GOV. WES MOORE Talks Military Service, Iran War, Oprah

Governor Wes Moore joins Adam Friedland for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that traces his journey from a challenging childhood in the Bronx and military school to becoming a Rhodes Scholar, Army officer, and ultimately the first Black governor of Maryland. Moore reflects on the profound impact of his military service, particularly his deployment to Afghanistan, and shares his deep skepticism about prolonged foreign wars, especially in the Middle East, citing the lack of clear objectives and the human and financial cost. He draws a stark contrast between the Iraq War under George H.W. Bush—where goals were clear and the mission ended promptly—and the current situation in Iran, which he sees as mission creep driven by a military-industrial complex and political expediency. Moore also discusses his personal connection to the story of another man named Wes Moore, a convicted robber whose life diverged dramatically from his own, inspiring his bestselling book 'The Other Wes Moore.' The conversation touches on themes of redemption, systemic inequality, and the importance of service, with Moore emphasizing his commitment to ending child poverty in Maryland. He also reflects on the surreal nature of modern politics, the influence of social media, and the need for meaningful civic engagement, all while humorously engaging with the idea of betting on his own presidential future via prediction markets.