EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Earl Blumenauer on DEA, Biden & SAFER

Who?Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)Ask a Pol asks:“We didn’t see anything with SAFER? Or do you think the DEA is the root to go?”Key Blumenauer: “I think the DEA is the route,” Blumenauer exclusively tells Ask a Pol. “It’s more direct. The legislative process is very uncertain — more uncertain than ever — and the DEA strips it away, gets what we need in terms of tax and research.”Caught our ear:“It should be a no-brainer for the president. If you want to energize the young people and do the right thing and repair your legacy,” Blumenauer tells Ask a Pol.“It hits all the boxes, and it’s the right thing to do.”LISTEN: Laslo & BlumenauerBelow find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), slightly edited for clarity.TRANSCRIPT: Laslo & BlumenauerMatt Laslo: “Are we going to see anything with SAFER? Or do you think the DEA is the route to go?”Earl Blumenauer: “I think the DEA is the route.”ML: “Is that just a recognition of the politics up here?”EB: “It’s more direct. The legislative process is very uncertain — more uncertain than ever — and the DEA strips it away, gets what we need in terms of tax and research.”ML: “Yeah. And you think ahead of November this should be a no-brainer for your party? As we’ve talked about in the last five or six elections.”EB: “It should be a no-brainer for the president. If you want to energize the young people and do the right thing and repair your legacy.”ML: “Yeah? And also the African American communities he now needs?”EB: “It hits all the boxes, and it’s the right thing to do.”ML: “What are your thoughts on SAFER? Is it just too complicated for folks?”EB: “I don’t know yet. It’s still in process.”ML: “Cause it feels like Republicans changed their rhetoric once it came out?”EB: “That would be strange.” (sarcastically)ML: “Right? Appreciate you, sir.”Content posted at AskaPol.com is copyrighted. Use our original content to move the story forward, and, please, link to us.Matt Laslo’s a veteran congressional correspondent, new media prof. & founder of Ask a Pol — a new, people-powered press corps.Ask a Pol — asking your lawmakers your questions at your US Capitol. @Ask_a_Pol or @askpols  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.askapoluaps.com/subscribe