BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson
December 3, 2020
How/where are you celebrating your birthday and with whom? “Casual dinner with family. I had planned for full-court basketball with my usual crew, but Covid has interfered. We will make it up later.”
How did you get your start in politics? “Campaigning for Ronald Reagan for president in 1980. I never imagined this start would lead to being governor of Arkansas.”
What’s an interesting book/article you’re reading during coronavirus social distancing? And why? “I just finished ‘The Match’ by Mark Frost. I love the history of sports, and this book tells of the struggle and joy of reaching the pinnacle of any sport. This happens to be about golf.”
What’s a trend going on in the U.S. or abroad that doesn’t get enough attention? “The growing federal deficit and debt is a trend that demands more attention and action. The last time our nation had a balanced budget was when I was in Congress and President Bill Clinton was in the White House. That was 20 years ago. The pandemic has made increased federal spending necessary, but soon we have to get to work on this long-term problem.”
What are you watching for in the Biden presidency? “It will be important as to how a Biden presidency handles China on issues of trade, security and human rights.”
What’s a fun fact that people in Washington might not know about you? “I love delta blues music from Levon Helm to Rosanne Cash to John Oates (Arkansas with the Good Road Band). The blues music has its origin in the rich soil and hard times of the delta. It is undergirded with the southern gospel themes of faith and perseverance.”
Source: https://www.politico.com/
