Who?
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Ask a Pol asks:
“We didn’t see anything with SAFER? Or do you think the DEA is the root to go?”
Key Blumenauer:
“I think the DEA is the route,” Blumenauer exclusively tells Ask a Pol. “It’s more direct. The legislative process is very uncertain — more uncertain than ever — and the DEA strips it away, gets what we need in terms of tax and research.”
Caught our ear:
“It should be a no-brainer for the president. If you want to energize the young people and do the right thing and repair your legacy,” Blumenauer tells Ask a Pol.“It hits all the boxes, and it’s the right thing to do.”
LISTEN: Laslo & Blumenauer
Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), slightly edited for clarity.
TRANSCRIPT: Laslo & Blumenauer
Matt Laslo: “Are we going to see anything with SAFER? Or do you think the DEA is the route to go?”
Earl Blumenauer: “I think the DEA is the route.”
ML: “Is that just a recognition of the politics up here?”
EB: “It’s more direct. The legislative process is very uncertain — more uncertain than ever — and the DEA strips it away, gets what we need in terms of tax and research.”
ML: “Yeah. And you think ahead of November this should be a no-brainer for your party? As we’ve talked about in the last five or six elections.”
EB: “It should be a no-brainer for the president. If you want to energize the young people and do the right thing and repair your legacy.”
ML: “Yeah? And also the African American communities he now needs?”
EB: “It hits all the boxes, and it’s the right thing to do.”
ML: “What are your thoughts on SAFER? Is it just too complicated for folks?”
EB: “I don’t know yet. It’s still in process.”
ML: “Cause it feels like Republicans changed their rhetoric once it came out?”
EB: “That would be strange.” (sarcastically)
ML: “Right? Appreciate you, sir.”
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Matt Laslo’s a veteran congressional correspondent, new media prof. & founder of Ask a Pol — a new, people-powered press corps.
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EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Earl Blumenauer on DEA, Biden & SAFER