Democratic Nominee Q&A

We were fortunate enough to receive an audience with the Democratic nominee Andrew Zonneveld. In this interview, we learned many things about this president-elect, what plans to reform education and make it stronger, tackling the health crisis, addressing the student loan crisis and helping to make it less challenging to get a job. If elected, he wants to make serious changes for a positive and brighter future, which he stated in our interview; in which we hope to share it all, unedited and unchanged. We believe that the American people deserve to know all about their democratic runner. Here is that interview:

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Joah Boland-Landa: Okay, we are now recording. My name is Joah Boland-Landa. Would you mind telling my audience who you are?
Andrew Zonneveld: Yeah, my name is Andrew Zonneveld. I'm the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

Joah Boland-Landa: Okay, what got you interested in running for President?
Andrew Zonneveld: Well, I’m interested in running for President because I noticed there are a lot of great things about America, and I want to make sure we continue doing great and amazing things. But there’s also plenty that we can change. There are a lot of opportunities for growth, and I think it’s important we take advantage of these opportunities to really push our country forward.

Joah Boland-Landa: I see. What exactly do you think should change?
Andrew Zonneveld: I think our number one priority needs to be public education. Our teachers do a great job preparing students for the real world and building up our skills as a nation. But oftentimes, teachers aren’t treated fairly, aren’t paid properly, and schools don’t have the resources they need to be successful. So, this is my top priority: funding public schools, paying teachers better, and really showing that we care about education.

Joah Boland-Landa: What else would you say would change if you were elected as president?
Andrew Zonneveld: Absolutely. I think healthcare is another big part of my platform. I believe healthcare is a right, and we need to move forward with Medicare for All – healthcare for all people in the United States. I think it’s important that if people are happy and healthy, they’ll live longer and better lives. In the long term, it will be much better for our economy.

Joah Boland-Landa: I see. How will you make these things happen? What is your agenda for changing these things?
Andrew Zonneveld: I plan on emphasizing bipartisanship and working with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle – senators and representatives, whether they are Democrats or Republicans – to really get these changes pushed forward.

Joah Boland-Landa: And how do you think you're going to accomplish this with the American people? Are you going to introduce new kinds of taxes, or is this going to be a transition that Americans won’t even notice?
Andrew Zonneveld: I think they will notice, but I think it will be a positive change and a positive transition. I think we’ll be moving forward in a great direction. In terms of paying for it, there are plenty of areas where we can develop in terms of taxes. When it comes to wealthy people, they don’t necessarily pay their fair share, and corporations don’t either. So, I think it’s important that the top 1% of earners in the United States start paying their fair share of keeping society moving forward. Whether that’s a tax on the 1% or removing the tax cap on Social Security taxes, whatever the case may be, as long as I can get Congress to move forward with it, that’s what we’ll do.

Joah Boland-Landa: Actually, on that subject, a lot of young individuals struggle with meeting basic needs and funds like student loans and living expenses. How do you plan on addressing this, if at all?
Andrew Zonneveld: Absolutely. I believe that current student loan practices are predatory. Colleges and universities have become far too expensive to be a reasonable expense, especially for an 18-year-old who’s just graduated high school. You shouldn’t be allowed to take out a $200,000 loan. So, I think one of the first steps we need to take is making public universities more affordable, public community colleges more affordable, and also trade schools as well. I don’t think everyone needs to go to college or should go to college. But for those who do, it should be affordable and an effective use of their time. And when it comes to what they’re paying for, I don’t think it makes sense to have a $200,000 degree. Our first step is forgiving past student loans, making public universities and colleges free for at least the first couple of years, and doing the same for trade schools or apprenticeship models, which work great. So, I think really investing in young people will make a big difference in what we see from them.

Joah Boland-Landa: I see. I have a follow-up question to that one. A lot of jobs require prior experience or a degree in something, or university experience in a subject before they allow you into a program or a job. This creates a gap where people can’t really apply because they don’t meet the skills, or there’s always someone with more experience. How do you plan on addressing this, if at all? You mentioned not everyone needs to go to college, so how do you plan on giving work opportunities to those who choose not to attend college?
Andrew Zonneveld: Sure. I think there are a ton of great entry-level options for people. When it comes to trades and apprenticeships, that’s a great place to start. You begin as a trainee, working under an electrician, plumber, metalworker, or whatever the case may be. You train under them, build up your skills, and after a few years, you have the experience to move on. Then, you have the skills to get those jobs.

Joah Boland-Landa: Well, that’s quite a good answer. I guess my final question would be: What would be a simple way of telling Americans why they should vote for you?
Andrew Zonneveld: I think if Americans are tired of the way the government has worked for them in the past, or frankly, how the government hasn’t worked for them in the past, and they’re ready for a change, they should vote blue tomorrow.

Joah Boland-Landa: Well, that’s one hell of a campaign promise. Thanks for interviewing me, or... I guess... I was interviewing you? (chuckles awkwardly)
Andrew Zonneveld: (laughs) No problem! Have a great day.
Joah Boland-Landa: All right, bye!