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Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus · May 20, 2026 · 1h 15m

Julia Gets Wise with Governor Janet Mills

Janet Mills, Judy Bowles, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews 78-year-old Janet Mills, Maine's first female governor, who recently suspended her Senate campaign. Mills recounts her legendary White House standoff with President Trump, her win in court, and the personal journey of becoming a stepmother to five girls. She also discusses her Republican family's reaction to her Democratic politics. In a bonus segment, Julia and her 92-year-old mom Judy reflect on the timeless appeal of Mary Oliver's poetry and Judy's own path to becoming a Democrat.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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White House showdown with Trump
Governor Mills described her famous White House confrontation with President Trump, where she told him 'See you in court' and later won.
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Becoming a stepmother to five girls
Mills opened up about becoming a stepmother to five young girls, sharing the challenges and growth it brought.
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Republican family reacts to her Democratic switch
Janet recalled what her Republican family said, and felt, when she declared herself a Democrat.
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Mary Oliver's cross-generational appeal
Julia and her mother Judy discussed the enduring cross-generational appeal of poet Mary Oliver.
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Editorial

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Judy Bowles' journey from Republican to Democrat
Judy Bowles shared her personal journey from Republican to Democrat.
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References

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They Spoke of the River — Judith Bowles — Judy Bowles' poetry collection, mentioned in the episode.

Misc

✧Governor Mills' iconic 'See you in court' moment with Trump, which she won.
✧Mills recently suspended her campaign for U.S. Senate.
✧Mills became a stepmother overnight to five young girls.
✧Judy Bowles, 92, has a new poetry book 'They Spoke of the River'.
✧Judy shared her path from Republican to Democrat.
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