The Takeout with Major Garrett

Latest Episodes:

Pepperoni Pizza with Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) Jul 28, 2023

Show notes

Major sits down for pizza with California Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell at Stellina, a Neapolitan pizza joint in DC's Union Market. Swalwell reacts to the Hunter Biden plea agreement that fell apart this week and weighs in on President Biden's 2024 re-election prospects. Swalwell, who served as an impeachment manager in the wake of the January 6th Capitol attack, explains the daily threats he gets and how it impacts him, his family and staff. Also, Swalwell dishes on his relationship with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a fellow member of the California House delegation. Join us!

The Ben Terris Treatment Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

Washington Post reporter and author Ben Terris joins Major to discuss his new book, "The Big Break: The Gamblers, Party Animals, and True Believers Trying to Win in Washington While America Loses Its Mind." Terris's book looks at Washington after the Trump presidency and asks a fundamental questions of the political class in DC: Why are you here? Join us at Unconventional Diner in downtown DC for chicken and waffles and a great conversation!

Half Smokes & Historic Firsts: Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

This week, it's all about historic firsts: for the first time in our seven-year history, we paid a visit to the historic Ben's Chili Bowl, a restaurant that's been serving their "original half-smokes" to hungry Washingtonians since 1958. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), who in 2017 became the first woman of color to be elected to Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, knows Ben's well - she frequented the original location on U Street NW as a staffer for then-U.S. Senator John Kerry in the early 2000s.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on Ayanna's journey to Congress, her advocacy for student loan relief, her view that the Supreme Court is "making history for all the wrong reasons" and more!

Evangelicalism in America: Author Jon Ward Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

Evangelical voters are likely to play a significant role in deciding whether former President Trump will capture the GOP nomination in 2024. Jon Ward, chief national correspondent for Yahoo! News, knows that voting bloc well. Ward's new book, Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Failed a Generation, is about his upbringing in an influential evangelical church. The book is a deeply personal account that details a painful estrangement between Jon and his family members as he sought to tell the truth in his reporting on American politics.

This conversation was recorded on June 26, 2023 at The Roost food hall on Capitol Hill.

On the Road with Neil King, Jr. Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

Journalist and author Neil King, Jr. joins Major at The Grill at Harryman House in Reisterstown, MD. On the menu: a chat about Neil’s new book “American Ramble,” a chronicle of his 300+ mile walk from Washington, D.C. to New York City. Join us for a stroll through history.

Talkin' Politics with Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

The Republican former governor of Maryland has a lot to say about the 2024 race for the GOP nomination - a contest he says he will not join. But would he consider a third party challenge early next year? Governor Larry Hogan sits down with Major on the banks of the South River at Mike's Restaurant and Crabhouse in Riva, MD. Hogan dishes on Trump and the classified documents indictment, why he thinks Ron DeSantis' campaign is off to a rocky start and what election denialism means for the Republican party. Pull up a chair and Join us for crabs, hush puppies and good conversation.

Breakfast with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

Rhode Island senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins Major for pastries and coffee at Ted's Bulletin on Capitol Hill. Whitehouse goes deep on former President Trump's legal troubles and his own experience prosecuting a celebrity politician. Plus, a discussion about President Biden's age and the 2024 race, why Whitehouse wants ailing California senator Dianne Feinstein to stay in office and where things stand with Supreme Court ethics rules reform. Join us!

Author Luke Russert w/ Former House Speaker John Boehner Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

Author and former broadcast journalist Luke Russert joins Major at famed Capitol Hill watering hole Tune Inn for a discussion of Russert's new book, "Look for Me There," a memoir about losing his father and traveling the world. Russert recounts advice he got in 2015 from then-Speaker of the House John Boehner, who told him to leave network news and explore the world. Stick around for a chat between Major, Russert and Boehner on why the speaker offered that advice and why it was the right call for Russert. Boehner also offers his thoughts on the state of the Republican Party and its frontrunner for president, Donald Trump. Join us!

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) on the debt ceiling, social security and 2024 Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

It's been a whirlwind week in Washington with both chambers of Congress considering a bill to lift the nation's borrowing limit and avert potential default on America's debt. The House passed the bill Wednesday night and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana believes the Senate will follow suit -- at some point before the June 5th deadline. But it's not clear exactly when or how. Cassidy explains the handful of sticking points for Senate Republicans. Stay for a longer conversation on the future Social Security and why Cassidy wants to lead on an issue that most politicians prefer to avoid.

A Very Nerdy Debt Ceiling Discussion: Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) May 26, 2023

Show notes

We're wearing our nerd hats this week because, well...the news-of-the-day requires such attire! The ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan Boyle, joins Major for coffee at one of our favorite haunts, the Dubliner on Capitol Hill. The congressman dubbed this chat about debt ceiling negotiations the "nerdiest conversation I've ever had sitting in the [familiar, famed Irish pub]."

Boyle is optimistic that a debt ceiling deal could be reached soon, but he admits that default is possible. "This is without question the most serious danger with that we have faced since 2011," Boyle said, referring to an early debt ceiling showdown that led to a brief downgrading of U.S. credit rating by Standard & Poor's.

And sure, for those of you math-averse folks - this could be a daunting listen. But amid all the big numbers, there are lessons to be learned. Join us!

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