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

00:26 - 13:28

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

13:29 - 23:12

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

23:12 - 31:30

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

31:30 - 46:33

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

46:33 - 1:06:33

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

1:06:33 - 1:21:48

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

1:21:48 - 1:36:57

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

1:36:56 - 1:48:56

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

1:48:56 - 1:52:56

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

1:52:56 - 2:05:08

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

2:05:08 - 2:10:34