Interview with Michael Smith

My apologies for the unannounced hiatus. Like so many other Corvallis residents, I've been waylaid by a rather evil little head cold, one that precluded me from staring at a monitor for the past several days.

But this morning, the snow heralds big news! Michael Smith, Republican candidate for president of the United States, graciously granted an interview with yours truly a few weeks ago. That interview has been completed and can be downloaded in its entirety here: Smith Interview (PDF). You must have Acrobat Reader to view this file.

Here is a small excerpt:

Your website lists several reasons that you have chosen to run for the Oregon primary, as opposed to staging a full national campaign. But why jump straight into the presidential race, as opposed to running for state congress or even city council? Why not work your way up through the political ranks and garner some political experience on the way?

• Valid point. First, this is more about making a gesture regarding the state of today’s politics than it is about gaining an office. I have a full time job, and the last thing this country needs is another “seasoned” politician of the standard vintage. The country could benefit from a demonstration that the moderate middle is tired of the choices typically presented.

• It comes down to my estimate of how I could most effectively influence a huge system with negligible resources; I figured that it would take a big gesture. Modern campaigns cost a fortune (I heard that the last Governor’s candidates spent around $6 million.) But I thought that gathering the 5000 signatures to get on the primary ballot might not be overwhelming. Then my hope is that the Oregon primary is, as it typically is, overlooked by the national candidates since the nomination is usually locked up weeks before. Under those circumstances I’m hoping that the local press may be willing to spare some of the spotlight for a local-interest candidate.

I encourage you all to take a few minutes to read the full interview. Even if you disagree with Mr. Smith's politics, even if you can't or won't vote for him in the Republican primary, it is heartening to see someone try to shake things up a bit. The fundraising campaign has also been officially kicked off, so why not donate $20 in the interest of supporting a local man in his quest to make a difference? You know that $20 is just going to buy a week's worth of Starbucks mocha lattes anyway, or worse... a secret binge on Cadbury Creme Eggs. Put it to good use instead. The Creme Eggs will be back next year.