Table of Contents
| Acknowledgments | |
| Chapter 1 | The American Dream | 9 |
| Chapter 2 | Sound Body, Sound Mind | 23 |
| Chapter 3 | How It All Started | 68 |
| Chapter 4 | Navy SEALs | 93 |
| Chapter 5 | "The Body" | 133 |
| Chapter 6 | "The Mouth" | 181 |
| Chapter 7 | "The Mind" | 225 |
| Chapter 8 | Accepting the Shackles | 287 |
| Chapter 9 | Self-reliance | 314 |
| Chapter 10 | Looking National | 325 |
Interviews & Essays
On Thursday, May 27th, barnesandnoble.com welcomed Jesse Ventura to discuss I AIN'T GOT TIME TO BLEED.
Moderator: Welcome, Governor Ventura! Thank you for taking the time to join us online this evening to chat about your new book, I AIN'T GOT TIME TO BLEED. How are you doing tonight?
Jesse Ventura: I am doing fine, getting a little tired, but I had a terrific day today. It was a great honor to speak at the Nixon Library and the people were just great. I think we went through 1,200 books.
Tim Gruber from NYC: Why did you decide to write a book so early into your term as governor? Do you plan on ever writing a book later in your life, after you fulfill your term as governor?
Jesse Ventura: I wanted to write the autobiography and explain how I won; I felt that was an important story to be told. I guess we would now ask you if you want me to write another one -- I certainly would entertain that thought also.
Martha from Lexington, KY: You write about quite a few experiences in your life in this book. Do you have many regrets in life? More specifically, do you regret anything you write about in this book?
Jesse Ventura: No, because it doesn't do you any good to do that, you can't change what happens. There were decisions at 18 that I wouldn't make at 47, but I think that would apply to everyone.
Paul Leavitt from Northville, Michigan: How much wrestling do you watch today, if any, and who do you watch more?
Jesse Ventura: I very rarely watch, and if I do I watch the WWF because I find it new. I find WCW to be just WWF retreads.
Christopher, 10 years old, from Falls Church, Virginia: Dear Mr. Ventura: Why did you change your name to Jesse "the Mind" Ventura? Are you ever going to wrestle again? I want to be a wrestler also. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you.
Jesse Ventura: I changed my name to "the Mind" because as you get older you can't use your body like you did when you were young. Make sure at your age that if you want to be a wrestler, you study in school, because at one point you will need to retire from wrestling and at that point you need to rely on your mind.
Laurie from NJ: Hi, Jesse. I read that you drove your Porsche at 140 mph (or more?) once. What does your wife think of your need to defy death every now and then? What other death-defying feats have you done, and do you confess these things to her afterward, or does she somehow find out later? Also, it seems like you never take a break, you're always somewhere, doing something -- between the job, traveling, Timberwolves games, lectures, the kid's school activities, and so on. When you two do take a break, how do you spend your time? Best of luck!
Jesse Ventura: I drove at 145 mph (not 140) and I still had 1,200 rpms to go, but I did it in an area in Minnesota where nobody was and it was quite a safe place to do it in. In regards to my wife, she usually knows. Last year I repelled down from the ceiling of the Target Center before a Timberwolves game, probably a stunt similar to the same thing that killed Owen Hart, but I am more of a professional because I used to do it as a Navy SEAL where we learned proper repelling technique. She doesn't like it but she accepts it and lives with it.
Pam Buckleitner from Gaylord, Michigan: Are you feeling comfortable now that you have been in office a few months? What have you learned that surprised you the most?
Jesse Ventura: I would say that my comfort level has improved, but I am still not totally comfortable. I have learned that you have to be very careful to have a sense of humor as governor, because anything you say can and will be used against you.
Tina Erickson from Minnesota Iron Range: Mr. Ventura, I do not have an intelligent question for you, just a comment. I am very proud to be from Minnesota, have lived here all my life (40 years). You have made me more proud of this state than I ever have been before! God be with you, sir!
Jesse Ventura: God bless you. It is people like you who, no matter how tough the times get, keep me going, as well as the schoolkids.
Darren from Metaire, LA: Can you tell me a little bit more about this rebate you made available for the residents of Minnesota? Thanks! Jesse, you rule! We need you down here in Louisiana.
Jesse Ventura: New Orleans is my favorite city for vacationing in the continental U.S. The rebate was this: We had a surplus of money (about $1.3 billion) and we are giving it back as a sales-based rebate on a study of your income, and the average Minnesota native will be getting back 700-800 bucks tax-free. The Republicans wanted an income-tax rebate where, if you itemize, you have to pay taxes; but in a sales-tax rebate you can't deduct it so you can't tax it. I would rather give the money to Minnesota than the federal government -- it is our money anyway.
Rose Marie Plante from Greenville, N.H.: Governor Ventura, welcome to the net. What do you think is the reason that you won the election for governor? Do you think it might be because the people are sick and tired of the "politician" and just want more common sense to be used in government? I admire your guts to even run for office. Best of luck in your new career.
Jesse Ventura: Thank you very much, and I believe you are absolutely correct.
Steven Swihart from Denver, CO: I heard you criticized the other day for being too much of a populist. How do you answer such criticism?
Jesse Ventura: I guess I say, what is wrong with being popular? Better then being unpopular.
Paul Rudoff from East Rockaway, NY: On the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" last night, you said that you saw part of NBC's "Jesse Ventura" TV movie, but you turned it off after you saw how they portrayed your parents. What was wrong with the way your parents were portrayed in the movie?
Jesse Ventura: First of all, my father was a very fun-loving, happy man; this guy wasn't that at all. My mother was, before it was even popular in the women's lib movement, a career woman and Army lieutenant who was aggressive and career-oriented and taught me and my brother to be independent thinkers and doers. Neither of these people were anything close to what my parents were like.
Jen from Jersey City, NJ: Do you enjoy reading Richard Marcinko? How close to your own experience with the SEALs are his novels?
Jesse Ventura: Yes, I very much enjoy reading him -- in fact, I am reading THE REAL TEAM right now. I would say very, very close to what life in the SEALs is like.
Paul from Michigan: I find it interesting that Hulk Hogan tattletaled on you about forming a union for wrestlers. With all these terrible deaths with wrestling today, what do you think could solve this problem -- or is this too far gone?
Jesse Ventura: Can you do anything about it? Probably not, greed can be very powerful. In the case of Owen Hart, if Owen would not do it they would find somebody who could. I think wrestlers today are more stuntmen then wrestlers. A union could solve a lot of problems in wrestling today.
Andy from Hoboken, NJ: Did you get the title of this book from your line in "Predator"?
Jesse Ventura: Yes.
Terry Erickson from Chisholm, Minnesota: Solution to a problem: Build an open-air stadium in the shape of a battleship in Embarrass, Minnesota. Duluth Vikings would be happy, and talk about home-field advantage!
Jesse Ventura: It would be interesting.... [laughs]
Paul Leavitt from Northville, Michigan: Throughout your great career in professional wrestling, who would you say was your toughest opponent in the ring?
Jesse Ventura: Maurice "Mad Dog" Vashon. You know those shirts that say "My Governor Can Beat Up Your Governor"? Well, he has a shirt that says "I Beat Up Your Governor."
Casey from Little Rock, Ark.: Now that you're a political figure, where will the proceeds from your book go?
Jesse Ventura: Me.
Alan from Shakur Heights, OH: Who would you list as your political influences?
Jesse Ventura: I really don't know if I have any. I think a lot of the things I am doing are breaking new ground, so that I think there isn't anybody that can influence me, I guess...
Paul from Michigan: I am in favor of prostitution like you are, but could you please discuss the advantages again for legalizing "the oldest profession in the world"?
Jesse Ventura: One, if you prohibit any business, that makes it likely to be run by criminals. So by bringing it aboveboard, it would not be led by criminals. Two, I also think you would have much better control of the disease factor, and three, we could tax them. That is the downside of everything prohibited: You can't tax it because it is not legal and therefore they get a free ride by not paying taxes. Prohibition does not mean something is going away.
Peter from LA: What is your position on the use of marijuana for medical purposes?
Jesse Ventura: I completely support it. I don't think government has any right to tell you what you can and cannot take if you are stricken with cancer, AIDS, or any life-threatening disease.
Larry Winger from Fridley, MN: Jesse, are you planning to do any talk-radio chats with listeners on AM 1500 or any other radio stations in the future?
Jesse Ventura: I will be starting a new radio show called "Lunch with the Governor" every Friday on WCCO in the Twin Cities from 11 to noon (that's 830 on the dial).
Moderator: Do you have any books you've been saving up to read this summer?
Jesse Ventura: No.
Mark Burfeind from Columbus,OH: Governor Ventura, what are your thoughts on the various communities in southern Minnesota that are making it difficult for the DM&E Railroad to go forward with their proposed train-handling capacity to move Powder River Coal across the state to Winona?
Jesse Ventura: I am not really up on it too strongly. I have heard about it, but before I comment I want to study this issue more. I am really not prepared to answer that now.
Melissa from San Francisco: I just heard you on with Ralph Barbieri and Tom Tolbert on the radio in San Francisco. As you said to Ralph and Tom, you've learned that in the political arena, it doesn't seem like anyone can take a joke. In light of that, can you really continue to say exactly what you think?
Jesse Ventura: I hope so. I am not going to change who I am, and I am certainly not going to let them change me.
Scott from Easton, MD: Any thoughts of running for president in any future elections on the reform ticket?
Jesse Ventura: No. I promised that I would be governor for four years and I will fulfill that promise. I don't want to subject my family to a national campaign and the scrutiny it would bring.
Michael from Atlanta, GA: I thought you were great in "Running Man" and especially "Predator." Any plans for additional acting roles, possibly after politics?
Jesse Ventura: Certainly, if the right role were to come up, I would always love to pursue acting. It is fun and you make pretty good money at it.
Jay Philpott from Minneapolis: Good evening, Governor! You were unhappy with NBC's production of a TV movie about you, produced without your involvement (it
was bad!). Have you been approached by any network or film company for the rights to produce your book as a film? If so, who would you suggest as the right actor to play you?
Jesse Ventura: There is a little nibbling going on, but nothing concrete as of this moment. What actor? Oh, that is a tough question that I have a tough time answering.
Tim Deorri from St. Louis, MO: What are your general thoughts on the direction we are heading as a country as we enter the millennium? Thanks!
Jesse Ventura: I think we need to be careful, because history shows us that all world powers eventually crumble and we should watch and learn history to attempt to avoid that.
Paul Rudoff from East Rockaway, NY: Three of the films you've been in have starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. Is it just a coincidence or are you two good friends?
Jesse Ventura: We are good friends -- in fact, we exchange Christmas gifts, our families do, and cigars.
Tim from Lincoln, Nebraska: Governor, with all the activities you're involved with...when do you sleep?!
Jesse Ventura: When I am dead -- like Warren Zevon said, "I'll sleep when I'm dead."
Judi Stansill from Minnesota: No question...I just want to tell Jesse to keep up the good work! We stand behind him all the way. In fact, we weren't going to vote...but, just to make sure and help him out...Jesse was the
only one on the whole ballot I voted for! And I'm sure others did, too...so by that one check on the whole ballot...we were trying to make our statement! Again, we're behind you Jesse, no matter what, and you haven't disappointed us once!
Jesse Ventura: Thank you very much.
Tim Bodin from Minnetonka, MN: Hey Jesse, how's my step-cousin Wendy working out for you? Isn't she your chief of staff over there? Is she with you now?
Jesse Ventura: She is not my chief of staff but my head of government relations. She is working out very well. I couldn't be happier with my entire staff.
Laura Turnquist from St. Cloud, MN: Why are in you California and not in your own state for your book signing?
Jesse Ventura: We did one last Saturday at the Mall of America and certainly there could be more in the works.
Pac87@aol.com from xx: You are such a positive role model for all people out there. You are an example of how determination pays off. Congrats to you for breaking the stiff stereotypical view of politicians. What advice do you have for people interested in one day entering politics?
Jesse Ventura: Punt. Ha-ha. I would tell them to stay true to themselves and never make a decision based on being reelected.
Denise from Washington, D.C.: Bill Walton kept on talking during the basketball games about how you are such an impressive bodybuilder and how you used to work out in Portland with him. Has your vast experience as a weight lifter helped you with being the governor of Minnesota?
Jesse Ventura: Yeah, I think it has in some manner. Being a weight lifter like that gives you the determination to be successful and this carries over to this job. You have to work hard every day to be successful at it.
Gary from Bradenton, Florida: Do you feel you have received fair credit for what you have done in office so far? I admire you and respect you. (I loved you as a wrestler.) Thank you.
Jesse Ventura: Sure. My job is not to make myself a winner but to make the state of Minnesota a winner, and in the short time since I have been governor, Minnesota has been a winner.
Kathy from Racine, Wisconsin: Jesse, after you have finished your stint in Minnesota, would you, with your common sense, consider coming over the line and running for governor here in Wisconsin? We need someone like you!
Jesse Ventura: No, they don't. Tommy Thompson does an outstanding job, and besides, how could a Viking ever become a "Cheesehead"?
Moderator: Thank you so much for joining us to chat this evening, Governor Ventura. Before you go, do you have any closing comments for your online audience?
Jesse Ventura: Thank you very much. It was my pleasure to participate. I encourage everyone to buy the book, because if you buy the book you won't read little excerpts out of context, you will see the points I am trying to make. You need to read the whole book, not just portions. Have a great Memorial Day weekend and don't forget that Monday is Memorial Day and remember why we celebrate that day. Thank you.
Read an Excerpt
Our final big push came seventy-two hours before the election. We rented some RVs, set up a live Internet feed, and headed out on a thirty-four-stop trip around the state, straight through, no sleep. But I knew from my background that I could do it-it was less than half of Hell Week!
As those all-important last hours ticked down, we stole all the thunder from the other two campaigns. The press jumped on board with us, because we were having all the fun. We invited people, "Come along! Jump in your cars and come with us for as long as you want to go!" We had times when we were going down the highway with twenty-five cars tooting their horns, waving banners and flags. We came into cities in a whirlwind of noise. Later, people rushed home and jumped on the Internet to see if they could see pictures of themselves. There was running commentary, "Jesse's now left for Hutchinson. . . ." We literally stole all the publicity and all the momentum that weekend. That's when I started to believe we had a shot at winning. I always knew we had an outside chance, but that's the first time the possibility really began to seem real to me.
Even Terry started to feel it. She went on the seventy-two-hour blitz with us. It was her first real involvement in the campaign. I had told her from the start that I didn't expect her to be part of it unless she wanted to be. She could be as little or as much involved as she liked.
It was during that blitz that my confrontation with Hillary Clinton took place. It was on Saturday-I think we were in Rochester that morning-that Hillary had come into town to stump for Humphrey. One of the press guys came up to me and said, "Did you hear what Hillary Clinton said about you? She said it's time to end the carnival sideshow act that's going on here and get down to the business of electing Skip Humphrey. How do you feel about Hillary Clinton calling you a carnival sideshow act?"
I said, "It seems to me, rather than being concerned about Minnesota politics, Hillary should be more concerned about leaving Bill home alone. He seems to get into a lot of mischief whenever she leaves him." You wanna start the fight, the Klingon's gonna draw the line in the sand. Strike us, and you make us stronger.
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