@Grandpa_Boxer, people from all over the world are worried, - terrified actually - that donald will be elected and he'll destroy our policies, institutions,, alliances, economy , morals, and quality of life for those of us who aren't rich. They're worried about the CHAOS he will cause.
Let's be frank. If the US people elect D Trump next month, consciously or unwittingly they will have decided to fundamentally change what the United States is, has stood for, and the country's role on the world stage.
But they listen to Fox and others the same as it and are deceived. I don't understand how Christians can be deceived by djt. His "fruits of the spirit" are totally opposite of what The Holy Bible states is fruits of the Holy Spirit. Djt has said he never asked God for forgiveness. This blasphemes everything in the Bible. It is sad. Jesus said revenge is God's not djt. May God have mercy on us all.
Let's be honest here. What the Democrats did by selecting Kamala for Americans without a primary voted on by the citizens is just as bad as storming the Capitol. The Democratic Elite colluded with wealthy donors to force Biden out and install Kamala as the candidate. They thought they couldn't get away with it because Trump wasn't too popular beyond his base. That act isn't too far from what would happen in a country that the US criticizes. Look past your nose. We are already experiencing changes fundamentally that we must fight for.
while those are all laudable goals, they're really going to be plunging america into the worst facets of what america is and always was. it would be nice to see a group of folks who want to turn america towards the better parts of what it is and could be; to actually realise the promise of its founding documents. out here in the non-america parts of the world, that's what we'd all really like to see for americans and the rest of us, too.
"He is the most flawed person I have ever met in my life.", "admires autocrats and murderous dictators" and "has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law." - John Kelly, Trump's Chief of Staff "If I can get through this job and manage to keep him out of jail, I’ll have done a good job." - Mark Meadows, Trump's other Chief of Staff "failed at being the president when we needed him to be that." - Mick Mulvaney, Trump's acting Chief of Staff "Unfit for office", a "threat to democracy", "[unable] to put country above self", "unprincipled", "petty", "dangerous" - Mark Esper, Trump's Secretary of Defense "He's dangerous. He’s unfit.", "no moral compass", "does not try to unite the American people, does not even pretend to try" - James Mattis, Trump's other Secretary of Defense "Moron", "undisciplined, doesn't like to read", "his understanding of global events, ... global history, ... US history was really limited.", "We did not have a common value system." - Rex Tillerson, Trump's Secretary of State "Repeatedly compromised our principles in pursuit of partisan advantage and personal gain", "ego and love of self … drove him to abandon his oath", "We saw the absence of leadership, really anti-leadership" - HR McMaster, Trump's NSA "He cares almost exclusively about his own interests", "unfit to be president", a "danger for the republic", "can’t tell the difference between what’s true and what’s false.", "couldn’t tell the difference between his personal interests and the country’s interests", "He knows very little history.", world leaders think he's a "laughing fool" and "an easy mark" - John Bolton, Trump's other NSA "Detached from reality", "a consummate narcissist ... constantly engages in reckless conduct", "shouldn’t be anywhere near the Oval Office", "Our country can’t be a therapy session for a troubled man." - Bill Barr, Trump's AG "An empty soul. He doesn’t stand for anything but pure ambition. There is no principle at all.", a "deeply wounded narcissist", "relentlessly puts forth claims that are not true", "unrestrained contempt for the rule of law", "He poses the gravest threat to democracy that we’ve ever seen." - Ty Cobb, Trump's White House Special Counsel "demanded that I choose between him and the constitution", "should never be president of the United States" - Mike Pence, Trump's VP "undermined American democracy baselessly", "an utter disgrace" - Tom Bossert, Trump's Homeland Security Adviser "a fascist to the core", "a wannabe dictator", "the most dangerous person to this country" - Mark Milley, Trump's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs "has no business being commander in chief", "unstable and unhinged", "suicide for our country" - Nikki Haley, Trump's Ambassador to the UN "To him, a lie is not a lie. It’s just what he thinks. He doesn’t know the difference between the truth and a lie." - Dan Coats, Trump's DNI "prone to abuses of power", "a man without character ... his personal defects have resulted in [significant] leadership failures" - Miles Taylor, Trump's Chief of Staff of the DHS "thrives on purposely sowing strife and discord ... at the expense of the nation’s interests" - Josh Venable, Trump's Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Education "It's so devastating how incompetent he is", "His style is chaos itself", "My job was to keep Americans safe and Trump was my biggest obstacle." - Elizabeth Neumann, Trump's Deputy DHS Chief of Staff "The president’s vanity and fragile self-esteem were a point of acute vulnerability", "a massive counterintelligence risk" - Fiona Hill, Trump's NSC Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs
Appreciate you Hari and Tom for sheding light on our national nightmare...I applaud your speaking truth to power. You tube threaten me with being cancelled for my views. But, I took an oath in 1965, USN, and siding with you is being true to our constitution. You are patriots.🎉
I can completely relate to your being banned for your views. You can tell that the people they have in charge of removing posts are not doing so simply to enforce community standards of decency, but are using the power they have to advance their own beliefs and biases. And once you are on “someone’s radar,” anything you say that they don’t like will be removed immediately without regard to whether it meets the community standards. You can wade into a commentary on just about anything that is full of obscenities, lies and hate, and cite facts to debunk these views, and out goes YOUR post, not the ones that are truly in violation of what should be community standards. At least YAHOO has an appeal process available where you can state why you believe your comment meets the standards and is rooted in fact. I’m sure this post won’t last long enough for you to read it, and I’m surprised I got to read yours.
How many MAGA Republicans does it take to change a light bulb? Trump just tells them he has fixed the light bulb and they sit there in the dark and applaud.
We elected DJT you guys just taking up for someone your told to. You can't hide the fact she is not very articulate and gives zero leadership. Trump? He is the boss. What we need. You all can cry just don't hurt people. I believe Trump will win the popular also if it's a fair one.
There are so many people of integrity & decency in USA. Why is DT seen by anyone as decent? This election is so important & so many wonderful people could be running but we have Trump 🙈
I think the guest explained that people don’t see Trump as decent but as someone who will punish people they think need punishing (because they have it too good).
He's not attracting people who're looking for integrity or decency. He attracts - the angry. And millions have good reason to be angry, and the politicians have been deflecting that for a long time, or out and out ignoring that. - the any means to an end religious, for overturning Roe v Wade. - the monied. He's like putty in their hands, for the low price of stroking his ego.
Decent men ran before. The Democrats smeared them to win. Perhaps you can see why one might tire of that, and eventually vote for someone who would fight back.
There is another part of this that I believe too many people miss is the 150 year growth of the American corporate plutocrat as a figure of increasing fascination and admiration. The “strong-man creator” who “delivers the goods”…from inexpensive kerosene-powered illumination (Rockefeller) to electric lighting (Edison) to inexpensive automobiles (Ford), to inexpensive portable computer software platforms (Gates) to iPhones…high returns on your 401(k) retirement account and on and on. How many times have you heard people say “government should be run LIKE a business”. A deliberative democratic republic IS NOT A BUSINESS!!! People have forgotten this…or perhaps were never taught this to begin with. There was no “shareholder capitalism” in Washington’s (or Lincoln’s) day. Looking back in history, the American democracy was really outlier…an exception to worldwide authoritarian rule. Adolf Hitler somewhat accurately would say that “democracy” was really an “alien” form of government to a central European population ruled for centuries by kings and emperors and that “democracy” was foisted upon it by the supposed victorious parties after WW1 to keep central Europe weak. IMO…Trump’s home-grown brand plutocratic fascism taps into an authoritarian-friendly strain of mindset that has always been under the surface in an increasingly materialistic America. A Harris-Walz victory in November won’t solve this problem but it’s an important first step.
It astounds me that this gentleman has to remind us of what makes a leader. Not even a great leader, but simply a leader who has the basic qualities necessary to govern wisely. We know from history who the great leaders were and what made them great leaders. Why do millions in the United States of America not have a basic understanding of what has made our country great for almost 250 years? This is frightening and dangerous. And this hatred of immigrants being voiced by 45? 45's parents were immigrants. Two of his wives were immigrants. All Americans who are not native Americans had parents, grandparents, great grandparents, etc. who immigrated here. Don't they remember this? So this segment of our population are the ones who are destroying the very nation and values their ancestors fled to. Anyone who loves democracy and understands it and the values upon which our country was founded must reject autocracy with all the energy they can muster. Harris/Walz 2024!!
I immigrated to the US in 2007 and became a Citizen 3 years later. Europeans are very aware or the 3rd Reich and always looking out for signs. We also know what the US was like in the 1930s when it ALMOST allied with Hitler and had huge torchlit fascist rallies.. In 2016 I was so so shocked with what I had walked into, that my latent Multiple Sclerosis kicked in and my head and neck and scalp were ON FIRE for 6 weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if the US went full on NAZI because I have met many of them since 2007... One tiny snippet of what they said to me ...The said they wanted to machine gun Mexican children trying to swim the Rio Grande...and they MEAN IT !
@SunofYork The policy of Hitler appeasement had a wide support in pre-war Britain. There were multiple attempts to befriend him. Nazis were pretty popular.
I have witnessed conversations among Trump supporters and what they say when they are in groups is horrific, it would make Trump himself blush. I have heard them say they not only want to shoot people at the border, they want liberals and people in the media who criticize Trump to be executed. They want bloodshed and vengeance. And even if Trump loses, his supporters and their resentment, ignorance, lack of decency and hatred will still be here. They have no desire to live peacefully along side us.
@@fibhufkyYou can't actually negotiate with fascists... you have to try, but it never works. Because eventually fascists will always try to kill you for the crime of not being them.
I love listening to Nichols' insights and clarity. He knows how to frame perspectives that take in history, politics, and the people behind the movements. Great article to read. Thank you for bringing his voice to the fore at this time PBS.
@@imperialmotoring3789how can someone who doesn’t know who or where you are be threatening to you? Go check out the MAGA hats interacting with Harris supporters. They intimidate, yell and threaten them just because they aren’t MAGA hats.
Excellent interview! Tom Nichols has a complete understanding of what DT will do to this Country if elected. Thank you for your Endorment of Kamala Harris
As a Greek living in Athens, I approve this message :) Also, everything you said about George Washington was deeply moving and very much to the point. Finally, your explanation about why people vote Trump seems quite plausible. It will help with the trauma that the politics buffs community have suffered here in Athens. Good luck with your elections. Please, win. For the sake of the democracy worldwide.
Prof Nichols (whose paternal ancestry is Greek) mentioned the revolt of the officers (The Newburgh Conspiracy) and how Washington quashed it. Nichols did not go into detail, which too bad because it's a great story. Washington confronted the assembled officers. As he struggled to read the print of a letter, he reached for his eyeglasses, and said, ""Gentleman, you must pardon me, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in service to my country." It was reported that this remark caused men to weep and ended the revolt. You should Google it.
😂😂😂 It took him like 7-8 years to admit Trump and MAGAs are at least Fascist adjacent. He's point blank, a fool and was blinded by his loyalty to the American Conservative Movement for a very, very long time. He and other Conservatives like him who claim to disdain the racism and extremism they see in the GOP today did absolutely NOTHING to stop his party sliding into White Nationalist Authoritarianism despite all the evidence in front of his eyes and numerous people confronting he and other Conservatives that this was going on. For decades. He's a fool in terms of Politics and society, I don't care what his supposed bona fides are.
(16:00) As a man of unquestioned integrity, Washington was one of the few people who could be fully trusted by both of the major factions of the day: the Hamiltonians and the Jeffersonians. Washington’s proven integrity may well have spared us the post revolution bloodshed suffered by France.
People I once had regard for have erased that regard by their fealty to Trump. I see anyone backing Trump as being, at best, myopic and uninformed or, at worst, having deeply flawed character.
they were played for years by lies ,lies and more lies. For fifty years working class has been sinking and don knew how to manipulate them, really, just like hitler did
You're exactly right! Only in the opposite!! Do you have Any idea how Ridiculous you sound, claiming/preaching Dem's are "morally superior" to conservatives? ..lol It's the Dem's that have deeply flawed character! ~Freedom or choice to murder your own offspring? Especially the day before it's born? You call that "upright"? "moral"? Bass-ackwards morals! Heck even the animals give their life to Protect their own offspring!
This guy gave a very sober, well articulated and intelligent opinion of things, a very serious warning as to how humanity is declining. Even when Trump loses, much erosion and damage has begun. I hope the US gets a second wind, the World needs a good leader right now.
We are rapidly losing the middle class. The growing divide between the rich and the 'aspiring rich' and the working class is astounding. Blue-collar wages have been stagnating for years to the point where people working two decent jobs can't afford rent. It makes me think of my college study of Das Kapital. Marx was an evil genius; he predicted everything so accurately, it's frightening.
@@patriciapearson7286 He instigated the des*truction of the existing world in pursuit of a utopian dream, leading to dea*th and su*ffering for millions.
The middle class is able to vote in elections, in order to correct what it might see as flaws in the economy. Right? What you described could have been avoided, correct?
Democracy gives us basic rights and freedom to speak a mind. Why do so many Americans not understand what they will lose if Trump gets voted into office.. It's deeply concerning to all of us..not only America.. An Australian woman living in Greece...The place of true democracy!!!
"Donald Trump would be George Washington's 'worst nightmare'"?!....George Washington led a violent rebellion against a tyrannical, uncaring central government.
Tom Nichols is an confused Idiot! His conservatives are "doomsday" conspiracy theory is funny! He hasn't a CLUE what conservatives really think, and are about! It's rather Hilarious!
There must never be a painting of donald trump placed on the wall of the Whitehouse. It must never be painted, and his execrable name blotted out of the record. His name and face besmirches the Presidency.
In my opinion, (the, THIS aspect, of "who we are" in which you referred to) is the political foundation that, (Comrade Trump & Associates) have based their entire strategy on in order to implement their agenda, and inevitably achieve their goal of being in the ultimate position of authority, (i.e. exploiting their GOP constituents by pandering to their base-instincts, enabling their dark-side, and assuaging their guilt). (Dictatorship 101)
@@Im-ahthegreat The full on class warfare attack, would take a full on response. But right now, life in the US is so complex, that the public is stunned, kept busy with the blitz of fiscal attack. The regulatory floor dropped away, no market integrity nor safety. Both job and product markets. Project 2025 will make that so visible as to be indisputable. Along with stripping away what's left of the democracy facade.
Unfortunately, I think you are right. This is who America has become. Consider that the race for the presidency is tied is an indication that half or nearly half of Americans find D Trump acceptable.
George Washington warned the country about a tyrant in his farewell address. Plato describes a tyrant in the Republic. Erich Fromm describes tyrant s in 1940 in Escape from Freedom. General Milley just recently says the Services serve the Constitution not a wannabe Dictator.
But how do you consider the Electoral College? Doesn't that need changing to reflect the true opinions of a majority of American's. Would that not be what democracy is?
Check out the NPVIC. THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE will become moot if enough states pass it. If you're in a state that isn't part of it, you may be able to get it passed in your state with enough support from the population.
I agree wholeheartedly with everything Nichols says. Unfortunately, not too many folks from the Maga crowd are going to be watching this video. Classic preaching to the choir.
Kamala Harris is a true gift to this nation and we best vote accordingly in appreciation to elect her! Anything less would be treasonous and ludicrous at this point! 🌊🇺🇸💙
Things HAVE changed in the US. Trump should've NEVER gotten to this point. Decent society has deeply overestimated the decency, intelligence, and moral character of our fellow citizens.
A lot of the grievance is legitimate. The neoliberal economic policies implemented by both the Republicans and Democrats have resulted in the hollowing out the middle class and a rapidly growing population of working poor. Income and wealth inequality is stunning. Working people in the U.S. feel abandoned; and rightly so. They are disillusioned with democracy which they feel has failed them and are primed to embrace autocracy. The Democrats better work quickly and effectively (if they get a chance) to build America back from the bottom up and the middle out or our country is going to fall like a ripe plum into the lap of one kind of tyranny or another.
Thank you for writing this! I came to the comments to do this myself! Tom has made these comments repeatedly and is blind to the effects of neoliberalism. Imagine thinking it’s only jealousy. So many are so gaslit and still believe the constant propaganda about how great it is in the US. Living outside the US for more than a decade really opened my eyes to the effects of neoliberalism.
You, in America, have Citizens United to thank for the legal INUNDATION of corporate $$$$$$$$$ into political campaigns. Such a bad idea. Like open carry in a bar. Trump, or someone like him, was only a question of time. In other democratic countries (yes, they DO exist outside of the US) this is illegal. Lying or promoting lies in the media would be called out for what it is, not disinformation, misspoke and other euphemisms. Unbridled capitalism, a "whatever the market will bear" has brought you Trump.
You are certainly correct in saying the grievance is legitimate and the working poor having a desire to embrace autocracy. What’s delusional is the working poor believing a wealthy conman, loser, and criminal will do anything but further widen that gap between them and wealthy under the disguise of autocracy. His supporters fears will become their reality as quick as Drump can say man, camera, woman, TV.
Except that neoliberalism includes three factors- free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending. That third component hasn't happened under either party for decades. Nichols' point is about the rise of grievance and resentment from Americans "who live comfortable lives." Not working people who feel abandoned.
When you have a wannabe dictator at your doorstep you got to vote him out, not engage in a Civics 101 lesson that will fall on deaf ears. People are fed up hearing all this idealistic BS. Just vote him out, the only solution.
This discussion highlights the danger that is the current Republican Party and Trump's thirst for power. Hopefully people who are hypnotized by Trump will wake up. Yes, become 'woke!' Vote progress, not fear, on the entire ballot, come Nov 5th, fellow citizens!
Trump Trump Trump Thank the DNC for this! I was a Dem for over 40 years and registered as No Party Preference. Sick of the politicians sending money over seas to support wars and the genocide but no money for US American healthcare, reparations for Black ADOS, Veterans, and those suffering from the recent disasters. Where are the policies for American citizens?
This is US America…which is it? Whose shoulders do you choose to stand upon? I’m with George. Kamala and Walz agree and I know that. Therefore I’m voting early and blue down the ticket, this time, without a Part Per Billion PPB of hesitation. We each add up to one but when we come together , one plus one becomes 100 in no time! Then we can celebrate the returns by working together as a collective United States of America. It is petty wise and pound foolish to do otherwise. There is a wolf knocking at the door and we know our way home, the lights are still on. Let US make sure we leave that ❤ light on, we’re in this together.
Tom, your party bought into rump hook line and sinker. I thought they all had more integrity than that. I was mistaken. Although you were against rump, what the hell happened to the rest of them?? Could you shed light on their insistence for their support of the monster?
I'm a moderate and will be voting for Harris. That said, the far left flaunted open borders, wokeness and diversity to half the country that simply didn't share those values. The result was MAGA and god help us all if Trump gets back in Whitehouse
I'd like to hear Mr. Nichols discuss this with Lindsay Graham. PBS would do us all a good service if they hosted discussions between clashing viewpoints that promoted even-handedness.
Not sure if l wanted the hear this, lve had his thought that if trump gets relected for another term then this is who america is, now to hear somebody explain there thoughts and come up with the same conclusion only makes me feel more depressed and worried for america and the free world.
You and many others feel the same way. The antidote for me is to find and focus more on the good things that are happening. If you haven't already, go and vote for KH - remember, 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.' It's not hopeless, YOU CAN make a difference!
I once read that as a land speculator who had purchased swamp land in the District Of Columbia, George Washington insisted on placing the U.S. Capitol there, at the cost of borrowing tens of millions of dollars, in order to upgrade the land, just so it could be lived on. Even though he had been advised to place the Capitol inland, (like in already developed Philadelphia or Boston), instead of right on the Potomac River, which was deep enough for British warships to sail right up to the front door of the Capitol. Which, as predicted, did lead to the British navy capturing the Capitol in 1817. Is this true? If so, it would seem that this nation's slave owning founding "father" set the precedent for the blatant hypocrisy, selfishness, and greed that we experience from our elected officials today. As a war time general, Washington had to know that he was making a strategically reckless decision. But he did it anyway, for his own personal gain. How "great" was his character, really? Because I'm not impressed at all.
The fact that this election is "close" is an EMBARRASSMENT to our country!!!!!
It’s sickening.
@@Moluccan56
Yes she is.
#Trump2024!
@@HonestyEqualsTruth How you can support a man like that is beyond me.
@Grandpa_Boxer, people from all over the world are worried, - terrified actually - that donald will be elected and he'll destroy our policies, institutions,, alliances, economy , morals, and quality of life for those of us who aren't rich. They're worried about the CHAOS he will cause.
@@davidhutchinson5233Can you clearly articulate what has Trump done that is “sickening” or wrong about Trump becoming president again? Thank you 🙏
Let's be frank. If the US people elect D Trump next month, consciously or unwittingly they will have decided to fundamentally change what the United States is, has stood for, and the country's role on the world stage.
💯
But they listen to Fox and others the same as it and are deceived. I don't understand how Christians can be deceived by djt. His "fruits of the spirit" are totally opposite of what The Holy Bible states is fruits of the Holy Spirit. Djt has said he never asked God for forgiveness. This blasphemes everything in the Bible. It is sad. Jesus said revenge is God's not djt. May God have mercy on us all.
Let's be honest here. What the Democrats did by selecting Kamala for Americans without a primary voted on by the citizens is just as bad as storming the Capitol. The Democratic Elite colluded with wealthy donors to force Biden out and install Kamala as the candidate. They thought they couldn't get away with it because Trump wasn't too popular beyond his base. That act isn't too far from what would happen in a country that the US criticizes. Look past your nose. We are already experiencing changes fundamentally that we must fight for.
while those are all laudable goals, they're really going to be plunging america into the worst facets of what america is and always was. it would be nice to see a group of folks who want to turn america towards the better parts of what it is and could be; to actually realise the promise of its founding documents. out here in the non-america parts of the world, that's what we'd all really like to see for americans and the rest of us, too.
What would that be?
"He is the most flawed person I have ever met in my life.", "admires autocrats and murderous dictators" and "has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law." - John Kelly, Trump's Chief of Staff
"If I can get through this job and manage to keep him out of jail, I’ll have done a good job." - Mark Meadows, Trump's other Chief of Staff
"failed at being the president when we needed him to be that." - Mick Mulvaney, Trump's acting Chief of Staff
"Unfit for office", a "threat to democracy", "[unable] to put country above self", "unprincipled", "petty", "dangerous" - Mark Esper, Trump's Secretary of Defense
"He's dangerous. He’s unfit.", "no moral compass", "does not try to unite the American people, does not even pretend to try" - James Mattis, Trump's other Secretary of Defense
"Moron", "undisciplined, doesn't like to read", "his understanding of global events, ... global history, ... US history was really limited.", "We did not have a common value system." - Rex Tillerson, Trump's Secretary of State
"Repeatedly compromised our principles in pursuit of partisan advantage and personal gain", "ego and love of self … drove him to abandon his oath", "We saw the absence of leadership, really anti-leadership" - HR McMaster, Trump's NSA
"He cares almost exclusively about his own interests", "unfit to be president", a "danger for the republic", "can’t tell the difference between what’s true and what’s false.", "couldn’t tell the difference between his personal interests and the country’s interests", "He knows very little history.", world leaders think he's a "laughing fool" and "an easy mark" - John Bolton, Trump's other NSA
"Detached from reality", "a consummate narcissist ... constantly engages in reckless conduct", "shouldn’t be anywhere near the Oval Office", "Our country can’t be a therapy session for a troubled man." - Bill Barr, Trump's AG
"An empty soul. He doesn’t stand for anything but pure ambition. There is no principle at all.", a "deeply wounded narcissist", "relentlessly puts forth claims that are not true", "unrestrained contempt for the rule of law", "He poses the gravest threat to democracy that we’ve ever seen." - Ty Cobb, Trump's White House Special Counsel
"demanded that I choose between him and the constitution", "should never be president of the United States" - Mike Pence, Trump's VP
"undermined American democracy baselessly", "an utter disgrace" - Tom Bossert, Trump's Homeland Security Adviser
"a fascist to the core", "a wannabe dictator", "the most dangerous person to this country" - Mark Milley, Trump's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
"has no business being commander in chief", "unstable and unhinged", "suicide for our country" - Nikki Haley, Trump's Ambassador to the UN
"To him, a lie is not a lie. It’s just what he thinks. He doesn’t know the difference between the truth and a lie." - Dan Coats, Trump's DNI
"prone to abuses of power", "a man without character ... his personal defects have resulted in [significant] leadership failures" - Miles Taylor, Trump's Chief of Staff of the DHS
"thrives on purposely sowing strife and discord ... at the expense of the nation’s interests" - Josh Venable, Trump's Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Education
"It's so devastating how incompetent he is", "His style is chaos itself", "My job was to keep Americans safe and Trump was my biggest obstacle." - Elizabeth Neumann, Trump's Deputy DHS Chief of Staff
"The president’s vanity and fragile self-esteem were a point of acute vulnerability", "a massive counterintelligence risk" - Fiona Hill, Trump's NSC Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs
I would like to copy and paste this. Many times.
@@Moluccan56 feel free
Huge debt of thanks to our patriot generals and others for defending our treasured American values.🎉
@@bradhombre6912 I wish I knew how to do this using my iPad.
Nice collection, I'm copying that one too.
Appreciate you Hari and Tom for sheding light on our national nightmare...I applaud your speaking truth to power. You tube threaten me with being cancelled for my views. But, I took an oath in 1965, USN, and siding with you is being true to our constitution. You are patriots.🎉
😊
Love this ❤❤❤
I can completely relate to your being banned for your views. You can tell that the people they have in charge of removing posts are not doing so simply to enforce community standards of decency, but are using the power they have to advance their own beliefs and biases. And once you are on “someone’s radar,” anything you say that they don’t like will be removed immediately without regard to whether it meets the community standards.
You can wade into a commentary on just about anything that is full of obscenities, lies and hate, and cite facts to debunk these views, and out goes YOUR post, not the ones that are truly in violation of what should be community standards.
At least YAHOO has an appeal process available where you can state why you believe your comment meets the standards and is rooted in fact.
I’m sure this post won’t last long enough for you to read it, and I’m surprised I got to read yours.
Donald Trump is easily in the top 3 best Russian presidents.
Scamala Harris and Tampon Tim are controlled by China 😊
I would call him more putins vice president.
@@goarmysleepinthemud. Putin's patsy.
Trump is easily interchangeable with his Israeli counterpart Netanyahu.
Who is number one? Barack Hussein Obama? He did give the Crimea to Putin.
The problem is,
is that Trump is the porch light that attracts those who are thirsty for a fascist/monarchy.
I agree, but I don’t think fascism and monarchy necessarily mean the same thing.
Some of the best takes I’ve heard. And I’ve heard a lot. Brilliant man
How many MAGA Republicans does it take to change a light bulb?
Trump just tells them he has fixed the light bulb and they sit there in the dark and applaud.
We elected DJT you guys just taking up for someone your told to. You can't hide the fact she is not very articulate and gives zero leadership. Trump? He is the boss. What we need. You all can cry just don't hurt people. I believe Trump will win the popular also if it's a fair one.
That's the best comment I've ever read how many mega Republicans does it take to change a light bulb. Hahaha
It's unbelievable how many people will vote for fascism.
They don't know what they're getting into till it effects them too.
78% of Americans believe the country is going the wrong direction.
YOU… Want to keep going the same way with 8 more years of Biden CRAP….
But not unprecedented. Remember Europe in 1920s and 1930s.
@@joiedevie3901 I learned about that in school, I seem to remember it was not a good thing.
You’re a puppet.
You definitely don't accept that "this is who we are" when billionaires are behind it. You fight.
There are so many people of integrity & decency in USA. Why is DT seen by anyone as decent? This election is so important & so many wonderful people could be running but we have Trump 🙈
I think the guest explained that people don’t see Trump as decent but as someone who will punish people they think need punishing (because they have it too good).
@@hklinker thank you!
He's not attracting people who're looking for integrity or decency. He attracts
- the angry. And millions have good reason to be angry, and the politicians have been deflecting that for a long time, or out and out ignoring that.
- the any means to an end religious, for overturning Roe v Wade.
- the monied. He's like putty in their hands, for the low price of stroking his ego.
Decent men ran before. The Democrats smeared them to win. Perhaps you can see why one might tire of that, and eventually vote for someone who would fight back.
Americans equate wealth with goodness. They can’t believe a rich person could be evil.
This man is so eloquently saying what should be obvious to everyone.
Yep. Agree 200%
Thank you, Tom. You are great.
Uh, no. He’s awful.
He’s exactly right. We must vote country over party. Vote blue in 2024 ❤️🇺🇸
Please please please get Tom Nichols to be interviewed by many more media outlets!!! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his eloquent intelligence!!!
BRAVO!!!!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏
There is another part of this that I believe too many people miss is the 150 year growth of the American corporate plutocrat as a figure of increasing fascination and admiration. The “strong-man creator” who “delivers the goods”…from inexpensive kerosene-powered illumination (Rockefeller) to electric lighting (Edison) to inexpensive automobiles (Ford), to inexpensive portable computer software platforms (Gates) to iPhones…high returns on your 401(k) retirement account and on and on. How many times have you heard people say “government should be run LIKE a business”.
A deliberative democratic republic IS NOT A BUSINESS!!! People have forgotten this…or perhaps were never taught this to begin with.
There was no “shareholder capitalism” in Washington’s (or Lincoln’s) day. Looking back in history, the American democracy was really outlier…an exception to worldwide authoritarian rule. Adolf Hitler somewhat accurately would say that “democracy” was really an “alien” form of government to a central European population ruled for centuries by kings and emperors and that “democracy” was foisted upon it by the supposed victorious parties after WW1 to keep central Europe weak.
IMO…Trump’s home-grown brand plutocratic fascism taps into an authoritarian-friendly strain of mindset that has always been under the surface in an increasingly materialistic America.
A Harris-Walz victory in November won’t solve this problem but it’s an important first step.
Excellent final response, Tom, Excellent.
Well said.
Finally someone who doesn't say: "this is not who we are", but the more apt "then this is who we probably are"
" I know more than all of them."
It astounds me that this gentleman has to remind us of what makes a leader. Not even a great leader, but simply a leader who has the basic qualities necessary to govern wisely. We know from history who the great leaders were and what made them great leaders. Why do millions in the United States of America not have a basic understanding of what has made our country great for almost 250 years? This is frightening and dangerous. And this hatred of immigrants being voiced by 45? 45's parents were immigrants. Two of his wives were immigrants. All Americans who are not native Americans had parents, grandparents, great grandparents, etc. who immigrated here. Don't they remember this? So this segment of our population are the ones who are destroying the very nation and values their ancestors fled to. Anyone who loves democracy and understands it and the values upon which our country was founded must reject autocracy with all the energy they can muster. Harris/Walz 2024!!
It's the consequence of not spending on education for the last six decades .
Excellent. Thank you.
I immigrated to the US in 2007 and became a Citizen 3 years later. Europeans are very aware or the 3rd Reich and always looking out for signs. We also know what the US was like in the 1930s when it ALMOST allied with Hitler and had huge torchlit fascist rallies.. In 2016 I was so so shocked with what I had walked into, that my latent Multiple Sclerosis kicked in and my head and neck and scalp were ON FIRE for 6 weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if the US went full on NAZI because I have met many of them since 2007... One tiny snippet of what they said to me ...The said they wanted to machine gun Mexican children trying to swim the Rio Grande...and they MEAN IT !
@SunofYork The policy of Hitler appeasement had a wide support in pre-war Britain. There were multiple attempts to befriend him. Nazis were pretty popular.
I have witnessed conversations among Trump supporters and what they say when they are in groups is horrific, it would make Trump himself blush. I have heard them say they not only want to shoot people at the border, they want liberals and people in the media who criticize Trump to be executed. They want bloodshed and vengeance. And even if Trump loses, his supporters and their resentment, ignorance, lack of decency and hatred will still be here. They have no desire to live peacefully along side us.
@@fibhufkyYou can't actually negotiate with fascists... you have to try, but it never works. Because eventually fascists will always try to kill you for the crime of not being them.
💔💔💔
@@Soundslikefreedom58 Remember 1933 and 1939 IVAN, and especially, 1945 when the NAZI took his own life in a damp concrete bunker ... HOORAY !
I love listening to Nichols' insights and clarity. He knows how to frame perspectives that take in history, politics, and the people behind the movements. Great article to read. Thank you for bringing his voice to the fore at this time PBS.
Thank you Tom. Thank you Tom
I am with YOU.😊
Thank you Tom. Great read.
This man nailed it!
If George Washington were alive today, Donald Trump wouldn’t be.
Sounds like a threat. Reporting you.
@@imperialmotoring3789 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 triggered
@@imperialmotoring3789Trump will be sentenced on November 26th. 😊
@@walterbo7687 They are all snowflakes, weak and scared like their Orange Jeebus.
@@imperialmotoring3789how can someone who doesn’t know who or where you are be threatening to you? Go check out the MAGA hats interacting with Harris supporters. They intimidate, yell and threaten them just because they aren’t MAGA hats.
This certainly rings true! Keep that bell of freedom ringing, Tom and Christine and company!
These last sentences should send a chill down everyone's spine.
only half the country and that's the problem.
Excellent interview! Tom Nichols has a complete understanding of what DT will do to this Country if elected. Thank you for your Endorment of Kamala Harris
Vietnam vet with YOU.🎉
Best assessment I've heard. Thank you!
Excellent interview!
As a Greek living in Athens, I approve this message :)
Also, everything you said about George Washington was deeply moving and very much to the point.
Finally, your explanation about why people vote Trump seems quite plausible. It will help with the trauma that the politics buffs community have suffered here in Athens.
Good luck with your elections. Please, win. For the sake of the democracy worldwide.
Prof Nichols (whose paternal ancestry is Greek) mentioned the revolt of the officers (The Newburgh Conspiracy) and how Washington quashed it. Nichols did not go into detail, which too bad because it's a great story. Washington confronted the assembled officers. As he struggled to read the print of a letter, he reached for his eyeglasses, and said, ""Gentleman, you must pardon me, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in service to my country." It was reported that this remark caused men to weep and ended the revolt. You should Google it.
Thank you, Tom! Your analysis are always clear and correct.
😂😂😂 It took him like 7-8 years to admit Trump and MAGAs are at least Fascist adjacent. He's point blank, a fool and was blinded by his loyalty to the American Conservative Movement for a very, very long time. He and other Conservatives like him who claim to disdain the racism and extremism they see in the GOP today did absolutely NOTHING to stop his party sliding into White Nationalist Authoritarianism despite all the evidence in front of his eyes and numerous people confronting he and other Conservatives that this was going on.
For decades.
He's a fool in terms of Politics and society, I don't care what his supposed bona fides are.
Another great interview by Amanpour and Community.
Excellent analysis. Really well thought out and delivered.
(16:00) As a man of unquestioned integrity, Washington was one of the few people who could be fully trusted by both of the major factions of the day: the Hamiltonians and the Jeffersonians.
Washington’s proven integrity may well have spared us the post revolution bloodshed suffered by France.
Great interview. I think Tom hit all the key elements right on the nose for what motivates most of the Trump supporters.
People I once had regard for have erased that regard by their fealty to Trump. I see anyone backing Trump as being, at best, myopic and uninformed or, at worst, having deeply flawed character.
they were played for years by lies ,lies and more lies. For fifty years working class has been sinking and don knew how to manipulate them, really, just like hitler did
Yep! Every dump supporter I know are either hateful, delusional, or miserable.
You're exactly right! Only in the opposite!!
Do you have Any idea how Ridiculous you sound, claiming/preaching Dem's are "morally superior" to conservatives? ..lol
It's the Dem's that have deeply flawed character!
~Freedom or choice to murder your own offspring? Especially the day before it's born? You call that "upright"? "moral"? Bass-ackwards morals! Heck even the animals give their life to Protect their own offspring!
I totally agree. We are far past the time of being able to forgive people their willful ignorance or bigotry or misogyny
This guy gave a very sober, well articulated and intelligent opinion of things, a very serious warning as to how humanity is declining. Even when Trump loses, much erosion and damage has begun. I hope the US gets a second wind, the World needs a good leader right now.
Unfortunately, you are correct.
"A good leader" doesn't fund genocide.
@@buzoff4642 you mean the immigrants present in the country like Trump want. Yeah, I agree
@@buzoff4642 no, he commit it, like Putin
Oh, how I hope you are right.
Thank you for this great explanation of what really matters in our politics.
We are rapidly losing the middle class. The growing divide between the rich and the 'aspiring rich' and the working class is astounding. Blue-collar wages have been stagnating for years to the point where people working two decent jobs can't afford rent. It makes me think of my college study of Das Kapital. Marx was an evil genius; he predicted everything so accurately, it's frightening.
richard wolff and robert reich
Well, I don't know why he was evil. He was just pointing stuff out, to be fair.
@@patriciapearson7286 He instigated the destruction of the existing world in pursuit of a utopian dream, leading to death and suffering for millions.
@@patriciapearson7286 He instigated the des*truction of the existing world in pursuit of a utopian dream, leading to dea*th and su*ffering for millions.
The middle class is able to vote in elections, in order to correct what it might see as flaws in the economy. Right? What you described could have been avoided, correct?
Democracy gives us basic rights and freedom to speak a mind.
Why do so many Americans not understand what they will lose if Trump gets voted into office..
It's deeply concerning to all of us..not only America..
An Australian woman living in Greece...The place of true democracy!!!
Great read thanks
From "Father, I cannot tell a lie" to "Father, I cannot tell a truth".
How the mighty have fallen.
Good interview Hari. Thanks for sharing your insights Tom.
"Donald Trump would be George Washington's 'worst nightmare'"?!....George Washington led a violent rebellion against a tyrannical, uncaring central government.
Tom Nichols is an confused Idiot! His conservatives are "doomsday" conspiracy theory is funny! He hasn't a CLUE what conservatives really think, and are about!
It's rather Hilarious!
There must never be a painting of donald trump placed on the wall of the Whitehouse. It must never be painted, and his execrable name blotted out of the record. His name and face besmirches the Presidency.
Trumps response: "George Washington was so overrated 👌☝"
😢😢😢
We deified Washington because he did what no mere mortal would... he was the man who wouldn't be king.
Many of America's elected officials on both sides have forgotten that they are public servants.
Sorry to say it but I think this is who we are. It’s who we have been for some time and we should probably admit that already 😔
In my opinion, (the, THIS aspect, of "who we are" in which you referred to) is the political foundation that, (Comrade Trump & Associates) have based their entire strategy on in order to implement their agenda, and inevitably achieve their goal of being in the ultimate position of authority,
(i.e. exploiting their GOP constituents by pandering to their base-instincts, enabling their dark-side, and assuaging their guilt).
(Dictatorship 101)
Yes, poverty does have that effect, it pisses people off.
😞
@@Im-ahthegreat The full on class warfare attack, would take a full on response.
But right now, life in the US is so complex, that the public is stunned, kept busy with the blitz of fiscal attack. The regulatory floor dropped away, no market integrity nor safety. Both job and product markets.
Project 2025 will make that so visible as to be indisputable. Along with stripping away what's left of the democracy facade.
Unfortunately, I think you are right. This is who America has become. Consider that the race for the presidency is tied is an indication that half or nearly half of Americans find D Trump acceptable.
George Washington warned the country about a tyrant in his farewell address. Plato describes a tyrant in the Republic. Erich Fromm describes tyrant s in 1940 in Escape from Freedom. General Milley just recently says the Services serve the Constitution not a wannabe Dictator.
He's got it right. I'm not surprised
But how do you consider the Electoral College? Doesn't that need changing to reflect the true opinions of a majority of American's. Would that not be what democracy is?
Yes
It’s time.
Check out the NPVIC. THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE will become moot if enough states pass it. If you're in a state that isn't part of it, you may be able to get it passed in your state with enough support from the population.
Tom Nichols. One of the many Americans who put country before party. A great, great American.
If he gets in, goodbye to the America that we were proud to live in. The constitution should have been updated and modernized decades ago.
Everything George Washington warned us about. “Don’t make me king” to “Make me king”.
I agree wholeheartedly with everything Nichols says. Unfortunately, not too many folks from the Maga crowd are going to be watching this video. Classic preaching to the choir.
True. But that doesn't mean journalists should be silent. It's not Nichols fault that Fox News is unlikely to have him on as a guest.
I'm ULTRA MAGA. Got a good laugh from this video. Is Tom a comedian or is he a TDS sufferer?
@@imperialmotoring3789 You will be ultra poor if he wins , Bet on it .
@@mr.majestic3851 She. You mean she.
They don’t have the attention span, never mind not seeking this type of content.
Agree with Tom.
TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL SET YOU FREE
He's not feared
He's incapable
When you let someone knows you fear them
That's the point they have. TOTAL CONTROL OVER YOU
So let's say FEAR NOT.
This!!
Time to dump the chump trump!
Kamala Harris is a true gift to this nation and we best vote accordingly in appreciation to elect her! Anything less would be treasonous and ludicrous at this point!
🌊🇺🇸💙
So well-said! 👏
Things HAVE changed in the US. Trump should've NEVER gotten to this point. Decent society has deeply overestimated the decency, intelligence, and moral character of our fellow citizens.
"Civic virtue"...Trump does not know what either one of those words means.
A lot of the grievance is legitimate. The neoliberal economic policies implemented by both the Republicans and Democrats have resulted in the hollowing out the middle class and a rapidly growing population of working poor. Income and wealth inequality is stunning. Working people in the U.S. feel abandoned; and rightly so. They are disillusioned with democracy which they feel has failed them and are primed to embrace autocracy. The Democrats better work quickly and effectively (if they get a chance) to build America back from the bottom up and the middle out or our country is going to fall like a ripe plum into the lap of one kind of tyranny or another.
People need to understand what is neoliberalism and what it has done to the country.
Thank you for writing this! I came to the comments to do this myself! Tom has made these comments repeatedly and is blind to the effects of neoliberalism. Imagine thinking it’s only jealousy. So many are so gaslit and still believe the constant propaganda about how great it is in the US. Living outside the US for more than a decade really opened my eyes to the effects of neoliberalism.
You, in America, have Citizens United to thank for the legal INUNDATION of corporate $$$$$$$$$ into political campaigns. Such a bad idea. Like open carry in a bar. Trump, or someone like him, was only a question of time. In other democratic countries (yes, they DO exist outside of the US) this is illegal. Lying or promoting lies in the media would be called out for what it is, not disinformation, misspoke and other euphemisms. Unbridled capitalism, a "whatever the market will bear" has brought you Trump.
You are certainly correct in saying the grievance is legitimate and the working poor having a desire to embrace autocracy. What’s delusional is the working poor believing a wealthy conman, loser, and criminal will do anything but further widen that gap between them and wealthy under the disguise of autocracy. His supporters fears will become their reality as quick as Drump can say man, camera, woman, TV.
Except that neoliberalism includes three factors- free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending. That third component hasn't happened under either party for decades. Nichols' point is about the rise of grievance and resentment from Americans "who live comfortable lives." Not working people who feel abandoned.
When you have a wannabe dictator at your doorstep you got to vote him out, not engage in a Civics 101 lesson that will fall on deaf ears. People are fed up hearing all this idealistic BS. Just vote him out, the only solution.
This discussion highlights the danger that is the current Republican Party and Trump's thirst for power. Hopefully people who are hypnotized by Trump will wake up. Yes, become 'woke!' Vote progress, not fear, on the entire ballot, come Nov 5th, fellow citizens!
Trump Trump Trump Thank the DNC for this! I was a Dem for over 40 years and registered as No Party Preference. Sick of the politicians sending money over seas to support wars and the genocide but no money for US American healthcare, reparations for Black ADOS, Veterans, and those suffering from the recent disasters. Where are the policies for American citizens?
The failure of the Dems to address our domestic issues when they had all the power is why we ended up with a demagoge, trump
People are underestimating just how damaging Trump’s candidacy is to America’s international reputation. Decent people everywhere are disgusted.
Mr Tom Nichols that knot.,.. perfection... lost art
This is US America…which is it? Whose shoulders do you choose to stand upon?
I’m with George.
Kamala and Walz agree and I know that. Therefore I’m voting early and blue down the ticket, this time, without a Part Per Billion PPB of hesitation. We each add up to one but when we come together , one plus one becomes 100 in no time! Then we can celebrate the returns by working together as a collective United States of America.
It is petty wise and pound foolish to do otherwise.
There is a wolf knocking at the door and we know our way home, the lights are still on. Let US make sure we leave that ❤ light on, we’re in this together.
Tom, your party bought into rump hook line and sinker. I thought they all had more integrity than that. I was mistaken. Although you were against rump, what the hell happened to the rest of them?? Could you shed light on their insistence for their support of the monster?
This country is in so much trouble if Trump wins , and you are correct “we are not the same country we once were” so ssad😮
Wow that was enlightening!
2016: "ridiculous to compare trump to fascist leaders"
2024: "well.."
He admires despots. He spouts fascist rhetoric. He wants to subvert the US Constitution. He's not fit to be president of the United States.
T. N. Just knows. I listen to him.❤
The last 50 years is all the history that is relevant to what we are experiencing
It’s nice to hear intelligent men speak🧐
If Washington arose from his grave,he would kick the tar out of Trump.
He is MY NIGHTMARE and should be everybody's nightmare!!!
❤ Patriots for protecting NATO at all costs.🎉
'
'"This is who we are..." Nichols is right. The world is watching folks.
Winning the electoral college is not an indication of popularity, the popular vote is. Clinton won that by several million.
You’re right. However, it’s not like Trump was unpopular with the millions of Americans who voted for him.
Great interview. Solid. Believable. 5:47 concrete practical literal examples that prove the premise. Yes felon is Washington’s nightmare scenario.
Wow... What a sobering ending.
The office of the president is like Americas national parks. By the people and for the people. Vote!
Vote Blue
16:00 ... The last 2 minutes sums up what a trump victory will mean for America
The race is not even close to close…we won Kamala we won !!💙💙💙💙💙💙 congratulations!
America, Beautiful 🌳🌷🌳
I'm a moderate and will be voting for Harris. That said, the far left flaunted open borders, wokeness and diversity to half the country that simply didn't share those values. The result was MAGA and god help us all if Trump gets back in Whitehouse
Yes Washington Jefferson Adams
Lincoln Regan
Would all be appalled
The far right invoking any of them is
A gaslight
I'd like to hear Mr. Nichols discuss this with Lindsay Graham. PBS would do us all a good service if they hosted discussions between clashing viewpoints that promoted even-handedness.
Biden has behaved in the spirit of Washington.
Not sure if l wanted the hear this, lve had his thought that if trump gets relected for another term then this is who america is, now to hear somebody explain there thoughts and come up with the same conclusion only makes me feel more depressed and worried for america and the free world.
You and many others feel the same way. The antidote for me is to find and focus more on the good things that are happening.
If you haven't already, go and vote for KH - remember, 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'
It's not hopeless, YOU CAN make a difference!
@@bumblebee8416Vote Blue
Hi Tom, I picked up your book.
Ouch.
I once read that as a land speculator who had purchased swamp land in the District Of Columbia, George Washington insisted on placing the U.S. Capitol there, at the cost of borrowing tens of millions of dollars, in order to upgrade the land, just so it could be lived on.
Even though he had been advised to place the Capitol inland, (like in already developed Philadelphia or Boston), instead of right on the Potomac River, which was deep enough for British warships to sail right up to the front door of the Capitol.
Which, as predicted, did lead to the British navy capturing the Capitol in 1817. Is this true? If so, it would seem that this nation's slave owning founding "father" set the precedent for the blatant hypocrisy, selfishness, and greed that we experience from our elected officials today.
As a war time general, Washington had to know that he was making a strategically reckless decision. But he did it anyway, for his own personal gain. How "great" was his character, really? Because I'm not impressed at all.