Pete Wilson served as a U.S. Senator from California from 1983-1991. At the start of the interview he talks about the Scowcroft Commission (to which he returns later), noting the mix of optimism and skepticism with which he met its conclusions. The need for mobility is another topic dealt with at some length. In that context he describes the appeal of the Rail Garrison system. He says the main problem of the Midgetman is its cost, which will keep Congress from funding it. He takes issue with the contention that an accurate counterforce capability is not necessary, arguing that an offensive weapon is needed as a deterrent. But he adds that a defensive capability is also necessary. The interview moves on to cover Reagan administration attitudes, congressional actions and Air Force politics on strategic matters including the question of adopting a smaller missile, among these specifically Midgetman. Senator Wilson describes issues of survivability and vulnerability, and how Reagan's decision to cancel the Utah and Nevada basing option shows how strong the opposition to a mobile system can be. He argues for testing because it has reduced the destructive capacity of the superpowers' arsenals. He then discusses the budgetary aspects of the nuclear program and describes some of the activities of the Scowcroft Commission and the Deutch panel.
