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Alan Simpson was a senator from Wyoming from 1979 to 1997. For ten of those years, he was the Republican whip. Since leaving the Senate, he has done many things, including the co-chairmanship of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.
He and Jay talk about some big issues, including immigration: Simpson was the co-author of the immigration act of 1986, signed by President Reagan. What has changed since then, and not?
Another big issue is entitlement reform: What to do? And how do you get people willing to do it?
Other issues include the veterans administration and the Iraq War. Personalities discussed include Barack Obama, Dick Cheney, and Hillary Clinton.
Jay remarks that there is no more candid interview in politics than Alan Simpson. It was ever thus. And Simpson expresses himself in a marvelous, authentically American way.
You may disagree with him, but when you listen to Alan Simpson, you have no trouble understanding how he was elected to office repeatedly, and why he has been entrusted with many important jobs.
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Heh. ” Snoopy Snoopy Poop Dogg”. Love. It.
Sad, really, I used to like Sen. Simpson. I am a person who is no way near as conservative as I used to be (back when I liked the venerable Senator). That being said, it is clear that he detests people like me who think that a course correction in Washington is needed. While listening to the podcast, I was dying for a follow-up on the Planned Parenthood issue. Mr. Nordlinger, why not ask the obvious, “Did you watch the videos?”!
His grumpiness and folksy language are a real treat. His frustration at the legislative process is understandable but his real venom was reserved for conservatives just trying to salvage something of the institutional greatness in this country. For that, it is hard to take him seriously.
Jay – same here. I shook my head when you let the Planned Parenthood comment pass…
I don’t agree with all of Alan Simpson’s views, but I enjoy listening to him. It’s kind of nice listening to somebody who isn’t running for anything or pushing a book. I wouldn’t mind hearing him on more podcasts.