Deborah Solomon, New York Times Magazine Q&A extraordinaire, has Congressman Joseph Cao for a sit down in this Sunday's edition. And as we've become accustomed to as of late during interviews with the congressman, the Q&A is heavily focused on his recent vote in favor of the House health-care reform bill earlier this month. Cao was the only Republican to do so.
Cao said while he's felt intense heat from across the United States because of the vote, no Republican leaders have "scolded" him -- not even minority whip Eric Cantor, who had stated at a rally that not a single member of the GOP would vote in favor of the bill.
"Actually, I just had lunch with Eric Cantor down here in New Orleans, and he was very supportive of who I am and what I have to do to represent the district," Cao said. "He fully understands the politics of the district."
Cao goes on to say that his votes come from his gut and personal conviction, not out of politics. In fact, Cao said the only reason he became a Republican was "because of their strong pro-life stance."
Later, Cao has an amusing tale of school in Indiana at 8 years old, fresh off the boat from Vietnam. While his age said he should have been a third grader, he was put in first grade instead. He said it wasn't difficult.
"I am petite and I looked quite young. I’m 5-foot-2. Now I look 18, even though I’m 42."
