This interview was held on July 27, 2020 via text, every answer is printed here as given by the candidate with edits indicated in brackets. The Candidate was asked 12 questions in 2 segments, the order of which he was given free choice.

Political

1. What would be your first priority as President?

Ricca: The undertaking of the effort of identifying what would be my first priority as president is certainly a daunting one. The President is charged with enormous responsibilities, wide ranging powers and offers incredible possibilities. I could say that my first priority is combating poverty, fighting imperialism, working to rescue the disastrous national debt situation or offering quality health care to everyone, but the real task that i believe a president should undertake is that of empowering and cooperate with the closest representatives of the will of the people, the parliamentarians. A presidency unable to work with the house and the senate will achieve nothing, and will resort to Executive Orders, something i would like to limit to the minimum, as i view it as a breach of the separation of powers.

2. What are your views on healthcare?

R: I strongly oppose two tiered healthcare. I staunchly oppose the notion that more money should buy you better healthcare. We already have achieved great progress on this server, with the approval of a public option and the expansion of medicare to cover dental health and vision, and we (Cade and I) have already prepared detailed plans to build up on this.

3. How would you summarize your approach to social issues such as LGBTQ rights, abortion and capital punishment?

R: As for LGBTQIA+ Rights, i believe it’s a well known fact that i am one of the strongest allies and friends of the community, testament to this my relentless support for every legislation erasing inequalities – the attempt to overturn then-President Wilson’s veto on the conversion therapy ban was initiated by me -. On abortion, i am pro choice. I do not believe that the state should have any authority in dictating what a woman does with her own body. I however understand how some may be supportive of some limitations on this, and I believe that the status quo as sanctioned in Planned Parenthood v Casey is a working compromise. I will certainly work to dismantle the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which in my opinion even has some unconstitutionality profiles. On the subject of capital punishment, i believe that the only type of justice is rehabilitative justice. Furthermore, it is outrageous for the State to murder someone in what i can only define as a revenge on them, to satisfy the most brutal instincts of the human being. I believe that many of those who support it should give a read to the Eumenides by Euripides, where the contrast between Θεμις (Themis), the archaic justice based on vengeance and bloodshed is contrasted with Δικέ (Dike) the justice of the democratic society represented by Athens. Again, Cade and I have shown our support to this, by authoring legislation aimed at curtailing such barbaric acts.

4. What is your foreign policy philosophy?

R: My foreign policy philosophy is that of bolstering peace through nations. Under my administration, it is my promise that no regime changes operations, no invasions will happen, unless our allies request our support. We will review our relations with Saudi Arabia, a nation that distinguishes itself as perhaps even more rogue than the DPRK. I applaud the efforts done in the Syrian region, and i believe that we should show our support for the national liberation of the Kurd people, who have been oppressed, persecuted and discriminated against for long years. A Ricca administration would also work to facilitate the solution of the Libyan Civil War, and try to pressure the increasingly autocratic and despotic regime of general Al-Sisi in Egypt to avoid a further descent into dictatorship.

5. What do you view as a political issue that isn’t discussed enough?

R: I believe that the impact of the increasing consumerism and the alienation of the subject, reduced into a mere consumer and alienated from his human character is something we ought to reflect upon with greater depth. The Society of Spectacle and its effects on this, the increasing power of mass media in shaping the individual, and the indoctrinating role of school – as a President I would work towards ending the rather barbaric practice of having our kids swearing allegiance to a piece of cloth every morning, something that even the Soviet Union ever did – is a subject worthy of deep analysis and reflection.

6. If you had to summarize what your campaign stands for in one word, what would that be?

R: I believe that the word that best describes my campaign is democracy. We as an administration would work to democratise every aspect of society, and defend the people’s rights to their fullest.

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Personal

1. Why do you think you should be President?

R: I believe i showed in my time here my dedication, my knowledge of disparate subjects and my interest in the art of well-governing. My legislative record is impeccable, and my integrity is uncontested, exactly like my commitment to honest and sincere dialogue with everyone.

2. How would you describe yourself politically?

R: I would describe myself as a staunch defender of workers rights, a fighter for every oppressed people’s liberation and freedom. I believe rights are not rights if even a single person does not have the possibility of accessing that right. I am on the left, without a shade of a doubt, and i am very libertarian, as my record shows.

3. What do you like to do for fun?

R: I am a cellist, i love classical music and in particular Baroque music (favourites are Bach and Scarlatti). I like going to the theatre, but this has been impossible with the recent Covid restrictions. I love reading, and i am a veteran bookworm. I love hanging out with friends, discussing over whatever topic comes at hand, and generally have a good fun and relaxed time. I also have a passion for grand strategy games.

4. What is your favorite book?

R: My favourite book is something difficult to identify, because it is hard to compare fiction and non fiction. I will go with a sentimental pick here, and say The Mysterious Island by J. Verne. I still remember when i found the italian Mursia Edition which was a perfect copy of the original Hetzel, i was super excited. I still have quite a passion for Verne, and i have just recently completed a buying all of his books. I will have some reading material for the following years (they are 49 books!!)

5. What is your go-to movie or TV series?

R: My favourite movie is without a doubt 2001 Space Odyssey, an absolute masterpiece and landmark in the history of Cinema. As for my favourite TV series, the crown goes to Star Trek (The Original Series).

6. What is your running mate’s best quality?

R: I believe that Cade’s best quality is his deep knowledge in disparate fields and dedication to quality lawmaking, a commitment that he has made display of multiple times in the past. We have our divergences, mainly on some economic solutions and foreign policy, but we have worked many times in the past as a team and i pride myself to say that i consider him a friend