Michael Bennet, Colorado Senator

In this episode, Willy welcomes Michael Bennet. Holding public office as the U.S. Senator for Colorado since 2009, Michael is driven by “an obligation to create more opportunity for the next generation.” He has built a strong reputation as a source of pragmatic and independent thinking, uniting Democrats and Republicans in tackling the country’s toughest issues, such as early childhood education, climate change, healthcare, and national security. His unfailing heart for service began even before his senatorial stint, helping to restructure failed businesses and creating the world’s largest movie theater chain, AMC. Starting off, Willy asks Michael about the reasons behind his career choice as a politician. Michael expresses gratitude to have contributed to Denver Public Schools as a superintendent, describing his past work experiences have widened his perspective on business and service. Being born in New Delhi, he disbelieves it to be a hurdle in his 2019 presidential campaign. He fondly talks about his father, Douglas J. Bennet, and his term as an editor for Yale Law Review, describing it as “the most luxurious three years of his life.” Michael then retells his experience working with Dick Celeste and how he reached the conclusion, “I wasn’t put on this earth to practice law. I just didn’t enjoy it.” He continues his journey by buying up Regal Cinemas, creating the largest motion picture exhibitor in the world. Michael reminisces on the day he was sworn in as senator, describing how former Colorado governor Ben Ritter made the historical appointment possible. He characterizes Colorado as “a crucible of American politics” as he relentlessly strives to protect the honor of Ritter’s decision. Michael remains firm on his stance on exerting more efforts on climate change and how the West is suffering from a water shortage. “One of my great frustrations is that we’ve done a terrible job,” he says. Another pressing issue is the negative effects of inflation on the current U.S. economy as the average American citizen works tirelessly yet is still unable to afford housing, healthcare, and education. He urges the market to consider onshore manufacturing to maintain ethically-run supply chains. As one of the powerful forces behind the Build Back Better Act, Michael laments that “it’s going to be very hard to get it over to the finish line.” He also provides his two cents on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, stating it as solid proof that democracy will always win over totalitarianism. He believes underestimating the Ukrainian people was a huge mistake on Putin’s part and that balance in leadership is needed to figure out the best strategy for overcoming nationwide attacks. As a qualified lawyer, Michael gives his perspective on the Roe v. Wade leak and the importance of voting for people who believe in women’s rights and are pro-choice. Even as a gun owner himself, Michael supports the move for universal background checks in connection to Colorado’s dark history with gun violence. Despite this, he voted against Dianne Feinstein’s legislation as he believed it was “an obsolete approach.” For the 2024 presidential elections, Michael predicts Joe Biden and Donald Trump running once again. Willy and Michael end the episode with Michael looking back on his viral speech on the Senate floor in 2013, speaking against Ted Cruz’s call for a government shutdown.

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