George Stephanopoulos in Conversation with Maggie Haberman: The Situation Room

It’s the place where Presidents made their highest-pressure decisions. Created under President Kennedy, the Situation Room has been the epicenter of crisis management for presidents for more than six decades. Time and again, the decisions made there affect the lives of every person on this planet — from close calls with disaster narrowly averted to dramatic turning points in a dozen presidential administrations.

Join the anchor of ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos and co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America with The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman for a unique perspective on the history of the Situation Room — and George’s new book The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis. Offering for an inside look at the crises that decided the course of history — from the days when Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were shot to the harrowing hours after the 9/11 attack, from new details from Obama administration officials leading up to the raid on Osama Bin Laden to a first-ever account from White House staff on January 6 — get an insider’s look at the definitive moments in American history when Presidents’ legacies are made … or destroyed.

[lucibjlb]

I've worked with public safety agencies (city, country, state and federal) for 15 years. Most people don't realize that most of these government professionals are dedicated, service-oriented people. It's amazing what they're willing to do and put up with for less money than the private sector. What's also amazing is how good these people are. These are talented people with tons of knowledge. Had the politicians listened to them during the pandemic, this country would have done a lot better job getting through the crisis.

[eileenohare]

Thank you for this articulate, responsible discussion. So rare these days.

[patrarus]

Thanks for posting this excellent discussion. I respect both George and Maggie immensely!

[ducodelgorge]

One of the best interviews I have seen. Fascinating, insightful, and potentially consequential. Everyone should see this!

[DeeDee-tqcg]

Excellent interview! Excellent book which I have finished! I worked for both DOD and later became a DAC. Again, excellent book! Thank you, George Stephanopoulos, and Margie Haberman.!!!!

[carolynblakeney]

I am now and was then fundamentally opposed to the political positions Mike Pence holds/held, but I was terrified for his safety as well as the safety of ALL other members of Congress (Democratic or Republican), and the adjacent staff and security personnel. THAT is what makes most of us left of center differ from most of those right of center.

[barbaraweiss]

What a great interview! I’ll look forward to reading the book!

[brooks]

I've always thought of George as fair, humble, a thoughtful thinker and knowledgeable. I dream that he becomes a forefront speaker during this time of media lies and lukewarm journalism. It's just sad to see that so many so called journalists chase down roads of less thoughtful sensationalism and low hanging fruit that's easy but rotten to the core

[melissasweeting-percentie]

"All art is spirit-breathed..." thank you for listening to that inner voice and doing this work, both of you xoxo Melissa K.

[debraallender]

George, you are an icon! I can't wait to read the book! Awesome interview!

[s.z.]

Love how Stephanopoulos describes these stories, very interesting.

[clifftanch]

We as a country and as a society believe in freedom of expression and freedom of press, and along with that an openness to examining our own past. Do not ever forget that is a part of our strength and, God willing, whatever greatness we hope to achieve in history.

[lisawall]

Excellent interview! George and Maggie are spellbinding.

[cathypreston]

Thank you both George and Maggie. Such valuable sharing of knowledge and some level of understanding for us all.

[indranidasgupta]

This was just fantastic, thank you!! I’m not too much younger than George and I remember him as the WH Comm. Dir. during President Clinton’s first term. He was a young policy wonk and our family just loved him… we lost THE policy (and economics) wonk in our family back in 2015 (my brother) and I feel so sad he’s not here to read George’s book… he’d have pored over it… ruminating over the various POTUS and duty officer and Sit. Room incident revelations… we’d get dad to read it and would’ve had many dinner time conversations about it. I can just see him with the book under his arm like he had so many other favorites… 😊

[jimchik]

Another great one. And Ms Haberman… simply too cool for school. Wow…

[jaymerichards]

Fascinating! Can't wait to get the book.

[mattcwatkins]

I'm one that knows that there are man in the silent service of our republic from a local level including legislative branch as well as emergency management. The words about the duty officer on January 6th are both haunting and encouraging we endured the challenge. Now, we have yet another challenge this fall...and the system can't take it if we fail to uphold the curbs.

[ccwoodlands]

Vote Blue! 💙💙. Great job, George and Maggie!

[oldskeptic]

... what is the reason Mark Meadows is not compelled to clear up such important details in an extraordinary historical event for the country... ?