The Year To Get It Done (feat. Nate Blouin; John Fugelsang) - daily-beans Recap

Podcast: daily-beans

Published: 2025-12-26

Duration: 55 minutes

Guests: Nate Blouin, John Fugelsang

Summary

Nate Blouin discusses his progressive campaign for Utah's first congressional district and shares his stance on major issues like healthcare, energy, and education. John Fugelsang provides insights on political shifts and the Supreme Court's recent decisions.

What Happened

Nate Blouin, a progressive Democrat and current Utah state senator, is running for Utah's newly formed first congressional district. He has gained the endorsement of Bernie Sanders and aims to address key issues such as environmental concerns related to the Great Salt Lake and the rising cost of living in Utah. These issues are exacerbated by a 30% rate increase request from Rocky Mountain Power, which Blouin attributes to decades of Republican policies.

Blouin is focusing on geothermal energy as a sustainable alternative, noting it can be less polarizing than nuclear options. He advocates for the creation of a regional energy market in the West to improve efficiency and reduce costs. His tax reform proposals include a 1% surtax on incomes over $1 million, aiming to make billionaires pay a fairer share, given they currently pay around 8% in taxes.

On healthcare, Blouin supports Medicare for All, citing the inefficiencies and high costs of the current system, while pointing to the Veterans Affairs healthcare system as a working model of socialized medicine. He also emphasizes the importance of affordable public colleges and trade schools, criticizing the underfunding in Utah's K-12 education system, which is being further strained by school vouchers.

John Fugelsang highlights the Supreme Court's recent 6-3 ruling against the Trump administration's attempt to deploy the National Guard, viewing it as a stand against misuse of military power. He also touches upon the Department of Justice's redaction efforts in the Epstein files, suggesting a significant cover-up involving prominent figures.

Fugelsang discusses his book 'Separation of Church and Hate,' which serves as a critique of the conservative Christian right. He expresses skepticism about Donald Trump's political future and the current trajectory of the Republican Party.

Throughout the episode, both guests offer insights into the shifting political landscape, with Blouin's campaign serving as a microcosm of broader progressive efforts in traditionally conservative areas. The discussion underscores the importance of grassroots campaigns and transparent governance.

Key Insights