Political Videos

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/26147179

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Glenn Greenwald recently responded to an article by Chris Hedges titled “The Purge of the Deep State and the Road to Dictatorship” describing Donald Trump’s dismantling of longstanding government institutions as a portent of worse to come. Greenwald disagreed with Hedges’ assessment, crediting Trump with positive steps like defunding USAID and firing thousands of civilian employees at the Pentagon.

Hedges returns to The Jimmy Dore Show to address Greenwald’s response and explain what Glenn got wrong.

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: A discussion between Glenn Greenwald and Chris Hedges on the state of the American Empire, its potential collapse, and the roles of figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk in this context.

Key Points:

• Unsustainable Empire: Both Greenwald and Hedges agree that the American Empire is unsustainable due to excessive debt, military spending, and foreign interventions.
• Trump's Role: Greenwald argues that Trump's actions, such as the ceasefire in Gaza and attempts to end the war in Ukraine, represent a necessary course correction, even if driven by questionable motives. Hedges is more skeptical, suggesting Trump doesn't understand the mechanics of empire and may be acting in his own self-interest.
• Musk's Role: Both discuss Elon Musk's role, with Hedges suggesting he doesn't fully grasp the workings of empire. Musk's actions are seen as potentially contributing to the disruption of the existing order.
• Nature of Empire: Hedges emphasizes the inherent racism and violence of empire, using examples from his experiences covering wars in Central America. He highlights how foreign aid is weaponized to control other nations.
• Ideology vs. Pragmatism: A central point of disagreement is whether Trump's actions stem from a genuine ideological commitment to non-interventionism or are simply transactional and self-serving. Hedges leans towards the latter, while Greenwald sees potential value in the disruption, regardless of Trump's motives.
• Oligarchs vs. Corporatists: The discussion expands to include a distinction between corporatists (seeking stability) and oligarchs (seeking chaos and privatization) as driving forces behind current events. Musk is identified as an oligarch, profiting from government contracts and exploiting data.

Highlights:

• The passionate and insightful debate between two prominent figures with differing perspectives.
• The use of real-world examples and historical context to support their arguments.
• The exploration of complex geopolitical issues and the roles of powerful individuals in shaping them.
• The insightful analysis of the potential consequences of the decline of the American Empire.

About Channel:

#TheJimmyDoreShow is a hilarious and irreverent take on news, politics and culture featuring Jimmy Dore, a professional stand up comedian, author and podcaster. The show is also broadcast on Pacifica Radio Network stations throughout the country.

“Jimmy Dore is outrageous and outraged, bothersome and bothered. A crucial, profane, passionate voice for progressives and free-thinkers in 21st century America. Jimmy will anger you if you’re a conservative and enrage you if you’re a liberal.”—Patton Oswalt

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/18779386

(Through PeerTube)

The fediverse gets mentioned

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25965666

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Norman Finkelstein received his PhD from the Princeton University Politics Department, and is best known for his research on Israel and Palestine. In this episode, Norman and Robinson sit down for a discussion about Donald Trump, the latest from Israel, Palestine, and Gaza, and the dying Left. Norman also appeared on episode 192, where he and Robinson discussed allegations of genocide and apartheid, Hamas and Hezbollah, and connections between the war and the Holocaust. Norman was also featured on episode 218, where he addressed the facts and fictions generated by the Israel-Hamas War, and episode 228, which was all about October 6th. Norman and Robinson also discuss Mehdi Hassan, Noam Chomsky, Christopher Hitchens, the Holocaust, Apartheid, Joan Peters, Julia Sebutinde, the Mossad, Sheryl Sandberg, Destiny, Lex Fridman, Bill Ackman, Alan Dershowitz, and more. Norman’s most recent book is I’ll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It! Heretical Thoughts on Identity Politics, Cancel Culture, and Academic Freedom (Sublation Media, 2023).

Norman’s Website: https://www.normanfinkelstein.com/

OUTLINE

1. 00:00:00 Introduction
2. 00:07:25 Mehdi Hassan: The Working Class is Stupid
3. 00:12:59 How Far Will the Supreme Court Go with Donald Trump?
4. 00:21:49 Why Bernie Sanders Appeals to the Common Man
5. 00:38:12 How Did Identity Politics Help Trump Win?
6. 00:46:02 The Joy of Stereotypes
7. 01:01:23 Why the People Loved Bernie Sanders and Trump
8. 01:06:16 Noam Chomsky, Philosopher King
9. 01:11:16 Christopher Hitchens Was Not a Serious Intellectual
10. 01:20:58 Norman’s Parents Hate For Religion After the Holocaust
11. 01:34:06 A Lex Fridman and Destiny Conspiracy
12. 01:37:12 Norman’s Family and the Holocaust
13. 01:45:43 Why Jews Stopped Caring About the Holocaust
14. 01:54:43 Why Norman Never Had a Bar Mitzvah
15. 02:02:52 Why Norman’s Parents Hated Germans and Poles
16. 02:11:22 Comparing Gaza to the Holocaust
17. 02:16:48 Comparing Gaza to Apartheid South Africa
18. 02:24:41 Corruption Over Genocide in Palestine
19. 02:27:05 On the Colossal Joan Peters Palestine Hoax
20. 02:30:16 On Norman’s Time as a Maoist
21. 02:39:35 The Corruption of Julia Sebutinde at the International Court of Justice
22. 02:42:25 Does the Mossad Blackmail Public Figures?
23. 02:52:49 Sheryl Sandberg and the War Crime “Israeli Propaganda Machine”
24. 03:05:19 On Accusations of Sex Crimes on October 6th
25. 03:18:12 On His Mortal Feud With Alan Dershowitz
26. 03:31:19 On Bill Ackman and the Pro-Israel American Billionaire Class

Robinson’s Website: ⁠https://www.robinsonerhardt.com/

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University.

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: This YouTube video features an interview with Norman Finkelstein, a scholar known for his critical views on Israeli policies, discussing various political and social issues, including the 2020 US presidential election, the state of the American Left, identity politics, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and allegations of Mossad blackmail.

Key Points:

• 2020 US Election: Finkelstein argues that the Democratic Party's negative campaign against Donald Trump, lacking a clear platform, led to Trump's victory. He contrasts this with Bernie Sanders' successful campaign, which he attributes to Sanders' consistent track record, non-personalized approach, and clear platform.
• Identity Politics: Finkelstein criticizes identity politics for its perceived elitism, condescension towards the working class, and corruption of language. He argues that it fostered resentment and ultimately benefited Trump.
• Israel-Palestine Conflict: Finkelstein discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on allegations of corruption and the use of propaganda to shape public opinion. He analyzes specific instances, including the Goldstone Report retraction, and claims of Hamas weaponizing rape during the October 2023 conflict.
• Mossad Conspiracies: Finkelstein alleges that the Mossad uses blackmail and other tactics to influence public figures and shape narratives surrounding Israel. He cites examples involving prominent figures in international courts and organizations.
• Academic Freedom: Finkelstein expresses concern over the erosion of academic freedom in the US, particularly in response to the October 2023 conflict, and attributes this partly to the influence of wealthy pro-Israel donors and the dynamics of cancel culture.

Highlights:

• Finkelstein's detailed analysis of the 2020 election and the role of identity politics.
• His in-depth examination of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including specific allegations of corruption and manipulation.
• His personal anecdotes about growing up as the child of Holocaust survivors and his experiences in academia.
• His critical assessment of prominent figures like Mehdi Hassan, Noam Chomsky, Christopher Hitchens, and Alan Dershowitz.
• His discussion of the complexities of language, political discourse, and the challenges of conveying truth in a polarized environment.

About Channel:

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRZi1TIM6zSBsNIn7PGQcbyKiKQugCJIf

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25926347

Video Description:

On this stream: live reaction, commentary, and on-the ground coverage from the Workers Strike Back conference in Seattle, WA! Event speakers include Jill stein, Kshama Sawant, Chris Hedges, Hassan Abdel Salam, Russell Dobular, Keaton Weiss, Nick Cruse, Omali Yeshitela, and more!

SPECIAL IN-STUDIO LIVESTREAM GUESTS include:

1. Kit Cabello
2. Nick Cruse
3. Omali Yeshitela
4. Blakely
5. Jenerational Change
6. Prof. Anthony Zenkus

About Channel:

the post-civilization left

Due Dissidence is a multimedia one-stop shop for left politics and gallows humor in written, audio, and video form.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25879702

Generated Summary Below:

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Generated Summary:

This YouTube video analyzes commentary surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine and former President Trump's stance on the conflict. The main topic is the criticism leveled against Trump by Democrats and some Republicans, who accuse him of being pro-Russia and undermining US interests. The video highlights the recurring accusations of Trump being a Russian asset, drawing parallels to the past 'Russiagate' narrative.

Key Points:

• Accusations against Trump: The video focuses on the persistent claims that Trump is sympathetic to Russia, evidenced by his perceived reluctance to fully support Ukraine and his desire to improve relations with Russia. These accusations are presented as a continuation of the 'Russiagate' narrative.
• Media and Political Commentary: The video analyzes commentary from various media personalities and politicians, including Rachel Maddow, who is criticized for her fervent and seemingly hysterical pronouncements on Trump's alleged pro-Russia stance. The video also highlights the repetitive nature of these accusations, suggesting a lack of new evidence.
• Alternative Perspectives: The video offers a counter-narrative, suggesting that Trump's actions might be motivated by a desire to end the war in Ukraine and reduce US military spending. It questions the prevailing narrative's effectiveness in swaying public opinion.
• Political Strategies: The video suggests that the accusations against Trump are a political strategy employed by Democrats to discredit him and rally support for their own policies regarding Ukraine. It also points out the potential for these accusations to backfire, alienating voters who are weary of the ongoing conflict and its associated costs.

Highlights:

• Clips of Rachel Maddow's commentary are shown to illustrate the perceived intensity and repetitiveness of the accusations against Trump.
• Commentary from other political figures is included to demonstrate the widespread nature of these accusations.
• The video contrasts the accusations against Trump with his stated policy positions, suggesting a different interpretation of his actions.
• The video questions the long-term effectiveness of the 'Russiagate' narrative and its impact on public perception.

About Channel:

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

This video describes the language “culture war” that was created by campaigners to win an election and was later also used to justify the invasion of Ukraine.

Alternative link

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25806544

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

My guest is Briahna Joy Gray ‪@BadFaithPodcast‬, a lawyer, journalist and political commentator. She is the host of the Bad Faith podcast.

We discuss the crisis of the Democratic party, online fact checkers vs. freedom of speech on social media, the mixed politics of populism and third party politics in the USA.

/ joshuacitarella

Part 2 is available for paid subscribers: / doomscroll-joy-122574952

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 Intro
2. 0:57 Democratic party vs third parties
3. 10:02 Green party & DSA
4. 15:21 Force the vote
5. 23:00 Realignment
6. 34:00 Alt-media
7. 38:40 Getting into politics
8. 56:09 Rising, The Hill & deplatforming
9. 1:06:55 Free speech vs fact checkers
10. 1:20:10 TikTok & the Overton window
11. 1:24:35 Keeping the faith

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: The limitations of the Democratic Party in enacting progressive change and the potential of third parties as an alternative.

Key Points:

• Democratic Party Ineffectiveness: Briahna Joy Gray argues that the Democratic Party is incapable of enacting meaningful progressive change, citing examples like the failure to pass a $15 minimum wage despite holding power in both Congress and the White House. She contends that the party is more effective at defeating left-wing insurgencies than the political right.
• Third-Party Politics: Gray discusses the challenges and potential of building a viable third party, suggesting the Green Party as a possible starting point due to its existing infrastructure. She acknowledges the difficulties but emphasizes the need for alternatives to the Democratic Party.
• Force the Vote Strategy: Gray defends her support for the "Force the Vote" strategy, which aimed to leverage progressive leverage within the Democratic Party. She argues that this strategy, while controversial, could have yielded concessions and demonstrates the potential power of progressive unity.
• Role of Alternative Media: Gray highlights the increasing importance of alternative media in reaching audiences disillusioned with mainstream news sources. She discusses her own experiences with censorship and the challenges of navigating the complexities of free speech and platform neutrality.
• Political Realignment: Gray observes a significant political realignment, with voters seeking outlets for frustrations with the established political system. This realignment is reflected in the rise of alternative media and the appeal of unconventional political figures.
• Personal Political Journey: Gray shares her personal journey into political activism, influenced by her mother's anti-establishment views and the impact of Bernie Sanders' campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and optimism despite the challenges.

Highlights:

• Gray's candid assessment of the Democratic Party's shortcomings and her willingness to explore alternative political strategies.
• Her insightful analysis of the role of alternative media and the challenges of navigating free speech debates.
• Her personal anecdotes and reflections on her experiences in political activism and journalism.
• The discussion of the "Force the Vote" strategy and its implications for progressive political power.
• The exploration of the complexities of political realignment and the search for viable alternatives to the two-party system.

About Channel:

Doomscroll explores online culture and politics in the 21st century.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25800538

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Catherine Liu details how the professional managerial class (PMC) has betrayed workers for seats within the halls of oligarchic power.

Timestamps:

1. (0:00) Intro
2. (1:50) The PMC of yesterday
3. (7:16) Post-election debrief
4. (13:40) The culture wars
5. (19:32) How the PMC sells out workers
6. (25:03) Dems need to address the class issue
7. (32:37) The state of the Left
8. (44:00) The PMC has sex
9. (50:35) What can we do?
10. (54:57) Outro

Generated Summary:

This YouTube video features an interview with Catherine Liu, author of Virtue Hoarders: The Case Against the Professional Managerial Class. The main topic is a critique of the professional managerial class (PMC) and the Democratic Party, arguing that they are engaged in a class war against the working class, not against capitalism itself.

Key Points:

• The PMC vs. the Working Class: Liu argues that the PMC, comprised of academics, lawyers, and medical professionals, serves the interests of capital, often at the expense of the working class. They engage in "virtue signaling" rather than substantive policy changes to address inequality.
• Historical Context: The interview contrasts the PMC with the old capitalist class (Rockefellers, Carnegies, etc.), noting that academics in the past were more often aligned with workers' rights. The current PMC, however, is deeply intertwined with and serves the interests of capital.
• The 1970s Shift: A key turning point is identified in the 1970s, when the decline in manufacturing and the rise of the immaterial economy led to policies that harmed American workers. This coincided with the PMC's embrace of culture wars as a distraction from economic issues.
• Democratic Party Failure: The Democratic Party's inability to address the concerns of the working class is heavily criticized. Their focus on identity politics and their reliance on focus groups and polling are seen as detached from the realities of working-class life.
• The Left's Role: The interview discusses the fragmentation of the left, with accusations that identity politics have diverted attention from class issues. The PMC's appropriation of identity politics is seen as a tool to maintain power and control.
• The Rise of Trump: Trump's rise is attributed to the PMC's failures and their demonization of the working class. His appeal is seen as a rejection of the PMC's moralizing and perceived hypocrisy.
• A Path Forward?: While pessimistic about the Democratic Party's capacity for self-reflection, Liu expresses some hope in a potential resurgence of anti-authoritarian and egalitarian sentiments within the American populace. She emphasizes the need for a left-driven community focused on bread-and-butter issues and a rejection of the PMC's focus on identity politics.

Highlights:

• Liu's sharp and insightful critique of the PMC and the Democratic Party.
• The historical analysis tracing the shift in the relationship between academics and the working class.
• The discussion of the role of identity politics in obscuring class conflict.
• The exploration of the psychological and cultural factors contributing to the rise of Trump.
• The call for a renewed focus on economic justice and class solidarity.

About Channel:

Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25791488

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Top diplomats from the United States and Russia met in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and improving relations between Washington and Moscow. The Riyadh summit represents a monumental shift in U.S. policy after the Biden administration led an international effort to isolate Russia over its invasion and gave tens of billions in military aid to Kyiv. Participants included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to attend and has said he won't recognize a peace deal negotiated without his country. European leaders have also been sidelined. For more on these developments, we host a discussion between economist Jeffrey Sachs and foreign policy analyst Matt Duss.

"This is a war that never should have happened," says Sachs, who faults "U.S. provocations" like the expansion of NATO for laying the groundwork for Russia's invasion in 2022. In holding these talks directly with Russia, "the Trump administration, for the first time, is telling the truth about the fundamental causes of this war," adds Sachs.

Duss says that while the U.S. has played a major role in the conflict, "Vladimir Putin is the one who chose to invade Ukraine." He also emphasizes that Ukrainians themselves have agency and have been key players in events since the end of the Cold War, including their current defense against Russia. "It's not just a story of unending U.S. villainy."

Generated Below:

Main Topic: The ongoing war in Ukraine, focusing on the possibility of peace negotiations and the roles played by the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

Key Points:

• Differing Perspectives: The debate features two guests with contrasting viewpoints. Jeffrey Sachs argues that the US bears significant responsibility for provoking the war through NATO expansion and other actions, advocating for negotiations to end the conflict. Matt Duss emphasizes Russia's responsibility for the invasion and expresses skepticism about negotiations without Ukraine's full participation.
• Peace Negotiations: The recent talks between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia are discussed as a potential turning point. Sachs views these talks positively, while Duss expresses concern that they might exclude Ukraine and benefit Putin.
• Historical Context: Both guests discuss the historical context of the conflict, highlighting different interpretations of events such as NATO expansion, the 2014 Ukrainian coup, and previous attempts at peace negotiations. Sachs emphasizes US provocations, while Duss stresses Russia's aggression.
• Ukraine's Role: A key point of contention is Ukraine's role in the conflict and its involvement in peace negotiations. Sachs criticizes Ukraine's initial refusal to negotiate, while Duss underscores Ukraine's right to self-determination and the importance of its participation in any peace agreement.
• US Foreign Policy: The debate touches upon broader criticisms of US foreign policy, with Sachs accusing the US of pursuing a policy of unipolarity and Duss acknowledging US foreign policy failures while emphasizing Russia's culpability.

Highlights:

• The contrasting analyses of the historical context of the war, particularly regarding US and Russian actions.
• The discussion of the Saudi Arabia talks and their potential implications for peace.
• The debate over the role and agency of Ukraine in the conflict and peace negotiations.
• The broader discussion of US foreign policy and its impact on the war in Ukraine.

About Channel:

Democracy Now! is a viewer-supported independent, global weekday news hour anchored by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González. The show is broadcast on more than 1,500 TV, radio and internet stations. Stream the show live Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. ET at http://www.democracynow.org.