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Hi Jared! I'm a resident of Fort Collins, and I have 2 questions for you:

I am trying really hard to differentiate between the various Democratic candidates for governor. You all seem very progressive, so I would like to know: what sets you apart from the others?

And question two is: are you supporting anyone for Senate in 2020 to take over Gardner's seat? If not, have you considered Trish Zornio?

Thanks for your answers! On number 2--Zornio is the one potential candidate I've found who is testing the waters to take on Gardner's seat, and she is also a major progressive. Her campaign issue stances seem very congenial to your own.

I've decided that it's important to get started on this political process early, so I've already reached out to Trish to let her know that she has my support and volunteer-time. Hopefully she takes the message and declares her intent to run--and, if she does so, perhaps we can all work together to help her campaign. I'm so excited to help push Colorado into a more progressive future. Thanks for hosting this AMA :)

Right?! If campaign seasons were any shorter, that would practically guarantee that grassroots political movements would never be able to take off. It just takes time to reach out to individuals.

And I have a followup question/concern: I've only been learning about you for a few weeks as I research candidates, but one concern that pops up is your wealth. I and many others have problems with politicians who are run by special interest groups--but that doesn't seem to be your case. You made your wealth through selling businesses or something like that, right? That's cool--but has your wealth proved an issue in previous (and current) political campaigns? Has anyone tried to frame you as an oligarch (sorry) or anything like that? I hope this question doesn't seem offensive--I just want to have your character accurate in my head, in case I decide to lend you my more vocal support in 2018.

I can take on the special interests because I don't rely on them.

That's excellent. Yeah, I hate to sound like I'm painting anyone in that light, but I know that progressives, especially young ones, are suspicious of people of vast wealth, and sometimes unreasonably so. I like the idea that you're not only philanthropic, but also you have an increased immunity to corporate interests. That's something special.

I'll leave room now for others to ask more questions. Thank you again, and I'll make sure to use your answers in (probably) supporting you in your campaign for governor.

Good luck! If you ever make it to For Collins in the next few years, I hope you can check out our efforts to get more progressive measures on the 2019 ballot. We're aiming to do something special here :)

Fellow Stoic! I've been practicing for a few years now. Are you currently participating in Stoic Week? I'm not this year, but I'm about halfway through Pigliucci's 'How to Be a Stoic' at the moment.