Tenth-Grader Lands Interview With Defense Secretary James Mattis
General James Mattis during Senate confirmation hearings, 2010. Image by Getty Images
A high school journalist scored an exclusive interview with Defense Secretary James “Mad Dog” Mattis after spotting the Pentagon chief’s phone number in a Washington Post photo.
Teddy Fischer, a sophomore at Mercer Island High School, saw Mattis’s personal phone number exposed and decided to give him a try (the Post later removed the photo). After Mattis’s voicemail message confirmed it was him, Fischer texted Mattis, noting that he was from Mercer Island, not far from Mattis’s hometown of Pullman, Washington.
“I never really thought it would work,” Fischer said.
The interview was wide-ranging, touching on the Islamic State group, the role of not-for-profits in foreign policy, and why high school students should focus on studying history. “I wish now looking back on it,” Mattis said, “if I’d known what waited for me in life, I would have put a lot more attention into history.”
Of the interview, Mattis said, “So, I’ve always tried to help students because I think we owe it to you young folks to pass on what we learned going down the road so that you can make your own mistakes, not the same ones we made.”
Contact Jesse Bernstein at [email protected]
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
