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Blue Wave On the Prairie? w/ Josh Turek | The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

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As Democrats across the country work to flip red seats blue this November, Jon is joined by four-time Paralympian and U.S. Senate candidate, Josh Turek, to discuss the "prairie populism" fueling his 2026 midterms campaign in Iowa. Together, they unpack how Iowa voters are responding to Trump, Turek's approach to working across the aisle, and the common-sense policies he says can bring people together. Plus, Jon answers listeners’ questions about useful idiots, the downside of a Democratic win, and Sixers in 6?!

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On Mondays, Jon Stewart hosts The Daily Show, but on Thursdays he hosts The Weekly Show — A podcast featuring in- depth conversations with special guests that explores the biggest threats to our democracy. Also hear from producers and friends of the show who discuss the latest headlines, what’s on their minds, and more!

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20 Comments

@nickcovington8005 1 day ago

I'm an Iowan who will definitely be pulling the lever for Turek.

@sk.str90 1 day ago

Iowan here, beyond excited to vote for Turek. Having a background in Healthcare and experiencing our Healthcare systems is paramount to understanding whats needed to fix these systems so they run more efficiently and actually treat the patient not the shareholders. My dad survived polio in the 70s and despite the odds he's incredibly active. It pains me to see how expensive a brace is everytime he needs a new one and too many years have gone by where he MacGuyvers a brace to manage the pain. A small anecdote from my family compared to those going through cancer in this state. My heart goes out to those going through it and my vote is going to Turek.

@Aaron-og1pg 1 day ago

Love Bernie but glad to see Jon featuring these candidates. Born in Sioux City but one of those who left. I'm pulling for Turek, I hope Iowa can get back on it's feet and stop giving power to those who should have none.

@sheilacothern5472 1 day ago

What a great human Mr Turek is, you Iowans are lucky to get to send someone with this kind of integrity to Washington. 🤞

@leahsmith4310 12 hours ago (edited)

Iowan here!!! Yes!!! So many rights have been taken, the schools are a mess, cancer rates up. We need to go 💙

@TerriKash-NEO 13 hours ago

Born in IA here and man I like this Josh guy. Common sense, obviously a good guy and thinks about the people.

@whoaChrissy 21 hours ago

I love that he had Josh Turek on. Smart and seemingly wanting to push policies that help the people. I believe in you Iowa! Vote Turek!

@StephenOmv 19 hours ago

What a breath of fresh air! Not a talking point was spoken, earnest, honest, clear communication and a solid guy to boot. I had no idea Iowa has been so decimated over the years, if he doesn't win, what does that say about us as humans?? Nothing good

@stephenrowe6461 9 hours ago

After graduating from high school in NY, I went to university in Iowa in the early ‘70s. At that time the public schools in Iowa were excellent, their economy was thriving, and they had excellent healthcare. Sure it was culturally conservative, and it was full of friendly helpful people. I had no idea about their declines in education, healthcare, and economics. It breaks my heart to hear this. Turek sounds like a very worthy candidate who has great ideas and cares about the people in his community. I wish I could cast a vote for him.

@pdubs8647 20 hours ago

Iowan here. Turek will be getting my vote.

@johnrezleog3575 22 hours ago (edited)

I'm a Pennsylvanian but I just contributed to Josh's campaign. I am a double hater but Josh sounds like a politician this country needs. Good luck on your campaign. ❤❤❤

@Joyful-Jan 1 day ago

We’re rooting for you from SW very rural Iowa, Josh!

@CASLUCASTON 13 hours ago (edited)

I live on fixed income, and I don’t live in Iowa, but within my means I have modestly pitched in to this man’s campaign..,hope and pray he makes it!

@carolynmuth9 19 hours ago

Place your vote Senator Josh Turek!!!

Plan to vote with friends and elder neighbors!

@BonnieMcDonald-sx8ku 23 hours ago

I was born with spina bifida although I had neurosurgery and therefore I’m not in a wheelchair. I’m so inspired by Josh!

@lilyvanbeek5048 10 hours ago

Rural Iowan over here. Community schools are struggling as private schools are adding on and/or building new and bigger ones. Our clinics are either closing departments or offering fewer services at higher prices; my family drives 20min to the next town for affordable basic healthcare, or 50min for a specialist appointment.
Farmers are struggling to stay afloat due to high prices and not enough workers due to immigration crackdowns.
We are in desperate need of a positive, community change.
💙Josh Turek and Rob Sand for Iowa!
Thank you for making space for Josh!

@sheilaehrich2774 17 hours ago

Jon, as someone who lives in Minnesota and spent 30 years living and working on a family farm, I am very impressed with your ability as a New Yorker to ask intelligent and insightful questions of this young man from Iowa. I have watched you for years and have always been impressed with your interviewing abilities. I found this interview to be very much like you were getting to know a new friend.

@blahblah4125 21 hours ago (edited)

"Take my pills? Or pay my bills?" When Josh Turek said that, it made me think ALL Democrats need to make that a repeating winning message in their eventual attack ads on republicans and trump. Really hits home for those of us being forced to make that hard choice. The top 1% are making a killing, buying votes for local, state, and federal positions, they are hurting us all while making billions. This country is no longer Right VS. Left, it's the top 1% against the 99% of the rest of us. Vote blue in every local, state, and federal election. "WE THE PEOPLE" demand change.