I too was alarmed by his blanket statement that Trump is a « bigot » even though I am no great defender of Trump. Name-calling is a form of defocusing from the issues of governance etc. I thought it was a cheap shot. However, I had so much admiration for your professionalism Trish and not going down the emtional slandering rabbit hole, with your razor focus on keeping the history lesson moving forward … Thank you once again. And thank you for interviewing all sides in an era of schisms and name-calling. You are the best of the best …
If you simply categorize identity politics as "far left" you're playing the ruling class' game. Gloria Steinem was a literal CIA agent doing anti-communist operations -
Yes, it's why conservatives accusing the "left" of being identity is nonsensical. Conservatives are even more authoritarian, just on different points, like religious values.
I'm anti-authoritarian, that means no voting for any of the main parties, all the big parties are owned by institutions and corporations. The big parties have all become anti-democratic.
When a polarizing and often distasteful man like Trump can easily win a national election, it speaks to the high degree of dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. It has become increasingly evident that the anti-Woke sentiment was a major factor. The Left went too far and people, especially parents, have had enough.
Agree with you 100%.We are not voting FOR a candidate but against someone who's policies we hate and disagree with.In other words choosing the less bad of a bad bunch.It has been like this for years now.I am 70 years old and seems to me there have been very few politicians in the last 50 years that I have really wanted to be in power.Sad but true.
...and surprisingly, or not, a lot of dems swallowed hard and voted for DT because of the nonsensical dem elites - I am one and haven't voted dem for the last three national elections - this is the first time voting rep.
"In the west, we have been governed by fools." Indeed.
I so appreciate your introspection and honest engagement with readers/listeners, Trish. Frank's books and intellect offer keen insights, but he's a tough interview, as he loves to talk over others and control conversations. Sadly, this produces some blinders on his vision, as you note here (and I've noted elsewhere.)
"At least we're not as bad as X," the likes of Frank continue to say. And at this point in history I agree... They're worse.
My natural affinity is with the Left. I am driven by ideas around justice & truth and have an extremely hard time with corruption of any kind, and its massive negative impact on the poor & vulnerable.
At this point, I want nothing to do with Liberals. Even though I do not agree with Conservatives on many issues, I get along with them very well and they are very tolerant of me. It is the Liberal Educated Academic Managerial Media class that are intolerant and small minded. They are the ones who only see what confirms their bias on just about every issue (climate change, gender, covid, economics, etc.) They talk about following the science while completely denying any evidence that is not in line with the Narratives they subscribe to.
IMO truth-seeking is a quality that sits outside the left-right political paradigm. Perhaps many of us have associated it with "the left" because we think of old-school journalists exposing institutional abuses in the Church or bringing down corrupt corporations.
But really, the point of such truth-seeking endeavours is to expose the hollowness and moral bankruptcy that can lie behind power. This is not inherently a leftist pursuit; it just so happens that throughout the latter half of the 20th century it was conservative, reactionary or right-wing forces that often held power. For a long time now, though, the establishment itself has been liberal, so the truth-seeking underdogs are more likely to come from conservative circles or even a religious fringe.
I've also come to realise that social justice is itself not an inherently leftist pursuit. The right spent a long time being fairly libertarian and laissez-faire about social issues, at least politically, ceding ground to the left. But in fact, when those on the right engage with social justice issues in earnest, many of their arguments are actually more compassionate, empowering and pragmatic than the identitarian claptrap we've had from the left.
As a final thought, even liberalism itself can have both left- and right-leaning interpretations. Although I have never been drawn to the organised left, I have always felt myself to be instinctively liberal, if that makes sense. As in, believing in Enlightenment principles like free speech, free association, personal autonomy, etc. and hugely disliking state overreach and intervention. For a long time it felt like the language of the left upheld these principles more so than the right, but I now dispute this. It feels to me like the right today is more liberal than the left, and for this reason I refer to the modern mainstream left as "post-liberal".
Of course, there is authoritarianism on the right too, as well as intolerance, small-mindedness, and contempt for heterogeneity in society. But these are minority inclinations. I feel that the anti-woke populist coalition which has emerged in the West will be able to rein in and challenge any authoritarian elements within it, because most of us completely abhor anything that remotely resembles the very thing we are fighting against.
I hope that you are right. This tribalism has to end. Truth does not subscribe to a tribe, but rather exists in its own plane. 2000 years ago, a guy named Paul told us that "truth" has to be refined like gold to get all the impurities out. The biggest issue we all face today, is that there is so much smoke & fog everywhere in the discourse that almost nothing can be taken at face value as true.
Unfortunately, this is because those with power are generating smoke everywhere in an attempt to keep their power, status & wealth.
At times this interview was frustrating to listen to. "The tragedy of Joe Biden." That made me roll my eyes so hard I could see my medula oblongata. The only tragedy is that Mr. "If the prosecuter isn't fired, you don't get the billion dollars" won't spend a day in prison, because he's too old and demented at this point for it to mean anything.
There is a theory, the originator of which I can't remember, that perfectly describes what the democrats have built: an alliance of the very top and the very bottom against the middle.
The takeaway that stands out most though, is what a fascinating insight the interview was into the psyche of a democrat voter who will not change his vote regardless of how corrupt and inept the party and its candidate is. Hell, even Robert F. Kennedy Jr. changed parties, and he's a Kennedy.
I think if you challenged him more he would have shut down. While he is knowledgeable in facts his loyalty defies logic. Tribe over truth. While I found him cringe I respect your journalism. There is always something to learn for those of us willing to listen.
Quoting: It is an irrational move by a man who is known to be suffering from dementia.
The action reminds me of those stories about the employee who receives notice that his services will no longer be required at week's end. He then uses his remaining time to hide dead fish in the ventilation system.
I have been a reguler listener and subscriber to TWIC because l want to support Canadian journalists but, to listen to 2+ hours of an interview with another American guest talking about American politics with 4-5 minutes of Canadian news tagged on the end is (to me) not worth $7/month.
I do however like the substackers that have the "buy me a coffee" option at the end of their article.
I follow Laura at Normal Island News. She's a Brit with a real knack for satire when it comes to Israel and the UN. Her most recent post is free then her older material requires a paid subscription or a coffee.
30 years ago, there was a book about the mouse that slept next to the elephant. Like it or not, we Canadians are sleeping next to a very big elephant that rolls around a lot in its sleep. Knowing what that elephant is doing is about survival for this mouse.
I don't like this fact, but I cannot do anything about it, so I continue to support TWIC as it at least gives me objective and well thought out positions. What are my other options, CBC (extreme left) or Western Standard (Nutbar right) or some of the other podcasts which are very tribal in their reporting? Our present Canadian Media Landscape makes Ezra Levant look positively moderate. (Rebel News)
Yes, l understand that but if l want to listen to Americans talk about America (because they are the only country on planet earth that matters) there are a million American substackers to choose from.
When and if they do mention Canada, you would be safe to conclude that either Trudeau has f***ed up (again) and Canadians are about to be ridiculed for electing him in the first place - Tucker Carlson for example.
In my defence l have donated to TW's documentary about the Convoy and listened to her on-going discussions about "Covidian Times" plus l've purchased Fismans Fraud, Grave Error and Tamara Lych's book.
I am not American. I am a Canadian journalist talking to Americans and I am saddened that you think what we do here is replicated so often elsewhere. It is not. We have been here through thick and thin -- since spring of 2020 working our butts off to get things right.....very few other people are doing that.
I support that you must pay only for what you value. We do big issues that affect this country and the world. What we do here is expose the globalists and what we determine are the big issues of the day. I'm proud of that.
We have taken on complex foreign policy and been correct LONG before others, one of the very earliest to expose C-19 public health errors with the absolute top experts, very early to show that Gaza would become a disaster and a graveyard for the West's morality, one of the very first with the backstory behind Ukraine and the Russia invasion, early with the history and folly of trans medicine and much more. Our episodes provide background and research that other podcasters often don't get to for months, if not years. I'm very proud of this. And it happens because I have forty years of journalism experience, working around the world.
If you saw Thomas Frank, whom many podcasters were discussing but we actually landed for an interview as just another American guest talking about American politics the you missed the point. He is a revered observer delivering background on one of the biggest political stories in the world -- which will in the end, affect this country.
If you don't value our #truthovertribe and dedication to getting the facts as robustly as possible - I'm not sure what to say except to find the folks who work for a cup of coffee which these days is about 7 dollars, at least in Toronto.
I really enjoyed this interview. You very graciously allowed him freedom of speech I’m so glad Trump got in. Very interesting to learn about the history of US politics. Sad that people tend to vote for the same party even though they don’t agree with their beliefs
We can always count on you, Trish, for your inquiring mind and sensible "takes" on things. Thank you! I'd love for you to do an interview focusing on Trump's cabinet picks. I've heard a bunch of commentary so far (including Jimmy Dore and the Grayzone) and am feeling concerned. Might you consider?
I'm ok with Trump is an idiot, has never read a book or is a shallow demagogue.... but only a Democrat, however upscale this guy may be, could say that it is "obvious Trump is a racist". That is just bottom of the barrel moronic and right off CNN, MSNBC. Wait long enough, and a Democrat will prove you right about ALL of them every time. Not a redeemable crew.
Trump is no more a bigot than Biden is--that is, as people they have exactly the same personality disorder and flaws. They are mirror images of each other: dishonest, fantasy spewing, gaffe-prone, criminally thuggish, racist, narcissistic self-promoters. Both are on the authoritarian right. Both are despicable, irrational Zionists. Yes, Biden's "permission" to strike deep inside Russia is a petulant desire to destroy any chance Trump might have at making peace--this is not even in question. Obama did the same thing before Trump's first term with Russiagate.
I learned a lot from this fellow. I've been remarkably ignorant about U.S. politics & history. Shocking to me, even. Embarrassing. So I learned a lot. Must admit also, it kinda blows me away that although someone can be so hugely knowledgeable & analytical about how impossible & hopelessly corrupt & intransigent the Dems are, he remains loyal to them. Oy but we humans are an odd lot.
I too was alarmed by his blanket statement that Trump is a « bigot » even though I am no great defender of Trump. Name-calling is a form of defocusing from the issues of governance etc. I thought it was a cheap shot. However, I had so much admiration for your professionalism Trish and not going down the emtional slandering rabbit hole, with your razor focus on keeping the history lesson moving forward … Thank you once again. And thank you for interviewing all sides in an era of schisms and name-calling. You are the best of the best …
Thanks. I wasn't too sure I had the right approach but he is smart and I like him. There are major blindspots.....
Being a 29 year union member in a crown corporation I can’t believe how far left the liberals and NDP have gone in Canada.
I like Jack Layton and even Thomas Mulcair but Jagmeet Singh is pathetic and has made the NDP little more than sycophants of the liberals.
The US election shows that no matter how hard they try with censorship and state media control the will of the people can triumph.
I am not a Trump “fan” but I think he is exactly what the US needs for a short term.
Canada is next as we kick the Liberal/NDP parties to the curb.
Ditto......all of it.
Identitarianism is not leftism, it's corporatism and authoritarianism and fascism.
If you simply categorize identity politics as "far left" you're playing the ruling class' game. Gloria Steinem was a literal CIA agent doing anti-communist operations -
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/cias-student-activism-phase/
Yes, it's why conservatives accusing the "left" of being identity is nonsensical. Conservatives are even more authoritarian, just on different points, like religious values.
I'm anti-authoritarian, that means no voting for any of the main parties, all the big parties are owned by institutions and corporations. The big parties have all become anti-democratic.
When a polarizing and often distasteful man like Trump can easily win a national election, it speaks to the high degree of dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. It has become increasingly evident that the anti-Woke sentiment was a major factor. The Left went too far and people, especially parents, have had enough.
So many people are exhaling.
Agree with you 100%.We are not voting FOR a candidate but against someone who's policies we hate and disagree with.In other words choosing the less bad of a bad bunch.It has been like this for years now.I am 70 years old and seems to me there have been very few politicians in the last 50 years that I have really wanted to be in power.Sad but true.
I think the voters hate Democrats so much, nothing they can say about Trump matters.
...and surprisingly, or not, a lot of dems swallowed hard and voted for DT because of the nonsensical dem elites - I am one and haven't voted dem for the last three national elections - this is the first time voting rep.
It was nowhere near "easy"
Elections bounce back and forth within the duopoly, even in Canada, people need to stop whining!
"In the west, we have been governed by fools." Indeed.
I so appreciate your introspection and honest engagement with readers/listeners, Trish. Frank's books and intellect offer keen insights, but he's a tough interview, as he loves to talk over others and control conversations. Sadly, this produces some blinders on his vision, as you note here (and I've noted elsewhere.)
"At least we're not as bad as X," the likes of Frank continue to say. And at this point in history I agree... They're worse.
My natural affinity is with the Left. I am driven by ideas around justice & truth and have an extremely hard time with corruption of any kind, and its massive negative impact on the poor & vulnerable.
At this point, I want nothing to do with Liberals. Even though I do not agree with Conservatives on many issues, I get along with them very well and they are very tolerant of me. It is the Liberal Educated Academic Managerial Media class that are intolerant and small minded. They are the ones who only see what confirms their bias on just about every issue (climate change, gender, covid, economics, etc.) They talk about following the science while completely denying any evidence that is not in line with the Narratives they subscribe to.
IMO truth-seeking is a quality that sits outside the left-right political paradigm. Perhaps many of us have associated it with "the left" because we think of old-school journalists exposing institutional abuses in the Church or bringing down corrupt corporations.
But really, the point of such truth-seeking endeavours is to expose the hollowness and moral bankruptcy that can lie behind power. This is not inherently a leftist pursuit; it just so happens that throughout the latter half of the 20th century it was conservative, reactionary or right-wing forces that often held power. For a long time now, though, the establishment itself has been liberal, so the truth-seeking underdogs are more likely to come from conservative circles or even a religious fringe.
I've also come to realise that social justice is itself not an inherently leftist pursuit. The right spent a long time being fairly libertarian and laissez-faire about social issues, at least politically, ceding ground to the left. But in fact, when those on the right engage with social justice issues in earnest, many of their arguments are actually more compassionate, empowering and pragmatic than the identitarian claptrap we've had from the left.
As a final thought, even liberalism itself can have both left- and right-leaning interpretations. Although I have never been drawn to the organised left, I have always felt myself to be instinctively liberal, if that makes sense. As in, believing in Enlightenment principles like free speech, free association, personal autonomy, etc. and hugely disliking state overreach and intervention. For a long time it felt like the language of the left upheld these principles more so than the right, but I now dispute this. It feels to me like the right today is more liberal than the left, and for this reason I refer to the modern mainstream left as "post-liberal".
Of course, there is authoritarianism on the right too, as well as intolerance, small-mindedness, and contempt for heterogeneity in society. But these are minority inclinations. I feel that the anti-woke populist coalition which has emerged in the West will be able to rein in and challenge any authoritarian elements within it, because most of us completely abhor anything that remotely resembles the very thing we are fighting against.
Well said.
I hope that you are right. This tribalism has to end. Truth does not subscribe to a tribe, but rather exists in its own plane. 2000 years ago, a guy named Paul told us that "truth" has to be refined like gold to get all the impurities out. The biggest issue we all face today, is that there is so much smoke & fog everywhere in the discourse that almost nothing can be taken at face value as true.
Unfortunately, this is because those with power are generating smoke everywhere in an attempt to keep their power, status & wealth.
typo: "I get alone with them..." << alone = along.
Corrected, thanks
At times this interview was frustrating to listen to. "The tragedy of Joe Biden." That made me roll my eyes so hard I could see my medula oblongata. The only tragedy is that Mr. "If the prosecuter isn't fired, you don't get the billion dollars" won't spend a day in prison, because he's too old and demented at this point for it to mean anything.
There is a theory, the originator of which I can't remember, that perfectly describes what the democrats have built: an alliance of the very top and the very bottom against the middle.
The takeaway that stands out most though, is what a fascinating insight the interview was into the psyche of a democrat voter who will not change his vote regardless of how corrupt and inept the party and its candidate is. Hell, even Robert F. Kennedy Jr. changed parties, and he's a Kennedy.
I was shocked.
Churchill described a fanatic as someone who cannot change their mind and will not change the subject.
I think if you challenged him more he would have shut down. While he is knowledgeable in facts his loyalty defies logic. Tribe over truth. While I found him cringe I respect your journalism. There is always something to learn for those of us willing to listen.
Quoting: It is an irrational move by a man who is known to be suffering from dementia.
The action reminds me of those stories about the employee who receives notice that his services will no longer be required at week's end. He then uses his remaining time to hide dead fish in the ventilation system.
When Thomas Frank asked "Do people listen to the whole podcast" I answered yes. Then you did too, so I'm glad we agreed. :-)
I have been a reguler listener and subscriber to TWIC because l want to support Canadian journalists but, to listen to 2+ hours of an interview with another American guest talking about American politics with 4-5 minutes of Canadian news tagged on the end is (to me) not worth $7/month.
I do however like the substackers that have the "buy me a coffee" option at the end of their article.
I understand that. I follow the Daily Sceptic, which is often UK heavy, so I skip a lot of it.
Sceptic is good.
I follow Laura at Normal Island News. She's a Brit with a real knack for satire when it comes to Israel and the UN. Her most recent post is free then her older material requires a paid subscription or a coffee.
30 years ago, there was a book about the mouse that slept next to the elephant. Like it or not, we Canadians are sleeping next to a very big elephant that rolls around a lot in its sleep. Knowing what that elephant is doing is about survival for this mouse.
I don't like this fact, but I cannot do anything about it, so I continue to support TWIC as it at least gives me objective and well thought out positions. What are my other options, CBC (extreme left) or Western Standard (Nutbar right) or some of the other podcasts which are very tribal in their reporting? Our present Canadian Media Landscape makes Ezra Levant look positively moderate. (Rebel News)
Yes, l understand that but if l want to listen to Americans talk about America (because they are the only country on planet earth that matters) there are a million American substackers to choose from.
When and if they do mention Canada, you would be safe to conclude that either Trudeau has f***ed up (again) and Canadians are about to be ridiculed for electing him in the first place - Tucker Carlson for example.
In my defence l have donated to TW's documentary about the Convoy and listened to her on-going discussions about "Covidian Times" plus l've purchased Fismans Fraud, Grave Error and Tamara Lych's book.
I am not American. I am a Canadian journalist talking to Americans and I am saddened that you think what we do here is replicated so often elsewhere. It is not. We have been here through thick and thin -- since spring of 2020 working our butts off to get things right.....very few other people are doing that.
I support that you must pay only for what you value. We do big issues that affect this country and the world. What we do here is expose the globalists and what we determine are the big issues of the day. I'm proud of that.
We have taken on complex foreign policy and been correct LONG before others, one of the very earliest to expose C-19 public health errors with the absolute top experts, very early to show that Gaza would become a disaster and a graveyard for the West's morality, one of the very first with the backstory behind Ukraine and the Russia invasion, early with the history and folly of trans medicine and much more. Our episodes provide background and research that other podcasters often don't get to for months, if not years. I'm very proud of this. And it happens because I have forty years of journalism experience, working around the world.
If you saw Thomas Frank, whom many podcasters were discussing but we actually landed for an interview as just another American guest talking about American politics the you missed the point. He is a revered observer delivering background on one of the biggest political stories in the world -- which will in the end, affect this country.
If you don't value our #truthovertribe and dedication to getting the facts as robustly as possible - I'm not sure what to say except to find the folks who work for a cup of coffee which these days is about 7 dollars, at least in Toronto.
I
I always listen to the whole thing and sometimes wish it was longer lol
I too am concerned about JB's latest proclamation about Ukraine... insane.
I really enjoyed this interview. You very graciously allowed him freedom of speech I’m so glad Trump got in. Very interesting to learn about the history of US politics. Sad that people tend to vote for the same party even though they don’t agree with their beliefs
Thank you
We can always count on you, Trish, for your inquiring mind and sensible "takes" on things. Thank you! I'd love for you to do an interview focusing on Trump's cabinet picks. I've heard a bunch of commentary so far (including Jimmy Dore and the Grayzone) and am feeling concerned. Might you consider?
Yes. For sure.
Wonderful! Thank you.
I'm ok with Trump is an idiot, has never read a book or is a shallow demagogue.... but only a Democrat, however upscale this guy may be, could say that it is "obvious Trump is a racist". That is just bottom of the barrel moronic and right off CNN, MSNBC. Wait long enough, and a Democrat will prove you right about ALL of them every time. Not a redeemable crew.
Trump is no more a bigot than Biden is--that is, as people they have exactly the same personality disorder and flaws. They are mirror images of each other: dishonest, fantasy spewing, gaffe-prone, criminally thuggish, racist, narcissistic self-promoters. Both are on the authoritarian right. Both are despicable, irrational Zionists. Yes, Biden's "permission" to strike deep inside Russia is a petulant desire to destroy any chance Trump might have at making peace--this is not even in question. Obama did the same thing before Trump's first term with Russiagate.
He seems abit of a blow hard. Can't agree with some of what he says but good to hear the other point of view.
I learned a lot from this fellow. I've been remarkably ignorant about U.S. politics & history. Shocking to me, even. Embarrassing. So I learned a lot. Must admit also, it kinda blows me away that although someone can be so hugely knowledgeable & analytical about how impossible & hopelessly corrupt & intransigent the Dems are, he remains loyal to them. Oy but we humans are an odd lot.
I too was surprised but I did learn from that, too. People are funny things.