2020 Democratic presidential candidate John Delaney joined SalonTV's Dean Obeidallah on "Salon Talks" to discuss why he's running for president. The former Maryland congressman highlighted his business background, his ability to unite Americans across party lines, and his desire to actually solve problems with new ideas, most notably on climate change and income inequality.

"I am running on exactly what this country needs. I think we are a terribly divided nation. I think the president wakes up every day and tries to divide us," Delaney said. "I think he literally sits there and thinks 'what can I do to pit the American people against each other?' because in that division he sees strength for himself."

Delaney also discussed rifts among Democrats and why he calls the capitalism vs. socialism debate "silly." "We've got to get back to our roots," Delaney said, citing FDR and LBJ. "Socialism in its pure form is not the right answer for this country, but capitalism unchecked is not the right answer either."

As a president, Delaney says he would first focus on getting things done that are already in motion in Congress with bi-partisan support, including comprehensive immigration reform, a carbon tax and legislation on digital privacy.

"The path to getting things done is to find common ground, seek solutions that really work, and advocate for them. If you keep moving the goalposts, that's not how you make progress," Delaney said.

Watch the episode above to learn hear about Delaney's extensive climate change plan. Although the former congressman says he likes the energy around the Green New Deal, he is offering a different plan that focuses on reducing the world's carbon and creating new jobs for Americans at the same time.


Cover image courtesy of www.johndelaney.com


SalonTV host Dean Obeidallah is also the host of the daily national SiriusXM radio program, "The Dean Obeidallah Show" on the network's progressive political channel. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.