Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates on "Face the Nation" | full interview

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates joins Margaret Brennan to discuss how polarization is the biggest threat to the U.S. right now and the most important foreign policy issues facing the country.
#news #politics #facethenation
"Face the Nation" is America's premier Sunday morning public affairs program. The broadcast is one of the longest-running news programs in the history of television, having debuted November 7, 1954, on CBS. Every Sunday, "Face the Nation" moderator and CBS News senior foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan welcomes leaders, newsmakers, and experts to a lively round table discussion of current events and the latest news.
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[@darwel007]

It's important that we always assume the worst about our competitors, and declare ourselves the most righteous of all. That has been serving us well the last 60 years.

[@wilhouts6173]

Is the meanness new.? Started with the Newt...in the 90's

[@sharonsmith3687]

Soo true.

[@bradgies1755]

Actually started with Karl Rove, but Newt definitely elevated jt

[@tubematos1]

Excellent interview. As always secretary Gates is full of wisdom and class. Learning from him is a lifelong task.

[@sergezor]

He is one of few real insightful statesmen which the US and the world have now. Director of CIA, who sealed the victory in the Cold War. Defence Secretary who solved Iraqi mess and changed the US military as unchallenged power in the world. He know all about geostrategy and power politics.

[@jimhagberg6798]

Always nice to hear a grownup weighing in on the issues of the moment & future.

[@drivebyquipper]

He's a babe in the woods if he thinks relations were ever "normalized" with China.

[@kgetz3]

A “grownup” who has had a hand In our calamitous leadership over the past 40 years? It’s time for you not-so-wise elders to go away.

[@jimhagberg6798]

@@kgetz3 … I do agree & it’ll happen soon. And it will be such a relief to have a generation in the game who gets it right the 1st time, every time!

[@johnh4686]

@@jimhagberg6798we have a lot of work to do to overcome the disastrous economic policies that your generation adopted. Exploding wealth inequality and national debt at the same time skyrocketing the cost of education. Baby boomers took a country at its greatest strength and handed all control to a minority elite (comprised of both political parties). It’s tragic really

[@jimhagberg6798]

@@johnh4686, you know, until you & @kgetz3, I'd only heard that the newer generations are blaming & condemning Boomers for the ills of the nation. Not bothering with any introspection to determine whether anything they've done or are doing are contributing to the problem. I was in the Vietnam War for 2 years, came back brokenhearted & adamantly opposed to it. Nearly went out the bottom with a needle in my arm. Got saved by the Lord, worked as a day laborer, then welder, then went to engineering school (mechanical), designed-built energy infrastructure projects throughout the US; then for 5 years went to Russia & former Soviet Union countries to help them rebuild after the Cold War (which we won). Worked for Enron, saw the rot & left them 3 years before their collapse, warned my broker not to put anyone in the (& at the time they were the most admired Corp in the US, indeed, most of the world). Then worked catastrophic industrial accidents, rebuilding them (came in after 6 fatalities total); and now at 75 am still design-building industrial processing facilities coast-to-coast, border-to-border USA. And raised 3 great young men who have 3 wonderful wives & 10 beloved grandchildren. To the extent I contributed to "the disastrous economic policies (of my generation)", my apologies. And very best wishes to you & your generation as y'all take your swing at the problems of the world. I think if there's anything that those disastrous policies demonstrate, it's that Americans are not fans of making painful choices. Unfortunately, as the sense of outrage & entitlement grows in this society; I doubt the next gens are any bigger fans of sacrifice.

[@bethleslie3994]

excellent interview - please listen to this very wise man.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

A crook who was involved in Iran Contra, seems to be simply another Mafia Muscle Guy? Why should we consider his words as any more than more corruption?

[@jaycharlton2085]

Terrific discussion!

[@debraengler2474]

so are you a GOP person, one that stands aside to watch Drumpf run roughshod over the rest of the world.

[@lloydwilliams4368]

Why haven't military personnel confronted Tubbyville and re-educated the slimey Alabaman?

[@curtrice6060]

Oh boy. 😮 This shall be great to watch .🤴🏽🧛🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏽‍♀️

[@christophorfaust2457]

This is so typical of today’s GOP. Using a senate mechanism (bipartisan approval of Flag officers) as a partisan tool to advance a political agenda that they know will not work, yet will ensure reelection in the dark backwater from whence they came. Sad, but so predictable from a state that values football over the nations best interest.

[@rdelrosso2001]

@@christophorfaust2457 : It's Alabama, so you have to Grade them on a curve!

[@stevenboddy4232]

You know whats wild? If this were a true democratic capital country, we'd never bail banks and companies out

[@CorpusChristiHouston]

What a breath of fresh air.

[@gordonsteen8415]

Seniors take note. How to be relevant no matter what your age. Stay engaged.

[@elsieschmaltz6754]

❤ Finally someone is talking.

[@louisguthrie7286]

Secretary Gates gives us a realistic approach to the country and to our position with Russia and China. He is totally balanced, after all he served as Secretary of Defense as a Republican in a Democratic Whitehouse. He is trusted and well versed. Very good interview as a veteran I salute him.

[@fredericrike5974]

And he was fired by a Republican over ending an "early warning" about loose weapons when he was the Assistant Sec Def, and head of the Defense Intelligence Agency. For some reason the DoD has the odd qualm about trusting the politically motivated CIA sometimes and the DoD does have some concerns the CIA really doesn't normally look to.

[@pipeallen6855]

He should run for President. Im a Democrat but I'd vote for him

[@mauerbach58844]

Lol, sorry my friend this man is a nothing burger. Decouple and containment are the only answer at this moment in time. He’s touting the same bs our gov has been doing all along. We need to recognize this, quit trying to reinvent the wheel here. China is in fact an enemy of the the USA. If you doubt what I’m saying google why xi is telling his country to prepare for war. The time for appeasement is over. You and I didn’t put us here, the politico’s did.

[@jonpender]

I would not vote for any republican no matter how virtuous because the Republicans have lost their minds. As a practical matter Bob Gates would be considered to be a RINO by the MAGA zealots with no chance of being nominated. Voting for him is a fantasy.

[@Abraham-uk4xy]

He should be Trump's running mate.

[@pipeallen6855]

@@Abraham-uk4xy looks like Trump will have a cell mate troll

[@Roberto-de8xv]

You realize how many countries this guy indiscriminately bombed? No more war mongers.

[@haraldparker]

Really well done- everyone should watch. Margaret Brennan has a great grasp of things, and is an extremely talented journalist.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I'm so glad to see that Germany herself is waking up to the reality now that's she's no longer a Baltic State! :)

[@basharabuali5514]

Secretary Gates is very savvy and smart man, I enjoyed reading his book (Duty).

[@christophorfaust2457]

It has to be noted that Secretary Gates has the luxury of being post government services. When he was a republican, serving in Democratic administrations, he proved that the good of the country was his highest order of engagement. No way he could survive in todays GOP!!!

[@VintageTwin1]

But he can try.

[@christophorfaust2457]

@@VintageTwin1 I’m all for someone reforming the GOP!!! But I’m pretty sure they have boxed themselves into a counter culture corner. While attacking teachers, Mickey mouse, and trans kids, and let’s not forget banning book about our struggles with slavery, we I’ll get you the redneck vote, especially in the south, America has moved on past Trump, I fear the GOP needs to suffer a humiliating nationwide defeat for any real transformation to occur! Hope I’m wrong, but doubt it:-(

[@karamellakonomos]

So true. It is NOT the same Repub party at all .

[@bratis99]

the GOP insurrectionist have created a nightmare situation in America

[@tonylemonde]

@@karamellakonomos The last one was led by neocons who got us into stupid wars. No we have a more peaceful republican party.

[@Pbeas52]

Secretary Gates is a very smart and pragmatic man, with a great deal of knowledge and insight! He would make a great presidential candidate. His energy level might not be what it was at one time but it sure isn't anything wrong with his cognitive functions.

[@txboss2318]

He would. But, that is exactly why he wouldn't stand a chance. Today you either have to be a puppet or an extremist to get a real chance to run for President.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

Secretary Gates 'grew-up' in the Department of Defense. He is intimately familiar with what works and what doesn't. Not a politician, but a potent operator.

[@ChuckMahon]

One of the most important and impactful persons to ever hold that office. A fine man.

[@josephhafez2588]

Very informative interview👍

[@rickgoodson9105]

Not just the political environment is polarized. The population is as well.

[@2Oldcoots]

Thank You Margaret Brennan for a superb interview in letting Mr. Gates answer fully, and your asking insightful questions!

[@REDWT1]

Love seeing intelligent interviews. No grifting with FTN & RG.

[@jeanne-marie8196]

Civility and respect; both of which Secretary Gates has always embodied

[@mvp019]

War criminal.

[@jaredcrenshaw7665]

​​@@mvp019ep. He's a mass murderer and deserves more severe capital punishment than the worst serial killers.

[@KrazeeKeithKash]

Excellent interview… ✌️😎🎸

[@mirzare9670]

you did goob job margaret i like mr gate his good man

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Should we consider his Work in Iran Contra? What about providing weapons to Pakistan to feed the conflict in Afghanistan/ The Guy appears to be Wall Street Muscle?

[@PeterRoberts-uo8oz]

Great interview

[@freedinner886]

Relaxed, lucid thinker Strategic Thank you for not filling my head with more "entertainment news"

[@JP-pj1zq]

It's always outstanding to listen to people like Robert Gates. I wish more people in government had as much common sense as he does. His perspective on the war in Ukraine was interesting. I totally agree with his idea that a line has to be drawn. So as to not allow other bad actors to take the same initiative, Putin did in Ukraine, to other places around the world going forward. Negotiations should always trump conflict in territorial disputes between nations. He is also right about the gerontocracy governing problem in America. Not to mention the nastiness of the discourse in our current political system. Let alone the disembowelment of our manufacturing capability. Which compromises the weaponry availability our armed forces need to fight a war in the future. Good job Mr. Secretary spot on.

[@kgetz3]

Last I checked he is very old and has had a hand in almost everything that has gone wrong in this country over the past 40 years. As for Russia, they WERE provoked. We threatened their sphere. We would not put up with a threat from Mexico, Canada or Cuba, etc. This is no different.

[@jaredcrenshaw7665]

You do understand he's a warmongering mass murderer, right?

[@eddievangundy4510]

The Russians begged us to negotiate the neutrality of Ukraine. We were not interested.

[@sergezor]

Very few like Gates statesmen left in the US. Most of them now demagogs and morons, like Trump etc.

[@mpetry912]

great interview !

[@debraengler2474]

so are you a GOP voter, one that stands aside to watch Drumpf run roughshod over the rest of the world because you get a little tax break?

[@Jack-eo5fn]

We’ll done!

[@allensadicario5196]

I love this man America needs you

[@tomdillard2]

ASK HIM ABOUT TRUMP

[@gregjohnson8520]

She did.

[@randr302]

I appreciate this conversation.

[@parkersmith7611]

Hello r and r how are you doing today?, no doubt you are enjoying the show, tell me exactly how you feel about this interview?

[@kn9ioutom]

A GOOD DEFENCE IS A GREAT OFFENCE !!!

[@woonchinglee2991]

Hi.. Could it be a change of Leaders-for Shop'GG mall? Note!

[@patrickskramstad1485]

I'm worried, too.

[@tonicalloway7227]

This is a good piece..

[@Drobert882]

Great interview ,,, I have one question in this chest game ,, how far down do we go in arms not getting replaced before a multilateral attach from say china and Iran or Russia puts us in a very dangerous risk of not being defendable

[@TL-qr3ii]

gates is a national asset. people in DC should have him on speed dail, and listen to him. the GOP needs to return to this brand of rational, reasoned thought and policy.....i.e., not the current bag of nutjobs.

[@JoelJ777]

MAGA nuts are loonies, but the majority of Democrats have gone too far left. If Clinton ran now, MSNBC would call him a white supremacist. Racial discrimination for housing, education, financial services etc are the norm under Biden’s administration.

[@fact2894]

Kissinger under Nixon made a colloidal mistake to help China be modernized to control then Soviet Union’s expansion to Eastern Europe.

[@wek2ww]

I would recommend listening to this starting yet about 21 minutes and going until 31 minutes.

[@sandrawilliams4874]

All I know is that this man gave up a job he loved as President of Texas A&M University to work in government when asked. We need more decent people like him.

[@howieroarke]

Well, he's now Chancellor at The College of William and Mary (I believe that is their majesty's portraits in the background).

[@jtippit57]

you mean like Trump did ?

[@fasteddie9055]

I'm not much on boring, trite interviews. This isn't one of them. Margaret Brennen and Robt. Gates know how to conduct an excellent interview. TY ''FACE THE NATION'' .

[@janiekcarney5482]

If you want reform. Get rid of the lobbyist.

[@robertcalamusso1603]

Great Insightful Civility Nice.

[@ernestoxavier5426]

The entire GOP needs a complete overhaul from top to bottom. ⚔

[@danielhutchinson6604]

The Bi-Partisan Corruption that promotes Wall Street Profits at the expense of Citizens of all Nations, appears to need cautious consideration? Both Parties have cut Banking regulation since the Clinton Administration.

[@Ncharlestun]

LOL

[@ianhogg4285]

GOP is in the process of committing suicide, so just let them and see what emerges as an alternative.

[@bratis99]

I'm shocked after watching the GOP over the last 4 years, after have lived in Eastern Europe and watching Fox News... I'm watching a bunch of angry communists

[@ernestoxavier5426]

@@bratis99 Sad but true, especially in Texas they always fail to address the real problem, stay safe. 👍🏼 💙

[@ianhogg4285]

Thank you for publishing this very insightful interview.

[@fernandomarquez3131]

Interesting , let's see in the next 6 months how much change will actually be discovered.

[@markordorica4935]

It's good to see you sir ! 🇺🇸

[@jamesmarchetti3286]

I am glad that he brought Belarus because I have been watching that Country for a year now !!!

[@hr5277]

totally agree with you, Mr. secretary.

[@stefanatchia2467]

oh boy

[@dannygolden5408]

Government spending MUST BE PUT IN CHECK, no more HOT CHECKS

[@hk1449]

Need a china expert to interview Gates

[@glenwilson9533]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ Sir. Goodie Blow Lansky

[@tigris5831]

An intelligent interview rather than the trash talking that litters the media nowadays!

[@laopang91362]

No one knows exactly how a war will end - Robert Gate.

[@MarkWashington-dh8ex]

All

[@paullight7089]

Gates for President, please.

[@alfredrichkak1393]

Not a single damn voice and effort on a peace process. It’s shameful as world around us getting smaller our differences get bigger and more critical to the point of self destruction

[@SuperAngelic5]

Huhn... that's what France was saying right up until the German tanks started rolling in. Peace requires sanity and openness.

[@gerriperreault6905]

Agree

[@gerriperreault6905]

That agree was with alfred.

[@tarawhite4419]

10 more days

[@markcampbell7577]

The USA does not trump business for security of the people of the USA.

[@davidk.1089]

Fascinating and intelligent interview. My only issue I have is underestimating Russia's dangerous potential. Remember, it was Russia that helped Syria to use chemical weapons and fight. The syrians killed more than 500,000 people. It may not be nuclear, but they engage in dirty wars. I hope it doesn't escalate.

[@fredericrike5974]

One, M. Brennan didn't really touch much on the present ME and Gates was really clear about how Russia would act if they are let to win in Ukraine, and how he sees Xi reacting to it. Gate's has always taken public questions but he doesn't offer opinions, rather he states the facts and the clear conclusions. When asked. I'm sure he has several opinions we would all like to hear his answers to. Send Margaret an E mail- she might get another bite of this apple!

[@dorothypettijohn1037]

Great interview!

[@parkersmith7611]

It's such an amazing show i really do enjoyed washing this show good conversation, how are you doing today Dorothy?

[@parklilys3108]

Does the US place national security over economic development? The answer is yes. The rational behind this action is just elaborated by Secretory Yellen. It is fine when the US does, but it is problematic when China is doing.

[@curtrice6060]

Follow the money.🤑 It is just that easy. 🤟🏼

[@tomdillard2]

NOT ANT NOTHING RIGHT WITH AMERICA. AMAZING

[@corujariousa]

We do not need to allocate more money to defense. We can accomplish all goals and fulfil all defense needs (with perhaps a smaller budget than we have today) by creating much better financial tracking, allowing the military (not politicians) to decide how to spend the budget they receive, a strong project and financial oversight by a military-civilian committee, strong penalties for corruption and a complete revision on military contracts to set strict responsibilities, limitations and penalties to both military leaders and defense contractors in case of changes that impact the original contract goals. Accountability, leadership, monitoring and transparency.

[@fredericrike5974]

Mr. Gates, good to see you well and still thinking as you always have. Although I would describe myself as a "card carrying Democrat", your quiet, informed and very honest voice ( I don't think telling the press you can't answer questions about many things) has been one of my poles as I look for clarity and substance in the murky waters of the Potomac. There are so many more questions I would have asked, but M, Brennan made good use of the time. Be Well, Be Honest and Be Brave in Your Causes - long life, Mr. G

[@Seekthetruth3000]

No mention of the FBI whistleblowers!

[@lisacawyer6896]

Part of the problem is the primary system which rewards extremist.

[@fmayer1507]

Outstanding comment! Get rid of closed primaries and we will fix the problem.

[@jeffyu3488]

The threat is from inside the country, not from outside.

[@frankjost2701]

What can be done about polarisation? Suggest: 1 state should analyse, reveal and publish disinformation (has been done by Europe for years); 2 platforms and media must refrain from spreading it; 3 an notorious desinformants (eg done by Twitter and others) 4 name and shame on grounds of lack of civility 5 train people to behave in a civil way, including at school and university.

[@katewoolf6059]

Strategic ambiguity is interpreted as weakness by Chin & Russia. Absolutely disagree w him

[@matk2283]

always love to listen to Bob Gates one of the great mind and American worrier. being a head of Central Intelligence Agency ( CIA ) and almost spending his entire life ar CIA knowing the America's foe and friends, he is so gifted. his Wisdom and Analysis of the world's current situation is timeless. Dear Bob Gates, your country love and admire you for your service.

[@guymasone699]

In the early nineteen century we had a population in this world that followed a leader that had better served his country being in a straight jacket . Hear we are one hundred years from that period of time we have one such person in Russia a growing threat we in this country going down the same path that made Russia a third class country.

[@SuperAngelic5]

Indeed

[@Yo-ys3kb]

❤

[@elsieschmaltz6754]

❤ this man is wise.

[@elmirathierichen7182]

If he is wise, then he should be thinking about young Ukrainian men dying by hundred of thousands. Ukrainian mothers crying for their sons being caught on the streets and then dragged into vans, and they never see them again. Sending lethal weapons to Z and money to a corrupt Z government isn’t going to bring back sons, brothers, and husbands back! I don’t understand how anyone doesn’t give a thought to us supporting this bloody war. I feel helpless, Ukrainians don’t care anymore about EU , common people don’t even care under which government they would be leaving. They want peace.

[@888zeng6]

我希望您們國家帮公佈一下。

[@MrDmlive]

A very enlightening interview. It’s a sad situation what we are looking at with the two candidates that are probably going to be our choice in November of 2024…

[@ronaldjanesh2326]

Hehehe ….we have about 40-45 generals like Austin and Miley. To improve leadership fire them !

[@sergezor]

@@ronaldjanesh2326 I agree. This is the times of global war so the President must be former military: Mattis, Hodges, McCrystal, or guys mentioned by Gates, from veterans caucus at the Capitolium.

[@bentray1908]

Duty duty duty. Nice!

[@DeRussellMasina]

Those legs. Those arches. The shoe dangle 🤯 Laser focus

[@jaredspencer3304]

19:46 "If they launched it from Russian airspace, then they have to be prepared to have the _remains_ *fall* on Russian territory." So gangsta.

[@irrefudiate]

He's very knowledgeable and politically sharp, "But, if they launch from Russian air space, then they have to be prepared to have the remains fall on Russia."

[@juditkazmer3985]

Why is he not running ?

[@JamesSmith-ix5jd]

I am watching from Russia, I like to have full information from both sides to analize, it allowes me to navigate these uncalm waters by myself, and also keep clear headedness not to blind myself with ideology or things like that. I still don't know Chinese language and it bothers me a little, I know less about China than I do about Europe or the US.

[@elsieschmaltz6754]

❤ this lady has a ticket to success.

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

white privilege

[@engelgirl7360]

What does that mean?

[@richardv9648]

Yes Nice legs too.

[@richardsimms251]

Robert Gates is a very astute educated advisor. RS. Canada

[@janiekcarney5482]

What he thinks and wants isn’t what you can do. He’s in the sky and out of realty.

[@therchas]

Young people are frustrated about the lack of knowledge on technologies with current candidates.

[@ronaldjanesh2326]

You know it will escalate…..

[@glenwilson9533]

Good ☔ Rain Consulting Firm.....C.E.O. Glenn Wilson Headquarters based in New Orleans, La. Treme'USA

[@JoscelinTrouwborst]

The forever competition and enemy thinking 😢

[@darwel007]

Intense irreconcilable differences. Split up before a civil war.

[@panchovcarlo]

Robert Gates reminds me of John McCain.

[@gergelyzoltan8422]

me too, both were /are war criminals

[@amandagergely3853]

And i won the weight championship again for feather weights Wich is heaviest weight in actual terms for there aight lifting.

[@abdulwahed7677]

I met Secretary Gates at US Embassy in Kabul back in 2009. He is smart, kind and a true leader during his tenure as Secretary of Defense.

[@jaredcrenshaw7665]

He's a mass murderer.

[@user-ci4bs3wi8p]

Такие прикольные президенты ))) Все они душой добрые 😂❤

[@zhinan888]

We need fewer overseas military bases, not more.

[@curtrice6060]

Ning, we need to find millions, to support your logic. You have one .🦉

[@zhinan888]

@@curtrice6060 Awesome. Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.

[@stephenyang2844]

Constant talk about China's human rights issue, militarism in South China Sea rocks and Taiwan are all considered internal Chinese matters, not of foreign concern.

[@paulkelly9250]

An articulate, intelligent journalist. What a pleasure.

[@JimMalmPHOTO]

Who on Nov. 9, 2016 was utterly shattered and crestfallen in asking Obama “ how could this have happened?”

[@paulkelly9250]

@@JimMalmPHOTO If you're referring to the election of a serial criminal anyone with a brain would be surprised about that as who could believe that half the American electorate could be stupid enough to elect a self serving narcissist who's only objective is increasing his personal wealth regardless if the means are illegal, unethical or result in harming others.

[@xgguo3531]

Not get the logic behind about the difference between US bans Huawei and China bans Micron using National Security as justification. China puts economic growth as top priority and natioanl security is to protect the growth of China as much as possible.