FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO)— In a special edition broadcast live from Capitol Hill, Fort Wayne’s Morning News joined Senator Jim Banks in his office for a rare behind-the-scenes look at Congress and America’s 250th birthday celebrations. Hosted by Kayla Blakeslee, the broadcast offered listeners an inside perspective on the Capitol, a glimpse into legislative life, and a personal side of Indiana’s senator.
“This is the segment I’ve been looking forward to all morning long,” Blakeslee said as she kicked off the live broadcast. “Senator Banks, thank you for welcoming us into your office and giving us access to Capitol Hill like this. It’s truly an honor.”
Banks responded with characteristic warmth, noting the connection his weekly radio program gives him to constituents back home in Northeast Indiana. “I’ve been doing my Wednesday morning interviews for ten years now,” he said. “That’s how people have gotten to know me. That’s how I communicate directly to the folks I represent.”
Celebrating America’s 250th
Much of the conversation focused on America’s 250th birthday and what it means to Banks personally. “It’s an incredible honor to serve in this country during its 250th year,” he said. “This is the greatest country in the history of the world. We must always protect it for our kids and grandkids.”
Banks also highlighted a troubling decline in American patriotism over the years. “A few years ago, the Wall Street Journal reported less than 40% of Americans felt patriotic,” he noted. “No great country can survive if less than half its people love and believe in it. America 250 is about reminding people why this country is great.”
The senator was quick to credit President Donald Trump for promoting patriotism and celebrating the nation. “Thank God that Donald Trump is the president for America 250,” Banks said. “Not Kamala Harris or Joe Biden, who in their heart don’t believe America is great. There’s a radical difference in leadership when someone loves America.”
Blakeslee noted the patriotic displays around the city, including the Washington Monument lit in red, white, and blue. Banks called it a fitting tribute for the milestone year. “He [Trump] loves the show, the theatrics,” Banks said. “This is going to be a great year for America.”
Inside the Capitol: A Personal Tour
Listeners also got a glimpse of Capitol Hill life through an impromptu tour led by Banks. Blakeslee described sitting in the gallery above the Senate floor, seeing the original Senate chamber, and standing on the balcony overlooking the presidential inauguration site. “These were incredibly moving, special moments,” she said.
Banks reflected on the significance of working in such a historic building. “It never gets old,” he said. “Walking up to the Senate chamber and seeing the Capitol dome is a reminder of the history here and the honor Indiana gives me to serve our state. I have so many ‘pinch me’ moments in this job.”
Human Moments & Stories from the Hill
The interview wasn’t all history and policy. Banks shared lighthearted stories from his time on Capitol Hill and interactions with President Trump. One of the highlights: receiving a pair of black dress shoes from the president himself.
“He [Trump] said his feet always hurt and spent $15,000 on shoes before finding a pair that finally worked,” Banks recounted. “He asked if I wanted a pair. I told him I was a size 11, and he handed me the shoes, making sure they’d fit. It was such a human, gracious moment.”
Banks also reflected on working across party lines. “Even with Democrats I disagree with on nearly everything, some showed incredible kindness to my family when my brother passed,” he said. “That’s the human part of serving in Congress — we have debates, but we also have empathy.”
Indiana Pride & Local Connections
Banks’ love for Indiana and its accomplishments was evident. He shared excitement for the IU Hoosiers football team competing for the national championship and reflected on the pride Hoosiers feel for their athletes. “Fernando Mendoza is such a class act,” he said. “Young people today need role models like him. And this team makes all of Indiana proud.”
He also tied the celebration to the state’s rich sporting history. “Fifty years ago, Bobby Knight’s basketball team went undefeated. Now our Hoosiers football team is doing the same in the playoff era. It’s historic.”
Rapid-Fire Fun
To close the segment, Blakeslee challenged Banks to a rapid-fire round, offering listeners a glimpse of the senator’s lighter side:
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Early mornings or late nights? → Committee hearings
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Abraham Lincoln or Ronald Reagan? → Abraham Lincoln
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Coffee or pop? → Coffee
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Tom Petty or Snoop Dogg? → Tom Petty
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Ford or Chevy? → Ford Bronco
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Cake or ice cream? → Ice cream
Banks ended the segment with appreciation for the Morning News team. “You guys are so special,” he said. “Thank you for giving people this front-row seat to history as we kick off America’s 250th.”
