Elliott Abrams June 30, 2014 (Episode 2)

Elliott Abrams recalls how he got involved in politics and his work for Senator Henry M. Jackson.

You learn a lot as a young political staffer in Washington. Abrams and Kristol discuss the value of working on Capitol Hill.

What’s it like to work in the State Department? Abrams describes his work as an Assistant Secretary of State in the Reagan administration.

Human rights had been a concern typically associated with Democrats before Reagan and Shultz made it a Republican issue. Why did this happen?

Abrams details the inner workings at Foggy Bottom and discusses Latin American affairs.

Abrams discusses his work for the 43rd president and the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Abrams and Kristol discuss an eventful period in American-Israel relations.

In 2007, Israel attacked a secret nuclear reactor in Syria. Abrams recalls how this was seen from Washington.

What are the political challenges when working on a presidential staff?

Having witnessed George W. Bush at key times in his presidency, Abrams assesses his character.

Do the benefits of a political career outweigh the costs? Abrams explains why they do.