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Home > Plain Talk With Rob Port > 675: The truck-driving former alcoholic running as a Democrat for the U.S. House in North Dakota (Video)
Podcast: Plain Talk With Rob Port
Episode:

675: The truck-driving former alcoholic running as a Democrat for the U.S. House in North Dakota (Video)
Category: News & Politics
Duration: 00:53:15
Publish Date: 2026-02-04 21:02:00
Description:

"I used to referee a lot of basketball," Vern Thompson said on this episode of Plain Talk. "The people that would sit on the sidelines hollering at the ref, you know, 50% of them usually didn't like what he was calling because it was against our team. Well, the bottom line with that is that I had to get off my butt and get into the game."

That was Thompson's response to a question about why he's running for the U.S. House. He's seeking the Democratic-NPL nomination, running against Trygve Hammer.

Thompson has a colorful resume. He's a former state lawmaker. He's been a farmer, and he worked in talk radio with former left-wing host Ed Schultz. He's currently working as a trucker hauling natural gas out of North Dakota's western oil fields, and he spoke openly about his struggles with alcoholism.

"I was a young farmer and I struggled through the 1980s farm crisis," he said. "I'll be real candid with you, during that time I went in for treatment for alcoholism, and it's the best thing I ever did. I wouldn't be alive talking to you guys today."

"I saw people committing suicide," he continued. "I saw where people were getting foreclosed and they were filing bankruptcy. I don't want to see those people that are the same age today, those young farmers, as I was in the 80s ,because that was hell."

"I just felt that she was in ineffective," Thompson said of the incumbent in the race. "I think that Representative [Julie] Fedorchak has failed her constitutional responsibilities. She's let a president run wild and nobody's going to stop him until people stand up and say enough is enough."

"I respect Julie," he added, "but she's too timid. You have to stand up."

Also on this episode, we respond to some listener feedback, including an email from Greg, who says he used to be a "vile a-hole" Trump supporter but has come to realize that the president's critics are right.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

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