How to Be a Purposeful Warrior to Preserve Democracy with Jocelyn Benson

Overview

This episode features Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate, as she discusses her journey as a purposeful warrior defending democracy. From standing up to violent mobs and presidential threats to her undercover work investigating white supremacists, Benson shares her strategies for confronting injustice, building courage, and inspiring others to take action.

Notable Quotes

- If we don't speak out, someone will fill that void. But if we speak out, we may not achieve the end result, but we can inspire others to speak out as well. – Jocelyn Benson, on the ripple effect of courage.

- The power of the people will always be greater than the people in power when we choose to leverage that power. – Jocelyn Benson, on collective action.

- It makes no difference to me if a bully is the president of the United States or someone next door. Every time someone tries to leverage their power to silence you, it is up to you to speak out. – Jocelyn Benson, on standing up to power.

🛡️ The Purposeful Warrior Ethos

- Benson defines a purposeful warrior as someone who refuses to let fear or injustice dictate their actions, choosing instead to fight for a better world.

- She emphasizes the importance of speaking out against bullies and abuses of power, even when the outcome is uncertain.

- Courage, she argues, is a muscle that grows stronger with every act of bravery, no matter how small.

🏠 Facing Threats at Home

- Benson recounts the harrowing night in December 2020 when a violent mob protested outside her home, threatening her and her family.

- She shielded her young son from the chaos while reflecting on the legacy of civil rights activists who stood for voting rights.

- The incident underscored the personal risks of defending democracy but also strengthened her resolve to continue her work.

- This event marked a turning point, as threats against her escalated, including being on an assassination list.

🗳️ Gerrymandering and Fair Elections

- Benson explains gerrymandering as the manipulation of district lines to predetermine election outcomes, often favoring one political party.

- She advocates for citizen-led redistricting commissions to ensure fairness and transparency, as implemented successfully in Michigan.

- The potential role of AI, like ChatGPT, in drawing unbiased district maps is discussed, though Benson stresses the importance of human oversight.

💡 Building Courage Through Experience

- Benson shares her early career investigating the Ku Klux Klan as an undercover journalist, a formative experience that taught her to confront hate directly.

- She highlights the importance of using fear as a motivator for action rather than a deterrent.

- Her book, A Purposeful Warrior, serves as a guide for others to find their own courage and take meaningful action in the face of challenges.

🚪 Campaigning for Governor

- Benson emphasizes the power of one-on-one conversations with voters, which she sees as more impactful than social media or advertising.

- Her campaign is fueled by grassroots support, with 95% of donations under $100, reflecting her commitment to people-driven leadership.

- She critiques the influence of corporate money in politics and underscores the need for leaders who prioritize the public over special interests.