My best friend is running for Congress

Why would a nice person do that? I asked her.

My best friend is running for Congress in New York City. These things happen.

I’ve known her more than 40 years and we’ve been close all that time. She has lived all over the world, while I’ve mostly been hunkered down in Washington DC. But our paths overlapped physically and professionally. Now, I’m following her–figuratively–on this newest adventure.

Full disclosure: I’ve donated to Nina’s campaign and am a public, and loud supporter. But this interview is not a campaign pitch; I’m trying to explore the calling and mindset of a person who runs for Congress.

Me & Nina on the streets

Q1: Are you really running for Congress? Is it weird?

Yes, I am — and what is weird is that it feels like a fit. I’ve lived in this Congressional district my whole life. Right time, right place. We need to change the trajectory — and this felt like the right way to lean in. Frankly, I was inspired by your Dad. He showed us all that regular people can run — and make a difference.

Q2: How did you get to this point?

I was fed up. And the relentless executive orders were never ending. And the attacks on science, health, DEI, gender, our basic rights. So instead of sitting around complaining — I thought — heck — time to jump in and try to fix this mess. And I think we can!

Q3: Are you running because of Trump?

I think my motivating factor was a combination of the first round of executive orders, the frustration with Congress losing all authority, and RFK Jr. RFK Jr is so dangerous; he is literally killing us. And yes — he is there because of Trump.

Q4: Is politics dirty?

Not that I have seen so far. There is a lot of insider baseball, and the money-raising part is a bit mind-boggling. Career politicians already have a rolodex of supporters, so come in with a war chest. And wealthy people self-fund. And many people judge your worth as a candidate — quite literally — on how much money you have raised. Which is bonkers if you think about it.

Q5: What makes New York the best place on Earth? What makes New York a nightmare?

Best: New Yorkers.

Nightmare: When you miss the announcement that says “this train is going express”.

Q6: What scares you most about doing this — and what excites you most?

What excites me the most is the opportunity to speak with people and build coalitions to fix this mess. I am not scared but the money part of this equation is formidable. Yes we are going to do this differently. Dollars that should be spent on programs not campaigning. And we still need money to hire staff, pay a living wage, and get an office.

Q7: Rapid fire questions:

• Best breakfast in New York?

Any a breakfast cart for a coffee and a cruller.

• Best playground?

Slide near 68th on the East Side.

• If you need serenity, where do you go?

The reservoir in Central Park

• Thing that confuses you?

Alternate side of the street parking.

• Best Russian word that doesn’t have an English equivalent?

I can’t think of one with a PG rating.

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If you want to follow Nina’s campaign (or just watch a smart person do something brave), you can learn more here: www.ninafornyc.com

www.NiNAfornyc.com

ENDS/