to effectively counteract foreign trade barriers and restore domestic manufacturing.
  • Quote: “Every single level of President Trump's agenda has been sought, not on legal merits, by completely deranged rulings from partisan Democrat judges.” [34:39]

5. Immigration and Deportation Controversies

Vince addresses the contentious topic of immigration, focusing on the deportation of individuals affiliated with violent gangs like MS-13 and the media's portrayal of these cases.

• Case Study – MS-13 Deportation:

  • Deportee Profile: An illegal alien from El Salvador involved with MS-13 is deported, with Vince arguing the media unfairly sympathizes with the individual despite credible evidence of gang affiliation.
  • Detailed Breakdown: Vince plays a segment by Amber Duke, which meticulously outlines the deportee's criminal ties and the flawed asylum claims presented.
  • Quote: “He is MS-13. It's a crystal clear.” [54:15]

• Critique of Media Narratives:

  • Bias Highlighted: The media is accused of prioritizing the deportee's plight over the safety and concerns of American communities affected by gang violence.
  • Political Figures' Stance: Vince praises Vice President J.D. Vance for his firm stance against such deportations, criticizing Democratic leaders for their leniency.
  • Quote: “The media is fighting on behalf of the gangster, not on behalf of the victims of these horrific illegal alien attacks.” [54:19]

6. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Vince wraps up the episode by reiterating the lessons from the Wisconsin elections, the importance of effective Republican messaging, and the need for unity in enforcing Trump's economic and immigration agendas.

• Call to Action:

  • Engagement Encouraged: Listeners are urged to participate in discussions and provide feedback via social media and the Rumble chat platform.
  • Quote: “Learn something. Use it. That's the key.” [00:XX]

• Promotion of Future Content:

  • Upcoming Interviews: Vince teases future interviews and discussions, including extended conversations with Chris Bedford.
  • Quote: “Interview with Senator Cory Booker coming up.” [27:35] (Note: This refers to the satirical stunt discussed earlier.)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Voter ID Support:

  • “Voters in Wisconsin voted overwhelmingly yesterday to say, yes, we love voter ID. We love it so much, we want it enshrined in the state constitution.” [00:XX]

• Cory Booker’s 24-Hour Speech:

  • “When is it going to be enough? My voice is inadequate. My efforts today are inadequate to stop what they're trying to do.” [23:59]

• Economic Impact of Tariffs:

  • “President Trump is announcing these reciprocal tariffs and there's these doomsday things going on.” [34:39]

• Media's Role in Deportations:

  • “He is MS-13. It's a crystal clear.” [54:15]

Conclusion

Episode 13 of the VINCE podcast provides a robust analysis of the recent Wisconsin elections, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout and effective messaging for the Republican Party. Vince critically examines Senator Cory Booker's theatrical Senate speech, underscores President Trump's strategic economic policies through reciprocal tariffs, and vehemently addresses immigration issues, particularly the deportation of gang-affiliated individuals. Through engaging discussions with guest Chris Bedford, the episode offers insightful perspectives on navigating the current political climate, advocating for strong Republican initiatives to counteract Democratic strategies and foreign economic manipulations.