In this replay episode, we revisit a conversation that didn’t go as planned.

We had scheduled Rep. Nico Rios to appear on Plain Talk to discuss his recent controversies; from bigoted and homophobic remarks during a DUI arrest, to a social media post invoking the CIA and antisemitic language, to a constitutionally questionable resolution declaring Jesus Christ “King over all the world.” We wanted to have a respectful, honest conversation about his words and actions.

But just minutes before the interview, Rep. Rios backed out. “Ay dude I'm not going on your boring little show,” he texted. “Got more important things to do than chat Capitol gossip.”

Replay or not, this episode is a revealing look at the tone and tension inside North Dakota politics today.

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