Audio shared by RNC Research purports to capture Nebraska U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn using profane language to describe rural Trump backers. When CNN’s Dana Bash asked if the voice was his, Osborn replied, “It sure sounds like me,” according to a clip posted by RNC Research on September 16, 2026.
What the audio captures
In the recording posted by RNC Research, a speaker identified by the account as Osborn refers to “Billy Bob in f**king Red Cloud, Nebraska,” near a “f**king Trump store,” and says, “All he knows is that he is on the winning team.” The speaker adds that Donald Trump has been effective at telling supporters they’re “on the winning team,” concluding, “that’s all they care about, because their lives probably suck so f**king [much].”
RNC Research labeled the clip a “hot mic” moment and attributed the remarks to Osborn. Digital Dredger has not independently verified the full audio or its context.
Pressed on CNN
In a separate exchange shared by RNC Research, CNN’s Dana Bash asked, “Just to confirm, is that you saying that?” The man identified as Osborn answered, “It sure sounds like me.”
Ricketts responds
Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts criticized the remarks on X the same day, writing: “Dan Osborn was caught making derogatory comments about rural Nebraskans in another leaked audio. Dan Osborn continues to show us who he really is. His comments show a clear lack of respect for the Nebraskans who make this state great. I will continue standing up and delivering for every Nebraskan in every part of this state.”
What remains unclear
The origin of the audio, the full recording, and the broader context of the remarks were not provided in the RNC Research posts cited by The Gateway Pundit.
