Tavis Smiley Season 9 Episode 145 Former New York Gov. George Pataki & Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.)

Former New York Gov. George Pataki and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) appear on Tavis Smiley's show in the 145th episode of season 9. Both guests provide their insights on the current political climate in the United States, discussing topics such as immigration, healthcare, and gun control.

Pataki, who served as Governor of New York from 1995 to 2006, talks about his experience working on immigration policy during his time in office. He advocates for a more comprehensive approach to immigration reform, arguing that the issue is too complex to be solved through a single executive order or piece of legislation. Pataki also discusses the importance of investing in education and infrastructure in order to support economic growth and job creation.

Senator McCaskill, who represents Missouri in the U.S. Senate, shares her thoughts on the ongoing healthcare debate in Congress. She argues that while the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has its flaws, repealing it without an adequate replacement plan would be disastrous for millions of Americans who rely on the law for their healthcare. McCaskill also discusses her efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and her support for common-sense gun control legislation.

Throughout the interview, both guests emphasize the need for bipartisanship and cooperation in American politics. Pataki notes the importance of finding common ground and working together to achieve shared goals, while McCaskill argues that both parties need to be willing to compromise in order to pass meaningful legislation.

Overall, the episode provides a thoughtful and informative discussion on some of the most pressing issues facing the United States today. Pataki and McCaskill offer valuable insights into the workings of American politics and provide hope for a more collaborative and effective approach to governance in the future.