Why choose federal office—and what problems would you try to solve there?
Joshua Ashburn joins Brandon Burley for an archived Civic Conversations interview about his independent campaign for Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District. He introduces himself as a Bristol resident, a parent, and a full-time worker, then explains why he decided to enter the race.
Questions behind a candidacy
Brandon asks about Ashburn’s background and why he chose this office. The discussion moves into health coverage and Medicaid, with Ashburn drawing on his own experiences as he explains what he would like to change.
Where the conversation becomes a debate
The interview also addresses foreign aid, immigration and benefits, redistricting, and voter identification. Brandon raises counterarguments and practical questions. Listeners can consider both the candidate’s answer and the challenge that follows, rather than treating a short excerpt as his entire position.
From Project Forge Books · Our own book
For readers interested in examining justice beyond slogans, Exploring Criminal Justice: The Basics of Ethics and Theory is available from Brandon Burley. This is an advertisement for our own book, separate from the guest’s campaign.
Listen with the recording context in mind
This is an archived interview, not an endorsement. Candidate descriptions, election references, event announcements, figures, and policy claims reflect the conversation at the time. Statements by a speaker are their own and have not all been independently verified. Consult official election sources for current ballot and voting information.
Which question would you ask every candidate, regardless of party?
