Richard Ojeda: Fighting for Labor, Health Care Access and a Fair Tax Code

Peter Pappas: because the truth is is that I was actually just attacked. Okay. I was at an event, it was a political event, and a guy that I've known my whole life came up to me and said, Hey man, I need some bumper stickers. Mm-hmm. And I went over to my vehicle and he wiped off the back of his bumper and I put my bumper sticker on. And then he as I was walking back to the gathering, he said, Hey Can put one on the front of my vehicle so they can see me coming and going? And I didn't know that he had a plan. When I ran around to the front side of the vehicle and I kneeled down, there was a guy that walked around the corner and saw him reach into the driver's side and pull out a pipe and he'd quickly run around the back while I was looking at trying to make sure my the license the bumper sticker was level. He cracked me in the back of the skull, knocked me unconscious, and then he rolled me over and he had a brass knuckles on his hand and he just started beating into my my face and I broke both eye sockets, both nasal passages and four breaks on my jaw. They knew that if I didn't die on that creek bank I'd be the next state senator and I survived and I won. So you did pretty good in the race. Yes. After all. Now I don't I don't Where where d where did you learn about the the the outcome of the election? Where were you? I in the hospital. Right. I was actually undergoing facial reconstruction surgery. I got fifty eight notes. Sorry to hear that. That's what did that teach you about politics? you know I I know politics Don't turn your back on anybody Well, you know, I'll tell you right now, I'm not gonna put bumper stickers on people's car with people standing behind me, I'll tell you that. Right. But you know, I mean at the end of the day I know that politics can get dirty in some places. And where I come from, which was southern West Virginia, it's always been that way. So, you know, I I I don't feel that way here in North Carolina. You know, I I kinda feel quite safe traveling around this district. So if you had to characterize it maybe West Virginia's a little more hands on politically than North Carolina. I think when you look at

Richard Ojeda: been that way. So, you know, I I I don't feel that way here in North Carolina. You know, I I kind of feel quite safe traveling around this district. So if you had to characterize it maybe West Virginia was a little more hands on politically than North Carolina. I think when you look at

Peter Pappas: Southern West Virginia. I think I think it it's it's just the way that it's been. Tough country. It's the way it's always been. Okay, okay.

Richard Ojeda: Southern West Virginia, I think I think it it's it's just the way that it's been it's the way it's always been

Peter Pappas: Well, you know, we we have strong people that grow up there, so saying tough country, that's okay. twenty eighteen teacher strike. So I was told you were the guy with the bullhorn. So what did you learn about how the government actually moves from So So I spent four years as a high school educator teaching JR O T C. Okay. So

Richard Ojeda: know, we we have strong people that grow up here, so same tough country, that's okay. twenty eighteen teacher strike. So I was told you were the guy with the bullhorn. So what did you learn about how the government actually moves? So so I spent four years as a high school educator teaching JROTC. Okay. So I was fortunate because a JROTC instructor doesn't get paid like teachers. The way they work it is is the school

Peter Pappas: I was fortunate because a JROTC instructor doesn't get paid like teachers. The way they work it is is the school

Richard Ojeda: Actually, that the the Board of Education pays half of your salary and the United States military pays the other half to keep you where you were when you retired. So I was getting paid like I was still a major in on active duty. And teachers aren't getting paid like that. But I got to sit with teachers every day and listen to

Peter Pappas: actually that like the the Board of Education pays half of your salary. And the United States military pays the other half to keep you where you were when you retired. wow. So I was getting paid like I was still a major i on active duty. And teachers aren't getting paid like that. But I got to sit with teachers every day and listen to

Richard Ojeda: the horrible things that were being done to teachers and school service personnel. And I tell people, don't you ever forget to talk about school service personnel because you can't run a school with that.

Peter Pappas: The horrible things that were being done to teachers and school service personnel. And I tell people, don't you ever forget to talk about school service personnel because you can't run a school without them. And the things that they were trying to do in West Virginia to teachers and school service personnel were criminal. I mean, it was i it if I it if I actually explain it to you, you're gonna go, There's no way that's possible. But it it is absolutely what was happening. So, you know, I had become a state senator and I stood up

Richard Ojeda: And the things that they were trying to do in West Virginia to teachers and school service personnel were criminal. I mean it was i i if I exha if I actually explained it to you, you're gonna go, There's no way that's possible. But it is absolutely what was happening. So, you know, I had become a state senator and I stood up and I told the entire Senate floor that if you don't start listening to these teachers, they're gonna strike on you. And of course they were like, Yeah, whatever, this is a right to work state, striking is illegal. Well

Peter Pappas: And I told the entire Senate floor that if you don't start listening to these teachers, they're gonna strike on you. And of course they were like, Yeah, whatever, this is a right to work state, striking is illegal. Well, when I was driving home that night, I got a phone call from Mingo County Schools and they We're having a meeting tonight and we want you there. So I drove to their meeting. And when I left that meeting, I knew tomorrow morning Mingo's gonna go on strike. And the very next morning Mingo was on strike. Within four days, all fifty-five counties were on strike.

Richard Ojeda: When I was driving home that night, I got a phone call from Mingo County Schools and they We're having a meeting tonight and we want you there. So I drove to their meeting. And when I left that meeting I knew tomorrow morning Mingo's gonna go on strike. And the very next morning Mingo was on strike. Within four days, all fifty five counties were on strike. We had twenty eight thousand teachers in the Capitol saying, We're not gonna take it and for nine days we fought and every single union in the United in West Virginia

Peter Pappas: We had twenty-eight thousand teachers in the Capitol singing, We're not gonna take it. Okay. And for nine days we fought and every single union in the United in West Virginia showed up to stand in solidarity with the teachers. And that right there, when the Republicans walked out the front door of the Capitol, they saw the United Mine Workers of America tent, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Communication Workers of America. The communication workers of America were on a strike.

Richard Ojeda: showed up to stand in solidarity with the teachers. And that right there, when the Republicans walked out the front door of the Capitol, they saw the United Mine Workers of America tent, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Communication Workers of America. The Communication Workers of America were on a strike themselves across the river, but they sent people over to stand in solidarity with the teachers. And every single year, pipe fitters, boilermakers, carpers, everybody was there. Well let me let me ask you this 'cause that's

Peter Pappas: themselves from across the river, but they sent people over to stand in solidarity with the teachers. And every single pipe fitters, boilermakers, carpenters, everybody was there. Well, let me let me ask you this, 'cause that's you mentioned it's a right to work state and they went on strike. Now we have the NCAE in North Carolina. They're not a union, they're a trade group. So is that how it was proffered in West Virginia? No.

Richard Ojeda: You mentioned it's a right to work state and they went on strike. Now we have the NCAE in North Carolina. They're not a union, they're a trade group. So is that how it was propered in West Virginia? No. No. Were they an actual union? Actual unions. Yeah. And so the teachers were an actual union. Yeah, an actual union. And and the thing is is this So then it doesn't matter right to work state. Well you can well you can scream that we're gonna fire you. Right. But the truth is is that they're not gonna fire every teacher. Yeah.

Peter Pappas: No. Were they in actual union? Actual unions. So the teachers were in actual union. Yeah, an actual union. And and the thing that So then it doesn't matter right to work state. Well you can well you can scream that we're gonna fire you. Right. But the truth is is that they're not gonna fire every teacher. Yeah.

Richard Ojeda: First and foremost to understand that the current governor of West Virginia actually was the attorney general who came up with a plan to fire every teacher and school service personnel in just one county to scare the other

Peter Pappas: First and foremost, to understand that the current governor of West Virginia actually was the attorney general who came up with a plan to fire every teacher and school service personnel in just one county to scare the other.

Richard Ojeda: fifty-four counties back to work. But that right there was found out and they everybody said we're gonna stand, we're gonna still stand and fight. And for nine days we fought and we won a five percent pay raise plus money towards their insurance. That was a fight that needed to be fought, and we fought it and

Peter Pappas: fifty four counties back to work. Back to submission. But that right there was found out and they everybody said we're gonna stand, we're gonna still stand and fight. And for nine days we fought. And we won a five percent pay raise plus money towards their insurance. That was a fight that needed to be fought and we fought it and we won. Now I will tell you, you know, I went down to Raleigh, North Carolina, where we had over twenty thousand people showed up and we marched through the streets and was supporting teachers. But you gotta understand that there was a lot of people at the State House that was looking at all the people

Richard Ojeda: We won. Now I will tell you, you know, I went down to Raleigh, North Carolina, where we had over twenty thousand people showed up and we marched through the streets of supporting teachers. But you gotta understand that there was a lot of people at the State House that was looking at all the people and they didn't really care. What time frame are you talking? This happen this just happened a few about a month or so ago. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And and the thing about this is is that it was a beautiful thing to be a part of. But you gotta understand that the people in the state house, they're not worried about a day.

Peter Pappas: And they didn't really care. What time frame are you talking? This hap this just happened a few about a month ago. This was this year. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And and the thing about this is is that it was a beautiful thing to be a part of. But you gotta understand that the people in the state house, they're not worried about a day.

Richard Ojeda: Make no mistake about it. If you take five days, the phone lines will have to be shut down because parents are going to start bombarding the phone lines with calls saying you better

Peter Pappas: Make no mistake about it. If you take five days, the phone lines will have to be shut down. Well yeah. Because parents are gonna start bombarding the phone lines with calls saying you better

Richard Ojeda: get these teachers back to work. And that's how you win these fights. Because the teachers then realize the power that they truly have when they stand together and school service personnel. And you win those fights. Well, hopefully our teachers don't feel the same need on either.

Peter Pappas: Get these teachers back to work. And that's how you win these fights. Because the teachers then realize the power that they truly have when they stand together and school service personnel. And you win those fights. Okay. Well, hopefully our teachers don't feel the same need. I mean we Teachers, firemen, policemen, military we never can compensate you guys enough. Right. And you're always I'm sorry, and just

Richard Ojeda: Teachers, firemen, policemen, military, we never can compensate you as enough. Right. And you're always I'm sorry. And just those groups have always been political footballs. And everybody says how much better they can do for X, Y, and Z and then after the election stop, a lot forget. Well th the the key thing is is that you know, we refuse to allow teachers to inspire their children.

Peter Pappas: those groups have always been political footballs. Everybody says how much better they can do for X, Y, and Z. And then after the election stop, a lot of people forget. Well the the the key thing is is that you know we refuse to allow teachers to inspire their children. You know, this is North Carolina, I would have never thought that I would have come here and found us in such bad shape when it comes to education. And I don't blame it on the teachers and school service personnel. You know, these are people that literally

Richard Ojeda: You know, this is North Carolina, I would have never thought that I would have come here and found us in such bad shape when it comes to education. And I don't blame it on the teachers and school service personnel. You know, these are people that literally dedicate their lives to trying to make sure that the next generation can survive in a world that we live in and and the fact that they're always under attack

Peter Pappas: dedicate their lives to trying to make sure that the next generation can survive in a world that we live in and and the fact that they're always under attack, the fact that we will literally, you know, we pay doctors and lawyers millions of dollars, but you can't create a doctor or a lawyer without a teacher. Right. Why don't we do things for our educators in this state? We should all be up in arms at the fact that we are like literally the the last

Richard Ojeda: The fact that we will literally, you know, we pay doctors and lawyers millions of dollars, but you can't create a doctor or lawyer without a teacher. Right. Why don't we do things for our educators in this state? We should all be up in arms at the fact that we are like literally the the last in how much money we apply per child's education. And you know, everybody now wants to play charter schools and and private schools. If you want your children to go to those schools,

Peter Pappas: And how much money we apply per child to education. And you know, everybody now wants to play charter schools and private schools. If you want your children to go to those schools, pay for it yourself. But we shouldn't nickel and dime public education out of existence because public education is for the public.

Richard Ojeda: Pay for it yourself. But we shouldn't nickel and down public education out of existence because public education is for the public.

Peter Pappas: The reason why public education has been under attack for the past 55 years is because a poorly educated population is an easily do.

Richard Ojeda: The reason why public education has been under attack for the past fifty five years is because a poorly educated population is an easily duped population. And that's exactly what they want. And we gotta get away from that. We deserve better. So in North Carolina the opportunity scholarship is a big deal. Cumberland County is one of the largest recipients, if I'm not mistaken, there's number one. it's not our aren't our economies large enough to do both.

Peter Pappas: population and that's exactly what they want. And we got to get away from that. We deserve better. So in North Carolina, the opportunity scholarship is a big deal. Cumberland County is one of the largest recipients, if I'm not mistaken, they're number one. isn't our aren't our economies large enough to do both? I think so. I mean that so the thing about opportunity scholarship and vouchers, and I'm not trying to pin you in a corner, but you know, I I don't I don't think you have to take away from one to give to the other.

Richard Ojeda: I think so. I mean that so the thing about opportunity scholarship and vouchers and I'm not trying to pin you in the core, but you know, I I don't I don't think you have to take away from one to get to the other. I that that's right. I don't know how much property taxes I pay. And I know this you know, you're on the federal level here, but you know. I know what I pay in a year.

Peter Pappas: And that I know how much property taxes I pay. And I know this is you know, you're on the federal level here, but you know, I know what I pay in a year. So to me it's like a rebate for twelve years of avocate in school. Yes. And then I'm gonna pay in perpetuity for my property 'cause it's never really mine. Yeah, yeah. It's not it's not a major issue. You know, my my thing is is that that there's no reason why we can't do better for for our children. I mean that's the that's the goal, is making sure that our children all graduate and they have the ability to to go on and find decent jobs. We wanna create taxpayers. Okay.

Richard Ojeda: So to me it's like a rebate for twelve years of advocating school. Yes. But no I'm not going to pay in perpetuity for my property 'cause it's never really mine. Yeah, yeah. I mean that's the that's the goal, is making sure that our children all graduate and they have the ability to to go on and find decent jobs. We wanna create taxpayers. Okay. So well let me ask you this. why

Peter Pappas: So well let me ask you this. why why run for US Congress? Why not state house race or something else? I ran I'm running for US Congress because first off I realized that the person that's in this role does not actually do anything for the people. He's the chair of the NRCC. So he spends all of his time traveling the country raising money for the Republican Party. When does he come down here and represent us? Because the reputation that he has is he doesn't show up. And that if you call his office

Richard Ojeda: Why run for US Congress? Why not state house race or something else? I ran I'm running for US Congress because first off I realize that the person that's in this role does not actually do anything for the people. He's the chair of the NRCC. So he spends all of his time traveling the country raising money for the Republican Party. When does he come down here and represent us? Because the reputation that he has is he doesn't show up. And that if you call his office, you're going to get like a form letter, but it doesn't answer your question.

Peter Pappas: You're going to get like a form letter, but it doesn't answer your question. The thing that I'm saying is that you know what we don't have the average people in North Carolina's ninth district. We don't have a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. We don't have somebody that's fighting for the working class in Washington, D.C. Richard Hudson isn't fighting for the working class. All he's doing is promoting whatever Donald Trump says and then tries to act like he's this great person for veterans. You know, what did he do when Elon Musk fired over 7,000 BA jobs?

Richard Ojeda: The thing that I'm saying is is that you know what we don't have the average people in North Carolina's ninth district? We don't have a lobbyist in Washington, DC. We don't have somebody that's fighting for the working class in Washington, DC. Richard Hudson isn't fighting for the working class. All he's doing is promoting whatever Donald Trump says and then tries to act like he's this great person for veterans. You know, what did he do when Elon Musk fired over 7,000 VA jobs? He didn't say nothing.

Peter Pappas: He didn't say nothing. And then what did he do? He's promotes the big horrible bill that targets eighty six thousand jobs. Well, let's back up. The and I'm because I'm not prepared to answer that, but the VA jobs, where were they located? North Carolina. I'm I mean I mean I'm just saying, I mean w 'cause it goes back to the the the district politic. You know, sometimes congressmen senators are interested in what's in their home state.

Richard Ojeda: And then what did he do? He's promotes the big horrible bill that targets 86,000 jobs. Well let's back up the and I'm because I'm not gonna answer that, but the VA jobs, where were they located? I mean I mean I'm just saying, I mean 'cause it goes back to the the the district politic. You know, sometimes congressmen senators are interested in what's in their home state.

Peter Pappas: No, that's understandable. I mean we're self interested to, you know, bring

Richard Ojeda: No, that's understandable. I we're self-interested to, you know, bring I hate to say bring home the bacon, but I mean But these cuts these cuts will go across. Okay. So it's gonna it'll hit every single VA healthcare system. My thing is is that you know what I enjoy getting in my car, and fifteen minutes later I'm at the Sanford Pack. And the Sanford Pack is I can walk in there and in five minutes I got my blood drawn, all that stuff. You know, when I was in West Virginia, it was a two hour drive to the VA hospital.

Peter Pappas: I hate to say bring home the bacon, but I mean But these cuts these cuts will go across. Okay. So it's going it'll hit every single VA healthcare system. My thing is is that you know what I enjoy getting in my car and fifteen minutes later I'm at the Sanford Pack. And the Sanford Pack is I can walk in there and in five minutes I got my blood drawn and all that stuff. You know, when I was in West Virginia it was a two hour drive to the VA hospital. So for me to go get blood drawn, which you have to do often, it

Richard Ojeda: So for me to go get blood drawn, which you have to do often, it it's

Peter Pappas: It's I gotta take an entire day off. You know, my fear is that with these cuts, especially the ones in the big horrible bill, it'll shut things down like the Sanford Pack. It could it could affect our our our care in the community. And those are the things that, you know, you're gonna stand up here and you're going to call yourself the veterans representative,

Richard Ojeda: I gotta take an entire day off. You know, my fear is that with these cuts, especially the ones in the big hormone bill, it'll shut things down like the Sanford Pack. It could it could affect our our our care in the community. And those are the things that, you know, you're gonna stand up here and you're going to call yourself the veterans representative.

Peter Pappas: but you're completely fine with the beating of the drums of war while they're trying to gut the VA.

Richard Ojeda: But you're completely fine with the beating of the drums of war while they're trying to gut the VA.

Peter Pappas: That bothers me. Didn't I preface this conversation saying we always treat them like political footballs, the veterans and teachers and all so that's understandable and unfortunate. They're on a football to me. Yeah. No, they shouldn't they are who I am. Okay. I'm not trying to minimize that, believe me. I appreciate it. I I just you know, I you can't look at this and not say, Come on guys, take care of these people.

Richard Ojeda: That bothers me. Didn't I practice this conversation saying we always treat them like political footballs the veterans and also that's understandable and unfortunate. They're not a football to me. No, they shouldn't They're who they are who I am. Okay. I'm not trying to minimize that, maybe. I appreciate it. You can't look at this and not say, come on, guys, take care of these people.

Peter Pappas: so you decided to run for the US Congress because we don't have

Richard Ojeda: so you decided to run for the US Congress because we don't have, in your opinion, an advocate for the veterans that Mr. Hudson says he is. Yeah, we ha I think we have a lack of leadership, you know, in Washington DC. Okay. So you want the first forty five thousand dollars of income tax free. Yes. Who's gonna pay for that and what do you want to come?

Peter Pappas: in your opinion, an advocate for the veterans that Mr. Hudson says he is. Yeah, we ha I think we have a lack of leadership, you know, in Washington DC. Okay. So you want the first forty five thousand dollars of income tax free. So who's gonna pay for that and what do you want to cut? Okay. So first and foremost, I'm just gonna tell you that there's no reason why we can't do something like this. We refuse to do anything for the filthy, filthy rich in this country

Richard Ojeda: Okay, so first and foremost, I'm just gonna tell you that there's no reason why we can't do something like this. We refuse to do anything for the filthy, filthy rich in this country. All we do is always try to shove every little bit of money that we get our hands on into their pockets, and they've got enough money to s you know, sp spend a thousand lifetimes with. My thing is is that the average person in this country, if we make the first forty five thousand dollars tax free.

Peter Pappas: All we do is always try to shove every little bit of money that we get our hands on into their pockets and they've got enough money to s you know, sp spend a thousand lifetimes with. My thing is is that the average person in this country, if we make the first forty five thousand dollars tax free, you may make a lot of money and may not think it's a big deal. But we pay bus drivers in North Carolina twenty seven thousand dollars who drive our most prized possessions to and from school in the rain, sleep, hell and snows safely.

Richard Ojeda: You may make a lot of money and may not think it's a big deal, but we paid bus drivers in North Carolina twenty-seven thousand dollars, who drive our most prized possessions to and from school in the rain, sleep, hell, and snows safely. There's no reason why we can't give them a break. Well, how much tax am I going to get from that group?

Peter Pappas: There's no reason why we can't give them a break. Well, how much tax money are we getting from that group? How mu okay, so if you were to implement it, would this not go to like the office of management and budget, somebody that nonpartisan I mean, like how does this work to find out how do we offset that money that we weren't taking? We've been shoving money into the billionaires' pockets ever since Ronald Reagan said trickle down economics and they've literally never let a penny trickle down into anybody else. If I put money in a bus driver's pocket, they're gonna spend that money local.

Richard Ojeda: How much okay, so if you were to implement it, would this not go to like the auction management budget, somebody that I mean how does this work to find out how do we offset that? Okay, okay. We've been shoving money into the billionaires' pockets ever since Ronald Reagan said trickle down economics, and they've literally never let a penny trickle down into anybody else. If I put money in a bus driver's pocket, they're gonna spend that money local in the economy.

Peter Pappas: in the economy. That's what they want to do. And right now, and that's going to benefit our local economy. If we

Richard Ojeda: That's what they're gonna do. And right now that's right and that's gonna benefit our local economy. If we

Peter Pappas: were previously getting that 'cause I think what's the metric? It's like the top one percent pays forty or fifty percent of the all the tax revenue the United States collects. No. I I think it's something like that. So the other half has to come from us, the middle middle class and below. so if we are

Richard Ojeda: We're previously getting that because I think what's the metric? It's like the top one percent pays forty or fifty percent of the all the tax revenue that the United States collects. No at all. I think it's something like that. So the other half has to come from us, the middle middle class and below. so if we are propping

Peter Pappas: propping up half of the economy and we start to give them tax free money up to which I I you get a standard deduction from the IRS. You have to make past a certain amount anyway before they're even going to take taxes.

Richard Ojeda: up half of the economy and we start to give them tax-free money up to, which I I you get a standard deduction from the IRS. You have to make past a certain amount anyway before they go take taxes.

Peter Pappas: Increasing that, I I'm I'm down with that. But how are we going to fill that gap? We're just going to go attack somebody else. I mean, where do we get it from? That that's what I'm I'm trying to be reasonable. Okay. I would whatever they're getting taxed right now, we're going to increase that.

Richard Ojeda: Increasing that's I I'm I'm down with that. But how are we gonna fill that gap? We're just gonna go attack somebody else. I mean, where do we get it from? That that's what I'm I'm trying to be reasonable. We are going to finally tax the billionaires. Okay. I would whatever they're getting taxed right now, we're gonna increase that. I look at the end of the day, they're not gonna have any issues, they're not gonna lose any sleep, they're not gonna they might not be able to buy their seventh lear jet.

Peter Pappas: I look, at the end of the day, they're not gonna have any issues. They're not gonna lose any sleep. They're not gonna the they might not be able to buy their seventh lear jet. But once again, we need to start sending people to Washington, D.C. who are willing to fight for the people. Okay. Because we haven't had that. I don't I don't k Richard Hudson's not in Washington, D.C. fighting for the little guy. He's in Washington, D.C. raising money to keep this administration in power. And this administration is literally destroying it.

Richard Ojeda: But once again, we need to start sending people to Washington DC who are willing to fight for the people because we haven't had that. I don't don't care Richard Hudson's not in Washington DC fighting for the little guy. He's in Washington DC raising money to keep this administration in power. And this administration is literally destroying our country. We are literally at a war with no escape plan or or you know to to be able to pull away from this.

Peter Pappas: Our country. We are literally at a war with no escape plan or or or or or you know to to be able to pull away from this. I mean this is complete buffoonery that we're living through right now, and we deserve so much better. And we need people in Washington DC that's willing to stand up and fight against this garbage. Okay. So well, along those lines, you want to repeal right to work in North Carolina. this state has built its whole recruiting pitch on being a right to work state.

Richard Ojeda: I mean this is complete buffoonery that we're living through right now. And we deserve so much better. And we need people in Washington DC that's willing to stand up and fight against this garbage. Okay. So well along those lines, you want to repeal right to work in North Carolina. Yep. this state has built its whole recruiting pitch on being a right to work state. name one company that comes here because of union shops.

Peter Pappas: Name one company that comes here because of union shops. I I I don't I don't care. I I I'm aga I'm for unions. I think every single job out there deserves to be unionized. Unions are the reason why we have safety on the job. Unions are the reason we have a 40-hour work week. There's a lot of things that unions do. And at the end of the day, everybody deserves that type of protection on the job. Because when you don't have a union that gives you a seat at the table,

Richard Ojeda: I I I don't I don't care. I I I'm aga I'm for unions. I think every single job out there deserves to be unionized. Unions are the reason why we have safety on the job. Unions are the reason we have a 40-hour work week. There's a lot of things that unions do. And at the end of the day, everybody deserves that type of protection on the job. Because when you don't have a union that gives you a seat at the table,

Peter Pappas: Then you're on the menu, and that's a fact, and we know that's a fact. Unions absolutely make your life better. Okay. And the health care, if you talk about, let's talk about the United Mine Workers of America. The the miners in West Virginia and Kentucky were basically losing everything. But the UMWA fought, and I mean they because my family was UMW. All of my uncles traveled all the way to Missouri to Washington, DC on buses many, many times, and they won

Richard Ojeda: Then you're on the menu, and that's a fact, and we know that's a fact. Unions absolutely make your life better. And the healthcare, if you talk about, let's talk about the United Mine Workers of America. The miners in West Virginia and Kentucky were basically losing everything. But the UMWA fought, and I mean that because my family was UMWA. All of my uncles traveled all the way to Missouri to Washington, DC on buses many, many times, and they won.

Peter Pappas: their health care, and now they have the best health care.

Richard Ojeda: their health care and now they have the best health care that you can get on the planet. So I'm not being I know you're from Cole Country and I know you are a West Virginia guy who's born and raised with Union, so I'm not gonna argue your position on that. to me there's a a reason why certain industries are left the country is because sometimes the Unions have made wages prohibitive for some of these companies to make it, but I do agree that there are the reason why

Peter Pappas: that you can get on the planet. So I'm not even gonna I know you're from coal country and I know you are a West Virginia guy, born and raised with the union, so I'm not gonna argue your position on that. to me there's a a reason why certain industries have left the country is because sometimes the unions have made wages prohibitive for some of these companies to make it, but I do agree that they have a reason why we have a five day work week and

Richard Ojeda: five day work week and

Peter Pappas: A forty day well, forty day, forty hour week. Yeah. So safety on the job. Yeah. That's a guarantee. So as of June, you'd raised over two million dollars. That's good job. And you had about a hundred and sixty four thousand in the bank. Congressman Hudson had one point three million. Where did the money go? Yours. So you as of June you had about two million and then you had another hundred and sixty four in the bank.

Richard Ojeda: forty day or forty day a forty hour week. Yeah. So safety on the job? Yeah. That's a guarantee. So as of June, you've raised over two million dollars. That's good job. And you had about a hundred and sixty four thousand in the bank. Congressman Hudson had one point three million. Where did the money go? Where who did money go? Yes. So you as of June you had about two million and then you had another hundred and sixty four in the bank.

Peter Pappas: I I was speaking before the show about

Richard Ojeda: I was speaking before the show about the role of money in politics. Yeah. So do you think you can be outspent or lose? Do you think you could outspend Congressman Hudson or that? Well, I'm not gonna outspend him, but I can still win. Okay. And the reason why I'm gonna win is because he is an absentee member of Congress. The people don't know who this guy is. And once again, he's not out here standing and fighting for these people. You know, I'm going into red areas.

Peter Pappas: the role of money in politics. Yeah. So do you think you can be outspent and lose? Do you think you could outspend Congressman Hudson and win? Well, I'm not going to outspend him. Okay. But I can still win. Okay. And the reason why I'm going to win is because he is an absentee member of Congress. The people don't know who this guy is. And once again, he's not out here standing and fighting for these people. You know, I'm going into red areas

Richard Ojeda: And I'm speaking with farmers that are Republicans. And they're telling me you've got our support.

Peter Pappas: and I'm speaking with farmers that are Republicans. And they're telling me you've got our support.

Richard Ojeda: And the reason for that's because they hear nothing from this guy. You know, at the end of the day, I believe that leadership shows up. And leadership means that when I'm not in Washington, DC, when I make it back here to to the ninth district, I'm going to dedicate time every single time I come home to do a town hall in every single county so that everybody gets the opportunity to come and see me.

Peter Pappas: And the reason for that's because they hear nothing from this guy. You know, at the end of the day, I believe that leadership shows up. And leadership means that when I'm not in Washington, DC, when I make it back here to to the ninth district, I'm going to dedicate time every single time I come home to do a town hall in every single county so that everybody gets the opportunity to come and see me

Richard Ojeda: And even give me scorn if that's what they believe, if that's what how they feel, because that's what leaders do.

Peter Pappas: and even give me scorn if that's what they believe, if that's what how they feel, because that's what leaders do.

Richard Ojeda: Leaders don't just send form letters and never answer the question. So how often so look where does a conventional power look like? How often would you be in the in the home state?

Peter Pappas: Leaders don't just send form letters and never answer the question. So how often so what does the congressional calendar look like? How often would you be in the in the home state?

Richard Ojeda: I mean I how often do you think that would be? I I mean goodness gracious, right now the members of Congress has only worked like sixty-four days this year. Yeah, so imagine that. I mean, but I would tell you I still feel pretty comfortable that you know every major holiday they give you a break. You get a f days been four days. If I just get a week every two or three months, I'm going to dedicate at least

Peter Pappas: I mean I how how often do you think that would be? I I mean goodness gracious, right now the members of Congress has only worked on sixty four days. That's a pretty good gig. Yeah, so imagine that. I mean but I would tell ya I still feel pretty comfortable that you know every major holiday they give you a break, you get a daysman four days. If I just get a week every two or three months, I'm gonna dedicate at least

Richard Ojeda: four days to making sure that I'm putting boots on the ground in multiple areas throughout this district so people get to see. Richard Hudson never does that.

Peter Pappas: Four days to making sure that I'm putting boots on the ground in multiple areas throughout this district so people get to see me. Richard Hudson never does that. Okay. So your average donation, what I found, was about $17. And I'm I hate to harp on the money. We'll get past it, but that's a real grassroots number. Yeah. Okay. So how many of those donors can actually vote in this district, you think? Do you think a lot of your supports come from this district or outside? I'm getting a lot of support from this district, but I'm getting a lot of s support from outside too. Okay. You know, people people understand.

Richard Ojeda: So your average donation, what I found, was about seventeen dollars. I I hate harp on the money. We'll get past it, but that's a real grassroots number. Yeah. Okay. So how many of those donors can actually vote in this district, you think? Do you think a lot of your supports come from this district or outside? I'm getting a lot of support from this district, but I'm getting a lot of s support from outside too. Okay. You know, people people understand that this country is not on the right path. And once again, a person that is running for Congress in North Carolina is going to vote on bills.

Peter Pappas: That this country is not on the right path. And once again, a person that is running for Congress in North Carolina is going to vote on bills that are going to affect every single state in this country. So if you are a person that wants to support somebody like me, you donate to my campaign. Okay. So the sitting Congressman's bill for a new state veterans home on Fort Bragg landed, passed the House in September, and the Senate passed it unanimously on the twenty ninth.

Richard Ojeda: that are going to affect every single state in this country. So if you are a person that wants to support somebody like me, you donate to my campaign. So the sitting congress's bill for a new state veterans home on Fort Bragg land it passed the House in September and the Senate passed it unanimously on the twenty ninth. Now, four Democrats co-sponsored it. So do you support that bill and you give him credit for it? Yes. I don't have a problem with that. You know, if you're doing positive things and getting things done, I don't have a problem with that. But I'm gonna tell you that I'd be doing the same thing. I you know, I support I don't care what party it goes to, I don't care what who does it, I don't care who gets the credit. Let's just do positive things for the people. I got you. I guess that's part of my my mom chairman in here. Don't you know say something nice and don't say anything.

Peter Pappas: Now, four Democrats co sponsored it. So do you support that bill and you give him credit for it? Yes. Okay. I don't have problem with that. You know, if you're doing positive things and getting things done, I don't have a problem with that. But I'm gonna tell you that I'd be doing the same thing. I you know, I support I don't care what party it goes to. I don't care what who does it, I don't care who gets the credit. Let's just do positive things for the people. I got you. I guess that's part of my my mom chairman in here, don't you know, say something nice or don't say anything. Yeah. so

Richard Ojeda: Yeah. so the state did put up forty million dollars on a one hundred million dollar building.

Peter Pappas: The state did put up forty million dollars on a one hundred million dollar building,

Richard Ojeda: on about twenty acres. So whose job is gonna be to come up with the other sixty million? I mean if that's if that's something that lands in my lap, then you know, one of the things I want to try to do when I get to Washington DC is find out who controls the purse strings. Because the truth is is that I want to bring money back to the ninth congressional district. And if to to to imp improve the lives of veterans and our military,

Peter Pappas: on about twenty acres. So whose job is gonna be to come up with the other sixty million? I mean, if that's if that's something that lands in my lap, then you know, one of the things I want to try to do when I get to Washington DC is find out who controls the purse streams. Because the truth is is that I want to bring money back to the ninth congressional district. And it to to to in improve the lives of veterans and our military.

Richard Ojeda: but also to improve the lives of people up in Alamance County and in Guilford County and

Peter Pappas: But also to improve the lives of people up in Alamance County and in Guildford County and and you know, farmers in Randolph County. I want I'm gonna try to do my best to I wanna make everybody happy. Yeah. It's not gonna be easy. Good luck. I know it's not gonna be easy. But but you know what? I'm going to be here and I'm gonna try and people are gonna see me. And and you know what, if if if I if I can't, I'm gonna stand in front of them and explain to them why I wasn't able to make that happen. Fair enough.

Richard Ojeda: And you know, farmers in Randolph County. I want I'm gonna try to do my best to I wanna make everybody happy. Yeah. It's not gonna be easy. Good luck. I know it's not gonna be easy, but but you know what? I'm going to be here and I'm gonna try. And people are gonna see me. And and you know what? If if if I if I can't, I'm gonna stand in front of them and explain to them why I wasn't able to make that happen. Fair enough. So you have hit your opponent for telling Republicans to skip in person town halls. So you've already said if you win you're gonna have four a week, maybe for your own? Whenever I come home and I've already done two town halls. I did one in Moore County and I did one in Albions County. How how well attended were actually they were well attended though.

Peter Pappas: So you have hit your opponent for telling Republicans to skip in person town halls. So you've already said if you win you're gonna have four a week, maybe when you're home? Whenever I come home and I've already done two town halls. I did one in Law County and I did one in Alamans County. How how well attended were they? Actually they were well attended. Okay.

Richard Ojeda: You know, and and and of course, you know, when he even just put the camera in a special place to make it look like it. no no no no no it was it it was nice. We had a lot of people, it was pretty good.

Peter Pappas: You know and and and of course, you know, when he Now you didn't just put the camera in a special place to make it look like they were. no, no, no, no, no. It was it was nice. We had a lot of people, it was pretty good. Okay.

Richard Ojeda: but but you know i the the last one that we had was it was in Moore County. Okay. And but that was also where we had the Where's Richard Hudson town halls when he first told the Republicans stop the town halls. And the reason why they said that is because they had nothing good to say to the people. And I I'm not gonna argue that point, but wasn't there was there or wasn't there maybe some

Peter Pappas: But but know, it the the last one that we had was it was in Moore County. Okay. And but that was also where we had the Where's Richard Hudson town halls when he first told the Republicans stop the town halls. Yeah. And the reason why they said that is because they had nothing good to say to the people. And I I'm not gonna argue that point, but wasn't there was there or wasn't there maybe some violence threatened or something at some of those? I feel like there was something else afoot besides they just not not that you remember. Not that I I never heard anything.

Richard Ojeda: Violence threatened or something, some of those? I feel like it was something else afoot besides they just not not that you remember. Not that I remember. I never heard anything. And every time we've ever done anything like that, there's always been authorities that were there. So we don't know nothing. Yeah, no, I I get you. I was as a Republican, I was not happy with seeing that. But so what's one thing a military spouse at Fort Bright needs from Congress that nobody in Washington is talking about?

Peter Pappas: And every time we've ever done anything like that, there's always been authorities that were there. So, you know, nothing Yeah. No, I I get you. I was as a Republican, I was not happy with seeing that. But so what's one thing a military spouse at Fort Bragg needs from Congress that nobody in Washington is talking about?

Richard Ojeda: What's then a military spouse needs?

Peter Pappas: What's then a military spouse needs? They say it's the hardest job in the military, but getting shot at is pretty tough. Well but I but I will tell you that maybe I b maybe b better access. I I really honestly, you know, we lived on Fort Bragg, we lived off of Fort Bragg, you know, and and and healthcare wise it was never an issue.

Richard Ojeda: Say it's the hardest job in the military, but it's pretty tough. Well but I but I would tell you that maybe I mean b maybe b better access. I I really honestly, you know, we lived on Fort Bragg, we lived off of Fort Bragg, you know, and and and healthcare wise it was never an issue. You know, so the healthcare i is is definitely something that that you know we we definitely child enjoy. Maybe no, I think that's that you right there is probably the best thing would be job issues. Because you know, there's a there's jobs that are available on post, especially for the the new couples that that don't have kids or anything like that, but it's not exactly like really, really good jobs. You know, you can go work at the

Peter Pappas: You know, so the healthcare i is is definitely something that that you know we we definitely child care issues or job issues, anything come to mind that we can do better. No, I think that's that you right there is probably the best thing would be job issues. Okay. Because you know, there's a there's jobs that are available on post especially for the the new couples that that don't have kids or anything like that, but it's not exactly like really, really good jobs. You know, you can go work at the

Richard Ojeda: Popeye's chicken or something like that, maybe there needs to be more capability like that. I will tell you that whenever people are deployed, I think I think that the family readiness group does a lot of great things to make sure that the spouses, you know, are are kept up to date on what's going on and they have they have meetings. I mean, I mean I I did that, you know, when I when I come I commanded in Iraq when I returned home from Iraq.

Peter Pappas: Popeye's chicken or something like that. But maybe there needs to be more capability like that. I will tell you that whenever people are deployed, I think I think that the family readiness group does a lot of great things to make sure that the spouses, you know, are are kept up to date on what's going on and they have they have meetings. I mean, I mean, I I did that, you know, when I when I come home I commanded in Iraq when I returned home from Iraq.

Richard Ojeda: I I took a command of a of a battalion that was going to Afghanistan. And, you know, my wife was a was a big part of that, you know. but once again there's still things that happen where, you know, you use support. I've seen a difference in what happens when we do deploy our guys. were you here in Desert Storm? No, I was not here. I was in Germany during Desert Storm. It was a ghost town there. They pulled everybody and every spouse seemed like they went back home where they were from.

Peter Pappas: I I took a command of a of a battalion that was going to Afghanistan. And, you know, my wife was a was a big part of that, you know. but once again, there's still things that happen where, you know, you can use support. I've seen a difference in what happens when we do deploy our guys. were you here in Desert Storm? No, I was not here. I was in Germany. In Germany, okay. It was a ghost town here. They pulled everybody and every spouse seemed like they went back home where they were from.

Richard Ojeda: but through these conflicts the last twenty seven years.

Peter Pappas: but through these conflicts the last twenty some years it hasn't been like that. Well, because here, you know, first off, Desert Storm was pretty much wow, this is happening. Yeah. And nobody really knew. But now when these with these current wars that have lasted for, you know, we was in Afghanistan for twenty years, everybody pretty much learned that, you know what, he's going your your your spouse comes here, if he's here for three years or she's here for three years, you can pretty much guarantee one of those three is going to be in a combat zone year long.

Richard Ojeda: Well, because here, you know, th first off, Desert Storm was pretty much wow, this is happening. Yeah. And nobody really knew. But now when these with these current wars that have lasted for you know, we was in Afghanistan for twenty years, everybody pretty much learned that, you know what, he's going y your your spouse comes here, if he's here for three years or she's here for three years, you can pretty much guarantee one of those three is going to be in a combat zone year long. And I think people just got adjusted to, okay, you know, we s we stay here.

Peter Pappas: And I think people just got adjusted to, okay, you know, we s we stay here. But a lot of people also went home to be with their family instead of staying here by themselves, especially the single Well and I think we were a smaller town. I mean, you're talking what, nineteen eighty nine, ninety? Is that the complex? I mean you

Richard Ojeda: But a lot of people also went home to be with their family instead of staying here by themselves, especially the single I mean I think we were a smaller town. I mean you're talking what nineteen eighty nine, ninety eight is that the comments I mean

Peter Pappas: we were a different city back then too. So so let's talk about data centers just briefly. Cumberland County is writing its data center rules right now. federal energy policy is part of that. So in this district, are you for them, against them?

Richard Ojeda: We were a different city back then too. so let's talk about data centers just briefly. Camblin County is writing its data center rules right now. Okay. federal energy policy is part of that. So in this district, are you for them, against them? What's your take on data center? Okay, so first off, in terms of polling, ninety-two percent of Americans are against flock cameras and they're against data centers. Here's my thing. If a data center wants to be established

Peter Pappas: What's your take on data centers right now? So first off, in terms of polling, ninety-two percent of Americans are against block cameras and they're against data centers. Here's my thing. If a data center wants to be established, and then and then I also kind of want to think who is the person that this is going to benefit the most. Because we also need to understand that people like Jeff Bezos and Martin Zuckerberg and any they have thousands upon thousands of acres of land across this country. If they want a data center, put it on their own property.

Richard Ojeda: And then and then I also kind of want to think who is the person that this is going to benefit the most. Because we also need to understand that people like Jeff Bezos and Martin Zuckerberg and the they have thousands upon thousands of acres of land across this country. If they want a data center, put it on their own property. But let's say it's just a data center that's coming here to this area here. First off, if it's going to have to be an expansion from the electrical company, which which almost is a guarantee. Almost certainly are.

Peter Pappas: But let's say it's just a data center that's coming here to this area here. First off, if it's gonna have to be an expansion from the electrical company, which which almost is a guarantee

Richard Ojeda: It should not be placed on the backs of the users, the people here in this area. If the data comp the people who have the data centers, I'm sure they have plenty of wealth. Let them pay for the expansion. Let's not make the daggone people have to do that.

Peter Pappas: it should not be placed on the backs of the users, the people here in this area. If the data's come the the people who have the data centers, I'm sure they have plenty of wealth. Let them pay for the expansion. Let's not make the daggone people have to do that.

Richard Ojeda: But here's another thing that people are not really talking about that much. And that's the water consumption. Because at the end of the day, we know that these things take an enormous amount of water.

Peter Pappas: But here's another thing that people are not really talking about that much, and that's the water consumption. Because at the end of the day, we know that these things take an enormous amount of water

Richard Ojeda: And they don't push the water back into the rivers and streams. The water evaporates. And the truth is is we don't want to see a data center get you know erected and then six months later everybody has to bathe their children with bottled water. Right. You know,

Peter Pappas: and they don't push the water back into the rivers and streams. The water evaporates. And the truth is is we don't want to see a data center get you know, erected and then six months later everybody has to bathe their children with bottled water. Right, right. You know.

Richard Ojeda: and then we've all we already have water issues across this country, you know, and I mean it's it's everywhere. The least thing we don't need to have the water disappear on people. So unless you can answer the questions.

Peter Pappas: And that we've already we already have water issues across this country. You know, and I mean it's it's everywhere. The least thing we don't need to have the water disappear on Panam. So unless you can answer the questions

Richard Ojeda: of how this is not going to affect the average person out here that doesn't need a data center or doesn't have any, you know,

Peter Pappas: of how this is not going to affect the average person out here that doesn't need a data center or doesn't have any, you know, any in anything in the data center, how are we going to protect their water and how we're going to protect our electricity? You mentioned flock cameras. I wanted to ask you, let's we can back up for a second. do you

Richard Ojeda: I've heard some people say that's

Peter Pappas: Do you consider flock cameras connected directly to the data centers? I've heard some people say that's why we're building them is to store more data from it, but that one's not connected to the other. I don't I don't think so. I don't I don't think so. I've never heard anything that said it. But I the the flock camera piece is is that, you know, it's one of those things where you gotta kinda worry about the people that are pushing this. You know, the palantier guy,

Richard Ojeda: why we're building them is to store more data from the one's not connected to the other. I I don't I don't think so. I don't I don't think so. I've never heard anything that said it, but I mean the the flock hammer piece is is that you know it's one of those things where you gotta kinda worry about the people that are pushing this. You know, the palantier guy. You know, Peter Thiel. I mean this is this is a guy who literally wants to know everything about you and everything that you do and everything that you say. And

Peter Pappas: you know, Peter Thiel. I mean, this is this is a guy who literally wants to know everything about you and everything that you do and everything that you say and

Richard Ojeda: it's like there's o are we really gonna get to a point where there's no privacy in anything that you do and say? I don't want that. With all due respect, I thought the Chinese already, so I'm over it at this point. Well, I mean I I you know I just I I don't think that, you know

Peter Pappas: It's like there's o are we really gonna get to a point where there's no privacy in anything that you do and say? I don't want that. With all due respect, I thought the Chinese already did, so I I'm over it at this point. But well I mean not just me. I you know, I just I I don't think that, you know, things like that are I I have asked attorney so we've had a lot of back and forth and a lot of the Facebook sphere, which is still drive you crazy. I think the best advice I can give you is just scroll past. Just don't engage. Just just go past. That's the best advice I ever received.

Richard Ojeda: things like that are I I I have asked attorney so we've had a lot of back and forth and a lot of the Facebook sphere which is did drive me crazy. I think the best advice I can give you just scroll past. Just don't engage. Just just get past. That's the best advice I ever received from another one from on on Facebook or whatever, don't engage. but I got into with other local attorney and I said, Look, where is it a a violation of our rights? And then all of his followers came after me and I was like but

Peter Pappas: person running from on on Facebook or whatever, don't engage. but I got into with another local attorney and I said, Look, where is it a a violation of our rights? And then all of his followers came after me and I was like, look. But

Richard Ojeda: I understand the flock cam as being a fourth amendment issue. Yeah. But they've also solved solved a lot of murders with these things. They've solved a lot of crimes. We have the defecement of political science not two or three weeks ago.

Peter Pappas: I understand the plot cameras being a Fourth Amendment issue. Yeah. But they've also solved solved a lot of murders with these things. They've solved a lot of crimes with the we had defacement of political signs not two or three weeks ago. And they found the guy licky split.

Richard Ojeda: And they found the guy looking displayed. Okay. I feel like there's a role for them, but there's certainly gonna be a better way with this, huh? Well, you know, I mean, but finding out that somebody maybe stole a couple of campaign signs does not really make me think that I want to have everything that I say and do, and everything that you say and do, and everywhere that you go to be completely captured. Sure. You know, and and and once again, you know, it's it's what are these people doing with this stuff? I I don't trust, you know, Peter Thiel. I don't, you here's a here's a

Peter Pappas: Okay. So I mean, I feel like there's a role for them, but there's certainly gotta be a better way to administer Well, you know, I mean, but finding out that somebody maybe stole a couple of campaign signs does not really make me think that I want to have everything that I say and do and everything that you say and do and everywhere that you go to be completely captured. Sure. You know, and and and once again, you know, it's it's what are these people doing with this stuff? I I don't trust, you know, Peter Teal. I don't. You know, here's a here's a

Richard Ojeda: guy that basically said that

Peter Pappas: guy that basically said that

Richard Ojeda: you know if you're evil, you know, it it makes you more effective. I mean, you know, I don't I don't I don't see that. But he's not talking about himself, he's just saying just in case you are evil. Well he's basically yeah okay they get more things done. But but not me. Yeah. well the data center thing in the State of the Union address, I'm sure you probably didn't want watch it, but the president did say

Peter Pappas: You know, if you're evil, you know, it it makes you more effective. I mean, you know, I I don't I don't see that. But he's not talking about himself. He's just saying just in case you are evil. Well he's basically if you're evil, then yeah, okay. But I'm not evil. Yeah. But but not me. Okay. well the data center thing, in the State of the Union address, I'm sure you probably didn't want to watch it, but the president did say about

Richard Ojeda: out data centers how he's gonna the federal government needs to enforce that they need to bring their own power and their own water before they can build. Good sound bite. Yep. I brought that up to our county commissioner chairman. He says well where's the legislation? I said damn it you're right. Nothing's really happened. So is that something that you could sign on once if you were in a sitting in Congress that you could sign on to make these people bring their own power source. Yes. I mean if if data centers are to be erected

Peter Pappas: data centers how he's gonna the federal government needs to enforce that they need to bring their own power and their own water before they can build. Good soundbite. Yeah. I brought that up to our county commissioner chairman. He says well where's the legislation? I said damn it you're right. Nothing's really happened. So is that something that you could sign on once if you were in a sitting in Congress that you could sign on to making these people bring their own power source? Yes. I mean if if data centers are to be erected

Richard Ojeda: As long as it's not affecting the average American person. I mean let them pay for their own electric and let them figure out how they're gonna deal with their water. I don't care if they have their water drove in in trucks. I don't care. Doesn't bother me. It's don't affect our water. H here's one out of left field. How do you feel about nuclear? Fort Bragg is gonna have a little compact nuclear reactive desert. It's one of

Peter Pappas: As long as it's not affecting the average American person. I mean, let them pay for their own electric and let them figure out how they're going to deal with their water. I don't care if they have their water drove in in trucks. I don't care. It doesn't matter me. Don't affect our water. Here's one out of left field. How do you feel about nuclear? Fort Bragg is gonna have a little compact nuclear reactor delivered. It's one of I think a half a dozen sites across the country, different army bases that different companies are trying different technologies. And Fort Bragg's getting one. So how do you feel about?

Richard Ojeda: think half a dozen sites across the country, different army bases that different companies are trying different technologies. Mm-hmm. And Fort Bryan's getting one. So how do you feel about nuclear? I mean, if it's a technology that they're trying to you know, I I definitely need to probably do a little bit of research in reference to what is the, you know, at the effect of this that but I mean at the end of the day, i if we're doing something that is benefiting this country, then you know, I'm I'm completely fine for it, you know.

Peter Pappas: Nuclear. I mean if it's a technology that they're trying to you know, I I definitely need to probably do a little bit of research in reference to what is the you know, at the effect of this. That but I mean at the end of the day, i if we're doing something that is benefiting this country, then you know, I'm I'm completely fine for it. Well, I I commented public asset, no, what don't bring one, bring three. Let's get free of Duke Energy a little bit, 'cause all we're doing here in Fayetteville is re reselling Duke Energy. Yeah. That's all we're doing.

Richard Ojeda: Well, I I commented publicly. I said, No, what don't bring one, bring three. Let's get free of Duke Energy a little bit, because all we're doing here in Faithville is re reselling Duke Energy. Yeah. That's all we're doing. Yeah, well that's and that's the the that's the thing too is is that usually these companies like Duke Energy have agreements at the state house level and they get away with whatever they want. And and that's a problem. And it's the same way where I come from. You know, the CEO makes thirty seven million dollars a year.

Peter Pappas: Yeah, well that's and that's the the that's the thing too is is that usually these companies like Duke Energy have agreements at the state house level and they get away with whatever they want. And and that's a problem. And it's the same way where I come from. You know, the CEO makes thirty seven million dollars a year

Richard Ojeda: And you know, your average person out there is is struggling to put food on the table and have lights in their house. You know, we we've gotta do something.

Peter Pappas: and that you know, your average person out there is is struggling to put food on the table and have lights in their house. You know, we we've gotta do something.

Richard Ojeda: And let them eat cake is what it sounds like to me. Yeah. But well, your campaign website, so we're gonna head towards the board here, but your campaign website says to replace ice in a district Donald Trump won by more than fifteen points.

Peter Pappas: Yeah, let them eat cake is what it sounds like to me. Yeah. But Well, your campaign website, so we're gonna head towards the door here, but your campaign website says to replace ice in a district Donald Trump won by more than fifteen points.

Richard Ojeda: Do you want to abolish ice? Yes. I don't want to abolish ice, because ice has a purpose. Okay. But I'm going to tell you right now, every single person that has been hired for ice

Peter Pappas: Do you want to abolish ICE? Yes. Look, no no no no no no no no no, okay. I don't want to abolish ice because ice has a purpose. Okay. But I'm gonna tell you right now, every single person that has been hired for ice

Richard Ojeda: that stormed this nation's capital needs to be immediately fired. Okay. You know, I'm going tell you, I know some ICE folks. And when they were told that they were finally going to go after MS thirteen and the drug dealers, they were excited, right?

Peter Pappas: That stormed this nation's capital needs to be immediately fired. Okay. You know, I'm gonna tell you, I know some ICE folks. And when they were told that they were finally going to go after MS thirteen and the drug dealers, they were excited. Right.

Richard Ojeda: And then two months later, they're like, it's not what we're doing. We're raiding Mexican restaurants. We're we're snatching up people that are picking vegetables. We're snatching up nannies. I watched a young girl

Peter Pappas: And then two months later, they're like, It's not what we're doing. We're raiding Mexican restaurants. We're we're snatching up people that are picking vegetables, we're snatching up nannies. I watched a young girl.

Richard Ojeda: walking across a high school graduating stage that got tackled when she got off the stage. I mean think about that. That's her pri her one of the happiest moments in her life, and she gets tackled after walking and get her diploma. How many American citizens do you think I swept up?

Peter Pappas: Walking across a high school graduating stage that got tackled when she got off the stage. I mean think about that. That's her pri her one of the happiest moments in her life and she gets tackled after walking and getting her diploma. How many American citizens do you think I swept up

Richard Ojeda: Accidentally. I mean, do we have any no, because guess what? They're not letting us know all this stuff. We also don't even know where everybody's at. You know, why are we sending people that aren't from Sudan to Sudan?

Peter Pappas: accidentally? I mean, do we have any numbers on that? No, because guess what? They're not letting us know all this stuff. We also don't even know where everybody's at. Yeah. You know, why are we sending people that aren't from Sudan to Sudan?

Richard Ojeda: And where are they going and what type of conditions are they in? And are we just dropping them off and letting them fin for themselves? So let's back up. We're not gonna abolish you don't feel like you want to abolish, but you want to do what work. I want to make ice

Peter Pappas: And where are they going and what type of conditions are they in? And are we just dropping them off and letting them fin for themselves? So let's back up. But we're not gonna abolish you don't feel like you want to abolish ice, but you want to do what with it? I want to make ice better. I don't want ice to be out here shooting people in their cars. You know, I want to make sure that the people that are ice are trained. Trained.

Richard Ojeda: better. I don't want ICE to be out here shooting people in their cars. You know, I want to make sure that the people that are ICE are trained. Trained. Not just people that just got out of jail from stolen the capital and we're given the deck on the people do you think are employed by ICE to run January six? Don't know. Don't know, but I guarantee you there's a lot of how many how many well there could only been so many people January sixth right? Do we have a thousand you think? I I would say. I don't want to put you in a quote on that one either, but like

Peter Pappas: Not just people that just got out of jail from storm the Capitol and were given the daggone. How many people do you think are employed by ICE on January sixth? Don't know but I guarantee you there's a lot of them. I mean how many c well there could only have been so many people on January sixth, so do we have a th do we have a thousand, do you think? I'd I'd say. I don't want to put you in a corner on that one either, but I I agree with you. If they've been involved with something like that and they should not be there. They shouldn't be there. okay, so

Richard Ojeda: I agree with you if they've been involved with something like that and they should They shouldn't be there. They should be there. Okay, so worst happens, we're gonna if you lose in November, will you still be living in North Carolina? Will you run right and from there? I I'm I'm kind of leaning maybe towards that. I'm staying in North Carolina. I will never leave North Carolina.

Peter Pappas: Worst happens, you're gonna if you lose in November, will you still be living in North Carolina and will you run here in twenty twenty eight? I I'm I'm kind of leaning maybe towards that. I'm staying in North Carolina. I will never leave North Carolina. You know, when I left and went back home to be with my aging parents, we did that. That's when I become a a a teacher, that's when I become a a legislator. But I'm gonna tell right now, me and my wife missed North Carolina.

Richard Ojeda: You know, w when I left and went back home to be with my aging parents, we did that. That's when I become a a a teacher, that's when I become a a legislator. I'm gonna tell right now, me and my wife missed North Carolina.

Peter Pappas: You know, it's hard to go from a place

Richard Ojeda: You know, it's hard to go from a place that has everything and then you go back to a place where, okay, we got a McDonald's and a Walmart. You know, because when I was younger we didn't have that. Did you have a stoplight now? yeah, well we got stoplights. We got stoplights. But I mean the thing about it is is that we missed North Carolina. We missed the people of North Carolina. We loved it here. So we made the decision to come back and when we come back

Peter Pappas: That has everything. And then you go back to a place where, okay, we got a McDonald's and a Walmart. You know, because when I was younger we didn't have that. Did you have a stoplight now? Yeah, well we got stoplights. We got stoplights. But I mean, the thing about it is is that we missed North Carolina. We missed the people of North Carolina. We loved it here. So we made the decision to come back and when we come back, we brought my entire family. We brought my in-laws. We brought my parents. We my sisters are now moving down here.

Richard Ojeda: We brought my entire family. We brought my in laws. We brought my parents. We my sisters are now moving down here and building houses on our property because that's what we want. We want to come here, we want to live here for the rest of our lives. so when you were teaching, what did you teach? I taught JROTC, but that's JRO T C you know, it doesn't teach kids how to win the fist fights at lunch. Right. It teaches them how to use conflict resolution.

Peter Pappas: And building houses on our property because that's what we want. We want to come here, we want to live here for the rest of our lives. Glutton for punishment. You even moved your in-laws. That's way to go, buddy. Love it. so when you were teaching, what did you teach? I know you're J R T C but that's JROTC, you know, it doesn't teach kids how to win the fist fights at lunch. Right, yeah. It teaches them how to use conflict resolution to not have to get into fist fights. It teaches them how to be better citizens. And I'm gonna tell you right now, my cadets.

Richard Ojeda: To not have to get into fist fights. It teaches them how to be better citizens. And I'm gonna tell you right now, my cadets, my cadets said yes, sir and yes, ma'am, to every single teacher. And if a teacher contacted me and said that so-and-so was getting routed in their class, I went to that class and they straightened up. Because you know, most people that grow up in areas where I grew up in, they understand young. There's not many options. And I tell people when I turned 18 years old, there were three options: did coal.

Peter Pappas: My cadets said yes, sir and yes, ma'am, to every single teacher. And if a teacher contacted me and said that so and so was getting routed in their class, I went to that class and they straightened up. Because, you know, most people that grow up in areas where I grew up in, they understand young. There's not many options. And I tell people when I turned 18 years old, it was three options dig cold,

Richard Ojeda: sell dope or join the military. I joined the military

Peter Pappas: sell dope, or join the military. I joined the military.

Richard Ojeda: and I watched all of my uncles on picket lines to include violent picket lines. I watched tr I watched trucks pushing cars off of bridges where I come from. So my my when we were kids, all of my family that were coal miners set us down and said don't you none of you, don't you ever follow us into these mines because they knew how bad it was. So we didn't, none of us did. What time frame are you talking about?

Peter Pappas: And I watched all of my uncles on picket lines to include violent picket lines. I watched tr I watched trucks pushing cars off of bridges where I come from. So my my when we were kids, all of my family that were coal miners set us down and said, Don't you none of you, don't you ever follow us into these mines because they knew how bad it was. So we didn't. None of us did. What time frame are you talking about? This was n eight nineteen eighty eight is when I graduated from high school. I think people don't really

Richard Ojeda: This was n eight nineteen eighty eight is when I graduated from high school. I think people don't really understand how recent that all is. No b T the eighties

Peter Pappas: understand how recent that all is. back b and t the eighties in West Virginia was was pretty rough. And like I said, all of my uncles, you know, was on picket lines. And you know, everybody had to band together to make sure that everybody for Christmas had something under the tree. Had it escalated from the sixties and seventies or had it always just kind of had this level of No th the the thing is is with unions and that's that's what it is. You know, these these mines

Richard Ojeda: in West Virginia was was pretty rough. And like I said, all of my uncles, you know, was on picket lines. And, you know, everybody had to band together to make sure that everybody for Christmas had something under the tree. Had it escalated from the sixties and seventies or had it always just kind of had this level of No the the thing is is with unions and that's that's what it is. You know, these these mines

Peter Pappas: That didn't want unions, they also didn't want safety on the job. They also worked you to the brink of almost collapse because they could do that and get away with it. And you watch and see how some of these companies act. Now, if you remember Harlan County, Kentucky, just a few years ago, when all the coal miners were standing on railroad tracks to block trains from getting into this coal mine and getting the coal, because the owner of that coal mine

Richard Ojeda: That didn't want unions, they also didn't want safety on the job. They also worked you to the brink of almost collapse because they could do that and get away with it. And you watch and see how some of these companies act. Now, if you remember Harlan County, Kentucky, just a few years ago, when all the coal miners were standing on railroad tracks to block trains from getting into this coal mine and getting the coal, because the owner of that coal mine. decided to sneak out like a thief in the night and failed to pay all of the miners the 24 days of the month that they worked. So and by the way, that guy left Kentucky and now he's in West Virginia and he's building a resort that's gonna be bigger than the Greenbrier. So how do you go from basically Kentucky where you just basically did your workers dirty and you could just cross the border into West Virginia and not worry about it and build a resort.

Peter Pappas: decided to sneak out like a thief in the night and failed to pay all of the miners the twenty-four days of the month that they worked. So and by the way, that guy left Kentucky and now he's in West Virginia and he's building a resort that's gonna be bigger than the Greenbrier. So how do you go from basically Kentucky where you just basically did your workers dirty and you could just cross the border into West Virginia and not worry about it and build a resort. Come on. Look. These aren't good people. You know, you ask people how do they sleep at night. I sleep with a fan on, but I don't know about some of these people how to get away with it. So last one, and I'll let you go. If somebody watching agrees with me on almost everything and thinks just you're wrong on almost everything, what's the one thing you'd want them to take out of the last half hour we spent together? I want them to take that when I am in Congress, they're going to see me.

Richard Ojeda: Come on. These aren't good people. You know, you ask people how do they sleep at night, I sleep with a fan on, but I don't know about some of these people how to last one that I'll let you go, if somebody watching agrees with me on almost everything and thinks just you're wrong on almost everything. Okay. What's the one thing you'd want them to take out of the last half hour we spent today? I want them to take that when I am in Congress, they're going to see me.

Peter Pappas: I am going to be a visible representative. I'm going to show up.

Richard Ojeda: I am going to be a visible representative. I'm going to show up. And we have the reputation right now.

Peter Pappas: And we have the reputation right now. I've had Republicans come to me and say, They're talking about you want a bothered life because we are putting in the work. I work and I work hard and I like working hard and I like solving people's problems. And that doesn't happen with a form letter. That doesn't happen when you never get the opportunity to get to see the person that represents you. They're going to get to see me as often as possible.

Richard Ojeda: I've had Republicans come to me and say, they're talking about you in a positive light because we are putting in the work. I work and I work hard and I like working hard and I like solving people's problems. And that doesn't happen with a form letter. That doesn't happen when you never get the opportunity to get to see the person that represents you. They're going to get to see me as often as possible. Okay. Well Mr. Odeta, thank you. You came into a room where you knew the host disagreed with you

Peter Pappas: Okay. Well, Mr. Odeta, thank you. You came into a room where you knew the host disagreed with you.

Richard Ojeda: and you answered every question for me. not everybody does that. So where do people find you? They can go to Ojetta for NC dot com or you can go anywhere in the ninth congressional district and just have a seat and I'll pass by you guaranteed.

Peter Pappas: And you answered every question for me. not everybody does that. So where do people find you? They can go to Ojetta for NC.com or you can go anywhere in the ninth congressional district and just have a seat and I'll pass by you guaranteed. Well, folks, go look it up yourself. That's the point. You know what Google's for. So Mr. Ojeda, the door's always open for you. Come back the week after the election, win or lose. Tell us what you learned. Let's do it. Yeah. Let's do it. Thanks for being here this afternoon. And to everybody watching, you can find all our shows and links, the Carolina Cabinet.com.

Richard Ojeda: Well folks, go look it up yourself. That's the point. You know what Google's for. So Mr. Rodeta, the door's always open for you. Come back the week after the election, win or lose. Tell us what you are. Let's do it. Yeah, let's do it. Thanks for being here this afternoon. And to everybody watching, you can find all of our shows and links, the Carolina Cabinet dot com.

Peter Pappas: And with that, y'all have a good day. Thanks for being here.

Richard Ojeda: And with that, you all have a good day. Airborne.