Ricochet Podcast #66: The SecDef
Blue Yeti ·
Apr 21, 2011 at 4:43pm
Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld joins us for a fascinating interview that covers his views on Afghanistan (past and present), Libya, the current crop of Republican presidential candidates, and reflections on a 40 year career of public service.
It's episode 66, here's where you get your kicks:
- The pilot Rob is helping out on is Phoef Sutton's Vince Uncensored for CBS.
- Bob Ellison is a veteran TV writer who has written on many of your favorite TV shows of the past 30 years. He'll be annoyed at us for pointing that out.
- Bob wrote on the now classic Mary Tyler Moore Show which featured actress Georgia Engle as the slightly air-headed ingenue, Georgette. She's being cast as a grandmother now? We're old.
- Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has had a long and storied career as a public servant. You'll definitely want to visit his website and get his book, Known and Unknown.
- Got an interesting link for the Rumsfeld interview? Post it below.
- Bernard Lewis is a widely read expert on the Middle East, and is regarded as one of the West’s leading scholars of that region. His advice has been frequently sought by policymakers, including the George W. Bush administration.
- Peter Robinson's Uncommon Knowledge interview with Secretary Rumsfeld is not to missed. We're going to start requiring him to wear a tie and jacket on our show too.
- You'd think that a university that was home to a world renowned writer's program would hire professors who were a bit more sophisticated in the manner in which they express themselves in prose. Maybe she's just a big fan of David Mamet.
- Speaking of nasty language, here's our friend Andrew Breitbart's Twitter feed. Please ask all children to leave the room prior to clicking on this link.
- James is correct, Wonkette is no longer part of Gawker Media. They sold it to Ken Layne almost exactly three years ago.
- Don't miss James Lileks' Ricochet post about the dog hating Iranian Mullahs. Someone should rap them across the nose with a rolled up newspaper (the Mullahs, not the dogs).
- It's Passover, so a hearty mazel tov to Ricochet member reidspoorhouse for winning the highly coveted, much sought after Ricochet Podcast Mention of The Week for his post "United States is better off with a friendly dictator than an unfriendly democracy. I'm not so sure!"
Music from this week's episode:
- This Is Why We Fight by The Decemberists
- Route 66 by Chuck Berry
The direct link to this week's episode (great for mobile devices!). But be hip and subscribe. Don't use iTunes? Visit our Feedburner page for a number of other subscription options.
The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's featured title is The Road To Fatima Gate by Michael J. Totten. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.
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Comments :
Jan '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #66: The SecDef
You guys are awesome. Thank you.
Re: Ricochet Podcast #66: The SecDef
Lest anyone doubt the Power of the Yeti: that's the exact Rumsfeld pin I mentioned in passing in the podcast.
Oct '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #66: The SecDef
Rob: "The situation is never what makes a show"... "Nobody tunes in because they want to see the situation."
I know it's not quite sitcom, but I can think of one show where people definitely tune in for "The Situation." A perfectly good word that has been forever corrupted.
Only 6 min in... Podcasts are my favorite way to start the weekend.
Mar '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #66: The SecDef
James: "Then we'll have to depend on Mexico, Canada, or Israel for our fuel." Don't worry, James, collectively we have you covered for cocaine, oil, and computer chips. And you can always rely on the Canadian banking system to give you loans for the above...though the Canadian snowbirds are already demanding Florida and Arizona as collateral.
Jan '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #66: The SecDef
What a great podcast. It makes me realize how much I miss serious governance. When the previous guys were in charge, there was a sense of confidence knowing they were acting on behalf of the nation. With the new crew, although they likely feel they are acting for the betterment of the US, I'm not so sure of their path, and neither do a great number of Americans.
Just to let you know, I relisten to the podcasts - I've heard some over 20 times (yes, I need a life) - but they are great to listen to whilst exercising etc. If you guys miss a week I'll wither spectacularly.
May '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #66: The SecDef
Wow! Great interviews, great guest. Accessibility to the SecDef is something very new -- pre-podcast, this would not have been possible. Thank you guys very much for providing accessibility to an extremely impressive Secretary Rumsfeld.
Apr '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #66: The SecDef
I loved the Secretary's comments regarding how to watch and evaluate presidential candidates during this run up to primaries - very logical and non-emotional way to look at what really matters. I would love to have a transcript. I think it would be a good reference, particularly to share with my young adult offspring.