An Honorable Profession

In this week's episode, host Debbie Cox Bultan talks with U.S. Representative and Former NewDEAL Leader Greg Stanton. Debbie and Rep. Stanton kick off the conversation reflecting on their shared experience working to build the Democratic bench over the years, and how that work has led to this political moment. In his current role as NewDems Action Fund Chair, Rep. Stanton is traveling the country supporting their 50 endorsed House candidates, six of whom are NewDEAL Leaders. He and Debbie talk about what he's hearing on the ground, why New Dems are the majority makers, and what he thinks Democrats are going to need to do, should they win back the House, to both deliver for the American people and hold this administration accountable. Tune in for this great conversation in the final stretch of the 2026 midterm elections.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Welcoming Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton to the show.

• [02:22] How Debbie Cox Bultan and Congressman Stanton know each other.

• [06:26] Why he thinks NewDems are going to take back the majority.

• [08:57] The importance of having members of Congress with experience in delivering results.

• [11:14] A breakdown of how the things voters' are looking for depend on where you go.

• [17:46] How he plans to manage the affordability crisis while Trump is still president.

• [23:04] Ways Congress can restore the people's faith in the government as a whole.

• [25:18] What the opportunities for bipartisan solutions could be if Dems win back the House.

• [29:30] Some food for thought: Will the country seek to restore democratic norms in our government?

LEARN MORE: www.newdealleaders.org

Surprise- it's a bonus episode! In this special election-season edition of An Honorable Profession, host Debbie Cox Bultan is joined by Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress. Debbie and Neera discuss the upcoming midterm elections and what lessons Democrats and Republicans should take away if Democrats perform well on the ballot. They also discuss what it'll take to deliver real change for people, as well as their shared hope that we will find our way back to a better politics. Tune in to hear about what Democrats should do on Day One if they retake Congress.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:22] Introducing Neera Tanden and her perspective on the upcoming midterms.

• [03:16] Why Democrats must focus on affordability and appeal to a broad range of voters.

• [07:11] How big electoral victories could shake up the U.S.'s political parties.

• [09:06] Connecting corruption and political decisions to the rising cost of living.

• [13:01] Why meaningful change doesn't always require radical policies.

• [15:32] The importance of moving beyond polarization and returning to problem-solving.

• [18:22] Why Neera believes most Americans reject MAGA's narrow view of who is American.

• [21:20] What Democrats must deliver if they regain control of Congress.

• [23:54] Opportunities for bipartisan cooperation after the midterms.

• [25:56] Restoring optimism about the future through practical solutions and leadership.

LEARN MORE: www.newdealleaders.org

This week, host Debbie Cox Bultan is joined by fellow podcaster Sarah McCammon, host of Unmoderated with Sarah McCammon. After spending 20 years of her career as an award-winning journalist, Sarah shares the story of why she pivoted to the world of podcasting, and highlights the inspiring conversations she has since hosted with elected leaders around the country- including several NewDEAL Leaders! She and Debbie also talk about what it will take to combat political extremism and what they hope to see happen if Democrats win in November. Tune in to hear why Sarah thinks it's so important in this moment to elevate the voices of leaders who are focused on getting results.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Welcoming Sarah McCammon to the show.

• [02:23] What prompted her move from traditional journalism to her current work.

• [05:17] Sarah tells us about her podcast and what she hopes to accomplish.

• [09:38] Some of the common themes she's hearing from people across the country.

• [13:43] Her anti-extremism work and the Third Way Moderate Power Project.

• [17:34] How they plan on combating the massive disconnect in political issues.

• [20:09] Her book about her experience in the Evangelical church.

• [24:02] Sarah shares some advice about how to be heard as moderates in the US.

• [27:00] What she hopes Democrats will do after the November elections.

LEARN MORE: www.newdealleaders.org

Check out Sarah's podcast: Unmoderated with Sarah McCammon

In this week's episode, host Debbie Cox Bultan sits down with Mindy O'Neall, Mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska. Elected mayor last November, she became the first Democrat to represent Fairbanks in more than a decade. She and Debbie talk about some of what makes Alaska and Alaskans unique, her path into public service, and her vision to revitalize her city. They also talk about what it's like to be in the national political spotlight with Alaska's competitive U.S. Senate seat, and the disconnect between national politics and the politics in Alaska where people need to literally work together to survive. Tune in to hear how Mayor O'Neall is prioritizing bringing people together to solve problems and rebuilding trust in government.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Welcoming Mindy O'Neall to the show.

• [02:22] Mayor O'Neall tells us about Fairbanks and how the local government works.

• [05:20] What is top of mind for the people in Fairbanks at the moment.

• [09:25] A breakdown of the unique political relationships in Fairbanks.

• [12:24] How politics is changing at the state and local level across the USA.

• [14:18] Mayor O'Neall tells us about her 'Strong Cities' speech and the Civic Academy.

• [19:06] What mayors can do to rebuild their people's trust in government.

• [21:49] Why Mayor O'Neall decided to run for Mayor and why she was elected.

• [25:37] Mayor O'Neall shares some of the main industries in Fairbanks, Alaska.

• [27:14] Our guest discusses her vision for the revitalization of her city.

LEARN MORE: www.newdealleaders.org

This week, host Ryan Coonerty talks with Kentucky Rep. Adam Moore about why he threw his hat into the ring of elected office. After growing up in a conservative home, his journey to public office began when he saw the government failing to cover the basics—helping folks with healthcare, jobs, and housing. He became a Democrat, and ran for a state legislature seat that hadn't seen a Democratic candidate in years. Since being elected, he's worked hard to protect consumers and ensure transparency when data centers are proposed, help veterans and their families, and lower the price of prescription drugs. Ryan and Rep. Moore talk about how listening to constituents determines his priorities and why having a voice in the room matters, even when passing legislation is difficult. Tune in to hear Rep. Moore's perspective on public service, practical policymaking, and what keeps him working for the people he represents.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:55] Background on Representative Moore and his path to public office.

• [03:47] Discover how schools, fair pay, and affordable healthcare changed his politics.

• [05:12] Learn why giving voters a choice motivated him to challenge a Republican-held seat.

• [06:31] Hear how knocking on doors helped him earn voters' trust in a closely contested race.

• [07:21] Explore how relationships across the aisle helped him deliver in a superminority.

• [08:48] Understand why interstate licensure compacts matter for military spouses' jobs.

• [10:08] Uncover why data centers require protection, transparency, and local control.

• [12:59] Consider how local votes and tax incentives could shape his next data center bill.

• [15:12] Examine how his nuclear readiness program could benefit local communities.

• [17:16] Find out how his medication and housing proposals turn problems into solutions.

• [20:08] Assess how trade wars and rising costs are impacting Kentucky voters.

• [22:29] Representative Moore shares how common values and being in the room keep him motivated.

LEARN MORE: www.newdealleaders.org

In this week's episode, hosts Ryan Coonerty and Debbie Cox Bultan sit down with Routt County, CO Commissioner Angelica Salinas, the youngest person and first Latina woman ever elected to her seat. They discuss how she has navigated her first term in office, and how she's already brought her lived experience to issues ranging from housing to transportation to economic development. Ryan and Debbie ask Commissioner Salinas about what is top of mind for her constituents, what rural areas need most, why showing up and caring about constituents as a human being first has helped her build connections. Tune in to hear more about what is giving her hope right now.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Welcoming Angelica Salinas to the show.

• [02:04] What is on the minds of her constituents right now.

• [04:18] Commissioner Salinas explains what she does as Commissioner.

• [06:24] How she's navigating the chaos in the federal administration.

• [09:00] Why policy changes always need to consider community capacity.

• [11:30] The importance of making the community feel part of decisions.

• [13:10] Angelica tells us about her professional and political background.

• [15:28] The challenges of being the first Latina woman in her position.

• [17:03] How Commissioner Salinas brings her lived experience to her role as Commissioner.

• [19:09] Some examples of the kinds of issues she is tackling and how.

• [21:42] How she has built the trust necessary to make meaningful change.

• [25:06] What's surprised Commissioner Salinas about serving in a local government.

• [27:49] How the youth can get involved in making a change in government.

LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

In this week's episode, we continue our Road to November 2026 series with Canton, NC Mayor Zeb Smathers. He and host Debbie Cox Bultan talk about the weariness coursing through communities across the countries as prices and political divisiveness keep rising. They discuss the importance of "listening with both ears" when people share the challenges they are facing, and the necessity of following up with tangible change. Mayor Smathers also underscores the value of mutual respect in these times and shares his thoughts on what Democrats need to do to connect with voters in small towns like his. Tune in to hear more about the kind of leadership people are looking for to meet this moment.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:00] Introducing today's guest, Mayor of Canton, Zeb Smathers.

• [02:55] What Mayor Smathers is hearing from constituents in Canton, North Carolina.

• [05:40] How Democrats can deliver on complicated issues.

• [09:15] His beliefs on what leadership means in tough times.

• [13:45] Why hopelessness is one of the greatest worries Mayor Smathers has for the country.

• [19:00] The impact of politicians being honest about what they can and cannot deliver on (and what it looks like when they're not).

• [21:30] His advice to Democrats on making a difference in rural America.

• [24:38] Why authenticity is crucial in winning over voters country-wide.

• [27:20] If Democrats want to win towns like Canton, they should ____?

LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

In today's episode, host Ryan Coonerty talks with Georgia Rep. Omari Crawford, one of Georgia's Top 10 Most Effective Lawmakers according to Center for Effective Lawmaking. They discuss Georgia's political landscape and how Democrats can bring their message to urban, suburban, and rural communities across the state. Rep. Crawford also shares how he uses both data and firsthand knowledge to inform his policymaking and how he's able to get so much done in a Republican-controlled General Assembly. As a native of DeKalb County, Rep. Crawford shares what it has meant to him to represent the community that raised him. Tune in to hear about how his lived experiences have shaped his approach to public service.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:00] Georgia's shifting political landscape and what Democrats believe is at stake.

• [03:27] Uncover which messages and policies are resonating with voters.

• [05:18] Understand how redistricting uncertainty is shaping the party's strategy.

• [07:47] Discover how Georgia Democrats tailor campaign support across communities.

• [09:30] Find out what led Representative Crawford from law into public service.

• [12:39] Learn how his evidence-based messaging shaped his first campaign.

• [15:10] Explore how his experience advising local government helped his career transition.

• [17:22] Hear about the healthcare, justice, and other initiatives behind his legislative record.

• [21:37] He shares practical advice for developing sickle cell legislation in other states.

• [25:00] The story behind 'Miles for Mom' and his mission to run a half marathon in 50 states.

• [29:10] Representative Crawford's answer for what Democrats need to do to win: vote.

LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

In this week's episode, hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty talk with U.S. Rep. Adam Gray and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, the only two Democratic members of Congress to flip Trump districts in 2024. They discuss the importance of building broad coalitions and showing voters that they can get things done. Gray and Suozzi dive into Promise to America, a pledge that they hope can align the Democratic Party around a clear, common-sense set of principles to regain voters' trust and build a sustainable majority. Tune into to hear more about why we leaders should be focusing on the issues that matter most to the most people.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:54] Introducing Congressman Adam Gray and Congressman Tom Suozzi.

• [01:11] Insights from Congressmen Suozzi and Gray on building a broad coalition.

• [05:22] What voters are concerned about and why affordability is the top issue.

• [09:31] How Democrats can stay focused on the issues that matter most to voters.

• [12:30] The principles and purpose behind the Promise to America.

• [15:16] Building a grassroots movement around the Promise to America.

• [18:46] Why elected officials should focus on solving problems, not winning arguments.

• [20:00] How state and local government shaped both congressmen's focus on delivering results.

• [23:44] What Democrats should prioritize if they regain control of the House.

• [27:58] Finding common ground on border security and immigration reform.

• [29:48] Why winning elections matters only if leaders deliver results.

LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

Host Debbie Cox Bultan catches up with Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau in this continuation of our Road to November 2026 series. After an unprecedented summer in Maine politics, Speaker Fecteau shares what is top of mind for voters across the state and how leaders can deliver results for working families. He and Debbie also discuss the horrific ICE shooting that took place in his community of Biddeford, ME, as well as the ways Democrats can respond to protect their residents from the impacts of the Trump administration. Looking ahead to November, Speaker Fecteau gives his advice on what it takes to win in Maine. Tune in to hear more about the value of connecting to voters one-on-one.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:15] Introducing Speaker Ryan Fecteau.

• [02:30] An insider's view of choosing Troy Jackson as the U.S. Senate nominee for Maine.

• [05:22] Breaking down Troy Jackson's strategy to defeat Susan Collins.

• [07:10] What Speaker Fecteau is hearing from Maine voters.

• [09:13] How Democrats can campaign on delivering real results.

• [12:20] What kind of leaders voters are looking for.

• [14:25] How the Democratic Party is viewed in Maine.

• [16:02] The importance of having candidates who speak to real-life issues.

• [17:20] Why delivering results should be central to the Democratic message in Maine.

• [19:50] Speaker Fecteau discusses how immigration is shaping voters' concerns in Maine.

• [24:05] If Democrats are going to win Maine, they need to ______?

LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org