What Would Dave Do?
What Would Dave Do?
Tim Winner
A Front Row Seat to History: Conversations with Senator Bob Packwood
1 hour 46 minutes Posted Feb 17, 2026 at 4:01 pm.
Bob Packwood on What Would Dave Do?
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House Budget Committee, the serious committees
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In the Elevator With Nixon
Sen. Bernie Sanders on Writing a Speech
Sen. John McCain on His Office
Sen. Bob Dole in the Oval Office with Richard Nixon
Sen. John McCain on the President's Decision on School Prayer
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China's Lessons Learned From Russia
President Trump on Ronald Reagan's Role in Ending the Cold War
Harry Kissinger
How many countries were free in 1971?
Bob Jones on Passing a Bill to Legalize Abortion in the United
Sen. John McCain on Being a Moderate
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Sen. Bob Corker on Trump and Democracy
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Bob Casey on Coaching Ronald Reagan in the 1980 Presidential Debate
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Show notes

In this intimate episode of What Would Dave Do?, host Tim Winner visits the home of former U.S. Senator Bob Packwood for a wide-ranging conversation spanning 25 years in the Senate and seven presidential administrations. From Lyndon Johnson’s unmatched legislative prowess to Richard Nixon’s surprisingly awkward social skills, Packwood offers vivid, firsthand portraits of the leaders who shaped modern America.

With humor and candor, Packwood recalls Ronald Reagan’s effortless charm, Gerald Ford’s quiet humility, and the behind-the-scenes culture of the Senate—including a few little-known stories you won’t find in history books. Equal parts political history and personal reflection, this episode is a treasure trove of anecdotes that bring Washington’s power players down to a very human level.

Whether you’re a political junkie or just love great storytelling, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the personalities, politics, and moments that defined an era.

Highlights include:

  • Serving under eight presidents, from Lyndon Johnson to Bill Clinton
  • Behind-the-scenes stories from the U.S. Senate
  • Personal encounters with Reagan, Ford, and Nixon
  • Humor, humility, and history from one of Washington’s great storytellers