A Mini-Interview With Tom Tancredo

One of Tom Tancredo’s people contacted me and asked me if I’d like to do an interview with Tanc via email. I agreed, made sure he knew I worked for Duncan Hunter, and sent him the questions.

I sent in 7 questions, Tanc only answered 4, and his answers were surprisingly brief. I’m not exactly sure why that’s the case because when I interviewed Tanc back in 2003, he seemed to enjoy talking about the issues in depth.

I did ask about the brevity and the possibility of getting a short phone interview, but I was told Tanc was booked solid for a long while and that he deliberately wanted to keep things brief. So, with that in mind, enjoy this very short mini-interview.

What do you say to people who say being tough on illegal immigration was a losing issue for Republicans in 2006?

Look at the ballot initiatives in Arizona that passed with popular support, such as the initiative supporting English as the official state language and the initiative ending some public benefits for illegal aliens.

If Tom Tancredo became President, how would he handle illegal immigration?

Secure our borders and prosecute companies who hire them. And, of course, veto any bill that grants amnesty to illegal immigrants.

Now obviously, your campaign has been centered around the illegal immigration issue. But, let’s say a voter came up to you and said, “Tom, I’m thinking about supporting you, but give me three reasons to do that other than illegal immigration.” What would you say to them?

I would say to them, “I’ve advanced my reputation as a solid pro-life, pro-gun, small government Republican and my Congressional record shows this.”

Now you’ve said it’s time for “disengagement” in Iraq. However, it has been often said that if we leave Iraq before their military can effectively police the streets, we could see genocide there, a possible cut off of their oil which would spike worldwide prices, and Al-Qaeda could possibly set up a state within a state in part of the country. Do you think those things are unlikely to happen or is that just an acceptable price to pay for being able to leave?

Ultimately, it will be up to the Iraqis for what kind of future they want. But, to prepare for success when we leave, we must first allow regional powers and Iraq factions the freedom they need to forge a new balance of power.

You can read more about Tom Tancredo at his website here or at his blog here.

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