CNN "Erin Burnett Outfront" - Transcript: Interview with Andrew Yang

Interview

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BURNETT: And Andrew Yang is now OUTFRONT.

Mr. Yang, I appreciate your time tonight. So you're talking about giving $12,000 a year to every American adult. Why do you think this is a good idea?

YANG: Well, first you have to reflect on the fact that we're in the midst of the greatest economic transformation in the history of our country, the fourth industrial revolution. We've eliminated 4 million manufacturing jobs and now doing the same to millions of retail call center, fast food and truck driving jobs. So, when you have a transition this large, it requires solutions like a freedom dividend of $1,000 a month which would help millions of Americans transition more effectively.

BURNETT: So you're proposing as part of in, though, making people choose, right? So, you're saying you can't get as the 12,000 a year and get something like food stamps or welfare. So, my question, though, is what happens when somebody chooses the cash, spends it poorly, and then needs government assistance for basic needs.

YANG: Well, the great things is then if they make poor decisions in a particular month they get the thousand dollars the following month, and this is a thousand dollars per adult. So if you had a family that might have two adults in it, for example, you know you'd have a couple of dividends to choose from. So, it could be the pun one person opts into the dividend and one person keeps benefits.

BURNETT: So, there was a recent study which I know you are familiar with but let me share with the view are there was a guaranteed income program in Finland which they tried for a couple of years and they studied various people on that, which found that getting cash made people happier but people were less likely to find work who are getting that cash, and the control group who did not receive the payments.

So, look, you're a entrepreneur, former tech executive why counsel giving people cash with no strings attached won't make people less motivated to work and us that hurt your productive tax base and the growth you need there?

YANG: Well, if you look at the Finland trial data, you saw better health, better mental health, better relationships, more trust in government and society. And you wouldn't expect to see elevated work levels because you are only giving money to a handful of people. If you put a thousand-dollar a month into everyone's hands and trickle up economy, it will actually create more than 2 million jobs right in the economies. That's when you expect to see work levels rise.

You wouldn't expect it if you just gave a handful of unemployed people cash benefits.

BURNETT: And do you income test this at all? I know you pay for it in various ways that would affect the wealthier, right? You eliminate the cap on Social Security among other things, right? So -- you would make this progressive. But is there a cap on income somehow on the people who receive it?

YANG: No, there is no means testing. Jeff Bezos can have it if he wants. This is based on the experience in Alaska where everyone in Alaska regardless of income gets between $1,000 and $2,000 from a petroleum dividend. And if everyone receives it, then it's universal it's a right of citizenship. There is no stigma.

There is no trying to keep track of who makes what or if there is a change in circumstances. And it makes it politically universally appealing.

BURNETT: So you have a vocal organized following, Mr. Yang. You've got more donors than Cory Booker, a sitting senator, but obviously, we did not hear much from you at the debate. Your total time -- I know you're well aware of this number, two minutes, 56 seconds.

And after the debate, here's what you told supporters.

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YANG: And there were a few times, FYI, where I started talking, being like, hey, I'd like to add something there, and my mic was like, not on. So, I would just start talking and then like the moderators just like ignore and it doesn't matter.

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BURNETT: Today, NBC News said at no point during the debate was any candidate's microphone turned off or muted. What do you say to NBC?

YANG: Well, I shared my experience directly with my supporters and that was immediately after the event. You know, there were numerous times when I had an idea or thought or statement that I wanted to make that was directly related to what was being discussed. And my -- my mic did not function. And so I would talk.

And then because other people whose mics were working would begin talking off and then the moderator I had no chance to make my points. As you saw, I was only asked two full questions in two hours. You know which was lower than any other candidate and that's why I end up with such low air time.

And certainly, it wasn't for lack of effort on my part because there were many times when I thought I had a lot to add to the debate. And I'm thrilled I have another opportunity in July to make my case to the American people.

BURNETT: Yes, obviously at the CNN debate.

Now I'm looking at you now. And you know, you look the way you usually look. You dress the way you usually dress. Not something we usually bring up except for the fact Mr. Yang that last night you did something that no man on a presidential debate stage has ever done before.

[19:35:06] I'm just showing you to people seeing if they can figure out what it is.

You didn't wear a tie. Why?

YANG: Well, you know, it's funny, Erin, I've been campaigning without a tie during this entire past year. And so, when I was talking to my team, hey, it's like, should I wear a tie to the debates, then the thought was like you should just do what you are comfortable with. And this would immediately make you stand out because I'm not a career politician, I'm an entrepreneur and problem solver.

Frankly, most entrepreneurs walking around aren't wearing a suit and tie. So, we thought it was just a more natural uniform and I'd be more comfortable.

BURNETT: So, before you go, I have to say I was in a mall the other day and took a picture of one of your supporters their hat you see that hat, peach pink hat says Yang 2020. It made me realize, you have a strong and devoted group of supporters. They call themselves the Yang Gang. They've been fueling your campaign with strong grassroots support.

What do you think is behind the enthusiasm?

YANG: Well, I think, Erin, I'm talking about the real problems facing the American people, the fact that Amazon is closing 30 percent of stores and malls and paying zero in taxes and real solutions that get people excited like a thousand-dollar dividend in the hands of everyone American every single month which we can completely make happen.

We can afford it. It would help make us stronger and healthier. When people realize that this is a possibility then it makes politics actually exciting for them and relevant. And that's why I think you see so much enthusiasm among a lot of Americans who frankly have not cared about politics historically.

BURNETT: All right. Mr. Yang, thanks so much. I appreciate your time.

YANG: I appreciate you, Erin. Thank you.

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