The Takeout with Major Garrett

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Weaponization and Whistleblowers: Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) Mar 24, 2023

Show notes

This week, Major visits Rep. Stacey Plaskett, the Democratic delegate for the U.S. Virgin Islands, in her Capitol Hill office. Plaskett, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee’s “weaponization” of government subcommittee, says House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan are attempting to intimidate Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in his investigation of former President Trump. She also says the witnesses Rep. Jordan has interviewed for the "weaponization" committee cannot be considered "whistleblowers" and says their claims of partisan attacks in the federal government are "down the rabbit hole."

Plus, Plaskett looks back at her high-profile role in Trump's second impeachment trial and discusses what fueled her decision to switch political parties over a decade ago.

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

The Pentagon released video this week showing an airborne Russian fighter jet intercepting an unarmed U.S. drone above the Black Sea. The provocative act, which took place in international airspace, damaged the drone's propeller, causing it to crash into the water. On this week's show, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby explains what the U.S. will and will not do in response. Plus, what does Kirby think of Poland providing jets to the Ukrainian military? Have White House procedures for handling classified material changed since classified papers were found at President Biden's home and former office? Also, who blew up the Nord Stream 2 pipeline? Join us for breakfast at Cafe du Parc at the Willard Hotel.

Lion Ted: Author John Farrell on Senator Ted Kennedy Mar 10, 2023

Show notes

Major sits down with author Jack Farrell to discuss his most recent book "Ted Kennedy: A Life," a biography of the so-called Lion of the Senate. Kennedy served nearly 47 years in the chamber, championing liberal policies. Farrell writes that Kennedy suffered from chronic self-doubt which, in part, sunk his 1980 bid for the White House. Farrell also discusses his books on Richard Nixon and Clarence Darrow. We're at Ris in Washington's West End. Join us!

The Anti-Woke Presidential Hopeful: Vivek Ramaswamy Mar 03, 2023

Show notes

It's our first interview with a (declared) candidate for the 2024 presidency! Vivek Ramaswamy, a political outsider and bio-tech multi-millionaire, announced his bid for the GOP presidential nomination on February 21. Ramaswamy tells Major that he threw his hat in the ring because he believes America is in the middle of a "national identity crisis." He's authored several books including his latest, "Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam," in which he criticizes what he calls "secular religions" such as "wokeism" and "climateism."

Plus: Ramaswamy's planned podcast pivot after fumbling a question regarding the nuclear triad during a radio interview late last month.

Inside Biden's Oval Office: Author Chris Whipple Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

Author Chris Whipple got extraordinary access to the Biden White House for his latest book, "The Fight of His Life," a look at the first two years of the Biden presidency. Whipple interviewed the president and nearly every senior officials advising him day-to-day, including now former White House chief of staff Ron Klain. Major and Whipple explore the high points and low points of the Biden presidency and the contours of a potential re-election campaign. Join us!

LBJ's Legacy 50 Years Later: Historian Mark A. Lawrence Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

As lawmakers debate the merits of reforms to programs like Medicare and changes to federal voting laws, we look back at the legacy of President Lyndon Johnson and why he's relevant today. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his death. Johnson signed into law some of the most consequential legislation in U.S. history - the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and bills that created Medicare, Medicaid and Head Start. How do modern day presidents stack up? Join us for Major's fascinating conversation with historian Dr. Mark A. Lawrence, director of the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum in Austin, Texas.

Former Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

Former acting Defense Secretary Christopher C. Miller has a message for Washington: cut the defense budget “dramatically” and stop making China a bogeyman. Miller served in the waning days of the Trump administration and recently released a book “Soldier Secretary.” Major sits down with Miller at Kilroy's in Springfield, VA. Join us!

Lonnie Bunch III: The Smithsonian's First African American Secretary Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

Smithsonian Secretary and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch joins Major for lunch at the museum's cafeteria, Sweet Home Cafe. Bunch, an accomplished historian, explains the some of the museum's vast offerings and tackles contemporary issues like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' push to eliminate a black history course in his state's high schools. Join us!

Rocky Mountain Guy: Governor Jared Polis (D-CO) Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

Major sits down with Colorado’s Democratic Governor Jared Polis at the statehouse in Denver. Polis gives his take on the classified documents saga, his presidential aspirations, 2024, Colorado’s permissive drug policy, housing shortages and immigration reform. Stick around for the Takeout Outtake Especial and Polis’ surprisingly good Yoda impression. Join us!

Debt Ceiling Dilemma: Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) Jan 20, 2023

Show notes

There's a debate roiling Washington right now over how much the federal government should be allowed to borrow to pay its bills. Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Patrick McHenry is at the center of that often heated discussion. The right flank of his party wants spending cuts in exchange for raising the borrowing limit while the Biden White House insists it should be raised without concessions. Plus, what happened in the final hours of the speakership fight? And who did McHenry call a "world class sociopath?" We're at Ted's Bulletin on Capitol Hill. Join us!

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