Democrats, Get Your Act Together! Joe Walsh Speaks Out!
Joe Walsh, the former Congressman turned podcast host, joins David Wheeler and Colonel Moe Davis in this lively episode of "Muck You!" diving deep into the wild world of American politics. The main dish today? Walsh's transformation from a Trump supporter to a fierce critic, and he’s not holding back! They chat about how political identities are shifting, the challenges of today's Democratic landscape, and whether the Dems can get their act together before the next election cycle. Walsh's candid insights are spiced with humor and a sprinkle of exasperation at the current state of affairs, as he calls out both sides for their shortcomings. Buckle up for a rollercoaster of laughs, rants, and some serious food for thought as they tackle everything from the media's role in normalizing Trump to the need for authentic voices in politics.
>>> Crank up the volume and get ready to roll, because this podcast episode is like a rollercoaster ride through the wild and wacky world of politics! David and Colonel Mo are back in the saddle, and they’re joined by none other than the charismatic Joe Walsh. Now, Walsh isn't just another talking head; he’s a former Congressman who went from Tea Party darling to a voice of reason in a chaotic political landscape. Picture this: he takes us on a journey starting from his unexpected win in Illinois against all odds—an 88% chance of losing, and he pulls off a victory by just 291 votes. Talk about a nail-biter! As they dive deeper into the convo, Walsh shares his evolution from a Trump supporter to a vocal critic, delivering spicy takes on everything from the current state of the GOP to the health of American democracy. He’s not holding back, folks! The trio banters about the need for Democrats to step up their game, connect with everyday folks, and maybe even throw in a few F-bombs for good measure. Trust us, it’s a wild ride filled with laughs, insight, and a whole lot of ‘Muck You’ moments that’ll leave you nodding your head and chuckling. So grab your popcorn and tune in; this one’s a doozy!
>>> The conversation in this episode is like a political buffet—there’s just so much to sink your teeth into! David and Moe chat with Joe Walsh, who’s got the kind of story that could fill a book, and guess what? He has! From his days in Congress to his radio show, Walsh is all about calling out the BS in politics. He reflects on his time as a moderate Republican who transitioned into the Tea Party and now finds himself at odds with the party he once embraced. Here’s the kicker: they tackle the elephant in the room—Trump. Walsh doesn’t shy away from critiquing the former president, sharing how he once supported him but has since realized the danger he poses to democracy. The trio also gets candid about the Democratic Party’s struggle to connect with the average American and the need for them to embrace a broader strategy beyond just anti-Trump rhetoric. It’s a mix of humor, raw honesty, and a sprinkle of hope as they discuss the future of politics in America. Walsh’s insights into the evolving political landscape are both eye-opening and entertaining, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the current state of affairs.
>>> If you’re looking for a podcast that doesn’t just scratch the surface but dives deep into the murky waters of politics, this episode is your ticket! David and Moe bring on Joe Walsh, a former Congressman with a controversial past that’s as colorful as his personality. The trio kicks things off with a laugh as they reminisce about Walsh’s surprising Congressional win, and from there, the conversation spirals into a passionate discussion about the state of the GOP and the role of Democrats in today’s political climate. Walsh is candid about his transformation from a Trump supporter to a critic, and he doesn’t hold back when discussing the consequences of normalizing Trump’s behavior. With a playful humor that keeps things light, the guys explore the need for Democrats to step up, get real, and connect with the working-class folks who feel abandoned. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to frustration, as they dissect the current political landscape, tackle the media’s role in shaping narratives, and question how to bring authenticity back to politics. Walsh’s fiery rhetoric and the dynamic between the hosts make this episode a thrilling listen that’s both entertaining and enlightening.
Takeaways:
- Joe Walsh transitioned from a Tea Party Republican to a vocal critic of Trump, showcasing the complex evolution of political identities in America.
- The podcast highlights the urgent need for Democrats to connect with everyday folks instead of focusing solely on elite issues and political correctness.
- Moe passionately argues for the necessity of Democrats to embody authenticity and fight back against the extreme narratives propagated by the GOP.
- The conversation reveals deep frustrations about the current political landscape, where mainstream media often normalizes extreme figures like Trump without accountability.
- Both hosts and their guest emphasize the role of young people as a beacon of hope for the future of democracy, reflecting a generational shift in political engagement.
- A humorous anecdote about miscommunication with Ryan Reynolds underscores the unpredictable nature of political fundraising and the importance of personal connections in campaigns.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- American Muckrakers
- Newsmax
- Social Contract Podcast by Joe Walsh
- Silence Calling Trump
- Kamala Harris
- CNN
- MSNBC
- Nicole Wallace
- Paul Begala
- JamesCarville
- Rahm Emanuel
- Donald Trump
- Gavin Newsom
- Ryan Reynolds
- Act Blue
Transcript
It's MUCK YOU!, the American Muckrakers podcast where we sling mutt at the high and mighty.
I'm David Wheeler, the clown who kicked off this circus, joined by my good friend, co founder and co host Colonel Moe Davis, with an introduction of our guest today. Take it away, Moe.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah, well, thanks, David, and thanks to everybody for tuning in again. And we're continuing with our, our, our line of interesting and informative guests. And today we've got Joe Walsh. We're really pleased to have him on.
ess from Illinois back in, in:He ran in a district where, Joe, correct me if I'm wrong, but going into the election, the New York Times said your Democratic opponent had an 88% chance of winning, and you won instead.
Rep. Joe Walsh:And by 291 votes. Moeving.
Col Moe Davis:Hey, a win's a win. That's like when I do wordle in the morning. If I get it in less than six, it's a win.
Joe went to Congress as a, I think, considered a moderate Republican and then became a pretty solid Tea Party Republican who, you know, you're against tax increases and raising the debt ceiling and climate change and, and all that.
e redrew the districts and in:And over that time, Joe went from being, as I said, a Tea Party Republican and initially was a supporter of Donald Trump, but he's gone from a Trump supporter to a Trump critic. And after leaving Congress, Joe had a nationwide radio show.
He was on Newsmax, and currently he's got a weekly podcast radio type show that you can, you can watch wherever you get your podcasts. It's about a half hour show called called the Social Contract with with Joe Walsh. And he also has a book out.
author, and I think it was in:And Joe, I tell you that originally that was the title David and I wanted for our podcast. And then we didn't want to get into a copyright dispute with you, so we went with MUCK YOU! instead of the silence one.
But I thank you so much for doing this. Thanks for coming on.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Hey, Moe. David, it's great to be with you both. You guys do have the best name for a podcast by far.
And Moe, I appreciate you reading that full title of that book. And I was looking at the book I wrote about Trump a week or so ago, and it amazes me.
and early:And man, that's crazy because that was like before both impeachments and trying to overthrow the election and everything feels like 100 years ago.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah, I know it. Strange times we're living in.
You know, it's interesting that we had Paul Begala on last week and Paul had a book he and Carville wrote back in the 90s. It was called buck up, suck up and come back when you foul up.
And so I asked him, I said, wasn't there another four letter F word that you wrote, really wanted to use instead of foul? And he said, well, we did, but our publisher said they wouldn't put it out.
But apparently by: Rep. Joe Walsh: pretty potty mouth ever since:And it's really, it is. I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing, but we a lot more of that now, aren't we?
Col Moe Davis:Yeah, and I, we used to watch Nicole Wallace in the afternoon and she'll throw a, throw some profanity in there from time to time, but the times call for it. Hey, let me ask you, when you were in Congress, you served on the Homeland Security Committee.
You know, having served in the military for 25 years, I'm just shocked by where we are today. You know that Canada is our enemy and Russia is our friend. We got a sec. Death who sends his wife war plans.
state of national security in: Rep. Joe Walsh:And thank you, my brother and my friend, for your service. Look, none of this is surprising. We have the very thing our founding fathers feared, currently in the White House. He doesn't believe in democracy.
He doesn't believe in freedom. He doesn't believe in the rule of law, and he's all about revenge.
And so he's put people in charge of defense and CIA and Justice and the FBI and our intelligence who are either utterly incompetent and, or like him, enemies of democracy and the rule of law. And mo. You know, my God, the Defense Department is the Largest. And we've got a 19 year old frat boy who's running it.
Utterly unfit and unserious, but a reflection on Trump because he's an unfit, unserious commander in chief.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah, I'm just flabbergasted that, you know, we hold 18 year old recruits to a higher standard than we do the Secretary of Defense. And normally, you know, discipline starts at the top. And it seems with this administration there are no standards, no accountability.
You know, it used to be the buck stops here and now it's past the buck.
Rep. Joe Walsh:But Moe, can I, if I were with you right now, I'd slap you upside the head because. And I love you, but you don't. Don't say you're flabbergasted or you're shocked because none of us should be. Like, it's so interesting.
I'm a Tea Party guy, still a proud Tea Party guy.
I'm no longer a Republican, but last year I spent every single day for three months in one battleground state after another trying to help Kamala Harris get elected. And I'm telling you, and you guys know, America knowingly elected a bad bat. He told us what he was going to do. We knowingly elected a bad guy.
The Democrats have their issues and that contributed to it. But everything he's doing right now, none of it should be a surprise to anybody who's paying attention.
Col Moe Davis:Well, what surprises me is, I mean, not Trump's behavior, but the Republican Party just being thing like, you know, I've known Lindsey Graham longer than I've known my wife and worked with him and John McCain back, you know, when they were the two pushing back against the Bush administration. And like Roger Wicker was a reservist, assigned my office for a while.
I mean, I know those guys know better and they're willingly, you know, letting the military be degraded the way that it is. And you know, it's one thing to be stupid and get lulled into the whole MAGA movement, but there are people like them that know better.
Rep. Joe Walsh:That's mo, that's such a cogent point. Look, the deal is these past eight, nine years, and it's only gotten worse.
If you're like me, if you're a Republican, a conservative, and you publicly speak out against Trump, you're done. Your career is done. You're done as a Republican. You can never get elected again as a Republican. Your livelihood is over.
That's what happened to me six, seven years ago when I came, my friend and former colleague Adam Kinzinger, same thing Cheney, there are a handful of us. And so if you're Lindsey Graham and all the others, you look at that and you say, I don't want that because I want the power. I want the relevancy.
I want to be important. I still want to be a viable Republican. It's really, really hard to give up.
I wasn't a congressman for 20 years, but, man, I was there enough to see where the power, the perceived power and importance you think you got can easily go to your head, and it's really hard to let go of. So a lot of them don't like Trump privately. By God, it's the price you got to pay when you sell your soul to stay in power.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah, to me, you know, if you're in public service, you know, for the right reason, you should be willing to lose your job, if that's what it means to serve the public. And, you know, folks that are, you know, again, compromising what they know is, you know, the.
The right thing to do in order to hang on to their jobs is just. It's really disappointing. But, hey, you mentioned earlier, you mentioned the Democrats, and certainly there's.
There's a lot of blame, I think, to go around, but certainly the Democrats you get. There's a 27 to 29% approval rating. You did a show recently on your. Your program called in. The title was, Damn it, Democrats, Think outside the Box.
Go big or go home. What's your advice to the Democrats? How do we claw this thing back?
Rep. Joe Walsh:Yeah, right. Moe and David, like, we need Democrats to get their act together. My God, they are.
I mean, we've got a legit threat to our democracy and the rule of law in the White House. We need an effective opposition party. They're the only game in town. I've been preaching about a third party, a fourth party, for years.
That ain't coming now. And right now, the Dems are the only, only game in town. So we need them to get their act together, I think.
And this comes from, again, my experience out campaigning for Kamala Harris and my experience kind of coming from MAGA and coming from where regular folk live. Every day I was out there campaigning, Moe, for her. Somebody in Pennsylvania or North Carolina or Arizona would tell me a variation of the following.
And they all said it, just regular folk. They said, joe, I know Trump's a fucking asshole, but the Democrats are elites. They're snob. They look down on.
I heard a variation of that, Moe, everywhere I went. And like, when I got elected to Congress 10, 12 years ago, most College educated people voted Republican back then. People without a college.
A college degree voted Democrat. That's completely flipped. And it's completely flipped because in my mind, the Democrats have grown out of touch with where regular folk are.
And so then regular folk can become, as, you know, more really susceptible to a demagogue like Trump just lies to them and bullshits them. But regular folk have been fooled into thinking he cares about them. Democrats haven't even given the impression that they care.
So somehow they got to really begin to connect.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah, I thought Paul McGalla last week had a really good description.
He said, in his opinion, Democrats focus too much on who put their pronouns at the end of their emails rather than people that have their name stitched above their pocket when they go to work in the morning.
Rep. Joe Walsh:You know, Moe, I agree with that to a degree. And Carville says the same shit. And Rahm Emanuel has been out there saying the same stuff. Like, we. We got to pay more attention.
Dem's got to pay more attention to kitchen table issues than all of this woke stuff. I say bullshit to a lot of that, though. I think Democrats got to do both.
I think Democrats got us just take the issue of, like, transgender men and women. Yeah. Have. Have the left at times gone too far, pushing stuff, pronoun stuff and the rest. Sure.
But my God, the maga, right, when it comes to transgender Americans, they don't even think it exists. They think these people should be shunned. It's a mental illness. Moest Americans are where Democrats should be on the transgender issue. Live your life.
Be true to yourself. We love and embrace all of God's children. When it comes to transgender men in sports, we've got to make sure that it's a fair plane.
And when it comes to bathrooms and locker rooms, respect the privacy of both sides. That's where most Americans are. And so Democrats.
Moe, maybe it's because I come from the far right and I used to engage in a lot of the culture war stuff. We would always do it because it worked and Democrats would never fight us on the culture war.
I think Democrats got to fight on the culture war stuff and the bread and butter.
David Wheeler:Yeah, I think you're right, Joe. And one of the things that's been a theme of this show has been the. The fact that Democrats won't push back. They want to be right instead of win.
And so we've been trying to push candidates that come on the show and others that there is nothing wrong with pointing out factual information. It may be salacious, but you got to use the tools that you have in front of you to get to beat these motherfuckers.
They do the same thing to the Democrat. Why wouldn't you do it back at them? And here's my question for you, Joe. What.
What is the difference in the DNA between a Democratic candidate and a Republican candidate? Why is it they're willing to go the extra way to win and the Democrat will would rather lose?
Rep. Joe Walsh:And you know what, David? It's always been that way.
Again, when I was in Congress, we Republicans knew that we'd go places that Democrats wouldn't go, and so we'd pound them over the head with shit.
You know, in a way, Democrats, like, I agree with Democrats on most values, and they're more decent, loving, tolerant people, but Republicans fucking will grab you by the balls and do whatever it takes to win. And so I don't want Democrats to lose their decency, but damn it, I want Democrats to be authentic, to be righteously angry and to fight.
David Wheeler:Yeah, yeah.
Democrats don't have to lose their innate ability to be empathetic and helpful to others, but the fucking candidates better or they're not going to have any positions in government.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Yeah, yeah, I know. I agree with that. But like, and David, I'd say, look, Democrats come across as sort of wussies, as they do come across as academics and elitists.
Elitists. Now, we are living. And I've been preaching this every time I go on tv. We've been living in a populist moment for a long time.
And all that means is regular people are pissed off at their government because they don't think their government's doing what government should do. So along comes Trump and maga and they demagogue the populist moment. Donald Trump is a populist. He's an evil populist.
But, like, the Democrats don't even have that. They don't even recognize this moment. So I want them to be good, righteous populists and, and fight for stuff. I don't care.
I'm not an AOC or a Bernie guy. Like, I'm not way over there on the left. But, man, I, I support them because they fight. We need Democrats to fucking fight.
David Wheeler:Yeah, I agree with you 100%. And my only criticism, Bernie and AOC, is they do these great big rallies.
But how does that help us elect five more people in the House, you know, to take back the House? What are they doing, literally, what are they doing on an operational level to make that happen?
Rep. Joe Walsh:Well, David, that's a really freaking smart. And so the answer is, I think what they're doing is valuable in that they're rallying the base.
But to your point, David, if the base come 20, 26, that's all rallied and fired up, doesn't lock arms with center, center left, Democrats and independents, then to your point, David, it's all for naught. Like, I often ask myself this, guys, what if Joe Walsh came out tomorrow and a conservative Democrat? Would the party embrace that or reject?
I think the party's got to figure that out. How big a tent are they going to be to win?
David Wheeler:No, I agree with 100%. So let's switch gears a here, head back to your home state of Illinois. I spent 22 years in Chicago. I can't believe we didn't run into.
Rep. Joe Walsh:We did. At some bar. We did, Dave.
David Wheeler:I'm sure we did, my friend.
David Wheeler:Jesus.
David Wheeler:I think I kept several bars afloat while I was there, but, you know, I was a North side guy. And God, I love Chicago news this week is that, you know, Senator Dick Durbin is going to stand down. God bless him. I love Dick Durbin.
I've been a big supporter of his, been in the room with him several times. He, he gets it now. God damn it.
I'm so happy to hear that he's not going to run again because one of my other beefs about politicians on both sides, but the Democrats are just as bad. They get in there and then they stay there. They don't give anybody else a chance.
And I think that is part of the reason the Democrats have slipped behind is I couldn't agree with you more that they have become this elitist crowd.
I also think one of the things we talked about in another show was there's this entire class of consultants in Washington that has no clue what goes on in western North Carolina, but they run campaigns here and they're spending the money here. So I'm glad to hear that Durbin is out two things. Number one, is that something you would look at? And number two, would. If not you, then who?
Rep. Joe Walsh:Dick Durbin's a classy guy and he and I used to fight back in the day, but he's a classy, principled guy and I respect the hell out of him for not running. To your point, David, like, when I got elected, the second bill I introduced in the House was a term limit.
And I didn't used to be a fan of term limits, but because I thought, like, politicians should, should limit themselves, but they don't. Like, why. Why can someone and I respect the hell out of Nancy Pelosi. Why the hell is she still in Congress?
Like when she stepped down as speaker, when Hakeem Jeffries became the leader of why is 83 year old Nancy Pelosi still in Congress? Makes no sense.
David Wheeler:I agree with you 100%.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Then the second to last point I'll make is I'm still hugely angry at Joe Biden. I did a TV show this morning. I lay a lot of the blame, I lay most of the blame for Trump's victory at Biden's feet.
Joe Biden was a bitter old man who couldn't get off the stage. He put his own interest in front of the country's interest. He got Trump elected. My God, why the hell was he still sticking messed everything up.
Now, to your point about Illinois, I'd love to go back and run for that Senate. Jan Szakowski, my, my former colleague is also retiring. A lot of that district is my home district. The problem is I'm, I'm not a Democrat.
I could become a Democrat, but there will be really well known Illinois local Democrats that will run for those seats and know that the Democratic Party would embrace former Tea Party Joe Walsh coming back home.
Col Moe Davis:Well, Joe, you know, it's interesting.
We've had, we had Adam Kinzinger on and, and ask him the same thing that, you know, where do you go if you're a Joe Walsh or an Adam Kinzinger, Liz Cheney, you know, where do you go? Because clearly, you know, the Republicans have no place for you. And, and he made the same point you did.
If the Democrats were a big enough tent that they could accommodate from, you know, like the AOC left to a moderate centrist that he said, yeah, he said, I could see myself being a Democrat, he said, but I just don't know that they're willing to broaden the aperture enough. But I, you know, we had, and.
Rep. Joe Walsh:By the way, Moe, by the way, Moe, to that point, I'm so glad you brought up Adam. He and I got elected together. Same class, same state. We talk all the time. You're right. He, he feels the same way I do.
Like the Democrats need to get their act together and we don't know that they would embrace us. So it's a really big move. So most of us just kind of hang out here in limbo. I'm no longer formally a Republican.
Adam still is formally a Republican in name, but it's, it's a tough spot to be in.
Col Moe Davis:Well, you know, we had David Jolly on a couple of weeks ago. And while he was on, he announced he was planning to run for governor and read today where he's now registered as a Democrat.
So at least some of you guys are coming on board and I think we need that. That.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Yeah. And I think, I think the interesting thing about Jolly is, look, I'm former teepot and Adam Kinzinger is a former conservative Republican.
David's always been a right down the middle moderate. So a much easier transition for him, but. So he may run for governor of Florida as a Democrat.
That's a, that's a better, that's a better situation than to say move back to blue Illinois and try to run because it's a much more crowded field. Florida is a pretty decent, solid red state.
So Jolly running as a Democrat, he's got a great chance to get the nomination and then, you know, in a crazy year he could win.
David Wheeler:Yeah, yeah. If I could just jump in a second Moe, you know. Yeah, sure, Joe, you know what you're saying, you know, it just angers the out of.
Be honest with you, it should. It does. The fact that the Democratic Party has not figured out that they need people like you and I'm going to raise my voice here.
I'm sorry, they need you, they need Kinzinger, invite you to the party, give you a spot on the national committee. I don't understand how these people get elected, run this party with this such short sighted.
I'm sorry, it's stupid thinking that when you've got got opportunities right in front of your faces and your elite rich faces, unfortunately, and I think this is. You hit it on the head.
But why wouldn't they set up a caucus of former folks that are willing to align with the Democrats whether they become a Democrat or not? Who cares as long as they're going to align and help the party invite those people to the table.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Well, David, David, you're right. But in essence that's what we've done. We've formed an informal alliance with Democrats, Adam and I and a bunch of other Republicans have.
I mean we were out there all last year Republicans for Harris.
But we've been doing it from a position of Republicans or independents and we could, I mean, in essence, what am I, I'm a temporary Democrat because I'm going to spend the next two cycles at least helping Democrats get elected. As long as MAGA is MAGA and the Republican Party's the threat it is, I'm always going to help get Democrats elected.
So it's a weird place to be in because to Your point, David? In essence, Kinzinger and I are temporary Democrats right now to begin with.
Col Moe Davis:But, you know, we had a long, long tradition of having, particularly like here in North Carolina, Blue Dog Democrat, which is what I think you and Kinzinger would, would fit that, that model. But I don't know that there are any true Blue Dog Democrats serving right now.
Rep. Joe Walsh:No, Moe. It. This is a real problem in Congress.
When I was there, it was like both parties, Democrats were mostly far left left and far left, and Republicans were mostly, you know, far right. In Tea Party, the primary system incentivizes this right. The more extreme voices win primaries.
And every year I was there, in every cycle, the Blue Dog Democrats just disappeared and the Rockefeller moderate Republicans just disappeared. So now you have a House basically made up of both extremes, and that's.
Col Moe Davis: I think, to me, I go back to:I remember, you know, he came down the escalator and it was a couple of weeks later, the first real national media appearance he did was on Jake Tapper Sunday morning show. And I posted saying, it's a bad idea. You're normalizing a deviant. And Jake messaged me and said, oh, you got to watch. I'm going to rip him a new one.
And he didn't. And then he, then he had him on again a week or two later. And I criticized. And then I got this nasty note back from Jake Tapper telling me I was an.
And I criticized MSNBC and CNN for giving him unlimited airtime to normalize this guy that we all thought was a joke. And I ended up, I used to do CNN and MSNBC regularly. And after I criticized system for normalizing Trump, I never got invited back to either one.
Yeah, and at least, you know, Joe Scarborough had blocked me on X for a while after I'd criticized them and. But he later on messaged me and apologized and unblocked me.
But doesn't the media bear some of the responsibility for, for where we are that, you know?
Rep. Joe Walsh:Yeah, great stuff, Moe. Yeah, huge. And especially, you know, when he first came on the scene in those first few years, he was just a ratings juggernaut. And I get it.
The media is all about ratings and they just ate him up. But, my God, we're nine years into this thing. We're four years removed from that guy trying to overthrow a fucking American election.
And he only got elected because we normalized him. The Democrats did a lousy job of saying what a unique threat this is. And to your point, moving the media has done a lousy job of.
I know, like, I'll still go on Tapper show, and I know the way Jake Tapper really feels about Trump, but, but he can't say it.
And I think Trump masterfully takes advantage of that because he knows the media is just going to talk about him every day and normalize him every day and he can do whatever he wants. It's a real, real problem. I think it's got to come from a righteous standing on the mountain. The media is not.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah, well, you know, one of the concerns, one reason David and I started this podcast after the election was over in November. I mean, you know, the far right MAGA owns social media, literally owns it, and the mainstream media has been whipped into submission.
So, you know, how do you get information out to people to tell them the truth?
Because a lot of these people are willing to believe, believe bullshit that, you know, 20 years ago would have been grounds for an involuntary commitment. But how do we, how do we get the truth out to people when, you know, the normal means of communications are dominated by the other side?
Rep. Joe Walsh:Yeah, it's weird, Moe. Like Dems are so far behind the, the eight ball on. Republicans have learned and built up a whole alternative media ecosystem.
Democrats still value going on MSNBC and cnn. Nobody watches these networks. That, that is, that is like so yesterday, I, I think, I think Kamala Harris did about as well as she could do.
I think she made two big mistakes. One was when she sat down on the View and couldn't think of one thing where she differed with Biden. She should have really differed with Biden.
And the second thing was the minute they got wind of Joe Rogan might want her on his show a, she should have flown down there and sat with him for, for 10 hours. I mean, right? But Dems are afraid of this world. Now Republicans do have an advantage in that they lie.
Like, it's easy for Trump to sit down with somebody for three hours because he's utterly untethered to truth. But again, Democrats got to get in the arena. The arena is alternative. Alternative media, podcasts. This is where people get their news.
Democrats got to go into these arenas and righteously speak truth.
David Wheeler:Yeah, it's interesting you say that, Job. If you look at our past podcasts, it's mostly guys like you.
We, we have bent over backwards trying to get a US Senator or a sitting member of the Congress on the Democratic side on our show. And we can't even get a call.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Back, but that's ridiculous.
David Wheeler:Adam Kinzinger on Joe Walsh on other moderate Republicans, David Jolly just no holds fire. He's just, yeah, David, whenever you want me, I'll be there. Sure. So part of it is the Democrats fault and I don't.
And I know a lot of some of these consultants I knew, I knew the campaign manager for Biden. Not a big fan of hers, to be honest with you. She's. They're just grifters. I mean, I'm sorry. We got grifters on our side of the aisle too, Joe.
You know, some of these consultants that take on these gigs knowing full well they're going to lose and spend million upon millions of dollars ought to be taken out behind the shed as far as I'm concerned. So, all right, that's my rant. That's my rant for the day.
Rep. Joe Walsh:I love David. Preach, brother. I love that rant. I made up my mind eight, nine, ten years ago.
I will go on any podcast, big and small, that matter to me, and that's what I do. The second point though is voters are screaming for authenticity.
They do not want to get behind or support somebody who sounds like a fucking politician. Democrats sound like fucking politicians. Trump is a pathological liar. He's a demagogue, he's a bullshitter.
But he comes across as authentic and he certainly doesn't come across as a packaged politician. And I, I, I'll tell you what, Democrats gotta find people like this. Yes, maybe David and Moe, maybe you two disagree with me.
Even like the governor of Pennsylvania, Shapiro and Pete, Buddha, Judge, and everybody says what wonderful speakers they are. To me they sound like practiced, rehearsed, polished. I'm not going to get any word wrong.
Politicians, I want a fucking Democrat who will rip their shirt off and say a bunch of shit, but talk like a real person and not a politician. I don't know who that Democrat is.
David Wheeler:Yeah, I don't either. And it's not Gavin Newsom, I promise you that.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Him, he's so inauthentic.
David Wheeler:Yeah, yeah, no, I, I think he's a good governor. So don't send your henchmen after me, Gov, but as a presidential candidate, there's no way he would win.
Rep. Joe Walsh:And you know, it's not the time for Slick. He comes across as slick. Slick's not gonna do it.
David Wheeler:Yeah, so, so Joe, rants are over. Our listeners like getting to know our folks a little better. What do you do when you're off time? Or are you just on all the Time, my friend.
Rep. Joe Walsh:I've learned, David, to take time off. It took me a while, but I finally learned it. I. I love dogs. If I didn't have dogs, I'd be dead.
I love old Hollywood Moev will sit for hours in front of Turner Classic Moevies when I want to really unwind. I'm a big gun guy. I like to get out in the middle of nowhere at a range and practice shooting. And I. I take long walks in the country.
But, yeah, I'm learning to take time off.
David Wheeler:Yeah. Good for you, man. I mean, I think it's important. One of the things I've. I have learned to do is I'm a single father.
Every other week, I shut my phone off after dinner. I just shut it off and spend time with the kids, whether it's homework or movies or whatever. And then. And I don't go to bed with the phone on either.
And then I just. My mental health is so much better that, and I don't spend as much time on X. But I'm gonna let Moe toss one more question at you and then back to me.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah. Yeah. Another thing we've talked about on here quite often, we had, we had Denver Ren on.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Yeah.
Col Moe Davis:A while back. And, you know, since leaving Congress, he and his wife have started a distillery. So we've been asking folks about. I'm a big bourbon guy. What.
What's your, Your mo.
Rep. Joe Walsh:You know that answer? Every Friday night, I fire off a tequila tweet where I let about 10 F bombs fly. I am a hundred percent a tequila guy. Guy.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah. Is there a favorite?
Rep. Joe Walsh:No, I, I'm not an expert, so I'll drink damn near anything. I, I come from a big Irish Catholic family. Nine kids, seven boys. My dad was a big drinker. All my brothers are big drinkers.
I've never been a big drinker, but I used to drink vodka. But then I, I, My, My stomach was killing me because I'm always under so much stress.
So I went to a doctor, and he told me seven years ago, tequila is the healthiest booze. Something having to do with the agave sugar. So I've been all tequila ever since. Love it.
Col Moe Davis:Yeah.
David Wheeler:That's great.
Col Moe Davis: Back when I was running in:And Ryan Reynolds, he had a gym. I think it was a gym company.
Rep. Joe Walsh:Yeah.
Col Moe Davis:That he had just sold for, like, you know, a billion dollars. And, and he had donated. I Think like a thousand bucks to my campaign. So they gave me the number and said, you know, you need to call Mr. Reynolds.
I, I called and this guy answered the phone and I said, is Moe Davis, is Ryan Reynolds in? The guy said, this is he. I wanted to thank you for donating to my, my campaign. I really appreciate it.
And he said, I didn't donate to your campaign name. And I said, well, I was, I was told that you had, you had donated down here in North Carolina. I didn't, I didn't donate any money to you.
So I said, well, gee, I'm sorry, and hung up. And so, you know, Act Blue is the Democratic fundraising platform. I sent them a note and said, look, I think there's been a mistake here.
Could you, yeah, could you refund Mr. Reynolds money? And so they did. And the next day, Ryan Reynolds called me and said, why in the hell won't you take my money?
Rep. Joe Walsh:Oh, my God, that's hilarious.
Col Moe Davis:And it turned out that the fundraising firm had found, like, a Ryan Reynolds who lived on Broadway and assumed that was the, the Ryan Reynolds. But anyway, by turning him down, he not only, you know, called me and said, why in the hell won't you take my money? But he doubled his contribution.
So we're thinking about we should turn down more people and see if they would double theirs.
Rep. Joe Walsh:I love it. I love it, Moe. That's classic.
David Wheeler: n maybe win back the house in: Rep. Joe Walsh:David, that's always a bad question to ask me because I'm a dark Irishman and I generally don't lead with hope. I, I, I think this 249 year old experiment in democracy and freedom is teetering right now, and I don't know that will keep it together.
I'll answer your question in two ways. The only thing long term that gives me hope for America is young people. I do a lot of public speaking with young people.
They've opened my eyes and, and so that gives me some hope on 26. I just think, you know, Trump just keeps up every day.
And so I think if the Democrats don't step all over themselves, they should take back the house in 26, probably not the Senate. But, David, you'll appreciate this. I think that would be the worst thing to happen to the Democrats if the Democrats take back the House.
Only because Trump is suck. Trump sucks and Trump's bad, and Trump's batshit crazy. And all the rest.
If it's only because of Trump again, then Democrats aren't going to learn the lesson that we've all been talking about that they got to get their act together and they got to connect with regular people. I want Democrats to take back the House because people want to fucking run through a wall to vote for Democrats.
And I worry that because Trump is so up that Democrats are starting to think, oh, maybe we don't have to get our act together, we can just ride the Trump is bad train to the midterms. I worry about that.
David Wheeler:Yeah, I think that's a valid argument. I had thought about that.
to some of these folks during: Rep. Joe Walsh:Amen.
David Wheeler:That's a wrap for MUCK YOU!, Where the Mud Flies and the Phonies fry.
Although Representative Walsh is not a phony in my book, I'm David Wheeler, the ringmaster of this Muckfest alongside Colonel Moe Davis in Asheville, North Carolina. Thank you to our guest today, the incomparable Representative Joe Walsh of Chicago.
Actually, Mundelein, which isn't Chicago, but we'll talk about that later.
Listen to Joe's show the Social Contract weekdays wherever you watch your podcast and get no Kings merch@oneflaginitiative.org all one word oneflaginitiative.org we'll catch you next time time when we rake it up. Until then and this one goes out especially to you, Representative Walsh. MUCK YOU!.
Jimmy Muckraker:This has been MUCK YOU! co hosted by Colonel Moe Davis in Asheville, North Carolina and David Wheeler in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Thanks to our guest today, former Congressman Joe Walsh. Please listen to Joe's weekday show the Social Contract wherever you get your podcast.
merican Muckrakers. Copyright:You can learn more and donate at americanmckrakers.com Follow us on Blue sky under American Muckrakers.com and on substack@american muckrakers.substack.com David and Moe Hope y'all come back soon for a new episode. And remember to never take from anyone, especially Trumpers. You know who made it.
