CNN Newsroom: Interview With Rep. Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE)

Interview

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Well, first of all, Jim, good to be with you.

I have to say that this is probably one of the biggest disappointments. It is the first time I voted against this bill, and it really was because it became so politicized. And instead of being focused on our national security, it was really focused on politics and culture wars. And so, for me, the fact that there are so many real needs for our security in the world, as well as providing support to our service members, this was a real big disappointment, a really big disappointment.

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We're fortunate that the senate will do its job, but it is still a disappointment.

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I mean, you know, the reality is we can't afford to let that happen. It is similar to the last situation we had with the default, our potential defaulting on our economy.

You know, right now we have a Republican Party in the House that is so much focused on these culture wars that we're forgetting about the American people.

And as I said, you know, for Speaker McCarthy, this -- you know, I don't know if it's job security over national security, but it is really important that we get the work done of the American people.

And I think that that's why the fund-raising numbers that you have seen for the Biden-Harris campaign are what they are, is because people know that this is about caring about their families, not just about what happens in a party in, you know, a political party in congress or in Washington. So it's important that we get this done. And we will get it -- we must get it done.

But I'm also concerned about a government shutdown in the fall over appropriations. So, again, hopefully we will be able to see some real work and partnership with the Senate. But this bill -- this was a real debacle.

Even one of the members on the Republican side really going against diversity and inclusion initiatives and at the same time calling black folks "colored". It shows why we have a need still.

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Well, you know, as someone that was actually trapped up in the Gallery on January 6th, I think that, you know, it awakened -- and President Trump has awakened this -- this spirit of things that, for some people, were always there.

And I think it, again, just points to the need for a president like Joe Biden, who is more focused on bringing people together and representing all of America than just some portions of America.

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Yes. Let me just say, first of all, I'm excited about these numbers. We are grateful for all of the grass roots support, you know. Behind these numbers are individuals and 97 percent of the dollars raised were actually from donors who gave under $200. $39 was the average.

And the number of teachers, nurses, retirees were predominant as these donors. So to me, the fact that people are giving at this level, historic level, this is historic the amount that we have been able to raise and that the president and the vice president have been able to raise is indicative to me of America number one, recognizing we have a president who is bringing us back to the world stage and expanding NATO, a president and a vice president who are focused on getting us through a pandemic but our economy, Bidenomics is actually working.

And you see it. People are feeling it, seeing it and it's reflected in these dollars that people have donated. 30 percent were new people that had never given before. So again, we are excited and we are grateful but we know that we're going to need this to win.

And the good thing is it's double what President Trump did, and it's triple what DeSantis did.

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Yes. Well, you know, I mean we pay attention to everything. That's really important. And the president takes not one vote for granted.

But the reality is he has demonstrated that he can do the job, and what's special about this fund-raising hall as well is that it's also a part of the DNC's effort along with 50 state parties and the District of Columbia. That's the first time that's ever happened as well.

And I think that shows that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are our ticket. And we're ready for any race. We take every vote seriously. But I think Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are ready to finish the job.

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Thank you.

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