Podcast Summary: Tangle – PREVIEW - INTERVIEW: Ari Weitzman talks with Senator Andy Kim

Episode Information

• Title: PREVIEW - INTERVIEW: Ari Weitzman talks with Senator Andy Kim
• Host/Author: Isaac Saul
• Release Date: February 11, 2025
• Description: An in-depth conversation with Senator Andy Kim, exploring his journey from a public school student to New Jersey’s first Asian American senator, his commitment to bipartisanship, and his vision for political reform.

Introduction

In this compelling preview episode of Tangle, host Ari Weitzman, along with executive producer John Law, presents an exclusive interview with Senator Andy Kim, New Jersey’s junior U.S. Senator. The episode delves into Senator Kim’s personal background, his motivations for public service, his experiences in Congress, and his aspirations for his tenure in the Senate.

Background and Personal Journey

Ari Weitzman opens the conversation by highlighting Senator Kim's historic election as New Jersey's first Korean American and first Asian American senator. Kim's educational background includes a degree in political science from the University of Chicago and studies at Magdalene College, Oxford. His early career as a civilian advisor in Afghanistan under the Obama administration set the stage for his entry into politics.

[07:14] Senator Andy Kim: “Deep Springs really transformed me. I was there when September 11th happened. I can very confidently say I would not be a United States senator today had I not gone to Deep Springs.”

Senator Kim shares his transformative experience at Deep Springs College, a unique two-year institution focused on cultivating responsibility and community service. This period was pivotal, especially during the events of September 11th, reinforcing his commitment to national service.

Motivations for Public Service

The interview delves into what drives Senator Kim to serve. Drawing parallels between his experiences and principles, Kim emphasizes humility, community, and a dedication to serving the public without personal gain.

[11:26] Senator Andy Kim: “I come from being a son of a Korean mom who always told me to clean up and look out for myself and what's around me. Deep Springs taught me just do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

His service mindset is further shaped by his work in national security and his tenure as a civilian advisor in Afghanistan. Kim underscores the importance of serving a country beyond partisan lines, advocating for policies that prioritize national safety and integrity.

Experience in the House of Representatives

Senator Kim reflects on his time in the House, where he represented New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district. Notably, his district was one of the few that Donald Trump won twice, underscoring the challenging political landscape he navigated.

[16:13] Senator Andy Kim: “I was one of only seven Democrats in the entire nation in 2020 to win a district Trump won that year.”

This experience honed his bipartisan approach and resilience, preparing him for the broader responsibilities of the Senate. His ability to win in a Trump-favored district speaks volumes about his strategic outreach and connection with constituents.

Bipartisanship and Political Reforms

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Senator Kim’s commitment to bipartisanship and his pursuit of political reforms to address systemic issues within Congress.

[17:12] Senator Andy Kim: “I try to guard myself from the gamesmanship that happens in politics. I introduced legislation that would ban members of Congress from owning and trading individual stocks.”

Senator Kim criticizes the current state of politics, highlighting the prevalence of special interests and the undue influence of money in governance. He advocates for measures such as campaign finance reform, banning stock trading by Congress members, and ending gerrymandering to restore public trust and ensure that elected officials work for the people rather than personal or corporate interests.

[20:27] Senator Andy Kim: “84% of people in New Jersey believe that their elected officials are corrupt. How can a democracy function with that much distrust in the system?”

His proposals aim to create a more transparent and accountable government, emphasizing that reforms are essential for reducing public anxiety and restoring faith in democratic institutions.

Senate Priorities and Legislative Reforms

As Senator Kim transitions to his role in the Senate, he outlines his priorities, focusing on reducing living costs, enhancing predictability in governance, and decentralizing legislative power.

[22:26] Senator Andy Kim: “The sense of unpredictability is what’s causing so much anxiety in people's lives. Reforms are necessary to give people a sense that there is an entity, that there are leaders, there are public servants that are trying to address that.”

He critiques the concentration of power within the House of Representatives, particularly the significant authority held by the Speaker, and advocates for a more balanced distribution of legislative power between the House and Senate. This decentralization is intended to foster a more responsive and functional government.

[26:13] Senator Andy Kim: “In the House, the Speaker can just not bring things up for a vote. That centralization of power causes enormous challenges.”

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Senator Kim expresses his dedication to creating a political environment where reforms are prioritized, and elected officials genuinely represent their constituents' interests. He envisions a Senate where transparency, accountability, and bipartisanship are the norms rather than the exception.

[28:32] Senator Andy Kim: “The Democratic Party cannot just have leadership only from New York City and California. We need diverse perspectives from all districts to address the brokenness of our politics.”

Conclusion

The interview concludes with Senator Kim reiterating his commitment to substantive political reforms and his vision for a more equitable and accountable government. His journey from a public school student to a U.S. Senator embodies his dedication to public service and his resolve to effect meaningful change within the political system.

Notable Quotes

• Senator Andy Kim [07:14]: “Deep Springs really transformed me. I was there when September 11th happened. I can very confidently say I would not be a United States senator today had I not gone to Deep Springs.”

• Senator Andy Kim [17:12]: “I try to guard myself from the gamesmanship that happens in politics. I introduced legislation that would ban members of Congress from owning and trading individual stocks.”

• Senator Andy Kim [20:27]: “84% of people in New Jersey believe that their elected officials are corrupt. How can a democracy function with that much distrust in the system?”

• Senator Andy Kim [22:26]: “The sense of unpredictability is what’s causing so much anxiety in people's lives. Reforms are necessary to give people a sense that there is an entity, that there are leaders, there are public servants that are trying to address that.”

Final Thoughts

This interview provides a profound insight into Senator Andy Kim’s values, motivations, and strategic vision for his role in the Senate. His emphasis on bipartisanship, political reform, and genuine public service presents a refreshing perspective in today’s polarized political climate. Listeners will find Senator Kim’s dedication to transparency and accountability both inspiring and essential for the future of American governance.