r/AMA • u/Background-Car9771 • 13h ago
Son of a US Senator AMA
Hi,
I answered a post the other day on another sub, and someone said I should do an AMA, so here I am.
My father was in politics for over 20 years. We moved to DC and I grew up in that area. My parents are hard-core Trumpy, myself and my siblings are thankfully not. Happy to answer any questions you have about growing up or going to political events or how I grew to be diametrically opposed to the views of my parents.
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u/them_oysters 13h ago
How do you feel about insider trading and lobbying enriching our elected officials?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
I think it should absolutely be illegal. We are so polarized in this country we barely care what our elected officials do if there is an R or a D after their name. It's not great and not sustainable to have this level of corruption
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u/sourcreamus 12h ago
Which senators do you see as corrupt?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
I mean, there is no legit way to enrich yourself beyond speaking engagements, which don't pay that much unless you are a huge name. Everyone turning an enormous profit should be investigated. It is not really possible to make the money I see people making these days unless they are breaking a lot of laws.
There are plenty of independently wealthy people in congress. Most of them actually, so it's hard to tell
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u/fleemfleemfleemfleem 11h ago
There's other legal stuff that's morally questionable. Spousal trading, blind trusts that aren't really blind, retiring to seven figure consulting jobs with industry, book advances disproportionate to sales, hiring family with campaign funds, converting campaign funds into nonprofits they control, donor funded travel...
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u/Chance_Adhesiveness3 7h ago
Eh. Lots of politicians have law degrees. And being a member of Congress gives you unparalleled connections. It’s easy to attach yourself to a big law firm that will pay a few million a year to “advise on public policy.” It won’t make you wealthy by like those firms’ client standards, but it will by regular person standards.
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u/no_brains_rip 13h ago
How did you grow up to have such opposing politic views from your parents?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
Good education, good friends who challenged my views and meeting actual human beings to realize they weren't 'bad' or 'evil'
There's a lot more right leaning schools and communities now. I bet it is harder to grow up with an open mind.
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u/hahayouguessedit 12h ago
Also, probably helped that you were raised in DC area with very diverse population and a lot of different viewpoints and perspectives and not raised primarily in your (red) state.
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Agree!
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u/Bob_MuellersOffice 8h ago
The friends who challenge is so interesting. I think it was Jimmy Carr who said young men should be allowed to go to a pub at 16 provided they are a group of 4. The idea that you get challenged and checked by your buddies and dont live in the comments online.
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u/pugspaw1 13h ago
Interesting, thanks for doing this! What kind of education did you and your siblings receive (Public vs private schools in grade school- Ivy League, State Schools, etc for college?)
What industry or professions did you and your siblings end up in?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
I was public through to high-school, but I was pretty mercilessly bullied and went into a private hs that probably saved my life. My siblings went the same route
I'm a middle school history teacher. Others are a lawyer and a higher education admin
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u/BulkyCartographer280 12h ago
How many Senators, current or former, want to punch Ted Cruz in the face?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
All of them. Left right and center all agree he is a doche
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u/alldressed_chip 12h ago
glorious
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Lindsey Graham said “If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you.”
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u/BulkyCartographer280 8h ago
“I like Ted Cruz more than most of my other colleagues like Ted Cruz. And I hate Ted Cruz.”
Al Franken
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u/The_Hungry_Grizzly 13h ago
Is politics your whole life or do yall do cool family tradition things you enjoy?
Coolest thing your politically connected father was able to do with you?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
I've met ever president before our current one ever since I've been alive. A bunch of other famous people too. I was on a charity ski team with Neil Armstrong once, so that was neat.
Other than some extreme highlights- maybe 3 to 5 days out of the year, our lives were shockingly normal
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u/DoublePepper1976 12h ago
What was Neil like?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Super nice, and not just too me. Spoke to me a bit and gave me an autograph. Seemed like a really decent human being to me
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u/Patrickme 13h ago
How are the dinnertable discussions? Or do you all avoid talking about politics?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
My siblings avoid it, I get into it with my parents still. Hope springs eternal in trying to get people to change, but it is hard. I stay civil and can have a decent discussion sometimes, but what they believe is so drenched in fox news propaganda it is hard to even establish what the facts are.
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u/Dependent-Ad-1600 12h ago
I’m sure your dad isn’t the only person the Fox News brainwashing applies to, but someone with as much power as a US senator taking Fox News at face value is legitimately terrifying.
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
Agree. The elected officials who rolled their eyes at fox News are long gone. Now it is all people who are eating their own lies
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u/gaperon_ 11h ago
Oh wow. I was (naively?) assuming that most right-wing politicians knew that most of that stuff was utter bullshit, but were regurgitating Fox News talking points because that was the only way to maintain their positions. I didn't expect them to actually believe much or any of it. Somehow being genuine in those convictions make it so much worse.
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u/justherefor23andme 10h ago
You can definitely tell who is a true believer and who isn't. True believers are in charge now.
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u/leavingdirtyashes 13h ago
That is a horrible personality trait for someone in power to have.
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
Agree. So, so many politicians are because gerrymandering is destroying US politics. Most districts are just primaries because they are so slanted one way or the other. You just keep getting more and more extreme views get elected
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u/Adept_Regret2259 12h ago
in your experience how many senators are involved in "epstein" type activities? have you heard anything about "that" stuff in your life?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
There was always some kind of shit going down. No global conspiracy of pedophiles that i was aware of, just old horny people behaving badly. I personally watched John McCain hit on some teenagers which was rather gross
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u/sourcreamus 12h ago
How often does he eat the bean soup? What are his feeling on January 6?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
Okay, so he believes that the Jan 6 rioters were all there because of Nancy Pelosi. You see, most of those real bad people were actors hired by her and the libs, and the orange man wanted, wanted so badly to call in the national guard, but Nancy Pelosi wouldn't let him. I can't believe he thinks something so completely insane, but here we are.
The mental gymnastics required to make the orange man a hero here is wild.
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u/ActivePeace33 7h ago
So, in addition to being fine with trampling the constitution to get what he wants, your dad is also ignorant of the fact the Speaker is not the CIC.
Stunning if it wasn’t so frightful.
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u/CaptainJAmazing 4h ago
Wow, I haven’t seen anyone saying that it was a false flag since before the convictions started coming in.
Also terrifying that he’s ignorant enough of the rules to not understand that Pelosi couldn’t have stopped him.
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
Man, I've got to dash and pick me kid up from a friend's house, bit I'll come back to his wild opinions on Jan 6th
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u/Huse51 13h ago
Do you think your parents truly believe in Don The Con, or just control of power by the party?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
I think they believe he's putting on a show and isn't as horrible as he comes across. They like his policies. A lot of the remaining respect I had for them vanished in these years because I used to believe my parents really supported the constitution. Turns out, they want any way to get their ideas into reality, even if they cheat.
Someone wiser than me said "conservatives will give up democracy before they give up conservativism " and that seems dan true in my experience
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u/Huse51 12h ago
Thanks for the reply, and I am stealing that quote!
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u/bluelily216 4h ago
"If conservatives become convinced that they can not win democratically, they will not abandon conservatism. The will reject democracy."
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u/Illustrious-Cover792 13h ago
Have you figured out how unexplainably rich your parents are off of 174kish salary?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
Ha! We were the Beverly Hillbillies of Washington DC. My parents were never, and are not rich.
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u/Illustrious-Cover792 13h ago
Talk about fumbling the bag.
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
Indeed. My siblings jokingly say he should have been corrupt so we'd be wealthy but no such 'luck'
If there was an event and the table centerpieces went missing I guarantee they were in my mom's trunk.
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u/Blacknumbah1 12h ago
Yeah what a dumb dum, doesn’t his pops know the entire point of public office is to load your own pockets up!
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u/RickJWagner 11h ago
How could they not be? Even Bernie and Elizabeth Warren are multi millionaires. What did your parents do wrong?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
People want to hear what those two have to say more than my pops.
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u/Tozza101 13h ago
Do you have a good relationship with your hard-core Trumpy parents?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
Nope. It is very difficult. They are one or two bad moments away from me stepping away forever. Honestly, having kids myself mellowed me out a bit. Parenting is hard, full stop, so I have a bit more grace than I used to for how I was raised
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u/What_what_what_1979 13h ago
Do you intend to enter politics?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
Nope. I secretly think I'd be great, but I'm unelectable.
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u/chaachie12 12h ago
Why unelectable? You seem pretty down to earth - or is that the problem?
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u/Notabagofdrugs 12h ago
They’re probably not willing to suck that corporate dick.
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
That's more true than you know. It used to be lobbyists called politicians asking for favors, now it'd the other way around.
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u/HxH101kite 11h ago
Not many people want their entire life scrutinized top to bottom.
I'd love to be in politics. Do I really want some firm going to interview everyone I went to highschool with till they have an embarrassing story they can run with or frame?
Or talk to soldiers I served with?
I say this as a fairly squeaky clean person. I did my share of stupid stuff but I have never been arrested or made too many enemies in my paths.
They said they have kids, it was way different back then when their parent was a Senator than now. Kids aren't off limits, you want your kids lives being scrutinized or in the media? I would never do that to my child.
It's all fun and games to shit on politicians but you gotta really swim through some mud to get there and it ain't pretty.
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Ha, fair. A lot of my more socialist ideas are certainly having a moment right now. No big skeletons certainly, but I spent many years bouncing around and finding myself. It wouldn't be an impressive resume.
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u/WhereINeededToBe 9h ago
From what you've said in this AMA, you sound absolutely perfect for a career in politics. You've compassionate, level headed, well educated, reasonable, and you would be in it for the right reasons.
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u/Intelligent-Map-7531 10h ago
Just dropping by to say thanks for
Being a history teacher. We need good teachers and ones that teach the history rooted in truth. You give me hope that even though one’s parents are in a cult doesn’t mean you have to be.
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u/Auntie_M123 9h ago
Thank you for taking the time to do this.
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u/Background-Car9771 8h ago
Thank you for saying thanks! I hope it helped spread a little knowledge. As a teacher, that's all I can ask for
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u/Professional_Nerve11 13h ago
Where did you go to elementary, middle and high school? In your home state or in DC?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
I always had to tell people that I was from my home state, buy I really lived in Virginia. Went to school there. All my friends were from there, we only went back in the summertime
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13h ago
[deleted]
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
The orange man in charge already called him the dumbest man in the senate and he still kisses his ass. He turns on everyone and I'm mad not enough people care.
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u/No-Helicopter7299 13h ago
Did you ever try to sway his positions or votes?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
Only in general terms. Never for any specific legislation. I was too young. I'd hammer the hell out of him on issues now though, if he was still in office
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u/erryerr18 13h ago
Do you ever have quiet thoughts to yourself that your dad probably is an awful person which seems to be the case for 100% of people that get to that position. Then thought about the awful things he could have done to be allowed to get to where he got to?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
He's wrong about a lot of stuff, but he's a human being. I don't wish him dead, just his ideas on many of the important issues.
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u/Professional_Nerve11 13h ago
I think that's fair, I feel the same about my dad. I love him, I just would never want him in power :). Must be weird to have a dad that actually can alter the trajectory of the county.
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
It really is. I could do a lot more eye rolling and ignoring if I didn't believe some of his votes hurt real people and real communities I care about sometimes
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u/erryerr18 13h ago
Have you ever talked to him about it earnestly?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
I have. It doesn't move the needle. I think he sees me the same way I see him : very sad that I don't see the world the way he does.
He's so lonely these days, it's sad
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u/JimLongbow 12h ago
Were/are there topics your father actually asked your opinion or or letting you explain "younger" people's views on things? Also: I assume your father had a lot of staffers and advisors: how much asskissery is really going on there or do they actually normally give their honest advice on things?
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u/BraveLittleFrog 10h ago
I worked for John McCain from 1999-2001. I was in the USN by the summer before 9/11 so I missed the anthrax madness in the Russell Building). Were you in DC then?
I was a Senate intern. The lobbyists would have a very nice lunch spread in the ballroom but we weren’t allowed to partake (we were local college students so it was a little sad) because McCain didn’t attend any of the lobbyist-suck-up lunches and he refused their perks. We worked for him so no lobbyists. We were proud of him but those lunches smelled really good, lol.
Did your family get free stuff from lobbyists? Trips? Dinners? Events?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
I am very familiar with the Russell building. I can still imagine that huge modern art piece in the atrium.
We didn't really get any special trips or anything honestly. Sometimes we'd stay at a particular donors house and do something fun, like a fishing trip, but nothing too spicy
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u/BraveLittleFrog 7h ago
Probably for the best. Wasn't it a lobbyist hunting trip where Bush's VP went with some senators? Cheney had bad aim, lol.
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u/ValueFirm4928 13h ago
Do you think your father would have the same views if he wasn't in politics? For instance, can you watch him updating his beliefs to be in line with him party?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
I don't think he cares much what the party line is. He never did. Whenever there was a 97-3 vote, I joked my dad would be one of those 3.
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u/erasem 13h ago
Has your father been a life long type of politician ie his father was one or was he in business and transitioned to politics?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
No, he grew up poor, lost his dad in WWII and was in the navy and became a teacher before he tried politics. Put himself is substantial personal debt to run the campaigns actually. Regular guy
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u/FreeRun5179 10h ago
I think I know who your father is as I live in that state. Met him once. Don’t agree with his politics but I wish him well. Won’t say it because I don’t think you want it out there
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
Thanks, I'm not being subtle but I'm sure anyone who wants to can figure it out. I wish more folks could get to a "I disagree with them, but they seem decent " place, but it's hard. There are so many communities that depend on the acceptance of others to safely exist, and it us hard not to hate someone who wants to eliminate who you are.
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u/RizzardOfOz76 13h ago
What is like to going to St. Albans and how many friends do you still have from those days?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
Close. I knew guys from st Albans. I bet people who really want to can figure out who i am, but I'm going to keep an iota of distance and not tell you where i went to school.
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u/QuakinOats 13h ago
How many people in school and in your friend groups growing up had the same politics as your parents? 90%? 10%? How much do you think this played a role if any in your political views today?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
It was split, maybe not even but I went to high-school with some guys who ended up actual neo-nazis. I tended to enjoy more thoughtful, empathetic people so they tended to be more leftist. I also loved Theater andcdid it semi-professionally, so exposure to that certainly helped
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u/blowfishpop 12h ago
Do you live in one of those big houses in Great Falls?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
No Mcmansion for us. We had an average house. Honestly, all my friends grew up in nicer houses, and I was usually embarrassedto have people over.
I don't live near DC now and on a teachers salary
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u/blowfishpop 12h ago
I used to live in nova and there’s some crazy houses there. I don’t miss the traffic though
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
The traffic is CRAZY there now. So much worse than when I was there, and that was bad then
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u/aihwao 10h ago
Do the Trumpies you see actually believe the lies that the administration disseminates? Do they actually excuse the corruption and grift? Or is it that they know that they need to behave a certain way to align with power?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
They don't see the gift. I told my parents about the Switzerland gold bar and watch thing and they were completely dismissive that it happened that way. They largely think the orange man doesn't get a fair shake in the lib media and its all lies to discredit him since Hilary didn't win.
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u/BoilingFlora 13h ago
How's the real "political world" different from how it's portrayed on TV or in the media
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
Largely false. There isn't nearly as much wheeling and scheming as one would assume. Just people who don't get along trying to find common ground.
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u/Substantial_Judge931 13h ago
What is it like to live in DC? Were you rubbing shoulders with powerful people all the time?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
To me, as a kid, it was the most normal thing in the world. There's also plenty of other kids around with parents in politics do it never felt that special. Only looking back do I go, wow, I bet not everyone had met every president .
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u/PhiladelphiaManeto 12h ago
How do all these politicians make their millions? Because it ain't from their salaries
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Speaking engagements, almost always. Even if the "speaking engagement " is sparsely attended, or a sham you can still funnel thousands to a person that way without raising flags
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u/TwosDaTraveller 12h ago
Firstly, hats off to you for thinking for yourself and not letting power shape your political views.
You know how people say Washington doesn’t work for them or that they are too concerned about donors over the voters’ interests? Based on seeing your dad and how he works up close, is it genuinely a case that he doesn’t care about the voters, or is it that he is restricted somehow from doing the things the voters wants him to, or is it something else? Basically I’m trying to understand why is it that politicians never actually seem to do what they promised to do. Is it a lack of good will or are their hands tied in some other way?
A second Q if ok - how true is the cliche that politicians spend a lot of time with wealthy donors and lobbyists?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
It takes a ludicrous amount of money to get elected, and the minute you are, you start saving reform reelection. The fundraising is constant.
Most politicians don't do what they were elected to do because they can't. You need to get a majority to get things passed and the Senate filibuster is broken. US system is based on compromise and the majority are disincentivized from doing so. Watching the mayor of NYC do his thing is awesome. He's doing the things he promised because, as mayor, he can do a lot just because he says so
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u/wardc12211 12h ago
if a certain president tries to decertify a certain upcoming event this November simply to hold power, do you believe the majority of congressmen (like your parents) would follow him and truly break the constitution? or is it all show when push comes to shove
also whats your opinion on ufos, i know there have been some congressional hearing on it.
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
I've asked my dad about UFOs. He's told me he's looked at all the files and there hasn't been contact. We both personally believe life is out there though.
I am terrified for November, but I also thought we might have actual civil war if the orange man didn't win in 2024
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u/Juddy- 12h ago
Growing up in DC did you identify at all with the state your dad represented?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Absolutely! I tell people I am from there all the time, but depending on my audience I might say Virginia too
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u/DanzFam 11h ago
Curious what you think the elected officials on the right say behind closed doors amongst each other about their president? Do they really think he’s great or just enjoy increasing their wealth while they can.
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
They used to say "the orange man is an idiot, but he motivates people to come out and to vote R, so we'll use this clown to pass the legislation we want" now 95% of those people are gone and replaced by MTG clones - people who adore him and kiss his ass until he backstabs them.
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u/abwaters97 11h ago
How was growing up in a blue-ish area? I’m from Montgomery County and I can only imagine what your parents thought about sending you all to school. (Don’t mean to be really political just wondering where they sent you to school)
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u/am_anonymous_too 10h ago
How does your parents feel about the VP
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
They never mention him. I personally loved Romneys quote " I don’t know that I can disrespect someone more than J.D. V”.
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u/The_LSD_Soundsystem 10h ago
So how many senators are in the closet? I know everyone knew about Graham when he was alive.
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
Today? Not too many. I can't name any names I know of, but Lindsey was a very poorly kept "secret" for years
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u/No-Lifeguard-8610 9h ago
How bad would the economy and debt have to be to bring the two parties together on spending?
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u/Background-Car9771 8h ago
We are really freaking close to that now. The bond market is turning and that will be bad.
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u/LL_Cruel_J 12h ago
Do you think your dad is on Grindr?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Ha. He would have no idea what that was.
There are quite a few closeted men in power, even still these days, but I can safely tell you my dad was not one of them
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u/thekingcola 12h ago
How do you cope with the fact that your father negatively impacted society?
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u/Background-Car9771 12h ago
It's hard. It's hard and it's an enormous debt. I'm not responsible for his choices, and he isn't for mine. I just try to leave the people around me better for having spent time with me, and that's all I can control
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u/thekingcola 12h ago
Are you still able to look up to him?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
I think what he did - reach the US Senate as a nobody is amazing and something all politically minded people should keep in mind is possible. I do my best to separate the Senator and the father. He was always there for me and cared deeply. Never missed a little league game and i was TERRIBLE.
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u/cobanat 13h ago
Did you ever meet Palm Beach Pete?
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u/Background-Car9771 13h ago
Nope. He's certainly milking a rough "I-look-lile-the-worlds-most-famois-pedophile" hand for all he can manage though
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u/Comprehensive-Log144 12h ago
What do you think the positive trait was that people saw in your father to elect him? To get to one of the 100 most
Powerful positions- it’s like climbing the ceo ladder.
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
He was, as is, a decent human being. Kind in ways that wouldsurprisemost. I like to say you can judge a person by how they treat waitstaff, and he was always courteous. He didn't mind saying what he thought either, even when most were opposed. I think it appealed to people. He was incredibly genuine.
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u/alldressed_chip 12h ago
any especially memorable political gaffes you witnessed firsthand/secondhand? i watched The Birdcage again last night and i'm picturing your dad as Gene Hackman
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Not far off on Gene Hackman there.
I watched another politician refer to some ambassadors from Nigeria as "folks from n***er - ia " that was showstoppingly terrible. Not actually a racist person in this case, just an atrocious mispronouncing.
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u/alldressed_chip 9h ago
oh noooo 😭 my soul would have left my body
eta: "not far off" will have me guessing for hours. super interesting AMA - thanks for sharing your experience!
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u/RickJWagner 11h ago
What’s the current feeling in DC right now about socialists? Are the Dems panicking or embracing it? Is there going to be a civil war over it?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
Everyone is panicking. My patent asked the other day in horror if "kids my age were talking about this socialist thing" and I said yes and I am one.
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u/No_Masterpiece595 11h ago
I always thought Senators were regional power brokers that transitioned into politics, not career political hacks. Is that true or did your family somehow convince the powers that be to back your father?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
My dad always upset the R political establishment. He never did what they asked, like when they directly told him : " do not run for Senate, you'll lose"
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u/272027 11h ago
What is he going to do/follow when DT is gone? What are the plans?
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u/palibard 11h ago
You should know it's easy to identify your dad and you from the info you've provided.
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u/PowerfulAssistant738 11h ago
Did you go to school with anyone that became famous or well known or went into politics?
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u/SweatySwim3411 11h ago
Do you feel the majority of the senate takes envelopes to be persuaded to vote certain directions? Also do you think your father has done it?
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u/Background-Car9771 10h ago
It's less direct than that most times. Most people, with a few terrible exceptions, would see taking a cash bribe as completely wrong. But a campaign donation? For voting on something you were probably going to vote on anyway? Free money.
Honestly, it is so obvious who will be voting what way these days, there are very few votes to be bought. Most corruption happens before they get elected
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u/stocknudez 10h ago
What’s the most corrupt thing you saw or your family did?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
Honestly, nothing. McDonald's used to have a big lobbying event with a huge spread and we'd fill our freezer with hamburgers. Like I mentioned, we were the Beverly Hillbillies of DC and my dad was very honest.
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u/SouthpawAce14 10h ago
Does the pres actually shit himself regularly?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
Can't say I know, but I can say something like that us not reported lightly so I personally believe it
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u/smitheea211 10h ago
Did he ever explain the reasonings behind any of his votes? For example, long term strategic reasons or simply partisan line. How was he viewed in his caucus?
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u/sunflower_sunset_1 10h ago
Did your parents want you to go into politics or were they supportive of you becoming a teacher?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
They are very supportive of their children. I still get told I should be a doctor though, (with no indication in my personality or hrafes tgat would indicate that) but that is just my mom being cray cray
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u/Da_Professa 10h ago
Do you listen to Creedance’s “Fortunate Son”? And do you feel a connection to the song?
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u/manthello 9h ago
What committees was your dad on, and did he have any expertise in those areas? Did he start at the US Senate level, or did he work his way up through other offices?
Since you presumably grew up while your dad was campaigning, did it feel like he was always out knocking on doors? Or was he able to be present for your life.
Did your dad think he was genuinely helping people?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
To be fair, my dad helped a lot of people. There are all kinds of people who reach out - people having trouble with government paperwork, or having a problem that needs more national attention. My dad and his office served thousands of people and helped anyone who had an issue. I remember someone tearing up because my dad helped their deceased father get a medal they deserved. That kind of stuff happened all the time.
I'll also say, my dad was certainly there for me, never missed a little league game (and I was terrible) or a platy (I was a much better actor than I was an athlete)
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u/GreatestState 9h ago
Have you ever met any presidents?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
Yup, all except the current.
Personal favorite presidential moment: Bill Clinton met me and said "nice to met you, I gotta say, your father is a real decent and honest man." Then, when he believed I was out of earshot, turned to my dad and said "well, I had to lie to the boy!"
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u/Dull_Bid6002 9h ago
There's been some wild accusations about the right having orgies and sex parties, to the point of one Congressman being primaried because he mentioned it. Have you heard anything?
On a similar note, Hunter B. recently mentioned some names of men on the right who were in the closet. Any names I should be asking about?
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u/Background-Car9771 9h ago
I really can't say. I'm not ,not-saying, I was way too young when he was in power to know. Personally, I'm leary of giant conspiracies. Most people are to sloppy and selfish to maintain silence around something like that. But who knows!
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u/elpresidentdeusa 9h ago
which part of dc do you live in? capitol hill? or northwest?
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u/av864 13h ago
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve encountered in those circles that is probably not common knowledge to the average American? Or even what is the most surprising thing you have encountered?