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Hello and welcome to the Americano podcast, a series of discussions about American power, politics and prejudices.

The election is over, but the Americano never stops, and there will be a lot to talk about

with the second Trump administration. And so we'll bring you more and more Americano,

because judging from the feedback, that's what you guys want.

So please keep listening.

Hello and welcome to the Americano show.

Today I am joined down the line by Ambassador John Bolton, who was formerly Ambassador to United Nations

for the United States of America, and also, perhaps surprisingly, Donald Trump's longest

serving national security advisor, although I think it's fair to say the two men do not get on

very well any more. John, thank you for coming onto Americano. First of all,

you've already made quite a few headlines with your responses to various cabinet appointments.

Can you give me an overall view, first of all, about what you think, about the incoming administration?

Well, I'd have to say, Trump is off to a very fast start in naming a lot of his senior advisors.

And I think that reflects preparation that he didn't undertake in 2016.

But of course, he's been president before, so he has some idea of what his priorities are.

But it is a fast start.

In many cases, however, it's been a stumbling start.

The nomination of Matt Gates to be Attorney General lasted all of about eight days.

That was really about eight days longer than it should have lasted because Gates was utterly unqualified

for the job. There are several other nominees that are very, very problematic, and I don't think

...