In this special bonus episode of Beyond The Campaign, Senator Richard Blumenthal addresses a leaked whistleblower memo exposing ICE policies that threaten fundamental constitutional protections, including the Fourth Amendment. He explains why these practices mark a dangerous escalation of government power and why every American—not just immigrant communities—should be paying attention. Blumenthal calls for immediate public scrutiny, legal accountability, and civic action, making clear that protecting civil liberties requires an informed public willing to push back before these abuses become normalized.

What We're Talking About...

1. Americans should be afraid of the secret ICE policy.
2. The memo reveals a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
3. Disclosure and transparency are crucial for accountability.
4. Public safety is at risk with these policies.
5. Community activism is essential in response to government actions.
6. Legal action is necessary to challenge ICE's practices.
7. Citizens must educate themselves about administrative warrants.
8. Representatives should be pressured to impose safeguards.
9. The situation reflects a broader issue of government overreach.
10. Every voice can create a ripple effect for change.

Chapters

00:00 The Alarming Whistleblower Memo

02:51 Legal and Constitutional Implications

05:39 Public Response and Accountability

08:12 The Role of Community and Activism

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Tessa Lynn Hodge discusses her transition from licensed clinical social worker to Democratic congressional candidate in California’s 23rd District. Tessa shares insights into what it takes to run for Congress in one of the largest and most geographically diverse districts in the state, including the logistical challenges of campaigning and the importance of deeply understanding the communities you aim to represent.

Throughout the conversation, Tessa emphasizes the urgent need for effective political representation and outlines her policy priorities, including healthcare accessibility, food insecurity, and addressing systemic inequities impacting working families. She also reflects on how her professional background in social work and her personal experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and public service. Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at grassroots campaigning, team building, and the motivations driving a new generation of candidates to seek meaningful change in American politics.

What We're Talking About...

• Tessa Lynn Hodge’s background as a licensed clinical social worker directly shapes her approach to public service and congressional campaigning.
• Understanding district geography is essential when running for Congress, especially in California’s large and diverse 23rd District.
• Healthcare accessibility remains a critical issue in rural and underserved communities across the district.
• Building a strong, values-driven campaign team is key to running an effective grassroots campaign.
• Personal and professional experiences motivate Tessa’s commitment to systemic change and political reform.
• Food insecurity continues to impact working families and rural populations within the district.
• Community engagement and listening to constituents are vital for meaningful political representation.
• Tessa’s family background informs her understanding of local economic and social challenges.
• Proposition 50 plays a significant role in shaping campaign strategy and voter education efforts.
• Campaign funding remains one of the biggest challenges for first-time and grassroots congressional candidates.

Chapters

00:00 Tessa Lynn Hodge's Introduction and Background

02:41 Transition from Social Work to Politics

05:20 Campaigning in a Large District

08:08 Building a Supportive Team

11:03 Impact of Prop 50 on Campaign Strategy

13:35 Connecting with Rural Communities

16:17 Personal Background and Motivation

18:59 Healthcare Accessibility Issues

21:49 Addressing Food Insecurity

24:39 Support from Family and Community

27:10 Campaign Needs and Closing Remarks

Links Mentioned

Tessa Lynn Hodge's campaign website: http://tessaforca.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Salaam Bhatti, a public interest attorney and Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia’s First Congressional District. Bhatti shares his personal journey into public service and explains why voter engagement and grassroots organizing are critical to the future of the Democratic Party.

The conversation explores the growing affordability crisis facing working families, the influence of corporate money in politics, and the urgent need for progressive policies such as Medicare for All. Bhatti also discusses how new media and podcasts are reshaping political campaigns by helping candidates connect directly with voters outside traditional political channels.

This episode offers insight into congressional campaigns, progressive policy priorities, and the challenges facing democracy in today’s political landscape.

What We're Talking About...

• Salaam Bhatti is a public interest attorney and Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia’s First Congressional District.
• Strong voter engagement and grassroots participation are essential to a healthy democracy.
• Poverty in the United States is a policy choice and can be addressed through intentional legislative action.
• Medicare for All is a central pillar of Bhatti’s progressive policy platform.
• The Democratic Party must articulate a clearer, more values-driven vision to energize voters.
• Family dynamics and personal relationships play a meaningful role in political campaigns.
• The affordability crisis—including housing, healthcare, and cost of living—is the most urgent issue facing Americans today.
• The current political moment represents a potential turning point for systemic change.
• Campaign finance reform is critical to reducing corporate influence in politics.
• New media and digital platforms are transforming how political candidates connect directly with voters.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Salaam Bhatti

04:12 Personal Experiences Shaping Political Views

07:04 The Importance of Progressive Policies

10:01 Engagement in the Political Process

13:05 Family Dynamics and Political Aspirations

16:02 The Role of Children in Political Awareness

19:14 Addressing the Affordability Crisis

21:58 The Revolutionary Moment in Politics

25:10 Campaign Financing and Corporate Influence

27:57 Voter Education and Engagement

31:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

31:27 Understanding Political Representation

31:55 Engaging with Local Leaders

Links Mentioned

Salaam Bhatti's Link Tree: linktr.ee/salaambhattiva