Work in Progress with Sophia Bush: Episode Summary

Episode: Work in Progress: Rep. Eric Swalwell & Jordan C. Brown
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Host: Sophia Bush
Guests:

• Rep. Eric Swalwell: Representative of California’s 14th congressional district, member of the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees, founder of Future Forum.
• Jordan C. Brown: Esteemed Democratic strategist with over 15 years of experience, advisor to multiple political campaigns, and active in progressive advocacy organizations.

Introduction

Sophia Bush opens the episode by expressing her enthusiasm for engaging with two influential men in American politics. She underscores the tumultuous nature of the current political landscape, highlighting the aggressive strategies of the new administration that she perceives as undermining foundational American values.

Sophia Bush [00:30]:
"It is definitely a week for the whip smarties. I know y'all are engaged, I know you care about what's going on in the world, and let's be frank. It's been wild."

Guest Backgrounds

Rep. Eric Swalwell delves into his long-standing commitment to Congress, motivated by pivotal events like September 11th and the rise of Donald Trump, which he views as threats to American freedoms. His journey from a congressional intern to a respected member of Congress reflects his dedication to public service.

Eric Swalwell [05:58]:
"Donald Trump and his just threat to all of our freedoms and what I think makes this country so special just makes me think, I can't leave. I can't leave the fight."

Jordan C. Brown, a close friend of Sophia and a seasoned political strategist, discusses his multifaceted role at the intersection of politics, technology, and entertainment. His work focuses on driving progressive social change across a wide range of issues, from LGBTQ rights to poverty and immigration.

Sophia Bush [02:00]:
"Jordan, you are one of the most brilliant political strategists that works at the intersection of politics, technology, and entertainment."

Current Political Climate

Sophia addresses the prevailing challenges two months into the new administration, describing it as a "slash and burn" approach that threatens various American institutions and values. She expresses a deep concern for the erosion of constitutional protections and the undermining of the nation's soft power.

Sophia Bush [03:00]:
"We're two months into an administration that seems to be taking a slash and burn approach to everything that is holy about America: our Constitution, our morals, our values."

Accountability and Signalgate

The conversation shifts to the critical issue of Signalgate, referring to a significant security breach involving the leaking of highly classified information on unsecured devices and social media platforms. This incident has exposed vulnerabilities within the administration and raised questions about leadership's competence.

Sophia Bush [28:00]:
"High-ranking officials in the administration shared war plans on a group chat... they accidentally put a journalist on the group chat."

Eric Swalwell [29:57]:
"It shows one like how dumb they are and should not be in charge of our safety, right?"

Rep. Swalwell emphasizes the failure of the administration to maintain national security and the compounded issue of misleading the public about these breaches.

The Role of Public Sentiment

Rep. Swalwell highlights the importance of public sentiment in influencing political outcomes. He notes that widespread public engagement and opposition are already affecting the administration's decisions, such as reconsidering tax packages favored by the wealthiest Americans.

Eric Swalwell [33:20]:
"Public sentiment has been so strongly against that there are already stories this week that they're actually considering raising the highest income level bracket."

He underscores the necessity of sustained activism to maintain momentum against policies that threaten societal well-being.

Interactions Across the Aisle

A poignant moment occurs when Rep. Swalwell recounts an encounter with Republican Senator Ted Cruz. Despite Cruz’s aggressive public stance, the private interaction revealed a more respectful and amicable side, illustrating the potential for bipartisan civility.

Eric Swalwell [40:04]:
"I see in the sink next to me, Ted Cruz washing his hands... he says, 'I want you to know you're doing a really good job out there.'"

This anecdote serves to humanize political adversaries and highlights the complexity of personal relationships within the polarized political environment.

Encouraging Engagement and Activism

The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of active citizenship in combating the current administration's policies. Both Rep. Swalwell and Jordan Brown advocate for increased participation in democratic processes, such as attending town halls, participating in protests, contacting representatives, and supporting local and national candidates who align with progressive values.

Sophia Bush [53:01]:
"There's a great website for our listeners at home called fivecalls.org that will help you identify your reps, identify how to speak about the issues that are important to you."

Eric Swalwell [49:50]:
"If you've never gone to a public protest, go to your first public protests, April 5th."

They stress that individual actions, when multiplied, can lead to significant political and social change, ensuring that democracy remains robust and responsive.

Hope for the Future

In the latter part of the episode, Jordan Brown discusses the importance of nurturing future leaders and the need for dynamic, authentic representation in politics. He envisions a political landscape where candidates are judged by their ideas and integrity rather than their identity or performative alignment with party lines.

Jordan Brown [73:09]:
"We have to win elections in order to govern. So in order to help all these people that we care about, we first have to win an election."

Sophia Bush adds her perspective on the power of intergenerational friendships and mentorship, highlighting how such relationships can bridge political divides and foster a more united society.

Sophia Bush [59:06]:
"The more people that are represented in any room, the better the outcomes in that room are."

Notable Quotes

1. Eric Swalwell [10:01]:
   "Like my district for essentially 80 years before I got there was represented by people who stayed way too long. So to me, it's glaring as to, like, what you just said, like, don't be the guy that sticks around too long. Like, get in there, get stuff done, get out."

2. Jordan Brown [08:29]:
   "Youth is not something that comes up a lot when we talk about the people running this country. We have seen in so many painful and sad ways over the last five or ten years in both parties what happens to our country."

3. Sophia Bush [72:44]:
   "It's scary to me because it seems like what's happening is being downplayed. It seems like not just that the double standards have gotten so crazy, but that we have really lost the plot on facts."

4. Jordan Brown [66:50]:
   "To me, like, the most haunting image so far is seeing them jackhammer Black Lives Matter words or the NFL taking the words 'end racism' out of the end zone. Everywhere you look, government, business, media—the cost is real, but they are trying to placate Trump so he doesn't come after them."

5. Eric Swalwell [80:12]:
   "I have to go one rung higher. Whatever we were willing to do in the last election, we have to go one rung higher now."

Conclusion

Sophia Bush wraps up the episode by reaffirming the significance of the discussions held with Rep. Swalwell and Jordan Brown. She emphasizes the ongoing need for hope, active participation, and unity among citizens to uphold democratic values and counteract the administration's adversarial strategies.

Sophia Bush [83:41]:
"I really hope that some of this pragmatic advice has reminded you to stay hopeful and stay in the game, because we're not going to seed our territory. We're not going to cede this country to anybody who wants to take it apart. Damn it."

Rep. Swalwell and Jordan Brown echo her sentiments, reinforcing the message that collective effort and unwavering commitment are essential to safeguard the nation's future.

Key Takeaways:

• Active Engagement: Citizens must actively participate in democratic processes to influence positive change.
• Intergenerational Leadership: Mentorship and the rise of younger leaders are crucial for a dynamic and responsive political system.
• Accountability: Holding the administration accountable through public sentiment and legal avenues is essential to maintain national security and democratic integrity.
• Bipartisan Civility: Personal relationships across political lines can foster understanding and reduce polarization.
• Hope and Persistence: Maintaining hope and persistence is vital in the face of overwhelming political challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

• FiveCalls.org: A platform to identify representatives and learn how to effectively communicate about important issues.
  [Sophia Bush [53:01]]

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Work in Progress offers a deep dive into the current political turmoil through the insights of two dedicated progressive leaders. It serves as a call to action for listeners to remain engaged, informed, and hopeful in their pursuit of a more just and equitable America.