The Olympics weren't the only thing on McCaffrey's mind. Among other topics he discussed were:
Companies are not working hard enough to ensure a drug-free workplace, he said, adding that doing so offers a huge payoff.
As a nation, we must realize it's cheaper to get someone into drug treatment than to incarcerate or deal with chronic diseases like hepatitis C that can result from drug abuse.
America has more than a passing interest in Colombia's drug problems. It has 40 million people, is only three hours away by air and is a "huge economic partner." Besides the country's internal problems, the drug flow reaches the United States, which is unacceptable.
"Colombia is a victim, and we need to stand with her," he said.
Although there is bad news, there's also good news. In the United States, cocaine use is down 70 percent over the last 10 years, for instance. But there are 5 million chronic addicts, and McCaffrey supports parity in drug treatment. "Why are taxpayers paying for my son's drug addiction if I have private health insurance?" he asked.
Drug use by adolescents is falling sharply — a 21 percent decrease, according to a national drug survey.
One of the best accomplishments of his office, he said, is that "drug prevention and education are revitalized. I'd give us a solid B-plus for that."