More Than “One Damn Thing,” with Bill Barr

Recorded on May 17, 2022
William P. Barr is one of only two people to have served as attorney general of the United States under two presidents and the only one to have done it in two different centuries (under George H. W. Bush from 1991 to 1993 and under Donald Trump from 2019 to 2020). In his new book, One Damn Thing after Another: Memoirs of an Attorney General, Barr goes into great detail about the chaos, the troubles, and the triumph that occurred during the time of his service under President Trump. This wide-ranging interview covers Russiagate, the COVID outbreak, civil unrest, the impeachment, and the 2020 election fallout. Barr is very candid and forthcoming in his opinions on those events and his thoughts on his former boss.
For further information:
www.hoover.org/publications/u...
Interested in exclusive Uncommon Knowledge content? Check out Uncommon Knowledge on social media!
Facebook: / uncknowledge
Twitter: / uncknowledge
Instagram: / uncommon_knowledge_show

[@HAHA-rm3ii]

Great conversation. Trump was screwed the day he came down that elevator in 2016, and it never stopped. Not one day of peace.

[@michellehamilton4075]

Seriously! Trump? How about Biden? One thing after another!

[@jrin72]

Mr. Barr, if Trump isn't the one to unite the party, then who is? The GOP old guard wants back into power, but the interests of their benefactors are polar opposite to those of the people, for whom Trump cheerleads. Maybe DeSantis is next, but not because he'll be grand unifier accepted by the blue-blood Republicans. Rather, because the people see in him what they saw in Trump: a fighter who'll spurn the establishment the whole way.

[@beaconterraoneonline]

“What happened to the FBI and how can we turn it around?” … one way is for those in the FBI who were involved and broke the law be severely penalized including jail time.

[@daraki1]

2000 mules!! Watch it!

[@FastKiwiBoss]

Amazing and frank interview, as a non American I'm just amazed at what Trump achieved with all this going on behind him......what an amazing person.

[@lyndahenglein5615]

I am shocked with Bill Barr.

[@MrJento]

An interesting interview. Barr’s Mia Culpa on national events. What is clear to me is his passive view of his role and position. There is that old saying “ for evil to succeed only requires that good men do nothing”. Bill Barr can truly say “I did nothing”. The office of the president as an institution and the term of an elected president was institutionally assaulted. Barr tangentially acknowledges this. He was in a position of authority, a position that required him to take the appropriate action. Yet he did not do so. To the detriment of us all. To say there was an odor, that various agencies were exceeding their authority, etc etc is like a fire fighter saying “I smelled smoke but saw no fire, so I did nothing”. This “not my problem” attitude is what is at its core the failing of the conservatives in this country. That is my opinion. Fox out.

[@scottcrowley3509]

Policy not personality. Too many Americans don't get it.

[@StephenPaulTroup]

Love Peter Robinson as an interviewer, but despise this man since he folded like a lawn chair when the heat got turned up. He enjoys looking the part of the stout bulwark of freedom & justice, but when the mob gathered he ran like a little girl with a skinned knee. Now he wants to rehabilitate his image. I'm not forgetting he showed his true colors in Dec 2020.

[@Mike-qm7ry]

Great conversation. Interesting perspective from the inside. As for Trump, He's just like Regan. Although we didn't get details in this conversation about Reagan's agenda, many on this platform are familiar with some key points. Those points include Parents making decisions for their Children, deregulation and low taxes, energy independence and most importantly less violence around the World. Don't know about Y'all but I'm still on the Trump Train. Chooo choooooo!

[@Junglebtc]

So Trump was charming when things were going his way . Myself included the charm turns down when people are pushing against you , is Mr Barr all charm when people are railing against him ? Anyone with an ounce of sense won't be so charming when people are working against them. It makes you appear weak if your still playing nice to your opponent

[@johnritter5951]

Peter Robinson chose the exact word..."judicious" to describe Barr's approach to this interview. One had the sense that Peter was trying to get to the real truth, but Barr was playing his cards very close to the vest. Actually, I found this to be very much in keeping with everything he did and said as Attorney General under Trump...always the voice of cool, calm moderation. I must admit, though, it leaves me wondering how boring his book must be and why anyone would buy it, for he must certainly be "judicious" in his writing as well. Barr reminds me of a song the Smothers Brothers did back in the late '60s. It was entitled "Mediocre Fred." Seems to me Barr was never really FOR anything, nor really AGAINST anything...always just poking around somewhere in between. That such a person fancied himself as coming to an abused president's rescue (as Barr claims was his rationale for accepting the AG position) strikes me as quite funny. When it came to the concern that the 2020 election had serious corruption problems, Mr. Mediocre took a firm stand right on the fence: he didn't believe there WERE problems, but then he didn't believe there WEREN'T problems either, just that he personally didn't see any evidence. Such people never come off looking bad...but then they never come off looking good either. Eleven minutes of this interview was enough for me. Just more of the same old same old...book or not.

[@Lilac21248]

What are you talking about, gentlemen. Trump is not elite? Who is he socializing with, who would be honored to be invited to his parties or to Mara Logo? Who begged him for the money for their campaigns? His 11 years TV show was one of the most successful. Qween loves him. Come on, people, be truthful.

[@WhosMolly]

Peter asks the question; “How could this happen in an agency where integrity is required?” Americans have not required integrity from any of their leaders or institutions for a long time now. Isaiah says it best, “Integrity stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public square”.

[@winnielai7455]

Peter Robinson is a brilliant interviewer

[@hillbillyhoe8169]

“Why should Americans trust these people”? I think this was the best question asked.

[@markwoodson2020]

People of good will who naturally have zero desire to be involved in politics MUST BEGIN TO SERVE. Starting at the local level America loving people must start running and winning or STOP COMPLAINING. Evil happens when good men do nothing.

[@neilatkinson3974]

Wow, so Barr is actually a genuine, professional fence sitter. Ya, we need more guys like him. Ha ha ha

[@grannygrunt5211]

If president Trump runs in 2024 he has my vote best President we ever had! We were energy independent, we were not in any wars, and he done a lot of good things while I was in office.

[@debrakiddoo318]

Fantastic conversation. I can’t help but think we are screwed.

[@jayeye4798]

I love how calm Bill Barr is. Everything is literally matter of fact no matter how ridiculous. I need to adopt a little of that. I emote too much, I think.

[@6663000]

Would love to see an Uncommon Knowledge conversation with Bill Barr and Victor Davis Hanson together. Not sure what the proper framework might be exactly, but I know Peter could make it happen!

[@MarkRE333]

Isn't it great when people are allowed to fully answer thought provoking questions?

[@burntsider8457]

Of all the important points Barr makes in this meaningful interview, the top one is his call for reduced federal interference in our lives. The federal government is there to protect the states from foreign hostiles, not to impose a single set of rules on the states.

[@Christian___]

Fascinating...

[@tobyw9573]

I thought Trump's lengthy press conferences were remarkably good.

[@notlimey]

The Republicans are a working class party now...... so true. Here in Canada the Conservative party is now the party of the Working class.... in the UK their Conservative Party won local elections in districts that have never voted Conservative

[@redbaronsnoopy2346]

Very enlightening & fascinating. . . My question is, when is accountability going to become the norm again? It's been diminished and outright ignored incrementally for decades, now, for some time does not exist. A very serious problem, especially when it comes back, it will be quite devastating to say the least, paradoxical slippery slope of scope of punishment of the very lack of accountability. . . terrifying

[@michaelhooper7587]

One of the best interviewers in the business. Thank you.

[@JieSuCabc]

Great conversation always

[@johnpatmos1722]

I wish every American (and beyond) would sit to listen to this.

[@mudhound0530]

Outstanding

[@AMJLBCA773]

He comments within the ability of what's possible to be public. I respect that he wasn't afraid to have a controversial opinion.

[@dasglasperlenspiel10]

Thank you very much, as always. Excellent interview!

[@Thea_MojaveOutliersWhipmakers]

Dang it. I thought it said "Bill Burr." lol!

[@bknow13713]

The mob was acting an ass before he finished his speech.

[@lancewalker6067]

Confirmation of what we knew all along.

[@huiliwang8953]

Would you accept the outcome of the legal but "unfair" rules as legitimate and fair?-- Hard to get his logic.

[@donyork8641]

Excellent interview!

[@our2kidsMR]

This was an enjoyable interview because it was informative.

[@BB-cf9gx]

Superb interview.

[@joaocenteno3623]

Excellent interview

[@siuwong4588]

Another excellent interview! I only have one thing in doubts, it’s the vote counting machine - the “Biden curve”… that’s actually one of the main reasons I have doubts about the election outcome.

[@brookserickson1774]

Simply amazing. Thrilling. Thank you.

[@monicahart3071]

That was excellent!!! Thank you so much.

[@russell9206]

Very good interview, thanks.

[@tobyw9573]

Barr calls the Dems the Far Left - props for that.

[@jamesfeeney3016]

Superb interview!!

[@youmayberight2434]

Roe vs. Wade was overturned today thanks to President Trumps 3 appointees IMO. Long live the Republic! On side note, most Republics don't make it much past 250 years.

[@mattjohnson4159]

A brilliant conversation I really enjoyed it.

[@catfishman1768]

It’s fascinating to hear an unbiased account. He both praises and criticizes Trump. And his words ring true.

[@CE-yi6yr]

Great interview! Much appreciated.

[@anthonytsapralis9393]

Fantastic Interview.

[@bw3240]

a very thought provoking interview.

[@AMJLBCA773]

Thanks for the video suggestion

[@Mademoiselle_Co_]

Awesome show- Great to hear various views on these topics-

[@deborahremy6327]

Thank You

[@davidjudge5320]

Great interview

[@benlucy941]

Thank you, so very clear and helpful

[@Dominator9929]

Exceptional discussion...as always! 😁

[@herbhoover6423]

WOW - Thanks Gents

[@youtubehatesus2651]

very interesting. thank you

[@claudiamontano519]

So how do we get back to MORALS?????

[@TAO495]

I love this discussion. Love it!!

[@johnpatmos1722]

One of the most insightful interviews on the subjects covered.

[@behzadmassaband7898]

Some people were in partnership

[@patriciakimball8150]

Shout it from the highest hills! Thank you both 🙏

[@diannedotson5691]

Fantastic interview! Thank You!

[@marynielsen9214]

His attitude reflects my very own. If I have to choose betweenBiden and Trump, it will be Trump. But I hope there will be a. Different ticket to choose from. He was Great but his time has passed, Trump I mean.

[@dwightbaldwin7934]

Thanks Peter for another great interview. Thanks Bill Barr for serving twice as Attorney General, loved your book.

[@ChrisKirtley]

Brilliant interview, as usual, by Peter. Summary: "the election was stolen legally"

[@forwardlove9390]

Thank you anyone and everyone for committing loyalty to sensibility - there are times when red hot is required…. And then sometimes deep blue rights the same waters. Is there ever a good time for plain Jane politics? Can Political Science investigate an algorithm enabling a way to calculate the political climate in order to ensure best possible outcomes (for the country) perhaps by establishing a sort of devoted presidential style (or personality), regardless of political party, for the next coming election? Meaning - for sometime now politics has been a slap in the face competition. With each contestant progressively getting hit harder and harder and it’s almost boring, and at the very least it’s unproductive. Why do we NEVER get to see a candidate speak frankly about the reality of policies? We hear slogans and trademarks and general ideas …. Can we please choose one topic and be frank about how it is projected to help AND also within that same context what the ‘catch’ is. I don’t think anyone is expecting a miracle, Why don’t politicians level with the public?? I mean we all have household budgets - we all understand how going out to eat on Thursday (for example) means sometimes we skip going out to a movie on Friday. …like this is not a bombshell of an idea/concept. But we rarely hear anyone in Washington speak with such clarity about anything, instead it becomes ever muted and transposed and layered into a different topic before any semblance of an answer is realized. We need clarification because even with transparency, it’s almost frighteningly apparent that sensibility has taken a back seat to sensationalism. When the best and the brightest in this country don’t want to run for office simply because of “the toxic environment” surrounding the position, haven’t we already become defeated?

[@oliverliddell613]

To all my American friends "get your house in order"!

[@stephenalexander6721]

A very good interview. Thank you.

[@ronemilsen1243]

HUMILITY.....TO LISTEN WHEN NEEDED.....AT ALL TIME.

[@MsHburnett]

Interesting

[@anthonyriecke-gonzales8498]

Skew the playing field to get more people to vote! The ideal of representative democracy is for everyone to vote!!!

[@matthiasscherr4233]

Great interview!

[@Jay-ru3hx]

"Loyalty is to the Constitution." God bless you, sir. Thank you for your service.

[@CricketsMa]

I applaud you, Mr. Barr! Thank you for being so candid. I agree with you on many points, and pray our country can return to some measure of civility and pride. Best of luck to you in the years ahead.

[@frankmirado9833]

So how did that Durham report work out for you…?

[@Benjamin-fu5ij]

Excellent as usual, Peter! I always smile at the end of every UK episode. I smile because we still have folks like you to bring forth knowledge through rational discourse, all while allowing your guests to provide their perspective by providing a comprehensive and intellectually thorough framework. Such a delight. Side note: Bill Barr seems like a great man. A man with conviction and a sense of duty. Certainly outside the norms of today. Thank you sir!

[@dmcdurmon]

great interview! lots of clear and honest insight!

[@marteneqdt]

The most important interview to my understanding, I really appreciate Bill Barr, and your fantastic way of narrative

[@sirgalah4d20]

Eye opening.

[@albertl623]

🤔

[@markjungdahl3054]

The book is even better than the interview. Engrossing, well written, and clearly demonstrates William Bart’s exceptional intellect.

[@timberdark]

I wonder now how he feels about the raid in Trump's home 🏠

[@arturos_ideas]

two different millennia! hahahaha. Great interview! Thank you for your great works!

[@jpsmith9452]

Great interview. To the AG’s point about blind allegiance to President Trump. I was one of them. But now I’m ready to move on to someone more electable. President Trump set the agenda and got it moving, and I’ll be forever grateful to him for that. But if we really want to move the agenda further we’re going to need someone else. And IMO that is Governor DeSantis.

[@stacykarma1442]

Here for the Honey Badger only. Love the Honey Badger

[@gunner49er]

Thank God, Jeb Bush was never close to the White House that to be the last thing we ever need

[@xexxe]

Na.

[@kaloncar]

Overall, I find the former AG highly credible, thoughtful, and professional.

[@wdavis7655]

Talented?? There was some talent but to what ends?

[@lpsliladventures2019]

One of the best interviews with a former official that I have seen in years. Much respect for both of you! I wish we had a guy like Barr as president. We would have a truly smart and balanced person in that office for the first time in decades!

[@reddirtwalker8041]

I agree with Barr. Trump is not the person but would vote for him over a D.

[@gunner49er]

I think general Barr could play a major roll in getting this country back on track if the powers to be would listen and absorb what he has to offer he’s defiantly a wise deep thinker that is unshakable

[@BlueAnon66]

I've never seen someone as measured and judicious as Barr