Happy Hour in the Heartland – Brandon Delvo

Brandon Delvo

Brandon Delvo sat down to visit with me at Tapps Lounge in Jamestown, North Dakota. I wanted to get his take on veteran issues, agriculture policy, and his experience running for elected office in North Western North Dakota. An Iraq war veteran, Delvo has been an outspoken supporter of making sure he and his fellow veterans receive the care and support they deserve. As a farmer who now works at North Dakota’s Farmers Union, Delvo also dove into farm policy and President Trump’s budget.

Delvo ran unsuccessfully for the Legislature in District 2. We talked about his experience running as a Democrat in Western North Dakota. He also gives his take on whether he believes the current push left in the Democratic party is a good thing in ND. I bluntly asked Delvo if he thinks he would have won in Western ND if he was more liberal. Jump to minute 24 of our conversation to hear his answer.

Topics Covered:

• Veterans Affairs
• Agriculture Policy
• The push left in the Democratic Party
• Campaign experience

About

Happy Hour in the Heartland is an original podcast brought to you by ND xPlains. The series will bring the real conversations had by average people in an open, honest, and judgment free environment. The conversations are unfiltered, unscripted, and at times may move you out of your comfort zone.

So why Happy Hour? As I’ve traveled across the state and met with people of all backgrounds a couple of things are clear, everyone has an opinion on politics, and they are open about it in a one-on-one conversation after a long day at work. Whether it is a welder, a farmer, a banker, or others involved in politics who I’ve visited with, the discussions have been real and thought provoking. At times we’d agree, and at times we’d disagree. Regardless, at the end of the conversation, we’d often part ways and wish the best for each other. I hope by elevating those candid conversations, we can begin to better understand our collective worldview here on the plains.

The series will capture a personal yet public journey across the state. It is no secret I’m a Democrat from a rural, red state who recently lost reelection. In the aftermath of the 2016 election, Democrats have been accused of losing touch with rural America. I don’t think that is true locally. I know North Dakota, and I know its people. Nationally, they are talking about us now, but only a few have begun to talk with us. So let’s bring the conversation to them.

Through Happy Hour in the Heartland, your voice on the plains will be elevated. We will join you for a round at our coffee shops, diners, and bars. If you are interested in politics, grab your favorite beverage, listen, engage, and enjoy. Cheers!