Jake DiMare is one of the more hard-hitting political writers out there.  Whether he's calling out Ted Nugent for being a blowhard or pointing out why Congress has such a lot approval rating right now, he calls it like he sees it.  We sat down for an interview about politics, women, and what he'd ask the men who want to be President this cycle.

I've been interested in politics for most of my life. I was raised by an incredibly hard working single woman who struggled with multiple sclerosis for most of her life.  It became crystal clear to me, very early on, that there are things in our country which need to be changed. I don't have a lot of money or time, but I have a gift for rhetoric which grabs attention and drives engagement.  So that's my lever. 

 

As you know, we spend a lot of time thinking about what it means to be a good man at the Good Men Project. For this reason, I am paying close attention to character and ethics. The first thing I look for is any sign of hypocrisy and/or evidence the candidate is pandering to voters instead of voicing a strong, personal perspective on governance and leadership. I also look for consistency. 

After everything this country has been through in the last twelve years, it is time for leaders who can stand up to the temptation of narrowly focused, moneyed interests and get things back on track for the people. Leaders who can break the political logjam in Congress and get America back to work. Leaders who will stand by our veterans and protect their benefits.

Our country's infrastructure is crumbling and we have a surplus of 'nation-builders' standing on the sidelines, a lagging economy, yet corporate profits are at an all-time high. What should happen next seems pretty obvious to me, yet none of our candidates seem to be talking about it...And this should be troubling to voters. 

What changes have you noticed since you started covering politics for TGMP?

It seems these days the only thing you can rely on is change. From my perspective the most important changes have been in the public's perception of the media in the last two years. It's becoming obvious to everyone the big cable news outlets have an agenda and this is good. Years ago, a man I looked up to said "follow the money Jake"...In other words, look at who is paying who. It doesn't take long to figure out who is keeping the lights on at Fox News or CNN. Just watch their commercials and you'll know everything you need to know about their motivations. 

Why is this important? Your votes count! Too many people are fooled by mass media into believing one candidate or another has their best interests in mind when anything but this is true. 

Do you think the current focus on women's health will help or hurt the two parties?

I think it hurts the GOP and helps Democrats, for obvious reasons. Look, this country was built on the idea of genuine, individual freedom...Without the influence of religion. That's the truth. America is not a Christian nation, it's a nation of freedom and liberty. A lot of conservatives like to claim they stand for traditional American values but the truth is they consistently ignore the most fundamental American value: Individual freedom. 

How does this stack up in an election? Elections are not won by the party loyalists on either end...They are won by independent, moderate voters who vote on the issues, not morality. I think the GOP's current focus on women's reproductive rights, instead of the economy is a strategic mistake.   

 

If you could ask Obama and Romney one question that they absolutely had to answer...what would it be?

I would ask Romney if he really wanted to strap his beloved dog Seamus to the roof of his car for a 12-hour road trip, or if Ann made him do it. 

I would ask Obama what it felt like to be the guy who makes the decision to take out Osama Bin Laden.