It is a heavy-hitting Wednesday on What’s On Your Mind as host Scott Hennen returns to a political landscape that is shifting under Governor Tim Walz's feet. The episode centers on the explosive revelation of a multi-billion dollar federal audit of Minnesota's Medicaid and social service programs. Dr. Mehmet Oz, CMS Administrator, joins the show to explain why the federal government is moving to "claw back" billions in taxpayer money after uncovering what he calls a "web of corruption" in state-funded programs.
The conversation dives deep into the fallout of Walz's decision not to seek re-election, with Scott dissecting the Governor's "excuse fest" and contrasting it with the 2,000 federal agents now surging into the state. From the "leering center" daycare scandal to the strategic brilliance of the "Don-Roe Doctrine" on the global stage, this episode captures a region grappling with massive accountability while looking toward a new era of American leadership.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:03:15] – The "Fire Hose" of Minnesota News Scott describes the overwhelming pace of local headlines, noting that Minnesota is currently at the "tip of the spear" regarding federal investigations into fraud and government incompetence.
[00:08:45] – The Walz "Knucklehead" Defense A breakdown of Governor Tim Walz's recent press appearance, where he attempts to deflect from billion-dollar fraud scandals by playing the "shucks, I’m just a knucklehead" card while lashing out at his political rivals.
[00:15:20] – Dr. Oz & the "JV" Fraud League CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz reveals that while Minnesota’s grift is massive, it is only the "JV team" compared to the "varsity" level institutionalized fraud currently being uncovered in California.
[00:23:10] – The Don-Roe Doctrine Explained Scott explores how the recent military success in Venezuela signals a return to the Monroe Doctrine with a modern twist, effectively checking the influence of China, Russia, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere.
[00:41:40] – The Craigslist "Child Actor" Scandal A shocking look into reports of fraudulent daycares in Minneapolis allegedly using Craigslist to hire child actors to fill empty buildings during federal inspections to justify millions in state funding.
[00:54:30] – Amy Klobuchar’s Rumored Run The crew discusses rumblings that Senator Amy Klobuchar may be part of a "deal" to run for Governor, potentially allowing Walz to seek her vacated Senate seat in a calculated political swap.
[01:10:15] – The 15-Minute Extraction A play-by-play of "Operation Absolute Resolve," the high-stakes military operation that apprehended Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, ending a decade-long fugitive hunt in mere minutes.