“I think a lot of it is arrogance. Once they get into power and they’ve been there a while, they’re removed from the American people and they think they can get away with it.”
Welcome Craig Whitlock
We’re joined on the Starline by a journalist at the Washington Post covering the Pentagon and National Security. His 1st book was “The Afghanistan Papers” on the post-war reconstruction effort. His latest story is stranger than fiction story of a con man who swindled the Navy for years in “Fat Leonard: How One Man Bribed, Bilked, and Seduced the U.S. Navy”. We welcome author Craig Whitlock.
Craig, let’s go Beyond the Mic. As you uncovered the booze-fueled orgies and bribes over 10 years of research, which was the story that you couldn’t believe was true?
You were leaked several terabytes of government data. How far did your stomach sink when reading about this deceit, hubris and unchecked greed?
When Francis was arrested, was he jailed like any other bribery and conspiracy thief?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Which Washington Post colleague is your go to friend?
2. Admit it, was there a competition with your wife Jennifer to see whose book would sell more copies?
3. My dad owned a Karmann Ghia. Why did it take 20 years to get your blue ’66 VW Beetle restored?
4. As a Duke alumni How much on a scale from 1 a little to 10 a lot, did you love North Carolina State beating North Carolina for the ACC title?
5. How many FOIA requests have you filled in your lifetime?
6. Yes, No or Kinda – Do you believe aliens exist?
7. How do you like to preserve memories?
8. What’s the 1st responsibility did your parents give you as a kid?
Sneaking in couple more with author of Fat Leonard:
Of all the stories you covered or read, which story troubles you the most as a journalist?
Who got the justice that they deserved from the admirals to Fat Leonard?
What’s your next project?
One Big Question:
The US Government keeps getting caught. Is it a problem of the people in power or arrogance?
The Wrap:
He’s filled tons of Freedom of Information Act requests in his life time. He also enjoys taking photographs and wants you to read the unbelievable “Fat Leonard: How One Man Bribed, Bilked, and Seduced the U.S. Navy”.
Author Craig Whitlock thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with authors here.
Get more information about Fat Leonard here.
