Lies, Politics and Democracy: Alyssa Farah Griffin (interview) | FRONTLINE

Alyssa Farah Griffin is a political commentator for CNN and has recently been named a co-host of The View. She served as press secretary for then Vice President Mike Pence from 2017 to 2019 and as the White House director of strategic communications in 2020.
The following interview was conducted by the Kirk Documentary Group’s Mike Wiser for FRONTLINE on May 20, 2022. It has been edited for clarity and length.
This interview is being published as part of FRONTLINE’s Transparency Project, an effort to open up the source material behind our documentaries. Explore the transcript of this interview, and others, on the FRONTLINE website: www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/in...
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FRONTLINE is produced at GBH in Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Park Foundation; and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation, and additional support from Koo and Patricia Yuen.
CHAPTERS:
Rise of Donald Trump - 0:00:00
Trump and the 2016 Election - 0:05:56
Pence’s Role in the Trump Administration - 0:08:46
Trump and the Evolving Republican Party - 0:18:32
Inside the Trump White House - 0:24:59
Trump’s Response to the Black Lives Matter Movement - 0:33:24
Trump and Misinformation - 0:39:45
The 2020 Election and Initial Claims of Fraud - 0:45:01
Pressure on Pence - 1:01:23
Jan. 6 and the Aftermath - 1:07:07
A Transformed Republican Party - 1:15:09

[@frontline]

Watch the full documentary “Lies, Politics and Democracy” here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emPIhZx7aNBqmtU

[@rebeccawesteren9851]

A great full spectrum deliverance for all sides! TY, FL/PBS!

[@mytake7932]

Canada is left out as usual

[@B_Bodziak]

@@mytake7932 What period or part of US politics between Jan 20, 2017 - Jan 20, 2021 did Canada play a significant role that should have been included in this docu-series?

[@mytake7932]

@@B_Bodziak good question- I have no idea; however, I wish Frontline would allow Canadians to watch this documentary on here- without needing a vpn.

[@roymaddocks3184]

@@mytake7932 no VPN necessary. Watching it now

[@cassandraduncan3432]

I disagree with Alyssa on most of her political beliefs but I am always blown away by how professional, well spoken, and principled she is. Great interview.

[@jamesschutte3338]

What you're missing is her honesty. Gosh! You said it yourself. Professional, well spoken, and principled! How does "politics" fight that?

[@mbords01]

When Republican states "limited government", it is my interpretation that means "little help, little rule, regulation...and most of all minimal accountability, everything are just for those with control and money."

[@ogyaherd9667]

@@mbords01 for a segment of the population who were the un-hired, discriminated against & received minimal & antagonistic 'protection' from the goverment - "small government" "conservatives" also implies free enterprise's choice & liberty to overlook & ignore who it chooses to, particularly that segment of the population who were former slaves: read racist...

[@jhandle4196]

Yeah. I have an "other side of the aisle" crush on her too. Now if we could just get her to realize it's a myth that conservative policy is good for the economy when the historical fact is that Beginning with the Crash of 1869 every major economic downturn has been preceded by at least 2 terms of Republican administration; The Panic of 1873; The Panic of 1893; The Great Depression; the Crash of 1987; The Great Recession; et al. The inflation rate 40 years ago to which todays has been compared was during the Reagan Administration. The highest gasoline prices ever was in July, 2008 while the Bush administration steered US toward the Great Recession, $4.32/gallon that is, when adjusted for 15 years of inflation is about $5.32/gallon. Just today (10/13/23) I saw gasoline for $3.13/gallon. When the GOP is in control, the wealth gap increases. Why anyone, other than the wealthiest who buy up the scraps for cents on the dollar while everyone else is struggling would ever vote for a Republican on economic grounds is simply baffling.

[@anthonymorales842]

Minimal accountability especially resource exploitation. A rich white mans game.@@mbords01

[@faizai228]

Less government, yet most of them sided with a power hungry candidate to harness more power for the party

[@pdcdesign9632]

These poor suckers lived in FEAR of the previous TODDLER IN CHIEF. That was so pathetic how they still call themselves conservative Republicans. 😬🙄

[@whygohome172]

DUPING VOTERS is the repubs #1 tactic because if they told you their REAL PLAN, nobody would vote for them!

[@creamydistortion]

American people are always like that.

[@cnwil4594]

They are hypocrites....

[@pockets2733]

well said

[@helenezinszner2561]

I will never ever agree with the political or social beliefs of this lady, but she is obviously very articulate, sincere and smart. This is a very valuable testimony of the workings of that movement and government.

[@cielxtianceth]

This was well explained for us the ordinary citizen. Thank you Alyssa for helping to save democracy and America!

[@laughingvampire7555]

if you think Trump is a threat to democracy then you are extremely naive, if a baby is zero then you are in negative numbers because you have been propagandize to hell. You need some education by reading of multiple thinkers of political science, starting with Jean Jacques Rousseau the father of political science.

[@catlady6165]

She saved nothing

[@drackkor725]

Lies, Politics, and Democracy = PBS-Frontline. PBS lies all the time there liberal kiss asses.

[@lostsoul1321]

Pence and Griffin are still gaslighting us about their part in the tragedy that was the Trump administration.

[@anthonymorales842]

Very well thought out and her respect for the VP

[@danadominguez5760]

I can't express how much I appreciate these interviews. The docs are great, for sure, but having access to the conversations is priceless. Thank you.

[@annieb5146]

Amen

[@TesserId]

Totally agree. I've been getting so much from these Frontline interviews. There are so many that the cross section of expert knowledge is enormous, and you know you're not getting some narrow, unitary perspective on a topic.

[@ridingitlightning1028]

What he said!

[@allancrow134]

Yes, they are really insightful, way better than 15-second sound bites.

[@bddollen7384]

- “PEOPLE ARE JUST P E O P L E …”

[@hyseize]

The things that stand out most here is her gullibility & blind allegiance.

[@listenup801]

There is nothing blind or gullible in her game or any other Republicans. They are what they support or enable. Lowest form of life.

[@Lubytoons1]

@Doc Nutz Every other arse smooching member of his administration could've done the same thing. No need to search for a thread. There's a wall of evidence that Trump was/is a complete joke.

[@happysmith6666]

I’m way out to the left on the political spectrum and doubt I’d ever find much common ground with her politically, but I find her very credible. She seems to have integrity and a genuine belief in America and our system of government. Great interview.

[@TheGuinever]

I wish more people could acknowledge that they were taken in by Trump's (charm?- sorry I can't see it, but) but realized the man is only out for himself. So MANY conservatives just cannot bring themselves to admit that Trump IS NOT A MAN OF CHARACTER.

[@thegoodpimps]

Conservatives always try to enforce the puritanical lifestyle of Jesus, but they completely oppose his politics of helping the hungry, the prostitutes, the blind, the sick, the insane, the hopeless. They are like the Rabbis who rejected Christ.

[@JerryGarciaPOBox]

@@TheGuinever it's like the guy who bought some fancy new thing from a door to door salesman for way too much money that never worked but 20 years on they still won't admit that it's junk. Just can't admit that they got swindled. Lol. Know someone who paid 2k+ for a vacuum cleaner and over 2 decades later still claims that it's great. Meanwhile he's gone through 3 or 4 Walmart bought vacuums. Lol.

[@bobbear4437]

@@TheGuinever Conservative have almost all sold out to maga hate and treason! There are almost no more conservatives, at least not in the last 50 yrs!

[@majwor3763]

@@TheGuinever But you think BRANDON is great huh

[@richardhoward9229]

Is very smart young lady. People need to learn from her how it works. She has a very good grasp of how democracy and civics works. She probably too honest to be a politician. God bless you girl

[@hmmcinerney]

So Pence kept the ‘wheels’ on the bus, while keeping it to himself how truly dysfunctional his administration was? And defending his lunacies?

[@heatherc2939]

Yep. Stopped watching CNNs new darling. I have better things to do. And trust me, I wanted to give her benefit of the doubt.

[@mikewhite4560]

Hey America 🇺🇸 Let the DOG DRIVE THE CAR 🚗 🙄

[@pdcdesign9632]

These poor suckers lived in FEAR of the previous TODDLER IN CHIEF. That was so pathetic how they still call themselves conservative Republicans. 😬🙄

[@stephaniebobek817]

Yes reminded of the old adage, evil flourishes when good men do nothing ,although I don't view pence as a good man ,he did the right thing at last but I'm not sure about his motivation for doing so

[@engaginglifesmoments7657]

Interesting how a devout Christian cared about his own aspirations than speak truth to reality.

[@Cagney68]

35:20 "He just was so wholly unfit" is the real takehome here. Full stop.

[@reneemyatt5446]

Should've been in prison, Federal decade's ago! Rivers Island is to easy for him and his cohorts

[@reneemyatt5446]

I typed RIKERS

[@oceanbnd]

She’s referring to her take on his public PRESS personality, just as you are, cause you’re unwilling to see the good that Trump or his administration had done in office. Lower prices on everything then we currently have. KZbin is taking away anything I can say now. No freedom of speech

[@ryansharpe3886]

@@oceanbnd what good? No one’s taking away your freedom of speech, you’re free to shout what you want from the street corner, no one’s arresting you. Private entities have terms of service and whatever else they decide is undesirable, they don’t have to host you.

[@ryansharpe3886]

@@oceanbnd those “lower prices” also don’t take into account COVID inflation and a goddamn war in Europe. Just because it was one way doesn’t mean it will be again under an orange narcissistic sociopath.

[@JRusk56]

You were very brave to speak about this, and I admire your allegiance to American democracy.

[@markfrost2707]

speak about it NOW,,,not when it was happening

[@rap4880]

​@markfrost2707 - She did speak out when Trump kept insisting publicly after the election was over that the election was tainted by fraud. As a result, friends & family members stopped speaking to her, & she started receiving death threats.

[@bettyvillaronga9752]

I appreciate her being so open and informative. We need all the help we can get on our side to defeat Maga.

[@rolltide2798]

Why would you not want to make America great????😅

[@JENNIE-il6cr]

MAGA is to be feared way less than the carnage brought upon our nation from the unhampered trammeling of that run away blind garbage truck known as "Bidenomics".

[@DeeWeber]

I remember her tweets on Jan 6th begging folks to stand down. I'm personally grateful that she was a part of the admin. Great interview.

[@jenh7004]

She wasn't a member of staff at that time.

[@joeyfotofr]

That's fair too...jt

[@russpost2557]

She quit the first week in Dec. Her tweets really meant nothing only to herself

[@pistolpetenaki]

She was part of Trump administration..helooooo a woman working for trump .. she joint trump team after when he put kids into cages .. after he call neo Nadi pple fine pple ..after he shown to be a white nationalist racist .. the list is huge ..yet she still join his team lol give me a break .. if she had balls she would never work for a clown

[@Regi254.]

Being an older person, who never did politics in any form or fashion until Bernie, appreciates your programs bc I learn so much being a viewer. The comment section can be equally informative.

[@coreygarnett5826]

I’m gonna look into Bernie thanks too you

[@yvonneplant9434]

@@coreygarnett5826 Bernie won't run for potus again.

[@heatherc2939]

Bernie is and was a danger to democracy, for the simple reason that Russia preferred him over Hillary who easily pounced him. Hillary scared Russia. Hence: "Russia are you listening?" The DNC has NEVER wanted Bernie to run, due to Russian intel - and he KNOWS IT.

[@daviddawes293]

I find this woman very disingenuous. Sort of playing herself off as a hero behind the scenes.

[@Regi254.]

@@coreygarnett5826 I felt like Bernie had a plan that actually would help the ppl. M4A, living wage, college tuition... he's still fighting for the ppl. I understand they would block everything he tried to do. However

[@JimmyBrassil-bj3uh]

I think you were very brave to speak openly and honestly and you had a great interview and its people like you that are required to save the American democracy well done

[@theartfuldodger5326]

I may not agree with any of her politics. However, her interview is absolutely compelling & insightful. I had never heard of her before this, but I am so glad to hear of this behind-the-scenes look at the White House during those troubled times. It's heartening to know that other compassionate & logical government servants fought for the integrity of the office & can speak the truth plainly. Thank you for your service, & thank you PBS!

[@jonmitguard6174]

What I wish he'd have asked is what does she think are true conservative principles? I mean what do they want and how does it benefit the greater population? She talks admiringly about Pence, Jordan and Cruz so I certainly don't get any clarity on what true conservative values are. So many of them are regularly exposed for wild contradicting statements. They have no shame.

[@lexluthor9509]

apparently none needed (shame)

[@fadedrose9]

Very good points and does make one wonder where her loyalties actually lie, afterr the abhorrent behavior by those you mention, even her endearing remarks

[@fadedrose9]

about Mike Pence, who literally cowered to 45 throughout his presidency.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Gym Jordan?

[@magicmarker7047]

I agree. What I also don't understand is how do lower taxes translate into being a conservative. They want a small government to operate on a shoestring and when a natural disaster strikes "oh, please help me". How do you build roads, bridges etc. without money?

[@ld4974]

"In our nation's 246 year history, there has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.” -Dick Cheney

[@bronwyn117]

Wow! This was an amazing interview with an intelligent, honest woman.

[@MrCoolTre]

Honest? Wow

[@oleolson453]

Totally😊

[@randallcauley9484]

thank you for your character, leadership, candor, and clarity.

[@yvonneplant9434]

How does someone born in LA in 1989 end up being so conservative? That's another question.

[@fivethreeone]

her parents

[@ghostf6321]

Lol, you've never been to Cali have you? It's a big state, there are more Republicans there than Texas.

[@leeboriack8054]

Liberal parents?

[@yvonneplant9434]

@@ghostf6321 I specifically said, LA. Learn how to read.

[@ghostf6321]

@@yvonneplant9434 Last I checked LA is in CA with a massive population and the 2nd biggest city in the US. I've been dragged to many evangelical churches as a kid specifically in LA. Maybe they've declined massively over the years idk, haven't been there or to church in sometime but in 1989 I bet you could definitely find a good amount of evangelicals out there.

[@jabrown1978]

I just don't know about her. Does she still believe in all of Trump's disastrous policy positions just not the messenger, a la Cheney? She stayed in that administration for so long. People change but I have little patience for these people who developed a spine and conscience in the last minute of the last quarter, and are all of sudden now supposed to be these paragons of redemption as they parade in front of us. It's all too little too late for me, and maybe not so much with her, but the deification of some of these defectors, and, say, for instance, some of the Repubs who testified at the J6 hearings, I find quite irritating.

[@mariaangelova8275]

Lots of respect for her and thank you for this interview. I have always felt that Trump is and always was unfit to serve as a president based on his character. Full stop.

[@mikejackson3198]

Alyssa how you can be so clear on this subject, how you can describe the venality and danger now…but to have enthusiastically supported these people right up to the very last? For all your career you knew these people. Did you think the ends justified the outrageous means for all these years?

[@ashspeaking7910]

1:00:30 that sums it all up, "unfortunately (I have) seen a lot of grown men (who) put their political ambitions ahead of their integrity"

[@kokohead333]

yes, weak spineless men

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

So did she. She should've said, so did I but even I reached a point where enough was enough.

[@lesilluminations1]

The problem is not a "lack of civic understanding," it is a lack of moral compass.

[@oliviaturner7388]

Both

[@Naptime2013]

Tuberville is using his moral compass… look how that’s turning out. Experience and knowledge of how our system is intended to work does matter.

[@GrumpyOldFart2]

@@Naptime2013Nah. Tubby is just throwing a hissy-fit because the DOD hurt his fee-fees. AND took away his bragging rights.

[@rap4880]

"Lack of moral compass."💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@StudioMYJ]

How refreshing to hear an intelligent republican speak. She’s right! And isn’t it terrifying. ……

[@williamspain3860]

A fantastic interview and ethical political professional even if I am not of the same political party. I greatly appreciate the insight and willingness to share it with the public. I am very favorably impressed. Many thanks for sharing

[@user-mp1jr9fu1y]

Wow. you are really naive.

[@nicolepsy]

I love how she finds so many creative ways to say he's really stupid and incompetent.

[@sgtperez11b]

Lol

[@mikewhite4560]

It's not that DIFFICULT.....

[@oceanbnd]

I’m sure you do, because you’ve never liked Trump either and it shows…

[@mikewhite4560]

@@oceanbnd Seriously, what's to LIKE?

[@gregslosek6846]

Interesting how you ignore Facts about how well Trump ran the Country

[@perezrob93]

Every person interviewed by FLPBS who has worked with DT during his time in office pretty much all say the same thing , that he is a terrible boss and direct threat to democracy. Everyone who does not know DT personally and has never worked directly with him all say how great he is. There you go people get to know the person your voting for instead of blindly picking a random celebrity with no moral values or leadership skills.

[@danadams6477]

My sentiments exactly. Well said.

[@angelaparmerduke]

The only people who have said he was a direct threat to democracy are people seeking their 15 minutes of fame. There are plenty of extremely intelligent Trump staffers whose entire personal brand was to not be public and just do their jobs. Those are the normal, admirable people. There's an adage that the people who don't talk get things done and the people who talk get nothing done. I think Alyssa is a clear case of that. She's way overstated what she did. A lot of it has actually not lined up with multiple other accounts. So, this is a case where your personal prejudice towards DJT is preventing you from reading through the bs.

[@ashtonmartin3398]

@@angelaparmerduke except that criticizing Trump is so common at this point that there's no fame or outstanding status attached to doing so. So it's unlikely that a desire for 15 min of fame is driving these "critics" perspective and willingness to add their own account of their experience working with Trump.

[@efabiano82]

@@angelaparmerduke you're exactly the type of person Trump told us about back in 2016. "Trump, if I shot someone on 5th Ave they'd still support me"

[@B_Bodziak]

@@angelaparmerduke Then, why aren't those who worked with him and remain supporters refusing to accept their invitations to do an internet and participate in this series? How many former WH officials publically came out against their administration were in the Obama administration? Bush? Bush "W"? Clinton? Reagan?

[@annecarlton1878]

Wow, another brave woman speaks out, going against her party and wholly for her country.

[@garryrscott]

She has a very high opinion of herself!

[@calliey59]

Well, she should. No one else is going to sing her praises.

[@September2004]

5:52 "I will forever be grateful that Mike Pence served in that administration." Really? Even the part where he basically refuses to condemn Trump?

[@lynnbardwell7580]

I'm grateful Mike Pence was there. I can't imagine what out country would look like right now if he wasn't. He did condemn Trump and flat out said HE WAS WRONG. It's easy to say he should have done this, that or the other but you need to figure in the death threats to the people, and their families, when they speak against dear leader. It is has been revealed that they would have actually killed the VP if they had gotten close enough to him on Jan 6th. That's mind boggling and I'm shocked he still did the right thing considering what the very real consequences were.

[@September2004]

@@lynnbardwell7580 You’re making excuses for him. The guy had secret service protection and he only said Trump was wrong after the election. You conveniently ignore all the times he stood by Trump when he should’ve stood up to him. In fact, he had been looking for a way out until Dan Quayle had to tell him that his job is just to count the votes.

[@reneemyatt5446]

He should, they all should've put him in his place like the man~child he is!!

[@rikcoach1]

I will forever be rueful that Pence delivered the evangelical vote for Trump. Now they lead the crazy train portion of the Republican party doing harm wherever they go.

[@21972012145525]

I don’t understand how she didn’t vote for him in 2016, but was fine to do so in 2020, especially after seeing his actions IN office which imo were much worse than when he was campaigning for office? This wasn’t teased out imo. I can definitely see how being in the White House during Corona would be advantageous, personally and politically, as her bureaucratic point regarding the pentagon makes perfect sense. How does she then leap forward for his reelection after the craziness of 2020-especially after she admits she was considering resignation in June 2020?

[@21972012145525]

Some sort of disconnect is present in this thought process when it’s logically viewed

[@reneemyatt5446]

Oxymoron isn't it, hum

[@swill1020]

Like many they sold their souls to the devil in hopes to gain more traction in their own political goals .

[@sempressfi]

She did effectovely vote for him. She said "I voted for Pence not Trump at that point" which means she voted Trump/Pence to support Pence. At least that's my understanding of the comment.

[@21972012145525]

@@sempressfi no. In 2016, She voted for pence as president by writing his name in on the ballot . She mentioned someone else for vp (I cant remember ). In 2020 she said she voted trump. She says it near the end

[@michaeloneill1360]

Wow! That was an Amazing Peak behind the Curtain! God Bless Alyssa for her Courage to Speak Out to the TRUTH!!

[@davelemieux6144]

This woman is amazing. She has real integrity. It’s too bad our leaders don’t share this value.

[@corncurl4174]

I appreciate the truth that Griffin gives to all the questions. I listened twice because I think she really speaks from honest wisdom. Really liked what she said about the lack of understanding of Civics in upper-level USA officials. Sure, Trump could pass his Alzheimers test, but I doubt if he could pass 4th-grade history. I really liked this interview.

[@KevinPeffley]

Well that so called memory test was pretty questionable. And he certainly suffers from some kind of mental impairment, regardless how many times he can say “man, woman, television…

[@edwardfiorvante6123]

Lol. We are seriously screwed if Trump is considered dumb!!! He makes Biden, PELOSI, Harris and most of the Dems look like complete idiots.

[@dougfink1787]

Speak for yourself dude.

[@blacknosugarnocream]

@@dougfink1787 - We know who you were cheering for on 1/6/2020. I speak for all intelligent life in America when I say, "I'm glad you & your side lost."

[@Hugeroost]

The truth? Lolol

[@sunrise7937]

I watched every single video of “Lies, Politics and Democracy”, I hope PBS awards me an Associate Degree in Political Science

[@rebeccawesteren9851]

Gross!

[@B_Bodziak]

You're more qualified to run the country than our previous POTUS!

[@sahara-nadine]

Ha! I hope you get that award.

[@EntertheBlackDragon]

I am doing the same just to understand just in what ways 1 man destroyed this country and it's institutions

[@biggblack5]

Damn she fine! That being said many people who worked for Trump knew exactly who he was but turned a blind eye to it because he supported all the policies they love. Trump putting 3 judges on the Supreme Court was everything to them. They got what they wanted from him. A lot of those people who worked with Trump paid no price at all, hell some were rewarded with TV gigs. Mrs. Griffin has a job on The View. Deep down they love what he did policy wise.

[@gloriawright47]

Watch the View M-F at 11:am you will see her every day😊

[@juliereiger500]

I’m an independent voter and she’s a constitutional republican and has integrity and is strong and confident enough to stand up and say when something is wrong. We need more of that! That’s so important today that we have good strong truthful people on both sides to call stuff out! Everything is so far left or so far right there’s needs to be middle ground! THERE IS SO MUCH DISINFORMATION IN OUR COUNTRY and I’m so proud that she is speaking up!

[@charbam9506]

As an independent who can evaluate an interview without any particular bias or agenda... I feel that she was nothing but refreshingly honest, courageous, introspective, and insightful in this conversation - and commend her for it.

[@malcolmbliss777]

Well of course. Many Democrats and Republicans have the same opinion. The people that don’t have the same opinion would, if Trump told them to, deny water is wet, the sky is blue, and swear Biden lost in a landslide. These people have been swung over to a land of insanity just as Germans in the early 1930’s. This is a mass mental illness. And because America (unlike Germany) was built on a totally pluralistic society, they will ALWAYS lose. Thank God.

[@rohankurian5641]

💪🇺🇸💪🇺🇸💪🇺🇸

[@juliebarr2188]

I totally agree.

[@hilarylauren6112]

Yes, especially considering her background in far right circles. It’s incredibly rare that anyone who’s been on one end of a spectrum can be as objective and critical as she is being while still holding true to her values.

[@ds5436]

Yeah, we wouldn't agree on most policy, but just being able to debate the actual merits of an actual policy would be an improvement. Yeah, she worked for bad people. But she has the capability for self-reflection many hyper partisans lack. Plus it takes balls to take a stand against Trumpism. The "base" is like a bunch of dogs that have been raised for fighting.

[@barbarazuazua3927]

I'm grateful for the transparency about what you saw and experienced during your part in this administration. Thank you for just putting it out there. It's only your word but it provides sensible explanations like I haven't heard before.

[@lostcat9lives322]

She's lying.

[@frankG335]

Everything she's saying perfectly aligns with every book from the people who were in the white house at that time. The infighting, his lack of impulse control, his violent lack of compassion and desire for violence... his ruling with fear. All of it.

[@vladtheinhaler8940]

@@frankG335You guys are pretty confident even though you're not that bright.

[@arthurswanson3285]

She wrote conspiracy theory articles about Obama for her father's publications right up until Trump got elected. She is of Lebanese & Syrian descent & thought her quickest way to American identity was to attack a black person's americaness & birth certificate. And now wants to play principled. Hilarious.

[@cindyabraham5503]

@@vladtheinhaler8940 The fact that you say that you make the statement shows that you’re not very bright

[@alexkasper5029]

I'm left of center and I really believe the only way we can heal our country is by hearing out people on the other side. This interview is such a great example of how hearing someones full story is so valuable and a good reminder that we have a lot more in common than it might seem. My personal politics are very different from Alyssa's, but I understand where she is coming from and her account of what it was like in and around the White House during the Trump presidency was so credible. In the full documentary I had questions about how someone who seemed so rational could have even ended up involved in that administration and after hearing this interview I feel bad for jumping to conclusions about her. I really value her perspective on Pence and what she witnessed in the White House in 2020. I have come to deeply respect and rely on the perspective of the Republicans who have been speaking out about Trump bc they are able to communicate the truth of what is going on in their party without the usual bullshit that is so prevalent on both sides.

[@kimmyhawk5612]

SHES A LYING BACKSTABBING CU NEXT TUESDAY! HE GIVES THIS COW A JOB AND HER AND PENCE BACKSTAB HIM! THEY BOTH CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL!!!

[@joehitterman8620]

Unbelievable interview, I appreciate her being so straightforward without worry- it’s rare.

[@yvonneplant9434]

True. I wonder how many rabid MAGA threats she's getting.

[@countchoculitis1528]

@@yvonneplant9434 Who cares, she's pretty morally bankrupt. I figured it out in the first 3 minutes when she said she was going to Fox News to endorse Ted Cruz. Let that sink in a moment. 😂

[@oceanbnd]

It’s common to people who never liked Trump because of his caustic public persona, that she never knew him personally. Yet she never hesitated to talk badly about him here politically, without really knowing him.

[@oceanbnd]

@@yvonneplant9434 None probably, other then what she’s pretending to be getting.

[@oceanbnd]

See Insane comments above..

[@BigVilFromWestPhil]

She could've spoke out when it would've made a difference.

[@randomboris]

Well she would have lost her job and all future prospects of one. Probably part of her calculation.

[@BigVilFromWestPhil]

@@randomboris get a job at Wendy's idgaf. I think the country is more important than a job. It's not just her all of them were complicit.

[@lynnbardwell7580]

Really?? There were A LOT of more well known people than her that DID speak out and it changed nothing.

[@BigVilFromWestPhil]

@@lynnbardwell7580 no one reported Trump. No one.

[@devilaces]

It's interesting, like the people who speak out against MAGA just struck down and what good did it do? Lot's of people spoke out, but the church of Trump just isn't having it. Standing up and saying "everyone, this guy is a tool. he isn't good at his job. he's a dummy, a bully and everything he is doing is simply for is personal gain" is something LOTs of people have said and continue to say, and have been saying for a long time and it just doesn't move the needle. The church of trump isn't going to change because of someone self sacrificing.

[@kareyrose]

May God protect you politically and physically and thank you for your bravery!

[@ridethepace6005]

I disagree that many couldn't see it coming. We did. She and others couldn't see it because they didn't want to. She says as much, that the larger goals of changing public policy mattered more than the continued adherence to pesky ideals, as they see them.

[@ashspeaking7910]

Would all those ex-staffers come after Trump if he has won in 2020? I don't bloody think so, they would have continued to work for, and support, 'the dear leader'!

[@oliviascrueltyfreebeauty1012]

Exactly! And where were all those a holes who wrote books when we needed someone to speak up and fight back?

[@ashspeaking7910]

@@oliviascrueltyfreebeauty1012 correct!

[@stephaniebobek817]

To be fair she resigned on Dec 4th

[@oliviascrueltyfreebeauty1012]

@@stephaniebobek817 Understood. But a lot went on long before December 4

[@ashspeaking7910]

@@stephaniebobek817 good point!

[@filterdecay]

she seems to have a really rosey view of how good she was at her job.

[@Backcountryhiker]

This was an intelligent and honest interviewee from someone who not only lived through the whole process but could see beyond the politics and who was so concerned about the direction this country was going, that she saw the event for what it was. God bless her and God bless America. May the Democracy wave forever!

[@leotachaney7322]

Thank you, Alysa, for your insight and honesty! Seems there are many serving in our government, elected and otherwise who put political AMBITION above their own integrity! A person's integrity is the only thing they personally own and are accountable for.

[@mark254]

Yea, she perfectly described *A CULT!*

[@thunderwolf4237]

Hmm I didn’t realize cheating at golf meant you were a great golfer 🤣

[@reneemyatt5446]

🤪

[@reneemyatt5446]

Lol

[@christinew3549]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lauracarstiou3505]

Lol. I was thinking the same thing 😂

[@nyrckr]

She has a lot of friends that are detestable human beings , doesnt say much for her

[@Kaymeron]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@redfisher5378]

Mark Meadows? Her friend?

[@gloriatr604]

She's young and doesn't see her own flaws

[@lopsided1]

Alyssa, I'm proud to be a fellow American citizen with you! Thank you for your courage and strength!!! 💪

[@shadrackchabedi3447]

She lies to herself many times in this interview.

[@meredithheath5272]

Shadrack, I agree.

[@aaroncalderon6928]

Ive never heard a conservative speak like her, where she actually sees the faults of her party and condemns them honestly and showing compassion

[@oneirishpoet]

Yep I agree, she's smart insightful and has enough discernment to see what happened in the Trump administration that was just rotten to its core. And she's done a good job of explaining how and why it ended up to be the massive cluster fck it was

[@desertdetroiter428]

Meh…it’s just buyer’s remorse.

[@yvonneplant9434]

@@desertdetroiter428 So right. She's kinda like Tim Miller. Remorseful now. She still worked for the Trump admin and agreed with whatever Faustian bargain she made. She's no different than the German conservatives who naively believed they could control Hitler and Nazis.

[@JoniDiMaggio]

@@desertdetroiter428 just bitter are we?

[@desertdetroiter428]

@@JoniDiMaggio we? No, YOU maybe.

[@KathyJo.]

Wonderful interview and proud of this young woman

[@nicholasandhishuman4805]

The booing of his booster announcement, was truly a Frankensteins Monster moment.

[@marcypeterson4245]

Conservative??? For whom? The rich, not for every day Americans.

[@skeeterbodeen8326]

Yep, Conservatives don't want change, and that includes they don't want people like us in "their Club".

[@reneemyatt5446]

Sing that tune Marcy, I like it alot

[@ginahickman6864]

She saw it coming and I will never believe otherwise...She saved her career by straddling the fence and trying not to make any enemies. by knowing who not to burn. She is not dingy at all and it is paying off.

[@matthewmensah8703]

You really are not too smart are you? Not making enemies? ? She has lost family members and close friends and a whole working circle of contacts and you say she tried not to make enemies.. SMH

[@catherinemaddux241]

Wow much respect for this very principled professional ( whose politics I most likely wouldn’t agree with). Glad you were there and are willing to speak out. We are lucky as country!

[@m.thomas3982]

She lost me when she said “family values”

[@Recon6delta]

I do appreciate her honesty and respect her for doing this because she makes herself a target for life.

[@tedhawthorne5102]

Absolutely I have notice more and more of this , the more they talk the more there true colors show.

[@Dr.JudeAEMasonMD]

I am also grateful for the non-radicalized peek behind the MAGA veil. These are the only source witnesses to this unprecedented Presidency.

[@series3113]

Anybody that cradles Pence's balls, who cradles Trump's, also cradles Trump's. Why MAGA would hunt this liar who championed their Orange Monkey God, is beyond me.

[@rigelb9025]

@@Dr.JudeAEMasonMD Dare-I-say, this 'unpresidented precedent'.

[@ogyaherd9667]

@@rigelb9025 astute word playing!

[@anthonyhaugan145]

she Wrote in Ted Cruz? and Rand Paul? heaven help us

[@carlosdelpozo1886]

I believe she said she wrote in pence and Paul Ryan, but I may be mistaken.

[@pmmk24]

Alyssa was an insider and knows first hand what was going on . She is a credible and intelligent person who I believe is speaking from a core set of principles on what it means to be an honorable public servant . She showed she has integrity when she resigned her post at the White House . Despite the high likelihood of retribution against her , she took a courageous stand by leaving the White House . By leaving , it was an unequivocal rejection of those in the White House who were selling out their souls to follow Trump’s lie when they knew he legitimately lost . They did it only to keep power and serve their own personal interests - all the more despicable given the insurrection and the obvious destruction and damage the lie was doing to our democracy . After watching this interview, I am so impressed with Alyssa. By her leaving the White House and her continuing to speak out against the lie , she shows me she has the character traits of a good leader and public servant . She actually is more of a leader and public servant than Trump and the rest of his cult members in the White House . She stuck to her core beliefs and clearly demonstrated that there is an integrity line that cannot be crossed . In this interview , I think Alyssa provided the rational Americans an honest , thoughtful and thought-provoking view of what it really means to be a public servant who has integrity and will not serve their own self interests . We need more people like Alyssa in our government .

[@Dankmitta]

This is one of the best series PBS has ever produced!

[@MusicByJC]

Frontline does amazing an job at putting these documentaries together.

[@ingothitrust5248]

She's just as complicit in this whole debacle and charade as the rest of them. She may be a rose, but she has thorns.

[@tonywilson4713]

I like that last bit "She may be a rose, but she has thorns." Forget the interview it was worth it just for that description.

[@eleashaeatman]

I agree!

[@classicalaid1]

@@tonywilson4713 She's poison. I heard CNN was shifting its focus. Guess it has. Yech!

[@tonywilson4713]

@@classicalaid1 Mark Blyth asked this: _"For 4 years CNN's business model was 'Trump Bad.' What do they do now he's gone?"_

[@heatherc2939]

@@tonywilson4713 indeed, CNN has gone full Fox-lite. Horrid.

[@goldengnome1951]

This woman is a fantastic interview!

[@lindadeal3344]

Thanks for this information!

[@yvonnefarrell1029]

Mike Pence as governor of Indiana discriminating against gays and lesbians not a "man of character".

[@Krush00]

Yes.

[@mikewhite4560]

T O U C H E

[@itsme-nt2lj]

she hates gays too

[@kokohead333]

he's just a weird guy

[@michaelgauro]

Exactly! Greetings from Germany!

[@MattyV001]

Can you imagine really admiring mike pence? Who hurt this girl?

[@Cagney68]

@matthew shelton ‐ No, sir. I absolutely despised his spineless lapdogging--a true nothingman.

[@reneemyatt5446]

She's cleaning up

[@Regi254.]

Right!!!

[@glennmaillard5972]

Irrespective how much I disagree with Pence, he finally upheld the constitution and balked Trump. I would never vote for him but can only commend him doing the right thing regards the election. Credit where it’s due.

[@KimberlyBishh]

Probably because he was such a plantlike virginal christian man and she had never met one that practiced monogamy with their wife...

[@Algorithm_work_your_magic]

1:09:50 I am ALSO a Veteran, a Marine Vet, and no matter what branch, Ashli Babbit took the exact same oath that I took, but she died doing the exact same thing that would put anyone in my literal crosshairs. No matter what any politician, or radio shot, or damn Twitter, even the president himself couldn´t get me to storm the US Capitol, she is dead because her oath was hollow, she was weak, she knew damn well that that at some point she could incur someone who is authorized to used deadly force, and any fool would think, break and enter.... then barrier.... another barrier at SOME POINT there is an Alamo, well she learned that day. I absolutely would have not thought twice about taking the shot, man woman, black white, gay trans, Liberal Conservative whatever / WHOEVER would have poked their head around that corner is getting lit TF up and I sleep well at night.

[@stuartmcalpine9468]

It was so wonderful to have a “Dear Leader” as president. What’s even more Great is how readily politicians line up to get on board with such a cruel tyrant.

[@mindfulobserver1314]

Awesome interview - I really appreciate how transparent and direct she is - the interview reminds me there is a context to everything.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

This woman is an expert, of sorts, but not qualified to determine election validity.

[@oceanbnd]

@@jakebredthauer5100 Are you saying YOU are qualified to determine election validity? 😮

[@jakebredthauer5100]

@@oceanbnd I made a good reply to you but I don't know where it went.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

@@oceanbnd If she were honest, she would admit that she cannot be sure what the true results were.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

@@oceanbnd The main problem was the fake mail-in ballots and the election rules that were made by unauthorized government officials.

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

At least Adam Kinzinger says he didn't impeach Trump the first time "to my shame." This woman is GREAT at pointing out the motivations/rationalizations of everyone EXCEPT herself. She (unlike Congressmen Kinzinger) never takes responsibility for helping to prop up this administration and never says "I made a mistake; I was motivated by things I shouldn't have been." No respect.

[@vanessawyndham8791]

💯

[@gloriawright47]

Alyssa you did a great job watch you guys everyday M-F if I don't watch it it's recored TY 😊😊

[@JML6988]

This lady paid a price for her integrity but she'd gladly do it again. That's principle at work!

[@mrashad219]

Integrity?🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gloriatr604]

That's Ambition at work, she even says so...listen carefully.

[@ewat4753]

It’s amazing that Republicans who have the insight and self awareness of seeing trump for who he is continued on through the heinous actions of the administration, but only decided the insurrection was the line in the sand. Although Mrs Griffin is a very articulate person, and shows her communications bona fides with this interview, her attempt to rehabilitate a career that helped trump institute, and perpetuate, the devastation of American democracy can not be fully cleansed or forgotten.

[@65neu52]

Exactly. Basically, this bird is as much a part of the damaging MAGA machine as anyone who had any parts in enabling it.

[@rossr6616]

agreed!

[@mka1967]

EXACTLY, IF THE INSURRECTION HAD SUCEEDED SHE WOULD BE STILL BE THERE

[@vjmcdonn]

did you even watch the interview? She adamantly states that she did not support trump but decided to vote for pence which is why he was selected as Vice President. Trump would NEVER have won without pence. The conservative right respected pence. She refused to work for trump but did agree to work for pence away from trump but then resigned on early December due to the attempt to steal the vote and destroy democracy. I don't agree with her politically in ANY way but damn you have to respect her!

[@yurei8]

Well, the bar is low. She is telling the truth now. That is important, because others are still carrying on the Big LIe.

[@luannnelson547]

Without gerrymandering in North Carolina, I think Mark Meadows would still be in the restaurant business. He would never have won his congressional seat in NC11 without that manipulation of the electorate.

[@harrypalmer907]

boohoo, cry more

[@ottomatic3123]

The Pubs have been nurturing crazy since at least the 90's. It's been growing and growing since. Now they're surprised that it grew up.

[@Marielenas]

Great example of what Americans need to do!! SILENCE WILL NOT PROTECT US

[@maddiethornhill9853]

I have no particular response to this woman, one way or another. But I’m truly shocked and awed about how naive she is. This is an intelligent, highly educated person, not without the ability to analyse, evaluate and assess. And yet who, apparently, had no warning lights flashing on her dashboard until the eleventh hour. She has no reference points with which to recognise and evaluate human evil nor even a basic understanding of narcississtic personality disorder.

[@mark254]

Half of us saw exactly who he was, what he was about & exactly how dangerous he was

[@danadams6477]

Apparently, several million more than half the people.

[@refuge42]

He still is dangerous, bc his followers are a cult.

[@christinem979]

Sadly, likely more than 1/2 the people that voted for the FPOTUS, also knew, but truly believed a lying, cheating, con-man, was a better option than a liberal female.

[@carolinequinlivan8897]

@@danadams6477 I certainly agree so dangerous he tried to close the border to keep our enemies out ..goodness keep my drugs out an how dare he try to keep my children safe human trafficking is exactly what I want for my children an absolutely want them trained in school not to obey parents but to raise My children like Hilter.. no food on the shelves at the grocery store we really don't need that after all China can do without !! Oh ! We absolutely don't need to be in control of financial responsibility why pay us when the government is taking care of us !!cthey will give us an allowance! Yea !!

[@user-tw1pg2ph7y]

Never ever thought trump had any good character traits. He has been a Weasel his entire life. One of the most disgusting pathetic human beings to ever exist

[@tommyval4047]

Yes there was a point enough is enough and you were gone admirably before that point. Again thank you for your service.

[@gloriagruca8290]

Interesting and insightful documentary. I very much enjoyed Alyssa. It is evident that Donald is at best a salesman. Whatever sells is his position. He never had the resume. His life has led him to only understand a dollar, not the workings or value of a democracy. As they say people follow you either out of respect or fear. Is evident that the politicians around Donald did not respect him, but only feared him. It was for self-preservation. Donald brought out who they are and their priorities.

[@heverlyj]

This was one of the most interesting, informative, enlightening interviews I have ever watched. She has answered so many questions that I didn’t even know I wanted answered. Kudos to the interviewer who did a masterful job of asking the right questions in the right sequence. I actually have my faith in the government increase knowing that there are people like Ms. Griffin serving in that government. Mike Pence should use this in his presidential campaign.

[@KwautLizard]

Ex White House Director of Strategic Communications, she's reciting her resumé! Frontline is exceptional journalism. Kudos to Mike Wiser's interview.

[@ronp773]

They can never call Frontline...fake news. Its all the real people involved speaking their story in everything they do.

[@gloriatr604]

Pence will never be President, he has no backbone, he proved that Jan 6th.

[@nancylee6649]

If this was very interesting and informative for you, you probably would really enjoy seeing the PBS FRONTLINE INTERVIEW WITH TIM ALBERTA. Also so very sobering but answers so many questions that have never been made very public. Peace be with you and the USA.

[@neesaljohnson86]

This is an amazing interview, the candor and accountability is breath taking. I hope this is seen widely and viewed on All political fronts. My political affection is vastly different here, And this person is an intelligent, honorable patriot

[@norwegianzound]

It won't be. Most Americans have no more than 6 seconds concentration. Lose them after that, they never come back.

[@cardboardmusic]

Especially the last section which is a very interesting and clear understanding/explanation of what is happening in American politics at present.

[@nancylee6649]

There is a PBS FRONTLINE interview with Tim Alberta that is even more interesting than this one. A MUST SEE for everyone that is trying to understand what and why all of this happened.

[@rigelb9025]

@@nancylee6649 Mona Charen is great as well.

[@markfrost2707]

not one republican will ever see this

[@sparkster1314]

The Pence running mate story about Trump is exactly as funny as I thought it would be.

[@sparkster1314]

Then Mr. Trump said "Mike, it's gonna be great, we will win bigly." And I said "I don't know if there is a question, but the answer is yes sir". Cue laughter.

[@omardiaz664]

PBS frontline is the bomb! 🎉 better than any podcast and blows Joe Rogan out the water 💦

[@devilaces]

41:22: I cant tell you the number of times that he said in my presence, "I can't believe this happened to me" about coronavirus, as though it wasn't a global pandemic that's now killed a million Americans and tens of millions of people around the globe. He felt like it was personally victimizing him because of the impact it would have on his reelect and that to me was so indicative of his character, or lack thereof. But it gives you a sense of how he sees things, which is, you know, this is again me; this is an attack on me. I don't understand how people don't see this in him. It just seems so consistent to me, from the beginning that he's a sleeze bag. Yet he's telling people "I've done more work for this country then anyone in history." and people just sit there and say "oh wow! That's so much work! I'm glad to be able to vote for you!". It's just frustrating an fascinating in turn.

[@reneemyatt5446]

I concur. ¿¿it's totally discombobulating??

[@gggnumber1]

I speak with ex45ers all the time. Their statements and opinions on social, economic, political issues seemed to be rooted on the dislike, or even hatred of anything lefty/liberal and are so often some sound bite or piece of propaganda they heard somewhere that has little or no factual basis. Ya can't reason with the unreasonable.

[@breakthewheelnow8223]

Well…..,that’s how cult’s are.

[@randibgood]

I never realized, until his campaign started, that we have so many easily brainwashed people in this country. I truly always thought our education system was at least better that to allow that. Frustrating that those CULT45 members are unable to tell facts from fiction.

[@pamlewis1183]

MAKE MENTAL ILLNESS GREAT AGAIN! Sounds perilous to me (UNDERSTATEMENT)....

[@evelynbonner3908]

"Pence pretty much kept the Presidency on track." Give me a break.

[@JAv-ti8uq]

Oh my God, these interviews are truly amazing. This woman is so intelligent and well spoken. I am not politically, on the same side as her, but it is so refreshing to see someone like her speak out and speak the truth. It’s so nice to hear a reasonable conservative called Donald Trump out on his bullshit. He’s a terrible human being and everyone that mindlessly supports him is also a complete Dipshit.

[@TheMarialm66]

Thank you for speaking out. I’m learning that the uninformed don’t want to be informed and the misinformed do not want to hear the truth. We have our work cut out for us. God help us.

[@-treehugger]

If we stoke an insurrection we can use the insurrection act. It's genius!

[@cherylbrash]

excellent interview. I am not a republican but feel we need to help people like Ms. Alyssa that understand this awful phenomenon occurring in our country.

[@johndiana11207]

Truly a great interview regardless of where you stand on the aisle (Frontline documentaries are the best) ....You are a true AMERICAN and I praise Ms. Griffin for her honesty, bravery, and her duty to serve us all. If you and Ms. Cheney where to start a political party to bring back conservative politics, you would definitely win and get my vote !!!!!!

[@mahakicp]

Great to hear an inside version of Trump presidency from a dedicated career civil servant. Such intelligence and energy wasted backing the wrong horse and then departing from the chaos rather too late. Thank you for a great interview