Special thanks to the Grim Reaper, Moscow Mitch - the one and only Mitch McConnell, who brought us to this place in history. It wouldn’t have happened without him.
10 million illegals in 3.5 years. Men invading women's lockers rooms, prisons and sporting competitions. Stores closing down in major urban centers because of an epidemic of shoplifting. The Democrats have no one but themselves to blame for what happened on Tuesday night.
That's why Trump won. The transition team was inspiring to normal Americans. Kennedy, Gabbard, Vance, Ramaswamy, Musk. Unlike Democrats, there will be no emphasis on race, gender, and ethnicity. In other words, the Democrat freak show is over.
@@gusdad4811it is just starting in a big way. Every person in this country will feel the negativity of this regime in the days to come. The only winners are the radical wealthy that paid out for favors that will make them richer. Are you in that category? If not hang on because you are about to loose freedoms you did not know you had. People are known by the company they keep.
@gsherlock Excellent point! And remember...J.D. Vance is waiting in the wings for that cheeseburger to finally kick in, so he can step into the Presidency - LOL! I think we need to live our lives closely monitoring President Trump and his actions, but at the same time, not allowing the doom and gloom to consume us. The press will report on President Trump's day-to-day activities, and I trust that people, especially non-Trump supporting Republicans, will continue to question and challenge our 47th President who seems hellbent on molding himself into America's version of Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.
@@gusdad4811 Given all the names you just listed the freak show is coming to town. Is Kennedy's brain worm also going to get a cabinet position ? Things like race and gender have no effect on your life and yet you and your ilk obsess over them.
When John Meacham speaks I listen. Thank you PBS for having him on Firing Line since there is no other person as singularly focused on the American Presidency as John Meacham. He was very sobering and measured in his answers as expected but that’s what we need at a time like this. Hopefully the guard rails of democracy will hold firm but only time will tell. 🇺🇸
So 250 years of democracy. . . through a Civil War, numerous financial depressions, 2 World Wars, Jim Crow, 4 Presidents Assassinated . . . I could go on and on and on. . . YET, DEMOCRACY HELD. My GOD. . . what WILLFUL IGNORANCE on the part of Jon Meacham and Ms. Hoover parading as "SAVIORS" of a democracy that most EVERY voter holds dear and would NOT for ONE SECOND allow ANYONE to take away. Democracy is NOT in danger and SHAME of Jon Meacham and Ms. Hoover for trying to make themselves relevant by claiming that it is.
The opportunity for a reboot of our democracy is here. A citizenship of participation is required of all of us. We cannot only observe, we must act to preserve our democracy. History matters. Thank you Mr. Meacham.
Democracy is bullshit. The idea that individuals can identify what’s occurring and important; then sift through proposed policies and rationally select the most appropriate in the context of all other issues; and then identity a party most likely to carry out those policies based on some weighted evaluation is ridiculous. Here’s what democracy can provide: 1. A method to select intelligent, informed, and experienced leaders of character. 2. A tonic for corruption. That’s it folks. It’s impossible to calculate who is “right”. You can make philosophical choices, but you cannot prove that your policy choices result in the greatest common good. Government is unique in that there is only one choice. We cannot decide to shop somewhere else if government fails. Therefore we have to populate government with our best citizens and punish corrupt politicians when that selection process fails to prevent them from assuming power.
John Meacham puts his enormous knowledge and perspective to good use. It is unfortunate how small the reach of PBS is in numbers however. The internet ecosystem clearly favors inflamed partisan actors and not level-headed, respectful conversation.
@@MrsLangueYes, but they can't be bought, they are unbiased and they are here to report actual news based on facts. Mainstream media has become an absolute clown circus. They shouldn't be able to call themselves news anymore. We've allowed propoganda and lies to become the norm. These are not "alternative facts"and they are not journalists. They are "entertainers" as Fox would say. Sorry, journalists take an oath to report unbiased facts. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press doesn't give you the right to spread harmful lies. If there's any news station you can trust since their debut, it's this one.
George Soros, who is directly responsible for open borders, Antifa and BLM riots, get out of jail free prosecutors and is in full control of the Democratic Party is elite but he is definitely not happy about what happened Tuesday.
@@gsp49.. Because he ONLY cares about himself.. He's a damn con artist who has managed to fool half of this Country... You think that he cares about YOU??? Good luck eating food you won't be able to afford... or even keeping your job... Trump is just an old, angry man who wants revenge... People just gave him permission to get his revenge, if possible, by electing him again... Didn't you ever learn about the Constitution, Dictators or even Hitler?? What about the fact that TARIFFS were a reason why the United States fought for freedom from England in the first place??? Taxation without representation was a problem back then... What do you think a tariff is?? People just voted to raise prices on things in OUR own country... Do you remember the "Boston Tea Party?" Please try to REMEMBER the history of this Country if you ever knew it..
No, a pardon would not make things go away. It would embolden him more, no doubt in my mind. He was morally responsible for January 6 and for Georgia. You are correct Mr. Meacham, you will just make him a monarch🤬🤬🤬
Since he now, in his head, has a mandate from God & the American ppl, what Biden does or doesn't do us unlikely to register with him one jot. The only argument for a pardon as I see it is to disincentive him trying to stay beyond these 4 years, like Netanyahu, clinging to power & stirring shit to avoid the legal peril awaiting him.
They know, it just amuses them immensely to troll the libs by calling a spade a diamond: which is why nothing must be done to please ir appease anyone, what must be done is what is right, anything else will just further the erosion of constitutionality that Trump has unleashed. That means no pardon, & prosecutions resume ASAP.
There's nothing great about this hateful little man. He wrote most of Biden's disgraceful red speech at Independence Hall, and as a veteran I found the speech to be the most totalitarian physcotic drivel I've ever heard from an American President. He, and Joe Scarborough deserve each other.
He's not that great and there's no reason to struggle. Sure Trump is unpresidential at times, and his language is over the top at times. But for pity's sakes, 25% rise in prices over the last 4 years, new endless wars, letting in millions and millions of people- it's just insane stuff. Hence the need for Trump.
What the *uck? It doesn't take a pardon to leave many Americans feeling bereft and betrayed because justice would have been denied, putting that *ucker back into office checked those boxes off already. This is one *ucked up country, the world laughs at American "justice" and "values".
Democracy can only proactively preserve itself through education and policies that preserve social order and cohesion. We’ve been drifting for a long time.
Imagine if Garland was allowed to get the Supreme Court seat in 2016. We didn’t need an institutionalist like him as attorney general, we needed a pit bull to bring a case after January 6th. What makes me so angry is that there has been so many chanches to get rid of Trump for good.
You need to take a walk outside of your gated country club neighborhood - or try talking to someone different from you instead of looking at them and telling them what they should think. Stay woke!
Inflation, interest rates, crime, open border of 10 million unvetted illegals, making Iran rich for their evil and men in women’s locker rooms and competition really pissed people off
I am reading Mr. Meacham's Abraham Lincoln biography.. Let there be light.. and learning even back then.. Democracy was an uphill battle ..and it seems it will always be just that. Thanks for making your reflections known by this appearance Mr. Meacham.. there was some light again.
What a beautiful, measured perspective from John Meacham. Immense respect. The most scary he said is towards the end, about what is Trump’s incentive to change now.
MMNNN far too complacent . the American experiment sadly has toxic effects on everyone (not just you.) Its like having a drunk family member thats ruins every gathering and ends up violently abusing all around them !!
@@jssamp4442 take your own advice troll. The history of Palestine. The history of Israel's apartheid and genocide. Bidens history as a lifelong corrupt corporate democrat. He's a proud Zionist. It's obnoxious how proudly ignorant you are.
Grover Cleveland did not return to office as a lame duck president as there was no restriction upon him that he could not run for a third term. The 22nd amendment was not approved until 1951 .
A second term president, even under the 8 yr limits, is not a "lame duck" president. That term refers to a sitting president when a new one is elected. So Joe Biden became a lame duck Tuesday until he leaves office. President-elect Trump won't be a lame duck until November 2028. Make sense? But I do take your point that he won't have to be concerned about re-election.
It seems like to me that Trump is not concerned about being reelected because he doesn't intend to leave after 4 years. He didn't last time. This time he's facing a possible prison sentence from his felonies if he were no longer the president since they were state sourced and not federal.
@philknox That depends on how you read the comment. I read it as Trump didn’t intend to leave last time. And his actions following the election don’t seem to contradict that.
"Grover Cleveland did not return to office as a lame duck president as there was no restriction upon him that he could not run for a third term." (note of clarity: a returning former "lame duck president" during a time in which serving only two terms as a United States president was customary)
Have always respected Jon Meacham's wisdom. Thank you, sir, for your insights. I, too, believe that our democracy is resilient and strong enough to survive and flourish.
Thank you Jon Meacham and Margaret Hoover for this incredible explanatory video. I am gravely concerned where America is going, and if America will continue to stand up for civility and human rights as it did for over 100 years.
I think you need to calm down, in no way is America about to stop being a Republic. This is a fake moral panic, you have made politics your religion and cannot accept that your side was wrong. Americans do not want to be tribalized by their race or gender, Americans are not racists, in fact we are the least racist, Americans are not sexists, in fact we are the least sexist. Trump is not Hitler, Trump is not Stalin, Trump is not sexist, Trump is not racist, Trump loves Jews. Your whole outlook is a giant lie!
then you must support TRUMP because under camel-a you were losing your rights and if elected you would have been censored spied on and threatened with prison for your opinions....so STOP pretending you are worried about things you have no insight into....
We very clearly have authoritarian dictatorship, enshrined by SCROTUS' extraordinary tribal intervention, and feasting oligarchs in our near and probably middle-term future. At some point will come a chance for reset -- perhaps another bungled pandemic or a deflationary depression. Maybe then democracy can come back, maybe not. Either way, we have imploded on the world stage and found the end of empire.
What Americans do understand is their ruling class have become woke lunatics. They want secure borders and they don't want confused men walking around naked in their daughter's locker room. Meacham is a partisan hack masquerading as a historian. She should have asked him what our founding fathers would have thought about 10 million illegals flooding over the US southern border in 3.5 years.
in addition to that . . People have “ Never “ trusted Government . . Patrick Henry . . Thought the Constitution gave the Government . . Too much . . POWER . . he voted against it ? . . 🍺 🍺
Donald J Trouble says so much stuff that he either means or doesn't mean, some seriously, some jokingly. Problem is, there's no way for anyone to tell the difference. This is equivalent to randomness. Therefore, some groups are gullible to believe him, and some are gullible to not believe him. Good luck to us all.
@observerone6727 When you are the President of the United States, people listen. I expect Donald Trump will continue saying crazy shit, because it gains him free press and attention from not only his MAGA base, but from innocent people that may be affected and/or hurt by his rhetoric. That's what happens when a narcissistic showman runs for office. He's like a bull in a china shop with no regard or actual care for what gets broken in his wake.
The President kept saying "I don't need your votes"---I believe he knew that things were FIXED- ALREADY! I BELIEVE EVEN THOUGH CONCEDED, THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED- STILL!!
The focus is on what President-elect Trump will do or not do, and the guard rails that will act as a deterrence to his potential unconstitutional acts. To me the elephant in the room that nobody is talking about is the self-serving republican senators and congress men/women who do not have the courage to provide that guard rail.
Good grief so dramatic. Trump has assembled an all-star team to help him. I’m hoping he’ll help to promote Christian principles which is exactly what our country needs.
Why, what evidence do you have that it’s not possible for a senile incompetent old man can be President for 4 years? Maybe it’s because of historians and media personalities being “friends” with them?
If it brings any amount of hope, I fortunately don't think JD has the "sauce" to be the figurehead of maga. Or anyone else for that matter honestly, it's a personal cult around trump, so I think it collapses or starts to fracture when he's gone
Young voters don't get their news and media from the same outlets as people who are 50+. They are more likely to listen to podcasters like Joe Rogan than PBS or even mainstream TV and Cable News.
I blame our culture of stupidity. When intelligence became scornful, high school athletes bullied students who studied, called them nerds. Being good at math and science became uncool. Shows like Jackass were popular. Vapid, unaware models and actors became role models. Smart bad, stupid good. It's the dumbing down of America. People spend their idle time watching empty TV shows, drifting through life with apathy. This has led to a nation were the movie "Idiocracy" seems more like a documentary than a comedy.
The electoral college hasta be eliminated it needs to be one vote one person. And you should not have freedom of your rights in one state and drive across the state line and be in prison for the same thing, but they’ve decided to outlaw in another state. And I’m just talking about peoples rights their freedoms not small little rules and regulations. God help us all this is horrific.
Agreed. But we now have to come to terms that this fool won the popular vote, so the electoral college isn't the issue this time around. It's the ignorant and brainwashed masses. That's an even bigger dilemma.
This Firing Line is insightful and every American should watch it to better understand our government and DJT’s actions going forward. This is a CIVICS LESSON that sadly too many do not understand or never learned. Our President elect will be promoting the GOP - Government of Putin. I pray that I am completely wrong😢
I am not a fan of Trump. But I am trying to give some credit to the democratic process that just transpired. I believe that Biden made mistakes in regard to Russia, just as Trump did, and the Obama administration before them. Does anyone remember when Russia annexed Crimea? Which administration did that happen under? Under what administration did Russia invade the Ukraine?
@@SusanDollar Nope, not in a cult, the Left is in the cult, championing the mutilation/chemical castration of children, abandoning the concept of a nation state with borders, absolutely obsessed with skin color and gender, brainwashed into believing that America is a totally racist/sexist place, when the exact opposite is true. Good day!
I will tell you how he won. It's those bloody eggs, fried, boiled. scrambled, french toast, no one can afford those bloody eggs we heard so much about. Eggs, Yep Eggs.
lol. Where are these people buying their eggs? I buy mine from Aldi and they are just $1.45 and $2.15. If you want pasture raised eggs that's around $4.99. Still not horrible.
@@markhyman5825 I have to laugh when thinking that many of these people (men) are living with their parents who are probably shopping for those eggs. Junior's too busy playing Xbox in the basement to even guess at the current price of eggs - LOL!
@lisalivingston6473 unfortunately those men living in the basement is what cost the democrats this election. They don't watch this type of reporting. Maybe Joe Rogan.
I've said it before and I'll say it again . Get ready people, especially his supporters and other people who believed this FOOL ! He's going to turn against you and this country ! Just give it time and just watch
Yes! The long view as we each identify our position in favor of what has lasting values which Jon Meacham's reminders continue to inspire into action in the midst of real risks words and all.
There is a realignment underway although it is not clear how it will ultimately manifest. It may pave the way for new parties (that might be a beneficial outcome), but based on comments by Trump and many of those around him such as Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon, etc., the party will take on a right wing populism perhaps more in line with similar European parties. It's hard to say where the Democrats will go, but I am of the opinion that the system we have now will increasingly be seen as unable to adapt to the needs of the larger population and that will cause cracks in both of the two major parties causing them to flounder even more. Of course, each will blame the other. This could give rise to a new political movement which marries populism (calling for employee and community ownership of large firms and financial institutions at a more local level), with decentralization down to the community level (a form of municipalism especially as the identified metro "megaregions" gather political, economic, and social strength), and as AI and AGI take hold, looking for ways to democratize capital so that not all decisions are made by a few tech moguls in far away locations. Right now, neither party is even discussing such possibilities and frankly, I don't believe either has a grasp on the situation.
Trampon is not compulsive for me. I never want to hear his voice again. I just want him to go away. The people that voted for Trampon want the easy way out, economically, socially and culturally. Trampon is the resolution to their feelings of inadequacy and perceived social suppression. Sorry, life doesn't work that way. Change will happen regardless of who is President. A pardon is simply a way to relieve the law breakers consequences for committing a crime. Nothing more, nothing less. When a child acts in manor deemed not appropriate by the parent, there are consequences. A pardon subverts the rule of law. It's petty simple.
Very much appreciate liberty to comment on these Firing Lines. (Those with WFB are blocked.) That said. Thank you! Access to Margaret Hoover and her guests scrapes the barnacles off my hull as Bill would have from Cyrano’s.
I wish I could find comfort in all these millions of words & let these loud, hateful, angry people make America look so bad. The people with mansions, villas, super cars are telling the world America is not great & they are going to do what they can to destroy our country.
Are you sure about that? I would say it shouldn't be, but humpy and his rat pack hated the same things, and they were totally amused by him. It wasn't substance they were looking.
I think half the country would be beyond outraged if Trump were pardoned, but also officially convinced that Trump would be able to get away with anything. Many feel he never ever should have avoided being held accountable for the insurrection at the very least and that he has no interest in being president. It was a popularity contest to him, a way to evade prison and accountability. That would only be a slap in the face to all good people who object to his immoral conduct. And being elected in the face of it.
Trump has already stated we won't need to vote in the future. (We will be ruled by oligarchs, with Trump being the top oligarch...just like Putin.) The USA is quickly becoming the United States of Russia. Tragic!
Thank you for an excellent interview with Jon Meacham who is both an eloquent speaker and outstanding scholar in his knowledge of presidential politics and the Republic and the Constitution and his country's history. When you ask at the end is there something he can leave us with and he said that it's a miracle America and democracy have lasted this long. What I would ask Jon Meacham is what is the aftershock going to be of having a President in The Oval Office who has been accused and convicting of raping a woman? And of being a convicted felon and who someone whom has committed fraud with his bogus university and there must be more? How can it be justified, how can it be an American special exception, that a criminal who normally should have been sent to prison for even one of the charges is now the Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful country in the world? How could Americans allow someone so flawed be elected once let alone a second time? ‘Something is rotten in Denmark’ has to be modified to say something is rotten in American politics to have a President-elect who has committed egregious crimes and threatened to have an American heroine, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, fired on with 9 barrels. Forgive me, Jon, I am sure these things will be swept under the carpet by a president who has The Supreme Court in his back pocket, but it makes last tuesday's election look like a defeat of American exceptionalism and a step towards the dismantling the Republic by a lone. rogue warrior bent on retribution and breaking the foundation of your great country and only in it for himself.
This is the best post election interview I have watched. Really thoughtful questions, and some answers coming from a place of knowledge. This was beyond good.
Why does everyone ignore the effect the purging of voter rolls and gerrymandering had on the election? Also, the effect of the unawareness in the electorate of political realities for which they voted . They point to the effectiveness of the planning and propaganda of the extreme right. The role of the Supreme Court got an all but complete pass. Why pardon a man who has made it clear that he intends to pardon himself?
But There is fear. Real fear out there. Thats why dems lost. They were just focused on demonizing donald Trump and pushing the leftist agenda while people are going broke. Wake up and that's PRESIDENT Trump to you
Will the institutions hold? You know full well Trump will not allow the Kelly's, the Bolton's or the Tillerson's to get anywhere near the government this time. He will only appoint those that he is sure will choose his interests over the country's interests. With such a government are there any other checks? If he orders the military to commit crimes how will they respond?
Meacham is a professional Swamp creature. People were sick of the 25% cumulative inflation, the endless Foreign Wars, and of course the wide-open southern border. If that had continued it would have been the end of the country. The fact that he won't acknowledge that is a disgrace.
I don’t think ignorance is bliss when it is so critical that we stay informed of the facts surrounding Trump’s actions and do our best to separate it from the propaganda. Every individual is needed to stay vigilant in support of democracy. I don’t mean that you have to fill your head with all the news , podcasts etc. I do think now is the time to seek out one reliable more non bias than not media source and follow it to stay informed. I’m not going to follow all the nonsense that Trump says, but I will follow what he does.
@maureen9635 I love your comment, Maureen, and it's the best advice I've heard all day. People would be wise to follow your example to keep a sane mind during these next turbulent four years. Thanks for sharing!
These are regurgitated lines of propoganda offered by those who wish to control you, while they pretend to offer freedom. Truth is where you find freedom. If you seek the Truth, don't read Pravda.
The golden age will be born out of the next 4 years of Trump. The resistance will rise up. Look to yourself, your values and don't become cynical, divisive and angry. VP Harris gave us hope. Hold on to that.
@@anneolsen4181 everyone in Office us stupid. Trump at least wants to do policies that benefit the country rather than benefit donors. Will it make rich people richer? Yes, but you'll benefit too even though rich will benefit more. Oh well. I won't lie though, it will get hard first, then better.
It remains for President Trump to come through with his "We are going to be great again!'. If his promise is realized, he will be accorded the praise he so desires. But, if not, the world will seek just condemnation. That will be the opposite of what the President seeks.
Jon Meacham, I would like you to name all the Republicans you voted for. My guess is that none of them have any conservative leanings. You are extremely biased.
@ true I suppose it will be state policy that whatever utterance from our dear leader we will have to accept as truth. All historical books will have to be rewritten.
I am finding it difficult to understand how the Democratic Party talks a big game about democracy when the Democratic candidate in 2024 wasn’t even selected democratically, for starters.
Why should he pardon Hunter? Hunter has gotten off easy with these small charges. The Biden family corruption in Ukraine was a disgrace and helped lead to the current war.
Meachum is so thoughtful. I tend to agree that this is likely a be a tough period. I think Democrats should attempt to stop policies that will cause direct harm but as far as the economic side of things? I think they should let Trump run the economy into the ground with tariffs. Sometimes the best way to prevent pain is to allow some of it to happen. Hopefully I’m wrong and things go incredibly well but I think the last month or two of trumps presidency gives us a good preview of what the next four years could be like
Dude, we are going back to the 90's (back when Americans were just Americans, not as divided tribally by the Left), crack a cold one, wrap a pair of Oakley's around your face, we are riding jet-skis into a new golden age of America! Yeehaw!! Don't worry buddy, you are invited to the party too, we love all Americans!!
@@MarkMcAllister-ni9sf Trump Bros are a curious lot. We'll check back with them a year from now when grocery prices don't go down, when tariffs increase inflation, and when no one benefits from the grift except the grifters.
Special thanks to the Grim Reaper, Moscow Mitch - the one and only Mitch McConnell, who brought us to this place in history. It wouldn’t have happened without him.
Need to include Merrick Garland.
10 million illegals in 3.5 years. Men invading women's lockers rooms, prisons and sporting competitions. Stores closing down in major urban centers because of an epidemic of shoplifting. The Democrats have no one but themselves to blame for what happened on Tuesday night.
Yep.
And an honorable mention to Robert Mueller.
Or, Merritt Garland.
“Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it.”--- ― Leo Tolstoy, A Confession
O wow you're so insightful... haha
@@HughMorristheJoker That's right, she is insightful by posting a quote from Leo Tolstoy. You show your stupidity.
Do you work for a living? If you do then you voted for Trump.
@@eddievangundy4510 Huh?
Tolstoy he was a avid watcher of humanity but a monarchist all the same.
Quote from Josef Goebels: The joke on Democracy is that it gives it's mortal enemies the tools for its own destruction
YEAH, and that just has happened in the USA!
I think Joesph Stalin & Mao said the very same thing.
People forget that they are not just voting for a president but also the administration around the president, that where the real danger lies.
That's why Trump won. The transition team was inspiring to normal Americans. Kennedy, Gabbard, Vance, Ramaswamy, Musk. Unlike Democrats, there will be no emphasis on race, gender, and ethnicity. In other words, the Democrat freak show is over.
SHOVE IT BOT@@gusdad4811
@@gusdad4811it is just starting in a big way. Every person in this country will feel the negativity of this regime in the days to come. The only winners are the radical wealthy that paid out for favors that will make them richer. Are you in that category? If not hang on because you are about to loose freedoms you did not know you had. People are known by the company they keep.
@gsherlock Excellent point! And remember...J.D. Vance is waiting in the wings for that cheeseburger to finally kick in, so he can step into the Presidency - LOL! I think we need to live our lives closely monitoring President Trump and his actions, but at the same time, not allowing the doom and gloom to consume us. The press will report on President Trump's day-to-day activities, and I trust that people, especially non-Trump supporting Republicans, will continue to question and challenge our 47th President who seems hellbent on molding himself into America's version of Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.
@@gusdad4811 Given all the names you just listed the freak show is coming to town. Is Kennedy's brain worm also going to get a cabinet position ? Things like race and gender have no effect on your life and yet you and your ilk obsess over them.
A pardon would piss me off as an American! And im pretty sure that im not alone on this.
You're not alone, but you are in the minority. The rest of us know these trials were political stunts and the abuse of the court system.
@@floodgatestudios1825 but if the tables were turned, I’m sure Republicans would pardon Biden
You're in the minority. Please respect democracy.
Like 5% of people think the earth is flat.
You're not alone, but you're still wrong.
@@jeremyy8509You’re sure? Based on what?
When John Meacham speaks I listen. Thank you PBS for having him on Firing Line since there is no other person as singularly focused on the American Presidency as John Meacham. He was very sobering and measured in his answers as expected but that’s what we need at a time like this. Hopefully the guard rails of democracy will hold firm but only time will tell. 🇺🇸
The "guard rails" must be the American people who still have a little bit of morality and decency left...
So 250 years of democracy. . . through a Civil War, numerous financial depressions, 2 World Wars, Jim Crow, 4 Presidents Assassinated . . . I could go on and on and on. . . YET, DEMOCRACY HELD.
My GOD. . . what WILLFUL IGNORANCE on the part of Jon Meacham and Ms. Hoover parading as "SAVIORS" of a democracy that most EVERY voter holds dear and would NOT for ONE SECOND allow ANYONE to take away.
Democracy is NOT in danger and SHAME of Jon Meacham and Ms. Hoover for trying to make themselves relevant by claiming that it is.
The opportunity for a reboot of our democracy is here. A citizenship of participation is required of all of us. We cannot only observe, we must act to preserve our democracy. History matters. Thank you Mr. Meacham.
Democracy is bullshit.
The idea that individuals can identify what’s occurring and important; then sift through proposed policies and rationally select the most appropriate in the context of all other issues; and then identity a party most likely to carry out those policies based on some weighted evaluation is ridiculous.
Here’s what democracy can provide:
1. A method to select intelligent, informed, and experienced leaders of character.
2. A tonic for corruption.
That’s it folks. It’s impossible to calculate who is “right”. You can make philosophical choices, but you cannot prove that your policy choices result in the greatest common good.
Government is unique in that there is only one choice. We cannot decide to shop somewhere else if government fails. Therefore we have to populate government with our best citizens and punish corrupt politicians when that selection process fails to prevent them from assuming power.
So true
You have already redefined the word "democracy" to mean some bizarre DNC scheme. Please stop.
AMEN, AMEN and AMEN!!!!!!
Trump won....our democracy is saved!
One man I always listen to. Thank you Jon.
Yes thank you John
John Meacham puts his enormous knowledge and perspective to good use. It is unfortunate how small the reach of PBS is in numbers however. The internet ecosystem clearly favors inflamed partisan actors and not level-headed, respectful conversation.
PBS made their own bed, when it became a paid propaganda machine for Global Communism, instead of protecting its audience from it...
@MrsLangue the problem is PBS is not balanced... they're openly leftist and globalist.
Trust me, MAGA doesn't even tune in to PBS.
@@MrsLangueYes, but they can't be bought, they are unbiased and they are here to report actual news based on facts. Mainstream media has become an absolute clown circus. They shouldn't be able to call themselves news anymore. We've allowed propoganda and lies to become the norm. These are not "alternative facts"and they are not journalists. They are "entertainers" as Fox would say. Sorry, journalists take an oath to report unbiased facts. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press doesn't give you the right to spread harmful lies.
If there's any news station you can trust since their debut, it's this one.
@elizabethwitt2621 why would we...? It's all globalist agenda propaganda.
Trump will do whatever he wants whenever he wants and laws and norms will be unable to stop him
Unfortunately Trump‘s reign will only bring happyness among the elites, 72 millions who voted for Trump will only face more struggle, and frustration.
And they will find a way to blame Joe Biden.
Why?
George Soros, who is directly responsible for open borders, Antifa and BLM riots, get out of jail free prosecutors and is in full control of the Democratic Party is elite but he is definitely not happy about what happened Tuesday.
@@gsp49.. Because he ONLY cares about himself.. He's a damn con artist who has managed to fool half of this Country... You think that he cares about YOU??? Good luck eating food you won't be able to afford... or even keeping your job... Trump is just an old, angry man who wants revenge... People just gave him permission to get his revenge, if possible, by electing him again... Didn't you ever learn about the Constitution, Dictators or even Hitler?? What about the fact that TARIFFS were a reason why the United States fought for freedom from England in the first place??? Taxation without representation was a problem back then... What do you think a tariff is?? People just voted to raise prices on things in OUR own country... Do you remember the "Boston Tea Party?" Please try to REMEMBER the history of this Country if you ever knew it..
youve been brainwashed
No, a pardon would not make things go away. It would embolden him more, no doubt in my mind. He was morally responsible for January 6 and for Georgia. You are correct Mr. Meacham, you will just make him a monarch🤬🤬🤬
Instead of pardon Biden should APOLOGIES to public that he CASUED our loss. Multiple errors by BIDEN are documented.
The convicted felon will never change and will probably get worse because he has been allowed to with no consequences. TRAGIC
Since he now, in his head, has a mandate from God & the American ppl, what Biden does or doesn't do us unlikely to register with him one jot.
The only argument for a pardon as I see it is to disincentive him trying to stay beyond these 4 years, like Netanyahu, clinging to power & stirring shit to avoid the legal peril awaiting him.
Responsible? You have plenty of evidence that is false. Admit it, numbnuts.
FBI helped Biden win in 2020. People had a reason to be upset on 1/6.
The simple truth is: this country is not as great as we thought it was.
The door is always open. You should go where it’s great.
Sad
Cry more.
Leave then
Why? Trump himself said it as become a garbage can...
Pardoning trump I feel would be seen by supporters as proof he was never guilty in the first place.
They know, it just amuses them immensely to troll the libs by calling a spade a diamond: which is why nothing must be done to please ir appease anyone, what must be done is what is right, anything else will just further the erosion of constitutionality that Trump has unleashed.
That means no pardon, & prosecutions resume ASAP.
Guilty of what, exactly?
@@1247.cccccc nothing
Except a pardon means admission of guilt. If you’re not guilty, there’s no reason to be pardoned.
Impossible to pardon him with the conviction expunged and the cases dismissed.
I think even the great Jon Meacham is struggling with this one.
That is 100% correct but it is honesty that has more value. Impressive
There's nothing great about this hateful little man. He wrote most of Biden's disgraceful red speech at Independence Hall, and as a veteran I found the speech to be the most totalitarian physcotic drivel I've ever heard from an American President. He, and Joe Scarborough deserve each other.
He's not that great and there's no reason to struggle. Sure Trump is unpresidential at times, and his language is over the top at times. But for pity's sakes, 25% rise in prices over the last 4 years, new endless wars, letting in millions and millions of people- it's just insane stuff. Hence the need for Trump.
@@eddievangundy4510 So funny WAIT & SEE if the DUMMY can bring prices down. Wages up, Import tax Up EVERYTHING will be more EXPENSIVE in 2025
@@eddievangundy4510🎯
John Meacham has been and will always be the adult in the room. Thank you, Margaret, for bringing him on
He's a boob
👏👏👏👏
Intelligent discourse and well-balanced critique must prevail. 👏👏
Lol
“The people who voted for him don’t want him to change.” Better get it through your head.
He got that right by accident.
I appreciate the grace of Mr. Meacham in answering the questions with tact.
He really is a knowledgeable person. What a great president he would make, looks the part also.
@@magicmarker7047yep, I see his resemblance to Obama 😂
@@CJ-oi7zm Tool!
@@magicmarker7047 An F'ing White male???
No, pardoning Trump would be totally wrong.
He doesn't need to be pardoned
@@HughMorristheJoker The conviction should be overturned on appeal.
Trump doesn’t need a pardon.
A Trump pardon would leave many Americans feeling bereft and feeling betrayed because justice would have been denied.
Gutless Garland denied any justice.
What the *uck? It doesn't take a pardon to leave many Americans feeling bereft and betrayed because justice would have been denied, putting that *ucker back into office checked those boxes off already. This is one *ucked up country, the world laughs at American "justice" and "values".
@@paulzammataro7185 Garland should spend the rest of his life in shame and his name should forever mean feckless.
Democracy can only proactively preserve itself through education and policies that preserve social order and cohesion. We’ve been drifting for a long time.
Imagine if Garland was allowed to get the Supreme Court seat in 2016. We didn’t need an institutionalist like him as attorney general, we needed a pit bull to bring a case after January 6th. What makes me so angry is that there has been so many chanches to get rid of Trump for good.
Garland as AG was Biden’s huge gift to trump, and a huge mistake. The worst appointment and it was for the wrong reasons
Not a turning point..a disaster.
Not a Democrat loss..an American embarrassment..Americans need to read a book.
You need to take a walk outside of your gated country club neighborhood - or try talking to someone different from you instead of looking at them and telling them what they should think. Stay woke!
Any recommendations on what selections of good books to read that similar to what's happened and will happen?
@@robertlee8805”On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder.
Inflation, interest rates, crime, open border of 10 million unvetted illegals, making Iran rich for their evil and men in women’s locker rooms and competition really pissed people off
@@biggreasy1221 Even the majority of those who voted for him will regret it...likely long before 2028 !
I am reading Mr. Meacham's Abraham Lincoln biography.. Let there be light.. and learning even back then.. Democracy was an uphill battle ..and it seems it will always be just that. Thanks for making your reflections known by this appearance Mr. Meacham.. there was some light again.
In America 🇺🇸 . . The People in fact . . RULE . . They simply voted for change . . like it or not . . 🍺 🍺
What a beautiful, measured perspective from John Meacham. Immense respect. The most scary he said is towards the end, about what is Trump’s incentive to change now.
MMNNN far too complacent . the American experiment sadly has toxic effects on everyone (not just you.) Its like having a drunk family member thats ruins every gathering and ends up violently abusing all around them !!
What would you people do without a good dose of fear porn?
Trump had a great first term. Let's hope the second term is even better!
@@eddievangundy4510 False
@@eddievangundy4510 Very true!
Always a pleasure to watch this show. Appears fair to the left.and right.
Very nuanced, thoughtful, and thoughtful exchange of ideas. Worth a listen.
Wonderful conversation & interview Margaret! Thank you for speaking with the eminent John Meacham!
The only thing that could stain Biden's reputation is a pardon of Trump.
What of Biden's reign is not a stain?
Classic comment. Nothing else could possibly "stain" the reputation of Biden? He caused the problem in the region known as the ukraine.
Ignores his genocide and capitulation to corporations... he should be behind bars.
@@jbanders2358 You should be in school. History and civics class specifically.
@@jssamp4442 take your own advice troll. The history of Palestine. The history of Israel's apartheid and genocide. Bidens history as a lifelong corrupt corporate democrat. He's a proud Zionist. It's obnoxious how proudly ignorant you are.
Grover Cleveland did not return to office as a lame duck president as there was no restriction upon him that he could not run for a third term. The 22nd amendment was not approved until 1951 .
A second term president, even under the 8 yr limits, is not a "lame duck" president. That term refers to a sitting president when a new one is elected. So Joe Biden became a lame duck Tuesday until he leaves office. President-elect Trump won't be a lame duck until November 2028. Make sense? But I do take your point that he won't have to be concerned about re-election.
It seems like to me that Trump is not concerned about being reelected because he doesn't intend to leave after 4 years. He didn't last time. This time he's facing a possible prison sentence from his felonies if he were no longer the president since they were state sourced and not federal.
Did you actually claim Trump didn't leave last time? Did you miss the Biden Inauguration on Jan 20, 2021?
@philknox That depends on how you read the comment. I read it as Trump didn’t intend to leave last time. And his actions following the election don’t seem to contradict that.
"Grover Cleveland did not return to office as a lame duck president as there was no restriction upon him that he could not run for a third term."
(note of clarity: a returning former "lame duck president" during a time in which serving only two terms as a United States president was customary)
Have always respected Jon Meacham's wisdom. Thank you, sir, for your insights. I, too, believe that our democracy is resilient and strong enough to survive and flourish.
That is not quite what he said.
Just because it always has, doesn't mean it always will
"Hope" is not a plan
It was for obama
This is the best interview with Jon Meacham I have seen. Thank you!
Thank you Jon Meacham and Margaret Hoover for this incredible explanatory video.
I am gravely concerned where America is going, and if America will continue to stand up for civility and human rights as it did for over 100 years.
It won't. You know that.
I think you need to calm down, in no way is America about to stop being a Republic. This is a fake moral panic, you have made politics your religion and cannot accept that your side was wrong. Americans do not want to be tribalized by their race or gender, Americans are not racists, in fact we are the least racist, Americans are not sexists, in fact we are the least sexist. Trump is not Hitler, Trump is not Stalin, Trump is not sexist, Trump is not racist, Trump loves Jews. Your whole outlook is a giant lie!
So I fea 😢
then you must support TRUMP because under camel-a you were losing your rights and if elected you would have been censored spied on and threatened with prison for your opinions....so STOP pretending you are worried about things you have no insight into....
We very clearly have authoritarian dictatorship, enshrined by SCROTUS' extraordinary tribal intervention, and feasting oligarchs in our near and probably middle-term future. At some point will come a chance for reset -- perhaps another bungled pandemic or a deflationary depression. Maybe then democracy can come back, maybe not. Either way, we have imploded on the world stage and found the end of empire.
Donald " This will..truly be ...the golden shower of American history...."
Your side loves disinformation.
John Meacham is a very wise person and teacher, and a national treasure.
Alas, if only more folks listened to him and heeded his wisdom.
Too many Americans can't understand Meacham's wisdom. But they sure like Trump's vulgar jokes, and that's exactly why we are in this crisis now.
Same true for Doris Goodwin
What Americans do understand is their ruling class have become woke lunatics. They want secure borders and they don't want confused men walking around naked in their daughter's locker room. Meacham is a partisan hack masquerading as a historian. She should have asked him what our founding fathers would have thought about 10 million illegals flooding over the US southern border in 3.5 years.
in addition to that . . People have “ Never “ trusted Government . .
Patrick Henry . .
Thought the Constitution gave the Government . . Too much . . POWER . .
he voted against it ? . . 🍺 🍺
@LarryGarcia-lz2zb it's worked pretty well for over 240 years
Donald J Trouble says so much stuff that he either means or doesn't mean, some seriously, some jokingly. Problem is, there's no way for anyone to tell the difference. This is equivalent to randomness. Therefore, some groups are gullible to believe him, and some are gullible to not believe him. Good luck to us all.
@observerone6727 When you are the President of the United States, people listen. I expect Donald Trump will continue saying crazy shit, because it gains him free press and attention from not only his MAGA base, but from innocent people that may be affected and/or hurt by his rhetoric. That's what happens when a narcissistic showman runs for office. He's like a bull in a china shop with no regard or actual care for what gets broken in his wake.
The President kept saying "I don't need your votes"---I believe he knew that things were FIXED- ALREADY! I BELIEVE EVEN THOUGH CONCEDED, THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED- STILL!!
The focus is on what President-elect Trump will do or not do, and the guard rails that will act as a deterrence to his potential unconstitutional acts. To me the elephant in the room that nobody is talking about is the self-serving republican senators and congress men/women who do not have the courage to provide that guard rail.
John Meacham is a rare gem among current American historians. No disrespect to others! 🙏 Love this guy...!! 💥💯💪
He will do whatever he has said!!!
I'm afraid of what's coming....
so are the minority of losers that voted for camel-a
I’m banking on the fact Trump lies a lot, but I don’t trust the people around him either.
Me too Pam, I can't sleep, I have CPTSD so even slightly stressful things are a five alarm fire in my brain. This is a ten alarm fire.
Why? Are you an illegal?
Good grief so dramatic. Trump has assembled an all-star team to help him. I’m hoping he’ll help to promote Christian principles which is exactly what our country needs.
Considering Trump's age, I for one am less concerned about him, than what JD Vance and a few younger Supreme Court members will bring.
How sweet it is!❤️
Why, what evidence do you have that it’s not possible for a senile incompetent old man can be President for 4 years? Maybe it’s because of historians and media personalities being “friends” with them?
If it brings any amount of hope, I fortunately don't think JD has the "sauce" to be the figurehead of maga. Or anyone else for that matter honestly, it's a personal cult around trump, so I think it collapses or starts to fracture when he's gone
@margrethoover… Simply the best show/Firing Line you’ve ever produced. Incredible and awesome.
I'm 60yrs old, I had government class in high school ! I had Constitution law in college! Why don't people understand what they voted for?
Young voters don't get their news and media from the same outlets as people who are 50+. They are more likely to listen to podcasters like Joe Rogan than PBS or even mainstream TV and Cable News.
I blame our culture of stupidity. When intelligence became scornful, high school athletes bullied students who studied, called them nerds. Being good at math and science became uncool. Shows like Jackass were popular. Vapid, unaware models and actors became role models. Smart bad, stupid good. It's the dumbing down of America. People spend their idle time watching empty TV shows, drifting through life with apathy. This has led to a nation were the movie "Idiocracy" seems more like a documentary than a comedy.
The electoral college hasta be eliminated it needs to be one vote one person. And you should not have freedom of your rights in one state and drive across the state line and be in prison for the same thing, but they’ve decided to outlaw in another state. And I’m just talking about peoples rights their freedoms not small little rules and regulations. God help us all this is horrific.
Thank goodness Donald Trump won the election. Kamala Harris was a threat to democracy,
Agreed. But we now have to come to terms that this fool won the popular vote, so the electoral college isn't the issue this time around. It's the ignorant and brainwashed masses. That's an even bigger dilemma.
Never going to happen and Trump is your president.
He won the popular vote as well lmao 🤣
You are talking about undoing political norms. These are United States. Not European oligarchies. You're ignorant of the American standard.
This Firing Line is insightful and every American should watch it to better understand our government and DJT’s actions going forward. This is a CIVICS LESSON that sadly too many do not understand or never learned. Our President elect will be promoting the GOP - Government of Putin. I pray that I am completely wrong😢
I'm pretty sure you're right. Remember Helsinki? That was an owned, scared little man. tRimp was the embodiment of envy and FEAR.
I am not a fan of Trump. But I am trying to give some credit to the democratic process that just transpired. I believe that Biden made mistakes in regard to Russia, just as Trump did, and the Obama administration before them. Does anyone remember when Russia annexed Crimea? Which administration did that happen under? Under what administration did Russia invade the Ukraine?
Meacham’s comments on the election and its implications are the most measured, intelligent and insightful I’ve heard yet.
Pure propaganda, he used to be great.
then you need to spend more time with adults..or at least humans with intellect
LoL, you guys don't know a mind from a garbage can of lies and nonsense.
Cult members cannot learn anything new. Just What dear leader says.
@@SusanDollar Nope, not in a cult, the Left is in the cult, championing the mutilation/chemical castration of children, abandoning the concept of a nation state with borders, absolutely obsessed with skin color and gender, brainwashed into believing that America is a totally racist/sexist place, when the exact opposite is true. Good day!
If only Trump would watch content like this rather than twitter.
You mean X?😂
Trump only has the mentality and attention span of a gnat to watch Twitter. The guy is dumber than a box of rocks
Trump is not capable of deep thinking!
Thank you Margaret and Jon!
I will tell you how he won. It's those bloody eggs, fried, boiled. scrambled, french toast, no one can afford those bloody eggs we heard so much about. Eggs, Yep Eggs.
Well those bloody eggs are going to get even more expensive under Trump. Wait until he imposes Tariffs
lol. Where are these people buying their eggs? I buy mine from Aldi and they are just $1.45 and $2.15. If you want pasture raised eggs that's around $4.99. Still not horrible.
@@markhyman5825 I have to laugh when thinking that many of these people (men) are living with their parents who are probably shopping for those eggs. Junior's too busy playing Xbox in the basement to even guess at the current price of eggs - LOL!
@lisalivingston6473 unfortunately those men living in the basement is what cost the democrats this election. They don't watch this type of reporting. Maybe Joe Rogan.
And they're going to get way more expensive now, watch
My sense is that a pardon would not make Trump supporters happier and would infuriate Democrats.
I've said it before and I'll say it again . Get ready people, especially his supporters and other people who believed this FOOL ! He's going to turn against you and this country ! Just give it time and just watch
It is hard to believe this America produces such a person with clear vision and great wisdom!
Our nation is full of folks like this. They just do not dive into the cess pool of American politics.
@@joey3301 👏
Yes! The long view as we each identify our position in favor of what has lasting values which Jon Meacham's reminders continue to inspire into action in the midst of real risks words and all.
Joe Biden should pardon his own son and heal and move forward
For his unpaid taxes on payoffs? Classic scumbag Biden family finances.
Trump will ignore pardons
There is a realignment underway although it is not clear how it will ultimately manifest. It may pave the way for new parties (that might be a beneficial outcome), but based on comments by Trump and many of those around him such as Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon, etc., the party will take on a right wing populism perhaps more in line with similar European parties. It's hard to say where the Democrats will go, but I am of the opinion that the system we have now will increasingly be seen as unable to adapt to the needs of the larger population and that will cause cracks in both of the two major parties causing them to flounder even more. Of course, each will blame the other. This could give rise to a new political movement which marries populism (calling for employee and community ownership of large firms and financial institutions at a more local level), with decentralization down to the community level (a form of municipalism especially as the identified metro "megaregions" gather political, economic, and social strength), and as AI and AGI take hold, looking for ways to democratize capital so that not all decisions are made by a few tech moguls in far away locations. Right now, neither party is even discussing such possibilities and frankly, I don't believe either has a grasp on the situation.
Trampon is not compulsive for me.
I never want to hear his voice again. I just want him to go away.
The people that voted for Trampon want the easy way out, economically, socially and culturally. Trampon is the resolution to their feelings of inadequacy and perceived social suppression.
Sorry, life doesn't work that way. Change will happen regardless of who is President.
A pardon is simply a way to relieve the law breakers consequences for committing a crime.
Nothing more, nothing less.
When a child acts in manor deemed not appropriate by the parent, there are consequences.
A pardon subverts the rule of law. It's petty simple.
As rational a reflection as I have heard. Mr. Meacham is a voice for the current American situation from an historian's perspective.
So what the hell happens if the price of groceries DON'T go down?
Don't count on it. The corruption is immeasurable.
Trumpers will blame democrats
Very much appreciate liberty to comment on these Firing Lines. (Those with WFB are blocked.) That said. Thank you! Access to Margaret Hoover and her guests scrapes the barnacles off my hull as Bill would have from Cyrano’s.
Thank you for this!
I wish I could find comfort in all these millions of words & let these loud, hateful, angry people make America look so bad. The people with mansions, villas, super cars are telling the world America is not great & they are going to do what they can to destroy our country.
"People thought that democracy as we understand it did not deliver..."
Voting for what you believe in IS democracy, what complete word-sallad!
The only problem is that our political system isnt entertainment!
Are you sure about that? I would say it shouldn't be, but humpy and his rat pack hated the same things, and they were totally amused by him. It wasn't substance they were looking.
I think half the country would be beyond outraged if Trump were pardoned, but also officially convinced that Trump would be able to get away with anything. Many feel he never ever should have avoided being held accountable for the insurrection at the very least and that he has no interest in being president. It was a popularity contest to him, a way to evade prison and accountability. That would only be a slap in the face to all good people who object to his immoral conduct. And being elected in the face of it.
Thanks, there is a reason I have read your writings and books for decades. ❤
Excellent interview.
The problem is that democrats got carried away by the issues that don’t resonate with majority of the middle class in America.
Rational, honest & calmly spoken perspectives
Trump has already stated we won't need to vote in the future. (We will be ruled by oligarchs, with Trump being the top oligarch...just like Putin.) The USA is quickly becoming the United States of Russia. Tragic!
It's Obama who is Putin. Wait till you see what comes out about where his real fealty is.
Thank you for an excellent interview with Jon Meacham who is both an eloquent speaker and outstanding scholar in his knowledge of presidential politics and the Republic and the Constitution and his country's history. When you ask at the end is there something he can leave us with and he said that it's a miracle America and democracy have lasted this long. What I would ask Jon Meacham is what is the aftershock going to be of having a President in The Oval Office who has been accused and convicting of raping a woman? And of being a convicted felon and who someone whom has committed fraud with his bogus university and there must be more? How can it be justified, how can it be an American special exception, that a criminal who normally should have been sent to prison for even one of the charges is now the Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful country in the world? How could Americans allow someone so flawed be elected once let alone a second time? ‘Something is rotten in Denmark’ has to be modified to say something is rotten in American politics to have a President-elect who has committed egregious crimes and threatened to have an American heroine, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, fired on with 9 barrels. Forgive me, Jon, I am sure these things will be swept under the carpet by a president who has The Supreme Court in his back pocket, but it makes last tuesday's election look like a defeat of American exceptionalism and a step towards the dismantling the Republic by a lone. rogue warrior bent on retribution and breaking the foundation of your great country and only in it for himself.
There is no healing yet. Not done grieving
This is the most intelligent interview I’ve watched in a very long time. Bravo.
This is the best post election interview I have watched. Really thoughtful questions, and some answers coming from a place of knowledge. This was beyond good.
Why does everyone ignore the effect the purging of voter rolls and gerrymandering had on the election? Also, the effect of the unawareness in the electorate of political realities for which they voted . They point to the effectiveness of the planning and propaganda of the extreme right. The role of the Supreme Court got an all but complete pass.
Why pardon a man who has made it clear that he intends to pardon himself?
2004 GWB won by invoking fear. So did Trump in 2024.
It’s a very successful playbook.
Fear is a cheap way to lead people.
But There is fear. Real fear out there. Thats why dems lost. They were just focused on demonizing donald Trump and pushing the leftist agenda while people are going broke. Wake up and that's PRESIDENT Trump to you
@@texasflood1295 I question that fear leads people. Rather, it herds them. Of course, I could be wrong.
In 2004, the fear was justifiable.
The election was about the economy. Wealthy celebrities promoting Kamala was pathetic.
Will the institutions hold? You know full well Trump will not allow the Kelly's, the Bolton's or the Tillerson's to get anywhere near the government this time. He will only appoint those that he is sure will choose his interests over the country's interests. With such a government are there any other checks? If he orders the military to commit crimes how will they respond?
He’s already trying to bypass senate approval for his cabinet!
It is a battle for the soul of America and those of us who believe in democracy must stand up and fight for our civil rights and our Constitution.
Hard to fight you have no males or guns
Meacham is a professional Swamp creature. People were sick of the 25% cumulative inflation, the endless Foreign Wars, and of course the wide-open southern border. If that had continued it would have been the end of the country. The fact that he won't acknowledge that is a disgrace.
With all due respect, these establishment people have no idea what’s coming. We just ended the country as we know it.
I don’t think ignorance is bliss when it is so critical that we stay informed of the facts surrounding Trump’s actions and do our best to separate it from the propaganda. Every individual is needed to stay vigilant in support of democracy. I don’t mean that you have to fill your head with all the news , podcasts etc. I do think now is the time to seek out one reliable more non bias than not media source and follow it to stay informed. I’m not going to follow all the nonsense that Trump says, but I will follow what he does.
there is no "one reliable" and thats the key. you have to watch many, try WION, its like news used to be
@maureen9635 I love your comment, Maureen, and it's the best advice I've heard all day. People would be wise to follow your example to keep a sane mind during these next turbulent four years. Thanks for sharing!
And we subsidize PBS... How bias is this. What we know is most Americans did not want to accept the risk of another four years of Kamala.
I'm a retired veteran and I'm leaving the country for a real democracy 😂😂😂😂😂
Where at?
@Kenneth, and where, pray tell, will that be. 😅😂😊 Good luck❤
Don't let the door hit you in the ass
Democracy is dying in darkness. The darkness of ignorance and stupidity. 6:40
These are regurgitated lines of propoganda offered by those who wish to control you, while they pretend to offer freedom. Truth is where you find freedom. If you seek the Truth, don't read Pravda.
The golden age will be born out of the next 4 years of Trump. The resistance will rise up. Look to yourself, your values and don't become cynical, divisive and angry. VP Harris gave us hope. Hold on to that.
Tammy Baldwin vowed to work with Trump. If you genuinely want the golden age, then work with him, not against him.
@@MisakaMikotoDesubut he is insane and destructive and terribly wrong about most everything no matter how he talks, as if he wasn't always lying.
@@MisakaMikotoDesu if that works for you then do it or speak to people you know who voted for him.
@@anneolsen4181 everyone in Office us stupid. Trump at least wants to do policies that benefit the country rather than benefit donors. Will it make rich people richer? Yes, but you'll benefit too even though rich will benefit more. Oh well.
I won't lie though, it will get hard first, then better.
@@vickibolsover6559everyone needs to make America Great again. Every race, every gender, every body.
Listen to this man's words.
It remains for President Trump to come through with his "We are going to be great again!'. If his promise is realized, he will be accorded the praise he so desires. But, if not, the world will seek just condemnation. That will be the opposite of what the President seeks.
Jon Meacham, I would like you to name all the Republicans you voted for. My guess is that none of them have any conservative leanings. You are extremely biased.
Excellent conversation about the end of America. For those who voted for you, may you live to regret it.
I would guess that Trump knows about 10% of the historical information that Meacham expressed during this interview..
@danburnes722 I think you've overestimated Trump's understanding of history - LOL!
That's being overly generous
@@danburnes722 I’ll bet Meachem didn’t know about our army taking over airports during the Revolutionary War
@ true I suppose it will be state policy that whatever utterance from our dear leader we will have to accept as truth. All historical books will have to be rewritten.
@@jeremyy8509Great comment!!! I love it!!! 😂
The poor interviewing is struggling to keep it together. You can see the tears and sadness in her eyes.
Great conversation ! I do wish the subject of powerful 24-7 propaganda would be discussed more in election analysis.
Thanks
Why not despair as a Democrat. Would like some reasons. Trump will be worse. Our country is a laughing stoke electing a criminal.
True dat. The Ununited States of Felonious tRump.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I am finding it difficult to understand how the Democratic Party talks a big game about democracy when the Democratic candidate in 2024 wasn’t even selected democratically, for starters.
🎯
You get to keep your job as pet historian of the PBS crowd. Well done sir. May the cocktail parties continue!
Your cynical, dismissive comment says much more about you than it does about Ms. Hoover or Mr. Meacham.
Definitely no pardon for Trump!!!! And i hope Joe pardons Hunter before leaving office.
Why should he pardon Hunter? Hunter has gotten off easy with these small charges. The Biden family corruption in Ukraine was a disgrace and helped lead to the current war.
Hunters a criminal
He is not for the truth only what's blue.
Meachum is so thoughtful. I tend to agree that this is likely a be a tough period. I think Democrats should attempt to stop policies that will cause direct harm but as far as the economic side of things? I think they should let Trump run the economy into the ground with tariffs. Sometimes the best way to prevent pain is to allow some of it to happen. Hopefully I’m wrong and things go incredibly well but I think the last month or two of trumps presidency gives us a good preview of what the next four years could be like
A solid and succinct point of view on the risks of a Trump presidency. Excellent interview.
Dude, we are going back to the 90's (back when Americans were just Americans, not as divided tribally by the Left), crack a cold one, wrap a pair of Oakley's around your face, we are riding jet-skis into a new golden age of America! Yeehaw!! Don't worry buddy, you are invited to the party too, we love all Americans!!
@@MarkMcAllister-ni9sfNo shit man. How is it that Democrats have managed to divide the country more since the 90's.
lol...name 1 risk this guy articulated with evidence........crickets
@@jadezee6316you missed all the news and concerns and endless discussions about all that? As Risk, I mean.
@@MarkMcAllister-ni9sf Trump Bros are a curious lot. We'll check back with them a year from now when grocery prices don't go down, when tariffs increase inflation, and when no one benefits from the grift except the grifters.