Ep 20. David Cameron, Conservative Party Leader (UK)

David Cameron, the former British Prime Minister and Conservative Party Leader, sits down for an in-depth conversation with Charlie Rose in this episode of the long-running talk show. Cameron rose to prominence in British politics in the early 2000s, and he served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016. He faced several major challenges during his time in office, including the global financial crisis, the Eurozone crisis, and the UK's decision to leave the European Union.

Rose begins the interview by discussing Cameron's background and early political career. Cameron explains how his experiences as an advisor to various Conservative Party leaders, as well as his time as a Member of Parliament, helped to shape his political philosophy. He also opens up about some of the personal experiences that influenced him, including the death of his son Ivan, who had a rare neurological disorder.

The conversation then turns to the economic challenges Cameron faced during his time as Prime Minister. He discusses the tough choices he had to make in order to stabilize the UK economy, including major cuts to public spending. He also reflects on the role that the European Union played in the UK's economic landscape, and why he ultimately decided to hold a referendum on the country's membership in the EU.

Cameron is candid about his regrets regarding the referendum, which ultimately led to the UK's decision to leave the EU. He acknowledges that he underestimated the strength of the Leave campaign, and he expresses concern about the long-term consequences of Brexit for both the UK and the EU. He also discusses the rise of nationalist and populist movements around the world and the challenges they pose to liberal democracies.

Throughout the interview, Cameron emphasizes the importance of strong leadership and principled decision-making. He discusses his relationships with other world leaders, including former US President Barack Obama, and offers insights into the challenges facing the international community in the years ahead.

Overall, the conversation between Cameron and Rose is a thoughtful, wide-ranging exploration of some of the most pressing issues facing the UK and the world today. Cameron's insights into his time in office, as well as his reflections on his personal and political journey, make for a compelling and insightful episode of the show.