Patrick Murphy was featured in The Intelligencer article "A Hill of Issues." While the full article can be found in the February 7, 2014, issue of The Intelligencer, a synopsis is noted below.
Patrick Murphy, a partner at Fox Rothschild and former congressman, is now hosting "Taking the Hill," a monthly program on MSNBC addressing the pressing issues facing veterans. Among those issues are the 26,000 sexual assaults in the military last year, budget cuts and the suicide rate among veterans.
"These are issues America needs to know about," Murphy said.
"I try to tell these stories in ways people can relate to," he said. "The whole purpose of the show is to break the civilian-military divide. Less than one percent of Americans served in Iraq and Afghanistan; most Americans don't have skin in the game. Some say it's impossible to break the divide. We're attempting to change that."
"For me, being a voice for the veteran community, and especially the 2.6 million veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is something that's critically needed. To be their champion is an awesome responsibility."
Murphy has served as an MSNBC contributor since March 2013, so the network was familiar with his interest in addressing issues facing veterans.
"They saw that I write for them, have been on television for them, and know I care deeply about public policy and want to continue to serve my community and country," Murphy said. "'Taking the Hill' is a great opportunity to do that."
"I'm hands on," said Murphy, who does much of the planning for the show. "It's my passion and a labor of love. Our show highlights issues and provides solutions."
"This isn't the Pentagon Channel. This show is for everyday Americans to see what's going on with our veterans. What our veterans deal with – PTSD, suicides, sexual abuse – is every American's responsibility to be part of the solution."
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