The Takeout with Major Garrett

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's guest is House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan who told Major the committee will investigate how the Justice Department handled two classified records cases involving presidents. Jordan told CBS News his panel will probe the department's investigations into classified materials found at former President Donald Trump's Florida home and those found at Joe Biden's private office and Delaware home. This episode was taped in the House Judiciary Committee Library Thursday morning, before Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel in the classified document matter involving President Joe Biden. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his first interview since leaving government service, Dr. Anthony Fauci explains why the latest COVID variant, XBB.1.5, is spreading so rapidly and why China is facing an explosion of COVID cases. Fauci also responds to Twitter owner Elon Musk, who earlier this week said he would release the "Fauci Files," thought to be internal Twitter documents, though their precise content or relevance is unclear. Stay for the Outtake Especial to hear what Fauci is up to now and how old habits - like his sleep patterns - die hard. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The great Mo Rocca is back on The Takeout with the low down on season three of his hit podcast “Mobituaries.” Mo looks back on the lives of John Denver, Loretta Lynn, TV terrier Wishbone and many more. Join us for a belt-busting spread of Italian cuisine at Trattoria Dell’Arte in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It wouldn’t be Christmas at The Takeout without friend of the show and comedian Frank Caliendo. Frank is back with a few new impressions and all the classics. Happy Holidays from Major and Team Takeout. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major sits down with colleagues Cara Korte and Bo Erickson, the creative forces behind "Missing Justice," a new CBS News podcast that delves into the missing and murdered indigenous peoples crisis in the United States. The podcast focuses on Christy Woodenthigh, a mother and member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Montana, who died in March 2020. Korte and Erickson explain why her family and friends say justice was not served. Join us at Ris in Washington, DC's West End neighborhood. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former U.S. ambassador to Russia John Sullivan joins Major at Yours Truly DC, a hotel in Washington, DC’s West End. Their discussion focuses on Russia’s war in Ukraine and Sullivan’s dealings with President Vladimir Putin. Join us for coffee and bagels from Call Your Mother. This episode was recorded Wednesday, December 7th. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brad Raffensperger and Jocelyn Benson have both faced violent threats since the 2020 election. They join Major to talk about the 2022 midterms, election denialism and Donald Trump’s persistent influence on American politics. Recorded at Fontana at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. Join us. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CBS Mornings co-host and former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson joins Major for breakfast at Junior’s in New York City. Come for a great discussion, a delicious breakfast and stay for Nate’s explanation of what it’s like to return a punt in the NFL. Happy Thanksgiving! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Joe Biden was right, and I was wrong, and most people were." The president's pollster, John Anzalone, joins Major this week to discuss the key takeaways from the 2022 midterm elections. He believes Democrats showed surprising strength in races across a "toss-up nation," thanks in part to late-breaking independent voters who couldn't stomach voting for "extreme candidates on the right." Looking ahead to 2024, Anzalone believes that if Biden runs, he'll beat former president Donald Trump "like a drum." Plus: is Florida completely out of reach for Democrats in the next cycle? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're recapping the results of the 2022 midterm elections with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, the head of the Democratic Governors Association. Cooper believes Democratic governors defied expectations this cycle, thanks in part to campaigning on the Biden administration record. Does the governor think Biden should run for re-election in 2024? "I expect him to...if he makes that decision, I'm for him 100%" Plus: Cooper on Beto O'Rourke's loss in Texas and Ron DeSantis' decisive gubernatorial victory in Florida. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major met California Governor Gavin Newsom in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for this week’s episode of The Takeout. What’s the governor, who’s up for re-election himself, doing in New Mexico a few days before the midterms? Great question. Major attempts to answer that and whether the trip is a precursor to a run for higher office. Plus, Newsom’s sharp critiques of his own party, what he thinks of Kevin McCarthy as potentially the next House Speaker and Newsom’s take on Elon Musk owning Twitter. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, a January 6th rioter convicted of brutalizing former Washington, DC metropolitan police officer Michael Fanone was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. Fanone was dragged, beaten and tased by rioters on the West side of the Capitol that awful day and, as a result, suffered a heart attack and traumatic brain injury. He shares that story in his new book "Hold the Line," and in this week's show, the 300th episode of "The Takeout." Join us for french fries, chicken tenders and pretzels at The Dubliner, near Capitol Hill. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Less than three weeks until Election Day, longtime anti-abortion rights activist Marjorie Dannenfelser says Republican candidates should be leaning into abortion as a winning conservative issue — not running away. A raft of Republican candidates, many of whom won primaries touting support for the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision have moderated their positions in the general election or de-emphasized abortion as a campaign issue. "I am most seriously displeased," Dannenfelser said, quoting the novel "Pride and Prejudice." "Most seriously displeased that people who think that this is the death of a human being would all of a sudden see it politically inconvenient to be part of what they advocate." Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, blamed some Republicans for "inch[ing] to the middle, maybe the back of the bus" on abortion as Election Day approaches. It’s lunchtime at The Point in DC’s Buzzard Point neighborhood. Join us. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cecile Richards, the former head of Planned Parenthood, isn’t sure what impact the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade will have on the midterm elections, but says the long-term abortion debate in a post-Roe world is just at the “tip of the iceberg.” Richards, now co-chair of American Bridge, told Major, “The midterm election is only one measure of what's happening in the country. But I do think long term, [political momentum for abortion rights] is not going to wane." It's breakfast time at Bistro Du Jour in DC's Wharf neighborhood. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Residents of Southwest Florida will be cleaning up the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian for months to come. What made the storm so intense? How did meteorologists track the hurricane? What sorts of warnings kept the loss of life and property from being even worse? Major puts those questions to Dr. Rick Spinrad, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We’re at Cafe du Parc in downtown DC. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your esteemed host Major Garrett is this week's guest alongside co-author and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research David Becker. David and Major's new book, "The Big Truth: Upholding Democracy in the Age of “The Big Lie,” just hit shelves and they're here to share why we should be celebrating the execution of the 2020 election, not undermining it. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane guest hosts this week at The Dubliner on Capitol Hill. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republican congressman Chip Roy, whose district stretches from Austin to San Antonio, joins Major for a conversation before a live audience at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, TX. Roy dishes on the Trump documents investigation, immigration policy, The Big Lie and Republican prospects in the 2022 midterms. Join us for all that and more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Major's got Steven Law, president of Senate Leadership Fund, the SuperPAC working to elect Republicans to the US senate. The group will spend more than $200 million this fall and it's Law's job to figure out how best to do that. Law weighs in on competitive races in key states and the merits of this much money in our political system. We're at Dirty Habit in DC's Penn Quarter. Pull up a chair! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb suspects the Justice Department investigation into the former president’s mishandling of documents – some of them highly classified – is about a broader inquiry into potential crimes related to the January 6th Capitol riot and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Cobb worked closely with the former president, defending the White House during Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. “I believe former President Trump to be a deeply wounded narcissist and he is often incapable of acting other than in his perceived self-interest or for revenge,” Cobb said. “I think those are the two compelling instincts that guide his actions.” Join us for lunch at Ris in DC’s West End. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marc Short, conservative activist and longtime aide to former Vice President Mike Pence, joins Major for fried chicken sandwiches at The Henri, a French restaurant in downtown DC. On the menu: Short's take on the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, his experience on January 6th, Pence's presidential prospects, the 2022 midterm elections and the political impact of the Supreme Court's abortion opinion. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joshua Geltzer, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor at the White House National Security Council, joins Major this week to discuss the Biden administration's work to bring home Americans who have been wrongfully detained abroad, including Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan in Russia, and Austin Tice in Syria. Geltzer also discusses a new national action plan on drones, the administration's handling of immigration at the southwest border, and more. Join us for breakfast at Café du Parc at the historic Willard InterContinental hotel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, former Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez joins Major at Busboys and Poets in Takoma Park, DC. Perez recently finished 2nd in Maryland's gubernatorial primary and conceded to the winner, Wes Moore. "Yeah, am I disappointed? Of course. We fought like heck. But you know what, what we do at the end of primaries is we come together around our shared values and that's exactly what I'm doing now." Perez has thrown his weight behind Moore and plans to do campaign rallies with him. Perez predicts Democrats will keep senate control after the 2022 midterms, in part because Republicans nominated Trump-allied candidates in several key states. "We defeated Trump but we didn't defeat Trumpism." Perez now is now the co-chair of American Bridge 21st Century, a super PAC that supports Democratic candidates. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine joins Major this week to discuss the FBI search at Mar-a-Lago, Democrats' prospects this fall and the political impact of the Supreme Court's abortion decision. Plus, Kaine weighs in on whether his former running mate might give it another go in 2024. Major is on assignment in West Palm Beach, FL. Kaine is in Richmond, VA. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author and writer at The Atlantic Mark Leibovich joins Major for a chat about his new book, "Thank You for Your Servitude," which chronicles former President Trump's effect on Republicans in Washington. How will Trump impact the 2022 midterms? Will he run in 2024? Join us at MacIntyre's in Woodley Park, DC. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem isn't ruling out a run for the White House in 2024, that is, unless former president Donald Trump jumps in the race. "I think he's gonna run. And if President Trump runs, I'll support him," she said. Join us for homemade pop tarts and milkshakes at Ted’s Bulletin on Capitol Hill. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, once a loyalist to former President Trump, is ready to move on. "I don't want him to run [in 2024]. I don't. Because we don't need him anymore." He said the January 6th riot "probably is" an indelible stain on the former president's legacy and he believes the chorus of Republican witnesses who have testified in the House select committee's investigation into the events of January 6th. Mulvaney is now a contributor to CBS News. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is EVERYTHING more expensive than it used to be? CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger says that's more-or-less the reality facing Americans and it's not clear when consumer prices will ease. This week, the government reported prices up 9.1% over a year ago. Join Major and Jill for a spirited conversation about inflation, interest rates and what you can do to weather the economic headwinds. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major shares his extended CBS Mornings conversation with John Hinckley, Jr., who was recently released from court oversight after spending decades in a mental health facility for attempting to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. This was Hinckley's first television interview and a CBS News exclusive. Hinckley expresses remorse for his crimes and adds that he's now a gun control advocate. Plus: how songwriting has helped improve Hinckley's mental health. This conversation was recorded on June 20, 2022. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Major makes Takeout history: it's our first-ever episode recorded in his hometown of San Diego, CA! Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA), whose 53rd congressional district includes "America's Finest City," joins the show for (non-alcoholic) brews and bites at the Original 40 Brewing Company. In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, they discuss the future of reproductive health in America. Jacobs, the second-youngest woman in Congress, has introduced legislation that would help protect personal reproductive health data. Plus: Jacobs weighs in on Nancy Pelosi's leadership and Joe Biden's electability in 2024. This episode was recorded on June 28, 2022. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is considering a run for president as he travels around the country supporting Republican candidates in 2022 midterm races. “We're doing the kinds of things one might do, at least as we see it, to get ready for that moment,” Pompeo said. “But it doesn't mean we've made our decision.” Pompeo weighs in on former President Trump's potential impact on the 2024 race, explains where he was on January 6, 2021, and digs in on myriad foreign policy issues facing the country. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If Republicans take control of the House in the next Congress, the House Oversight Committee's top priority will be investigating Hunter Biden, the president's son. That's according to Kentucky Congressman James Comer, the top Republican on the committee and Major’s guest this week at The Dubliner on Capitol Hill. Comer says his oversight targets also include Dr. Anthony Fauci and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Comer also weighs in on impeaching President Biden, gun policy and the relationship between former President Trump and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrat Jim Himes and Republican Bryan Steil, chairman and ranking member of the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, join Major for tacos and quesadillas at Santa Rosa Taqueria on Capitol Hill. Hit play for a conversation about about the state of the economy, what can be done about soaring gas prices, gun policy and more. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the coming weeks, the Supreme Court will weigh in on the future of abortion rights in America. A draft opinion published by Politico in early May showed the court's conservative majority poised to overturn the protections enshrined in the Roe opinion, handing over abortion rights to state governments. CBS News Legal Correspondent Jan Crawford joins Major to discuss the intricacies of the forthcoming opinion and why the leaked draft may not be the Court's final word. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Dr. Anthony Fauci rejoins The Takeout - this time to advise Major with his recent COVID diagnosis and explain where the U.S. currently stands in its fight against the virus. Plus, Fauci provides his take on whether Americans should be worried about Monkeypox. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Republican Senator from North Dakota Kevin Cramer joins Major to discuss inflation, rising fuel prices, Roe v Wade potentially being overturned by the Supreme Court and last week's massacre in Buffalo that left 10 dead. Cramer also said that America might be ready for a "fresh start" and prefer an alternative to former President Trump in 2024, and, if so, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo could be the best option. This episode was recorded on May 19th, 2022. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freelance journalist Austin Tice, now 40, was detained in August 2012 during the Syrian civil war. His work appeared in the The Washington Post, McClatchy and on CBS News. At the time of his disappearance, few western journalists reported from Syria because of the dangers of the war and brutality of Bashar al-Assad's regime. This week, Major speaks with Austin's parents, Marc and Debra Tice, about efforts to bring home their son. They say they're "100% certain" he is alive. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor joins chief Washington correspondent and "Takeout" host Major Garrett to discuss the war in Ukraine and what Washington can do to assist Kiev. Taylor currently serves as vice president, Russia and Europe at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Taylor predicted the Russian invasion will end in victory for Ukraine if its military continues to receive the lethal and non-lethal aid it needs. Taylor believes the Ukrainians will rebuild their country, but not soon forget Russian brutality. "Ukrainians hate the Russians for what they're doing." This episode was recorded on May 4, 2022. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, comedian and former U.S. Senator Al Franken joins chief Washington correspondent and "Takeout" host Major Garrett to discuss his ongoing comedy tour, the state of American politics (and comedy), and the war in Ukraine. The former Minnesota senator also discusses his resignation from the Senate in 2017 amid sexual misconduct allegations, and his reflections now on his resignation. Does he want to run for office again? This episode was recorded on April 28, 2022. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Sen. Doug Jones, Democrat of Alabama, was the White House's pick to navigate Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson through the Senate confirmation process. He sits down with Major to explain the strategy that led to the soon-to-be Justice Jackson to receive bipartisan support. Jones also offers an - actual - conspiracy theory on why Republicans attacked Judge Jackson for her child pornography sentencing record. Plus, Jones weighs in on bleak prospects for Democrats on the ballot this November and says the president ought to do more to project a winning message. Join us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who is the leader of the free world? According to Polish ambassador to the US Marek Magierowski, it's Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Magierowski told Major he fears Vladimir Putin's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine. Since the start of the Russian invasion on Feb. 24, Poland has accepted around 2.7 million Ukrainian refugees, Magierowski said, with a majority of the refugees hosted by Polish citizens in homes, gyms and boarding houses across the country. We're at Supra in downtown Washington. Join us. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than 4 million Ukrainians have fled their war-torn homeland since late February. An untold number are displaced inside the country and some are trapped at home without access to water, electricity or heat in places like Mariupol. This week, Major interviews David Miliband, former British Foreign Secretary and current head of the International Rescue Committee, to discuss the ongoing refugee crisis in Eastern Europe and the brutality of Vladimir Putin's assault on Ukraine. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, join us for a conversation about the January 6th investigation with CBS News correspondents Robert Costa and Scott MacFarlane. MacFarlane has tracked the legal fallout from the Capitol riot and the House select committee working to uncover what happened that day. Costa, and his reporting partner at The Washington Post Bob Woodward, broke two major stories in recent days. The wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas repeatedly texted President Trump's chief of staff to urge him to pursue challenges to the 2020 election results. Separately, Costa and Woodward reported on internal White House documents that revealed a 7-hour gap in Mr. Trump's phone logs when rioters ransacked the Capitol on January 6th, 2021. Major and company are at Chef Geoff's in Washington, DC's West End neighborhood. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Mark Warner (D-VA) joined Major Garrett to discuss where things stand one month into Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. “I so wish I knew,” if and when Russians were planning on using chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine, Warner said, adding that “[Russian leader Vladimir] Putin has become a more and more and more isolated figure” and could lash out in the coming days as Ukrainian forces continue to keep Russian forces from completing their takeover of the country. Warner applauded the U.S. intelligence community for its “forward leaning” moves like publicly sharing that Russia was planning a coup to topple Ukrainian leadership, and that Russia could use a false flag to escalate their aggression. He and Garrett also discussed this week’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, and the death of Madeleine Albright. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices