Activist Ady Barkan calls out Biden for not talking with him about health care
Activist Ady Barkan called out former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump says he would be willing to do ‘fireside chat’ reading the Zelensky transcript Judge questions whether Don McGahn is immune from testifying in front of House: report California Governor Newsom and family dress as 2020 Democrats for Halloween MORE for the 2020 candidate’s “refusal” to sit down with him to discuss health care policies.
Barkan, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016, has met with several top 2020 Democratic presidential candidates to talk about his push for more affordable health care and listen to their policies.
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He said he was “disappointed” that Biden did not take time to talk with him, alleging it shows he’s not ready to take on President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump says he would be willing to do ‘fireside chat’ reading the Zelensky transcript Krystal Ball: ‘The weird obsession and freakout over Tulsi Gabbard has massively helped her’ Trump says poor treatment and high taxes prompted permanent residence change MORE in the general election.
“If he’s afraid of a paralyzed man who talks politely and very slowly, how does he expect to survive a debate with Trump?” Barkan quipped.
Excited to release the final episode of Uncovered today. It’s been fun and a privilege.
The only disappointment was @JoeBiden’s refusal to talk to me. If he’s afraid of a paralyzed man who talks politely and very slowly, how does he expect to survive a debate with Trump? pic.twitter.com/b1YpynbwpV
— Ady Barkan (@AdyBarkan) October 31, 2019
Barkan’s interviews with the candidates have generated buzz on social media and drawn tens of thousands of views. He said he had hoped to interview every candidate in the field, but doctors advised him to not continue them due to his health.
Barkan added that he would sit down with Biden if the candidate “changes his mind” and accepts the invitation.
“It’s so important to be willing to have tough conversations even with those you might disagree with,” he said.
In a post on Twitter Thursday, Barkan released a compilation of clips from his interview series with candidates titled “Uncovered: Health Care Conversations with Ady Barkan.”
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When we started this project, I wasn’t sure what to expect — what we got was candidate after candidate sharing some of their most personal moments.
Uncovered has reaffirmed for me that fixing our health care system is deeply personal — for all of us. pic.twitter.com/BQXCviAq6x
— Ady Barkan (@AdyBarkan) October 31, 2019
The interview series was a collaboration between his advocacy group Be A Hero, NowThis News and Crooked Media.
Candidates who interviewed with Barkan were South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPeter (Pete) Paul ButtigiegCalifornia Governor Newsom and family dress as 2020 Democrats for Halloween Activist Ady Barkan calls out Biden for not talking with him about health care Saagar Enjeti: The Harris campaign still doesn’t get it MORE (D), former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro and Sens. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerActivist Ady Barkan calls out Biden for not talking with him about health care 2020 Democrats applaud House vote on impeachment procedures Harris staffer goes as Booker for Halloween MORE (D-N.J.), Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisKrystal Ball: ‘The weird obsession and freakout over Tulsi Gabbard has massively helped her’ California Governor Newsom and family dress as 2020 Democrats for Halloween Activist Ady Barkan calls out Biden for not talking with him about health care MORE (D-Calif.), Bernie SandersBernie SandersKrystal Ball: ‘The weird obsession and freakout over Tulsi Gabbard has massively helped her’ Sanders throws support to Deadspin former employees, citing ‘greed of private equity vultures’ California Governor Newsom and family dress as 2020 Democrats for Halloween MORE (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenCalifornia Governor Newsom and family dress as 2020 Democrats for Halloween Activist Ady Barkan calls out Biden for not talking with him about health care Mark Zuckerberg is right, Jack Dorsey is wrong MORE (D-Mass.).
The Hill has reached out to Biden’s campaign for comment.
Barkan has gained increased media attention as his health deteriorates and several candidates reference him in their stump speeches and campaign rallies.
He has been open about his lack of enthusiasm for Biden’s candidacy, recently telling The New York Times that he hopes the nominee is “someone other than Biden.”