How can politicians better serve the American people? Sen. Andy Kim has some ideas
On Point | Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Senator Andy Kim decide to hold listening sessions with constituents who voted for both him and Trump in 2020?
Kim noticed that while he won his congressional race, Trump also won the district by a small margin. This prompted him to understand why voters supported both candidates, especially given the fragility of the House majority at the time.
What were the key findings from Senator Andy Kim's listening sessions with voters who supported both him and Trump?
Voters expressed deep distrust and disgust with politics, feeling that elected officials were corrupt and worked for special interests rather than the people. They also saw Trump as a disruptor who wasn't part of the status quo, even if they disapproved of his behavior.
How did Senator Andy Kim differentiate himself from the status quo in his approach to politics?
Kim focused on reforms, such as banning stock trading by members of Congress, and did not take corporate PAC money. He also emphasized humility and listening to constituents, holding over 80 town halls during his time in the House.
What does Senator Andy Kim believe is the main challenge for the Democratic Party in regaining voter trust?
Kim argues that the party needs to practice a politics of humility, listen to voters, and avoid paternalistic attitudes. He stresses the importance of engaging with people in a respectful, non-transactional way to rebuild trust.
What legislative priorities does Senator Andy Kim focus on, and how does he connect them to his personal story?
Kim prioritizes addressing the high cost of living, stability in people's lives, and the dignity of hard work. He ties these issues to his family's immigrant experience and the American dream, emphasizing the need for a simple, decent life for all Americans.
How does Senator Andy Kim view the role of bipartisanship in governance, especially in light of the 2017 tax cuts?
Kim believes in governing for all constituents and finding bipartisan agreements where possible, such as on mental health or advanced manufacturing. However, he also emphasizes the need to call out policies that disproportionately benefit the wealthy and corporations.
What does Senator Andy Kim think about Trump's plan to pardon January 6th rioters on his first day in office?
Kim finds it deeply troubling, especially given the real challenges Americans face. He believes it shows a lack of focus on issues that matter to people's daily lives, such as lowering costs and improving public services.
- Widespread disgust with politics
- Distrust in elected officials
- Concerns about corruption and special interests
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