A few weeks ago, we had Sarah Longwell and David French, two prominent conservatives, on Honestly to explain why they’re supporting Vice President Kamala Harris this presidential election.
I really enjoyed this conversation and appreciate that two podcasts showed both sides (republicans voting for Dems and visa versa). But I was really shocked that Bari didn’t raise Jan 6th ONCE during this episode. That for me is really the single most
Vile and inexcusable part of Trump’s record and I would have liked to have heard how these two voters grapple with that issue.
After listening to the Gad Saad podcast and then this one, it is sad to me that Bari hasn't recovered from long-term TDS. I usually enjoy her interviews, even when I'm on the other side of the issue with whoever, but am so tired of the standard anti-Trump stuff. I suggest anyone who can spare the time listen to the entire Trump podcast with Joe Rogan.; it was the first time I ever listened to a Rogan podcast. Trump came across really well and was obviously knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. I couldn't imagine Harris pulling off anything similar. I fault him for not conceding after the Electoral count in December 2020 and don't agree with all of his policy positions. But, I don't see him as a threat to democracy at all. Just look at what the Biden admin has been doing across the board with executive over-reach, even after federal and Supreme Court decisions (e.g. student loans as just one issue).
The very fact that so few were willing to come forward to say what we all can see, and have seen, in its full, callous, undeniable nakedness, is one of a vast herd of elephants in the room. Elephants we can all see, all hear, all feel, as they stampede through our world. Bad ideas, masquerading as good or virtuous, not just unimpeded, not just tolerated, but fully financed, sanctioned, encouraged and cheered on. All while we must tiptoe around so as not to hurt anyone's feelings while the fires burn on the delicate legacy of our post enlightenment world. So many "safespaces" for the sensitive, annointed, victim oppressed, lest they be taken down and brutalized by our "microagressions." So much forced obeisance, psychophantic genuflecting to the forces that wish to take down the pillars of "democracy" while they "save democracy" and usurp every tenuous and cherished institution to protect us from the bad orange man.
Most of the comments here are tragically spot on (a testament to the intelligence and clear headedness of many of you readers-and a testament to you and Nellie and others).
It is not just Trump that we need to call on, but a whole team and movement. One that only a well-oiled, self-serving, tyrannical, crazed and Machiavellian machine (current fully inhabitting the rotting carcass of a possessed democratic party) can extinguish. Like all tyrants, they will have to assassinate, cancel, shame, deplatform, vilify, misrepresent, sue, arrest one hell of a lot of people to keep the lies alive. "The devil never comes dressed in a red cape and pointy horns. He comes as everything you've ever wished for." These stories are as old as humanity and have been told to help save us from ourselves.
Trump, Vance, Gabbard, RFK Jr, and a growing contingent say "enough is enough! " Like Gandalf to the Balrog at that perilous tipping point saying "You shall not pass." Many events are currently manifesting the evil vs the light in epic battles across our world.
Let's guard our historic bright legacy and not stand by to watch it burned by the "omnipotent moral busybodies" who torture us "with the approval of their own conscience. "
These two features were provocative but please do a third! I'd love to hear from any prominent politicians, public intellectuals, or other thought leaders who feel that neither candidate is even remotely close to acceptable, and that saying 'no' to both is a viable option. What would be the effect (symbolic or otherwise) of millions of Americans refusing to accept this choice and writing someone else in? How did we get to this sorry state in this great country of 350 million people, some of whom are the most talented and capable individuals on earth? What can be done to reform the party and primary system so that we do not have such a catastrophic failure to produce good candidates for leadership??
Thank you for hosting this discussion with Democrats Voting for Trump as well as the prior discussion with Republicans Voting for Harris. Both were helpful to understand both candidates from different perspectives.
The guests make valid critiques of the Democratic Party and current “progressive” ideology, especially regarding the disturbing rise of censorship and the dominance of group think. However, nothing I heard justifies voting for a fascist. Trump has no respect for, or even a basic understanding of, our constitution or the rule of law. There is no moral or rational justification for voting for him.
I am so fortunate to have found the podcast Honestly and now I am subscriber of The Free Press. I have listened to this podcast twice and found the conversation so thought provoking. I dislike Donald Trump beyond measure, but Kamala Harris is even more scary. This whole conversation bought clarity around what is at stake I this election. Cheers to Bari and all she has done to allow an objective flow of ideas be presented to the audience and not try to manipulate me into believing an agenda. I have shared this podcast with at 20 people! I am a white, conservative, light Catholic who turns 70 tomorrow. I love The Free Press because you skip the bull shit and stick to the facts. That is called journalism. Thank yo and carry on!
Interesting pod. More interesting than the predictable one with Sarah and David.
Shaun Maguire and Bari both commented that the 20th Century was filled with right wing violence and so far the 21st Century has been dominated by left wing brutality. Huh?
What about the Communists? How many tens of millions of people did they murder. It has been a while since I looked at "The Black Book of Communism" but they were at 70 million dead and counting. And that leaves out all those who were victimized without being killed.
Most people don't think about it but the KKK actually started as a Democratic, left-wing group and even without them there was plenty of Dixiecrat violence and racism in the South.
No one should minimize the evil of Hitler and the other fascists but we ignore the other side of the horseshow at our peril. Maybe if we had recognized it, acknowledged it, and remembered all the left-wing hate we would have been better prepared for it when on October 8, 2024.
@bari - you asked if anyone is voting for Trump affirmatively instead of just against the Democrats. I am. I think this Trump quote sums why. When describing the illiberal and Progressive Left, Trump said something like: “It’s not me they’re after. They’re really after you and I am standing in their way.”
I view Trump as the greatest American president of my lifetime and an absolute hero. No one I know could survive the all-out attack that the elitist Left launched against him, but Trump did. And he did it with a smile.
I listened and was informed but still, with worry, will vote for Kamala. The first principle of the republic is that when you lose an election, you leave.. Trump didn't do that; he was one step ahead of the police and movers. A perhaps related suggestion for a guest is Timothy Snyder.
First, kudos to you, Bari, for this podcast ... it was super thoughtful and the guests (tho maybe not as high profile as French and Longwell) were all amazing thinkers and were able to state their perspectives very clearly. I think part of the problem we're having is exemplified by Gail's comment below (not to pick on you, Gail) ... there are plenty of smart, thoughtful people on the OTHER 1/2 of the voting population that don't agree with you ... that doesn't mean that they are idiots or fill in the blank ... it means that they are making compromises, focusing on different issues ... we're not voting for folks who will become saints ... both are deeply flawed ... AND voting is an incredibly important right that we should all try to exercise as much as possible. Respecting our fellow Americans, even if they are voting differently from us, is super important.
Just wow. How can you possibly vote for her? She’s a cutout. Doesn’t matter whether you’re liberal , moderate or Conservative- She’s awful, the left and its partners in crime, the UN/WEF/WHO/Soros… the whole lot of them HATE YOU! They hate “ We The People”… They hate humanity. They hate all things living but for themselves, Islamists, Marx, Mao, Farrakhan , our money to keep them in power.
I worked alongside Trump for two years designing Derek Jeter’s NYC 90th floor Trump World Tower penthouse crib. He was wonderful in his zone. I’m Jewish, Derek’s Black and Trump treated everybody from Jeter and his celeb friends, to the workmen, to me, to the janitor equally. He’s very open and curious. Very efficient. During the the two years it took to complete the project, 9/11 occurred. From Derek’s wraparound glass aerie, I had a parallel vista of hell. Trump was so proactive and his staff was incredible. We were so panic stricken and they kept cool heads , didn’t abandon the building. They could have, but instead, waited until it was safe. I enjoyed many meals with Trump, he took my daughters, who were children, on tours all around the city-“ advised” them on how to achieve success in life( hilarious), but they were very engaged. They turned out very well. I give Trump credit.
Shabbos Kestenbaum is really great I would vote for this guy , he had the facts and he talked really fast but was understandable . Bari I don't think the purpose of this was to get you to vote for Trump , though the questions you asked seemed to put you on that level . Bari are you a reporter or a voter here ?
I really enjoyed this conversation and appreciate that two podcasts showed both sides (republicans voting for Dems and visa versa). But I was really shocked that Bari didn’t raise Jan 6th ONCE during this episode. That for me is really the single most
Vile and inexcusable part of Trump’s record and I would have liked to have heard how these two voters grapple with that issue.
After listening to the Gad Saad podcast and then this one, it is sad to me that Bari hasn't recovered from long-term TDS. I usually enjoy her interviews, even when I'm on the other side of the issue with whoever, but am so tired of the standard anti-Trump stuff. I suggest anyone who can spare the time listen to the entire Trump podcast with Joe Rogan.; it was the first time I ever listened to a Rogan podcast. Trump came across really well and was obviously knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. I couldn't imagine Harris pulling off anything similar. I fault him for not conceding after the Electoral count in December 2020 and don't agree with all of his policy positions. But, I don't see him as a threat to democracy at all. Just look at what the Biden admin has been doing across the board with executive over-reach, even after federal and Supreme Court decisions (e.g. student loans as just one issue).
This was an excellent discussion. Really enjoyed listening to how people changed their minds. So interesting!
Bari, first, I love you. But......
The very fact that so few were willing to come forward to say what we all can see, and have seen, in its full, callous, undeniable nakedness, is one of a vast herd of elephants in the room. Elephants we can all see, all hear, all feel, as they stampede through our world. Bad ideas, masquerading as good or virtuous, not just unimpeded, not just tolerated, but fully financed, sanctioned, encouraged and cheered on. All while we must tiptoe around so as not to hurt anyone's feelings while the fires burn on the delicate legacy of our post enlightenment world. So many "safespaces" for the sensitive, annointed, victim oppressed, lest they be taken down and brutalized by our "microagressions." So much forced obeisance, psychophantic genuflecting to the forces that wish to take down the pillars of "democracy" while they "save democracy" and usurp every tenuous and cherished institution to protect us from the bad orange man.
Most of the comments here are tragically spot on (a testament to the intelligence and clear headedness of many of you readers-and a testament to you and Nellie and others).
It is not just Trump that we need to call on, but a whole team and movement. One that only a well-oiled, self-serving, tyrannical, crazed and Machiavellian machine (current fully inhabitting the rotting carcass of a possessed democratic party) can extinguish. Like all tyrants, they will have to assassinate, cancel, shame, deplatform, vilify, misrepresent, sue, arrest one hell of a lot of people to keep the lies alive. "The devil never comes dressed in a red cape and pointy horns. He comes as everything you've ever wished for." These stories are as old as humanity and have been told to help save us from ourselves.
Trump, Vance, Gabbard, RFK Jr, and a growing contingent say "enough is enough! " Like Gandalf to the Balrog at that perilous tipping point saying "You shall not pass." Many events are currently manifesting the evil vs the light in epic battles across our world.
Let's guard our historic bright legacy and not stand by to watch it burned by the "omnipotent moral busybodies" who torture us "with the approval of their own conscience. "
@Shabbos: I’m not sure Trump was aware of Tucker’s bizarre shift. Apparently, Tucker’s returned to his senses.
David French. ‘Nuff said. Ugh.
These two features were provocative but please do a third! I'd love to hear from any prominent politicians, public intellectuals, or other thought leaders who feel that neither candidate is even remotely close to acceptable, and that saying 'no' to both is a viable option. What would be the effect (symbolic or otherwise) of millions of Americans refusing to accept this choice and writing someone else in? How did we get to this sorry state in this great country of 350 million people, some of whom are the most talented and capable individuals on earth? What can be done to reform the party and primary system so that we do not have such a catastrophic failure to produce good candidates for leadership??
Thank you for hosting this discussion with Democrats Voting for Trump as well as the prior discussion with Republicans Voting for Harris. Both were helpful to understand both candidates from different perspectives.
The guests make valid critiques of the Democratic Party and current “progressive” ideology, especially regarding the disturbing rise of censorship and the dominance of group think. However, nothing I heard justifies voting for a fascist. Trump has no respect for, or even a basic understanding of, our constitution or the rule of law. There is no moral or rational justification for voting for him.
Great podcast and the guests were amazing. Excellent back and forth and articulate discussion. It was wonderful to listen to and absorb
I am so fortunate to have found the podcast Honestly and now I am subscriber of The Free Press. I have listened to this podcast twice and found the conversation so thought provoking. I dislike Donald Trump beyond measure, but Kamala Harris is even more scary. This whole conversation bought clarity around what is at stake I this election. Cheers to Bari and all she has done to allow an objective flow of ideas be presented to the audience and not try to manipulate me into believing an agenda. I have shared this podcast with at 20 people! I am a white, conservative, light Catholic who turns 70 tomorrow. I love The Free Press because you skip the bull shit and stick to the facts. That is called journalism. Thank yo and carry on!
Hi,
Interesting pod. More interesting than the predictable one with Sarah and David.
Shaun Maguire and Bari both commented that the 20th Century was filled with right wing violence and so far the 21st Century has been dominated by left wing brutality. Huh?
What about the Communists? How many tens of millions of people did they murder. It has been a while since I looked at "The Black Book of Communism" but they were at 70 million dead and counting. And that leaves out all those who were victimized without being killed.
Most people don't think about it but the KKK actually started as a Democratic, left-wing group and even without them there was plenty of Dixiecrat violence and racism in the South.
No one should minimize the evil of Hitler and the other fascists but we ignore the other side of the horseshow at our peril. Maybe if we had recognized it, acknowledged it, and remembered all the left-wing hate we would have been better prepared for it when on October 8, 2024.
@bari - you asked if anyone is voting for Trump affirmatively instead of just against the Democrats. I am. I think this Trump quote sums why. When describing the illiberal and Progressive Left, Trump said something like: “It’s not me they’re after. They’re really after you and I am standing in their way.”
I view Trump as the greatest American president of my lifetime and an absolute hero. No one I know could survive the all-out attack that the elitist Left launched against him, but Trump did. And he did it with a smile.
I listened and was informed but still, with worry, will vote for Kamala. The first principle of the republic is that when you lose an election, you leave.. Trump didn't do that; he was one step ahead of the police and movers. A perhaps related suggestion for a guest is Timothy Snyder.
First, kudos to you, Bari, for this podcast ... it was super thoughtful and the guests (tho maybe not as high profile as French and Longwell) were all amazing thinkers and were able to state their perspectives very clearly. I think part of the problem we're having is exemplified by Gail's comment below (not to pick on you, Gail) ... there are plenty of smart, thoughtful people on the OTHER 1/2 of the voting population that don't agree with you ... that doesn't mean that they are idiots or fill in the blank ... it means that they are making compromises, focusing on different issues ... we're not voting for folks who will become saints ... both are deeply flawed ... AND voting is an incredibly important right that we should all try to exercise as much as possible. Respecting our fellow Americans, even if they are voting differently from us, is super important.
Just wow. How can you possibly vote for her? She’s a cutout. Doesn’t matter whether you’re liberal , moderate or Conservative- She’s awful, the left and its partners in crime, the UN/WEF/WHO/Soros… the whole lot of them HATE YOU! They hate “ We The People”… They hate humanity. They hate all things living but for themselves, Islamists, Marx, Mao, Farrakhan , our money to keep them in power.
I worked alongside Trump for two years designing Derek Jeter’s NYC 90th floor Trump World Tower penthouse crib. He was wonderful in his zone. I’m Jewish, Derek’s Black and Trump treated everybody from Jeter and his celeb friends, to the workmen, to me, to the janitor equally. He’s very open and curious. Very efficient. During the the two years it took to complete the project, 9/11 occurred. From Derek’s wraparound glass aerie, I had a parallel vista of hell. Trump was so proactive and his staff was incredible. We were so panic stricken and they kept cool heads , didn’t abandon the building. They could have, but instead, waited until it was safe. I enjoyed many meals with Trump, he took my daughters, who were children, on tours all around the city-“ advised” them on how to achieve success in life( hilarious), but they were very engaged. They turned out very well. I give Trump credit.
With all his flaws, his positives outweigh them.
Shabbos Kestenbaum is really great I would vote for this guy , he had the facts and he talked really fast but was understandable . Bari I don't think the purpose of this was to get you to vote for Trump , though the questions you asked seemed to put you on that level . Bari are you a reporter or a voter here ?
Did Hakeem Jefferies ever speak in support of his uncle?