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CoopersDad

(3,356 posts) Sun Apr 12, 2026, 02:09 PM Sunday

Last night I met Secretary Leon Panetta

Our local County Democratic Central Committee has an annual gala, Leon Panetta gave our keynote address.
He grew up in the Carmel Valley, the son of immigrants.
I'm friends with his son, Congressman Jimmy Panetta.

He explained that when he asked his parents why they went through such hardship coming her by sea his father replied, "so that we could give our children a better life."

I had a chance to chat with him and his wife after the dinner. He looks remarkably well, and I am energized by his comments.
He brought his dog, Buddy!

Photo below, his official portrait with a different earlier dog, Bravo.

5 replies

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Last night I met Secretary Leon Panetta (Original Post) CoopersDad Sunday OP

LP was interviewed on a podcast (The Oath) by Chuck Rosenberg Ilsa Sunday #1

Panetta has amazing CV LSparkle Sunday #2

All of that and he was central to turning Santa Cruz County blue, back in the day. CoopersDad Yesterday #5

Sec Panetta served our country well in many jobs over the years...nt Wounded Bear Sunday #3

Brilliant man BaronChocula Sunday #4

Ilsa

(64,422 posts)

1. LP was interviewed on a podcast (The Oath) by Chuck Rosenberg

Reply to CoopersDad (Original post)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 02:20 PM

Sunday

in June 2020. It was a wonderful interview, and I developed great appreciation for Sec. Panetta. I've often thought he would make a great president! (Too old now, though.) I envy you getting to meet him and his wife. He's lived a remarkable life.

LSparkle

(12,211 posts)

2. Panetta has amazing CV

Reply to Ilsa (Reply #1)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 03:01 PM

Sunday

Last edited Sun Apr 12, 2026, 09:43 PM - Edit history (1)

Hasn’t he held more top-level Cabinet positions than any other Dem? Defense comes to mind and also CIA director — I think I’m missing some others. A good man and the embodiment of gravitas. Glad we have his expertise and judgment during these complicated times.

CoopersDad

(3,356 posts)

5. All of that and he was central to turning Santa Cruz County blue, back in the day.

Reply to LSparkle (Reply #2)

Mon Apr 13, 2026, 01:11 PM

Yesterday

It's easy to assume that Santa Cruz, home of the UCSC slugs and so much support for human rights and the environment, must have always been progressive but that's just not so.

I learned a lot about local history through this address.

Thanks!

Wounded Bear

(64,417 posts)

3. Sec Panetta served our country well in many jobs over the years...nt

Reply to CoopersDad (Original post)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 04:35 PM

Sunday

BaronChocula

(4,616 posts)

4. Brilliant man

Reply to CoopersDad (Original post)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 04:45 PM

Sunday

who learned early on to jump ship on the gop back in the nixon era. Thank goodness.

He reminds me of the late Bill Richardson who was also a bright guy with tons of gov experience.

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