David Wheeler and Colonel Moe Davis welcome their guest, Lt. Col. Brian Bangs, a retired Air Force JAG officer and independent candidate for the U.S. Senate from South Dakota. Brian shares his motivations for running again after a tough first campaign, emphasizing the need for regular people to have a voice in a political landscape dominated by big money and party loyalty. He discusses the challenges faced by independents in a system designed to favor Republicans and Democrats, highlighting the importance of addressing issues like healthcare and the influence of billionaires on politics. Throughout their lively conversation, the trio underscores a shared commitment to representing the interests of everyday citizens over corporate interests, while also reflecting on the current state of U.S. politics and the stark divide between the rich and the rest. With humor and camaraderie, they explore what it means to be an independent in today's political climate, pushing for a return to fundamental values of honesty and community care.

In this engaging episode of Muck You, David Wheeler and Colonel Moe Davis sit down with Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bangs, an independent Senate candidate from South Dakota. The conversation kicks off with a humorous banter about personal backgrounds and the quirks of small-town life, quickly transitioning into a serious discussion about the current political climate. Brian elaborates on his previous run for office and the challenges he faced as an independent candidate, particularly in a polarized environment where party loyalty often supersedes substantive dialogue about policies. He shares personal anecdotes that highlight the disconnect between political parties and the concerns of ordinary voters, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues like healthcare and economic inequality. The dialogue also touches on the broader implications of big money in politics, with Brian arguing that the system is rigged to favor the wealthy while sidelining the majority. His candid reflections and insights into the motivations behind his campaign resonate deeply, offering listeners a glimpse into the struggles and aspirations of those who dare to challenge the political establishment. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support independent candidates who prioritize the welfare of their constituents over party allegiances.

Takeaways:

• In the podcast, Brian Bings discusses his motivations for running as an independent in South Dakota, emphasizing the need for authentic representation beyond party affiliations.
• He highlights the challenges independents face in elections, particularly around ballot access and fundraising compared to established party candidates.
• The conversation touches on the common ground between voters, noting that many agree on critical issues like healthcare and taxation, which transcend party lines.
• Both Brian and Mo share their experiences with voters who disengage simply based on party labels, illustrating the polarized nature of current politics.
• They discuss how big money influences politics, arguing that both parties often ignore the needs of regular people in favor of wealthy donors.
• The podcast concludes with a call to action for listeners to support independent candidates who prioritize the concerns of everyday citizens over partisan politics.

Links referenced in this episode:

• bangsforsouthdakota.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Doge
• Elon Musk
• John Thune
• Mike Rounds
• Julian Boudouan
• Dan Osborne
• Todd Achilles
• Ty Pinkins
• Lost Cabin Brewing