This ukulele-strumming Hawaiian congressional candidate makes a pretty compelling case for democratic socialism
On a practical level, this new campaign ad from Hawaii state House member and congressional candidate Kaniela Ing is a pitch for voters in Hawaii's 1st congressional district to pick him over six rivals in Saturday's Democratic primary. It is also, as New York's The Cut suggests, probably "the chillest campaign ad you've ever seen." But if you're in the right frame of mind — like, say, at work — Ing, 29, makes a pretty compelling case for democratic socialism, reminding Americans that they work too much and policies can fix that.
"We can have an economy when you only have to work one job," says Ing, strumming a ukulele on a bench by the ocean. "You used to have time to spend with your friends and family, just chilling on the beach like this, playing music." Native Hawaiians "are some of the most productive people on the planet," he said, able to get everything they need in four or five hours "and then have the rest of the time to surf, to do art, to do all kids of stuff, and that's how it should be."
"There's this conservative myth that say, like, if everyone had their basic needs cared for, that they would just sit around all day," Ing said. "But that's just not the reality, that's not how our minds work." If you asked people what they'd do if they didn't have to worry about their basic needs, he said, "the answers are amazing. People would start businesses, they'd get into art, get into music, all these things that are lacking in our world. All this stuff is possible." The democratic socialist wing of the Democratic Party, apparently led by New York's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, had a rough Tuesday in the Midwest and Washington State, but if they explain their ideas like this, who's going to take the pro-daily grind side? Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
The hunt for Planet Nine
Under The Radar Researchers seeking the elusive Earth-like planet beyond Neptune are narrowing down their search
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Magazine interactive crossword - April 26, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - April 26, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - April 26, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - April 26, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How will Israel respond to Iran's direct attack?
Speed Read Iran’s weekend attack on Israel could escalate into a wider Middle East war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikes
Speed Read An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Congress honors real-life Rosie the Riveters
Speed Read These American women reshaped the work force during World War II
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Outgunned Ukraine could fall, US general warns
Speed Read Without more US aid, Ukraine is at risk of losing the war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published