Jim and Gary take a break from discussing movies and have a chat with Ken Khachigian, a former top aide to President Nixon and then President Reagan's favorite speechwriter. Ken has written a fascinating book called "Behind Closed Doors: In The Room With Reagan and Nixon," a no-holds-bars, brutally honest look at what it's like to play politics at the highest level. In the book Ken writes about the work that went into preparing for Nixon's interviews with David Frost, which was later dramatized in the movie Frost/Nixon. Jim and Gary ask him about that movie, which they previously dissected, to get an insider's account and to find out what it's like to be portrayed onscreen. They also get candid insights into Nixon and Reagan's strengths and weaknesses and learn more about the backstabbing that takes place in the White House when aides even betray their president to advance their own objectives. For more information on Ken, the book and his public appearances go to https://www.reaganandnixon.com/.

Gary and Jim talk about "Lee Daniels' The Butler," the slightly true story of a White House butler who served and interacted with eight U.S. presidents. The White House scenes are counterpointed by highlights from the real-life Civi Rights movement. The movie was a major hit in 2014 and stars and all-star cast of white and Black actors ranging from Forest Whitaker and Oprah to Robin Williams and Jane Fonda.

Jim and Gary discuss "J. Edgar," Clint Eastwood's 2011 biopic of J. Edgar Hoover, who was arguably the most powerful bureaucrat in history. Several American presidents feared him; others used him as an ally. The movie says a lot about the rise of the national security state and the danger of federal law enforcement involving itself in politics.