Former Member
Former Member
Podcast Description
Speaking with former members of Congress, we ask whether things are really worse today or whether—because of social media, some loud and extreme members, or something else—things just feel worse. Former Democrats and former Republicans give us their thoughts, stories, and perspectives. bensamuels.substack.com
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show explores themes such as political polarization, the historical evolution of party politics, and the impact of social media on public perception with episodes discussing topics like the influence of climate change debates and the financial dynamics in modern politics
Speaking with former members of Congress, we ask whether things are really worse today or whether—because of social media, some loud and extreme members, or something else—things just feel worse. Former Democrats and former Republicans give us their thoughts, stories, and perspectives.
Earlier this week, I spoke with Paul Hodes, a two-term Democratic Congressman from New Hampshire with one of the more fun introductions on Wikipedia: “an American lawyer, musician, and former U.S. representative.”
We spoke about money in politics, the 2008 financial crisis, and working for Marianne Williamson in 2020. (It’s safe to say that he didn’t enjoy it.)
He writes “What Does Paul Say” on Substack and is a musician in Paul Hodes and The Blue Buddha Band.
Give it a listen! Details below.
Topics from my conversation with Paul Hodes
* 0:00 – 2:09: Introduction and time in Congress.
2:10 – 14:43: The role of money in politics. (Namely, how members spend most of their time raising money.)
* 14:44 – 17:20: Voting on a bill you haven’t read yet. (It’s more common than you think.)
* 17:21 – 21:04: Anything that you regret?
* 21:05 – 28:48: Serving from the 2006 Democratic wave through the 2010 Tea Party wave.
* 28:49 – 35:48: The financial crisis, Obamacare, and their long-lasting impacts on American politics.
* 35:49 – 47:33: Some (uncensored) thoughts on Marianne Williamson. (Hodes worked for her when she ran for President in 2020.)
* 47:34 – 52:24: Congressional group chats.
* 52:25 – 56:55: Serving on the National Council on the Arts under Trump.
* 56:56 – 57:21: Wrap-up.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bensamuels.substack.com
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