Senator Ben Cardin joins Nestor at MACo in Ocean City to discuss the emotional impact of the Key Bridge collapse and importance of small businesses in America. His political legacy as he departs Congress and the need for civility and importance of independent journalism in maintaining a healthy democracy were also on the Weis conversation menu from the beach.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
work, bridge, crab cake, part, port, journalist, maryland, day, years, people, america, give, proud, angela, issues, larry hogan, small business, army corps, senator, figure
SPEAKERS
Ben Cardin, Nestor Aparicio
Nestor Aparicio 00:00
8
Welcome home. We are wnst Towson, Baltimore, Baltimore, positive. We are here in Ocean City, Maryland. It’s Mako. It’s all brought to you by the Maryland lottery. You have the Gold Rush seven stumblers to give away here. And I selected this one serendipitously. It’s number 19 for Johnny Unitas. So I figured Senator bent card would like that. Bet you’re going away. Present now that you’re leaving the elected Space Center, how many years? 56 years? How many years have been actually, it’s
Ben Cardin 00:26
5850 was 56 two years ago.
Nestor Aparicio 00:29
58 years. You get a lottery ticket, but
Ben Cardin 00:32
if I win $10,000 it violates the ethics rules. Give me
8Nestor Aparicio 00:36
that back. All right. No, no, give this to my wife. How are you?
Ben Cardin 00:40
I’m doing great.
Nestor Aparicio 00:41
I appreciate being your last stop here.
Ben Cardin 00:43
8It’s always good. You know, I always enjoy Mako with friends, but doing this for many, many years, since my days in the state legislature. So these are people who are really dedicated to public service. And it’s, it’s just a it’s a happening. It’s a place to be
Nestor Aparicio 00:58
Key Bridge. Let’s start with that. I’m sure you were around when the thing went up, and part of that that day, I found myself in a room sobbing in Florida and the emotions of it. I’m a Dundalk guy. I realized I could look out of my bedroom window and literally see the bridge all of my life, let alone cost us and what it’s done the business and these people who lost their lives putting this thing back together, that maybe something you didn’t think was going to be on your desk six
Ben Cardin 01:25
months ago. It was surreal. It was a shock when you saw the video. Particularly, you couldn’t believe that could happen. It just horrible. Our first thoughts about those who could have been could perish as a result of being on the bridge, we thought there would be multiple, many casualties. We lost six souls that from the collapse, which are our thoughts, prayers and our families are with our support, but it could have been a lot worse, and we give our thanks to the first responders and the police who were able to close the bridge in time. But then the miraculous really was. It really was, I mean, it’s middle of the night, and there was anyone who fell into the water, chances of rescue were, were not great at all. The water was freezing, murky. It was a horrible situation. Then the reality stepped and we saw the dolly with the bridge on top of it, and he said, this channel is going to be closed for a long time. This bridge is not going to be replaced. What are we going to do? And within hours, President Biden was on the phone, reassuring us that he would be there. A secretary Buttigieg was actually on the scene. Within hours, we had a chance to talk.
Nestor Aparicio 02:37
He called you, right? He
8Ben Cardin 02:38
called me. He said, We have your back. We’re going to do everything you need, anything you need to do, you’re going to be there. Our rescue teams are going to be there. The Coast Guard’s going to be there. The Army Corps is going to be there. We’re going to get the port open as quickly as possible, or get the bridge replaced. And by the way, we’re going to pay 100% of the cost. We’ll give you all the resources you need. And that was reassuring, but it was just the shock, as you said. I mean, this is iconic part of our community, the port being closed, the third busiest port in America. I don’t
Nestor Aparicio 03:09
think citizens realize that, as a citizen, that was something. I was watching it on CNN, you know, on an airport, flying home that day from Orlando, and it freaked me out. Think I’m gonna fly home and not see the bridge underneath on that day, right? But I’m watching, I’m thinking, the port, the port, the port. That is something. I’m a kid from Dundalk. I knew people that worked at the port. You know, you see the cars when you go through the harbor tunnel, and you know all that, but the economic part of that engine, it was an awakening, I think, for our citizenry, about the and
Ben Cardin 03:35
the port is inland. It’s more inland than any of their competing competition, but that also means it’s more vulnerable for bridges, for example. So the port was closed. For all intents and purposes. There was a little bit, little bit of a facility, a trade point, but not much. So we basically had a situation where overnight, people could not go to work, not just the Longshoremen, not just the direct employees, but how about the restaurant owner? Depends on the people being there to work, really,
Nestor Aparicio 04:06
8no different than covid in that way as a shutdown, exactly
Ben Cardin 04:09
right, very similar as a total shutdown. So immediately, we met with the workers, we arranged for some temporary help. We kept businesses open. The SBA was there immediately. We did everything we could to protect the workers, protect the businesses. And then we had the circumstances of the bridge itself and the rescue operations and the how we’re going to clean this channel out. I think initially we thought it would take months and months before the court could be opened. But the Army Corps, the Coast Guard, did the right thing. If
Nestor Aparicio 04:44
that bridge goes up as quickly as it got dredged, we will have something right. That was
Ben Cardin 04:47
a miracle. I mean, I don’t the risk factors there. Can you imagine diving and you can’t see your your hands, and there’s jagged edges, and you, anytime you moved, anything, things could move. You know, you could be trapped. There, the danger levels were so high, and they’re working with with sonar, not with direct sight, and trying to figure out how they’re going to do the salvage operations to get the the bridge remnants removed. It’s a miracle that they were able to get that done with in safety, and then how quickly they got it done. It speaks to the talent, the engineers that we have, the Navy, the Army Corps, the local police, authorities that were there to help dive also, my hat’s off to all of them. They were amazing.
8Nestor Aparicio 05:34
You’ve done so much legacy work. I will ask you what you’re most proud of, but I do think when I think of your legacy small business, and I’m a small business owner, and things that you have gone to fight for, for Marylanders and for people I’m an am radio station in Towson, go around this country, try to find another person, a guy that lives in a community that owns a radio I’m competing with Odyssey. I’m competing with clear these big, big Hearst all these big people, small business is the engine of the country, and I’m in a weird spot in my industry, but restaurants, that’s, that’s the heart and core restaurants in this country. Well,
Ben Cardin 06:10
small businesses are heart and core of our of America. That’s where you not only get job growth, because that’s where most jobs are created. You get innovation. You got to figure out a different way to do things when they are in order to be able to have an audience internet. Internet came along. You figure it out. You got that drive. That’s what’s so great about small business entrepreneurship. You have that drive to figure out a better way to do something, and you can make money off of it, but you can also change the face of services in America or manufacturing in America, all that can be done as a result of the innovation of small companies. That’s why there’s more patents by small companies, more job created, more innovation than we do from the larger companies. So yes, I was proud to chair the Small Business Committee. I’ve done everything I can to provide opportunities to the genuine small companies that depend upon the help, because they don’t have deep pockets. So when covid hit, they couldn’t survive without government help.
Nestor Aparicio 07:07
I’m one of them. I’m a PPP guy. Yeah, yeah. I mean, I would not be here. Chris Van Hollen came by and complimented you on all of this work and the legacy work, but the fact that you did it sort of together, and you know, I’m gonna have Larry Hogan on, I’m gonna have Angela also Brooks on, who I’ve not met, and talking about the work that you’re leaving behind, the legacy you’re leaving behind. Let’s talk about what you’re there’s gonna be an end point you’re gonna sprint to that, as Chris Van Hollen said, you were, what are you leaving behind, Legacy wise, and what’s the work that’s still gonna need to be done by Larry or Angela, depending on who wins this election.
Ben Cardin 07:42
8So I could talk about specific issues. Somehow, I’m proud about the Chesapeake Bay, proud about what I did with small businesses during covid. I could talk about Medicare, preventive health care that I was responsible for getting done, or international human rights, the mcnitz sanctions. There’s a lot of issues I can pension reform. There’s a lot of issues I can talk about, but what I guess I’m the most proud about is that being able to work in a civil environment across party line to get things done. Come November, I’m gonna do everything I can to get Democrats elected, but once the election is over, you gotta work together and you gotta get things done. And I hope my legacy is that I was able to reach out and work with Republicans, work with Democrats, and get things done so we just don’t talk about issues and do it in a way that’s respectful and civility, to me, is is a hard commodity today in American politics, and
Nestor Aparicio 08:37
you’ve preached that because you come from that old school. Well, that’s true. I mean, if everybody relate Trump, nothing would get done, right? I mean, literally, right. That’s the push and shove of all cooperation is at the core of getting anything done.
Ben Cardin 08:48
You’re right. It’s old school. We want to make it new school. We want to make this back the way things should be for
Nestor Aparicio 08:55
that part of the legacy. What did you not get done? What’s what still needs to get done.
8Ben Cardin 09:00
Oh, well, everything’s a work in progress. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to advance entrepreneurship in underserved communities. The numbers are very impressive. Maryland led the nation startups, women owned, small businesses and women of color. I’m proud about those accomplishments. But Am I satisfied? No, there’s still work that’s got to be done. There’s still too many gaps. We have a wealth gap in this country. There’s there’s so many areas that we we have a housing problem in this country, yet our schools are still not where they need to be, and the federal government needs to play a role in all those issues the international community, well, we have wars going on in Ukraine and in the Middle East. I would like to see us find a way that we can live together in peace around the world. So look, I’m going to be visionary, and I’m going to always expect the best. I’m proud of what we were able to get done. We still have a lot of work to do.
Nestor Aparicio 09:51
I woke up that morning after the Trump Biden debate, kind of despondent. I mean, I woke up four in the morning, I think. Even put a social media status. That’s I I don’t feel good about this. I feel like and now, 60 days later, I guess there’s been a whole new energy in the Democratic Party. I think Tim Wall is a part of that, obviously, Kamala Harris a part of that. But I don’t know that we could have seen this coming 90 days ago. You’re absolutely
Ben Cardin 10:17
right. I was at Prince George’s County Community College yesterday, with the President and Vice President, people were standing in line for hours just to be part of that action. They are so excited. They want to be part of this history. This is This is amazing. What’s happening, the energy levels, and you’re right, think back just a few weeks a month ago, and where we were in the dumps, sort of resigned to the fact that looked like there would not be a competitive election. Now this is an exciting election. Kamala Harris has brought a lot of excitement to the campaign, and there’s such respect for Joe Biden for what he did as president, what he’s done through his whole political career, and the courageous decision he made not to seek reelection, and it’s energized the Democratic Party, but more importantly, I think it’s energized the American people.
Nestor Aparicio 11:05
8I have not met Angela, also Brooks. I’m going to have her on the show September 24 coming over to state fair. I’m having an oyster with her. And I know you’re going to give me a hard time about that, about the crab cake, but tell me about Angela and about your your thoughts about I’m sure you’re hoping for her, and all respect to Larry Hogan, but you know, the issues that are here are important issues.
Ben Cardin 11:25
I know Angela very well. She outstanding individual. She’s in public service for all the right reasons. She has incredible talent. Her work ethic and integrity are beyond question. She’s a great was a great prosecutor. Understands the need to be an advocate to get things done. Great county exec worked with us on so many different issues. She’s fully prepared to take on the responsibilities of the United States Senator. I strongly support her, and think she’d be the best for the people of Maryland.
Nestor Aparicio 11:56
You go, be there that day when the name comes off the plate and you put the new plate up, but you smiling, thinking about it. What are you going to do retired? You don’t know how to retire.
Ben Cardin 12:03
Not going to retire. That’s one thing I can tell you. I would like to have a little more control over my calendar. My Calendar sort of get stuck doing stuff like this. Well, not that. I mean, you better still come have a crab cake when your former Senator Will you know, as one reporter noted, next year. In fact, this November, Myrna and I will celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary, and this is my 58th year in public life. So Myrna has had at least two good years. I think it’s time for her to have some more time with me, and for me to have more time with her. What are you going to do?
8Nestor Aparicio 12:35
You got you got to go to go somewhere. You never been this. You get a you got a bucket list?
Ben Cardin 12:39
No, I we’ve traveled the world. I’ve been very fortunate where I’ve been able to represent the United States around the world, particularly in my relationship now as Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I think we will find ways to continue the issues we think are important, Chesapeake Bay, human rights, civility, those types of issues. We’re going to fight to continue those, those policies, and I’ll find ways to contribute. When I
Nestor Aparicio 13:07
think human rights, and I, you know, I think of your work and what just happened with the journal, and I’m a journalist, right? So, I mean, I think about what journalists are going through in war zones, at different places you’ve always been. We’ve got it good here. You know, for all the people that complain about America, inside of America, it’s a completely different situation. In my homeland of Venezuela as an example, right? You could be
Ben Cardin 13:27
8in the most dangerous profession in the world today. It’s more dangerous to be a journalist than to be a soldier. It is life threatening in so many parts of the world where journalists are killed. We’ve seen that in Russia. We’ve seen it in Turkey. We’ve seen it throughout the world. We’ve seen journalists who have been made hostages. We saw that, obviously, in Russia. So this is so it’s not easy, and then you are called in democratic countries as being the enemies of the state. We’ve seen that happen, and therefore, just on your own privacy, can be impacted by this. So our Founding Fathers said that an independent press is critically important to preserving our democracy. It’s perhaps the most important single ingredient are indexed as to the health of a democracy is the health of its independent journalism. We’re suffering in America. We, most Americans, get their news from cable news, which is anything but investigative reporting, and it’s certainly not balanced a lot of the cable stations, and it’s a challenge for us, so my hat’s off to you for what you do, and thank you. You recognize you play an important role, and I hope that young people today realize that becoming a journalist is an important part of their carrying out the Democratic Institute. Missions of America, and that we can find a way to find support for investigative journalists, so that when I started, I would have a half a dozen reporters covering me in the Maryland General Assembly today, I have virtually no one covering me in the United States Senate. That’s local, so we need
Nestor Aparicio 15:15
that’s unbelievable. That’s an unbelievable mission from a city Senator about that. I know you have to go, come get a crab cake with me. Okay, all right, absolutely. I hear you can have time on your hands, beginning sometime in January. Senator Ben Cardin always joins us. And for Dave sigman, Uncle Ben, her final visit is a sitting senator, and we’ll get some more free time with that. We’re down here on behalf of the Maryland lottery. We’re going to be at fadelies Next Friday having a crab cake, maybe even a fried oyster. 26 oysters in 26 days beginning on September 5, back for more in Mako, in Ocean City, Maryland. Right after this, you.
