From Public Interest Lawyer to Congress: Salaam Bhatti Running For VA District 1

Public interest attorney and congressional candidate Salaam Bhatti joins Beyond the Campaign host Michelle Glogovac for an in-depth conversation about his run for Congress in Virginia’s First Congressional District. Bhatti shares his personal journey into politics and why voter engagement and grassroots organizing are essential for rebuilding trust in democracy.

The discussion dives into the affordability crisis impacting working families, the outsized influence of corporate money in politics, and the Democratic Party’s challenges in connecting with voters. Bhatti also explains his support for progressive policies like Medicare for All and how new media—especially podcasts and digital platforms—are changing the way political campaigns reach and mobilize voters.

This episode offers valuable insight into modern political campaigns, progressive policy debates, and the future of electoral politics in the United States.

What We're Talking About...
Salaam Bhatti, a public interest attorney, is running for Congress in Virginia’s First District
Voter engagement is essential to protecting democracy
Poverty is a policy choice—not an inevitability
Medicare for All is a core part of Bhatti’s platform
The Democratic Party needs a clearer, bolder vision
Family and personal relationships shape modern campaigns
The affordability crisis is the biggest issue facing Americans today
This political moment has the potential for transformative change
Campaign finance reform is needed to curb corporate influence
New media is reshaping how candidates connect with voters

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Salaam Bhatti
04:12 Personal Experiences Shaping Political Views
07:04 The Importance of Progressive Policies
10:01 Engagement in the Political Process
13:05 Family Dynamics and Political Aspirations
16:02 The Role of Children in Political Awareness
19:14 Addressing the Affordability Crisis
21:58 The Revolutionary Moment in Politics
25:10 Campaign Financing and Corporate Influence
27:57 Voter Education and Engagement
31:12 Conclusion and Call to Action
31:27 Understanding Political Representation
31:55 Engaging with Local Leaders

Links Mentioned
Salaam Bhatti's Link Tree: linktr.ee/salaambhattiva