John King was the only one to leave office. education secretaryBarack Obama, then President of the United States, made it possible for him to pay off his student loans.

King who was a Harvard graduate and Yale law student said, “I spent a lot my adult life paying that down.” King wouldn’t say how much, but he did reveal that it was quite substantial, with many thousands of dollars.

King (47), who is currently running for governor of MarylandAs a Democrat, I am now calling for President Joe Biden’s executive action to eliminate student loan debt. King stated that there is an opportunity to ease the burden on people at this time and that it will help speed up our economic recovery from Covid.

Biden was also warned about the consequences if he doesn’t take action. White House spokeswoman said that they continue to explore the possibility of loan forgiveness.

This interview was edited for clarity and condensed.

Annie Nova: Was it your time as Education Secretary that made you support student loan forgiveness now?

JK:The Obama administration was very concerned about reducing the student burden from being taken advantage of through predatory for-profit colleges. Also, we established income-based repayment programmes. Those plans were not enough, looking back. Given the Covid crisis, the economic crisis, and now the pandemic we have an opportunity for a New Deal Moment, in which we can cancel all of our debt.

AN: Would you agree that President Biden is capable of forgiving student loans on his own without Congress’ approval?

JK: Yes. The Obama administration was able to establish a debt cancellation process. The vast majority of the lawyers that have looked into this issue believe there’s the executive power to allow for wide forgiveness.

AN: Did you have any discussions with Miguel Cardona (current education secretary) about cancelling debt?

JK:I spoke with him. The president will make this decision.

AN: More that 40 million Americans have student debt. On average, the student debt burden exceeds $30,000. One quarter of borrowers are in default on their monthly payments. What is the secret to our success?

JK:A policy misstep of 40 years has led to this student debt crisis. Pell Grants have had their purchasing power decrease over the years. Pell Grants used to account for more than half of the public higher education costs in 1980. Today, they make up less that a quarter of this amount. Our country has shifted away from higher education being a public benefit to placing large amounts of the cost on students and their families.

A: How can you stop student loan debt spiraling out of control if they are cancelled?

JK:The solution to the problem must be found. It is possible. This is because a debt-free college can be viewed as a public benefit. Just as K-12 education serves the public interest and protects democracy’s health, so should higher education.

AN. What would you expect if Biden didn’t forgive student loans?

JK:Key constituents, who are vital for the health and well-being of the Democratic Party, would feel utter disillusionment.

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