Sliding in here to UPVOTE the pumpernickel bagel. This used to be my order everyday when I worked in Minneapolis. It was at Brueggers bagels, egg cheese and bacon on a pumpernickel bagel. Chefs kiss.
I agree with those who feel it's pointless to call their representatives and that was reinforced by an email poll I got from my representative Jim Baird today. It was a binary question 'Do you support law enforcement?' with yes or no checkboxes, no space for comments.
So if I say yes, he can say that his constituents support everything all law enforcement is doing all the time, and if I say no, then I think all law enforcement are terrible. I replied to the email that it was more nuanced than that, but I'm sure that it went into a black hole somewhere never to be seen again.
Anything I like disappears. Pumpernickel is my favorite. Last time I went to H&H in Moynihan Station, probably two months ago, they had pumpernickel and my local place sells both pumpernickel and everything pumpernickel. Now I think I need to buy a huge bag of them whenever I see them just so someone will keep selling them.
Re: bagels - a woman at Wegman’s once advised me that if it doesn’t taste like a real bagel then it’s just a “roll with a hole” and that phrase/description has stuck with me. Perfect! A roll with a hole. 🤢
Wow!! You were right, that interview with Senator Kim was just what my weary soul needed this week. I was sobbing in my car during his final words. If only we had a legislature filled with kind, caring and thoughtful people like Andy. Thank you PSP team for another great episode 💜
Right?!?!? Sarah and Beth are all “don’t fall in love with politicians.” Then they have people like Sarah McBride and Andy Kim on and you’re like “how am I supposed to realistically do that?????” -Maggie
As a daughter of a Korean immigrant mom…can I say that Andy Kim is really making it difficult for the rest of us 😂 A senator AND still playing all of his stringed instruments AND an upstanding guy?! Can’t he leave a little room for our Korean parents to find something good in what we do?
Great episode. A lot of what you discussed today and recently is reflected in this New Yorker article I read this morning. In a nutshell it says that MAGA was good at letting local groups do what they thought was best to win over a voter rather than having a more structured overarching strategy. They started off the article with a comparison of the 80s DARE drug campaign and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). DARE was organized and well funded. MADD was more like owning a franchise. And MADD got the most done. It’s a combination of diversified approach and unified goal…getting votes! We need to win the working class back. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/02/02/what-maga-can-teach-democrats-about-organizing-and-infighting
And I have a close friend who owns a local cafe chain and they make their own bagels...they get the crust perfect! My fave is rosemary salt bagel with lox, plain cream cheese, and lots of capers! If I'm feeling fancy, I'll add cucumber and tomato.
Great episode and I couldn't be prouder that Andy Kim represents my birth state! Also y'all nailed the outside of politics. NJ bagels are the best, they must be boiled to be actual bagels, and fresh bagels do not need to be toasted (toasting is a means to save a stale bagel).
Outside of politics was delightful! I really enjoyed this conversation. Thank you for introducing me to Senator Kim. I really love when you find the people just putting their heads down to the work and trying to move the needle. Helps me remember not all of our congressional members do nothing.
I am so surprised every time I hear you guys saying that some people who live in in Republican districts feel like it's pointless to call their reps. I live in a democratic district. I feel like it's pointless to call mine because I know they already agree with me. If I were in a republican district, I would definitely be calling!!
100% I live in a blue district in NY, and I often feel like "What's the point?" I still do call because I know they also use calls to help prioritize issues.
I think so much of the feeling hopeless or not seems to be about the particular rep. I am in a deep red district and used to work professionally with my rep when he was in the state assembly. In gaining national office, he's going full Trumpy. When I called his office this week, I was hung up on 3 times when I merely asked if I was speaking to the correct person to share my concerns. He won't do town halls now, just photo ops. It's so sad for me to watch someone who used to be more of a straight shooter go this way!
I have democratic reps too and I feel like it's pointless, not because they agree with me, but because they are the "dyed in the wool" types who aren't interested in finding solutions, only in using my feedback to dig their heels in further and create more divisiveness. Their newsletters are hyper political nonsense. If I have an issue, I can't go to them and hope they will be able to speak with Republicans and find a way forward. They aren't interested in that. I think reps who are hard-lined, regardless of party, are frustrating. They're more interested in taking sides than actually serving the people.
Amen. Do you live next door to me or something? ;-) I did send Senator Shiff an email to shut down the government on DHS funding, and I thanked Senator Padilla for leading the charge on that, but I really don't feel that motivated to talk to my reps when they seem like caricatures of politicians.
I live in Mississippi. I have honestly given up on calling. It’s pretty hopeless, even with the senator that’s up for reelection soon. This episode didn’t change my feelings about this at all. Feeling bleak.
I'm sorry :( I think in certain places, we are basically talking to walls. When it's time for yard signs again, I hope you'll see that you aren't alone out there and can feel more positive.
I live in Texas, and this week was literally the first time I’ve ever called Cruz’s office and actually been able to leave a voicemail. It’s always full. And any time I contact Cornyn’s office I get a canned response that is vaguely related to the topic I’m calling/writing about. It does feel pointless most of the time.
Same. Although I can see if you had a really staunch Republican rep it would feel pointless if they had a pattern of never changing. When I had a Republican rep with a history of being moderate and working in a bipartisan way, it did not feel totally pointless.
You know, I would have agreed with you until this week when my senator (Ron Johnson of WI) was actually one of the handful of Republicans who voted with Dems on that DHS funding package. I was completely shocked because he is normally a hopelessly red voter. I joked to a friend that maybe my voicemails convinced him. ;)
Sliding in here to UPVOTE the pumpernickel bagel. This used to be my order everyday when I worked in Minneapolis. It was at Brueggers bagels, egg cheese and bacon on a pumpernickel bagel. Chefs kiss.
I agree with those who feel it's pointless to call their representatives and that was reinforced by an email poll I got from my representative Jim Baird today. It was a binary question 'Do you support law enforcement?' with yes or no checkboxes, no space for comments.
So if I say yes, he can say that his constituents support everything all law enforcement is doing all the time, and if I say no, then I think all law enforcement are terrible. I replied to the email that it was more nuanced than that, but I'm sure that it went into a black hole somewhere never to be seen again.
Not sure where to put this but thought ya’all might find it valuable: https://www.threads.com/@tjbauer88/post/DULhMB2EdwP?xmt=AQF0FALn8jmECZlgKB6H1z-oZSgkFcpUwDSq5jsbbC17CMD5VhaBZMfzijDplsFt5ZB8Xd4&slof=1
Anything I like disappears. Pumpernickel is my favorite. Last time I went to H&H in Moynihan Station, probably two months ago, they had pumpernickel and my local place sells both pumpernickel and everything pumpernickel. Now I think I need to buy a huge bag of them whenever I see them just so someone will keep selling them.
Re: bagels - a woman at Wegman’s once advised me that if it doesn’t taste like a real bagel then it’s just a “roll with a hole” and that phrase/description has stuck with me. Perfect! A roll with a hole. 🤢
Jersey girl living in Kentucky who just returned from visiting my home state. Favorite bagel sandwich is egg, pork roll and cheese.
Wow!! You were right, that interview with Senator Kim was just what my weary soul needed this week. I was sobbing in my car during his final words. If only we had a legislature filled with kind, caring and thoughtful people like Andy. Thank you PSP team for another great episode 💜
WOW. I hate liking politicians but Senator Kim won me over.
Right?!?!? Sarah and Beth are all “don’t fall in love with politicians.” Then they have people like Sarah McBride and Andy Kim on and you’re like “how am I supposed to realistically do that?????” -Maggie
I know. It’s jealousy also because I look at my State: Cornyn, when I recoil in horror and look away, 💥 Cruz
As a daughter of a Korean immigrant mom…can I say that Andy Kim is really making it difficult for the rest of us 😂 A senator AND still playing all of his stringed instruments AND an upstanding guy?! Can’t he leave a little room for our Korean parents to find something good in what we do?
HONESTLY. Not Korean, but I did still feel like a slouch!! I hope his parents are so proud. -Maggie
I felt the same. Like how does he do all that, and do it well? Gah!!!!
It’s amazing how hearing one person doing their best for all can lift my spirit. Thank you for this treat today.
Great episode. A lot of what you discussed today and recently is reflected in this New Yorker article I read this morning. In a nutshell it says that MAGA was good at letting local groups do what they thought was best to win over a voter rather than having a more structured overarching strategy. They started off the article with a comparison of the 80s DARE drug campaign and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). DARE was organized and well funded. MADD was more like owning a franchise. And MADD got the most done. It’s a combination of diversified approach and unified goal…getting votes! We need to win the working class back. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/02/02/what-maga-can-teach-democrats-about-organizing-and-infighting
And I have a close friend who owns a local cafe chain and they make their own bagels...they get the crust perfect! My fave is rosemary salt bagel with lox, plain cream cheese, and lots of capers! If I'm feeling fancy, I'll add cucumber and tomato.
Great episode and I couldn't be prouder that Andy Kim represents my birth state! Also y'all nailed the outside of politics. NJ bagels are the best, they must be boiled to be actual bagels, and fresh bagels do not need to be toasted (toasting is a means to save a stale bagel).
100% agree about a good fresh bagel never needing to be toasted!
I sort of agree, but I find real bagels to be incredibly chewy, and I like the crunch toasting gives them.
Outside of politics was delightful! I really enjoyed this conversation. Thank you for introducing me to Senator Kim. I really love when you find the people just putting their heads down to the work and trying to move the needle. Helps me remember not all of our congressional members do nothing.
I am so surprised every time I hear you guys saying that some people who live in in Republican districts feel like it's pointless to call their reps. I live in a democratic district. I feel like it's pointless to call mine because I know they already agree with me. If I were in a republican district, I would definitely be calling!!
100% I live in a blue district in NY, and I often feel like "What's the point?" I still do call because I know they also use calls to help prioritize issues.
I think so much of the feeling hopeless or not seems to be about the particular rep. I am in a deep red district and used to work professionally with my rep when he was in the state assembly. In gaining national office, he's going full Trumpy. When I called his office this week, I was hung up on 3 times when I merely asked if I was speaking to the correct person to share my concerns. He won't do town halls now, just photo ops. It's so sad for me to watch someone who used to be more of a straight shooter go this way!
Hung up on?!? That is so weird. Reps have staff members who specialize in particular issues. Your question sounds non-controversial.
I have democratic reps too and I feel like it's pointless, not because they agree with me, but because they are the "dyed in the wool" types who aren't interested in finding solutions, only in using my feedback to dig their heels in further and create more divisiveness. Their newsletters are hyper political nonsense. If I have an issue, I can't go to them and hope they will be able to speak with Republicans and find a way forward. They aren't interested in that. I think reps who are hard-lined, regardless of party, are frustrating. They're more interested in taking sides than actually serving the people.
Amen. Do you live next door to me or something? ;-) I did send Senator Shiff an email to shut down the government on DHS funding, and I thanked Senator Padilla for leading the charge on that, but I really don't feel that motivated to talk to my reps when they seem like caricatures of politicians.
Neighbors. Wouldn't that be something! 🙃
I live in Mississippi. I have honestly given up on calling. It’s pretty hopeless, even with the senator that’s up for reelection soon. This episode didn’t change my feelings about this at all. Feeling bleak.
I'm sorry :( I think in certain places, we are basically talking to walls. When it's time for yard signs again, I hope you'll see that you aren't alone out there and can feel more positive.
I live in Texas, and this week was literally the first time I’ve ever called Cruz’s office and actually been able to leave a voicemail. It’s always full. And any time I contact Cornyn’s office I get a canned response that is vaguely related to the topic I’m calling/writing about. It does feel pointless most of the time.
Same. Although I can see if you had a really staunch Republican rep it would feel pointless if they had a pattern of never changing. When I had a Republican rep with a history of being moderate and working in a bipartisan way, it did not feel totally pointless.
You know, I would have agreed with you until this week when my senator (Ron Johnson of WI) was actually one of the handful of Republicans who voted with Dems on that DHS funding package. I was completely shocked because he is normally a hopelessly red voter. I joked to a friend that maybe my voicemails convinced him. ;)