Lore Bergman

Lore Bergman was born in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from the Marquette Manor Baptist Academy. She earned a bachelor's degree from the Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. Her career experience includes working as an advocate and in waitressing, retail, and caregiving.[1]

U.S. House Tennessee District 6

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have been an organizer, an advocate and an activist. I am a woman with disabilities, that is so tired of hearing rich congressmen, vote against all programs for the disadvantaged and champion stupid and cruel legislation on how to fix Social Security, healthcare and other programs, when the have never been sick, poor, hungry or homeless, and probably never will be. I have been all of those things, and I have many ideas on how we can make things better for the people suffering here in TN and across America. There are many things congress can do to make things better, and I cannot wait to get on the floor of Congress and give my ideas for new legislation. I have advocated for the disabled and have suffered at times for it, but no matter what happens to me, I will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, also for the average hard-working American, Farmer and Veteran.

As a woman, I am also tired of old white Republican men, telling us women what to do about our reproductive issues. The Republicans have voted against every bill that could help improve a woman's life, including contraception and the Women Against Violence Act. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, it angers me greatly to think that people like this represent and speak for me in Congress. We have gone backwards more than 50 years in the last few years, and all women's freedoms are in jeopardy now, even the right to vote. I will fight for democracy equal rights for everyone!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Leviticus 19:18 says ".... love thy neighbor, as thyself....". Just think what America would be like if the people in this country and the rest of the world would just remember that verse. We would never think about taking away food, health insurance, housing and utility assistance if we did. We would love the children more than we love our guns and easily agree on common sense gun legislation reform. We would always want equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, women and all minorities. We would be kind and empathetic to immigrants and have cruelty free and legal immigration policies. We would never make people live in fear, because they are trans, gay or in need of reproductive healthcare and we would save the earth!When someone is in need, and gets help, it is not an "entitlement"! To be hungry and get fed, to be sick and get medical care, to be homeless and get housing, is not an entitlement, it is a human right. The only ones who are entitled, are the rich in congress who think they know what's best for people who are poor and/or disabled and elderly. The disabled are very much underrepresented in Congress and average Americans hardly ever get elected, because they do not have the money or time to be able to run for office. If we had average working Americans and people with disabilities in Congress, we would get so much done for the American people. Congress would work for them and not for corporations and the wealthy.Women are more than baby making machines, at least we used to be. And now, only women who can conceive naturally are basically considered important. It sickens me to think that women that are younger than me; now have less rights than I had at their age. We are going backwards in our fight for freedom. Women should not have to live in fear, if they are of reproductive age. Since Roe vs. Wade was reversed, women's health care is a chaotic mess. Old white men should not decide what a woman can or cannot do about her own health decisions. No matter what you believe about abortion or IVF, it is your decision, not someone else's decision for you. When a woman cannot make decisions about her own body, she is not a free citizen.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a disabled woman, I am personally passionate about any public policies that have to do with protecting, expanding and improving programs like Social Security, affordable housing, health insurance for all and SNAP. I have had to use them, and I have many ideas for improving them! And I am passionate for making life better and affordable for all working Americans, in the 6th District, and that they will have good jobs in all the counties and a living wage with worker protections.

As a woman, I am personally passionate about any public policies that have to do with women's reproductive rights and all other rights and protections for women in our society. I will fight to make sure all our rights are protected and restored.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I think more than ever honesty, dignity, integrity and morality are most important for an elected official. It is unbelievable to me that we now have a president, who has 34 felonies, and yet people still voted for him. The lies that have been spread through this one individual have ruined the reputation of our country and have brought us to the brink of civil war. I do not understand so-called "Christians" that have bowed so low to this man, that the very statutes that they base their religious beliefs on, have been turned upside down. When a whole political party as the Republicans, have doubled down on the lies that they know are not true just to get power, we are in real trouble. The behavior of many of these politicians is so juvenile and immature, no wonder nothing gets done in Congress. If these congressmen would just remember that they are here to make American's lives better and not just keep their power, accumulate wealth and get their attention on social media, we would not be in the condition we are right now. How congressmen continue to get paid for a job that they will not do?

Experience is also important when it comes to an elected official, but in saying that, just because someone has been in the political arena for a long time, does not mean they are necessarily a good representative. Life experience is very important and can mean a lot, when being an elected official, because empathy and knowledge about certain subjects can then be used to make real change for the American people. But when the upper wealthy 1% are representing the average 99% of Americans, we then get the cruelty and callousness we are seeing now in this administration. The rules definitely need to be changed or made for how we vet people who are running for office, and we need more regular Americans in Congress and no criminals. You cannot vote if you are a felon, but you can be President? I meet people with one felony and they can't vote. So unfair

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I think one of the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office, is to tell people what is really going on in Washington DC. Our present representative has still not come clean, to his constituents in the 6th district about the 2020 election not being stolen, and that January 6th was not a quiet tour of the capital, but was indeed an insurrection. If an elected official is willing to twist the truth and outright lie about something that we have seen with our own two eyes, what else will they do? Even if your constituents do not want to hear the truth, because they have been fed disinformation over and over and over again, it is still your responsibility as an elected official to tell them the truth, even if it means you may not get reelected! This is once again where integrity and character come into play. Because representatives like John Rose do not have the courage to tell the truth, they have now put our country in a terrible position and in danger of losing our democracy. It is terrifying to see what is happening to this country right now because he and all the other Republicans do not have the courage to stand up to this criminal administration. They know he is an awful and dangerous man, but yet they refuse to have the courage to tell the truth. Since a representative is responsible for speaking for the people of his district, then he must listen to ALL the people of his district and not let a small number of people who are possibly contributing to his campaign or strong arming him in some way, to be in control of him or her. The elected official has a job to understand what he is voting for and not just vote because everyone else in his party is voting the same way. Moral character and courage is important! Also, Congressmen need to be knowledgeable about world events and world history. But a US Congressman especially needs to know what our Constitution says, about our history and about how our government works. Disgustingly, many don't.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I have been told I am determined, tenacious and resourceful. I have fought many battles for the disabled, elderly and poor and even became homeless, because of my determination to get a dangerous situation fixed in a building I had to live in. The landlord pushed me out to keep me quiet and within less than a year, I had to live in my car for two months while I waited for other affordable housing to open up. I almost didn't survive due to my health challenges, but I would do it again because the problem did eventually get fixed and the people that live in that building are now safe. I basically put myself on the line for other people and as an office holder I would do that again. Because of having to live on the poverty line, I know how to balance a budget and be resourceful. If anyone can help balance the budget in Congress, it is someone who has had to live on the small amount of money, that I have. Recycling and repurposing are one of my talents and I know it will come in handy when money is being wasted in Congress. I also am not afraid to speak out and tell it like it is. But I am also a good listener and I try to see all sides of an issue before I make a decision.

The legacy that I would like to leave, is that I was a warrior for all the disadvantaged, marginalized, immigrants and regular hard working people in this country, and I did everything I could to help them live a good life here in the United States of America.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Well, I would say there are many, but a wonderful book called "The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory", by Tim Alberta is a great one. It just reinforces over and over again, how important it is to keep church and state separate. No matter what your religious belief, those beliefs should not govern a democracy where everyone has a right to believe what they want to believe. The problem this book says, is that certain people want everyone to believe what they believe. As someone who grew up in the very strict Fundamental Independent Baptist circles, I have learned through my journey out of that belief system, that everyone has a right to believe what they want, and it is not my job to force my belief system down their throat. So, when it comes to abortion and IVF and other personal health issues, it is not my job to tell another woman or person what they should do with their own healthcare. That is between them, their partner, their doctor and their god, and it is none of my business and should not be anyone else's business either. Leviticus 19:18 in the Bible says, "...love thy neighbor, as thyself..." In other words, treat other people like you want to be treated. If you don't want someone to shove their belief system down your throat, then stop shoving it down theirs.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Oh, I would definitely be some sort of a kick *** Avengers Heroine of some sort, with the constitution in one hand and the American flag in the other!

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have had quite a life so far and I have I have had a lot of struggles of different sorts, but I have to say being born with crazy genetics, has been the biggest struggle in my life and the poverty that it has brought. But I have learned to maneuver through life and despite all the setbacks I have had, I have managed to have a very productive life. The struggle is just part of my life. I do not know what it's like to not have it, and I do not let it stop me, and it has made me stronger and more determined. My motto is: Concentrate on what you can do and not what you can't and if you can't do something the regular way, find another. And always Love Thy Neighbor as yourself!

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives unique powers are that all revenue type bills must originate in the House, they have the power of impeachment of federal officials, and they can elect the President in the case of an Electoral College tie. The House combined with the Senate can declare war, override veto's, initiate amendments and confirm a newly appointed vice president. Also, the Speaker of the House is the highest-ranking legislative official in the US government. They are 3rd in line to the presidency

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily. I think procedural things can be learned. BUT I do believe they need to know American and World history, the Constitution and basic civics to know how our type of government, a democracy, works. I really think it would be beneficial if representatives and senators, be required to take a test or classes, so they can learn these things. At a minimum, they should be willing to at least study on their own and learn on the job. Unfortunately, right now we have many people in our Congress, especially in the US House of Representatives, who are not willing to do this, and they show their ignorance every day.

Also, I think a Representative needs to know personally were they will draw the line, when it comes to being manipulated and controlled and especially have a moral compass. Many Representatives no longer have any of these qualities, unfortunately!

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

There are many, but here are some that I see: to heal the divisions and prevent a civil war in our own country, to continue to repair the damage that Donald Trump and the MAGA movement have caused, to make sure we never have another president or candidate like Donald Trump, to prevent World War III from breaking out, to make sure the most vulnerable are taken care of and not used as a bargaining chip when balancing the budget, to make sure all people have free healthcare, affordable housing and enough food, to make sure we have a living wage and that the gap between the haves and the have nots will shrink dramatically, to fix our broken immigration system with humanity and cruelty free policies, to reverse the damage that has been done to women's rights, to get the MAGA extremists out of Congress, to bring integrity, decency and respect back to the White House, to fix the disinformation machine destroying the world, to make sure the extremely rich in this country pay their fares share of taxes and get the Oligarchy out of the White House, and to make sure we do everything we can to save the earth. And so much more!

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No, I think it's too short. I think it should be at least 4 years so that you're not in this constant cycle of campaigning. This could be one of the reasons why the House of Representatives is such a mess and never gets anything done. BUT in saying this, I do also believe there are certain people, that two years is actually too long of a term, for them! As I stated in the term limits section, I believe House Representatives and everyone else, including Supreme Court judges, should have three terms of four year limits each.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am very much for term limits, especially when it comes to the Supreme Court. I think they should be elected first of all, and that they should have the same 4-year limit as the President and only be allowed three terms. I find it ridiculous that these people get to stay in this office for life and have no accountability to anyone except for themselves. We have seen how dangerous this can be. They basically do whatever they want and don't have to answer for it.

I believe all Senators should have the same 4 years and 3 terms, also. They just get too comfortable, and they forget how the rest of us in America live. They also get to know too many lobbyists, etc. and get too comfortable taking money from certain people, which can warp their thinking towards how they are voting. As far as the House of Representatives go, I believe they should be in office for four years at a time also, with only 3 terms, because the two-year term in my opinion is too short. Their time in office seems to turn into constant campaigning and running for the next term. It's ridiculous and I would say very stressful and unneeded, and it explains why nothing gets done in the US House. Now in saying all this, there are certain people in the House that I think should only have one, two-year limit!! I always thought that the president should have more time allowed to be in the White House, but now seeing what Donald Trump is doing, and the unbelievable amount of destruction and corruption he has already done, I'd say the term limit for president is just fine.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I really like and respect Nancy Pelosi, AOC, Jasmine Crocket, Jamie Raskin and Katie Porter to name a few. As a woman I love Nancy Pelosi, AOC and Jasmine Crockett's fierceness and I hope to be just as fierce! Why do the woman have more courage than the men? Even though Bernie Sanders is a Senator and not a Representative in the House, I think he's great and my favorite, because he really is a champion for the most disadvantaged, elderly, disabled, poor and regular hard working Americans in our country and has always been, and that is what I want to be! And I really respect Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, even though they are Republicans and I do not agree with most of their policies and ideologies. But, I do think they had great courage, for being one of very few Republicans who spoke the truth about the 2020 election, and I am grateful for their good work in the January 6th hearings. Bernie Sanders, AOC and Katie Porter were/and are "teaching" politicians, and that is what I am striving to be. I'm trying to be as knowledgeable as possible and give people the facts to help them really know the truth about what's going on in Washington and how it relates to our institutions, history and laws. I hope to one day, use my own whiteboard in Congress, to explain how Social Security and all the benefits that the Republicans want to end, really work. Most congressmen don't have a clue how any of these programs work, but I do because I've had to use them.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have disabilities. Most of my friends are disabled, elderly and/or poor so I have many stories. And I am running again for them! I hear and see my friends and neighbors struggle every day just to survive, and I understand this because I have had to go through the same things myself. The fear and anxiety of having to maneuver through all the programs that are needed is hard. Everyday this group of people worry when going to the mailbox, hoping they will not see a letter that will say their benefits are being cut or ended. And now on top of that, we have a president who at all costs tries to harm them instead of help them. My neighbors struggle just to have enough food on their table and especially healthy food. I just spoke to my neighbor about this very subject just yesterday. This group of Americans need to decide many days, whether to eat or buy their medicine. They also worry about their housing and becoming homeless, and how they will pay their electric bill.

They have seen their free Internet end, because lawmakers like Marsha Blackburn have decided that the few people that are defrauding the program, is the reason why millions of Americans will have to lose this very valuable and essential tool. And now they are scrambling to try to figure out how they will eat because Donald Trump refuses to release the money for SNAP benefits and they worry also that their health insurance, housing subsidies and utility assistance will be canceled. They can become homeless overnight and this is not exaggeration, this is a real possibility.

Also as I campaign around my district I hear stories of struggle from farmers, federal and factory workers and business owners. because of unneeded tariffs and lost jobs. These stories and my personal experiences is exactly why I'm running for office. I hope to bring a greater understanding, empathy and example to a Congress, which is full of people who have never had to deal with any of these situations and probably never will.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, and this is especially why nothing gets done in Congress. BUT these are not normal times. Right now, every Republican representative, including John Rose, refuse to compromise for any reason, bowing to Trump and doing his bidding no matter how evil, cruel or destructive it is for their own constituents. There are certain programs that should be off limits and I WILL NOT compromise when it comes to these programs. The Republicans refer to these as “entitlements”. That label makes me furious. These are needed programs for the most vulnerable people, to assist them to just exist. No matter how much the Republicans lie and say that there are huge amounts of fraud, I will disagree with them wholeheartedly. Using programs like health insurance, SNAP, HUD, utility assistance and Social Security to make bargains with the other side, is just plain evil on so many levels.

These programs should not be allowed to be compromised with, and in my opinion they should never be put into a huge budget bill with other things that are not necessities, for the American people. Most in our Congress and White House are so out of touch with what regular Americans go through daily, and it is evident with the bills they write, the way they vote and the cruel comments they make. When the President of our own country is gleeful about firing Federal workers and taking peoples jobs and says that he is “lifting” up Americans out of SNAP, by starving them through withholding food assistance, there is nothing left to compromise about. Also, when masked men are roaming our streets and kidnapping, abusing and terrorizing our communities, there is nothing to compromise! I have faith that the majority of the American people are finally seeing this and will not compromise on these things either!

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Well, by now you probably see that I am a warrior for the disadvantaged in our society. So, I would definitely make sure that Social Security, Disability, SNAP, HUD and affordable housing and any other programs like these will be protected and expanded. I will fight against any legislation to balance the budget, that wants to cut or end these programs and refuses to tax the ultra-rich. If the ultra-rich would just pay their fair share of taxes, we would have plenty of money in the budget. But the Republicans continue to give tax breaks to the rich. President Biden tried to get more revenue for the IRS, so they could find these tax cheats. But the Republicans once again refused. And now the whole country is finally seeing their greedy evil game plan.

When I am elected to the US House of Representatives and it is run by the Democrats, we will definitely make sure that the IRS is able to do its job fully. I will vote to stop the insanity of these stupid and unneeded tariffs that are ruining small businesses, farms, industries and taking away people's jobs. I will also use this power, to get the border secure in a way that is cruelty free and legal by getting more judges and workers to help the process, and stop the insanity of ICE and the huge amounts of money it is wasting and misusing daily. I will also vote to help women get the resources they need, especially when they need to get help for healing from any types of sexual abuse. Can you believe that the Republicans voted against renewing the Violence Against Women's Act? I will make sure that women's rights are protected and that they get the health care need that they deserve. I will also vote to protect democracies around the world and to help the innocents that are caught in the crossfire of wars and to make sure USAID can once again use its soft power. There are so many more issues that I will use this power for, we have so many things to fix and reverse.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The House of Representatives should use its investigation powers for REAL investigations, not shams and fishing expositions. For example, last term the impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. The Republican led inquiry wasted so much time and taxpayer money, it is unbelievable. They found no proof of any wrongdoing but continued their political drama anyways, all under the order of Donald Trump. And now they are doing Trumps revenge tour indictments that will waste huge amounts of money. We as taxpayers should be furious about this, whether you are a Democrat or a Republican. The House of Representatives once again is doing so little to help the American people, it is ridiculous. It would be laughable to see these people in charge act like evil greedy fools, if it wasn't so sad and frightening. The investigations for people who were participants in the January 6th planning should have been done and now with Trumps pardons, once again a waste of money and justice. Unfortunately, people like Jim Jordan, Mike Johnson and once again Donald Trump are in leadership, which is shielding them for right now, from being investigated themselves. It is not fair that the players on the lowest levels of this Jan. 6th conspiracy got jail, time and the people at the middle level and very top level are still walking free. The house should also use its investigative power to investigate congressman who are breaking the law in other ways such as finance, sexual crimes, foreign influence and treasonous behavior. With this new 2.0 Trump administration there will be so many things to investigate, I can't even count. And by the time we get through these 4 years, there will be thousands of things to choose from. And I can't wait to see these criminals finally get their due.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Just last week, I got the most sweet and beautiful email from a 14 year old boy that I had met at a Halloween event. I handed him one of my cards and I told him even though he wasn't old enough to vote, he could be a volunteer for my campaign. He emailed me to find out how he could do that, but also told me how much he appreciated that I was sticking up for the gay community and how much it meant to him. He had seen his friends being bullied in school and he himself was trying to figure out his own sexual identity. I almost cried, and once again I was reminded about why I was running for office.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I am very proud that even though I had to become homeless fighting for the protection of the disabled and elderly, that the issue I fought for got fixed!

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

I am just learning how to use AI and I have to say it is pretty cool. One of my volunteers is helping me learn how to make political cartoons and videos using AI and I have to say it is pretty amazing and so fast. But I do have a Fine Arts degree and this is worrying me that real artists will become obsolete, because a computers can do it all for you and to me that is not real art. Regulations on this new technology are very needed and it is despicable to me that the Republicans voted against this. Hmm, I wonder why? So maybe they can keep fooling and lying to their MAGA people?

When you can make a deep fake and clone in a few minutes and ruin someone's reputation by using that deep fake to lie and show a person doing or saying something they did not say or do, that is dangerous and we need guardrails ASAP. AI is amazing but not if it is going to take over every single job that a human can do, because we need more jobs in this country and not less, and we need to keep it in its lane.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Oh boy this is a huge one. First of all let's talk about gerrymandering. I think we need a nonpartisan federal computerized program designed for