A Conversation with Senator Tim Kaine
February 24, 2022
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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Polis Distinguished Fellow Ambassador Miriam Sapiro held a virtual conversation with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va). They discussed domestic and international challenges facing the United States, and potential steps to address them. Senator Kaine is a member of the Armed Services, Budget, Foreign Relations, and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees. He has served as mayor, governor, and candidate for Vice President.
Sanford Student Voices: Sen. Kaine’s Lessons in Public Service
On Feb. 24, Polis Distinguished Fellow Ambassador Miriam Sapiro joined Sen. Tim Kaine to discuss his experience working in public service as a mayor, governor and vice presidential candidate. The event, organized by Polis: The Center for Politics, also covered current domestic and international challenges facing the United States.
Sen. Kaine has achieved an impressive political career, but remains humble and steadfast in his motivation to serve the greater good of the U.S. He discussed his perspective on upcoming midterm elections, term limits and current foreign policy issues. Sen. Kaine was also able to give unique insight and perspective through his first-person experience, specifically on the 2016 presidential campaign trail.
Going into the interview, I expected the discussion to be quite serious and factual. However, Sen. Kaine was incredibly genuine and demonstrated his commitment to serve the public over any political alliance. For example, he mentioned a phone conversation where former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton asked him to be his running mate, saying “There might be people who are politically better choices than you. But I’m asking you, because if something happens to me, I think you would be a good president.” Sen. Kaine shared his respect for Clinton’s responsibility toward the larger picture of serving the American peoples’ best interest and stated the call was “very, very humbling.” I was touched by his ability to continually bring the idea of working in politics back to the roots of selfless public service.
Click here to read her full reflection.