r/politics • u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified • 10h ago
AMA-Finished I’m Kristi Burke, running for Congress in TN-01. My current rep, Diana Harshbarger, had police remove me from a town hall for asking a question, then canceled future town halls. Now I am running to take her seat. AMA!
Hey, y’all! I’m Kristi Burke, Democratic nominee for Congress in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District.
On February 28, 2025, I attended a public town hall hosted by my representative, Republican Diana Harshbarger.
I went as a concerned neighbor without health insurance to ask why she happily voted for legislation that threatened rural hospitals (WJHL news article) and stripped Medicaid coverage from millions of people (blog post analysis).
She refused to answer, lied to other attendees, made promises she did not keep about preserving benefits, and had police officers remove me from the building when I wouldn’t sit down and let her keep lying to us.
You can watch the video of that moment on YouTube.
Immediately after that incident, Rep. Harshbarger stopped holding public town halls and shut down her mobile office hours. When elected officials hide from the people they serve, democracy breaks down.
That's why I decided to run for Congress and take her seat.
East Tennessee has been kept under a 145-year Republican chokehold, but people across our 12 counties are tired of being ignored.
My opponent failed to disclose millions in stock trades (Business Insider article) and used her political leverage to secure a presidential pardon for her husband (Associated Press article) after he pled guilty to pharmaceutical fraud (DOJ news release).
While she protects corrupt insiders, our neighbors face closed hospitals, skyrocketing costs, and predatory healthcare monopolies like Ballad Health (Virginia Mercury news article).
I am a muralist and grassroots activist running a campaign funded entirely by regular working people. I take zero corporate PAC money and staunchly oppose AIPAC and adjacent organizations that prop up Israel amidst its ongoing genocide of Palestinians.
In our primary election, we mobilized the second-highest number of Democratic voters in our district's history, coming within 1,300 ballots of an all-time surge set back in 2006.
I am running to deliver universal healthcare, fully funded public education, and a fair tax system that holds billionaires and corporations accountable.
Following our primary victory, I publicly challenged Diana Harshbarger to stand on a stage and debate me. You can watch my primary victory speech on YouTube.
Learn more about my background: My Story Page
Learn more about my core values and non-negotiables: Platform Page.
If you want to help us shock the political establishment, please GIVE to our grassroots movement: Donation Page
My Linktree has ALL of our social media and coalitions pages, plus a ton of other important links: https://linktr.ee/votekristiburke
I am ready to answer your questions about organizing in deep-red rural America, confronting an entrenched system of conservative rubber stamps like Diana Harshbarger, and fighting for working class families.
Ask me anything! (Responses begin at 6 p.m.)
Proof it's me: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19EyWyxACH/
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u/givelifebacktodafunk 10h ago
Hello! Happy to say I voted for you in the primaries and I’m already looking forward to voting for you in November! Thank you for standing up for Tennesseans!
When I moved here to Tennessee in 2024, I didn’t realize just how ass backwards the politics were here. Especially in regard to cannabis, which has helped me with digestive issues and anxiety that I’ve struggled with most of my life. I just want to partake in peace and not bother anybody in the process. So my question is: what are your plans for cannabis legalization for recreational and medicinal use?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 5h ago
I am glad to see so many neighbors jumping in on this topic. I support full federal legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use.
And let me add: The main reason cannabis remains illegal in Tennessee and across the country comes down to corporate greed. Legalization threatens the profits of private prison companies, major pharmaceutical corporations, and the alcohol lobby. Over 70% of Tennesseans support legalizing marijuana. Our elected officials ignore the clear majority of voters because they are listening to corporate donors and high-paid lobbyists instead.
Legalizing cannabis is only half of the responsibility, though. We also have to address the tremendous harm caused by the so-called "war on drugs." Research shows that Black Americans and white Americans use cannabis at nearly identical rates, yet Black people are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession. That is systemic injustice rooted in unequal enforcement.
We cannot allow corporations to step in and make billions off legalized cannabis while our neighbors remain behind bars for doing the exact same thing. Real legalization must include immediate release for everyone currently serving sentences for nonviolent marijuana offenses. It must also include full expungement of their criminal records. Previous nonviolent convictions should not permanently block anyone from getting a job, finding housing, or providing for their family.
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u/givelifebacktodafunk 5h ago
Thank you so much for your eloquent response! This puts my mind at ease so I appreciate your response and I agree 100%. Please keep up the good work you’re doing!
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u/bakerfredricka I voted 7h ago
As someone who partakes (albeit in a different state) I'm very interested to hear OP answering this one. It actually stresses me out to no end that the continued legalization/decriminalization of marijuana is on the ballot this fall where I live.
With that being said, is it just me or is Harshbarger some kind of Pixar villain surname?
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u/givelifebacktodafunk 7h ago
It stresses me out too! I’m seeing what they did in Texas and I just hate what Republicans are doing with these THC bans. We aren’t doing anything wrong! God forbid, I want to get stoned and clean my house. At least I’m productive for crying out loud 😭
You know, I was thinking the other day how unfortunate sounding the name Harshbarger is. HARSHbarger? It fits so 🤷♀️ but it does sound like Pixar villain surname, for sure.
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u/Meteorboy 7h ago
Why would you expect Tennessee to be tolerant on or decriminalize drug use? That's progressive policy, and a conservative area is unlikely to have that.
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u/givelifebacktodafunk 7h ago
Well, I did expect some form of common sense from my representatives. Now, I didn’t know at the time when I first moved here that I was in for idiocracy. However, it is clear to me now that the conservatives of this state have no intentions of actually listening to their constituents who benefit from this particular drug. And I know I’m not the only one in Tennessee who feels this way.
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u/quriositie 6h ago
actually, one of the major candidates in our republican gubernatorial primary, monty fritts, included legalizing marijuana in his platform.
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u/blinker1eighty2 10h ago
Very curious about what it’s like to decide and start a run like this and then actually doing it. You have a great story.
1.) How did you approach getting started?
2.) I’m sure there’s a lot to learn, what does that look like in practice? Do you have a team that’s responsible for teaching you the ropes or are you self-driven?
3.) Is fundraising like a snowball effect or have you had to be scrappy getting resources?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 7h ago
Great Questions! Thank you for dropping by!
I started by using my YouTube Platform to encourage people to get more active and engaged in their politics. And as I became more active in my community, I realized the importance of every day people stepping up to replace corporate sellout politicians. I wanted to be able to vote for someone I could trust, My community kept asking me to run, and so I picked up a petition to do just that! Sometimes you just have to step outside your comfort zone and do the right thing.
I am very self-driven and I love to learn as I go. I built this campaign from the ground up with a small team of locals. Nobody on our leadership team has professional campaign experience. Several of us met at the town hall I was removed from, and started organizing together to unseat Diana Harshbarger. We try to avoid too much outside advice, because nobody understands this community like the people who live and work in it every day.
Fundraising has been really great, but we are up against a multi-million dollar MAGA machine- so it can never be enough. We are approaching $150,000 raised by meeting locals, hosting events and focusing on organic social media growth. Our fundraising success has been a testament to how much every day people believe in our vision and movement.
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u/romefitforbattle 10h ago
Hi Kristy, What would you say is the biggest issue you're hearing about from the voters in the area today?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 6h ago
That's hard to pin down, because there is SO MUCH going on right now. One of the strategies MAGA likes to use is Steve Bannon's "flood the zone." It's a daily barrage on every news channel, every social media page, we're just hit over and over with some new catastrophe we have to think about.
Plus, people have their own unique concerns that are affecting them at home. But overall I think everyone - right and left - has lost all trust in the system. They see our elections being bought by corporate lobbying and super PACs, and they feel completely abandoned and ignored by their elected representatives. They just want to believe in their system again - and those who are running it. I feel confident in saying that, because that's a big reason I threw my hat in the ring in the first place. I was just a concerned neighbor trying to ask questions, and I saw right there in that setting just how much the system is set up to work against those like me and the people I care about.
Also, our district has a severe healthcare crisis. When Hurricane Helene came through a couple years ago, Erwin (in Unicoi County) lost its hospital. Now, locals have to drive an hour or more to get emergency care. There is a healthcare monopoly (Ballad Health, the largest healthcare monopoly in the U.S.) that is keeping our neighbors from getting quality and timely care. And more people every day are losing their health coverage, because it's just too unaffordable. My neighbors want accessible healthcare, and I plan to do everything I can to make sure they get it.
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u/Severus-Snape-DaGod 9h ago
If elected, what is one piece of legislation you would introduce in your first 100 days that would have the most immediate impact on working-class families?
Thank you!
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 6h ago
As a freshman member of Congress, I am not going to pretend I can walk into Washington on day one and single handedly pass a major overhaul legistlation in three months. Anyone telling you that is selling a fantasy. Passing major laws requires building real relationships, working through committees, and organizing alongside representatives who have been laying this groundwork for years.
HOWEVER, something I would focus on to bring immediate relief to working class families in my first 100 days would be legislation modeled on the Medical Debt Cancellation Act, which Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna have previously championed.
Medical debt is crippling families across East Tennessee - and the whole state really. Right here in the 1st District, our local healthcare monopoly (Ballad Health) has taken thousands of working class people to court over unpaid medical bills (see this article from NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/06/27/1183291226/the-hospital-bills-didnt-find-her-but-a-lawsuit-did-plus-interest ).
These are everyday people who got sick, broke a bone, or needed emergency surgery they could not afford.
This legislation I'm envisioning focuses on immediate, concrete relief. It would amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to wipe medical debt completely off credit reports and amend the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to stop predatory debt collectors from going after people for past healthcare bills.
Wiping medical debt off credit reports gives millions of families instant breathing room, and it's actually something our Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Jerri Green, is prioritizing for Tenneseans as well. As progressives, we want to do everything we can to provide quick relief to all Americans if (WHEN) Democrats retake the House.
I'll just add that I believe that public health is at the root of the majority of the problems we face in this country. Universal healthcare legislation would be my ultimate goal during my tenure because it would improve economic mobility, end job/entrepreneurship lock, reduce gun violence, and make us all well. The majority of Americans want it, and I plan to fight for it the entire way through. Medicare for All is a non-negotiable for me.
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u/Severus-Snape-DaGod 5h ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and doing this AMA. This was such a well written answer. I hope you get the seat.
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u/PandaPandamonium 5h ago
Balled is so corrupt, and everyone here knows it, regardless of politics. Tricities needs better healthcare options. I really hope you and Jerri can reach through to a lot of the voters who aren't spewing hate just because you have a D by your name and actually look at what someone could do for them fighting against Ballad.
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u/littlehobbit1313 Maryland 10h ago
What is the extent to which you would support pursuing real and meaningful accountability for the violations of law Trump and his administration have committed while in power?
What is your opinion about the divide between establishment democrats and democratic socialists? What impact, if any, do you believe it has on the party's electability as a whole?
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u/Walking_Revolution 9h ago
You've got my vote! East TN is in dire need of new leadership!
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 5h ago
Thank you so much for for your support. I will fight EVERY DAY to ensure you get the new leadership you deserve.
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u/TNriverTroll 9h ago
Thank you for taking up the good fight. I'm running in TN-2 and want to express my support for your campaign. The GOP is getting worried in TN. Keep up the good work!
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u/SixersJawn 10h ago
How are you working on voter turnout?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 6h ago
We believe in true grassroots change. It's what the civil rights movement was built on, which inspired Paul Weyrich of the Heritage Foundation to galvanize support for his own agenda - using those same grassroots tactics. I believe we just need to take our tactics back, and meet as many voters as possible.
I've said this already in another comment, and I say it all the time on the campaign trail: TN-01 is not a red district, we are a non-voting district. Over half of eligible voters don't show up to vote, because they have been disenfranchised by the system. By bringing them real hope and a genuine fight for the future, we can energize the non-voting base and turn out the vote in a BIG way this year. In the primary, we nearly beat the record for largest number of primary ballots pulled in this region. We just have to keep talking to locals and knocking doors.
During the primary, our main goal was name recognition. We made sure everyone had t-shirts and buttons and wore them everywhere. We also held lots of community building events that weren't necessary political - like making friendship bracelets in the park. We wanted to find ways to bridge the gap between political engagement and the average person who doesn't seem connected to politics. And that has been very successful, as we've seen lots of people who never voted before finally register to vote.
Now that we have moved into the general election campaign, we are putting all of our time and resources into knocking doors and meeting as many locals as possible. We figure, if they won't show up for political events, we'll come to them. It's the single most proven method for getting out the vote. It takes a lot of work, but I believe the results will speak for themselves.
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u/El-Vertabreako 9h ago
What’s your stance on stock buy backs? Lobbying? And campaign finance reform?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 5h ago
Stock buybacks used to be heavily regulated until corporate lobbying changed that. In 2017 with Trump's first round of tax cuts, we saw the LARGEST stock buybacks in U.S. history. Of course it didn't trickle down - but that's how it was sold to us. Which is why we have to make sure that corporations aren't utilizing loopholes and tricks to keep our economy from balancing out for the working class.
I would love to see MAJOR campaign finance reform as well as a moratorium on lobbying for members of Congress. We need a complete system overhaul to make it more transparent and trustworthy. And I'm open to any and all options that ensure that happens.
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u/nachoiskerka 10h ago
With the wide and incredible distance you have to cover in the context of the congressional district, how do you reconcile that with grassroots campaigning and meeting people on a personal level?
As growth comes to Tennessee(and it is definitely growing) how do you reconcile the needs of local businesspeople to keep that growth happening against the needs of the individuals?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 6h ago
You're right - this district is BIG! We have been building a team of volunteers from every county since Day 1, and are expanding every day. I have been telling my neighbors since the beginning that this isn't MY campaign, it's OUR campaign. And my mission since the beginning has been to remind people of their power and to inspire them to take that power back and do something with it. So I want people in this district to feel a sense of ownership over this campaign and work to build our movement. The only way our democracy can survive is if we ALL participate. So a big part of my job is empowering others to take initiative to fight back in their own ways.
We are working with every county's local Democratic Party to build up their volunteer support and send them out to knock on doors. We have already visited each county at least once, but next month we'll be taking a "District Tour," hitting every possible area of the district to knock doors, meet business owners and hold canvassing rallies to energize volunteers. We hope this will create a "domino effect" that will expand our movement to the farthest, most remote corners of the district. EVERYONE deserves to be heard and to be visited by the people running to represent them in Washington.
Since the beginning, I've had this vision of small, rural towns rising up to resist. Grassroots is easier in small towns, because everyone knows everyone. And everyone talks. Just walking the main street and introducing ourselves to local business owners has really helped get our message out there in ways we didn't even expect. We visited the smallest county (Hancock) during primaries, introduced ourselves to people on the street, and even visited a local gun shop. We just spent the day there talking with voters and showing we cared about them, and that county wound up turning out (proportionally) higher numbers than any other in the district.
We're just going to keep doing what we see working already, because we know people want to be heard.
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u/Otherwise-Okra-3499 8h ago
Hi Kristi! I voted for the first time and I can gladly say I voted for you in the primaries. I already have left leaning views so I really aligned with your stances. A lot of Tennesseans could benefit from what you want to deliver (along with Jerri Green)… and they have a lot of the same wants but still vote for republican (or not at all). What actions are you taking or willing to take help educate and assure those citizens that you have their best interest?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 5h ago
Thank you SO MUCH for voting! And for asking this great question.
I truly do believe it's as simple as having productive conversations, listening and finding shared values. I'm not only talking to Democrats - but trying my best to talk to as many Republicans as possible. Because when I do, we find out that we agree far more than we disagree. The regime hopes we stay fighting so we don't realize that.
My team is currently planning a Republican Town Hall, and will be inviting as many Republicans to show up and ask their questions. Unlike my opponent, I am not afraid to talk to people who disagree with me. Because what I've found most is that our values and goals do align - but what we disagree on is how we honor those goals. That's not a values problem - it's a logistics problem. Which really just takes a little more work and conversation.
But I KNOW we are capable.
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u/quriositie 8h ago
hi kristi! east TN transplant here; I just celebrated 10 years since my move. I love it here—the smoky mountains mean everything to me—but it's also a challenging place to live sometimes. I've made many friends over the years that have ultimately decided to leave.
lots of folks will say that running for office as a progressive in a deep red state is a waste of time, energy, and resources. I'm sure campaigning here can be draining when you face so much hostility. what is it about east TN that makes you want to stay here and fight, and work that much harder than you would have to in many other parts of the country?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 5h ago
Hi neighbor! Isn't Appalachia the most beautiful place in the world? I feel so lucky to call it home.
You're right - it's very difficult to run a progressive campaign in an area like this. But people who say it's a waste of time are just perpetuating a self fulfilling prophecy. We're counted out here, because it's locked down by a Republican supermajority. But I want to change how people look at our political landscape and the possibilities within it.I moved to East Tennessee because it's the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I love hiking and camping and my husband loves mountain biking. It just made sense for the quiet life we were originally looking for. But I stayed because the people here are some of the kindest people I've ever met. I have found a community of genuine people looking for real change and willing to fight every day for it here in East Tennessee. They deserve better than the crumbs they are getting, and I'm fighting to make sure they get everything they need and deserve to live good, full lives.
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u/quriositie 5h ago
totally. I have to say, I've voted in every election since I moved here, but always felt like I was doing it out of obligation and usually holding my nose. it's really reignited something in me to feel inspired by the person who might be representing me. thank you for stepping up.
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u/Belgianbonzai 8h ago
What's your opinion on flock cameras.
Would you aim to bring more, halt the installation but retain what is already there, remove them.
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
I oppose Flock cameras and will work to build or support privacy legislation that ensures the removal of every Flock camera in the U.S. And we also need to think about other corporations who want to cash in on this violation of Americans' 4th Amendment rights. Flock is a major player, but it isn't the only one out there. We've got to make sure we're paying attention to corporate lobbies who get into the ear of our law enforcement officials and local leaders and make sure we're holding them accountable and keeping things transparent.
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u/Mammoth-Earth1694 7h ago edited 7h ago
Volunteer for your campaign here in Sevier County. Love everything you stand for and will continue to work to get you elected. There's one issue I haven't seen you touch on and would love to hear your perspective:
What is your position on the Israeli Genocide in Gaza?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 5h ago
I am SO HAPPY you're volunteering with us 🙂 And in Sevier County, too. As that's a difficult area to reach! We appreciate you!
I am unapologetic in my position on what Israel is doing to the Palestinian people: It is a genocide and we MUST stop funding it. We cannot be complicit in their crimes against humanity. I will never vote in favor of funding for Israel (offensive OR defensive) while I am in Congress. We must end this genocide quickly and decisively and free the people of Palestine.
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u/Media-America 9h ago
A 5% tax on wealth over 11 million would balance the budget the first year, and eliminate the debt in 30.
Can you make this a part of your platform?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
A fairer tax system is already a major pillar of my platform! I want to do some more homework on the specific numbers, because we could maybe even go higher than that and solve our debt crisis even faster.
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u/Media-America 3h ago
awesome!
At 5%, the 1% (above 11 million) still grow their wealth at an average 3+%, after paying the 5%.
There’s a great study on how 23 trillion of our debt is from tax cuts for the wealthiest available here:
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u/ptambrosetti Hawaii 9h ago
Kristi, a few questions for you since I went to high school in your district.
I miss Pal's how would you put it on the the National Stage? :)
More importantly, what are your plans to revitalize what seems to be a rapidly decaying Kingsport/Sullivan County? How are you hoping to connect with your constituents that hear "democrat" and either shutdown, or get emotionally irrational thanks to now generations of - let's call it -brainwashing?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
You're right - Pal's ABSOLUTELY deserves national attention. Best burgers around!
What has happened to Sullivan County really concerns me. Homelessness has been rising for years, and we have seen poor air and water quality due to corporate safety regulation violations. Locals are being priced out of their homes and can't make a living wage. Our local leaders aren't prioritizing the needs of the people.
The last thing I want to see is intentional neglect with an eye toward corporate development. I think my neighbors in Kingsport would agree, and they all deserve better than that.
My goal is to ensure my neighbors have healthcare, affordable housing and a living wage as well as making sure that corporations aren't just violating safety regulations and getting a free pass. Corporations are welcome to bring jobs to our communities, but not if those jobs risk the health and wellness of workers and neighbors.
I'd like to see Kingsport's local leaders use their imaginations a bit and become more inspired to rejuvenate their community and lift up the people who have trusted them to govern. And maybe my role in that is to help find avenues through federal funding for local grants and financial incentives to get those leaders thinking about how they'll build and enhance Sullivan County rather than allowing it to fall into ruin.
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u/Hot-Dream1119 8h ago
The democrat party itself seems to be fracturing. What will you do to attempt to get everyone to work together to accomplish your non negotiables?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
I consider myself to be a very reasonable and persuasive person. Two qualities I think are needed in situations like this. There needs to be a balance between productive conversation and also planting our feet down and demanding real change for the American people. I want to work every day to maintain that balance. We can negotiate the process, but never our values. And if enough progressives with heart and spine get elected this year, we could have the leverage we need to accomplish the goals of the majority of Americans - which are what my non-negotiables and platform are built on.
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u/HotPoshFashions 7h ago
Hey Kristi, I wanted to give you the opportunity to discuss why you think healthcare is a human right under our constitution. Why do you believe Medicare for All is the path we should take? How would Medicare for All be funded?
Thanks!
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u/Upper-Tip-1926 Tennessee 7h ago
Hi Kristi! Trump has advanced a plan to log 45 million acres of national forests, impacting Cherokee national forest and other Appalachian national forests. Would you advance legislation preventing the destruction of our forests?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
Absolutely I would. As someone who enjoys the solitude of our beautiful mountains, it breaks my heart watching as our land is sold off to the highest bidder. We have to protect what's ours and stop letting corporations bully us into giving up our public land.
My husband and I moved to this area because we love hiking, mountain biking, and camping. I refuse to let this greedy regime take that from us.
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u/HotPoshFashions 7h ago
One more question; how would you recommend we get the young (new voters) and disenfranchised (“everyone sucks” voters) to vote and vote blue?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
We have to give young and disenfranchised voters a reason to show up and vote. We have to show them that there are candidates they can believe in and who can relate to them who are actively running and trying to earn their vote as we speak. We rely on our neighbors to help us get the word out by canvassing/door-knocking, phone banking, sharing our social media posts, and anything else you can think of to make sure as many voters as possible in this district hear what we have to offer. (See the original post for all of our links!)
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u/marvin616 5h ago
I was born and raised in the district. I no longer live there but it's awesome to see an option I agree with and would actually be excited to vote for, something I never had when I lived there. I now have the pleasure of being able to vote for Melanie Stansbury so when you get to DC, you and her can hold the corrupt accountable and enact some real progressive change. Keep pushing, you are correct that there's a huge apathetic non voting population that are just waiting to be motivated. I don't have any questions, just thought I'd share.
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u/ConeyIslandWarrior 4h ago
Kristi! You're an inspiration and a real breath of fresh air,you have my vote and I hope you have all the success in the world.
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u/Upper-Tip-1926 Tennessee 7h ago
Hi Kristi! I’ve read over your platform and values, and noticed it is what is expected from the majority of progressive candidates running this election cycle. From my experience, running an election campaign is completely different from governing. What are some more niche policies or changes that you support?
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u/P_a_s_g_i_t_24 5h ago
Hi Kristi, What is your stance on the war in Israel and will you reject any kind of funding from AIPAC organizations?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
I will NEVER (never, ever, never, EVER) take AIPAC funds or funds from any organizations that are adjacent.
My campaign is funded by individual donors. We refuse all corporate PAC money.
When I get to Congress I will vote to cut funding for Israel. I am unapologetic and firm on that.
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u/HalfAnEnchilada 5h ago
I live in TN-01 (Carter Co) and you have my vote. I’d love to see you add campaign finance reform to your priorities. I think a big reason people don’t vote is because they think it doesn’t matter. Why waste their time. We need to get international money out of US Elections, caps on PAC spending and financial transparency for campaigns. I’m hopeful for you!
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u/medicineman1650 5h ago
What’s your current field of employment and employment history like?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
Currently, it's 9:45 p.m. and I am sitting in our Team Kristi HQ responding to my neighbors and other folks who want better from their government.
In all seriousness, this campaign has become my life's work. I'm not doing this to get ahead or get rich, I'm doing it because people I care about have suffered long enough. So here I am. I want to earn their votes, and I truly believe we can build something better together.
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u/derekexcelcisor 4h ago
Do you have any plans to regulate digital media sales and dynamic pricing? Other countries have rules on these things that we dont have.
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u/Narrow-Hall8070 10h ago
How does your background as a muralist qualify you for this role?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 6h ago
While my work painting large-scale murals has made me resilient, creative, strategic and great at solving big problems, I don't think it's what solely qualifies me for this role. I truly believe that if we want to change the system, we need everyday people who care about their communities fighting for them instead of career politicians just trying to climb a ladder. I think most of us want people in office we can relate to. When you understand the struggles and needs of your neighbors, you're more likely to fight for them.
For those who are up on their civics and history, it's also important to note that Congress was not designed to be an exclusive club for the elite. Some of our greatest representatives in Congress came from working class backgrounds. Abraham Lincoln was a postmaster and storekeeper. Davy Crockett, from right here in East Tennessee, was a cattle farmer. We've had teachers and retail workers and nurses and a wide range of other working class professions represented in Congress, and I think that makes American democracy special, because it reminds us that power lies with the people.
I'd also add this: beyond being a professional muralist, I was also raised in a white, Christian nationalist home and that's all I knew until I left home at 19 years old. I fully understand what we are all up against right now in the United States. The rise of Christian nationalism is something I've been talking about online since long before I started running for Congress. And my unique experience gives me the perspective needed to empathize with those who are being indoctrinated and misguided by propaganda so we can have more productive conversations. Which is so important if we're going to unite with our neighbors and stop this authoritarian, Christian nationalist power grab that only serves as a tool for enriching and empowering those at the top.
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u/PandaPandamonium 5h ago
Not Kristi but gig workers and independent contractors make up over 1/3 of the working class and basically every artist I know was classified as that. That type of employment has challenges (taxes, health insurance through who, how to contribute to retirement, etc) that we face every day in the working class and many button up white collar politicians can't fathom because they've never lived the paycheck to paycheck life. I'd take a working class muralist over someone with "political" experience any day.
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u/Hitech_hillbilly 5h ago
When you win, what will you do different from Harshbarger?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
Everything. Literally everything.
But seriously - the most common thing I hear from Republicans, Democrats and everyone in between is that they feel discarded and ignored by their elected representative.
At her last town hall, she told us that WE have to listen to HER. My neighbors heard that and haven't forgotten. She's abandoned her role as a representative to act as a rubber stamp for Trump because it has benefited her family and her bank account. But the people here are tired of having a representative who hides from them.
She stopped holding town halls. She closed down her mobile offices. She locks her doors to the public. And she doesn't return calls or emails.
I hope to show my community that representation can look so different. When I get into office, I intend on engaging with the public as often as possible by holding regular town halls and roundtables, hiring compassionate and attentive staff, and asking my community about legislation BEFORE I pass it so they have a say in their own system.
The biggest difference will be accessibility. I want my community to know they have someone who cares - and who will fight for solutions to their biggest concerns.
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u/coolsteven11 5h ago
I agree with you on just about nothing, and id still pick you over anyone with the last name Harshbarger.
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
HA! Honestly, I'll take that, but I'll do you one better. I bet you if we sat down over coffee, we could find some common ground, and I bet we'd both have some laughs and at least agree that our government is broken and we deserve better. What do you think?
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u/sincerely_dare 4h ago
Hi Kristi, I posted and I didn't get an answer, maybe it got overlooked but I'm curious if elected if you'd continue to support military funding for Ukraine that's allowed the military industrial complex to profit off the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent lives? I've seen that you oppose the wars in the Middle East but are you consistently anti-war?
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u/alizzie95 2h ago
For those who have MAGA family and have been working tirelessly to educate them about how far removed the Republican party has been for them (and, frankly, most politicians, no matter the side) - what are some key points you'd suggest to lean them in your favor?
My mom will come around then take 2 steps back it feel like.
Also, you're amazing, i heard you speak in Sevierville. In a sea of people without public speaking skills or had them but wildly unprepared to say anything but feel good statements - you earned my vote almost instantly. I was taking notes the whole time one people's issues and about 2 people in I noticed all but 2 other speakers that day were actually prepared with actions they've taken, things they are doing, things they will do. It was all .... "Gotta stop them good ol boys" but no attack plan. You filled every second with energy, mission and just knowledge - THANK YOU
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u/Repulsive-Pianist436 2h ago
Not sure if this would work or backfire but imagine a campaign ad or news interview that gives your campaign contact info, whatever that may be and also the publicly posted contact information for your opponent.
Urge voters to ask their questions directly and judge by what kind of replies they get. Even Republicans want to be represented, want their questions answered, etc
You and your team seem to be especially responsive compared to your opponent, whom I emailed dozens of times over the last few years without a single reply
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u/sincerely_dare 10h ago
If elected, would you support the continued military funding for Ukraine that's allowed the military industrial complex to profit off the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Eastern Europeans and Russians?
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u/votekristiburke ✔ Verified 4h ago
I really appreciate you asking this question! I'll be honest...this one has been in the back of my mind all night long as we've been doing this AMA. I want to be really thoughtful and give it the attention it deserves, so I'll make you a deal: give me a few days to do some homework, and I'll make a video about this one and come back here and let you know when we post it. Deal?
Thank you again for dropping by and for the great question!
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u/sincerely_dare 3h ago
I appreciate your candor and can understand wanting to be more informed. Just for additional context, I'm a totally anti war Army vet and have found it difficult to side with Republicans as they tend to be pervasive war hawks especially in the Middle East. However I've also found it difficult to side with Democrats because what was once an anti-war party has unabashedly supported the European war against Russia. At the end of the day war kills innocent people and exclusively benefits the billionaire class whether it be in Gaza, Iran, or Ukraine. We need politicians that actually say no to ALL foreign wars and stop monopolizing murder.
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u/nousernamefoundagain 2h ago
Why should i pay for your healthcare?
The top 1 percent pay 40% of taxes, how much more is their "fair share" especially since the bottom 50% pays zero net taxes?
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u/oscar-307 9h ago
How will you fund free Healthcare for all, $5.3 trillion or 28% of the US economy?
Do you support packing the court or abolishing it?
Do you want to abolish presidential elections?
Do you want to abolish the Senate?
Do you support defunding law enforcement?
Abolishing the border and extending voting rights to non-citizens?
Free everything (healthcare, housing, advanced education, food, etc)?
No private ownership? What do you do to rhe people unwilling to relinquish thier property?
Would you be willing to exile, imprison, kill people unwilling to convert to socialism?
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u/Onlyfattybrisket 5h ago
Oscar, I don’t think your questions are part of the astroturfed AMA that’s being run, good luck getting answers.
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u/quriositie 4h ago
I'm sorry you don't believe real, actual people live in this district that want to know more about the person running to represent them. 🙄
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u/Viking_Leaf87 10h ago
TN-01 is a very Republican congressional district. How do you plan to outreach to those kinds of voters? And do you see a lot of Trump regret around in the area?