Former HUD Secretary and current 2020 Presidential candidate Julian Castro appeared tonight on the Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell. For those who weren’t able to watch, I thought I would summarize the issues discussed. I tried to get as close to the exact quotes as possible but I am not a professional transcriber so please forgive me.
Immigration Reform
On Trump’s claim that child separation was begun by the Obama administration.
more lies from the President
On Trump’s failed approach to immigration.
if we would just be cruel enough to immigrants it would deter immigration
First Priority as president
everyone should have healthcare (specifically Medicare for All) calling it “unfinished business from Obama administration that needs to get done”
Lesson from Obama
don’t wait to push your agenda (based on a belief that 2020 will produce Democratic control of the White House and both houses of Congress)
Medicare for All
I don’t believe the profit motive should keep someone from getting healthcare
(okay with supplemental insurance but everyone should have baseline coverage)
Mueller Report
you better believe … the American people deserve to see the full report
set new precedent for it not to be released
Tax returns
plan to release before the debates and include this year — “nothing to hide”
Best idea from another candidate
Warren’s universal childcare —
allow parents to work and is often very expensive
tremendous benefit to Americans of every background everywhere
Green New Deal
create jobs in the green economy
investment in renewables can create jobs in the 21st Century
To troops in Afghanistan
proud of them, believe in them, orderly withdrawal, take care of them and their families when they get back — improve VA, education, and healthcare
“Our commitment to them when they get back is not done”
Undiscussed issue that he would like to highlight
small business — more than 70% of jobs in US
“I believe in small business”
I hope that this helps you to form a more informed opinion of the Secretary. I stand firmly behind Julian Castro’s candidacy for President. Yes, we have nearly twenty candidates at this point in the race. It is an embarassment of riches. And if you have time, I recommend checking out the interview when the show repeats tonight. The interview is the final two segments of the show.