Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 196 Valerie Plame Wilson, Joseph Wilson

Valerie Plame Wilson and Joseph Wilson are the esteemed guests on the 196th episode of Tavis Smiley's seventh season. Valerie Plame Wilson is a former CIA operations officer and the wife of Joe Wilson, who is a former diplomat and an American ambassador. They are here to talk about their latest book, "The Education of Valerie Plame Wilson," which is a thrilling memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of a fearless spy, who managed to keep her secret life hidden from her loved ones for a long time.

The episode starts with Tavis introducing the guests and their book, talking about how it sheds light on the life of a spy, the inner workings of the agency, and the challenges that come with being an undercover agent. Valerie and Joseph then take the stage, and Tavis dives right into the questions, asking them about their lives before the CIA, and how they ended up joining the agency.

Valerie talks about her upbringing and how her father's job as a colonel in the Air Force influenced her decision to join the CIA. Joseph, on the other hand, talks about his career as a diplomat and his involvement in various foreign policy initiatives. Tavis then asks them about their reaction to the revelation of Valerie's identity in 2003, and how they dealt with the aftermath.

Valerie describes the shock and horror she felt when her cover was blown and the impact it had on her life. Joseph talks about his efforts to clear his wife's name and expose the administration's lies about Iraq's supposed weapons of mass destruction. The conversation then turns towards their book and the research that went into it.

Valerie talks about how writing the book helped her come to terms with her past and how it gave her a chance to reflect on her experiences. Joseph adds that he hopes the book will inspire others to speak out against injustice and hold those in power accountable. Tavis asks them about the challenges they faced while writing the book and whether they faced any pushback from the agency.

Valerie and Joseph talk about the difficulties of retrieving classified information and the lengths they had to go to ensure the accuracy of their story. They also talk about the legal battles they had to fight to ensure that the book could be published without any censorship. The conversation then turns towards their thoughts on the current political climate and the state of national security.

Valerie and Joseph discuss the need for transparency and accountability within the government and how the current administration's policies are harming the country's image and safety. They also talk about the importance of protecting whistleblowers and journalists who expose government wrongdoing. The episode ends with Tavis thanking them for their time and their insights and encouraging viewers to pick up their book.

Overall, the 196th episode of Tavis Smiley's seventh season is a thought-provoking and insightful conversation featuring two remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving their country. From their experiences as spies to their battles against government corruption, Valerie Plame Wilson and Joseph Wilson have a lot to share, and this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in national security and the role of the CIA in protecting America.