 Hi folks, I'm here with Melanie DeRigo running to represent New York's third congressional district She ran once before in 2020 and now she is back and better than ever and she's here to talk about her campaign Melanie Welcome to the program. Thank you so much Mike. It's great to be back. I'm really excited to be here with you tonight Very excited to talk to you. So okay, I have to ask this to every single person who's running twice in a row Why? I know it's difficult running for Congress is really a tremendous amount of self-sacrifice It's exhausting and a lot of folks who are running for Congress are still working full-time. They have families So what made you want to run again? I know that you increase your chances when you run that second and third time possibly But what made you want to do this again? Right. Well, look, you know, we as you know I ran in 2020 as an insurgent candidate and we got a little under 30% of the vote in a global Bantemic being outspent nearly 20 to 1 with the inability to knock doors, right? So I think, you know doing as well as we did up against the barriers We were up against really showed me that our message was resonating, right? And guess what happens when you show up for people and you fight for policies that are going to improve Material conditions for people they respond they get excited And you know, it was really wonderful because you know I ran for office and of the team that we built we were all just so passionate about pushing for progressive policy and real change that You know, it it was wonderful to see such a Positive response from the community, right? And so even though we weren't successful necessarily with the outcome that we wanted We were still successful in educating people on policy and moving the needle. I mean we move people from staunch, you know No, you know positive toward the ACA But no way Medicare for all all the way to Medicare for all supporters and we built a beautiful coalition, right? And so even though I didn't win the election Our job wasn't done, you know, we still Or we've been building every day since then and you know, I didn't know if I was going to run again right away But I do know that I need to show up and fight for my community So I've been in the community each and every day Building and pushing toward the policies that you know, I'm fighting for and you know at the end of the day It just came down to there's so much on the line right now You know in terms of the policies that we need past, you know The climate crisis is one but so healthcare is another we're still in a global pandemic and literal lives are on the line You know, and I I think you know this but for your viewers. Hi who don't know I'm a mom of three I have three children eleven seven and four And so I don't have a choice but I have to run I have to fight for their future So, you know, we're back this time around to finish what we started and this time we're going all the way Yeah, I'm really excited that you're back anyone who runs a second time I think that that's really really important, especially given how well you did I mean, I don't think people realize that that disadvantage monetarily is So difficult to overcome but to get nearly 30% With how little you raise I mean you raise the substantial amount for grassroots donations But just to do what you did with that little money compared to your opponents. It's honestly outstanding I wanted to ask you what's the biggest thing that you think you've learned and improved upon with the second campaign Because everyone who I talked to who runs twice says that they feel like they know a lot more now Like they kind of have been a little bit on the inside. They see how the sausage sausage was made and it's ugly But now they realize, okay, we have to focus on money We can get a little bit more bang for a buck in terms of money and mailers What do you think is the biggest takeaway from your first campaign that you're bringing into the second campaign? Yeah, well, I think if there's a few things right we certainly learned a lot in the last election And you know both what worked and what didn't work and what we could have done better This time around, you know, one likes to hear this especially of coming from the grassroots But money is important. So we are spending a lot of time on the phones and there's a lot of fatigue right now You know, they're they're feeling I think disengaged at the moment. So, you know, we're we're spending Anywhere between 50 and 70 hours a week on the phones and yeah, it's rough But we're doing it because it's important, you know, we need we know we need to raise money to win and Winning is the only option this time around. So so that's what we're doing The other piece that I think is really important this time around. We started very early Last time I kind of entered the race fairly late. I was one of the last candidates, you know In terms of in the candidates at least in new york this time around I was out front early building support And we continued to build our coalitions, right? And I think that's really important And I think showing up in you know, and this is something I think we did really well last time And it's something we'll continue to do this time. It's just you know showing up at as many community events as possible listening to Folks all over the district at every demographic and finding out what's important to them And and you know education because a lot of folks, you know, as we know, right a lot a lot of politicians like to gaslight us on what they believe and what policies are and So we really try to be truth tellers and engage people in true civic discourse and debate And we educate on policy and I think that's how we're able to build, you know, the diverse coalition that we've built And that's very very exciting But yeah, I mean, you know, there's there's no way to sugarcoat it You know, you have to raise the money if you want to win and so we're very focused on that this time around Yeah, yeah, it's good to know it's a sad fact of reality But if we pretend as if that's not the case then I feel like we're not going to be as equipped as we can be Going into these races one thing that I wanted to ask you about is So in a lot of these states, especially new york, we're we're learning a lot this year with india walter and whatnot The state party apparatus is almost always dismissive of Progressives running for congress such as yourself Um, so I wanted you to talk through the dynamics of your race Is there like already an establishment favorite in who they're seemingly backing? Is there an incumbent democrat that you're you're running against? Is there like other big money candidates that are kind of coming in and not really doing much? But they're just collecting cash because they have those financial interests Talk through the dynamics because some of these races are so stacked with candidates. Some of them have like No joke more than 10 candidates and so, um, it's it's interesting to Think about, you know, do you think that? Your chances go down with more candidates. Um, I mean obviously statistically, it's less of a likelihood But how does that like how do you compensate for that as someone who isn't raising big money? So you're kind of like there's this fear that you're going to get drowned out by everyone else So talk about the dynamics of your race and how you overcome these sorts of challenges Yeah, well, you know first of all must we're trying to raise big money, right? So we're hoping we'll get there from the grassroots and you know, so far we're feeling pretty good But yes in terms of the dynamics of the race So in 2020 I ran against the vice chair of the problem solvers caucus Tom Swazi This time this you know 2022 I entered the race intending to run against him as well At which, you know, we we believe would have been an epic two person race But you know just very recently things changed and he announced He was not going to seek reelection for the third congressional district. He's running for another office So, uh, you know, we're now the clear front runners, which is very very exciting Um, you know, we are the only candidate in the race right now or we're the only campaign in the race right now You know, we do expect that to change. There are a lot of rumors You know, of course redistricting is happening Um, and I think there's a lot of folks potentially waiting to see what that looks like, but um, you know, we'll see You know, we we're hearing rumors that you know, there's multi-millionaires that might jump in, you know, it's Right, because that's what we need more rich people to control us. Um But here's what I'll say and this is why I think this race is so exciting And I and I actually believe it's going to be one of the most exciting house races of 2022 Because we've been building for years in the district I am the only person that I know of from an organizer perspective or even, you know Versus a sitting elected official that has built infrastructure in each area of the district This is a district that spans three counties Part of Suffolk county in lung island part of nasa county and part of queens, which is part of new york city We have a massive volunteer base in each county. Uh, we have a ton of support I don't know if you know this, but we actually have 13 endorsements already. Uh, and it's still pretty early Yeah, we and you know as soon as yeah, yeah as soon as we launched On the first day we launched in fact the national I was actually the first candidate of the cycle to be endorsed by brand new congress the national organization for women Moms and office her old move matriarch early endorsed me. Uh, just received the national indivisible endorsement along with like rep premilla jaya paul and monday r jones and The new york progressive action network a couple of the, um, you know regional players there as well Zephyr teach out endorsed our campaign and just yesterday we were endorsed by no idc new york, which was a Awesome awesome grassroots organization. If you're familiar that work to Essentially oust democrats that were caucusing with republicans, which sounds a lot like my race last time But yeah, you know, we are We're full speed ahead, you know the momentum is here. We've been having rallies and you know in in december in the cold You know 70 people are showing up, you know, and this is that's impressive This is exciting This because I truly believe when you give people something to show up for people show up when you show up for people They show up for you and that's you know, that's why I know we're going to win this race That's so excited the fact that right like it's definitely going to change But the fact that you're kind of the only one right now that gives you such a good amounts of um Of opportunities right to like build name recognition and the community and you're doing everything you need to That's that's really exciting. Um, okay, let's assume you're going to be elected because I think you are So when you get to congress, um, what do you think would be your biggest priorities in terms of trying to Fix the democratic party Um, what do you think they need to do? and stop doing like what would be your way of trying to like Make them suck less on a national level and make them focus more on the things that matter Like fixing democracy voting rights climate change like what what do you think would be your main project like long-term project? Yeah, I mean there's so many but I will tell you what I think is the most corrupting influence in politics is corporate money Um, yeah, it's where good policy dies and it's where bad policy is born It influences every aspect of what the government is trying to do Uh, and and we've seen it right over and over and over and over it always plays out virtually the same way So that is something that I feel very passionately about that we we absolutely, you know, I I wrote the paid buy act resolution We talked about that the last time I was on the show But ultimately we need to overturn citizens united That is going to be a little bit of a long-term progress But I or a little bit of a long-term plan I am continually inspired by progressives by grassroots that are stepping up all over this country to demand better You know that actually are living the values that you know the democratic party purports to stand for so You know what we're hoping to do with this race now Now remember like part of a good significant chunk of my district as it stands today is in long island Which you know, you know, there's a fair amount of conservatives here as well But you know, we're hoping to really set the example here that when we stand for something When we fight for people when we invest in our communities And really put a vision out for that people will vote for something You know and that's that's very exciting. So I think we need to do more of that We need to step away from this Um, what I what I believe is very cowardly, right? Um, not wanting to You know Stand in our truth and stand in our values or combat ridiculous narratives that have nothing to do with what we're trying to accomplish And unfortunately, you know, we're in this place where I hear all the time from representatives Oh, well, I can't speak out too publicly on, you know, x because of the election and it's like, well, no This is why you serve, right? You know, it's so for me I would like us to Like look, of course, you know, we we want to make sure we have enough democrats or, you know Progressive democrats to pass policy. Absolutely. But what good is it? What goes building power if we're not going to use that power to help? Yeah Yeah, yeah, that's exactly right Um, okay one thing that I wanted to ask you and I feel like out of all the the topics that are easy to persuade people on It really is medicare for all in health care Like I've talked about how my mom who is not very politically savvy was able to convince trump supporters that we know To support bernie sanders on the basis of do you want medicare for all or do you not? Um, so you've converted people from aca to medicare for all now. I find Liberals, uh, who are very like staunch aca supporters a little bit more difficult Honestly than people who have no knowledge of health care whatsoever because to me I noticed that it's somewhat and this is a generalization It's more supporting it out of loyalty to obama, for example And you you want that legacy to remain intact. How do you like what's effective? How do you convert them to aca supporters into medicare for all supporters? Yeah, um, so where we have found a tremendous amount of success Is you know through house parties or zoom events Oh, okay. Um and and bringing small groups together, uh, and and here's what I found, you know Whether you're like it or not it works When I start talking about health care policy, I start describing medicare for all I go into the details. We talk about it all and everyone in the room says wow Yeah, that sounds like a great policy And I'm like right and that's medicare for all and then you see their heads kind of explode and they're like wait, what? That's not what I heard, you know, and I think it's really like look nobody Likes to be told well, you're wrong or you know your opinion. Yeah You're not winning anyone over with that, right? So I think it's really about meeting people where they're at and then really explaining what the policy is because You know, I really truly believe that most progressive policies not all but you know, let's let's first, you know Just for a measure good measure here. Let's say most progressive policy is common-sense policy that uplifts You know, what all or you know wide Array of folks, right? So when we're able to Really get into it and talk to people without the pretense and without folks feeling attacked I find people flooded and you can build a lot of support that way But you know, it's time consuming you have to you have to be ready to do the work and organize and and educate But it really works Yeah, that's actually really great advice because if you just say hey This is why you should support support Medicare for all once you say the title They have all these preconceived ideas about why it's bad. Oh, that's tied to Bernie and socialism and communism And so like they have all a million ideas in their head But if you just explain it to them and then you say well, that's Medicare for all as you did I could see how that would be effective that makes a lot of sense I really like that's a good tactic that I hope that my viewers listen to In convincing their family members And I think too, you know the times that we find ourselves in these days, uh, you know, we're still in this pandemic I think you know For the first time and probably a lot of you know, a lot of those folks who are staunch aca supporters Maybe they found themselves a little unsure in terms of job security, right? And what happens when your job goes away? Well, so does your insurance unless you want to pay three times the cost, right? I think it helped people really reevaluate that healthcare conversation and I saw folks really flip over that way as well Yeah, yeah, it's it's really fascinating to see that the way that candidates across the country frame it So in new york you kind of really just you just have to explain it to them in uh more conservative districts I have candidates say well, you know I actually frame it in a somewhat conservative sounding way and I pitch it as a small business tax cut Which is actually a really great selling point because it technically is Um, so yeah, like different things work for different people and it's really important that we meet people where they are I'm saying this to mostly remind myself of it as my viewers know I kind of get too preachy But you know, it's it's important. Uh, you know, this is about making progress changing minds and it's really a long A long project, you know, it's not something that we're gonna accomplish in a couple of years Uh, so meli, I mean all of my viewers they already they know you they're familiar with you They want you in congress. We all want you in congress. We need you in congress Tell us what we could do to help you make that a reality We know you need money, but do you need any volunteers phone bankers? If we don't live in new york 3, how can we help you from across the country? Yeah, so uh, if you go to jerigo 2022 that's d a r r i g o 20 22.com You can sign up to be a volunteer. Absolutely. I tell everybody if you want to get involved in this campaign I promise we have a job for you You know and whether that's phone banking or you want to help research or you know There's just tons of different ways to get involved. This campaign is growing exponentially. It feels like every minute So we're always looking for more folks to get involved But we also do need money. So if it's you know, if you can make a contribution You can go to donate to melani.com. That's m e l a n i e And you can make a contribution that way and I do want to just do a plug because I know You know years ago I used to think well I don't have money to donate to a candidate because I always thought I had to donate this large amount of money And listen, it all helps But you know, frankly if you have $5 a month to give or $10 a month to give or you can even give $5 one time All of it is immensely immensely helpful and you know for campaigns like mine grassroots campaigns We stretch that dollar as far as we can so it really helps if you're able to make a contribution This is a race you definitely want to invest in because it's one of our best chances to elect another progressive to the house Yeah, that's that's awesome One last thing I wanted to ask you is that I don't know if you have this information available if you've crunched it yet Do you know how much it costs? Estimated to like reach a voter in your district like some candidates say they can do it for two bucks or adult Like what is what is the estimated cost to reach an actual voter in your district? Yes, well, you know in the last election It ended up being about nine dollars a voter, which we actually felt was pretty good This time we're going to have to reach a lot more voters. It's a little bit of a different election this time around The gubernatorial primary will be on the same day, which you know There'll be a larger voter turnout. So we're going in to reach a lot more Although I will say, you know, we're working with we have fabulous team And you know, they're they're crunching and reevaluating, you know numbers as we speak Well, yeah, yeah, so for your district, I mean if you donate 10 dollars and you're watching this you can help melanie reach One more voter if a hundred of you do this I mean think of think of the impact that we can have and some of these races They are super super close Um, so even if you feel as if like that isn't going to make a difference It will make a difference because I mean Every penny counts in these races when you aren't taking big money You've got to you know, you've got to make up for that So, you know, these small grassroots donations are really important melanie. Thank you so much for coming on the program We'll be talking shortly about a uh different subject helping candidates and if you want to run So, uh, yeah, I really uh, thank you so much. Thank you so much. Mike. Appreciate it