Tulsi Gabbard: War, Politics, and the Military Industrial Complex | Lex Fridman Podcast #423

it's a sad State of Affairs when our it's a sad State of Affairs when our some of the most influential voices in some of the most influential voices in some of the most influential voices in our country will label someone a uh a our country will label someone a uh a our country will label someone a uh a lover or supporter of dictators simply lover or supporter of dictators simply lover or supporter of dictators simply because you're saying hey we shouldn't because you're saying hey we shouldn't because you're saying hey we shouldn't be going to war there is another be going to war there is another be going to war there is another way the following is a conversation with way the following is a conversation with way the following is a conversation with Tuli gabard who was a longtime Democrat Tuli gabard who was a longtime Democrat Tuli gabard who was a longtime Democrat including being the vice chair of the including being the vice chair of the including being the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee she Democratic National Committee she Democratic National Committee she endorsed Bernie in 2016 and Biden in endorsed Bernie in 2016 and Biden in endorsed Bernie in 2016 and Biden in 2020 she has been both loved and heavily 2020 she has been both loved and heavily 2020 she has been both loved and heavily criticized for her independent thinking criticized for her independent thinking criticized for her independent thinking and bold political stances especially on and bold political stances especially on and bold political stances especially on topics of War and the topics of War and the topics of War and the military-industrial complex she served military-industrial complex she served military-industrial complex she served in the US military for many years in the US military for many years in the US military for many years achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and now she's the author of a new book and now she's the author of a new book and now she's the author of a new book called for love of called for love of called for love of country this is Al Lex Freedman podcast country this is Al Lex Freedman podcast country this is Al Lex Freedman podcast to to support it please check out our to to support it please check out our to to support it please check out our sponsors in the description and now dear sponsors in the description and now dear sponsors in the description and now dear friends here's Tulsi friends here's Tulsi friends here's Tulsi gabard you've served in the US military gabard you've served in the US military gabard you've served in the US military for many years achieving rank of for many years achieving rank of for many years achieving rank of Lieutenant Colonel you were deployed in Lieutenant Colonel you were deployed in Lieutenant Colonel you were deployed in Iraq in 2004 and 5 Kuwait in 2008 and9 Iraq in 2004 and 5 Kuwait in 2008 and9 Iraq in 2004 and 5 Kuwait in 2008 and9 what lessons about life and about what lessons about life and about what lessons about life and about country have you learned from that country have you learned from that country have you learned from that experience of War so many Central to experience of War so many Central to experience of War so many Central to those Lessons Learned was having my eyes those Lessons Learned was having my eyes those Lessons Learned was having my eyes open to the very real cost of

open to the very real cost of open to the very real cost of War you know of course I I served in a War you know of course I I served in a War you know of course I I served in a medical unit uh during that first medical unit uh during that first medical unit uh during that first deployment to Iraq it was 2005 during deployment to Iraq it was 2005 during deployment to Iraq it was 2005 during the height of that war and uh the height of that war and uh the height of that war and uh unfortunately we took a lot of unfortunately we took a lot of unfortunately we took a lot of casualties we across the entire US casualties we across the entire US casualties we across the entire US military uh my Brigade that I deployed military uh my Brigade that I deployed military uh my Brigade that I deployed with was from the Hawaii National Guard with was from the Hawaii National Guard with was from the Hawaii National Guard we had approximately 3,000 soldiers who we had approximately 3,000 soldiers who we had approximately 3,000 soldiers who were operating in in four different were operating in in four different were operating in in four different areas of Iraq and my first task every areas of Iraq and my first task every areas of Iraq and my first task every day was to go through a list of every day was to go through a list of every day was to go through a list of every injury combat related injury that had injury combat related injury that had injury combat related injury that had occurred the day before in the country occurred the day before in the country occurred the day before in the country and I went through that list Name by and I went through that list Name by and I went through that list Name by name uh looking to see if any one of our name uh looking to see if any one of our name uh looking to see if any one of our nearly 3,000 soldiers from Hawaii um had nearly 3,000 soldiers from Hawaii um had nearly 3,000 soldiers from Hawaii um had been hurt in the line of duty and then been hurt in the line of duty and then been hurt in the line of duty and then if seeing them on the list tracking them if seeing them on the list tracking them if seeing them on the list tracking them down where were they were they getting down where were they were they getting down where were they were they getting the care they needed would they be able the care they needed would they be able the care they needed would they be able to get sufficient care to stay in to get sufficient care to stay in to get sufficient care to stay in country and and return to duty did I country and and return to duty did I country and and return to duty did I need to get them evacuated usually it need to get them evacuated usually it need to get them evacuated usually it would be to military hospitals that at would be to military hospitals that at would be to military hospitals that at that time were in lawn stool and that time were in lawn stool and that time were in lawn stool and Ramstein in Germany and then from there Ramstein in Germany and then from there Ramstein in Germany and then from there getting them to either uh Brook Army getting them to either uh Brook Army getting them to either uh Brook Army Medical Center which is here in Texas Medical Center which is here in Texas Medical Center which is here in Texas that specialized in Burn related that specialized in Burn related that specialized in Burn related injuries or to Walter Reed and tracking injuries or to Walter Reed and tracking injuries or to Walter Reed and tracking that them and their care until they were that them and their care until they were that them and their care until they were finally um home with their

finally um home with their finally um home with their families and it never became a routine families and it never became a routine families and it never became a routine task it never became task it never became task it never became like okay cool check the list you know like okay cool check the list you know like okay cool check the list you know kind of dot the eyes cross the teas it kind of dot the eyes cross the teas it kind of dot the eyes cross the teas it it was that daily confrontation with the it was that daily confrontation with the it was that daily confrontation with the reality of the cost of War uh friends of reality of the cost of War uh friends of reality of the cost of War uh friends of mine were killed in mine were killed in mine were killed in combat experiencing firsthand that High combat experiencing firsthand that High combat experiencing firsthand that High human cost of War human cost of War human cost of War caused me you know 20-some year old from caused me you know 20-some year old from caused me you know 20-some year old from Hawaii I had had left my seat in the Hawaii I had had left my seat in the Hawaii I had had left my seat in the state legislature to volunteer to deploy state legislature to volunteer to deploy state legislature to volunteer to deploy with my brothers and sisters in in my with my brothers and sisters in in my with my brothers and sisters in in my unit to Iraq and so recognize the cost unit to Iraq and so recognize the cost unit to Iraq and so recognize the cost of War I think in two fundamental ways of War I think in two fundamental ways of War I think in two fundamental ways number one is the high human cost of War number one is the high human cost of War number one is the high human cost of War on our troops and on the people in the on our troops and on the people in the on our troops and on the people in the country where this war was being waged country where this war was being waged country where this war was being waged and also the cost on American and also the cost on American and also the cost on American taxpayers seeing then back is again 2005 taxpayers seeing then back is again 2005 taxpayers seeing then back is again 2005 and recognizing and recognizing and recognizing KBR halberton one of the biggest defense KBR halberton one of the biggest defense KBR halberton one of the biggest defense Contracting companies then and I know Contracting companies then and I know Contracting companies then and I know that they are still very much in that that they are still very much in that that they are still very much in that business now uh Dick Cheney being business now uh Dick Cheney being business now uh Dick Cheney being connected with that company at one point connected with that company at one point connected with that company at one point or another but in our camp specifically or another but in our camp specifically or another but in our camp specifically which was one of the larger ones in Iraq which was one of the larger ones in Iraq which was one of the larger ones in Iraq at that at that at that time there wasn't time there wasn't time there wasn't anything that happened in our camp that anything that happened in our camp that anything that happened in our camp that didn't have the KBR halberton logo didn't have the KBR halberton logo didn't have the KBR halberton logo imprinted on it we had a big Shack imprinted on it we had a big Shack imprinted on it we had a big Shack looking place where we ate our meals looking place where we ate our meals looking place where we ate our meals they call it a dining facility a defac they call it a dining facility a defac they call it a dining facility a defac in the military and they served four

in the military and they served four in the military and they served four meals a day they brought in and they meals a day they brought in and they meals a day they brought in and they being KBR Halbert and they imported being KBR Halbert and they imported being KBR Halbert and they imported workers in from places like Nepal and workers in from places like Nepal and workers in from places like Nepal and Sri Lanka and the Philippines to come in Sri Lanka and the Philippines to come in Sri Lanka and the Philippines to come in and cook food and work at this dining and cook food and work at this dining and cook food and work at this dining facility um I got curious about how much facility um I got curious about how much facility um I got curious about how much how much it cost us as taxpayers and so how much it cost us as taxpayers and so how much it cost us as taxpayers and so I started asking around some of the I started asking around some of the I started asking around some of the people and I think at that time it was people and I think at that time it was people and I think at that time it was like well every time a soldier or a like well every time a soldier or a like well every time a soldier or a service member walks through the door if service member walks through the door if service member walks through the door if I were to go in for breakfast and grab a I were to go in for breakfast and grab a I were to go in for breakfast and grab a banana and walk out that's an automatic banana and walk out that's an automatic banana and walk out that's an automatic $35 per head per meal four times a day $35 per head per meal four times a day $35 per head per meal four times a day thousands and thousands of people and thousands and thousands of people and thousands and thousands of people and then we made friends you know there then we made friends you know there then we made friends you know there there's a lot there's a pretty large there's a lot there's a pretty large there's a lot there's a pretty large Filipino community in Hawaii a lot of Filipino community in Hawaii a lot of Filipino community in Hawaii a lot of Filipino soldiers from Hawaii we made Filipino soldiers from Hawaii we made Filipino soldiers from Hawaii we made friends with the Filipino workers who friends with the Filipino workers who friends with the Filipino workers who were there they would often go in like were there they would often go in like were there they would often go in like the back of the tents and set up their the back of the tents and set up their the back of the tents and set up their own like rice cookers and cook their own own like rice cookers and cook their own own like rice cookers and cook their own meals um which is where the real good meals um which is where the real good meals um which is where the real good food was uh but just started talking to food was uh but just started talking to food was uh but just started talking to them and getting to know them and ask them and getting to know them and ask them and getting to know them and ask like hey how much do you get paid and on like hey how much do you get paid and on like hey how much do you get paid and on average it was like oh I get paid like average it was like oh I get paid like average it was like oh I get paid like 500 bucks a month 500 bucks a month to 500 bucks a month 500 bucks a month to 500 bucks a month 500 bucks a month to go and do this work of of either you go and do this work of of either you go and do this work of of either you know cleaning out porta potties um know cleaning out porta potties um know cleaning out porta potties um picking up trash the dining facility picking up trash the dining facility picking up trash the dining facility doing laundry all of these different doing laundry all of these different doing laundry all of these different tasks because um the military wanted tasks because um the military wanted tasks because um the military wanted soldiers to be out doing things that soldiers to be out doing things that soldiers to be out doing things that only soldiers could do understandable only soldiers could do understandable only soldiers could do understandable but when I started putting you know two but when I started putting you know two but when I started putting you know two and two together and knowing that this and two together and knowing that this and two together and knowing that this company one company alone was making company one company alone was making company one company alone was making trillions of dollars trillions of trillions of dollars trillions of trillions of dollars trillions of dollars and yet

dollars and yet dollars and yet this Filipino mom is making 500 bucks a this Filipino mom is making 500 bucks a this Filipino mom is making 500 bucks a month maybe getting one day off a week month maybe getting one day off a week month maybe getting one day off a week maybe working 12 hours a day otherwise I maybe working 12 hours a day otherwise I maybe working 12 hours a day otherwise I said how you know how long how often are said how you know how long how often are said how you know how long how often are you able to go home uh to your family you able to go home uh to your family you able to go home uh to your family well they let they'll let us go home a well they let they'll let us go home a well they let they'll let us go home a couple of weeks every other year it was couple of weeks every other year it was couple of weeks every other year it was it was an eye-opening experience that it was an eye-opening experience that it was an eye-opening experience that growing up in Hawaii I had I frankly growing up in Hawaii I had I frankly growing up in Hawaii I had I frankly hadn't given much thought to before um hadn't given much thought to before um hadn't given much thought to before um but it's what led me ultimately coming but it's what led me ultimately coming but it's what led me ultimately coming back from that first deployment there back from that first deployment there back from that first deployment there was no way that I could go back to the was no way that I could go back to the was no way that I could go back to the life that I had left behind and I knew life that I had left behind and I knew life that I had left behind and I knew somehow someway I needed to find a way somehow someway I needed to find a way somehow someway I needed to find a way to use those experiences to try to make to use those experiences to try to make to use those experiences to try to make a positive impact to try to a positive impact to try to a positive impact to try to influence those I mean frankly the influence those I mean frankly the influence those I mean frankly the politicians who were making decisions to politicians who were making decisions to politicians who were making decisions to go um and launch these regime change go um and launch these regime change go um and launch these regime change Wars and and send our men and women in Wars and and send our men and women in Wars and and send our men and women in uniform into war and and to what end uniform into war and and to what end uniform into war and and to what end ultimately if we can just go back to ultimately if we can just go back to ultimately if we can just go back to that list yeah so the list is just name that list yeah so the list is just name that list yeah so the list is just name and injury name and injury name unit and injury name and injury name unit and injury name and injury name unit potentially location if someone had potentially location if someone had potentially location if someone had documented that and and their injury and documented that and and their injury and documented that and and their injury and it's just pages and pages of that yeah it's just pages and pages of that yeah it's just pages and pages of that yeah yeah and and I knew you know I I didn't yeah and and I knew you know I I didn't yeah and and I knew you know I I didn't get to call home every day but when I get to call home every day but when I get to call home every day but when I called home and talked to my called home and talked to my called home and talked to my parents I felt um the tension in their

parents I felt um the tension in their parents I felt um the tension in their voice and you know they they didn't want voice and you know they they didn't want voice and you know they they didn't want me to worry about anything at home and me to worry about anything at home and me to worry about anything at home and so they were always like hey how are you so they were always like hey how are you so they were always like hey how are you what can we send you and this and that what can we send you and this and that what can we send you and this and that but you know it wasn't like I was but you know it wasn't like I was but you know it wasn't like I was calling them from down the street and calling them from down the street and calling them from down the street and saying hey how's it going let's let's go saying hey how's it going let's let's go saying hey how's it going let's let's go have lunch or have lunch or have lunch or whatever um and so I knew that the whatever um and so I knew that the whatever um and so I knew that the reason for that tension was they were reason for that tension was they were reason for that tension was they were terrified of getting a phone call terrified of getting a phone call terrified of getting a phone call delivering the worst possible news and delivering the worst possible news and delivering the worst possible news and that was what I thought of as I went that was what I thought of as I went that was what I thought of as I went through that list of of how you know it through that list of of how you know it through that list of of how you know it is the reality of War behind every one is the reality of War behind every one is the reality of War behind every one of those names on that list was you know of those names on that list was you know of those names on that list was you know a husband or a wife parents you know a husband or a wife parents you know a husband or a wife parents you know Sons and Daughters family members uh who Sons and Daughters family members uh who Sons and Daughters family members uh who had no idea what we were dealing with had no idea what we were dealing with had no idea what we were dealing with really all they knew was what they saw really all they knew was what they saw really all they knew was what they saw on the news and what my dad told me on the news and what my dad told me on the news and what my dad told me later when I got later when I got later when I got home after that deployment was that home after that deployment was that home after that deployment was that every time they saw the news and they every time they saw the news and they every time they saw the news and they saw a helicopter shot down or crashed or saw a helicopter shot down or crashed or saw a helicopter shot down or crashed or some some some IED uh they they held their breath until IED uh they they held their breath until IED uh they they held their breath until they saw or heard the news of of who it they saw or heard the news of of who it they saw or heard the news of of who it was or or what it was what can you say was or or what it was what can you say was or or what it was what can you say about what the soldiers had to go about what the soldiers had to go about what the soldiers had to go through physically and psychologically through physically and psychologically through physically and psychologically when when they get when when they get when when they get injured the physical um you know I mean injured the physical um you know I mean injured the physical um you know I mean some some injuries appeared to be minor some some injuries appeared to be minor some some injuries appeared to be minor upfront uh at that time traumatic brain

upfront uh at that time traumatic brain upfront uh at that time traumatic brain injury was not something that was talked injury was not something that was talked injury was not something that was talked about much if at about much if at about much if at all uh and so you know many had visible all uh and so you know many had visible all uh and so you know many had visible wounds others are now what we know were wounds others are now what we know were wounds others are now what we know were appeared like all right cool you checked appeared like all right cool you checked appeared like all right cool you checked out but had invisible wounds those who out but had invisible wounds those who out but had invisible wounds those who were were were injured in a way that did not allow them injured in a way that did not allow them injured in a way that did not allow them to get back to work found it emotionally to get back to work found it emotionally to get back to work found it emotionally very difficult to be put on a plane and very difficult to be put on a plane and very difficult to be put on a plane and evacuated out of there um feeling guilty evacuated out of there um feeling guilty evacuated out of there um feeling guilty that they were leaving their friends that they were leaving their friends that they were leaving their friends behind and behind and behind and um not thinking about themselves or not um not thinking about themselves or not um not thinking about themselves or not feeling bad for themselves but instead feeling bad for themselves but instead feeling bad for themselves but instead feeling bad for being forced to be in a feeling bad for being forced to be in a feeling bad for being forced to be in a position to position to position to leave um you know for for soldiers it's leave um you know for for soldiers it's leave um you know for for soldiers it's not of course we all have our own not of course we all have our own not of course we all have our own political opinions on things but when it political opinions on things but when it political opinions on things but when it comes right down to it in a war zone comes right down to it in a war zone comes right down to it in a war zone it's about your friends it's about your it's about your friends it's about your it's about your friends it's about your brothers and sisters that you're serving brothers and sisters that you're serving brothers and sisters that you're serving alongside it's not about the politicians alongside it's not about the politicians alongside it's not about the politicians or whatever insanity is going on in or whatever insanity is going on in or whatever insanity is going on in Washington it's Washington it's Washington it's about getting up and going out getting about getting up and going out getting about getting up and going out getting the job done and coming back home the job done and coming back home the job done and coming back home together I mean I I had friends of mine together I mean I I had friends of mine together I mean I I had friends of mine who were from Hawaii who were from who were from Hawaii who were from who were from Hawaii who were from American Samoa very culturally American Samoa very culturally American Samoa very culturally tight-knit tight-knit tight-knit Community who confided in me throughout Community who confided in me throughout Community who confided in me throughout that you know year that we were there that you know year that we were there that you know year that we were there some of the very infantry soldiers who some of the very infantry soldiers who some of the very infantry soldiers who were going out on security patrols and

were going out on security patrols and were going out on security patrols and and doing raids every day um just some and doing raids every day um just some and doing raids every day um just some of the of the of the very traumatic experiences that they very traumatic experiences that they very traumatic experiences that they went through no physical injury but um went through no physical injury but um went through no physical injury but um creating a kind of emotional stress and creating a kind of emotional stress and creating a kind of emotional stress and Trauma that as human beings they were Trauma that as human beings they were Trauma that as human beings they were struggling in dealing struggling in dealing struggling in dealing with um on a positive note you know I with um on a positive note you know I with um on a positive note you know I Polynesian culture especially but but Polynesian culture especially but but Polynesian culture especially but but also Asian culture and other cultures also Asian culture and other cultures also Asian culture and other cultures around the world our guys found that as around the world our guys found that as around the world our guys found that as they were shortly after we got there the they were shortly after we got there the they were shortly after we got there the unit that we were replacing you know unit that we were replacing you know unit that we were replacing you know were taking the guys out on patrol and were taking the guys out on patrol and were taking the guys out on patrol and saying hey here's this Village here's saying hey here's this Village here's saying hey here's this Village here's where we found friendlies or here's where we found friendlies or here's where we found friendlies or here's where we know that there are insurgents where we know that there are insurgents where we know that there are insurgents operating and they've got allies and operating and they've got allies and operating and they've got allies and Lookouts and you know showing them the Lookouts and you know showing them the Lookouts and you know showing them the lay of the land basically and what our lay of the land basically and what our lay of the land basically and what our guys found was that as they were doing guys found was that as they were doing guys found was that as they were doing these ride alongs they call it a left these ride alongs they call it a left these ride alongs they call it a left seat right seat when you're coming in seat right seat when you're coming in seat right seat when you're coming in and taking over um that there was there and taking over um that there was there and taking over um that there was there was a bit of a a tense even adversarial was a bit of a a tense even adversarial was a bit of a a tense even adversarial type of type of type of relationship where uh on on the military relationship where uh on on the military relationship where uh on on the military side there was an assumption of side there was an assumption of side there was an assumption of Suspicion or lack of trust uh just with Suspicion or lack of trust uh just with Suspicion or lack of trust uh just with the local local Iraqi people who lived the local local Iraqi people who lived the local local Iraqi people who lived around the base that we were at and around the base that we were at and around the base that we were at and without anybody telling them to without anybody telling them to without anybody telling them to culturally our guys began trying to culturally our guys began trying to culturally our guys began trying to build build build relationships and um you know for Hawaii

relationships and um you know for Hawaii relationships and um you know for Hawaii and and Samoa and we had soldiers from and and Samoa and we had soldiers from and and Samoa and we had soldiers from Guam and Guam and Guam and Sian little things like you're riding Sian little things like you're riding Sian little things like you're riding down in a hve you've got a gunner in the down in a hve you've got a gunner in the down in a hve you've got a gunner in the turret with a 50 cal or a machine gun of turret with a 50 cal or a machine gun of turret with a 50 cal or a machine gun of some sort little things like pointing some sort little things like pointing some sort little things like pointing the muzzle to the sky as you're riding the muzzle to the sky as you're riding the muzzle to the sky as you're riding through a town rather than pointing it through a town rather than pointing it through a town rather than pointing it directly at where people are walking directly at where people are walking directly at where people are walking down the street was a huge gesture of an down the street was a huge gesture of an down the street was a huge gesture of an assumption of hey let's let's let's assumption of hey let's let's let's assumption of hey let's let's let's actually talk and become friends we had actually talk and become friends we had actually talk and become friends we had our guys riding down the street and our guys riding down the street and our guys riding down the street and throwing shakas out to the to the local throwing shakas out to the to the local throwing shakas out to the to the local people there uh breaking bread sharing people there uh breaking bread sharing people there uh breaking bread sharing tea and building those relationships and tea and building those relationships and tea and building those relationships and and again I served in a medical unit and and again I served in a medical unit and and again I served in a medical unit and what we saw was uh a Down Ward shift in what we saw was uh a Down Ward shift in what we saw was uh a Down Ward shift in um in casualties from the unit that had um in casualties from the unit that had um in casualties from the unit that had been there before us simply because of been there before us simply because of been there before us simply because of that that basic human connection that that that basic human connection that that that basic human connection that our guys sought to make and then our guys sought to make and then our guys sought to make and then gradually finding like hey local you gradually finding like hey local you gradually finding like hey local you know people who lived in the in the town know people who lived in the in the town know people who lived in the in the town right next to us were saying hey you right next to us were saying hey you right next to us were saying hey you guys should really somebody was digging guys should really somebody was digging guys should really somebody was digging a big hole down this a mile down the a big hole down this a mile down the a big hole down this a mile down the road you might want to bypass that or road you might want to bypass that or road you might want to bypass that or check that out and finding weapons check that out and finding weapons check that out and finding weapons cachets and IEDs improvised explosive cachets and IEDs improvised explosive cachets and IEDs improvised explosive devices and other things uh that helped devices and other things uh that helped devices and other things uh that helped save people's save people's save people's lives on the cost side of things how is lives on the cost side of things how is lives on the cost side of things how is it possible for a company like halberton it possible for a company like halberton it possible for a company like halberton or others to get away with $40 bananas or others to get away with $40 bananas or others to get away with $40 bananas or however much it was the overhead or however much it was the overhead or however much it was the overhead costs look what they will claim is that

costs look what they will claim is that costs look what they will claim is that it's expensive to move Logistics through it's expensive to move Logistics through it's expensive to move Logistics through a country at a country at a country at War but they get away with it War but they get away with it War but they get away with it ultimately um these in ultimately um these in ultimately um these in Ane this insane war profiteering and Ane this insane war profiteering and Ane this insane war profiteering and they're not alone obviously there are they're not alone obviously there are they're not alone obviously there are other companies that this is their other companies that this is their other companies that this is their business model they get away with it business model they get away with it business model they get away with it because of their political because of their political because of their political connections and the lobbyists that they connections and the lobbyists that they connections and the lobbyists that they have the relationships they have with have the relationships they have with have the relationships they have with politicians and ultimately what politicians and ultimately what politicians and ultimately what President Eisenhower warned against with President Eisenhower warned against with President Eisenhower warned against with that with regard to that cozy that with regard to that cozy that with regard to that cozy relationship between Congress and even relationship between Congress and even relationship between Congress and even what he called then the what he called then the what he called then the military-industrial complex it's been military-industrial complex it's been military-industrial complex it's been alive and well he warned us against it alive and well he warned us against it alive and well he warned us against it and I would say it's thriving more now and I would say it's thriving more now and I would say it's thriving more now uh than ever before how powerful is the uh than ever before how powerful is the uh than ever before how powerful is the military-industrial comp complex is as a military-industrial comp complex is as a military-industrial comp complex is as a thing is it a is it a machine that can thing is it a is it a machine that can thing is it a is it a machine that can be slowed down can be stopped can be be slowed down can be stopped can be be slowed down can be stopped can be reversed it can be it's powerful I don't reversed it can be it's powerful I don't reversed it can be it's powerful I don't think you can overstate the powerful think you can overstate the powerful think you can overstate the powerful nature of it because it it extends so nature of it because it it extends so nature of it because it it extends so deeply within our deeply within our deeply within our government uh it it it's not just those government uh it it it's not just those government uh it it it's not just those in these specific big defense in these specific big defense in these specific big defense Contracting companies that benefit from Contracting companies that benefit from Contracting companies that benefit from it you look at the revolving door within it you look at the revolving door within it you look at the revolving door within the Pentagon for example where you have the Pentagon for example where you have the Pentagon for example where you have both high-ranking people who wear both high-ranking people who wear both high-ranking people who wear military uniforms as well as those who military uniforms as well as those who military uniforms as well as those who serve as high-ranking uh Department of

serve as high-ranking uh Department of serve as high-ranking uh Department of Defense civilians who are literally Defense civilians who are literally Defense civilians who are literally working their way into a big payout when working their way into a big payout when working their way into a big payout when they leave that job uh we see it with they leave that job uh we see it with they leave that job uh we see it with our own Secretary of Defense now he our own Secretary of Defense now he our own Secretary of Defense now he retired as a general officer went and retired as a general officer went and retired as a general officer went and served on uh one of the boards for one served on uh one of the boards for one served on uh one of the boards for one of the big defense contractors and then of the big defense contractors and then of the big defense contractors and then now back as the Secretary of Defense we now back as the Secretary of Defense we now back as the Secretary of Defense we see the same thing in congress with see the same thing in congress with see the same thing in congress with members of Congress and Senior members of Congress and Senior members of Congress and Senior professional staffers in Congress same professional staffers in Congress same professional staffers in Congress same exact revolving door where you have exact revolving door where you have exact revolving door where you have people whether they're writing contracts people whether they're writing contracts people whether they're writing contracts for the Department of Defense for the for the Department of Defense for the for the Department of Defense for the company that then wins the bid for that company that then wins the bid for that company that then wins the bid for that contract and then going and working for contract and then going and working for contract and then going and working for that company or those in Congress who that company or those in Congress who that company or those in Congress who are writing policy are writing policy are writing policy and doing exactly the same thing you and doing exactly the same thing you and doing exactly the same thing you have been both a war hawk and a war Dove have been both a war hawk and a war Dove have been both a war hawk and a war Dove at times so what is your philosophy on at times so what is your philosophy on at times so what is your philosophy on when war is Justified and when it is not when war is Justified and when it is not when war is Justified and when it is not war is Justified when it is in the best war is Justified when it is in the best war is Justified when it is in the best interest of our national interest of our national interest of our national security uh and when it is the last security uh and when it is the last security uh and when it is the last resort when all diplomatic efforts have resort when all diplomatic efforts have resort when all diplomatic efforts have been uh uh completed and been uh uh completed and been uh uh completed and exhausted uh and war exhausted uh and war exhausted uh and war is the last possible route that must be is the last possible route that must be is the last possible route that must be taken to ensure the safety security and taken to ensure the safety security and taken to ensure the safety security and freedom of the American people so that's freedom of the American people so that's freedom of the American people so that's a highlevel uh beautiful ideal but a highlevel uh beautiful ideal but a highlevel uh beautiful ideal but there's uh messy details so terrorism there's uh messy details so terrorism there's uh messy details so terrorism for example yes the United States

for example yes the United States for example yes the United States involvement in the war in Iraq and involvement in the war in Iraq and involvement in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan was in part the big umbrella Afghanistan was in part the big umbrella Afghanistan was in part the big umbrella of the war on of the war on of the war on terrorism so so you know when you decide terrorism so so you know when you decide terrorism so so you know when you decide whether something's Justified or not and whether something's Justified or not and whether something's Justified or not and whether something can be defeated or not whether something can be defeated or not whether something can be defeated or not how hard is it is it even possible to how hard is it is it even possible to how hard is it is it even possible to what degree is it possible to defeat what degree is it possible to defeat what degree is it possible to defeat terrorism well first of all uh there's terrorism well first of all uh there's terrorism well first of all uh there's part part of the problem of our foreign part part of the problem of our foreign part part of the problem of our foreign policy has been how many conflicts Wars policy has been how many conflicts Wars policy has been how many conflicts Wars military actions have been waged in the military actions have been waged in the military actions have been waged in the name of this quote unquote war on name of this quote unquote war on name of this quote unquote war on terrorism in the name of national secur terrorism in the name of national secur terrorism in the name of national secur uh legislation like the Patriot Act that uh legislation like the Patriot Act that uh legislation like the Patriot Act that violates civil liberties our civil violates civil liberties our civil violates civil liberties our civil liberties and freedoms in the name of liberties and freedoms in the name of liberties and freedoms in the name of the war on terrorism and National the war on terrorism and National the war on terrorism and National Security when it's not justified and so Security when it's not justified and so Security when it's not justified and so I'll use Afghanistan as an example I I'll use Afghanistan as an example I I'll use Afghanistan as an example I support the initial mission that lifted support the initial mission that lifted support the initial mission that lifted off shortly after the attack on 9911 the off shortly after the attack on 9911 the off shortly after the attack on 9911 the islamist terrorist attack on 911 it was islamist terrorist attack on 911 it was islamist terrorist attack on 911 it was a relatively small group of US military a relatively small group of US military a relatively small group of US military launched to go after those Al-Qaeda launched to go after those Al-Qaeda launched to go after those Al-Qaeda cells and Osama Bin Laden in the wake of cells and Osama Bin Laden in the wake of cells and Osama Bin Laden in the wake of that that that attack that is the mission that should attack that is the mission that should attack that is the mission that should have been uh supported and focused on in have been uh supported and focused on in have been uh supported and focused on in its execution instead as you know it its execution instead as you know it its execution instead as you know it was attention was diverted very quickly was attention was diverted very quickly was attention was diverted very quickly to uh the regime change war in Iraq um

to uh the regime change war in Iraq um to uh the regime change war in Iraq um that was waged on uh false pretenses and that was waged on uh false pretenses and that was waged on uh false pretenses and the resources and focus was taken away the resources and focus was taken away the resources and focus was taken away from that initial mission that went to from that initial mission that went to from that initial mission that went to Afghanistan uh and the war in Afghanistan uh and the war in Afghanistan uh and the war in Afghanistan blew up into something that Afghanistan blew up into something that Afghanistan blew up into something that became about regime change and became about regime change and became about regime change and governance and the Taliban and less governance and the Taliban and less governance and the Taliban and less focus on Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden focus on Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden focus on Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden and it became this thing that even and it became this thing that even and it became this thing that even General officers had a hard time um General officers had a hard time um General officers had a hard time um articulating what is the objective here articulating what is the objective here articulating what is the objective here what are we trying to accomplish what what are we trying to accomplish what what are we trying to accomplish what does winning look like what at what does winning look like what at what does winning look like what at what point do we know it's time to exit and point do we know it's time to exit and point do we know it's time to exit and get out and if you as as you look at get out and if you as as you look at get out and if you as as you look at things like the you know the Afghanistan things like the you know the Afghanistan things like the you know the Afghanistan files and others um the answers to these files and others um the answers to these files and others um the answers to these simple and essential questions shifted simple and essential questions shifted simple and essential questions shifted and changed over time over a very long and changed over time over a very long and changed over time over a very long time uh similarly in in Iraq you know time uh similarly in in Iraq you know time uh similarly in in Iraq you know the I I bought into a lot of what was the I I bought into a lot of what was the I I bought into a lot of what was being sold by the administration and by being sold by the administration and by being sold by the administration and by Democrats and Republicans and Congress Democrats and Republicans and Congress Democrats and Republicans and Congress at the time and very quickly even as I at the time and very quickly even as I at the time and very quickly even as I was on the ground there started to have was on the ground there started to have was on the ground there started to have my eyes opened up into um how we had my eyes opened up into um how we had my eyes opened up into um how we had been how we had been lied to been how we had been lied to been how we had been lied to tremendously and how that protracted War tremendously and how that protracted War tremendously and how that protracted War went on for a very very long time with went on for a very very long time with went on for a very very long time with decisions being made that ultimately decisions being made that ultimately decisions being made that ultimately served to strengthen uh terrorist groups served to strengthen uh terrorist groups served to strengthen uh terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda the creation of Isis and like Al-Qaeda the creation of Isis and like Al-Qaeda the creation of Isis and others uh really undermining our

others uh really undermining our others uh really undermining our national security interest in the national security interest in the national security interest in the meantime understanding the enemy that meantime understanding the enemy that meantime understanding the enemy that you are trying to defeat is essential to you are trying to defeat is essential to you are trying to defeat is essential to being able to uh build a being able to uh build a being able to uh build a strategy the the strategy the the strategy the the Declaration um of President Biden for Declaration um of President Biden for Declaration um of President Biden for example saying well the war on terror is example saying well the war on terror is example saying well the war on terror is over the war on terror is over what does over the war on terror is over what does over the war on terror is over what does that mean or the forever Wars are over that mean or the forever Wars are over that mean or the forever Wars are over what does that actually mean um I served what does that actually mean um I served what does that actually mean um I served uh I served on my last most recent uh I served on my last most recent uh I served on my last most recent deployment in 2021 to East Africa and deployment in 2021 to East Africa and deployment in 2021 to East Africa and Somalia where al-shabab is one of those Somalia where al-shabab is one of those Somalia where al-shabab is one of those islamist terrorist groups that follows islamist terrorist groups that follows islamist terrorist groups that follows the same ideology as Al-Qaeda Isis uh the same ideology as Al-Qaeda Isis uh the same ideology as Al-Qaeda Isis uh Hamas and others this group has been Hamas and others this group has been Hamas and others this group has been allowed to grow and be strengthened even allowed to grow and be strengthened even allowed to grow and be strengthened even though they are one of the main groups though they are one of the main groups though they are one of the main groups that provides funding to al-Qaeda in that provides funding to al-Qaeda in that provides funding to al-Qaeda in that entire region so any president or that entire region so any president or that entire region so any president or politician can declare a war to be over politician can declare a war to be over politician can declare a war to be over but when you have uh an enemy like these but when you have uh an enemy like these but when you have uh an enemy like these islamist terrorist groups islamist terrorist groups islamist terrorist groups who are still intent on their goal and who are still intent on their goal and who are still intent on their goal and their objective which is to ultimately their objective which is to ultimately their objective which is to ultimately establish their Islamic caliphate and uh establish their Islamic caliphate and uh establish their Islamic caliphate and uh you know destroy Israel and and you know destroy Israel and and you know destroy Israel and and exterminate the Jewish people and and exterminate the Jewish people and and exterminate the Jewish people and and basically destroy kill or convert anyone basically destroy kill or convert anyone basically destroy kill or convert anyone who doesn't adhere to their who doesn't adhere to their who doesn't adhere to their ideology uh that continues on and it it ideology uh that continues on and it it ideology uh that continues on and it it they will only become stronger the they will only become stronger the they will only become stronger the longer our leaders put their heads in

longer our leaders put their heads in longer our leaders put their heads in the sand and pretend like oh no this the sand and pretend like oh no this the sand and pretend like oh no this doesn't exist doesn't exist doesn't exist uh this kind of War this war uh this kind of War this war uh this kind of War this war specifically is one that has to be waged specifically is one that has to be waged specifically is one that has to be waged militarily and ideologically and the militarily and ideologically and the militarily and ideologically and the ideological component to this which is ideological component to this which is ideological component to this which is defeating their ideology with a superior defeating their ideology with a superior defeating their ideology with a superior one is one that I pointed out in one is one that I pointed out in one is one that I pointed out in Congress during the Obama Congress during the Obama Congress during the Obama Administration Administration Administration um we the collective we were failing at um we the collective we were failing at um we the collective we were failing at the Obama Administration was failing at the Obama Administration was failing at the Obama Administration was failing at because they were so afraid of being because they were so afraid of being because they were so afraid of being labeled labeled labeled islamophobes that they refused to islamophobes that they refused to islamophobes that they refused to accurately identify the ideology driving accurately identify the ideology driving accurately identify the ideology driving these terrorist groups and instead said these terrorist groups and instead said these terrorist groups and instead said oh we are countering violent extremism oh we are countering violent extremism oh we are countering violent extremism was the term that the Obama was the term that the Obama was the term that the Obama Administration started to use and was Administration started to use and was Administration started to use and was coined and and kind of mandated across coined and and kind of mandated across coined and and kind of mandated across the US the US the US government well you have to know again government well you have to know again government well you have to know again you have to know the enemy that you have to know the enemy that you have to know the enemy that threatens you and why they're doing what threatens you and why they're doing what threatens you and why they're doing what they're doing if you have any hope of they're doing if you have any hope of they're doing if you have any hope of actually uh preventing their attack both actually uh preventing their attack both actually uh preventing their attack both militarily and as reing now with with militarily and as reing now with with militarily and as reing now with with hamas's actions not only directly in the hamas's actions not only directly in the hamas's actions not only directly in the assault on Israel but how they Hamas assault on Israel but how they Hamas assault on Israel but how they Hamas achieved their objectives in spreading achieved their objectives in spreading achieved their objectives in spreading their ideology around the world if you their ideology around the world if you their ideology around the world if you look at the lessons learned look at the lessons learned look at the lessons learned from the US involvement in Afghanistan from the US involvement in Afghanistan from the US involvement in Afghanistan and in Iraq how do you fight terrorism and in Iraq how do you fight terrorism and in Iraq how do you fight terrorism clearly understanding who they are and clearly understanding who they are and clearly understanding who they are and where they are and why they're doing where they are and why they're doing where they are and why they're doing what they're doing is essential first of

what they're doing is essential first of what they're doing is essential first of all all all um and obviously there are different um and obviously there are different um and obviously there are different groups different names they have morphed groups different names they have morphed groups different names they have morphed and changed uh based on their local and and changed uh based on their local and and changed uh based on their local and how they how they how they operate uh building operate uh building operate uh building relationships uh with people in other relationships uh with people in other relationships uh with people in other countries both state leaders as well as countries both state leaders as well as countries both state leaders as well as religious leaders and others who share religious leaders and others who share religious leaders and others who share that same objective of defeating these that same objective of defeating these that same objective of defeating these islamist terrorist in on both fronts and islamist terrorist in on both fronts and islamist terrorist in on both fronts and and acting as a united front in taking and acting as a united front in taking and acting as a united front in taking that action what that what exactly that that action what that what exactly that that action what that what exactly that action looks like details on the ground action looks like details on the ground action looks like details on the ground dictate that details about these dictate that details about these dictate that details about these different groups will dictate that but different groups will dictate that but different groups will dictate that but we've seen examples of this before and I we've seen examples of this before and I we've seen examples of this before and I saw this in Somalia we we saw it uh in saw this in Somalia we we saw it uh in saw this in Somalia we we saw it uh in some cases in Iraq where for example you some cases in Iraq where for example you some cases in Iraq where for example you have um imams who have um imams who have um imams who recognize the threat that these recognize the threat that these recognize the threat that these terrorist groups posed to their own terrorist groups posed to their own terrorist groups posed to their own people and their own communities and people and their own communities and people and their own communities and exerting their influence in defeating exerting their influence in defeating exerting their influence in defeating that um the terrorist islamist ideology that um the terrorist islamist ideology that um the terrorist islamist ideology with their own teachings of Islam and with their own teachings of Islam and with their own teachings of Islam and preaching peace amongst their people war preaching peace amongst their people war preaching peace amongst their people war is ugly and it is messy uh it is also an is ugly and it is messy uh it is also an is ugly and it is messy uh it is also an unfortunate reality of the world we live unfortunate reality of the world we live unfortunate reality of the world we live in uh so while in uh so while in uh so while I firmly believe that we must always I firmly believe that we must always I firmly believe that we must always pursue peace I'm not a pacifist I'm a

pursue peace I'm not a pacifist I'm a pursue peace I'm not a pacifist I'm a realist realist realist and recognize that uh where there are and recognize that uh where there are and recognize that uh where there are these threats uh we must we must do what these threats uh we must we must do what these threats uh we must we must do what we can to work towards that that safety we can to work towards that that safety we can to work towards that that safety that security that freedom and peace that security that freedom and peace that security that freedom and peace that that we all want if we look at the that that we all want if we look at the that that we all want if we look at the perspective of Israel in the Israel Gaza perspective of Israel in the Israel Gaza perspective of Israel in the Israel Gaza war going on war going on war going on now what do you now what do you now what do you do with the fact that a the death of a do with the fact that a the death of a do with the fact that a the death of a civilian civilian civilian serves as a serves as a serves as a catalyst gives birth to hate potentially catalyst gives birth to hate potentially catalyst gives birth to hate potentially generational hate so in Israel stated generational hate so in Israel stated generational hate so in Israel stated goal of destroying Hamas they are goal of destroying Hamas they are goal of destroying Hamas they are creating immeasurable hate what do you creating immeasurable hate what do you creating immeasurable hate what do you do with that from a perspective of do with that from a perspective of do with that from a perspective of Israel what is the correct action to Israel what is the correct action to Israel what is the correct action to take in response to October 7th that's a take in response to October 7th that's a take in response to October 7th that's a complex question with a complex answer I complex question with a complex answer I complex question with a complex answer I think Israel's think Israel's think Israel's approach has to be in in recognizing approach has to be in in recognizing approach has to be in in recognizing that that that delineation as far as possible and I delineation as far as possible and I delineation as far as possible and I know it's tough when you know it's tough when you know it's tough when you have um a terrorist group like Hamas have um a terrorist group like Hamas have um a terrorist group like Hamas that is so interwoven within the that is so interwoven within the that is so interwoven within the community of people in community of people in community of people in Gaza but to recognize that there there Gaza but to recognize that there there Gaza but to recognize that there there should be and there is a shared purpose should be and there is a shared purpose should be and there is a shared purpose there for the Palestinian people there for the Palestinian people there for the Palestinian people to be able to live free and in peace and

to be able to live free and in peace and to be able to live free and in peace and not under the oppression of this not under the oppression of this not under the oppression of this terrorist group just as the people of terrorist group just as the people of terrorist group just as the people of Israel would like to live in peace and Israel would like to live in peace and Israel would like to live in peace and free from the threat of attack from a free from the threat of attack from a free from the threat of attack from a terrorist group that wants to terrorist group that wants to terrorist group that wants to exterminate them the complexities of exterminate them the complexities of exterminate them the complexities of what's going on in Israeli politics is I what's going on in Israeli politics is I what's going on in Israeli politics is I think a different conversation but also think a different conversation but also think a different conversation but also one that is directly intertwined with one that is directly intertwined with one that is directly intertwined with the answer to this question when you the answer to this question when you the answer to this question when you have some people in the Israeli have some people in the Israeli have some people in the Israeli government who don't want the government who don't want the government who don't want the Palestinian people in Gaza at all and Palestinian people in Gaza at all and Palestinian people in Gaza at all and want them to go and repatriate in other want them to go and repatriate in other want them to go and repatriate in other countries uh I think that's a big countries uh I think that's a big countries uh I think that's a big problem and that further problem and that further problem and that further exacerbates this hatred and resentment exacerbates this hatred and resentment exacerbates this hatred and resentment that um continues to grow there this is that um continues to grow there this is that um continues to grow there this is a Generations long challenge a Generations long challenge a Generations long challenge unfortunately of of uh the resentment unfortunately of of uh the resentment unfortunately of of uh the resentment and tension that exists between many and tension that exists between many and tension that exists between many Israelis and many Israelis and many Israelis and many Palestinians that can only be resolved Palestinians that can only be resolved Palestinians that can only be resolved when there's strong leadership when there's strong leadership when there's strong leadership representing both peoples who are are representing both peoples who are are representing both peoples who are are able and willing to come together and able and willing to come together and able and willing to come together and recognize that the only way forward is recognize that the only way forward is recognize that the only way forward is to let the past be in the past and find to let the past be in the past and find to let the past be in the past and find a way towards peace in the future how do a way towards peace in the future how do a way towards peace in the future how do you think how do you hope the war in you think how do you hope the war in you think how do you hope the war in Ukraine will end the only way that this Ukraine will end the only way that this Ukraine will end the only way that this war ends is is to do exactly what we're war ends is is to do exactly what we're war ends is is to do exactly what we're talking about there has to be a brokered talking about there has to be a brokered talking about there has to be a brokered dialogue uh

dialogue uh dialogue uh and conversation about and conversation about and conversation about peace that has to occur with peace that has to occur with peace that has to occur with representatives from from Russia and representatives from from Russia and representatives from from Russia and Ukraine um it's it is really truly Ukraine um it's it is really truly Ukraine um it's it is really truly heartbreaking to see both how efforts heartbreaking to see both how efforts heartbreaking to see both how efforts that began just weeks after Russia that began just weeks after Russia that began just weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine to do exactly this were invaded Ukraine to do exactly this were invaded Ukraine to do exactly this were thwarted uh by the Biden Harris thwarted uh by the Biden Harris thwarted uh by the Biden Harris Administration and other Western Powers Administration and other Western Powers Administration and other Western Powers has cost so many innocent people's lives has cost so many innocent people's lives has cost so many innocent people's lives and this is where I get I get um I I and this is where I get I get um I I and this is where I get I get um I I have friends in Ukraine I've been there have friends in Ukraine I've been there have friends in Ukraine I've been there uh more than a few times I've enjoyed uh more than a few times I've enjoyed uh more than a few times I've enjoyed and appreciated the time that I've I've and appreciated the time that I've I've and appreciated the time that I've I've spent there I I when I hear from my spent there I I when I hear from my spent there I I when I hear from my friends friends friends about how afraid they are of their about how afraid they are of their about how afraid they are of their husbands being conscript conscripted and husbands being conscript conscripted and husbands being conscript conscripted and you know feeling like they have to hide you know feeling like they have to hide you know feeling like they have to hide for fear of being yanked off the streets for fear of being yanked off the streets for fear of being yanked off the streets the the their friends friends and family the the their friends friends and family the the their friends friends and family members who've been killed in this members who've been killed in this members who've been killed in this war the only way this ends is when both war the only way this ends is when both war the only way this ends is when both sides come to the table and find an sides come to the table and find an sides come to the table and find an agreement that neither side is going to agreement that neither side is going to agreement that neither side is going to be completely happy with both sides be completely happy with both sides be completely happy with both sides being forced to make some concessions being forced to make some concessions being forced to make some concessions but one where um they will both walk but one where um they will both walk but one where um they will both walk away and and this war can end what's the away and and this war can end what's the away and and this war can end what's the role of uh the US president perhaps to role of uh the US president perhaps to role of uh the US president perhaps to bring everybody to the table do you bring everybody to the table do you bring everybody to the table do you think that the US President should sit think that the US President should sit think that the US President should sit down with ziny and Putin together yes

down with ziny and Putin together yes down with ziny and Putin together yes yes in an Ideal World yes uh this this yes in an Ideal World yes uh this this yes in an Ideal World yes uh this this should have happened long should have happened long should have happened long ago uh the question of whether or not ago uh the question of whether or not ago uh the question of whether or not President Biden is the right person to President Biden is the right person to President Biden is the right person to do that at this time when uh all of the do that at this time when uh all of the do that at this time when uh all of the statements and comments that they have statements and comments that they have statements and comments that they have made the Biden Harris Administration has made the Biden Harris Administration has made the Biden Harris Administration has made from the beginning of this made from the beginning of this made from the beginning of this war essentially point to their objective war essentially point to their objective war essentially point to their objective being to basically destroy Russia uh and being to basically destroy Russia uh and being to basically destroy Russia uh and that's one of the reasons why they have that's one of the reasons why they have that's one of the reasons why they have supported uh both the continuation of supported uh both the continuation of supported uh both the continuation of this war for as long as it's lasted as this war for as long as it's lasted as this war for as long as it's lasted as well as why they have thwarted efforts well as why they have thwarted efforts well as why they have thwarted efforts towards towards towards peace peace peace uh whoever that most effective neutral uh whoever that most effective neutral uh whoever that most effective neutral broker is um that that's the best person broker is um that that's the best person broker is um that that's the best person uh to do this um the Biden Harris uh to do this um the Biden Harris uh to do this um the Biden Harris Administration I think the the role that Administration I think the the role that Administration I think the the role that they have to take is actually they have to take is actually they have to take is actually encouraging encouraging encouraging zilinski uh to sit down and begin this zilinski uh to sit down and begin this zilinski uh to sit down and begin this process those kinds of engagements are process those kinds of engagements are process those kinds of engagements are the most to me the most powerful the most to me the most powerful the most to me the most powerful exercises of diplomacy that can't be exercises of diplomacy that can't be exercises of diplomacy that can't be matched especially when our our matched especially when our our matched especially when our our president's foremost role and president's foremost role and president's foremost role and responsibility is to serve as responsibility is to serve as responsibility is to serve as commander-in-chief and I wish that we commander-in-chief and I wish that we commander-in-chief and I wish that we had leaders who were more willing to had leaders who were more willing to had leaders who were more willing to engage because I think we'd we'd make a engage because I think we'd we'd make a engage because I think we'd we'd make a lot more progress more quickly and to to lot more progress more quickly and to to lot more progress more quickly and to to find areas both of mutual interest as find areas both of mutual interest as find areas both of mutual interest as well as to help de deconflict and

well as to help de deconflict and well as to help de deconflict and deescalate um areas where there is deescalate um areas where there is deescalate um areas where there is tension or disagreement or adversarial tension or disagreement or adversarial tension or disagreement or adversarial interests well some of it is basic human interests well some of it is basic human interests well some of it is basic human camaraderie like people call me naive camaraderie like people call me naive camaraderie like people call me naive for this but sometimes just knowing that for this but sometimes just knowing that for this but sometimes just knowing that there's a human on the other side even there's a human on the other side even there's a human on the other side even like when it's in like when it's in like when it's in private if you look at zalinsky and private if you look at zalinsky and private if you look at zalinsky and Putin for Putin for Putin for example example example just humor both are very intelligent just humor both are very intelligent just humor both are very intelligent witty at times even funny people yes witty at times even funny people yes witty at times even funny people yes this is war time yes a lot of civilians this is war time yes a lot of civilians this is war time yes a lot of civilians and soldiers are dying there's hate but and soldiers are dying there's hate but and soldiers are dying there's hate but if you can look above it all and think if you can look above it all and think if you can look above it all and think about the future of the countries the about the future of the countries the about the future of the countries the flourishing of a people and the stopping flourishing of a people and the stopping flourishing of a people and the stopping of the death of civilians and soldiers of the death of civilians and soldiers of the death of civilians and soldiers then in that place you can have that then in that place you can have that then in that place you can have that basic human connection I agree I don't basic human connection I agree I don't basic human connection I agree I don't think that's naive at all and I think think that's naive at all and I think think that's naive at all and I think there are so many examples through there are so many examples through there are so many examples through history that point history that point history that point to the power of that the real power in to the power of that the real power in to the power of that the real power in that um in you know the Cuban Missile that um in you know the Cuban Missile that um in you know the Cuban Missile Crisis how JFK had to literally find a Crisis how JFK had to literally find a Crisis how JFK had to literally find a secret way to communicate with kushev to secret way to communicate with kushev to secret way to communicate with kushev to try try try to go around the backs of the military to go around the backs of the military to go around the backs of the military commanders who were urging him to take commanders who were urging him to take commanders who were urging him to take military action and instead find hey we military action and instead find hey we military action and instead find hey we both ultimately want the same thing both ultimately want the same thing both ultimately want the same thing neither of us wants to launch a neither of us wants to launch a neither of us wants to launch a catastrophic nuclear war so let's figure catastrophic nuclear war so let's figure catastrophic nuclear war so let's figure this out of course there's examples

this out of course there's examples this out of course there's examples throughout history you know leaders are throughout history you know leaders are throughout history you know leaders are complicated people they're manipulative complicated people they're manipulative complicated people they're manipulative people so you have like Hitler and people so you have like Hitler and people so you have like Hitler and Chamberlain meeting and Chamberlain kind Chamberlain meeting and Chamberlain kind Chamberlain meeting and Chamberlain kind of getting uh Hoodwinked by Hitler's of getting uh Hoodwinked by Hitler's of getting uh Hoodwinked by Hitler's Charisma and being convinced that Hitler Charisma and being convinced that Hitler Charisma and being convinced that Hitler doesn't have any interest in invading doesn't have any interest in invading doesn't have any interest in invading and destroying the rest of the world so and destroying the rest of the world so and destroying the rest of the world so you know you have to uh he smart you know you have to uh he smart you know you have to uh he smart don't be don't be don't be Hoodwinked um you've met you've been Hoodwinked um you've met you've been Hoodwinked um you've met you've been criticized for this uh you've met with criticized for this uh you've met with criticized for this uh you've met with syian President Bashar al- syian President Bashar al- syian President Bashar al- Assad and uh as part of the campaign Assad and uh as part of the campaign Assad and uh as part of the campaign when you running for president got when you running for president got when you running for president got criticized for not calling him a war criticized for not calling him a war criticized for not calling him a war criminal what's the right way to meet criminal what's the right way to meet criminal what's the right way to meet and communicate with these kinds of and communicate with these kinds of and communicate with these kinds of leaders we as as as I just stated we leaders we as as as I just stated we leaders we as as as I just stated we need leaders who have the courage to need leaders who have the courage to need leaders who have the courage to meet not just with allies but with meet not just with allies but with meet not just with allies but with adversaries adversaries adversaries in the pursuit of Peace in the pursuit in the pursuit of Peace in the pursuit in the pursuit of Peace in the pursuit of of of increased understanding uh if policies increased understanding uh if policies increased understanding uh if policies are being made through the the lenses are being made through the the lenses are being made through the the lenses and the barriers of and the barriers of and the barriers of bureaucrats and the media and others who bureaucrats and the media and others who bureaucrats and the media and others who have or may have their own have or may have their own have or may have their own interests um our president a leader interests um our president a leader interests um our president a leader can't make even members of Congress can't make even members of Congress can't make even members of Congress can't make decisions with the kind of can't make decisions with the kind of can't make decisions with the kind of Clarity that we the American people need Clarity that we the American people need Clarity that we the American people need them to make I think that these kinds of them to make I think that these kinds of them to make I think that these kinds of engagements

engagements engagements are weaponized and politicized as they are weaponized and politicized as they are weaponized and politicized as they were against me um by those were against me um by those were against me um by those who have their own interests whether it who have their own interests whether it who have their own interests whether it be the military-industrial complex or in be the military-industrial complex or in be the military-industrial complex or in Washington if you're not part of of the Washington if you're not part of of the Washington if you're not part of of the official Narrative of the US government official Narrative of the US government official Narrative of the US government um which was intent on a regime change um which was intent on a regime change um which was intent on a regime change war in Syria then then you're an war in Syria then then you're an war in Syria then then you're an outcast and uh it it was it was it was outcast and uh it it was it was it was outcast and uh it it was it was it was unfortunate unfortunate unfortunate because you know people people levied because you know people people levied because you know people people levied all kinds of accusations and and you all kinds of accusations and and you all kinds of accusations and and you know smears against me for going and and know smears against me for going and and know smears against me for going and and having the audacity to go and and learn having the audacity to go and and learn having the audacity to go and and learn more try to seek the truth in the hopes more try to seek the truth in the hopes more try to seek the truth in the hopes of preventing more needless war and in of preventing more needless war and in of preventing more needless war and in the hopes of preventing yet another the hopes of preventing yet another the hopes of preventing yet another Quagmire and disastrous war in the Quagmire and disastrous war in the Quagmire and disastrous war in the Middle East and simply for going and yes Middle East and simply for going and yes Middle East and simply for going and yes meeting with Assad also meeting with meeting with Assad also meeting with meeting with Assad also meeting with religious leaders in Syria also meeting religious leaders in Syria also meeting religious leaders in Syria also meeting and talking with people on the streets and talking with people on the streets and talking with people on the streets in of of Damascus talking with college in of of Damascus talking with college in of of Damascus talking with college students talking with people from the students talking with people from the students talking with people from the opposition party who who would like to opposition party who who would like to opposition party who who would like to see Assad replaced see Assad replaced see Assad replaced um you know talking with local just a um you know talking with local just a um you know talking with local just a whole host of people over over the whole host of people over over the whole host of people over over the course of a few days you know the the course of a few days you know the the course of a few days you know the the accusation was of like oh she's she

accusation was of like oh she's she accusation was of like oh she's she loves loves loves dictators it's a sad State of Affairs dictators it's a sad State of Affairs dictators it's a sad State of Affairs when our some of the most influential when our some of the most influential when our some of the most influential voices in our country will label someone voices in our country will label someone voices in our country will label someone a uh a lover or supporter of dictators a uh a lover or supporter of dictators a uh a lover or supporter of dictators simply because you're saying hey we simply because you're saying hey we simply because you're saying hey we shouldn't be going to war there is way shouldn't be going to war there is way shouldn't be going to war there is way and and I'm not alone in this you know and and I'm not alone in this you know and and I'm not alone in this you know people who were against the war in Iraq people who were against the war in Iraq people who were against the war in Iraq were L were given similar uh were L were given similar uh were L were given similar uh labels um until it became you know labels um until it became you know labels um until it became you know popular in our politics to have been popular in our politics to have been popular in our politics to have been against the Iraq War we see the same against the Iraq War we see the same against the Iraq War we see the same thing now with people like Tucker myself thing now with people like Tucker myself thing now with people like Tucker myself and others who are saying um we should and others who are saying um we should and others who are saying um we should not be waging this proxy war against not be waging this proxy war against not be waging this proxy war against Russia via Ukraine and using the Russia via Ukraine and using the Russia via Ukraine and using the Ukrainian people's lives in this war Ukrainian people's lives in this war Ukrainian people's lives in this war well now all of a sudden you're a Putin well now all of a sudden you're a Putin well now all of a sudden you're a Putin lover a Putin puppet or or whatever you lover a Putin puppet or or whatever you lover a Putin puppet or or whatever you know the traitor treason all all of know the traitor treason all all of know the traitor treason all all of these accusations that are used these accusations that are used these accusations that are used ultimately by people who are not ultimately by people who are not ultimately by people who are not interested in having a substantive interested in having a substantive interested in having a substantive conversation about the truth about conversation about the truth about conversation about the truth about looking at these these wars and looking at these these wars and looking at these these wars and conflicts you know with a comprehensive conflicts you know with a comprehensive conflicts you know with a comprehensive view on on exactly all the Dynamics that view on on exactly all the Dynamics that view on on exactly all the Dynamics that are that are at play and and that's what are that are at play and and that's what are that are at play and and that's what I found when I came back I I went I found when I came back I I went I found when I came back I I went looking for went to Syria looking looking for went to Syria looking looking for went to Syria looking forward to coming back and shedding forward to coming back and shedding forward to coming back and shedding light on uh different perspectives light on uh different perspectives light on uh different perspectives experiences and stories that I found experiences and stories that I found experiences and stories that I found that would give people a more broad that would give people a more broad that would give people a more broad understanding of of what was happening understanding of of what was happening understanding of of what was happening in that country and what I found was

in that country and what I found was in that country and what I found was there was Zero interest in uh the there was Zero interest in uh the there was Zero interest in uh the mainstream Media or in Congress in mainstream Media or in Congress in mainstream Media or in Congress in hearing any other perspective other than hearing any other perspective other than hearing any other perspective other than their own which was we need to launch their own which was we need to launch their own which was we need to launch this regime change War through the use this regime change War through the use this regime change War through the use of arming and equipping known terrorists of arming and equipping known terrorists of arming and equipping known terrorists within Syria to overthrow the regime within Syria to overthrow the regime within Syria to overthrow the regime without any idea uh without them stating without any idea uh without them stating without any idea uh without them stating any uh realistic idea of who would take any uh realistic idea of who would take any uh realistic idea of who would take control once Assad was control once Assad was control once Assad was overthrown but the reality actually overthrown but the reality actually overthrown but the reality actually being that no matter which opposition being that no matter which opposition being that no matter which opposition group they might try to prop up they group they might try to prop up they group they might try to prop up they would not have the power to withstand would not have the power to withstand would not have the power to withstand the terrorist groups whose stated goal the terrorist groups whose stated goal the terrorist groups whose stated goal it was to go and take over power uh from it was to go and take over power uh from it was to go and take over power uh from Assad they had no interest in in trying Assad they had no interest in in trying Assad they had no interest in in trying to gain true understanding and it it was to gain true understanding and it it was to gain true understanding and it it was very disheartening it was very very disheartening it was very very disheartening it was very disheartening and and a big lesson disheartening and and a big lesson disheartening and and a big lesson learned about where where their learned about where where their learned about where where their interests really uh were focused yeah interests really uh were focused yeah interests really uh were focused yeah it's a it's a it's a simplistic narrative template that's fit simplistic narrative template that's fit simplistic narrative template that's fit into every single into every single into every single situation um a lot of stuff is not situation um a lot of stuff is not situation um a lot of stuff is not talked about in the Russia Ukraine war talked about in the Russia Ukraine war talked about in the Russia Ukraine war one of the things that's not talked one of the things that's not talked one of the things that's not talked about is okay so Putin is overthrown about is okay so Putin is overthrown about is okay so Putin is overthrown then who do you think will come into then who do you think will come into then who do you think will come into Power exactly one of the things I talk Power exactly one of the things I talk Power exactly one of the things I talk about with arist stoich is that about with arist stoich is that about with arist stoich is that Putin and he gets criticized for this Putin and he gets criticized for this Putin and he gets criticized for this that Putin out of all the people that that Putin out of all the people that that Putin out of all the people that might take power is the most liberal is might take power is the most liberal is might take power is the most liberal is the most uh the most uh the most uh dovish in fact every indication shows

dovish in fact every indication shows dovish in fact every indication shows that he really hates this war MH and and that he really hates this war MH and and that he really hates this war MH and and so everybody that will step in if he so everybody that will step in if he so everybody that will step in if he steps down or if he is overthrown is steps down or if he is overthrown is steps down or if he is overthrown is just going to accelerate this this war just going to accelerate this this war just going to accelerate this this war and the expansionism and the The Thirst and the expansionism and the The Thirst and the expansionism and the The Thirst for Empire and all that kind of stuff for Empire and all that kind of stuff for Empire and all that kind of stuff that the the US military industrial that the the US military industrial that the the US military industrial complex will feed into so you have to complex will feed into so you have to complex will feed into so you have to think about what the future holds and think about what the future holds and think about what the future holds and what the different Power Players are and what the different Power Players are and what the different Power Players are and what uh the level of corruption there is what uh the level of corruption there is what uh the level of corruption there is and sort of the sort of the realistic and sort of the sort of the realistic and sort of the sort of the realistic view of the situation versus the view of the situation versus the view of the situation versus the idealistic view of the situation just on idealistic view of the situation just on idealistic view of the situation just on that note real quick I think that was that note real quick I think that was that note real quick I think that was exposed in broad daylight when exposed in broad daylight when exposed in broad daylight when it appeared that you know the the former it appeared that you know the the former it appeared that you know the the former head of the Vagner group was about to head of the Vagner group was about to head of the Vagner group was about to try to to launch a coup and how that was try to to launch a coup and how that was try to to launch a coup and how that was so celebrated even on uh you know like so celebrated even on uh you know like so celebrated even on uh you know like MSNBC and Rachel mat and others touting MSNBC and Rachel mat and others touting MSNBC and Rachel mat and others touting that this was somehow going to be a that this was somehow going to be a that this was somehow going to be a great thing without looking at you know great thing without looking at you know great thing without looking at you know who is this guy really what has he been who is this guy really what has he been who is this guy really what has he been doing in different countries around the doing in different countries around the doing in different countries around the world and what what would be his uh kind world and what what would be his uh kind world and what what would be his uh kind of ruling philosophy and how that would of ruling philosophy and how that would of ruling philosophy and how that would how that would differ or benefit how that would differ or benefit how that would differ or benefit American interests or the interest of American interests or the interest of American interests or the interest of security uh and peace but also the security uh and peace but also the security uh and peace but also the interest of Ukraine and Russia and interest of Ukraine and Russia and interest of Ukraine and Russia and Humanity overall just the flourishing of Humanity overall just the flourishing of Humanity overall just the flourishing of Nations which is great for everybody in Nations which is great for everybody in Nations which is great for everybody in collaborations with Nations I agree

collaborations with Nations I agree collaborations with Nations I agree friendly competition you know one of the friendly competition you know one of the friendly competition you know one of the things I love about the 20th century is things I love about the 20th century is things I love about the 20th century is the friendly sometimes not so friendly the friendly sometimes not so friendly the friendly sometimes not so friendly competition between the Soviet Union and competition between the Soviet Union and competition between the Soviet Union and the United States in in space in the the United States in in space in the the United States in in space in the Space Race that's created something Space Race that's created something Space Race that's created something incredible engineering and scientific incredible engineering and scientific incredible engineering and scientific breakthroughs and all of this and also breakthroughs and all of this and also breakthroughs and all of this and also made people dream about like reaching made people dream about like reaching made people dream about like reaching out to the stars and yeah War destroys out to the stars and yeah War destroys out to the stars and yeah War destroys all of that or damages it hopefully just all of that or damages it hopefully just all of that or damages it hopefully just damages it hopefully it will the Phoenix damages it hopefully it will the Phoenix damages it hopefully it will the Phoenix will rise will rise will rise again uh well let me ask you about the again uh well let me ask you about the again uh well let me ask you about the criticism you've mentioned uh of this criticism you've mentioned uh of this criticism you've mentioned uh of this probably the most common criticism of probably the most common criticism of probably the most common criticism of you that you love you that you love you that you love Putin so just to linger on it what's Putin so just to linger on it what's Putin so just to linger on it what's what do you think is the foundation of what do you think is the foundation of what do you think is the foundation of this criticism well I'll tell you when this criticism well I'll tell you when this criticism well I'll tell you when it it it began you know I had my first day in began you know I had my first day in began you know I had my first day in Congress uh was January 3rd 2013 I Congress uh was January 3rd 2013 I Congress uh was January 3rd 2013 I believe it was the 3rd fourth fifth believe it was the 3rd fourth fifth believe it was the 3rd fourth fifth somewhere around there and my last day somewhere around there and my last day somewhere around there and my last day was January 3rd was January 3rd was January 3rd 2021 um I had been given my experience 2021 um I had been given my experience 2021 um I had been given my experience of of serving as a soldier in in the of of serving as a soldier in in the of of serving as a soldier in in the Middle East Middle East Middle East and the motivation that that really and the motivation that that really and the motivation that that really drove me to run for Congress in the drove me to run for Congress in the drove me to run for Congress in the first place I served on the Foreign first place I served on the Foreign first place I served on the Foreign Affairs committee and the armed services Affairs committee and the armed services Affairs committee and the armed services committee for almost eight years the committee for almost eight years the committee for almost eight years the eight years that I was there uh with my eight years that I was there uh with my eight years that I was there uh with my drive and motivation to to actually be drive and motivation to to actually be drive and motivation to to actually be in a position to challenge the influence in a position to challenge the influence in a position to challenge the influence of the military industrial complex to of the military industrial complex to of the military industrial complex to try to prevent us from needlessly going

try to prevent us from needlessly going try to prevent us from needlessly going to to to war and so you know the likes of Hillary war and so you know the likes of Hillary war and so you know the likes of Hillary Clinton and the cabal of war mongers in Clinton and the cabal of war mongers in Clinton and the cabal of war mongers in Washington they weren't fans of of mine Washington they weren't fans of of mine Washington they weren't fans of of mine to say the least I can't say it was a to say the least I can't say it was a to say the least I can't say it was a total surprise but it was disheartening total surprise but it was disheartening total surprise but it was disheartening nonetheless that the very day that I nonetheless that the very day that I nonetheless that the very day that I announced my candidacy uh that I was announced my candidacy uh that I was announced my candidacy uh that I was running for president which was in running for president which was in running for president which was in February February February 2019 as I the hour that the hour that I 2019 as I the hour that the hour that I 2019 as I the hour that the hour that I walked up onto that stage to announce my walked up onto that stage to announce my walked up onto that stage to announce my candidacy it was in Hawaii and I gave my candidacy it was in Hawaii and I gave my candidacy it was in Hawaii and I gave my announcement speech NBC News published a announcement speech NBC News published a announcement speech NBC News published a hit piece that planted the seeds of hit piece that planted the seeds of hit piece that planted the seeds of Suspicion in voters Minds that somehow I Suspicion in voters Minds that somehow I Suspicion in voters Minds that somehow I was a darling of Putin and Russia and was a darling of Putin and Russia and was a darling of Putin and Russia and and whatever it was baseless all of it and whatever it was baseless all of it and whatever it was baseless all of it baseless and that that baseless and that that baseless and that that continued um like a a steady drum beat continued um like a a steady drum beat continued um like a a steady drum beat throughout my throughout my throughout my candidacy but that really was escalated candidacy but that really was escalated candidacy but that really was escalated when in a podcast with David Axel Rod when in a podcast with David Axel Rod when in a podcast with David Axel Rod Hillary Clinton said oh well the Hillary Clinton said oh well the Hillary Clinton said oh well the Russians are grooming Russians are grooming Russians are grooming her and uh this is not um her and uh this is not um her and uh this is not um [Music] [Music] [Music] I mean this this came from a very I mean this this came from a very I mean this this came from a very influential person yeah she was the influential person yeah she was the influential person yeah she was the former Secretary of State former US former Secretary of State former US former Secretary of State former US senator former first lady someone senator former first lady someone senator former first lady someone who wielded and continues to wield a lot who wielded and continues to wield a lot who wielded and continues to wield a lot of power in the Democratic party and of power in the Democratic party and of power in the Democratic party and amongst amongst amongst voters and that that took it to a whole voters and that that took it to a whole voters and that that took it to a whole new level what is the basis for this

new level what is the basis for this new level what is the basis for this nothing it is it is a tired yet nothing it is it is a tired yet nothing it is it is a tired yet Dependable Playbook that is used not Dependable Playbook that is used not Dependable Playbook that is used not only by people like Hillary Clinton but only by people like Hillary Clinton but only by people like Hillary Clinton but also people like Mitt Romney and others also people like Mitt Romney and others also people like Mitt Romney and others to try to smear to try to smear to try to smear discredit and destroy the reputations of discredit and destroy the reputations of discredit and destroy the reputations of people who have the audacity to uh people who have the audacity to uh people who have the audacity to uh question their objectives as they call question their objectives as they call question their objectives as they call for one war or another uh or have the for one war or another uh or have the for one war or another uh or have the the audacity to say that this is not in the audacity to say that this is not in the audacity to say that this is not in the best interest of peace or in our the best interest of peace or in our the best interest of peace or in our country and our our national security they keep going back to this Playbook as they keep going back to this Playbook as they do today because again they're not they do today because again they're not they do today because again they're not willing to debate the substance of one willing to debate the substance of one willing to debate the substance of one position versus another which is what we position versus another which is what we position versus another which is what we should have if people feel so strongly should have if people feel so strongly should have if people feel so strongly that we should be going and waging this that we should be going and waging this that we should be going and waging this war that war okay great go make your war that war okay great go make your war that war okay great go make your case to the American people go stand on case to the American people go stand on case to the American people go stand on the floor of the United States house and the floor of the United States house and the floor of the United States house and actually have this debate allow those actually have this debate allow those actually have this debate allow those who are saying no this is not a good who are saying no this is not a good who are saying no this is not a good idea to also stand fre and make that idea to also stand fre and make that idea to also stand fre and make that argument instead they they resort to uh argument instead they they resort to uh argument instead they they resort to uh the kind of name calling that tells the kind of name calling that tells the kind of name calling that tells voters hey you can't trust this person voters hey you can't trust this person voters hey you can't trust this person or anything that they say uh we myself or anything that they say uh we myself or anything that they say uh we myself and some of my other colleagues got the and some of my other colleagues got the and some of my other colleagues got the same treatment when we tried to pass same treatment when we tried to pass same treatment when we tried to pass legislation in Congress that would have legislation in Congress that would have legislation in Congress that would have taken out Provisions from the Patriot

taken out Provisions from the Patriot taken out Provisions from the Patriot Act that are most egregiously violating Act that are most egregiously violating Act that are most egregiously violating our fourth amendment rights and civil our fourth amendment rights and civil our fourth amendment rights and civil liberties uh authorities that have allow liberties uh authorities that have allow liberties uh authorities that have allow our government to illegally surveil our government to illegally surveil our government to illegally surveil Americans without a warrant and as we Americans without a warrant and as we Americans without a warrant and as we did did did so we called traitors we were called uh so we called traitors we were called uh so we called traitors we were called uh we had other members of Congress on the we had other members of Congress on the we had other members of Congress on the house floor saying that if you pass this house floor saying that if you pass this house floor saying that if you pass this legislation you will be responsible for legislation you will be responsible for legislation you will be responsible for another 911 style attack on our another 911 style attack on our another 911 style attack on our soil um these are all distraction soil um these are all distraction soil um these are all distraction tactics to to try to divert our tactics to to try to divert our tactics to to try to divert our attention away from what's actually attention away from what's actually attention away from what's actually happening and instead just tell voters happening and instead just tell voters happening and instead just tell voters hey you can't you can't trust these hey you can't you can't trust these hey you can't you can't trust these people obviously this has happened to people obviously this has happened to people obviously this has happened to Trump it's happened to Bobby Kennedy Trump it's happened to Bobby Kennedy Trump it's happened to Bobby Kennedy it's happened to people like Rand Paul it's happened to people like Rand Paul it's happened to people like Rand Paul and others there was a small group but a and others there was a small group but a and others there was a small group but a growing number um at least I'm on the growing number um at least I'm on the growing number um at least I'm on the Republican side at this point people who Republican side at this point people who Republican side at this point people who are are actually willing to stand up and are are actually willing to stand up and are are actually willing to stand up and um and challenge the military industrial um and challenge the military industrial um and challenge the military industrial complex challenge the warmongers in both complex challenge the warmongers in both complex challenge the warmongers in both parties well people on the left have parties well people on the left have parties well people on the left have challenged the the warmongers as well challenged the the warmongers as well challenged the the warmongers as well throughout the the throughout the the throughout the the the last few decades less so recently I the last few decades less so recently I the last few decades less so recently I agree with you but less so recently and agree with you but less so recently and agree with you but less so recently and this is one of the reasons why I left this is one of the reasons why I left this is one of the reasons why I left the Democratic party um one of the the Democratic party um one of the the Democratic party um one of the foremost reasons uh I I devote uh an foremost reasons uh I I devote uh an foremost reasons uh I I devote uh an entire chapter to this issue um in my entire chapter to this issue um in my entire chapter to this issue um in my book uh for love of country what leave book uh for love of country what leave book uh for love of country what leave the Democrat Party behind going into the

the Democrat Party behind going into the the Democrat Party behind going into the the the detail of some of the things the the detail of some of the things the the detail of some of the things we've talked about about my own we've talked about about my own we've talked about about my own experiences about what I have learned experiences about what I have learned experiences about what I have learned along the way but also how you know even along the way but also how you know even along the way but also how you know even in the last year two years um certainly in the last year two years um certainly in the last year two years um certainly under this Administration people who I under this Administration people who I under this Administration people who I worked with in Congress who were worked with in Congress who were worked with in Congress who were Democrats Dependable voices for civil Democrats Dependable voices for civil Democrats Dependable voices for civil liberties Dependable liberties Dependable liberties Dependable voices speaking out against the insanity voices speaking out against the insanity voices speaking out against the insanity of people who wanted to wage war for the of people who wanted to wage war for the of people who wanted to wage war for the sake of sake of sake of War War War um they're largely silent now and um they're largely silent now and um they're largely silent now and unfortunately within the Dem Democratic unfortunately within the Dem Democratic unfortunately within the Dem Democratic party in Washington there is no room for party in Washington there is no room for party in Washington there is no room for debate that if you challenge the Biden debate that if you challenge the Biden debate that if you challenge the Biden administration's position on foreign administration's position on foreign administration's position on foreign policy you you're going to get you're policy you you're going to get you're policy you you're going to get you're going to hear about it and um what we going to hear about it and um what we going to hear about it and um what we have seen is that that's exactly what's have seen is that that's exactly what's have seen is that that's exactly what's happened and people have retracted happened and people have retracted happened and people have retracted statements or just Fallen silent or statements or just Fallen silent or statements or just Fallen silent or whatever the case may be this debate whatever the case may be this debate whatever the case may be this debate that should be existent within both that should be existent within both that should be existent within both parties on the Democrat side parties on the Democrat side parties on the Democrat side unfortunately unfortunately unfortunately um it just doesn't exist anymore there um it just doesn't exist anymore there um it just doesn't exist anymore there seems to be some kind of mass hysteria seems to be some kind of mass hysteria seems to be some kind of mass hysteria over the war in Ukraine it was strange over the war in Ukraine it was strange over the war in Ukraine it was strange to uh to watch that the Nuance aspect of to uh to watch that the Nuance aspect of to uh to watch that the Nuance aspect of the the the discussion was lost very quickly it was discussion was lost very quickly it was discussion was lost very quickly it was uh Putin bad right it was a war between uh Putin bad right it was a war between uh Putin bad right it was a war between good and evil right and in that if you

good and evil right and in that if you good and evil right and in that if you bring up any kind of nuance discussion bring up any kind of nuance discussion bring up any kind of nuance discussion of like how do we actually achieve peace of like how do we actually achieve peace of like how do we actually achieve peace in the in the in the situation you're immediately put on the situation you're immediately put on the situation you're immediately put on the side of evil yeah which is pretty sick side of evil yeah which is pretty sick side of evil yeah which is pretty sick when you think about it I mean it's you when you think about it I mean it's you when you think about it I mean it's you know the cynical view is of course it's know the cynical view is of course it's know the cynical view is of course it's the uh the military industrial complex the uh the military industrial complex the uh the military industrial complex machine the the war profiteers just machine the the war profiteers just machine the the war profiteers just driving this kind of conversation yeah driving this kind of conversation yeah driving this kind of conversation yeah you know I hope that's not I hope they you know I hope that's not I hope they you know I hope that's not I hope they don't have that much power I hope they don't have that much power I hope they don't have that much power I hope they just have incentives and they push just have incentives and they push just have incentives and they push people and they kind of use People's people and they kind of use People's people and they kind of use People's Natural desire to divide the world into Natural desire to divide the world into Natural desire to divide the world into to Good and Evil and fight for the side to Good and Evil and fight for the side to Good and Evil and fight for the side of good uh you know people of good uh you know people of good uh you know people just uh have a natural proclivity for just uh have a natural proclivity for just uh have a natural proclivity for that and that's a good thing that we that and that's a good thing that we that and that's a good thing that we want to fight for the side of good but want to fight for the side of good but want to fight for the side of good but then that gets captured and manipulated then that gets captured and manipulated then that gets captured and manipulated yeah yes I admire your your yeah yes I admire your your yeah yes I admire your your hopefulness I am I am hopeful also um hopefulness I am I am hopeful also um hopefulness I am I am hopeful also um because of the because of the because of the goodness in people and the naturally goodness in people and the naturally goodness in people and the naturally compassionate nature of people compassionate nature of people compassionate nature of people um however I will tell you from um however I will tell you from um however I will tell you from firsthand experience that what we talk firsthand experience that what we talk firsthand experience that what we talk about is the National Security State and about is the National Security State and about is the National Security State and the military industrial the military industrial the military industrial complex um this cabal of war mongers complex um this cabal of war mongers complex um this cabal of war mongers that extends not only within government that extends not only within government that extends not only within government but outside of but outside of but outside of government um extends to many powerful government um extends to many powerful government um extends to many powerful media Outlets um they are incredibly

media Outlets um they are incredibly media Outlets um they are incredibly powerful and don't have any qualms at powerful and don't have any qualms at powerful and don't have any qualms at destroying those who try to get in the destroying those who try to get in the destroying those who try to get in the way of their power and they've got a lot way of their power and they've got a lot way of their power and they've got a lot of of of tools they've got a lot of tools to do tools they've got a lot of tools to do tools they've got a lot of tools to do that which I which I I think is why that which I which I I think is why that which I which I I think is why President Eisenhower chose to include President Eisenhower chose to include President Eisenhower chose to include this in his farewell address as a this in his farewell address as a this in his farewell address as a warning because the warning because the warning because the only recourse the only real power that only recourse the only real power that only recourse the only real power that has the ability to destroy them and has the ability to destroy them and has the ability to destroy them and stand up against them is a free people stand up against them is a free people stand up against them is a free people living in a free Society living in a free Society living in a free Society exercising the rights that we have exercising the rights that we have exercising the rights that we have enshrined in the Constitution and Bill enshrined in the Constitution and Bill enshrined in the Constitution and Bill of of of Rights I just talked to any Jacobs and Rights I just talked to any Jacobs and Rights I just talked to any Jacobs and she wrote a book on nuclear war a she wrote a book on nuclear war a she wrote a book on nuclear war a scenario of how a nuclear war will scenario of how a nuclear war will scenario of how a nuclear war will happen second by second minute by minute happen second by second minute by minute happen second by second minute by minute I apologize if it happens how it would I apologize if it happens how it would I apologize if it happens how it would happen it's terrifying yeah it it's happen it's terrifying yeah it it's happen it's terrifying yeah it it's terrifying how easy it is to start that terrifying how easy it is to start that terrifying how easy it is to start that one person can start it first of all and one person can start it first of all and one person can start it first of all and then there's no way to stop it even then there's no way to stop it even then there's no way to stop it even potentially with tactical nuclear potentially with tactical nuclear potentially with tactical nuclear weapons that it would it just the the weapons that it would it just the the weapons that it would it just the the Machinery of it how clueless everybody Machinery of it how clueless everybody Machinery of it how clueless everybody is combined with the Machinery of it is combined with the Machinery of it is combined with the Machinery of it it's just impossible to stop and it just it's just impossible to stop and it just it's just impossible to stop and it just between rushing that the United States between rushing that the United States between rushing that the United States especially and then all of a sudden you especially and then all of a sudden you especially and then all of a sudden you have nuclear winter and 5 billion people have nuclear winter and 5 billion people have nuclear winter and 5 billion people are dead yeah uh and they they die are dead yeah uh and they they die are dead yeah uh and they they die through just essentially torture uh

through just essentially torture uh through just essentially torture uh slowly how do we avoid that how do we slowly how do we avoid that how do we slowly how do we avoid that how do we avoid a nuclear war how do we that's avoid a nuclear war how do we that's avoid a nuclear war how do we that's something that you talk about and think something that you talk about and think something that you talk about and think about how do we avoid this kind of about how do we avoid this kind of about how do we avoid this kind of escalation of a hot escalation of a hot escalation of a hot War I think the most essential thing War I think the most essential thing War I think the most essential thing first of all first of all first of all is understanding exactly what you have is understanding exactly what you have is understanding exactly what you have just just just detailed we are in this very strange and detailed we are in this very strange and detailed we are in this very strange and absurd time where we have Talking Heads absurd time where we have Talking Heads absurd time where we have Talking Heads and so-called pundits on TV we have and so-called pundits on TV we have and so-called pundits on TV we have politicians we have people who are politicians we have people who are politicians we have people who are talking about a nuclear war as though it talking about a nuclear war as though it talking about a nuclear war as though it is a war that can be won period and a is a war that can be won period and a is a war that can be won period and a war that um can be war that um can be war that um can be waged somehow without that risk of waged somehow without that risk of waged somehow without that risk of escalation to the point of destruction escalation to the point of destruction escalation to the point of destruction of human of human of human civilization and and so they talk about civilization and and so they talk about civilization and and so they talk about this as though it's just another war and this as though it's just another war and this as though it's just another war and especially as they talk about the use of especially as they talk about the use of especially as they talk about the use of tactical nuclear weapons oh well this is tactical nuclear weapons oh well this is tactical nuclear weapons oh well this is just this is small and we think it'll just this is small and we think it'll just this is small and we think it'll send a message without actually send a message without actually send a message without actually escalating uh to the point escalating uh to the point escalating uh to the point where we are dealing with with the kind where we are dealing with with the kind where we are dealing with with the kind of Destruction uh that we witnessed uh of Destruction uh that we witnessed uh of Destruction uh that we witnessed uh in World War in World War in World War II uh that's a dangerous thing when it II uh that's a dangerous thing when it II uh that's a dangerous thing when it becomes like normalized as you know well

becomes like normalized as you know well becomes like normalized as you know well we've got this new missile that'll go we've got this new missile that'll go we've got this new missile that'll go and it's targeted and it's strategic and and it's targeted and it's strategic and and it's targeted and it's strategic and it'll only harm this quote unquote it'll only harm this quote unquote it'll only harm this quote unquote military Target uh Ronald Reagan was military Target uh Ronald Reagan was military Target uh Ronald Reagan was 100% correct when he said you know a 100% correct when he said you know a 100% correct when he said you know a nuclear war cannot be won and should nuclear war cannot be won and should nuclear war cannot be won and should never be waged it was true then and it's never be waged it was true then and it's never be waged it was true then and it's true now no matter how much these guys true now no matter how much these guys true now no matter how much these guys who are producing these weapons or those who are producing these weapons or those who are producing these weapons or those who are benefiting from that industry who are benefiting from that industry who are benefiting from that industry try to tell us oh no it'll it'll never try to tell us oh no it'll it'll never try to tell us oh no it'll it'll never happen um so to me that that's that's an happen um so to me that that's that's an happen um so to me that that's that's an important first first step to to important first first step to to important first first step to to continue to inform and educate and sound continue to inform and educate and sound continue to inform and educate and sound the alarms to people don't don't buy the alarms to people don't don't buy the alarms to people don't don't buy this crap because it's not true and I I this crap because it's not true and I I this crap because it's not true and I I look forward to listening to to your look forward to listening to to your look forward to listening to to your podcast but the PSA that was put out by podcast but the PSA that was put out by podcast but the PSA that was put out by New York City's emergency management New York City's emergency management New York City's emergency management office about what to do in the event of office about what to do in the event of office about what to do in the event of a nuclear attack you would find it funny a nuclear attack you would find it funny a nuclear attack you would find it funny if it wasn't so deeply disturbing how if it wasn't so deeply disturbing how if it wasn't so deeply disturbing how they created did this public service they created did this public service they created did this public service announcement they distributed it announcement they distributed it announcement they distributed it everywhere across the city on the everywhere across the city on the everywhere across the city on the internet I think it was on the radio internet I think it was on the radio internet I think it was on the radio where you had a woman who appeared to be where you had a woman who appeared to be where you had a woman who appeared to be um an actor coming in and saying hey um um an actor coming in and saying hey um um an actor coming in and saying hey um in the event of when the big one in the event of when the big one in the event of when the big one hits here's what you should do focus on hits here's what you should do focus on hits here's what you should do focus on doing these three things and I'm doing these three things and I'm doing these three things and I'm paraphrasing but I encourage you to to paraphrasing but I encourage you to to paraphrasing but I encourage you to to watch it I'm paraphrasing but she watch it I'm paraphrasing but she watch it I'm paraphrasing but she said get inside said get inside said get inside stay inside and stay

stay inside and stay stay inside and stay tuned that that was it and you know get tuned that that was it and you know get tuned that that was it and you know get inside go away from the windows stay inside go away from the windows stay inside go away from the windows stay inside don't go outside until you get inside don't go outside until you get inside don't go outside until you get the all clear and stay tuned follow our the all clear and stay tuned follow our the all clear and stay tuned follow our account on Instagram right and Twitter account on Instagram right and Twitter account on Instagram right and Twitter and at the very end of of this this and at the very end of of this this and at the very end of of this this short short short PSA she said uh her her closing words PSA she said uh her her closing words PSA she said uh her her closing words were weave we've got this mhm and it was were weave we've got this mhm and it was were weave we've got this mhm and it was so disturbing in that it was so so disturbing in that it was so so disturbing in that it was so completely out of touch with completely out of touch with completely out of touch with reality um it creates this kind of false reality um it creates this kind of false reality um it creates this kind of false sense of security that okay well it's sense of security that okay well it's sense of security that okay well it's kind of like here's what you do when a kind of like here's what you do when a kind of like here's what you do when a tornado hits or when a big storm hits tornado hits or when a big storm hits tornado hits or when a big storm hits and and categorizing the big one a and and categorizing the big one a and and categorizing the big one a nuclear attack within that same kind of nuclear attack within that same kind of nuclear attack within that same kind of preparedness that you would want people preparedness that you would want people preparedness that you would want people to have in the event of of a natural a to have in the event of of a natural a to have in the event of of a natural a natural disaster of some natural disaster of some natural disaster of some sort uh and and it is reflective of the sort uh and and it is reflective of the sort uh and and it is reflective of the carelessness with which people in our carelessness with which people in our carelessness with which people in our government um that careless attitude government um that careless attitude government um that careless attitude that people in our government have that people in our government have that people in our government have towards nuclear war and a nuclear attack towards nuclear war and a nuclear attack towards nuclear war and a nuclear attack even as they set us up for even as they set us up for even as they set us up for failure in pushing us to the closer and failure in pushing us to the closer and failure in pushing us to the closer and closer to the brink of a nuclear war closer to the brink of a nuclear war closer to the brink of a nuclear war occurring whether it be an intentional occurring whether it be an intentional occurring whether it be an intentional attack or as we saw during the last Cold attack or as we saw during the last Cold attack or as we saw during the last Cold War one

War one War one that could be launched that could be launched that could be launched unintentionally uh we you know how many unintentionally uh we you know how many unintentionally uh we you know how many near misses were there uh during during near misses were there uh during during near misses were there uh during during the last Cold War uh I saw this the last Cold War uh I saw this the last Cold War uh I saw this documentary called the man who saved the documentary called the man who saved the documentary called the man who saved the world and it was some like world and it was some like world and it was some like midlevel officer who happened to be on midlevel officer who happened to be on midlevel officer who happened to be on duty and who didn't do what he was told duty and who didn't do what he was told duty and who didn't do what he was told in in uh launching the the nuclear in in uh launching the the nuclear in in uh launching the the nuclear missiles because of what they thought missiles because of what they thought missiles because of what they thought was an incoming attack and I it turned was an incoming attack and I it turned was an incoming attack and I it turned out to be a complete mistake or misread out to be a complete mistake or misread out to be a complete mistake or misread on the radar but that's what we're on the radar but that's what we're on the radar but that's what we're facing but by the way there's so many facing but by the way there's so many facing but by the way there's so many things to say there but one of the things to say there but one of the things to say there but one of the things that an Annie Jacobson details is things that an Annie Jacobson details is things that an Annie Jacobson details is just how organized the Machinery of all just how organized the Machinery of all just how organized the Machinery of all this is where the humans involved don't this is where the humans involved don't this is where the humans involved don't have to think they just follow orders have to think they just follow orders have to think they just follow orders there's a very clear set of steps you there's a very clear set of steps you there's a very clear set of steps you take and there there's very few places take and there there's very few places take and there there's very few places where you can inject your humanity and where you can inject your humanity and where you can inject your humanity and be like wait a minute what's the big be like wait a minute what's the big be like wait a minute what's the big picture of this the only picture of this the only picture of this the only person that can think is the president person that can think is the president person that can think is the president of the United States the president of of the United States the president of of the United States the president of United States gets six minutes after the United States gets six minutes after the United States gets six minutes after the warning the early warning system warning the early warning system warning the early warning system says whether it's false or not says that says whether it's false or not says that says whether it's false or not says that there we believe that there's been a there we believe that there's been a there we believe that there's been a nuclear uh weapon launched you have six nuclear uh weapon launched you have six nuclear uh weapon launched you have six minutes before you can make the decision minutes before you can make the decision minutes before you can make the decision of launch back of launch back of launch back initiate and to me that's what I'm uh

initiate and to me that's what I'm uh initiate and to me that's what I'm uh voting based on right in the current voting based on right in the current voting based on right in the current situation you really have to see that as situation you really have to see that as situation you really have to see that as one of the most important aspects I one of the most important aspects I one of the most important aspects I agree of the United States president is agree of the United States president is agree of the United States president is who do you trust in those six minutes to who do you trust in those six minutes to who do you trust in those six minutes to sit sit sit there and I'm not really sure looking at there and I'm not really sure looking at there and I'm not really sure looking at Biden and Biden and Biden and Trump Trump Trump boy I don't know but I do know that I boy I don't know but I do know that I boy I don't know but I do know that I would like somebody somebody who's would like somebody somebody who's would like somebody somebody who's thinking independently and not part of thinking independently and not part of thinking independently and not part of the the the Machinery of Machinery of Machinery of warmongers that that's really I mean warmongers that that's really I mean warmongers that that's really I mean it's I don't want to make it sound it's I don't want to make it sound it's I don't want to make it sound cynical or dramatic but sometimes in cynical or dramatic but sometimes in cynical or dramatic but sometimes in such scary situations in such dramatic such scary situations in such dramatic such scary situations in such dramatic situations you kind of follow the situations you kind of follow the situations you kind of follow the momentum yes when the right thing to do momentum yes when the right thing to do momentum yes when the right thing to do the right thing for a leader to do is the right thing for a leader to do is the right thing for a leader to do is to step back and look of all human to step back and look of all human to step back and look of all human history yeah and and don't and ignore history yeah and and don't and ignore history yeah and and don't and ignore all the people in the room that are like all the people in the room that are like all the people in the room that are like saying stuff because most likely what saying stuff because most likely what saying stuff because most likely what they're going to be saying is war Monger they're going to be saying is war Monger they're going to be saying is war Monger type of things yes that's one of the the type of things yes that's one of the the type of things yes that's one of the the things why I also get criticized for I things why I also get criticized for I things why I also get criticized for I still think zalin is a hero for staying still think zalin is a hero for staying still think zalin is a hero for staying in Kiev everybody was telling him to in Kiev everybody was telling him to in Kiev everybody was telling him to flee it was all the information was flee it was all the information was flee it was all the information was telling basically saying this the the telling basically saying this the the telling basically saying this the the the world's second biggest military is the world's second biggest military is the world's second biggest military is like like like coming at Kiev it's just dumb on all coming at Kiev it's just dumb on all coming at Kiev it's just dumb on all fronts to stay in Kiev but that's what a fronts to stay in Kiev but that's what a fronts to stay in Kiev but that's what a great leader does is ignores everybody

great leader does is ignores everybody great leader does is ignores everybody and stays yeah screw it I'm going to die and stays yeah screw it I'm going to die and stays yeah screw it I'm going to die for my country I'm going to die as a for my country I'm going to die as a for my country I'm going to die as a leader and that's the right thing for a leader and that's the right thing for a leader and that's the right thing for a leaders to do it's sad leaders to do it's sad leaders to do it's sad that I mean that to me that's what we that I mean that to me that's what we that I mean that to me that's what we should expect of our leaders yes is should expect of our leaders yes is should expect of our leaders yes is exactly that and it's sad that that uh exactly that and it's sad that that uh exactly that and it's sad that that uh having a leader in that position I having a leader in that position I having a leader in that position I fulfill their responsibility and the fulfill their responsibility and the fulfill their responsibility and the oath that they take is seen as a heroic oath that they take is seen as a heroic oath that they take is seen as a heroic act when we should like that's that act when we should like that's that act when we should like that's that that's your job that's what we elect our that's your job that's what we elect our that's your job that's what we elect our leaders uh to do and yet so many so many leaders uh to do and yet so many so many leaders uh to do and yet so many so many have failed but to your to your point have failed but to your to your point have failed but to your to your point um it's not cynical at all to to know um it's not cynical at all to to know um it's not cynical at all to to know that in those rooms especially in these that in those rooms especially in these that in those rooms especially in these moments of Crisis unfortunately there moments of Crisis unfortunately there moments of Crisis unfortunately there are the predominant prevailing opinion are the predominant prevailing opinion are the predominant prevailing opinion um of this warmongering establishment um of this warmongering establishment um of this warmongering establishment that's not specific to one party is the that's not specific to one party is the that's not specific to one party is the knee-jerk reaction which is to go to war knee-jerk reaction which is to go to war knee-jerk reaction which is to go to war or to execute an act of or to execute an act of or to execute an act of War um and and this is this War um and and this is this War um and and this is this is you know one of the biggest costs of is you know one of the biggest costs of is you know one of the biggest costs of this this this establishment um destroying the establishment um destroying the establishment um destroying the reputations of and smearing and trying reputations of and smearing and trying reputations of and smearing and trying to cancel and censor those who are to cancel and censor those who are to cancel and censor those who are voices of peace or just those who take a voices of peace or just those who take a voices of peace or just those who take a contrarian position and say well hey why

contrarian position and say well hey why contrarian position and say well hey why don't we just pause for a moment and don't we just pause for a moment and don't we just pause for a moment and actually think this through why don't we actually think this through why don't we actually think this through why don't we talk through what happens if we take talk through what happens if we take talk through what happens if we take this course of action what happens if we this course of action what happens if we this course of action what happens if we go down a different path let's actually go down a different path let's actually go down a different path let's actually be thoughtful about uh what our options be thoughtful about uh what our options be thoughtful about uh what our options are for a b and c and then make the are for a b and c and then make the are for a b and c and then make the decision in a thoughtful manner based on decision in a thoughtful manner based on decision in a thoughtful manner based on that even even advocating for that is that even even advocating for that is that even even advocating for that is seen as as a kind of heresy in in the seen as as a kind of heresy in in the seen as as a kind of heresy in in the warmongering establishment in Washington warmongering establishment in Washington warmongering establishment in Washington and the cost of this um the cost of of and the cost of this um the cost of of and the cost of this um the cost of of their retaliation against those who are their retaliation against those who are their retaliation against those who are reasonable voices who look at the world reasonable voices who look at the world reasonable voices who look at the world as it is not some fantasy that they wish as it is not some fantasy that they wish as it is not some fantasy that they wish existed is in those rooms during those existed is in those rooms during those existed is in those rooms during those critical moments people will even if critical moments people will even if critical moments people will even if they know in their heart or their mind they know in their heart or their mind they know in their heart or their mind that this could end really that this could end really that this could end really badly they their instinct is to self- badly they their instinct is to self- badly they their instinct is to self- censor and not speak up because they censor and not speak up because they censor and not speak up because they don't want to experience the Wrath and don't want to experience the Wrath and don't want to experience the Wrath and eye whether whether it be coming from eye whether whether it be coming from eye whether whether it be coming from fourstar generals or you know the fourstar generals or you know the fourstar generals or you know the secretaries of state or defense or these secretaries of state or defense or these secretaries of state or defense or these high ranking people in positions of high ranking people in positions of high ranking people in positions of power and influence they don't want to power and influence they don't want to power and influence they don't want to be the one guy in the room who's just be the one guy in the room who's just be the one guy in the room who's just like uh Hey guys let's just take a like uh Hey guys let's just take a like uh Hey guys let's just take a breath and actually think this through breath and actually think this through breath and actually think this through what will happen not just in the what will happen not just in the what will happen not just in the immediate response of this action that immediate response of this action that immediate response of this action that you're advocating for but what are all you're advocating for but what are all you're advocating for but what are all of the other people uh other actors

of the other people uh other actors of the other people uh other actors stakeholders in the world how will they stakeholders in the world how will they stakeholders in the world how will they respond and then how will we respond to respond and then how will we respond to respond and then how will we respond to them how will they respond to us them how will they respond to us them how will they respond to us actually go through this exercise of in actually go through this exercise of in actually go through this exercise of in the military this this is commonly the military this this is commonly the military this this is commonly referred to as you know what are the referred to as you know what are the referred to as you know what are the second third fourth order of effects second third fourth order of effects second third fourth order of effects that will occur as a result of pursuing that will occur as a result of pursuing that will occur as a result of pursuing a specific course of action it's it's a specific course of action it's it's a specific course of action it's it's weird how difficult it is to be that weird how difficult it is to be that weird how difficult it is to be that that person in the room it requires that person in the room it requires that person in the room it requires courage yeah but which is sad but it courage yeah but which is sad but it courage yeah but which is sad but it requires courage but why why why does it requires courage but why why why does it requires courage but why why why does it require like even just to ask okay we've require like even just to ask okay we've require like even just to ask okay we've been in in Afghanistan and Iraq for this been in in Afghanistan and Iraq for this been in in Afghanistan and Iraq for this number of years what's the exit plan number of years what's the exit plan number of years what's the exit plan right just bring that up like every day right just bring that up like every day right just bring that up like every day at a meeting yeah like what what's the at a meeting yeah like what what's the at a meeting yeah like what what's the Exit Plan it's it's strange that that Exit Plan it's it's strange that that Exit Plan it's it's strange that that gets criticized well war in Iraq and so gets criticized well war in Iraq and so gets criticized well war in Iraq and so on but I just remember there was this on but I just remember there was this on but I just remember there was this pressure you can't quite criticize or pressure you can't quite criticize or pressure you can't quite criticize or like ask dumb questions about wait what like ask dumb questions about wait what like ask dumb questions about wait what why are we going into Iraq again like why are we going into Iraq again like why are we going into Iraq again like but they're not dumb questions right you but they're not dumb questions right you but they're not dumb questions right you in retrospect you're like oh they're not in retrospect you're like oh they're not in retrospect you're like oh they're not dumb questions at all but actually dumb questions at all but actually dumb questions at all but actually required a lot of courage to ask them required a lot of courage to ask them required a lot of courage to ask them while still working within the while still working within the while still working within the institution it's easier if you're like institution it's easier if you're like institution it's easier if you're like an activist from the outside saying no an activist from the outside saying no an activist from the outside saying no war this kind of stuff but within the war this kind of stuff but within the war this kind of stuff but within the institution in the position of power to institution in the position of power to institution in the position of power to ask the questions like maybe let's not ask the questions like maybe let's not ask the questions like maybe let's not yeah it's it's seems really difficult yeah it's it's seems really difficult yeah it's it's seems really difficult the same the same kind of thing in the the same the same kind of thing in the the same the same kind of thing in the war in Ukraine and just any kind of war in Ukraine and just any kind of war in Ukraine and just any kind of military involvement again I guess the military involvement again I guess the military involvement again I guess the cynical interpretation is that it's the cynical interpretation is that it's the cynical interpretation is that it's the military-industrial complex that

military-industrial complex that military-industrial complex that permeates yes permeates yes permeates yes the just the halls of power it does and the just the halls of power it does and the just the halls of power it does and what is behind uh the what is behind uh the what is behind uh the military-industrial complex and there military-industrial complex and there military-industrial complex and there are different examples of this you can are different examples of this you can are different examples of this you can look at the pharmaceutical industry as look at the pharmaceutical industry as look at the pharmaceutical industry as well there's a huge amount of money and well there's a huge amount of money and well there's a huge amount of money and a huge amount of power uh that that a huge amount of power uh that that a huge amount of power uh that that wields Trump tremendous influence over wields Trump tremendous influence over wields Trump tremendous influence over members of Congress um you know there members of Congress um you know there members of Congress um you know there are different examples of this uh you are different examples of this uh you are different examples of this uh you know across different sectors of our know across different sectors of our know across different sectors of our society but but I think the society but but I think the society but but I think the military-industrial complex over time military-industrial complex over time military-industrial complex over time has proven itself to be um the most the has proven itself to be um the most the has proven itself to be um the most the most powerful and influential and that's most powerful and influential and that's most powerful and influential and that's what is behind it is is this is why they what is behind it is is this is why they what is behind it is is this is why they uh try to destroy anyone who dares to uh try to destroy anyone who dares to uh try to destroy anyone who dares to ask the most obvious questions uh is ask the most obvious questions uh is ask the most obvious questions uh is because it is about power and wielding because it is about power and wielding because it is about power and wielding power well the cool thing about United power well the cool thing about United power well the cool thing about United States presidents they have the power to States presidents they have the power to States presidents they have the power to say f you to the to everybody in the say f you to the to everybody in the say f you to the to everybody in the room I think it just seems like they room I think it just seems like they room I think it just seems like they don't quite take that power like you don't quite take that power like you don't quite take that power like you really people say like yeah the US really people say like yeah the US really people say like yeah the US president doesn't have that much power I president doesn't have that much power I president doesn't have that much power I don't know about that just like if you don't know about that just like if you don't know about that just like if you look at the law especially in military look at the law especially in military look at the law especially in military when when you're talking about war and when when you're talking about war and when when you're talking about war and and the military they have a lot of and the military they have a lot of and the military they have a lot of power yes so they they can they can fire power yes so they they can they can fire power yes so they they can they can fire everybody like yes they have a lot of everybody like yes they have a lot of everybody like yes they have a lot of power they can stop Wars they can start power they can stop Wars they can start power they can stop Wars they can start wars they have a lot of power the wars they have a lot of power the wars they have a lot of power the position of the presidency certainly

position of the presidency certainly position of the presidency certainly does does does unfortunately we have people too often unfortunately we have people too often unfortunately we have people too often who assume the who assume the who assume the presidency from a position of weakness presidency from a position of weakness presidency from a position of weakness because they're afraid of losing power because they're afraid of losing power because they're afraid of losing power sure and so they make those calculated sure and so they make those calculated sure and so they make those calculated decisions not based on decisions not based on decisions not based on what is right um or for the right what is right um or for the right what is right um or for the right reasons but reasons but reasons but instead driven by fear of loss of power instead driven by fear of loss of power instead driven by fear of loss of power and loss of of influence and that's and loss of of influence and that's and loss of of influence and that's where especially given all that we are where especially given all that we are where especially given all that we are facing we need leaders in the presidency facing we need leaders in the presidency facing we need leaders in the presidency and in Congress who have courage to be and in Congress who have courage to be and in Congress who have courage to be that voice in the room to ask about um that voice in the room to ask about um that voice in the room to ask about um um to remain mindful of and rooted in um to remain mindful of and rooted in um to remain mindful of and rooted in the the the Constitution to even as we are seeing Constitution to even as we are seeing Constitution to even as we are seeing this legislation being build as the this legislation being build as the this legislation being build as the anti- Tik Tock anti- Tik Tock anti- Tik Tock bill that's really um not about Tik Tok bill that's really um not about Tik Tok bill that's really um not about Tik Tok it's about freedom of speech can you it's about freedom of speech can you it's about freedom of speech can you actually explain that Bill yes this is actually explain that Bill yes this is actually explain that Bill yes this is another I guess the bottom line up front another I guess the bottom line up front another I guess the bottom line up front is this is another piece of is this is another piece of is this is another piece of legislation being um expedited through legislation being um expedited through legislation being um expedited through Congress with strong bipartisan Congress with strong bipartisan Congress with strong bipartisan support in the name of National Security support in the name of National Security support in the name of National Security interests that is essentially a power interests that is essentially a power interests that is essentially a power grab um and an assault on freedom and

grab um and an assault on freedom and grab um and an assault on freedom and liberty and uh I'll I'll just say this liberty and uh I'll I'll just say this liberty and uh I'll I'll just say this in I think probably like the top three in I think probably like the top three in I think probably like the top three the top three things that they're not the top three things that they're not the top three things that they're not they're not actually telling us that's they're not actually telling us that's they're not actually telling us that's in the bill um freedom of speech it's in the bill um freedom of speech it's in the bill um freedom of speech it's our ability to be able ble to express our ability to be able ble to express our ability to be able ble to express ourselves whether it be in person on a ourselves whether it be in person on a ourselves whether it be in person on a podcast on a social media platform uh in podcast on a social media platform uh in podcast on a social media platform uh in a newspaper whatever the platform may a newspaper whatever the platform may a newspaper whatever the platform may be this be this be this legislation gives the executive the legislation gives the executive the legislation gives the executive the power to decide which platforms are AC power to decide which platforms are AC power to decide which platforms are AC are acceptable for us to be able to use are acceptable for us to be able to use are acceptable for us to be able to use Tik Tok itself the words Tik Tok is not Tik Tok itself the words Tik Tok is not Tik Tok itself the words Tik Tok is not in actually in the bill but it gives the in actually in the bill but it gives the in actually in the bill but it gives the the power to the president to decide the power to the president to decide the power to the president to decide who is a foreign adversary who is a foreign adversary who is a foreign adversary single-handedly no no consultation with single-handedly no no consultation with single-handedly no no consultation with or agreement from members of Congress or or agreement from members of Congress or or agreement from members of Congress or anyone else uh it actually gives the anyone else uh it actually gives the anyone else uh it actually gives the power uh to a cabinet secretary to power uh to a cabinet secretary to power uh to a cabinet secretary to designate who is a foreign adversary and designate who is a foreign adversary and designate who is a foreign adversary and if a social media platform is uh has at if a social media platform is uh has at if a social media platform is uh has at least least least 20% uh ownership in a social media 20% uh ownership in a social media 20% uh ownership in a social media platform uh that platform may be banned platform uh that platform may be banned platform uh that platform may be banned from doing business in America from doing business in America from doing business in America essentially um but it's not just a essentially um but it's not just a essentially um but it's not just a foreign State actor that could be named foreign State actor that could be named foreign State actor that could be named as a foreign adversary it also includes as a foreign adversary it also includes as a foreign adversary it also includes a line in the legislation that if let's a line in the legislation that if let's a line in the legislation that if let's say a person has at least 25% uh

say a person has at least 25% uh say a person has at least 25% uh financial interest or ownership in a financial interest or ownership in a financial interest or ownership in a social media platform uh they're an social media platform uh they're an social media platform uh they're an American American American citizen uh who may be working or living citizen uh who may be working or living citizen uh who may be working or living in some other country uh or working or in some other country uh or working or in some other country uh or working or living here but doing business with living here but doing business with living here but doing business with other countries if the executive branch other countries if the executive branch other countries if the executive branch of our government decides that this of our government decides that this of our government decides that this individual is under the influence of or individual is under the influence of or individual is under the influence of or controlled by someone that they deem a controlled by someone that they deem a controlled by someone that they deem a foreign adversary then that platform uh foreign adversary then that platform uh foreign adversary then that platform uh must not do business in America uh and must not do business in America uh and must not do business in America uh and that person obviously even an American that person obviously even an American that person obviously even an American citizen um is banned citizen um is banned citizen um is banned from conducting that business must they from conducting that business must they from conducting that business must they must divest must divest must divest essentially so when you look at and and essentially so when you look at and and essentially so when you look at and and this is where there's been a lot of chat this is where there's been a lot of chat this is where there's been a lot of chat around this when you look at Elon Musk around this when you look at Elon Musk around this when you look at Elon Musk for example well you already have people for example well you already have people for example well you already have people in the Biden Administration even in the Biden Administration even in the Biden Administration even President Biden himself implying that President Biden himself implying that President Biden himself implying that Elon musk's activities need to be Elon musk's activities need to be Elon musk's activities need to be investigated well he is someone with investigated well he is someone with investigated well he is someone with Tesla who does business in a lot of Tesla who does business in a lot of Tesla who does business in a lot of countries including China and therefore countries including China and therefore countries including China and therefore he must be investigated it is is not at he must be investigated it is is not at he must be investigated it is is not at all a stretch of imagination to say that all a stretch of imagination to say that all a stretch of imagination to say that X could be the next platform that the X could be the next platform that the X could be the next platform that the executive branch decides nope we've executive branch decides nope we've executive branch decides nope we've designated this person to be a foreign designated this person to be a foreign designated this person to be a foreign adversary and therefore his business adversary and therefore his business adversary and therefore his business interest cannot be allowed uh for this interest cannot be allowed uh for this interest cannot be allowed uh for this social media platform cannot be allowed social media platform cannot be allowed social media platform cannot be allowed to to exist um we've seen this already

to to exist um we've seen this already to to exist um we've seen this already with people accusing him and ex of uh with people accusing him and ex of uh with people accusing him and ex of uh interfering in our elections uh again interfering in our elections uh again interfering in our elections uh again it's ironic that it's it's coming from it's ironic that it's it's coming from it's ironic that it's it's coming from the Democratic party that they are the Democratic party that they are the Democratic party that they are claiming that a guy who has said himself claiming that a guy who has said himself claiming that a guy who has said himself he's committed to free speech and is he's committed to free speech and is he's committed to free speech and is allowing free speech on his platform and allowing free speech on his platform and allowing free speech on his platform and is not allowing the federal government is not allowing the federal government is not allowing the federal government to manipulate his platform by deeming to manipulate his platform by deeming to manipulate his platform by deeming which accounts are okay to to uh you which accounts are okay to to uh you which accounts are okay to to uh you know post their content and which know post their content and which know post their content and which accounts are not because of accounts are not because of accounts are not because of disinformation or whatever they claim it disinformation or whatever they claim it disinformation or whatever they claim it to be it's it's not an accident that the to be it's it's not an accident that the to be it's it's not an accident that the social media platforms that have been social media platforms that have been social media platforms that have been proven proven proven to take action at the behest of the to take action at the behest of the to take action at the behest of the federal government and the White House federal government and the White House federal government and the White House to censor certain voices they are not to censor certain voices they are not to censor certain voices they are not included with or being targeted at all included with or being targeted at all included with or being targeted at all uh in this legislation or or outside of uh in this legislation or or outside of uh in this legislation or or outside of it yet other platforms that are not um it yet other platforms that are not um it yet other platforms that are not um cooperating or cooperating or cooperating or collaborating uh somehow are so the collaborating uh somehow are so the collaborating uh somehow are so the underlying issue here this is this is underlying issue here this is this is underlying issue here this is this is being sold as Tik Tock and National being sold as Tik Tock and National being sold as Tik Tock and National Security But ultimately even as Ron Paul Security But ultimately even as Ron Paul Security But ultimately even as Ron Paul said this is this is uh legislation said this is this is uh legislation said this is this is uh legislation that's the greatest assault on Liberty that's the greatest assault on Liberty that's the greatest assault on Liberty since the Patriot Act was passed yeah since the Patriot Act was passed yeah since the Patriot Act was passed yeah it's quite dark that this just a grab of it's quite dark that this just a grab of it's quite dark that this just a grab of power it is I mean this doesn't it's not power it is I mean this doesn't it's not power it is I mean this doesn't it's not just with Elon it's probably with Zuck just with Elon it's probably with Zuck just with Elon it's probably with Zuck uh with W with with Facebook Instagram uh with W with with Facebook Instagram uh with W with with Facebook Instagram WhatsApp it puts pressure it's not just

WhatsApp it puts pressure it's not just WhatsApp it puts pressure it's not just about banning but it puts pressure to about banning but it puts pressure to about banning but it puts pressure to for them to kind of moderate Behavior for them to kind of moderate Behavior for them to kind of moderate Behavior yes which is a slippery yes which is a slippery yes which is a slippery slope of course it's a beautiful dance slope of course it's a beautiful dance slope of course it's a beautiful dance of power because you don't want tech of power because you don't want tech of power because you don't want tech companies to have too much power companies to have too much power companies to have too much power either or individuals at the top of either or individuals at the top of either or individuals at the top of those tech companies have too much power those tech companies have too much power those tech companies have too much power but then do you want that power in the but then do you want that power in the but then do you want that power in the hands of government no the the history hands of government no the the history hands of government no the the history of this nation is is a fascinatingly of this nation is is a fascinatingly of this nation is is a fascinatingly effective uh Journey towards the balance effective uh Journey towards the balance effective uh Journey towards the balance of power and it seem like this this of power and it seem like this this of power and it seem like this this sneaky little thing as much as I hate sneaky little thing as much as I hate sneaky little thing as much as I hate Tik Tok on all fronts my brain rots Tik Tok on all fronts my brain rots Tik Tok on all fronts my brain rots every time I use Tik Tok I know it's every time I use Tik Tok I know it's every time I use Tik Tok I know it's also like the the the National Security also like the the the National Security also like the the the National Security dangers of China and so on but it's just dangers of China and so on but it's just dangers of China and so on but it's just like tick Tok man just I just I don't like tick Tok man just I just I don't like tick Tok man just I just I don't it's um it's so addicting it's so it's um it's so addicting it's so it's um it's so addicting it's so addicting so when I first saw this Tik addicting so when I first saw this Tik addicting so when I first saw this Tik Tok bill I was like yes not FR but then Tok bill I was like yes not FR but then Tok bill I was like yes not FR but then they got me the Trojan Horse got me no they got me the Trojan Horse got me no they got me the Trojan Horse got me no they all I mean they all and you know they all I mean they all and you know they all I mean they all and you know and this is like the social dilemma and this is like the social dilemma and this is like the social dilemma doent I think exposed a lot that this doent I think exposed a lot that this doent I think exposed a lot that this there there is so much there there is so much there there is so much um there's so much that these algorithms um there's so much that these algorithms um there's so much that these algorithms do in these various social media do in these various social media do in these various social media platforms um that that's problematic uh platforms um that that's problematic uh platforms um that that's problematic uh to say the least uh data security and to say the least uh data security and to say the least uh data security and privacy is a serious issue um the these privacy is a serious issue um the these privacy is a serious issue um the these are serious things and so let's have a are serious things and so let's have a are serious things and so let's have a conversation about these serious things

conversation about these serious things conversation about these serious things uh and and cease these attempts Ms to uh and and cease these attempts Ms to uh and and cease these attempts Ms to try to have our government try to tell try to have our government try to tell try to have our government try to tell us what we are and aren't allowed to see us what we are and aren't allowed to see us what we are and aren't allowed to see you know where we are and aren't allowed you know where we are and aren't allowed you know where we are and aren't allowed to say what we want to say that's really to say what we want to say that's really to say what we want to say that's really what it comes down to yeah more and more what it comes down to yeah more and more what it comes down to yeah more and more trust people to uh whenever social media trust people to uh whenever social media trust people to uh whenever social media companies do bullshitty things for the companies do bullshitty things for the companies do bullshitty things for the people to make documentaries about it to people to make documentaries about it to people to make documentaries about it to discover for great journalists to do discover for great journalists to do discover for great journalists to do great journalism right and find the great journalism right and find the great journalism right and find the flaws and the hypocrisy and the like uh flaws and the hypocrisy and the like uh flaws and the hypocrisy and the like uh call for transparency all those kinds of call for transparency all those kinds of call for transparency all those kinds of things I don't trust in in most cases things I don't trust in in most cases things I don't trust in in most cases government regulation of technology government regulation of technology government regulation of technology companies because they seem to be really companies because they seem to be really companies because they seem to be really out of touch they one they want Power out of touch they one they want Power out of touch they one they want Power yeah they're really intimidated by the yeah they're really intimidated by the yeah they're really intimidated by the power that the tech companies have and power that the tech companies have and power that the tech companies have and two they don't seem to get at the two they don't seem to get at the two they don't seem to get at the technology at all so they're they're technology at all so they're they're technology at all so they're they're like hindering Innovation and they're like hindering Innovation and they're like hindering Innovation and they're just greedy for power and those are not just greedy for power and those are not just greedy for power and those are not bad combination it's a back combination bad combination it's a back combination bad combination it's a back combination the the the thing here too though is I the the the thing here too though is I the the the thing here too though is I this extends far beyond this extends far beyond this extends far beyond um social media companies you know this um social media companies you know this um social media companies you know this is a very specific example but it's one is a very specific example but it's one is a very specific example but it's one example of many how um those who are example of many how um those who are example of many how um those who are greedy for power uh are are continuing greedy for power uh are are continuing greedy for power uh are are continuing to try to find ways to tell us how to to try to find ways to tell us how to to try to find ways to tell us how to live our lives um they are increasingly live our lives um they are increasingly live our lives um they are increasingly trying to tell us uh again what we're trying to tell us uh again what we're trying to tell us uh again what we're allowed to to see and hear whether it be

allowed to to see and hear whether it be allowed to to see and hear whether it be social media companies or what show social media companies or what show social media companies or what show shows up in our in in a Google search shows up in our in in a Google search shows up in our in in a Google search engine for example and if they're not engine for example and if they're not engine for example and if they're not finding a willing and compliant social finding a willing and compliant social finding a willing and compliant social media company or big tech company then media company or big tech company then media company or big tech company then they are looking for ways to to reach they are looking for ways to to reach they are looking for ways to to reach their hand into those tech companies um their hand into those tech companies um their hand into those tech companies um and force compliance but you know in the and force compliance but you know in the and force compliance but you know in the age of disinformation age of disinformation age of disinformation misinformation um hate speech all of all misinformation um hate speech all of all misinformation um hate speech all of all of the the excuses that are of the the excuses that are of the the excuses that are given for government I e directly or given for government I e directly or given for government I e directly or indirectly through big Tech to try to indirectly through big Tech to try to indirectly through big Tech to try to censor certain censor certain censor certain voices it really um undermines the truth voices it really um undermines the truth voices it really um undermines the truth which is the way to which is the way to which is the way to defeat bad speech um is with better defeat bad speech um is with better defeat bad speech um is with better speech and more speech whether it's hate speech and more speech whether it's hate speech and more speech whether it's hate speech or or things that you might be speech or or things that you might be speech or or things that you might be offended by or things that you might offended by or things that you might offended by or things that you might disagree with the answer is not to have disagree with the answer is not to have disagree with the answer is not to have some entity with the power of censorship some entity with the power of censorship some entity with the power of censorship and being the quote unquote authority to and being the quote unquote authority to and being the quote unquote authority to decide what is good speech and decide what is good speech and decide what is good speech and acceptable and what is bad speech and acceptable and what is bad speech and acceptable and what is bad speech and unacceptable it's what you said let's unacceptable it's what you said let's unacceptable it's what you said let's let's encourage this debate and and you let's encourage this debate and and you let's encourage this debate and and you know encourage people who are inspired know encourage people who are inspired know encourage people who are inspired by like no man I saw this thing or this by like no man I saw this thing or this by like no man I saw this thing or this thing is happening and it's pissing me thing is happening and it's pissing me thing is happening and it's pissing me off so I'm going to I'm going to I'm off so I'm going to I'm going to I'm off so I'm going to I'm going to I'm going to bring a superior argument I'm going to bring a superior argument I'm going to bring a superior argument I'm going to show what the right way is and going to show what the right way is and going to show what the right way is and and gosh what this is what our Founders and gosh what this is what our Founders and gosh what this is what our Founders envisioned for us as a society in this

envisioned for us as a society in this envisioned for us as a society in this country country and we would be so much country country and we would be so much country country and we would be so much stronger with a more engaged people and stronger with a more engaged people and stronger with a more engaged people and a more informed people um if if we had a more informed people um if if we had a more informed people um if if we had this and had it supported do do you this and had it supported do do you this and had it supported do do you think uh what are the chances that the think uh what are the chances that the think uh what are the chances that the Tik Tok ban bill Tik Tok ban bill Tik Tok ban bill passes the way that it passed through passes the way that it passed through passes the way that it passed through the House of Representatives with such the House of Representatives with such the House of Representatives with such an overwhelming bipartisan support and an overwhelming bipartisan support and an overwhelming bipartisan support and so quickly and President Biden saying so quickly and President Biden saying so quickly and President Biden saying that if it comes across his desk he'll that if it comes across his desk he'll that if it comes across his desk he'll sign it um I thought it would pass sign it um I thought it would pass sign it um I thought it would pass through very quickly I'm I'm only through very quickly I'm I'm only through very quickly I'm I'm only slightly encouraged by the fact that the slightly encouraged by the fact that the slightly encouraged by the fact that the Senate at least appears to be saying hey Senate at least appears to be saying hey Senate at least appears to be saying hey there are serious Free Speech concerns there are serious Free Speech concerns there are serious Free Speech concerns around this bill serious civil liberties around this bill serious civil liberties around this bill serious civil liberties concerns around this bill we need to do concerns around this bill we need to do concerns around this bill we need to do our due our due our due diligence um I'm I'm I I Won't Say I'm diligence um I'm I'm I I Won't Say I'm diligence um I'm I'm I I Won't Say I'm cautiously optimistic because I cautiously optimistic because I cautiously optimistic because I understand how that place works but understand how that place works but understand how that place works but their pause at least gives people the their pause at least gives people the their pause at least gives people the opportunity to continue to kind of sound opportunity to continue to kind of sound opportunity to continue to kind of sound the alarm and uh for people to call the alarm and uh for people to call the alarm and uh for people to call their senators and express their their their senators and express their their their senators and express their their concerns with this that they are very concerns with this that they are very concerns with this that they are very real valid concerns yeah this is really real valid concerns yeah this is really real valid concerns yeah this is really messed up just in case we didn't make it messed up just in case we didn't make it messed up just in case we didn't make it clear I think this is really really big clear I think this is really really big clear I think this is really really big danger if this thing passes uh even if danger if this thing passes uh even if danger if this thing passes uh even if you hate Elon Musk or your whatever this you hate Elon Musk or your whatever this you hate Elon Musk or your whatever this is really really really dangerous if the is really really really dangerous if the is really really really dangerous if the government gets say over the government gets say over the government gets say over the platforms on which we communicate with platforms on which we communicate with platforms on which we communicate with each other that's a huge problem and and each other that's a huge problem and and each other that's a huge problem and and there's a section in there as well just

there's a section in there as well just there's a section in there as well just just kind of the last piece on this is just kind of the last piece on this is just kind of the last piece on this is if you if you use a VPN and you try to if you if you use a VPN and you try to if you if you use a VPN and you try to use a VPN to access this you could have use a VPN to access this you could have use a VPN to access this you could have problems with the law and you take that problems with the law and you take that problems with the law and you take that a step further and say well how would a step further and say well how would a step further and say well how would they they they know there's a surveillance aspect to know there's a surveillance aspect to know there's a surveillance aspect to that so so once you start peeling back that so so once you start peeling back that so so once you start peeling back the layers of this really toxic the layers of this really toxic the layers of this really toxic onion it it it leads it really leads onion it it it leads it really leads onion it it it leads it really leads serious ly to a pretty dark um and serious ly to a pretty dark um and serious ly to a pretty dark um and dangerous and oppressive dangerous and oppressive dangerous and oppressive place you were a longtime Democrat you place you were a longtime Democrat you place you were a longtime Democrat you were the vice chair of the Democratic were the vice chair of the Democratic were the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee until you resigned in National Committee until you resigned in National Committee until you resigned in 2016 to to endorse Bernie I should say I 2016 to to endorse Bernie I should say I 2016 to to endorse Bernie I should say I love Bernie I I loved him before he was love Bernie I I loved him before he was love Bernie I I loved him before he was cool all right anyway uh can you can can cool all right anyway uh can you can can cool all right anyway uh can you can can you go through what happened in that you go through what happened in that you go through what happened in that situation yeah uh and uh with the situation yeah uh and uh with the situation yeah uh and uh with the Democratic National Committee and with Democratic National Committee and with Democratic National Committee and with Bernie and why you resigned as a vice Bernie and why you resigned as a vice Bernie and why you resigned as a vice chair of the the Democratic National chair of the the Democratic National chair of the the Democratic National Committee one of the things that the Committee one of the things that the Committee one of the things that the rules of the DNC required was that rules of the DNC required was that rules of the DNC required was that officers of the DNC of which we were as officers of the DNC of which we were as officers of the DNC of which we were as I think there were five or six of us who I think there were five or six of us who I think there were five or six of us who were Vice chairs at the were Vice chairs at the were Vice chairs at the time um you have to remain neutral in a time um you have to remain neutral in a time um you have to remain neutral in a Democratic primary uh so you're not as a Democratic primary uh so you're not as a Democratic primary uh so you're not as a party supposed to be tipping the scales party supposed to be tipping the scales party supposed to be tipping the scales in any direction for any candidate um in any direction for any candidate um in any direction for any candidate um during a primary

during a primary during a primary election and so I had no I had no um election and so I had no I had no um election and so I had no I had no um plans to get involved in any and for any plans to get involved in any and for any plans to get involved in any and for any candidate or against any candidate candidate or against any candidate candidate or against any candidate during that Primary in just the hopes of during that Primary in just the hopes of during that Primary in just the hopes of like all right we got to make sure that like all right we got to make sure that like all right we got to make sure that this is a fair and balanced primary so this is a fair and balanced primary so this is a fair and balanced primary so that voters have uh the best opportunity that voters have uh the best opportunity that voters have uh the best opportunity to vote for the candidate if they're to vote for the candidate if they're to vote for the candidate if they're choosing uh I saw a couple of things choosing uh I saw a couple of things choosing uh I saw a couple of things pretty quickly number one is that the pretty quickly number one is that the pretty quickly number one is that the chair of the DNC at the time was a woman chair of the DNC at the time was a woman chair of the DNC at the time was a woman named Debbie werman Schultz a named Debbie werman Schultz a named Debbie werman Schultz a congresswoman out of congresswoman out of congresswoman out of Florida and Florida and Florida and she she made very serious decisions she she made very serious decisions she she made very serious decisions unilaterally um that many times we found unilaterally um that many times we found unilaterally um that many times we found out about via tweet or press release um out about via tweet or press release um out about via tweet or press release um that that showed she was tilting the that that showed she was tilting the that that showed she was tilting the scales in the favor of Hillary Clinton scales in the favor of Hillary Clinton scales in the favor of Hillary Clinton in that 2016 in that 2016 in that 2016 primary the other thing that I saw was primary the other thing that I saw was primary the other thing that I saw was how how how the mainstream media and those who are the mainstream media and those who are the mainstream media and those who are supposed to be in a position to be supposed to be in a position to be supposed to be in a position to be neutral Arbiters to facilitate neutral Arbiters to facilitate neutral Arbiters to facilitate facilitate debates and forums and facilitate debates and forums and facilitate debates and forums and conversations so that voters can be best conversations so that voters can be best conversations so that voters can be best informed in who they want to vote for uh informed in who they want to vote for uh informed in who they want to vote for uh we're calling Hillary Clinton the most we're calling Hillary Clinton the most we're calling Hillary Clinton the most qualified person ever to run for qualified person ever to run for qualified person ever to run for president in the history of our country president in the history of our country president in the history of our country because of the positions that she had because of the positions that she had because of the positions that she had held as Secretary of State as a US held as Secretary of State as a US held as Secretary of State as a US senator as first lady and yet they senator as first lady and yet they senator as first lady and yet they glossed over those titles without ever glossed over those titles without ever glossed over those titles without ever holding her asking questions even or

holding her asking questions even or holding her asking questions even or holding her to account for her record holding her to account for her record holding her to account for her record especially in the area of foreign policy especially in the area of foreign policy especially in the area of foreign policy the job she was running for was to be the job she was running for was to be the job she was running for was to be commander-in-chief to be the president commander-in-chief to be the president commander-in-chief to be the president of United of United of United States that responsibility to serve as States that responsibility to serve as States that responsibility to serve as commander-in-chief is the foremost commander-in-chief is the foremost commander-in-chief is the foremost responsibility of president has it's responsibility of president has it's responsibility of president has it's it's it's essentially the one area where it's it's essentially the one area where it's it's essentially the one area where the president can unilat make the president can unilat make the president can unilat make decisions uh decisions uh decisions uh without without education healthare without without education healthare without without education healthare immigration Congress has to actually immigration Congress has to actually immigration Congress has to actually pass legislation president can come pass legislation president can come pass legislation president can come through and say hey here's the policies through and say hey here's the policies through and say hey here's the policies that I want here's legislation that I'll that I want here's legislation that I'll that I want here's legislation that I'll propose but th those changes can't be propose but th those changes can't be propose but th those changes can't be made without Congress um working with made without Congress um working with made without Congress um working with Congress to pass them so she was she was Congress to pass them so she was she was Congress to pass them so she was she was essentially being let off the hook for essentially being let off the hook for essentially being let off the hook for her record as an American as a soldier her record as an American as a soldier her record as an American as a soldier as a veteran uh that was big problem for as a veteran uh that was big problem for as a veteran uh that was big problem for me and so I made the decision to resign me and so I made the decision to resign me and so I made the decision to resign as Vice chair of the as Vice chair of the as Vice chair of the DNC uh so that I could endorse Bernie DNC uh so that I could endorse Bernie DNC uh so that I could endorse Bernie Sanders who largely at heart I believe Sanders who largely at heart I believe Sanders who largely at heart I believe is a is a is a non-interventionist um he he hasn't non-interventionist um he he hasn't non-interventionist um he he hasn't focused a lot on foreign policy uh it's focused a lot on foreign policy uh it's focused a lot on foreign policy uh it's not it's not at the heart of what his not it's not at the heart of what his not it's not at the heart of what his Focus has been for decades but but he Focus has been for decades but but he Focus has been for decades but but he was certainly far more of a was certainly far more of a was certainly far more of a non-interventionist than Hillary Clinton non-interventionist than Hillary Clinton non-interventionist than Hillary Clinton who has shown through her record to be who has shown through her record to be who has shown through her record to be the queen of war mongers in

the queen of war mongers in the queen of war mongers in Washington um I wanted to be in a Washington um I wanted to be in a Washington um I wanted to be in a position where I would have a platform position where I would have a platform position where I would have a platform to inform to inform to inform voters about her record so that they voters about her record so that they voters about her record so that they could make that decision for themselves could make that decision for themselves could make that decision for themselves so that they could see hey in this area so that they could see hey in this area so that they could see hey in this area on this issue which is incredibly on this issue which is incredibly on this issue which is incredibly important there is a clear contrast important there is a clear contrast important there is a clear contrast between these two candidates running in between these two candidates running in between these two candidates running in the Democratic primary uh and that's the Democratic primary uh and that's the Democratic primary uh and that's what drove my decision to to resign and what drove my decision to to resign and what drove my decision to to resign and to endorse Bernie Sanders and that's to endorse Bernie Sanders and that's to endorse Bernie Sanders and that's what I went on to do throughout the rest what I went on to do throughout the rest what I went on to do throughout the rest of that primary election what do you of that primary election what do you of that primary election what do you like most about like most about like most about Bernie the positive you know what I like Bernie the positive you know what I like Bernie the positive you know what I like most about him is is he is who he is most about him is is he is who he is most about him is is he is who he is yeah unapologetically so uh both in yeah unapologetically so uh both in yeah unapologetically so uh both in personality but also in um in in what he personality but also in um in in what he personality but also in um in in what he advocates for uh and what he's advocated advocates for uh and what he's advocated advocates for uh and what he's advocated for for a long time so you know you can for for a long time so you know you can for for a long time so you know you can agree or disag agree with his positions agree or disag agree with his positions agree or disag agree with his positions but but but um he is who he um he is who he um he is who he is like I said you were a longtime is like I said you were a longtime is like I said you were a longtime Democrat you went for president in 2020 Democrat you went for president in 2020 Democrat you went for president in 2020 as a Democrat now you're an independent as a Democrat now you're an independent as a Democrat now you're an independent and you an excellent book describing and you an excellent book describing and you an excellent book describing your your your journey ideologically philosophically journey ideologically philosophically journey ideologically philosophically through that why did you choose to leave through that why did you choose to leave through that why did you choose to leave the Democratic the Democratic the Democratic Party Party Party in the book I go in the book I go in the book I go into um a number of the central reasons

into um a number of the central reasons into um a number of the central reasons why I made that choice uh but why I made that choice uh but why I made that choice uh but fundamental to them um is that the fundamental to them um is that the fundamental to them um is that the Democratic party has become a party uh Democratic party has become a party uh Democratic party has become a party uh that is opposed to Freedom that is that is opposed to Freedom that is that is opposed to Freedom that is opposed to the central and foundational opposed to the central and foundational opposed to the central and foundational principles um that exist within our principles um that exist within our principles um that exist within our founding documents founding documents founding documents and that serve as the identity of of who and that serve as the identity of of who and that serve as the identity of of who we are as Americans and what this we are as Americans and what this we are as Americans and what this country is supposed to be country is supposed to be country is supposed to be about uh it has become a party that is about uh it has become a party that is about uh it has become a party that is um controlled by this elitist cabal of um controlled by this elitist cabal of um controlled by this elitist cabal of War mongers who are driven uh who are War mongers who are driven uh who are War mongers who are driven uh who are driving forward this this quote unquote driving forward this this quote unquote driving forward this this quote unquote woke agenda um and we see it through woke agenda um and we see it through woke agenda um and we see it through their uh racializing of everything we their uh racializing of everything we their uh racializing of everything we see this through their defund the police see this through their defund the police see this through their defund the police um Mission we see this through their um Mission we see this through their um Mission we see this through their open border policies we see this through open border policies we see this through open border policies we see this through uh how in their education policy they uh how in their education policy they uh how in their education policy they are failing our kids uh and how they are are failing our kids uh and how they are are failing our kids uh and how they are pushing um this pushing um this pushing um this narrative that ultimately is a rejection narrative that ultimately is a rejection narrative that ultimately is a rejection of objective of objective of objective Truth uh the fact that it's a question Truth uh the fact that it's a question Truth uh the fact that it's a question up for debate about whether or not well up for debate about whether or not well up for debate about whether or not well actually it's not a question Up For actually it's not a question Up For actually it's not a question Up For Debate for them they are they are

Debate for them they are they are Debate for them they are they are actively pushing for actively pushing for actively pushing for [Music] [Music] [Music] um you know boys who identify as girls um you know boys who identify as girls um you know boys who identify as girls to compete against girls in sports uh to compete against girls in sports uh to compete against girls in sports uh changing our language so that the word changing our language so that the word changing our language so that the word woman the identity of being a woman is woman the identity of being a woman is woman the identity of being a woman is is essentially being erased from our is essentially being erased from our is essentially being erased from our society society society and it is it is the height of hypocrisy and it is it is the height of hypocrisy and it is it is the height of hypocrisy and frankly an act of hatred towards and frankly an act of hatred towards and frankly an act of hatred towards women that they are so intent on doing women that they are so intent on doing women that they are so intent on doing this and ironic that it's coming from this and ironic that it's coming from this and ironic that it's coming from the party that for so long Proclaim the party that for so long Proclaim the party that for so long Proclaim Proclaim themselves to be the greatest Proclaim themselves to be the greatest Proclaim themselves to be the greatest feminists and the most pro-woman party feminists and the most pro-woman party feminists and the most pro-woman party in the country I go into detail around in the country I go into detail around in the country I go into detail around each of these issues and more um in in each of these issues and more um in in each of these issues and more um in in the book but you will see as we go the book but you will see as we go the book but you will see as we go through each of these issues fundamental through each of these issues fundamental through each of these issues fundamental and foundational to every one of them is and foundational to every one of them is and foundational to every one of them is that sadly the Democratic party has that sadly the Democratic party has that sadly the Democratic party has become a party that is so consumed by become a party that is so consumed by become a party that is so consumed by their desire for power this insatiable their desire for power this insatiable their desire for power this insatiable hunger for power that they are willing hunger for power that they are willing hunger for power that they are willing to to to destroy um they are willing to destroy destroy um they are willing to destroy destroy um they are willing to destroy our Republic our democracy our our Republic our democracy our our Republic our democracy our freedom just so that they can try to freedom just so that they can try to freedom just so that they can try to hold on to to power and gain more power hold on to to power and gain more power hold on to to power and gain more power so these are just different mechanisms so these are just different mechanisms so these are just different mechanisms for power the identity of politics and for power the identity of politics and for power the identity of politics and the warmongering are related to each

the warmongering are related to each the warmongering are related to each other in that their mechanisms to attain other in that their mechanisms to attain other in that their mechanisms to attain more power yes you know you you're more power yes you know you you're more power yes you know you you're making it sound like only the the making it sound like only the the making it sound like only the the Democratic party are full of power Democratic party are full of power Democratic party are full of power hungry people so to you you know the hungry people so to you you know the hungry people so to you you know the Republican party I don't know if you've Republican party I don't know if you've Republican party I don't know if you've met those folks but some of them a met those folks but some of them a met those folks but some of them a couple of them are also in love with couple of them are also in love with couple of them are also in love with power and are you know at times to some power and are you know at times to some power and are you know at times to some degree politicians in general are degree politicians in general are degree politicians in general are corrupt uh sometimes within the legal corrupt uh sometimes within the legal corrupt uh sometimes within the legal Bond sometimes slightly outside the Bond sometimes slightly outside the Bond sometimes slightly outside the legal bounds and so to you to what legal bounds and so to you to what legal bounds and so to you to what degree is sort of the democratic part is degree is sort of the democratic part is degree is sort of the democratic part is worse than the Republican party so I worse than the Republican party so I worse than the Republican party so I don't want to paint a picture of like don't want to paint a picture of like don't want to paint a picture of like this kind of beautiful vision of the this kind of beautiful vision of the this kind of beautiful vision of the Republican party that that they're Republican party that that they're Republican party that that they're somehow not power hungry yeah I'm I'm somehow not power hungry yeah I'm I'm somehow not power hungry yeah I'm I'm glad you I'm glad you brought this up glad you I'm glad you brought this up glad you I'm glad you brought this up you know the book the book details why you know the book the book details why you know the book the book details why after 20 or so years uh as a member of after 20 or so years uh as a member of after 20 or so years uh as a member of the democratic party I decided to leave the democratic party I decided to leave the democratic party I decided to leave uh but also and and it goes through my uh but also and and it goes through my uh but also and and it goes through my experiences and and things that I have experiences and and things that I have experiences and and things that I have seen and learned along the way but I seen and learned along the way but I seen and learned along the way but I also point out exactly that fact in the also point out exactly that fact in the also point out exactly that fact in the book but from the from the very book but from the from the very book but from the from the very beginning with the prologue is we should beginning with the prologue is we should beginning with the prologue is we should not be naive to think that this only not be naive to think that this only not be naive to think that this only exists within the Democratic party there exists within the Democratic party there exists within the Democratic party there are very serious problems within both of are very serious problems within both of are very serious problems within both of our political parties uh specifically our political parties uh specifically our political parties uh specifically coming from politicians who are driven coming from politicians who are driven coming from politicians who are driven by this desire for power and who are so

by this desire for power and who are so by this desire for power and who are so afraid of losing that power that they're afraid of losing that power that they're afraid of losing that power that they're willing to do whatever they feel they willing to do whatever they feel they willing to do whatever they feel they need to do which centers around taking need to do which centers around taking need to do which centers around taking away our freedom because the more free away our freedom because the more free away our freedom because the more free we are to make our own decisions even if we are to make our own decisions even if we are to make our own decisions even if they may end up being the wrong they may end up being the wrong they may end up being the wrong decisions but to learn from those things decisions but to learn from those things decisions but to learn from those things and know that we've got to live with the and know that we've got to live with the and know that we've got to live with the consequences that the the beauty and consequences that the the beauty and consequences that the the beauty and messiness of what a free society looks messiness of what a free society looks messiness of what a free society looks like they're so afraid of us because like they're so afraid of us because like they're so afraid of us because they see us as the people and our they see us as the people and our they see us as the people and our freedom as the central threat to their freedom as the central threat to their freedom as the central threat to their ability to remain in power uh I think ability to remain in power uh I think ability to remain in power uh I think the difference that we're seeing the difference that we're seeing the difference that we're seeing today is that today is that today is that unfortunately um we talked about this a unfortunately um we talked about this a unfortunately um we talked about this a little bit how the Democratic party has little bit how the Democratic party has little bit how the Democratic party has become a party where you must walk in become a party where you must walk in become a party where you must walk in lock step with the leadership of that lock step with the leadership of that lock step with the leadership of that party or risk uh or risk being faced party or risk uh or risk being faced party or risk uh or risk being faced with um you know your reputation being with um you know your reputation being with um you know your reputation being destroyed and smeared and and all of destroyed and smeared and and all of destroyed and smeared and and all of these different attacks and the reason these different attacks and the reason these different attacks and the reason why they do that is to to put people why they do that is to to put people why they do that is to to put people like me and Bobby Kennedy and others up like me and Bobby Kennedy and others up like me and Bobby Kennedy and others up as an example of saying hey if you step as an example of saying hey if you step as an example of saying hey if you step out of line if you challenge us this is out of line if you challenge us this is out of line if you challenge us this is what we're going to do to you the what we're going to do to you the what we're going to do to you the Republican party has also done that and Republican party has also done that and Republican party has also done that and they also have they also have they also have um politicians and leaders who are more um politicians and leaders who are more um politicians and leaders who are more interested in in feeding you know the interested in in feeding you know the interested in in feeding you know the thriving system in the Washington thriving system in the Washington thriving system in the Washington establishment uh but we're also seeing

establishment uh but we're also seeing establishment uh but we're also seeing that um the Republican party also has that um the Republican party also has that um the Republican party also has some voices and I would say increasing some voices and I would say increasing some voices and I would say increasing voices of people and I would put Donald voices of people and I would put Donald voices of people and I would put Donald Trump in this category who are Trump in this category who are Trump in this category who are challenging the quote unquote Norms of challenging the quote unquote Norms of challenging the quote unquote Norms of the Republican party that are the Republican party that are the Republican party that are represented by people like Nikki Haley represented by people like Nikki Haley represented by people like Nikki Haley or Mike Pence for example um you know or Mike Pence for example um you know or Mike Pence for example um you know the Republican party is is not a the Republican party is is not a the Republican party is is not a monolithic entity and you know it means monolithic entity and you know it means monolithic entity and you know it means different things to different people and different things to different people and different things to different people and that's where I think the real challenge that's where I think the real challenge that's where I think the real challenge in this next election is in this next election is in this next election is less um it's really less about one less um it's really less about one less um it's really less about one political party over another and it's political party over another and it's political party over another and it's more more more about our opportunity as voters to about our opportunity as voters to about our opportunity as voters to select leaders uh first of all to fire select leaders uh first of all to fire select leaders uh first of all to fire those who are against freedom and who those who are against freedom and who those who are against freedom and who are uh War mongers who by their Essence are uh War mongers who by their Essence are uh War mongers who by their Essence are willing to take away our freedom in are willing to take away our freedom in are willing to take away our freedom in the name of National Security and vote the name of National Security and vote the name of National Security and vote for people nobody's perfect we shouldn't for people nobody's perfect we shouldn't for people nobody's perfect we shouldn't hold anybody up on a pestal but vote for hold anybody up on a pestal but vote for hold anybody up on a pestal but vote for those who um who are committed to the those who um who are committed to the those who um who are committed to the Constitution and who hold those values Constitution and who hold those values Constitution and who hold those values that represent the interests of the people I'm not aan fan of this choice people I'm not aan fan of this choice but here we are Biden versus but here we are Biden versus but here we are Biden versus Trump so let me ask you uh sort of a Trump so let me ask you uh sort of a Trump so let me ask you uh sort of a challenging question of pros and cons challenging question of pros and cons challenging question of pros and cons can you can you give me pros and cons of

can you can you give me pros and cons of can you can you give me pros and cons of each what's the biggest strength and each what's the biggest strength and each what's the biggest strength and biggest limitation of let's say biggest limitation of let's say biggest limitation of let's say Biden um this is a tough this is a tough Biden um this is a tough this is a tough Biden um this is a tough this is a tough question I I've known I've known uh question I I've known I've known uh question I I've known I've known uh President Biden for a lot of years um I President Biden for a lot of years um I President Biden for a lot of years um I knew his son Bo who served at the na in knew his son Bo who served at the na in knew his son Bo who served at the na in the National Guard the same time that I the National Guard the same time that I the National Guard the same time that I did did did um I I consider Joe Biden a friend he is um I I consider Joe Biden a friend he is um I I consider Joe Biden a friend he is someone over the years that I've talked someone over the years that I've talked someone over the years that I've talked to and shared laughs with and uh spent to and shared laughs with and uh spent to and shared laughs with and uh spent time with in different time with in different time with in different situations the positive situations the positive situations the positive characteristics that Drew me to Joe characteristics that Drew me to Joe characteristics that Drew me to Joe Biden of the Biden of the Biden of the past they are not represented in how he past they are not represented in how he past they are not represented in how he has led as has led as has led as president and you know I'll let the president and you know I'll let the president and you know I'll let the pundits theorize as to how that is or pundits theorize as to how that is or pundits theorize as to how that is or why that is but the truth that I I know why that is but the truth that I I know why that is but the truth that I I know exists which points to his his exists which points to his his exists which points to his his weakness is that um instead of listening weakness is that um instead of listening weakness is that um instead of listening to his better to his better to his better Angels uh he has Angels uh he has Angels uh he has Instead at every turn if if you go back Instead at every turn if if you go back Instead at every turn if if you go back and you you know I I look back to his and you you know I I look back to his and you you know I I look back to his inauguration speech where he promised to inauguration speech where he promised to inauguration speech where he promised to be a president for all Americans and you be a president for all Americans and you be a president for all Americans and you know during his campaign promise to be know during his campaign promise to be know during his campaign promise to be the uniter in Chief to bring a country the uniter in Chief to bring a country the uniter in Chief to bring a country together that was deeply divided that together that was deeply divided that together that was deeply divided that that's the Joe Biden that I've known for that's the Joe Biden that I've known for that's the Joe Biden that I've known for many years a guy who has uh you know

many years a guy who has uh you know many years a guy who has uh you know worked with different people with worked with different people with worked with different people with different backgrounds and different different backgrounds and different different backgrounds and different political views but political views but political views but but tried to find at at different points but tried to find at at different points but tried to find at at different points in time a way to a way to work in time a way to a way to work in time a way to a way to work together at every turn he has done the together at every turn he has done the together at every turn he has done the exact opposite of what he spoke about exact opposite of what he spoke about exact opposite of what he spoke about during his inauguration speech and has during his inauguration speech and has during his inauguration speech and has left left left us as the American people today more us as the American people today more us as the American people today more divided uh less secure both from an divided uh less secure both from an divided uh less secure both from an economic standpoint as well as a economic standpoint as well as a economic standpoint as well as a national security or Safety and Security national security or Safety and Security national security or Safety and Security standpoint and less free as a society standpoint and less free as a society standpoint and less free as a society and as a and as a and as a people so the biggest criticism would be people so the biggest criticism would be people so the biggest criticism would be divide he divided us continueed the divide he divided us continueed the divide he divided us continueed the division that's been um that's been division that's been um that's been division that's been um that's been there who who do you be the greatest there who who do you be the greatest there who who do you be the greatest uniter like to me over the past few uniter like to me over the past few uniter like to me over the past few decades to me Obama you've been very decades to me Obama you've been very decades to me Obama you've been very critical Obama on the foreign policy critical Obama on the foreign policy critical Obama on the foreign policy side on many fronts but to side on many fronts but to side on many fronts but to me that guy did really good maybe some me that guy did really good maybe some me that guy did really good maybe some people say just rhetoric but I think people say just rhetoric but I think people say just rhetoric but I think rhetoric matters when you're president I rhetoric matters when you're president I rhetoric matters when you're president I think he was uh out of all the think he was uh out of all the think he was uh out of all the presidents we had is probably the most presidents we had is probably the most presidents we had is probably the most most effective uniter of the people most effective uniter of the people most effective uniter of the people would that be fair to say during his would that be fair to say during his would that be fair to say during his 2008 2008 2008 campaign um yes I think that his message campaign um yes I think that his message campaign um yes I think that his message resonated with so many people across

resonated with so many people across resonated with so many people across generations and across you know generations and across you know generations and across you know different views different backgrounds to different views different backgrounds to different views different backgrounds to where you know people cried on the night where you know people cried on the night where you know people cried on the night that he was elected because they felt so that he was elected because they felt so that he was elected because they felt so hopeful um I I talk to people and I know hopeful um I I talk to people and I know hopeful um I I talk to people and I know people who set aside their entire lives people who set aside their entire lives people who set aside their entire lives to work on his campaign to be a part of to work on his campaign to be a part of to work on his campaign to be a part of this this hope and change mission that this this hope and change mission that this this hope and change mission that he laid out um that that would bring us he laid out um that that would bring us he laid out um that that would bring us together uh you know some of some of um together uh you know some of some of um together uh you know some of some of um the people that I know personally they the people that I know personally they the people that I know personally they gave up their lives during the campaign gave up their lives during the campaign gave up their lives during the campaign and after he won they went to Washington and after he won they went to Washington and after he won they went to Washington DC uh because they wanted to be able to DC uh because they wanted to be able to DC uh because they wanted to be able to do the work that they had that he had do the work that they had that he had do the work that they had that he had laid out and continue to be a part of laid out and continue to be a part of laid out and continue to be a part of this mission that they expected would this mission that they expected would this mission that they expected would extend beyond the extend beyond the extend beyond the campaign and they've expressed to me campaign and they've expressed to me campaign and they've expressed to me personally how heartbroken they were personally how heartbroken they were personally how heartbroken they were because so quickly after he was elected because so quickly after he was elected because so quickly after he was elected instead of bringing in a new generation instead of bringing in a new generation instead of bringing in a new generation of fresh leadership that was not a part of fresh leadership that was not a part of fresh leadership that was not a part of the Washington establishment he of the Washington establishment he of the Washington establishment he instead immediately chose to surround instead immediately chose to surround instead immediately chose to surround himself with people who were more of the himself with people who were more of the himself with people who were more of the same old same old who were as same old same old who were as same old same old who were as essentially part of part of the essentially part of part of the essentially part of part of the problem and many of his actions after problem and many of his actions after problem and many of his actions after that that that um proved that fear and that broken um proved that fear and that broken um proved that fear and that broken heart that brokenheartedness that they

heart that brokenheartedness that they heart that brokenheartedness that they felt to be true and and I'll mention one felt to be true and and I'll mention one felt to be true and and I'll mention one example related to civil liberties that example related to civil liberties that example related to civil liberties that we talked about uh he was someone as a we talked about uh he was someone as a we talked about uh he was someone as a US senator who um gave some pretty US senator who um gave some pretty US senator who um gave some pretty powerful speeches on the senate floor powerful speeches on the senate floor powerful speeches on the senate floor about his concerns with Patriot Act his about his concerns with Patriot Act his about his concerns with Patriot Act his concerns with surveillance from the NSA concerns with surveillance from the NSA concerns with surveillance from the NSA his concerns with uh a violation of our his concerns with uh a violation of our his concerns with uh a violation of our fourth amendment rights and civil fourth amendment rights and civil fourth amendment rights and civil liberties but when as president he was liberties but when as president he was liberties but when as president he was confronted with leaked information about confronted with leaked information about confronted with leaked information about this surveillance occurring under those this surveillance occurring under those this surveillance occurring under those authorities in his presidency he cided authorities in his presidency he cided authorities in his presidency he cided uh he took the side of the National uh he took the side of the National uh he took the side of the National Security State and did not take action Security State and did not take action Security State and did not take action uh to write the wrongs that he correct uh to write the wrongs that he correct uh to write the wrongs that he correct irly pointed out as Senator and during irly pointed out as Senator and during irly pointed out as Senator and during his campaign for the presidency which is his campaign for the presidency which is his campaign for the presidency which is unfortunate because he really did build unfortunate because he really did build unfortunate because he really did build this um unifying momentum uh throughout this um unifying momentum uh throughout this um unifying momentum uh throughout his campaign what do you think that is his campaign what do you think that is his campaign what do you think that is why is it so hard as a president to kind why is it so hard as a president to kind why is it so hard as a president to kind of act on the on the Promises of the of act on the on the Promises of the of act on the on the Promises of the campaign but also just I mean his speech campaign but also just I mean his speech campaign but also just I mean his speech his basically anti-war speech that his basically anti-war speech that his basically anti-war speech that really resonated to me the fact that he really resonated to me the fact that he really resonated to me the fact that he was against the war in Iraq I believe was against the war in Iraq I believe was against the war in Iraq I believe early early early and that that was a huge point of and that that was a huge point of and that that was a huge point of distinction between him and Hillary distinction between him and Hillary distinction between him and Hillary Clinton probably one of the biggest why Clinton probably one of the biggest why Clinton probably one of the biggest why is it so hard when you step into the is it so hard when you step into the is it so hard when you step into the office of president to sort of act on office of president to sort of act on office of president to sort of act on your your your ideals I think it goes back to what we

ideals I think it goes back to what we ideals I think it goes back to what we talked about a little bit which is you talked about a little bit which is you talked about a little bit which is you know what are what are you driven by and know what are what are you driven by and know what are what are you driven by and what are you afraid of and if you are what are you afraid of and if you are what are you afraid of and if you are concerned for um whether or not you can concerned for um whether or not you can concerned for um whether or not you can get real get real get real eled um who's going to fund that eled um who's going to fund that eled um who's going to fund that re-election effort uh who's going to re-election effort uh who's going to re-election effort uh who's going to fund the Presidential Library and your fund the Presidential Library and your fund the Presidential Library and your legacy that will legacy that will legacy that will follow there there have been some follow there there have been some follow there there have been some documented examples around how he documented examples around how he documented examples around how he promised to crack down on big Pharma but promised to crack down on big Pharma but promised to crack down on big Pharma but when push came to shove his Department when push came to shove his Department when push came to shove his Department of Justice campaign funding was of Justice campaign funding was of Justice campaign funding was threatened and uh they chose not to take threatened and uh they chose not to take threatened and uh they chose not to take action even when they had a very very action even when they had a very very action even when they had a very very strong case to make uh this was with strong case to make uh this was with strong case to make uh this was with regard to the opioid crisis in the regard to the opioid crisis in the regard to the opioid crisis in the country and and you know this this just country and and you know this this just country and and you know this this just goes back to the heart of why it's so goes back to the heart of why it's so goes back to the heart of why it's so essential that we have leaders who who essential that we have leaders who who essential that we have leaders who who have courage and who are focused have courage and who are focused have courage and who are focused on doing what we elect them to do and on doing what we elect them to do and on doing what we elect them to do and who are who are who are resistant uh to the love of money and resistant uh to the love of money and resistant uh to the love of money and power power power yes it's hard and we are human we are yes it's hard and we are human we are yes it's hard and we are human we are fallible we are flawed by nature and fallible we are flawed by nature and fallible we are flawed by nature and I'll go into kind of the the next one I'll go into kind of the the next one I'll go into kind of the the next one you asked about Trump the weakness side you asked about Trump the weakness side you asked about Trump the weakness side and the lessons that I hope have been

and the lessons that I hope have been and the lessons that I hope have been learned from 2016 for him and his team learned from 2016 for him and his team learned from 2016 for him and his team is you you have to be in a position is you you have to be in a position is you you have to be in a position where you are surrounding where you are surrounding where you are surrounding yourselves with other people of Courage yourselves with other people of Courage yourselves with other people of Courage who aren't just thinking about their who aren't just thinking about their who aren't just thinking about their next political job or their next job next political job or their next job next political job or their next job getting a cable news contract or looking getting a cable news contract or looking getting a cable news contract or looking for fame themselves or looking at how for fame themselves or looking at how for fame themselves or looking at how they can monetize their position for they can monetize their position for they can monetize their position for their whatever their next financial their whatever their next financial their whatever their next financial interest might be but people of Courage interest might be but people of Courage interest might be but people of Courage who know what they're up against to to who know what they're up against to to who know what they're up against to to really seriously clean house across the really seriously clean house across the really seriously clean house across the federal government and the corruption federal government and the corruption federal government and the corruption and rot that is so deeply entrenched and rot that is so deeply entrenched and rot that is so deeply entrenched uh in order to truly be uh in order to truly be uh in order to truly be effective uh and if he is effective uh and if he is effective uh and if he is reelected uh that that is that is my reelected uh that that is that is my reelected uh that that is that is my hope that he sees that he's learned from hope that he sees that he's learned from hope that he sees that he's learned from what went wrong in 2016 that you know he what went wrong in 2016 that you know he what went wrong in 2016 that you know he went in you know W with a largely went in you know W with a largely went in you know W with a largely non-interventionist more uh focused on non-interventionist more uh focused on non-interventionist more uh focused on peace agenda and yet he surrounded peace agenda and yet he surrounded peace agenda and yet he surrounded himself with people who are at the heart himself with people who are at the heart himself with people who are at the heart of the warmongers in Washington and who of the warmongers in Washington and who of the warmongers in Washington and who directly uh went against the the directly uh went against the the directly uh went against the the policies that he advocated for uh on the policies that he advocated for uh on the policies that he advocated for uh on the strength side I think it's strength side I think it's strength side I think it's it's it's easy to point out because it's it's it's easy to point out because it's it's it's easy to point out because it's also what um has caused him to be also what um has caused him to be also what um has caused him to be so uh attacked in ways that we haven't

so uh attacked in ways that we haven't so uh attacked in ways that we haven't seen before certainly not in my seen before certainly not in my seen before certainly not in my lifetime by uh by the Democrats by the lifetime by uh by the Democrats by the lifetime by uh by the Democrats by the bid an bid an bid an Administration uh not only in now but Administration uh not only in now but Administration uh not only in now but you know something that started back in you know something that started back in you know something that started back in in 2016 when he was a a candidate he's a in 2016 when he was a a candidate he's a in 2016 when he was a a candidate he's a guy who you know by all measures has guy who you know by all measures has guy who you know by all measures has been successful in his own life and been successful in his own life and been successful in his own life and because of that he's not coming in with because of that he's not coming in with because of that he's not coming in with this desire to pleasee Washington that this desire to pleasee Washington that this desire to pleasee Washington that many other politicians have and because many other politicians have and because many other politicians have and because he is so willing to challenge the quote he is so willing to challenge the quote he is so willing to challenge the quote unquote unquote unquote norms and these are not Norms that serve norms and these are not Norms that serve norms and these are not Norms that serve the interest of the American people the interest of the American people the interest of the American people these are norms that serve the interests these are norms that serve the interests these are norms that serve the interests of the most powerful um he is he is a of the most powerful um he is he is a of the most powerful um he is he is a direct threat uh and so that attitude direct threat uh and so that attitude direct threat uh and so that attitude and that mindset of not coming in with and that mindset of not coming in with and that mindset of not coming in with the kind of caution that too many the kind of caution that too many the kind of caution that too many politicians come in with of wanting to politicians come in with of wanting to politicians come in with of wanting to be the popular one at the parties or be the popular one at the parties or be the popular one at the parties or whatever it is that they want uh that whatever it is that they want uh that whatever it is that they want uh that that is the strength that he brings yeah that is the strength that he brings yeah that is the strength that he brings yeah I just had a conversation with Dana I just had a conversation with Dana I just had a conversation with Dana White and he he's good friends with White and he he's good friends with White and he he's good friends with Trump and he talks to the fact that he Trump and he talks to the fact that he Trump and he talks to the fact that he seems to be seems to be seems to be resistant to the attacks is some aspect resistant to the attacks is some aspect resistant to the attacks is some aspect of that is just the psychology of being of that is just the psychology of being of that is just the psychology of being able to withstand the attacks that that able to withstand the attacks that that able to withstand the attacks that that are there in in the political game and are there in in the political game and are there in in the political game and that can break people like you just that can break people like you just that can break people like you just don't want the headaches so to withstand don't want the headaches so to withstand don't want the headaches so to withstand the attacks is tough and something about

the attacks is tough and something about the attacks is tough and something about his psychology his psychology his psychology allows for for that I mean I guess a allows for for that I mean I guess a allows for for that I mean I guess a question for you also in your own question for you also in your own question for you also in your own psychology you've been attacked quite a psychology you've been attacked quite a psychology you've been attacked quite a bit we've mentioned some of that sort of bit we've mentioned some of that sort of bit we've mentioned some of that sort of misrepresentations and um how do you misrepresentations and um how do you misrepresentations and um how do you deal with that by yourself like how do deal with that by yourself like how do deal with that by yourself like how do you not become cynical or or uh you not become cynical or or uh you not become cynical or or uh overcompensate the other direction that overcompensate the other direction that overcompensate the other direction that kind of kind of kind of stuff it really stems from having a stuff it really stems from having a stuff it really stems from having a clear sense of purpose I never saw you clear sense of purpose I never saw you clear sense of purpose I never saw you know I I've served in state government know I I've served in state government know I I've served in state government I've served on our city council in I've served on our city council in I've served on our city council in Honolulu and served in Congress uh Honolulu and served in Congress uh Honolulu and served in Congress uh but at no time have I have I seen this but at no time have I have I seen this but at no time have I have I seen this as a quote unquote political career um I as a quote unquote political career um I as a quote unquote political career um I don't have that ladder climbing ambition don't have that ladder climbing ambition don't have that ladder climbing ambition that a lot of politicians have my sense that a lot of politicians have my sense that a lot of politicians have my sense of purpose is deeply rooted in of purpose is deeply rooted in of purpose is deeply rooted in my my dedication and and my desire in my my my dedication and and my desire in my my my dedication and and my desire in my life to be pleasing to God and to live a life to be pleasing to God and to live a life to be pleasing to God and to live a life of service and what better way to life of service and what better way to life of service and what better way to be pleasing to God than to try to do my be pleasing to God than to try to do my be pleasing to God than to try to do my best to work for the well-being of God's best to work for the well-being of God's best to work for the well-being of God's children being rooted in children being rooted in children being rooted in that has made it so that as the attacks that has made it so that as the attacks that has made it so that as the attacks are coming from different directions are coming from different directions are coming from different directions even as people who I was friends with uh even as people who I was friends with uh even as people who I was friends with uh former colleagues of mine uh others even former colleagues of mine uh others even former colleagues of mine uh others even family members even as they have turned

family members even as they have turned family members even as they have turned away or become attackers against me away or become attackers against me away or become attackers against me themselves because of different reasons themselves because of different reasons themselves because of different reasons related to related to related to politics um of course it's it's a sad politics um of course it's it's a sad politics um of course it's it's a sad thing especially when it's someone that thing especially when it's someone that thing especially when it's someone that you know you know personally and have you know you know personally and have you know you know personally and have had a personal friendship or had a personal friendship or had a personal friendship or relationship with but I don't live my relationship with but I don't live my relationship with but I don't live my life trying to life trying to life trying to please uh politicians or please the please uh politicians or please the please uh politicians or please the people who show up on TV people who show up on TV people who show up on TV or or anyone else as long as I am doing or or anyone else as long as I am doing or or anyone else as long as I am doing my best to be pleasing to God that is my best to be pleasing to God that is my best to be pleasing to God that is where I draw my happiness from and my where I draw my happiness from and my where I draw my happiness from and my fulfillment and contentment and strength fulfillment and contentment and strength fulfillment and contentment and strength so you you've spoken about the value of so you you've spoken about the value of so you you've spoken about the value of religious faith in your life of your religious faith in your life of your religious faith in your life of your Hindu faith and seeing the Bava as a Hindu faith and seeing the Bava as a Hindu faith and seeing the Bava as a spiritual guide so what role does faith spiritual guide so what role does faith spiritual guide so what role does faith in God play in your life it's everything in God play in your life it's everything in God play in your life it's everything it is Central to who I it is Central to who I it is Central to who I am um what inspires me what motivates me am um what inspires me what motivates me am um what inspires me what motivates me where I find strength where I find peace where I find strength where I find peace where I find strength where I find peace where I where I where I find shelter and where I find find shelter and where I find find shelter and where I find happiness and this has been a happiness and this has been a happiness and this has been a constant constant constant um um um throughout you know times of challenge throughout you know times of challenge throughout you know times of challenge times of Darkness times of heartbreak times of Darkness times of heartbreak times of Darkness times of heartbreak times of times of times of happiness in in happiness in in happiness in in um always feeling very um always feeling very um always feeling very secure in knowing that God's

secure in knowing that God's secure in knowing that God's unconditional love is ever unconditional love is ever unconditional love is ever present and no matter what else is present and no matter what else is present and no matter what else is happening in my life um that God is my happening in my life um that God is my happening in my life um that God is my best best best friend friend friend and remaining centered and and remaining centered and and remaining centered and grounded um in always remembering that grounded um in always remembering that grounded um in always remembering that and meditating upon that and meditating upon that and meditating upon that truth is um that's everything to me the truth is um that's everything to me the truth is um that's everything to me the interesting thing interesting thing interesting thing about the Hindu god is how about the Hindu god is how about the Hindu god is how welcoming the religion is of other welcoming the religion is of other welcoming the religion is of other religions just it's true how accepting religions just it's true how accepting religions just it's true how accepting it is it's so in that way in many ways it is it's so in that way in many ways it is it's so in that way in many ways it's one of the most beautiful religions it's one of the most beautiful religions it's one of the most beautiful religions on Earth so like who who do you think on Earth so like who who do you think on Earth so like who who do you think God is to you like in in in the specifically the texts like in in in the specifically the texts but also you but also you but also you personally what does he personally what does he personally what does he represent uh so for for Hinduism it's represent uh so for for Hinduism it's represent uh so for for Hinduism it's also God can be many there's also like a also God can be many there's also like a also God can be many there's also like a aspect where there's a it's it's like a aspect where there's a it's it's like a aspect where there's a it's it's like a part of all of us there's like a uniting part of all of us there's like a uniting part of all of us there's like a uniting thing not a singular figure outside of thing not a singular figure outside of thing not a singular figure outside of us I think one of the things that's most us I think one of the things that's most us I think one of the things that's most commonly misunderstood about Hinduism uh commonly misunderstood about Hinduism uh commonly misunderstood about Hinduism uh that people don't know is that that that people don't know is that that that people don't know is that that Hinduism is truly a monotheistic Hinduism is truly a monotheistic Hinduism is truly a monotheistic religion that there is one God and he religion that there is one God and he religion that there is one God and he goes by many names that describe his goes by many names that describe his goes by many names that describe his different qualities and

different qualities and different qualities and characteristics and and as you pointed characteristics and and as you pointed characteristics and and as you pointed out Hinduism is um uniquely of a out Hinduism is um uniquely of a out Hinduism is um uniquely of a non-sectarian spiritual practice non-sectarian spiritual practice non-sectarian spiritual practice essentially um it's it's not a quote essentially um it's it's not a quote essentially um it's it's not a quote unquote religion that you convert into unquote religion that you convert into unquote religion that you convert into or you leave behind or or whatever the or you leave behind or or whatever the or you leave behind or or whatever the case may case may case may be uh Bhagavad Gita a central scripture be uh Bhagavad Gita a central scripture be uh Bhagavad Gita a central scripture and text um that comes from India and text um that comes from India and text um that comes from India literally means song of God and the literally means song of God and the literally means song of God and the principles that that um are conveyed principles that that um are conveyed principles that that um are conveyed throughout the Bhagavad Gita are throughout the Bhagavad Gita are throughout the Bhagavad Gita are applicable to all of us uh they are applicable to all of us uh they are applicable to all of us uh they are Timeless truths that whether you Timeless truths that whether you Timeless truths that whether you consider yourself Christian or Catholic consider yourself Christian or Catholic consider yourself Christian or Catholic or uh you know Muslim or Jewish or Hindu or uh you know Muslim or Jewish or Hindu or uh you know Muslim or Jewish or Hindu um um um these these truths uh are are Eternal these these truths uh are are Eternal these these truths uh are are Eternal and and relevant through all time uh so and and relevant through all time uh so and and relevant through all time uh so for us as as kids growing up for us as as kids growing up for us as as kids growing up um we we learned from and had bedtime um we we learned from and had bedtime um we we learned from and had bedtime stories that came from both the Bhagavad stories that came from both the Bhagavad stories that came from both the Bhagavad Gita and the New Testament uh my dad was Gita and the New Testament uh my dad was Gita and the New Testament uh my dad was raised Catholic my mom was raised raised Catholic my mom was raised raised Catholic my mom was raised Episcopalian and both of them were Episcopalian and both of them were Episcopalian and both of them were attracted to the Bhagavad Gita as they attracted to the Bhagavad Gita as they attracted to the Bhagavad Gita as they were in their own lives searching for a were in their own lives searching for a were in their own lives searching for a more personal relationship with God than more personal relationship with God than more personal relationship with God than they had been able to find elsewhere in they had been able to find elsewhere in they had been able to find elsewhere in their own spiritual their own spiritual their own spiritual Journeys and

Journeys and Journeys and and that's and that's and that's where the application of of you know where the application of of you know where the application of of you know there there teachings in the badita for there there teachings in the badita for there there teachings in the badita for example that talk about Bak yoga Baki example that talk about Bak yoga Baki example that talk about Bak yoga Baki yoga essentially translates into uh yoga essentially translates into uh yoga essentially translates into uh dedicating your life um striving to dedicating your life um striving to dedicating your life um striving to develop a loving relationship with God develop a loving relationship with God develop a loving relationship with God uh Karma Yoga there's a a chapter in the uh Karma Yoga there's a a chapter in the uh Karma Yoga there's a a chapter in the Bhagavad Gita that speaks about Karma Bhagavad Gita that speaks about Karma Bhagavad Gita that speaks about Karma Yoga karma is a word that has become a Yoga karma is a word that has become a Yoga karma is a word that has become a part of the you know both Karma and yoga part of the you know both Karma and yoga part of the you know both Karma and yoga have become very common have become very common have become very common terms uh but what it really means is terms uh but what it really means is terms uh but what it really means is um trying to dedicate your actions in um trying to dedicate your actions in um trying to dedicate your actions in life that have in a way that have a life that have in a way that have a life that have in a way that have a positive impact on others being of positive impact on others being of positive impact on others being of service to others and so for me growing service to others and so for me growing service to others and so for me growing up uh I never really understood as a kid up uh I never really understood as a kid up uh I never really understood as a kid the idea of sectarianism of one religion the idea of sectarianism of one religion the idea of sectarianism of one religion battling against another because I knew battling against another because I knew battling against another because I knew and understood and experienced and understood and experienced and understood and experienced um that uh the the real meaning of um that uh the the real meaning of um that uh the the real meaning of religion was love for God no matter what religion was love for God no matter what religion was love for God no matter what name you worship Him by or or how you name you worship Him by or or how you name you worship Him by or or how you worship uh that that is the real meaning worship uh that that is the real meaning worship uh that that is the real meaning of religion and the application of that of religion and the application of that of religion and the application of that in in your life is is in in your life is is in in your life is is um you know you ask how do I see God in um you know you ask how do I see God in um you know you ask how do I see God in a personal way I see I I know that God a personal way I see I I know that God a personal way I see I I know that God is my best friend God is my Confidant is my best friend God is my Confidant is my best friend God is my Confidant when I am struggling with with a problem

when I am struggling with with a problem when I am struggling with with a problem in my life or you know during those in my life or you know during those in my life or you know during those Quiet Moments by Quiet Moments by Quiet Moments by myself um where I am anxious or I'm myself um where I am anxious or I'm myself um where I am anxious or I'm sad I turn to God for uh that Solace uh sad I turn to God for uh that Solace uh sad I turn to God for uh that Solace uh for that Clarity for that strength to for that Clarity for that strength to for that Clarity for that strength to both know what the right thing to do is both know what the right thing to do is both know what the right thing to do is and the strength to act and the strength to act and the strength to act accordingly uh and and to constantly accordingly uh and and to constantly accordingly uh and and to constantly strive um to further develop that very strive um to further develop that very strive um to further develop that very personal loving relationship with personal loving relationship with personal loving relationship with God tulsy this was an honor to finally God tulsy this was an honor to finally God tulsy this was an honor to finally meet you to talk to you this was amazing meet you to talk to you this was amazing meet you to talk to you this was amazing thank you thank you Lex it's so thank you thank you Lex it's so thank you thank you Lex it's so wonderful to be here thank you for the wonderful to be here thank you for the wonderful to be here thank you for the opportunity thanks for listening to this opportunity thanks for listening to this opportunity thanks for listening to this conversation with Tulsi gabard to conversation with Tulsi gabard to conversation with Tulsi gabard to support this podcast please check out support this podcast please check out support this podcast please check out our sponsors in the description and now our sponsors in the description and now our sponsors in the description and now let me leave you with some words from let me leave you with some words from let me leave you with some words from Dwight D Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell Dwight D Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell Dwight D Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell address address address a vital element in keeping the peace is a vital element in keeping the peace is a vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment our arms must our military establishment our arms must our military establishment our arms must be Mighty ready for instant action so be Mighty ready for instant action so be Mighty ready for instant action so that no potential aggressor may be that no potential aggressor may be that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own tempted to risk his own tempted to risk his own destruction American makers of destruction American makers of destruction American makers of plowshares could with time and as plowshares could with time and as plowshares could with time and as required make swords as well but now we required make swords as well but now we required make swords as well but now we can no longer risk emergency can no longer risk emergency can no longer risk emergency improvisation of National Defense we improvisation of National Defense we improvisation of National Defense we have been compelled to create a per have been compelled to create a per have been compelled to create a per perent ornaments industry of vast

perent ornaments industry of vast perent ornaments industry of vast proportions this conjunction of immense proportions this conjunction of immense proportions this conjunction of immense military establishment and a large arms military establishment and a large arms military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American industry is new in the American industry is new in the American experience yet we must not fail to experience yet we must not fail to experience yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications in the comprehend its grave implications in the comprehend its grave implications in the councils of government we must guard councils of government we must guard councils of government we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted against the acquisition of unwarranted against the acquisition of unwarranted influence whether sought or unsought by influence whether sought or unsought by influence whether sought or unsought by the military industrial the military industrial the military industrial complex the potential for the disastrous complex the potential for the disastrous complex the potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will rise of misplaced power exists and will rise of misplaced power exists and will persist thank you for listening and hope persist thank you for listening and hope persist thank you for listening and hope to see you next