Laubacher attacks Trump Iran war costs and military promotion blocks in CO-4 race
Source: MeidasTouch · All MeidasTouch reports
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Summary
The MeidasTouch podcast interviews retired Rear Adm. Eileen Laubacher, Democratic candidate for Colorado's 4th district challenging Rep. Lauren Boebert. Segments cover Laubacher's military-to-politics transition, critique of the Iran war's costs and lack of end state, economic ripple effects on rural Colorado farms and hospitals, and alleged politicization of DoD promotions.
Editorial Assessment
Claims on Laubacher's service record, war expenditures around $37B per Pentagon, ~18 US fatalities, munitions strain, and specific blocked promotions (e.g., Bauernschmidt) hold up against public reporting. Viewer misses Boebert's documented opposition to supplemental funding requests and administration arguments for the operation. Partisan tone amplifies 'MAGA stooges' framing and one-sided sourcing; rural economic anecdotes lack independent verification. Overall accurate on facts cited but selective in presentation.
Key Moments
Laubacher served 34 years Navy as intelligence officer, NSC role under multiple administrations, deployed Afghanistan 2009, mom of five
Navy bio and campaign site confirm service details including 2009 mobilization and NSC South Asia director role.
Iran war costs exceed $30B with $2.5B aircraft losses, 18 US deaths, depleted munitions
Hegseth July 2026 testimony cited ~$37.5B; Wikipedia and AP report 18-19 US killed and aircraft losses.
Boebert said she opposed Iran war but voted four times to keep it going
Boebert repeatedly stated opposition to $200B+ supplementals and some War Powers votes; claim echoes partisan social media but lacks matching roll-call evidence.
Hegseth blocked promotions including Amy Bauernschmidt and three women from one-star lists for political reasons
NYT and KPBS report Hegseth removed seven officers including Bauernschmidt; five women or minorities affected.
Notable Concerns
- Disputed claim that Boebert voted four times to sustain the Iran war conflicts with her public statements opposing supplemental funding
Sources Consulted
- Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher | Democrat for Congress
- Fact Sheet: Costs of the Trump Administration's War in Iran
- Hegseth estimates Iran war has cost $37.5B so far - AP News
- Report: Hegseth torpedoed trailblazing San Diego admiral's promotion - KPBS
- Opportunities Narrow for Women as Hegseth Blocks More Promotions - NYT
- Boebert on $200B Iran war funding request: 'I'm not doing that' - The Hill