By Joe Plenzler, Meidas Defense
Executive Summary
In this episode of Meidas Defense, Retired Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, candidate for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District against incumbent and MAGA embarrassment Lauren Boebert, joins host Joe Plenzler to discuss her background, reasons for entering politics, national security concerns surrounding the conflict with Iran, military promotions, and economic impacts on rural America and veterans’ care.
Key Discussion Points & Takeaways
Transition from Service to Politics
Motivation: After 34 years in the U.S. Navy and advising the National Security Council, Laubacher decided to run for Congress to restore nonpartisan, service-first leadership to government.
Critique of Current Governance: Laubacher and Plenzler contrast military service—which prioritizes the Constitution over party—with self-serving political behavior focused on wealth, fame, and power.
National Security & the Iran Conflict
Strategic & Financial Toll: Laubacher highlights the escalating costs of the ongoing war with Iran, including over $30 billion spent, more than $2.5 billion in lost aircraft, depleted munitions (e.g., Tomahawk missiles), and 18 U.S. service member fatalities alongside hundreds of injuries. Some studies suggest the cost of the war is now $113 billion.
Strain on Forces: Operational stress on deployed personnel is illustrated by extended carrier strike group deployments (e.g., the USS Abraham Lincoln past eight months).
Congressional Accountability: Laubacher criticizes Rep. Lauren Boebert for voting multiple times to continue the war despite initial claims of opposing it, arguing Congress is failing its constitutional duty to oversee war powers.
Rules of Engagement: Laubacher criticizes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s approach to rules of engagement, stating that stripping them away puts service members at greater physical and legal risk rather than making them safer.
Military Leadership & Meritocracy
Politicization of Promotions: Laubacher expresses grave concern over senior military promotions being pulled or blocked for political reasons, citing specific instances like Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt (first female carrier commanding officer) being removed from the two-star promotion list.
Retention & Recruiting Impacts: Overriding the military’s nonpartisan board process damages morale and signals to servicemembers—especially women—that advancement is tied to political alignment rather than merit and qualifications.
Economic Impacts on Rural Communities
Agricultural Strain: Supply chain disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz—a bottleneck for global oil and fertilizer—are driving up costs. Farmers in Colorado’s 4th District face soaring expenses for equipment, fuel, and fertilizer, forcing some to skip fertilizing crops entirely.
Rural Infrastructure: Out of 14 rural hospitals in the district, severe underfunding threatens closure for many within five years, mirroring the structural and resource strain seen in military logistics.
Veterans’ Care & Governance
Healthcare & Support Cutbacks: Laubacher and Plenzler highlight systemic failures in supporting veterans post-service, pointing to long travel distances for rural veterans, cuts to VA staffing, and reductions to critical resources like the veteran suicide hotline.
Legislative Record: Laubacher critiques Rep. Boebert’s voting record against veteran-centric bills, including the PACT Act, the Dignity for Military Sexual Trauma Survivors Act, and maternity care initiatives for female veterans.
Bipartisan Action: Despite the challenges, Laubacher calls for active civic participation and bipartisan cooperation, citing recent housing legislation as an example of how Congress should function for the public good.
Campaign Information
Guest: Eileen Laubacher (Candidate for CO-04)
Website: eileenforcolorado.com
