Today! Former VP Biden enters the fray! My thoughts on the current state of play in the 2020 Democratic primary field.
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April 2019
04/28/2019
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04/01/2019
Forward Maryland, April 1, 2019: Time for a Real American President
I'm humbled and pleased this morning to share with you my announcement that I am seeking the Democratic nomination for President of the United States of America.
We live in a land that is still filled with opportunity, that wakes up every morning, steeped in the aspirations of our Founding Fathers, and moving into a new century. But, two decades in, the 21st century is hardly a New American Century. We are a deeply divided people. Hate against our fellow American runs deep and rapidly through out culture. Our economy is built upon a foundation of irresponsible tax cuts, historic deficits, and debt unheard of in the history of the global economy. Our military remains strong, but internationally, we are stepping off the world stage and letting adversaries who oppose our vision of democracy and freedom transform the world. Be it through military might, or through economic assistance.
And at a time when we need strong American leadership, we get a badly-written screenplay. I'm not going to waste time to review the over 10,000 times this President has lied in office. He's a narcissist and doesn't deserve the dignity of being addressed. He is a bad joke this country played upon itself. And we are paying the price for our bad judgment.
There are many-- well over a dozen-- fine Democratic candidates seeking the Presidency. Any of them will make a better President than the current officeholder. But none of them have the experience I have-- that of being someone who lives an everyday American life, every day. Who wakes up, goes to work, pays his bills, loves his kids, cares about his community, is good to his friends, and who is responsible for himself. I'm not an elected official in high office, a celebrity, or a noted author. I work and I grind out every day on my own, like scores of millions of others.
While I've been involved in politics for over three decades, I've never held a public office. I've worked for the public sector on every level, and in the private sector. I've changed careers and changed jobs within them-- multiple times. I've raised two children in the 90s, 2000s and 2010s, in the shadow of 9/11 and in this new century of social media. I've had a lot of setbacks and made a lot of mistakes-- personal and professional. But I've also known a lot of successes, too. Just like scores of millions of other Americans.
I'm a Real American, and my calling card in my public life has been to speak truth to power. I know how the political world works and I'm far from intimidated by it. Through my many personal and professional connections I have access to the best minds America has to offer, and I will bring these people forward to serve in the Woodcock Administration. And you can rest assured that I will pick as my running mate, a person who will add diversity and inclusion to the ticket, but also, someone who will lead the effort to get my agenda passed through Congress.
And what is that agenda? There will be more to come in the coming weeks, but here is a brief preview.
First, we will settle this national discussion about immigration. Everyone currently in this country will be offered a path to citizenship. But if they can't demonstrate they can be good citizens, or fail to meet their obligations, they will be held accountable to our laws.
Second, we will guarantee health care for all. We will add a public option and take away penalties for not participating in national health care. Because everyone will have it.
Third, we will guarantee access to public post-secondary education to every student who wants it. But we also must be aware of the great discrepancy between our public and private colleges and universities. We must address that disparity.
Fourth, we will reverse the ridiculous Trump tax cuts, and place additional taxes on all households-- single taxpayers and married-- with annual income of $400,000 or greater. Up to a 70% rate for millionaires.
Fifth, we will rebuild our nation's infrastructure, and work with state and local governments to enable private contractors-- especially minority-owned contractors-- to do more with the dollars they spend. We will also find ways to use rebuilding our infrastructure as a means to reduce our high urban unemployment rate.
Sixth, we will promote job training for all, be it within a city center or in a rural area.
Seventh, we will start the transition to a green economy. We will ask our automakers to meet higher fuel efficiency standards and move increasing production of cars powered by alternative fuels. We will re-sign the Paris climate accord.
Eighth, we will set forth a path to a balanced budget within eight years, and at the end of four years, create a budget roadmap that brings us budget surpluses for years to come.
Ninth, we will reaffirm our commitments to our allies, especially NATO and the State of Israel.
Tenth, and last (for now), we will put our adversaries on notice. America is back in the game. We will keep our military strong, use technology to protect us at home and abroad, and respect and honor our intelligence community.
All I have laid out above-- and all that is yet to come, is a tall order. Can we make good on it? Absolutely we can. That's why, I would like to introduce my campaign manager, Mr. Sidd Finch, who will be responsible for spreading this message from sea to shining sea. You may remember Mr. Finch as a former pitching phenom for the New York Mets. Today I'm proud to have him throwing heat for my team. Welcome aboard, Sidd.
I'd also like to announce and thank Mr. Rick Derringer for my campaign song. Very aptly stated, "I am a Real American/ Fight for the rights of every man".
My fellow Americans, as I close this message to you, I ask you. Are the current candidates in the Democratic field speaking for you? Are they representing your interests on the issues they care about, or are they concerned more with photo ops, celebrity status, or their own egos? We made a mistake four years ago in electing an egomaniac to become the most powerful man in the world. We surely can not make that mistake again. It's time to elect a real american, to speak truth to power, and to represent you first and foremost, and special interests, dead last. Thank you.