George Stephanopoulos on the Inner Workings of the Situation Room

In a revealing interview with Michael Zeldin, George Stephanopoulos, the host of ABC's "This Week" and co-anchor of "Good Morning America," opened up about his experiences and perspectives while discussing his latest book co-authored with Lisa Dickey, “The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis."

Stephanopoulos, a seasoned journalist and former senior advisor to President Clinton, shared some profound insights into the inner workings of the White House and the often-unseen dedication of our national security professionals.

Crisis Management Experience

Drawing on historical examples, Stephanopoulos discussed the lessons learned from past crises and their impact on future administrations. He highlighted the failures of the Carter administration to rescue the American hostages during the Iran hostage crisis and how these failures informed the planning and execution of future operations, such as the successful mission to take out Osama bin Laden.

"One of the things we learned from the book, for example, is how other administrations learned from the failures of the Carter administration," Stephanopoulos noted. "Generations of foreign policy professionals studied the failures of Desert One, and these lessons were crucial for the success of later missions."

Stephanopoulos highlights the modernization of the Situation Room and the evolution of the White House Situation Room noting that President Biden's administration benefits from the improved technology and processes implemented over the years. “You've got all the screens everywhere, the highest possible technology, screens all across, in every single room of the complex that can be wiped clean at a moment of classified information,” said Stephanopoulos. “They can now actually hold full scale summits with, like, the whole G8 or G7…President Biden did it during the war in Ukraine because of the technology they now have."

Presidential Decision-Making

Stephanopoulos also delved into the decision-making processes within the Situation Room, illustrating the gravity and complexity of the decisions faced by presidents. He recounted the events leading up to the mission to kill Osama bin Laden, highlighting the careful consideration and debate that preceded the final decision.

"President Obama went around the room and asked everyone for their input. He even asked the aides sitting against the wall," Stephanopoulos explained. "It was a tough call, but he made the right decision."

The Resilience Of National Security Professionals

Reflecting on the challenges faced by these professionals, Stephanopoulos shared stories of their resilience and dedication. He recounted the story of Ed Padinsky, a duty officer who was present during the 9/11 attacks and later on the USS Carl Vinson when Osama bin Laden's body was brought aboard.

"The full circle for him to have been there on September 11 and then standing on the deck of that ship was really an incredible story," Stephanopoulos said. "It shows the dedication and commitment of these professionals."

The Hidden Heroes Of The Situation Room

Stephanopoulos frequently emphasized the crucial role of the Situation Room duty officers, who operate tirelessly and often anonymously to keep the government informed and safe during crises. He elaborated on the rigorous apolitical nature of these professionals, stating, "They serve the presidency, not the president, who happens to be serving at any one time. It was a real tonic to speak with these true patriots…doing their best to serve the country."

Stephanopoulos' interview offers a deeper understanding of the vital role played by national security professionals and the complexities of presidential decision-making during crises. His reflections underscore the importance of sober discussion, informed thinking, and the unwavering dedication of those who serve the presidency

"The United States government is staffed by exceptionally competent, extremely professional, and deeply patriotic people who go to work every day to serve their country," Stephanopoulos concluded. "It's fashionable to run down those who work in government, but I came away impressed by those who are determined to serve their government in the most stressful situations, and they do it with honor."

Listen to the complete interview on the That Said with Michael Zeldin podcast.