This is a chat transcript.
MPR's Midday hosted former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura Thursday, May 15th 2008. He talked about his take on politics and discussed his latest book "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me."
After he appeared on the air he joined us to take a few online questions. See the transcript below.
Resources
- From MPR's Midday guest description:Jesse Ventura is former Governor of Minnesota and author of "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me" and the national bestsellers, "I Ain't Got Time to Bleed" and "Do I Stand Alone?"
- Information on "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me" from Skyhorse Publishing
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Comments: 57
On April 7, in an interview with Wolf Blitzer, you hinted at the possibility of you jumping into this year's Senate race between Al Franken (D) and Norm Coleman (R). You also said that you "would sure cause a lot of hate and discontent in Washington" if you were elected.
I have to ask... Are you any closer to making a decision on whether you will run?
Also, I was hoping you could expound on that latter statement. How would you plan to stir things up on Capitol Hill?
I was curious in terms of not agreeing with either of the two major polical parties what your feelings are towards the Nader/Gonzalez campaign as it sounds that you agree on some of their points in regards to corporate financing of campaigns and special interest conflicts. Do you support their independent platform or do you personally hope to see something different (or more refined perhaps?) What issues would you personally like to see more attention given to and what solutions/plans would you present in regards to these?
Thanks, I appreciate your thoughts. Best wishes!
I voted for you Jesse. But I do want to say that while our current political system is imperfect, I also think that if things were run in whatever manner you prefer that system would also be imperfect. Just in different ways.
What does he have to say about how the light rail thing is going and where it should go next.
Jesse Ventura replied
They should be finishing the lrt between the Twin Cities. The Gov line-item veto'd it. In my opinion and you gotta have a vision and I think it should be finished.
Our current Gov. doesn't have that. I look like a genius now. I wouldn't have vetoed it, I would have embraced it.
"War is pain, and it should be painful" (Ventura). If your not willing to go "all in" then maybe this isnt the card game for you.
Howdy, Mr. Ventura. A pleasure to speak with you!
On April 7, in an interview with Wolf Blitzer, you hinted at the possibility of you jumping into this year's Senate race between Al Franken (D) and Norm Coleman (R). You also said that you "would sure cause a lot of hate and discontent in Washington" if you were elected.
I have to ask... Are you any closer to making a decision on whether you will run?
Also, I was hoping you could expound on that latter statement. How would you plan to stir things up on Capitol Hill?
Jesse Ventura replied:
No. I'm still contemplating it, but I'm no closer and no farther.
I am wondering if you know Mark Hamilton
Good to see you out there again. You were great on Larry King
All the best!! Get into the Senate!!!
Mr. Venture is a savior this Country needs desperatly. When are you running for President? How can I sign up to help?
Jesse Ventura replied:
I appreciate that but don't hold your breath. Because if I do that I have to leave the Baja. If you're the President you have to have a first lady and that's a sexist position because it is unpaid. Wait for the first female Gov. and see if the first man will run the residence for free.
What do you think about Ron Paul. Should he run as an independent?
Jesse Ventura replied:
I like a lot of Ron Paul's ideas and if he is motivated to run as and independent he should. That's up to him, that's his choice. Do you remember when Bhutto was killed? All the candidates were approached for a comment and Paul said, "Isn't that Pakistan's business?" I like Ron Paul. He's right to the point.
What would be your plan for ending the war in Iraq and sending the soilders home?
Jesse Ventura replied:
They would come as quickly as feasibly possible. It was a war that shouldn't be fought in the first place so why would we continue?
OK, you got me. I agree. I would only change it to "If not you ... then me." But, my concern is any sort of party affiliation, thus, I have no voice. I am not represented. How do I get involved? How do I find a place for my voice? What is the state of the Independant Party? Any party system must be revolutionary; I.E. - always turning over. I think you have a good chance at the senate. When you get there, let me help you with what I think is the most important problem facing our country. Any party system. I will charge the hill with you on making party affiliation un-constitutional. Any interest?
Jesse Ventura replied:
Well the Independence party is alive and well in Minnesota. You can go to the caucuses and join the party at any time. I'm sure they'd appreciate it.
Run on who you are and not who you're with. Make a person run as an individual and not as a gang.
My Last question is, I watched the Wrestlemania that you asked the crowd if they would want you to run for President and the crowd went NUTS. How did it make you feel that no matter what the Media and Political people said about you, that the PEOPLE supported regardless?
If you ever did decide to run for President, You would win. No question about it.
I agree that there are and is religious people and religions that prefer their beliefs over science and sometimes stick their heads in the sand when they hear things that contridict their traditionally held beliefs. The problem with this is that this has religion conflict at times with science and with politics. However, I see a new wave of religion (I can speak only to Christianity) based in the Emergant Church and similar movements, that base religion not on exclusionary beliefs (e.g. you can't be a Christian and believe in ____), but in inclusionary ones (e.g. being a Christian means showing unconditional love to everyone, no matter their belief, stance, etc...).
Do you see the same change from your perspective? Do you believe that it might be possible to have a religion that doesn't affect ones beliefs in science or politics?
my family winters about 1 hour south of La Paz Mexico, Would you help me spend some my eco-stim check...can I buy you drink? The fishing was great last year. 80 lbs yellowtail, 70 lbs snapper...etc.
Jesse Ventura:
*smiles* If you can find me, but I don't drink. *laughs* It'll have to be fruit juice.
Melinda W, wrote:
Another question sorry. In regards to transportation, and the state of the nations roads, how would you reform how the nation's roads are taken, or in some cases, not taken care of? How would you see the loopholes get shut? Especially given the most recent tragedy in the Twin Cities?
Jesse Ventura replied:
Well I think the first thing to do is take the money we're wasting in the iraq war and apply it to the infrastructure.
It's called prioritizing. I'd also stop all foreign aid. I find it ridiculous that a country trillions of dollars in debt would give out foreign aid.
Call it domestic aid. Stop all foreign aid and call it domestic aid.
Gov. Ventura...Do you think the increase in state gasoline tax (that seemed to infuriate Gov. Pawlenty) was a good idea?
Jesse Ventura wrote:
*Pauses to think* Uhm... I don't know. I really wasn't here to dissect the transportation bill. but i will comment on this. I think the changing back on the lic. tab was terrible. That's a tax on new cars for 10 years. If they needed money they should have raised the flat rate, but not gone down to an antiquated system, that's terrible.
While I agree that your views on the current bipartisan government is holding back people from acting their true feelings and values, I have to disagree with some of your views on religion.
I agree that there are and is religious people and religions that prefer their beliefs over science and sometimes stick their heads in the sand when they hear things that contridict their traditionally held beliefs. The problem with this is that this has religion conflict at times with science and with politics. However, I see a new wave of religion (I can speak only to Christianity) based in the Emergant Church and similar movements, that base religion not on exclusionary beliefs (e.g. you can't be a Christian and believe in ____), but in inclusionary ones (e.g. being a Christian means showing unconditional love to everyone, no matter their belief, stance, etc...).
Do you see the same change from your perspective? Do you believe that it might be possible to have a religion that doesn't affect ones beliefs in science or politic
Jesse Ventura replied:
No.
I live in Michgan. I have a Female Gov and she is Horrible. I wish Michigan would have been lucky enough to have you here. Your stance on serious issues is a breathe of fresh air. I LOVE the fact that you say it like it is. I am tired of this "Sugar-Coating" that these politicians use to avoid real issues.
My Last question is, I watched the Wrestlemania that you asked the crowd if they would want you to run for President and the crowd went NUTS. How did it make you feel that no matter what the Media and Political people said about you, that the PEOPLE supported regardless?
If you ever did decide to run for President, You would win. No question about it.
Jesse Ventura replied:
It reassures me that the media and political people are out of touch. They live in their own little worlds. They don't know how the people feel and they're out of touch for the most part.
What would you advise the average American to do in order to get our government(s) to be more of a helper to the taxpaying citizenry, rather than just a bunch of tax raking condescending commandos?
Hope you are well.
Is Al Franken REALLY that entrenched in the Democratic party that he'll totally do their bidding? Many of Al's ideas echo yours, and he also speaks his mind. Plus, he's much better for Minnesota and the nation than Norm Coleman. Other than your objection to Al's moving back to MN to run, what are your specific objections to his candidacy?
Thanks, and keep talking!
Mr. Ventura-
So, gas prices. It's affecting the entire country. Is it our love affair with large cars? Are we financing the war? What's the solution for the increasing gas prices? Going more green?
Jesse replied: (spoke very fast, caught as much as I could - jas)
Well the solution is instead of fighting this war we should take that money and apply it to the alternative energy. This is all planned. They're going to put the heat on gas prices so the people throw up their hands and not worry about the environment [and approve drilling...] in Alaska and here.
What would you advise the average American to do in order to get our government(s) to be more of a helper to the taxpaying citizenry, rather than just a bunch of tax raking condescending commandos?
Hope you are well.
Jesse Ventura replied:
Vote independent. Don't vote for a Dem or a Republican. It's that simple.
Hola Jesse---I love Baja too, but that drive down to LaPaz as a solo woman (with dog) was as scary as it was liberating! I share your desire to ditch MN winters and I share many of your philosophical, political and personal views. You got my governor vote also because of your open and direct speaking style: A refreshing change from the obfuscation of political-speak. My question:
Is Al Franken REALLY that entrenched in the Democratic party that he'll totally do their bidding? Many of Al's ideas echo yours, and he also speaks his mind. Plus, he's much better for Minnesota and the nation than Norm Coleman. Other than your objection to Al's moving back to MN to run, what are your specific objections to his candidacy?
Thanks, and keep talking!
Jesse Ventura replied:
He doesn't pay his taxes. I do.
Don't kid yourself, he'll take marching orders. They all tell you they don't, but they do.
/as much text as possible
Fmr. Governor Ventura-
I have always enjoyed your take on the current state of politics. If you had your way, who is the ideal candidate for the position of president? Do you believe that the current candidates will be any better than what we have now?
Jesse Ventura replied:
"My ideal candidate would be Independent Gov. of Maine, Angus King. I served with him for 4 years and he served for 8 years. He's now back in the private sector, but he would be my ideal candidate. Brilliant man."
Just a comment
I voted for you Jesse. But I do want to say that while our current political system is imperfect, I also think that if things were run in whatever manner you prefer that system would also be imperfect. Just in different ways.
Jesse Ventura replied:
That's fine. This system is imperfect. This is the best one but we're allowing it to be destroyed.
P.S. Thank you for the light rail!!
Jesse Ventura replied:
You're welcome.
Vote independent. Don't vote for a Dem or a Republican. It's that simple.
Thank you for the response. The thing is that voting Independent would only actually change things if enough of the rest of the voting public also voted Independent; and that doesn't seem likely since bi-partisanship is so deeply entrenched in America.
Is there nothing else?
Bummer !!!
Also, is it just a coincidence that printing more money weakens the value of the dollar? would retiring some of the debt strengthen our economic status in the world? and possibly lower the gas price simply by having a stronger dollar?
The Body Politic was a very good read.
I went so far as to write to ask Jesse to run for president in 2004.
The bumpersticker slogan I had planned was"Don't make America a Whore, Vote for Jesse in 2004."
Jesse gives us hope that ordinary, workaday people still have a fighting chance in this country.
Election law reform issues are often at the way backburner of the national debate, let alone on the minds of most state and national politicians. Their are clear problems with how ballot and debate access often works. There are the merits, or lack theirof, of IRV or PR. Yet, the interest groups that work on these issues receive little financial support and thus little attention by the mainstream media or incumebts.