Andy Borowitz: How American Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber | Amanpour and Company

[@alexandermayakovsky6550]

Finally, a guy who tells the truth about Ronnie Reagan.

[@black_sheep_nation]

No, many have told the truth about Reagan. Including 2 of Reagan’s children. But those voices are drowned by the roar of the myth.

[@kevinjenner9502]

In 1967 Reagan signed the Mulford Act, outlawing open carry in the state of California.

[@JW4REnvironment]

Well said. Reagan put James Watt into the Interior Department: a disaster!

[@joannebattersby8365]

Or as Canadians call him - Ronny Raygun.

[@kevinjenner9502]

Gary Church. The signing of the Mulford Act was in response to armed Black Panthers occupying the state capital in Sacramento.

[@scottiemyman52]

Finally, an analysis and critique of Ronald Reagan’s overly simplistic views. The father of trickle down. Thank you Andy.

[@junglecat_rant]

@Bryan Kirby LOL, what did he do? Defeat? Basically the Soviets defeated themselves.

[@wesleywalker1594]

@Bryan Kirby The Soviets defeated themselves.

[@thegreenbird795]

There is no trickle down..there is only shit flows downhill....

[@lorinelson7523]

Reagan started the era of Republican slogans and tag lines in place of real policy.

[@rrickarr]

Scott: And Ronald was the one who brought Republicans and the Evangelicals together with non other than Jerry Falwell Sr. And look at Falwell Jr. who is all embroiled with his cuckold status with the pool boy.

[@26beegee]

I’m with Andy. Reading is critical to a broad base of knowledge which shapes our decisions.

[@katewade9992]

PLEASE... Ppl are not smart. Average USA IQ is 89. 89!! And 50% are dumber than that.

[@debra-jones]

Mmm Mia Memama A

[@debra-jones]

Me mr R Re Em

[@debra-jones]

Me mr R Re Emm

[@alphaomega8373]

Meh. Overrated. Now mediation is beneficial everyday in everyway.

[@tontosvensen1024]

"Stupid is a condition; Ignorance is a choice" - Wiley Miller

[@ardentynekent2099]

Students don't want to read anymore, and they definitely don't want to read plays by some guy who lived 400 years ago. They're hypnotised by their phones. If it's not trending, it didn't happen.

[@Athena124]

Intellectual curiosity and humility are really really good qualities, and it applies to everything, not just politics.

[@johnsimmons6637]

Secret to life

[@catya3668]

Add honesty to a fault, most importantly with yourself.

[@bonniegaither3994]

Not to mention….Jimmy Carter is an amazing , caring human being!! He’s a saint in my book.

[@bhatkat]

The way to anger Jimmy was to mention how an action might harm, affect him politically, reagan and others put that consideration first and told people the lies they loved to hear. So does this explain things?

[@variyasalo2581]

Jimmy was book smart and good hearted but a small town lamb in an LBJ world.

[@thomasperkins7318]

He's a true Christian, not one of these phonies we have now.

[@JW4REnvironment]

The Carter Center has saved thousands from river blindness in Africa. An uncovered story that should be covered!

[@johnsimmons6637]

Some of our best presidents lose second term. John Adams, Quincy Adams and Carter as well.

[@glenrotchin5523]

A smart person understands what they don’t know.

[@tomrhodes1629]

That's not smarts (intelligence), Glen; that's WISDOM (as Socrates illustrated so well.) They aren't the same thing. And... "Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes, prophet of GOD. EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") And "the devil" or "satan" is the selfish human EGO. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." And "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history.

[@missshroom5512]

That’s a good one Glen..true

[@brigidpfenninger5053]

And they are intellectually curious enough to find the answers.

[@behr121002]

EXACTLY! Well said.

[@Andromeda14167]

@@brigidpfenninger5053 and after searching finally understanding that they don't know anything😂

[@nelsrinden510]

Reagan was an ACTOR! He was practiced in "learning his lines." His presidency was simply him playing his most significant role.

[@orlock20]

Obama was a pot head that spoke well in front of a teleprompter and became President while just making speeches yet liberals say he was an intellectual. The smartest president in my lifetime was George Bush Sr. and he only got one term for breaking one promise of raising taxes to cut the national debt.

[@georgedunn320]

Yes, he was experienced in a pretend world, but in fairness, those who only observed him as President, are only familiar with him in his senility. He was president of the Screen Actors Guild and a two-term governor of a major state, so in his younger days he was not a political naif. He was no intellectual, but sometimes simple men can be inspirational leaders if they possess other virtues.

[@stevejette2329]

Nels - And of course, trump was a TV superstar. Just ask him.

[@paulajosmith3941]

@@georgedunn320 he was a puppet for the right wing. full stop.

[@dianemitchell1717]

Actually I read that even Reagan at the end of his term recognized that the Trickle Down theory hadn’t worked considering the 3 trillion deficit it created. Nancy probably told him as he was deep deep into Alzheimer’s by then.

[@jackienaiditch7965]

I've been reading Andy Borowitz's book. It's incredibly funny and informative. Can't recommend it highly enough.

[@jeffphakenewz8556]

A boatload of content here. As someone nearing the end of his seventh decade, one of the "smartest" attributes I have found in a person is to know what you don't know. A lot of well read, well schooled individuals misinterpret their (still) limited scopes as broad-based. I have found this to be especially true with these types who rarely or never expose themselves to travel, to other cultures or fields of interest. Somewhat intelligent, but narrow minded.

[@UKindness4]

Andy is so intelligent. And he is right it started with Reagan. Carter was not unsuccessful! Reagan was a lousy President!

[@kevinjenner9502]

Iran-Contra. CIA commissioned International crimes.

[@GoGreen1977]

I'm old enough to remember when adults (I was all of 13) got sucked in by Nixon/Agnew in 1968. I couldn't fathom his appeal and how anyone believed he had a "secret plan" to end the war in Vietnam. And don't get me going on the "Southern Strategy."

[@kevinjenner9502]

Nixon/Kissinger commission CIA coup in Chile removing their democratically elected leader Salvador Allende. 9/11/73

[@tomrhodes1629]

Correct, UK4. There are those who believe Jesus Christ was unsuccessful because He was crucified, because they have no idea what is going on in this world. IGNORANCE. And LACK OF WISDOM. "Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes, prophet of GOD. EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") "The devil" or "satan" is the selfish human ego. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, folks, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history. AMEN.

[@zoer7338]

The "trickle-down" theory has been horrible for the middle class in the US.

[@ReformedRepublican]

Thank you so much for validating what l have been saying. I am a native Californian, and l watched Reagan destroy our educational systems, our excellent longterm, live in care facilities, which he shut down and just sent these people out to fend for themselves. Rinald Reagan thereby INVENTED HOMELESSNESS BY CRUELTY. Anybody bragging that they are a "Reagan Republican" doesn't realize they are aligning themselves with cruelty, failed economics (only the cruelty trickled down!), union busting and the destruction of the middle class. He was the 1st fascist Republican to win office, but not the last! He paved the way for Trump!!!

[@hammada3585]

excellent long-term care facilities?

[@dianemitchell1717]

The Reagan years were the worst years of my life. I could forcast the harm he would do to the middle class and the poor, etc. It made me so angry. Now I am going through the second worst years of my life without a lot of hope.

[@ReformedRepublican]

@@hammada3585 Yes. Live in facilities where the people who were too psychiatriclly undiminished to care for themselves had longterm care places where there were psychiatrists on staff. They were medicated appropriately on clean, cellcept grounds which they grew food, cleaned the rooms, etc. They had been deemed, by diseases such as Alzheimers or other maladies to be unable to manage their own lives without help. Reagan closed them down, either by malice or stupidity, he was both, and this Republican Governor created homelessness and spread it throughout the country. So, whenever self-righteous Republicans complain about the homeless, you can thank Republican Ronald Reagan for creating a problem that did not exist before he created it.

[@msmith53]

WISDOM often is NOT coexistent with intelligence!

[@ReformedRepublican]

@@msmith53 It can be, but often is not.

[@dianagross8784]

People went from reading books to watching TikTok videos, from watching NatGeo documentaries to watching The Mask Singer, from engaging in face to face conversation to texting. Good thing we have Velcro on our shoes and no longer need to learn how to tie a knot. How can we expect people to vote wisely?

[@LocoGeorge123]

Gen Z actually uses TikTok to teach about capitalism, labor, politics etc although there is definitely a lot of pointless garbage on there too. The biggest problem is right wing media, Fox News really dumbed down the US and gave people the entitlement of thinking their opinions are equal as facts, regardless of legitimacy.

[@MA1-BEE]

Also.., look at the preponderance of seniors IN CONGRESS who are technologically ignorant. Remember the questions that were asked of the big tech CEO's?

[@Madaboutmada]

100% truth!

[@jkacz9466]

Diana, Bingo 🎯💯

[@humanonearth1]

Democracy has always been a risk in that way, it's part of the reason the electoral college works the way it does, which I would argue needs reform, I think the more people voting the better for the legislation we need to see to save the planet. The positive spin is while social media and the rest of it has made people more narcissistic, insecure, impatient and sort of hedonistic; it also has given access to information like no other generation has. I'm pretty impressed by the young gen coming up now. They seem much more alert and engaged than I remember myself or my peers being, certainly politically. It's a tragedy they are being given such a crap hand with climate change and the rest, but even considering this, I somehow cannot ignore their seemingly limitless potential. Keep the faith Diana :).

[@SuperHero-dq4jc]

Agree that intellectual curiosity is very important. Reading a book is not the only determinant. People who show enough curiosity to get out and see things for themselves are also the people who end up writing books that other people read.

[@gcbplbbkbdabbab]

My family and I absolutely love Andy Borowitz. His wit is incisive, original and hilarious. A brilliant wit at work and we are so grateful for his writing. Time to buy this book!

[@nicolejohnson5225]

He's right about paying more attention to local politics.

[@cgamiga]

and recently, secretaries of state and election commissions, given the jan6 insurrection continues in the background, prepping for the next steal :( Also as seen recently re textbooks/LGBTQ students and before... school boards are also critical.

[@chaserofthelight1737]

The repugs show up for all elections, from the local up, that’s why they have so many in place. They start at the local level and support a person who pushes their agenda and stays with that person as they go up the ladder. The higher they go the more power they have. Dems don’t do that.

[@anthonyvaldez6892]

I have been telling people for years to get involved with local politics, that's what I, learned in school and that's been a practice of mine since I could vote Iam now age 69 but for some reason most people turn to deaf ear he's right about television people have more faith in TV

[@wildthings980]

And school boards! The radical right has invaded them. Very damaging.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Too bad that Facebook, Craig's List, Ebay, ... killed local papers.

[@lzrd8460]

I agree 100% with Andy Borowitz - it is time average Americans start taking responsibility and an active role in our politics. Sitting back on the sofa for an hour a night to listen to the news, shaking their heads at what is happening is NOT being a good citizen. And sitting back complaining about what is happening in our country without delving into why is NOT being a good citizen. And finally, voting for a party or for politicians just because your parents vote for them is NOT being a good citizen. Two words, Intellectual curiosity. Too many Americans have lost their ability to be curious about anything! I have to thank trump for one thing - I knew so very little about the law and government but because he was such a horrible president ( and human being), I started paying attention and reading and watching programs that taught me why our laws need tightening up, how it can be that a man like trump could actually win an election and why it is of the UTMOST importance that we pay attention and get curious! Start reading, start questioning and get off your butts and start voting for decent politicians!

[@LJ-ht4zs]

How do people keep voting for Mitch McConnell in Kentucky? State is poor with little change and the Con keeps getting richer. When your "representative"does work for the people VOTE HIM OUT!

[@jeanneeber]

Touché! Well stated.

[@lindalinda-ie3hw]

how do i share your comment

[@jerodriguez74]

The problem is that the people who know what and how are all concentrated in the same states. There’s a lot of red territory with the right to 2 senators and electoral votes. That’s a lot of power to people who complain a lot but keep the same politicians in power.

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

tRUmp did not win…not in 2016 or 2020.

[@37Dionysos]

Decades ago I met a junior speechwriter for Reagan's campaign. He said that between campaign appearances, staff kept Ron and Nancy in dark hotel rooms watching old movies on VHS tapes. Then they'd call him out, go over things that fit on an index card, and send him out to pretend he was a leader.

[@paulajosmith3941]

do not doubt that at all.

[@lorinelson7523]

Reagan had early stage Alzheimers while he was president. Those around him and Republicans kept that hidden from the American people.

[@planck39]

I wouldn't have expected otherwise of Ronnie and Nancy. And Ronnie always emphasizing/showing that he had to sit on the TV couch with his Nancy 8pm at the latest..

[@Hume77]

Michael Korda, who had access through Simon and Schuster to almost all of Reagan's written materials, interviews, and inside sources, wrote something similar in his biography of Reagan. Most people, including Reagan's son, believe he was manifesting symptoms of early stage Alzheimer's in his second term. Watch his debates with Mondale and how lost he seemed at times.

[@wendelynanderson9517]

I remember observing the ridicule stage Borowitz describes in the 80s play out in tv sitcoms with characters who made fun of intelligent people or ideas. I used to call it the rise of “smart-assism” too because characters would be applauded for making smart-ass comments that before would have been considered rude & unacceptable. TV, & now Netflix, Amazon, etc do not just have a tremendous influence on our thought & behavior but are also a reflection of who we are as well.

[@christinekinn6178]

All in the Family?

[@chensexpress9668]

It is so refreshing and uplifting to hear Mr. Andy B speaking. Mr. Andy B is so right on target about the Regan vs. Carter years. Today's GOP runs for office to tear down our government. These people are incapable of leading nor governing. Indeed, the experienced, qualified leaders are hard to find today.

[@saraleigh5336]

MO’s defunding of its libraries is heart-wrenching. To me, at least.

[@YouGoSheriGirl]

I remember my stepmother saying "Ronald Reagan's going to make us rich!" She was really excited and believed it. She'd always get mad whenever I said "Most people are stupid". There are millions who freely chose to be stupid because it seems easier. Then some conman runs off with their money.

[@LJ-ht4zs]

Now it's even worse, when the conman runs off with their money, they may not notice, they may excuse it, they may let him and his family do it again. When they lose all their money, they will have been trained to say the cause was this other person or group. Then the willfully ignorant vents against the other person or group, not related to his getting conned. Look at American today.

[@conmckfly]

We forget that Ronnie Reagan was a movie star and the public in the the 30s, 40s, and early 50s loved him. He was good looking, always smiling, good public speaker, folksy, patriotic..... he was an American hero.

[@lindawer]

Reagan was an actor but “star” like Trump was a “star.”

[@conmckfly]

@@lindawer Yes, believe it or not, he was a very popular actor = star. Folks loved going to the movie theater. It was a totally different world from today's movies. Didn't matter if it was an A or B movie, the actors were popular. Movies were huge diversions from everyday life. No, he wasn't a John Wayne, but he was voted the 5th most popular actor in 1941. His movie career stumbled in the 50s and he went to television.

[@lexyswope]

It amazes me how much search engines are an asset to find information. A great way for voter to be really informed.

[@hopepeace883]

I totally agree with Mr. Borowitz opinion on Regan, full disclosure I actually voted for Regan. I also started my career of nursing in the early 80s, the start of the AIDS epidemic, and felt like this deadly disease was not acknowledged or researched at the beginning. I also feel that it was during the 80s that the wealth gap started growing. Yes, I think there are different types of intelligence, common sense, knowing when someone needs to learn about a subject because they do not know about it, and education, all of these are important. I am not impressed by people who have lowered the bar by basically being arrogantly ignorant. How sad it is to dumb down, instead of seeking understanding and knowledge.

[@keishagaines525]

Truly smart people know when to rely on experts in a certain field. Removing our people from China who were there to monitor any outbreaks was stupid. Calling the pandemic a hoax was stupid. Refusing to listen to WHO, CDC and Dr. Fauci was stupid. Selling our PPE to China was stupid. No, WHO, CDC & Dr. Fauci didn’t know everything about Covid19 but telling everyone that everything was ok and to go about your business as usual was deadly. Many more Americans died than had to. And if we had only taken small precautions, like wearing a damn mask, we would not be stuck with an endemic form of Covid which will continue to kill us.

[@dianemitchell1717]

George Orwell wrote about the necessary dumbing of the population in his book 1984. It has been happening here for at least a decade and is ramping up in red states and the tv lineup on all the major channels. Like the Romans entertaining the crowd in the collesium. sp?

[@tuckerfrd1]

When Walter asked why Carter was unsuccessful and Reagan was, I screamed "WHAT DO YOU THINK SUCCESS IS?", and I couldn't agree more with Andy's answer. I live in CA, where hopelessness is a huge problem and I see it / live it everyday by the mentally challenged, and I attribute much of the problem to Reagan defunding the mental health facilities. If someone doesn't have the mental state to want a job and pay rent, will result in much homeless, even if rent is high.

[@Darhan62]

Prior to 2015 or 2016, and I was born 50+ years ago now, I always assumed that the people who govern us are generally competent and knowledgeable. They always seemed to know what they needed to know to deal with issues of public health, foreign policy, economics, etc... Was I under some sort of illusion for my first 45 years of life, or did something fundamental really change during the campaign season leading up to the 2016 presidential election??? Suddenly, people no longer seemed to care about knowledge or competence as much as they did about indulging the beliefs that they felt drawn to, including wild conspiracy theories, ideas that were obviously xenophobic, etc... Carl Sagan has always been one of my idols. As long as I've known about Alex Jones, he's been sort of a devil, representing humanity's worst behavioral traits. But here we are, in a time where people are addicted to outrage, and don't care much for genuine smarts, and where many of our political leaders speak more like Alex Jones than like Carl Sagan.

[@joannebattersby8365]

I am 68 and Canadian and my first knowledge of the US and how the idea of equality was the biggest and most evil lie that the American people swallowed whole- in 1961 we got a television.That was all that was necessary. And we are Baptist and had members who went to The South to hear Dr. King speak. And Malcolm x. And then the Vietnam Vets escaping here. People who wanted to marry outside their race, those escaping McCarthism, then the Vietnamese Boat People who we helped. All the bizarre flag waving and hand on the heart silliness. Talk about Tribal. And the incredible ignorance and violence that Americans are so very proud of. Americans act like no- one is watching. LBJ lifting our PM Lester Pearson , Nobel Prize winner off of his feet because we wouldn't go to war in Vietnam. Stupid Reagan and our ass- kissing conservative PM Brian Mulrony and Margeret Thatcher all did massive destruction to their nations - just Canada threw them out on their asses- and Conservatives went down to 2 seats- and it took 15 hard years to pay off the debts. I just shake my head.

[@agg.3966]

Sadly so. Could it be the this great nation is slowly showing its decay in politics, and worse yet showing our true colors generally speaking? Yes, so sad!

[@groaningmole4338]

The people who did the governing were never competent nor knowledgeable. This was not a problem in the past, because they had expert advisors who *were* competent. They listened to those people. The current crop do not listen to expert advisors. Trump was perhaps the best example of this.

[@behr121002]

Another well expressed post. ( I'll second your statement about Sagan. There was a short period of time back in the 70's when I deemed Sagan to be a bit arrogant, and maybe he was a bit in his more youthful years. But roughly 35 years ago or so, I began to realize in myself that some of _my_ views concerning one very narrow subject (and releatively unimportant) I took issue with Sagan on was the UFO/paranormal controversies 'back in the day'.) My disagreements came honestly though, since science/rational thinking/empirical approach was and will always be of my primary interests. My head in the clouds/hopeful thinking took precidence over reason and evidence. I have long since turned around 180 degrees on that narrow subject matter, and have embraced Sagan as one of our repected American treasures. But your post is spot on.

[@joevuzekaz2030]

I think Religious leaders are being damaging the American people for a long time,preaching politics,advancing their agendas and opposing progress.😊

[@c.a.savage5689]

An intelligent man who's not afraid to admit that just maybe intelligence/ intellectual curiosity is important in daily life. Especially if you're making decisions for other people (i.e., politicians).

[@thihal123]

Very true. In general, being curious is a good thing.

[@lorenrenee1]

Andy thank you for sharing that insight. Reagan took us down a path that was disastrous and has torn the country apart. Clinton didn’t understand how incompetent Bush would be. There is a huge difference between charisma and intelligence. Andy you’re spot on.

[@krasnoz6]

Trickle down ignorance lol . I miss Andy Borowitz. Humor is so important especially during these dark times. Look forward to reading his book.

[@tomrhodes1629]

Yes, "trickle down"...I always thought that this was an overt way of saying "piss on you." And yes, humor IS important. (The movie "Idiocracy" is a prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes.) As for darkness of the times, it is always darkest before the dawn. And I have a LOT of info on all of that... Watch Noam Chomsky, "Requiem for the American Dream" to hear the full legacy of that anti-Christ known as Ronald Wilson Reagan. Yes, "anti-Christ." Ronald Wilson Reagan: 6 letters, 6 letters, 6 letters. Trump is German, and his name in the German language is Donald Johann Drumpf: 6 letters, 6 letters, 6 letters...another anti-Christ... "The devil" ("satan") is the selfish human EGO, and an anti-Christ is anyone who is totally possessed by the ego (satan). "Even now there are many anti-Christs." (1John) And the primary things that they lack are love and WISDOM. "Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes (prophet of GOD, the prophesied return of the biblical prophet Elijah.) EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") And yes, "the devil" or "satan" is the selfish human ego. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." And "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history. (I don't receive KZbin comment notifications, but communicate through my site.) AMEN

[@michaelwiener477]

Why would I read Andy's book ? The "sound of music" is on the TV. Priorities don't ya know

[@dianemitchell1717]

Andy has a humorous byline in the New Yorker. He makes me laugh daily.

[@JW4REnvironment]

Great points how Reagan’s administration was full of poor policies such as ignoring AIDS and contributing to the homeless problem and shifting income taxes from corporations to families. Not to mention getting rid of the fairness in broadcasting requirements! Thanks for raising this topic on Amanpour!!

[@Dbb27]

There were never homeless on the streets until Reagan shut down federal run mental health institutions. The States were supposed to pick up the slack and did nothing.

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

Yes, his trickle down plan with mental health is sure playing out

[@jaykay415]

He kicked off the downfall! It's just gotten worse and worse since then, in terms of corporate power and declining democracy.

[@davefrompa5334]

Fairness in broadcasting? You mean censorship?

[@michaelwiener477]

And closing down all the national state psych hospitals Thanks president Ray-Gun

[@donnapido3824]

At last somebody is exposing Ronnie Raygun as the destructive force he was. WE're still paying for his horrible mishandling of just about everything.

[@libbiehorn3546]

Haha, some years ago I was at a speaker event in the Bay Area where John Kasich spoke. He mentioned Reagan and paused, expecting applause at there mere mention of Reagan’s name. You could see his was really taken aback when there was none. We all knew him as governor and president and didn’t idolize him.

[@jefferyroy2566]

The present decline in America started with Nixon, but Reagan and his Revolution was the accelerant. His "Government is the problem" catchphrase has been used by conservatives for over 40 years as their excuse for the horrible job their representatives and power brokers in DC and statehouses have done. Once elected to office, if they did make government work for everyone they would have been labeled as traitors of their cause and treated as betrayers, aka RINOs. Their job was to ensure no taxes, low wages and poor delivery of services to their constituents. If they did anything else, government would stop being a problem and they would look like fools. Now, good people who care about others have no place in Republican politics. Soon, their next parade of clowns will be headed to Congress, and their antics will continue to chip away at my faith in the "other America," the 74 million who felt a manifestly deceitful and uncaring SOB should be president, AGAIN. What constitutes a lie no longer has the understanding of a super-majority of voters. If truth is dead, where does that leave us?

[@batgirlp5561]

Remember the Stealth missile and star wars program?

[@narda1072]

@@batgirlp5561explain further please (outsider here)

[@artysanmobile]

“Profiles In Ignorance.” That expression has got legs. There is enough background for that concept to fill many volumes of a new and better American history narrative.

[@donaldfischer1958]

What has happened is that in the old days people had to be able to read and write to express themselves in newspapers and journals. The rrest of the US, where 70% of the people read at a 7th grade level, can dictate their ignorance in Facebook and Twitter with no effort at all. That is why politicians can exploit ignorance and do things they know are unethical and even immoral.

[@mrdog66]

"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Mark Twain

[@treefrog3349]

Brilliant ! I wish we all had the wisdom and incite of Mark Twain.

[@tomrhodes1629]

"Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes, prophet of GOD. (I absolutely love Mark Twain, who was obviously a very wise man.) EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") "The devil" or "satan" is the selfish human ego. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." And "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history. AMEN.

[@kathya1321]

Love this!

[@michelledavies2197]

@@tomrhodes1629 problem right there, your delusional imaginary sky daddy.

[@behr121002]

Ah yes, Twain! One of my favorites. So spot on with his quips!

[@newbloomwon]

I wish I had a dollar for every reporter who interviewed a potential voter saying he/she is voting Republican because of their frustration with inflation without following up in asking how Democrats caused inflation and what Republicans would be able to do about it.

[@rustyicepick8462]

Man, I hear ya Michael. That drives me nuts.

[@heronimousbrapson863]

My thoughts exactly.

[@marshcreek4355]

We continue to underestimate the power of propaganda from Fox News, News Max, OAN, and the 1500+ right-wing AM stations broadcasting misinformation and division 24/7 across the U.S. They hammer their message daily into the minds of folks. Oh, and let's not forget how the Democratic party is losing more and more of the Latino vote partly because of the 350+ right-wing AM stations broadcasting exclusively in Spanish. The so called good media e.g. MSNBC (which I enjoy), ABC, CBS, CNN, etc. won't save us. Even wonderful programs like this won't save us as they are too small. This almost feels like a dark force field we're up against and at this point we're not even hammering against it.

[@jmhorange]

That's generally how it goes for pretty much any country. Most people aren't following politics because there's so many other things in life they are focusing on, if things aren't going well for them, they vote for another party. It's not owed to Democrats to stay in power by pointing out that Republicans won't fix things or very likely with their undemocratic tendencies, make the country worse. The question is, how will the party in power fix things. And if that can't be answered by the party in power, well people are going to vote more and more extreme in order to get a government they think will make their lives better, no matter how misinformed they may be.

[@zoer7338]

Lip service is all we get. No substance whatsoever in regards to how they would fix it. Kevin Macarthey is a joke.

[@c.merritt7884]

Anybody seen the clip of Boebert pronouncing "wanton" like the Chinese dumpling "wonton" while reading a passage from Romans? She admitted she didn't know what it meant. That might not be a big deal, but she also has no idea what an establishment of religion is, saying "I'm tired of all this separation of church and state junk." That IS a big deal. She glories in her ignorance. To her, an education isn't necessary if God is your rock, sword, and shield.

[@donivanpotter2762]

Yeah God gave people free will and apparently some use that free will to be stupid.

[@umalaurenbowman7276]

Same thing with Marjory Taylor Green when she mistook she word "Gazpacho" for "Gestapo"! That one was both hilarious and tragic...

[@virginiagrundman4012]

Hell, yeah!

[@abocas]

Some years ago I watched an interview with a WH journalist (don't remember her name) who "went through" 7 American presidents (from JFK to GWB, I think it was. Bear with me, I am European) She said that the most literate presidents were the Democrats, JFK being the biggest reader and most knowledgeable of them all. That he was constantly reading whenever he could spare a minute.

[@arthurfonzarelli9331]

Nixon, like him or not, was by far the most intelligent President Every President up until George W Bush was an avid reader, as it was the only form of entertainment available during their formative years.

[@TheAureliac]

@@arthurfonzarelli9331 Not Reagan.

[@georgeroyal5860]

With All Due Respect, the amount of Presidents that you named is not enough to even get a fair analysis of, but I do understand your point... But what I do not understand, is how can over 70 million people support a man who admits, to not reading, probably the only thing that he has been truthful about, who claims to know more than All of his General's, all of the Scientists, top of his class Etc. Why, Why do you blindly follow this Slime Ball???

[@abocas]

@@georgeroyal5860 are you ok? And are you sure you replied to the right person?

[@jadedbrad]

Most importantly, JFK read a book about how Europe stumbled into WWI. He slowed things down during the Cuban missile crisis and avoided a war.

[@joandempsey4652]

My heart goes out to all sincere intellectuals in the US today. 💖

[@TheWayOfRespectAndKindness]

Our “elected” officials are chosen by people with wealth and power. The last thing that they want in office is a person capable of challenging their dictates. A weak and ineffective government is in their best interests, not ours. The few capable and genuinely elected officials are quickly shut down or rendered powerless by massive add campaigns designed to destroy effective governance. It won’t change unless we change how campaigns are financed.

[@behr121002]

Yep, well said.

[@Andromeda14167]

Something foreigners don't understand is why you don't vote for 3rd Parties. Even if they don't get into Congress. It would challenge the heresy Just vote for the most ridiculous party you can find and see the fun unfolding.

[@judiemeierfranz4329]

Yes!!

[@9395gb]

Wealthy and powerful people only promote elected officials they don't choose them. American voters still have the power of the vote. The problem is most people reject education, dont do the research or like he said do nof pay attention to what's going on in their local government. They just vote how they are told to vote by their party.

[@murraymadness4674]

exactly, the people elected nominate those in industry to run departments and their goal is to destroy the departments effectiveness, e.g. Postal Service, Education Service, IRS, Justice Dept, FDA, etc, etc, etc. Is there any wonder the constant "government sucks" chant is followed up with "we made it even worse on purpose:

[@adamk5937]

It looked like Walter Isaacson's head was about to explode when Andy Borowitz criticized Ronald Reagan's intellectual emptiness. I'm glad he didn't cry during this interview. He's definitely part of the problem!

[@aurelia5614]

Yes, I noticed and I totally agree.

[@Madaboutmada]

Yep as a Californian, Reagan created the homeless population almost overnight when he shut down mental health hospitals. This was also during the time that Vietnam wasn't considered a war and therefore, veteran status was not the same. Carter at least corrected that mess.

[@truthaboveall7988]

Reagan did so much damage that exceptionalists just don’t want to c

[@randyevermore9323]

@@Madaboutmada "Carter at least corrected that mess." He also urged Americans to curtail their energy consumption. He was far ahead of his time. He's a trained nuclear engineer, after all.

[@michelledavies2197]

@@truthaboveall7988 I'm not even American and I know the damage Reagan did.

[@humanonearth1]

14:27

[@foxdogwest6614]

Andy, in a previous professional life I was a group facilitator and did some work with "civil discourse" (don't believe we can do that these days). I'm also a child of the hippy, peace loving 60s and do still hold peace & love for all very high on my value list. My main concern these days is while I am certainly open to peaceful thoughtful exchange of ideas with right-wing leaning people, I'm afraid that most feel anyone left of center is "evil" and they will not engage. THAT is an issue we will all have to get thru.

[@virginiagrundman4012]

I'm half European. Because of that, and two brilliant parents, I refuse to dumb down anything in my life. I'm so embarrassed by our politicians.

[@cheryllaguardia931]

Reagan: all show, no depth. Agree that he was the turning point for the dumbing down of America. Walter, get a clue.

[@kevinjenner9502]

All Presidents are given a free pass when it comes to the commission of International crimes. “My country, right or wrong”

[@tomrhodes1629]

Yes, Reagan was a turning point. Watch Noam Chomsky, "Requiem for the American Dream" to hear the full legacy of that anti-Christ known as Ronald Wilson Reagan. "Anti-Christ"?..... Ronald Wilson Reagan: 6 letters, 6 letters, 6 letters. Trump is German, and his name in the German language is Donald Johann Drumpf: 6 letters, 6 letters, 6 letters...another anti-Christ... "The devil" ("satan") is the selfish human EGO, and an anti-Christ is anyone who is totally possessed by the ego (satan). "Even now there are many anti-Christs." (1John) And the primary things that they lack are love and WISDOM. "Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes (prophet of GOD, the prophesied return of the biblical prophet Elijah.) EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") And yes, "the devil" or "satan" is the selfish human ego. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." And "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history. AMEN

[@kencussen7275]

Reagan: all tip and no iceberg. ( apologies to former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating).

[@michelledavies2197]

@@kencussen7275 I thought exactly the same how come Walter doesn't know this.

[@blackeyedsusan727]

@@michelledavies2197 Who said he doesn't know? He's asking pointed questions to get the interviewee to delve deeper in his answers. In this way, he helped the interviewee to challenge the mythos of RR very effectively. Isaacson is a masterful interviewer.

[@timmcardle2233]

I've circulated ballot petitions for years. I also read a lot and think people should have intellectual curiosity. However that's not the trend in America I've seen. I've seen mostly people who run on fear and suspicion of non existent threats, emotions, ignorance, misinformation and religion over reason. He's more optimistic than me

[@c.a.savage5689]

Amen.

[@coreyham3753]

You are outlining the republican party method of operation. However you need to add dishonesty, corruption and probably hate mongering as well.

[@annajacob7981]

@Tim McArdle and @Corey Ham You're both right. The GOP has corrupted our democracy through their greed & lust for power. Their politics are based on hatred and fear - they hate POC & women because they fear losing their white male privilege. And they'll do ANYthing to win. Tens of millions of Americans live in a bubble of ignorance. This lack of intellectual curiosity will be final nail in coffin of our democracy.

[@coreyham3753]

@@annajacob7981 Agreed. It is amazing how tens of millions of americans can actually vote for republicans. It is a sad commentary on the ethics, honesty, and critical thinking skills of a significant part of the population.

[@narda1072]

Those republicans are why Americans cant have nice things

[@pauldacus4590]

_In politics, stupidity is not a handicap_ -- Napoleon Bonaparte

[@normanbonk8064]

Also see Bloom's book, "The Closing of the American Mind." Prayers.

[@davedalton1273]

Finally, someone who shares my views on Regan, particularly concerning his ignorance and his lack of intellectual curiosity. Yes, the Best and the Brightest led us into our morass in Viet Nam, and yet an intellectually curious and very bright JFK averted Armageddon during the Missile Crisis in 1962.

[@SuperClairezee]

I couldn’t agree more. Great discussion.

[@bernadettehurst6541]

I love to be proven wrong because I learn something from it. Sadly, too many people don't want to be challenged and will double down rather than admitting they're wrong.

[@saraleigh5336]

That’s true; there’s also a discipline to enduring failure or being willing to. One has to appreciate learning and growth as necessary. I had a 5th grade teacher who gave me a gift by saying: “read 1 book and you know everything, read 2 books and you know nothing.” (To be clear, she was arguing for reading more books! She was saying matters are complicated but one has to know enough to know that!)

[@bipolarbear9917]

“As democracy is perfected, the office of the President represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day, the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be occupied by a downright fool and a complete narcissistic moron.” - H. L. Mencken (The Baltimore Evening Sun: July 26th, 1920)

[@agg.3966]

Wow, he must have had a premonition about the "Orange one".

[@bipolarbear9917]

@@agg.3966 Yeah, it's creepy, isn't it? Lol! 😱

[@Dbb27]

@@bipolarbear9917 very creepy. Goodness.

[@humanearthling4661]

...And we are there!

[@62Cristoforo]

Hooraaay! We have finally reached our hearts desire. Let’s celebrate!!!

[@lahockeyboy]

Bravo Borowitz!

[@oatmilk169]

I tend to think this trend toward dumb and dumber is also modeled in Corporate America. 15-20 years ago, I would see a slew of books on the desks of my peers that all suggested they'd spent solid time learning, improving their skill, explored different angles, and so on. Leaders seemed to, at a minimum, be reading the latest leadership/culture book whether it be a book on emotional intelligence or From Good to Great. Not true today.

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

I’m with Andy. ✊🏻✊🏻

[@eddy2561]

Reagan wasn't smart enough to have an original thought.....his "handlers" told him what to think and say. Kinda reminds me of that twinkie up in Alaska.

[@kevinjenner9502]

Iran-Contra and International crimes. (CIA)

[@gerriperreault6905]

Also when did his alzheimers begin?

[@djschultz222]

Or Biden

[@paulajosmith3941]

@@djschultz222 Yeah. Sure. exactly like Biden /s

[@bcoldwell1]

Same with Bush II...handlers did it all

[@kathya1321]

Wow great discussion . Love Andy Borowitz! Im a big fan. Agree with him on reading & ignorance & intellectual curiosity. Thx walter for the hard hitting questions which Andy responded to honestly & effectively! Ill buy his book!

[@enatp6448]

Intellectual curiosity and willingness to acknowledge what you don't know seem like essential qualities for leadership - particularly on a national scale!

[@v9473d]

I agree with him. I was raised with books, surrounded by intelligent, creative people. My parents and grandparents. My mother was an avid reader. Her mother had a 5th grade education but she was a writer, a lay midwife and veterinarian. My paternal grandmother was a savvy business woman and entrepreneur. My point is that as a former college educator, I have seen first hand the rapid decline in in intellect, and critical thinking. Meanwhile, men of privilege and access to the best education and opportunities in the country with no intellectual curiosity become leaders and national policymakers. It is frightening to hear some of these people speak for as Andy Borowitz said their ignorance is celebrated. They become elected public officials.

[@bucs03sd]

This made me want to read his book. Walter Isaacson seemed personally affronted throughout this interview, seemed like he was trying to play gotcha.

[@jeffc1347]

He was just trying to lead the conversation, there is no indication that he disagreed with being said that's just how you lead an interview.

[@dianemitchell1717]

You can tell from Isaacson's expression that he is being defensive and not agreeing with dumb/smart divide in polititions. Poor choice for this discussion.

[@Finians_Mancave]

I think he was just playing "devil's advocate" and anticipating the push-back from the anti-intellectuals so came off aggressively rather than lob softball questions. Isaacson has a VERY impressive resume: He went to Harvard, and then Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Bottom line, this is a guy who is extremely well-read and absolutely knows the advantages of a good education. I would find it hard to believe that he disagrees with Borowitz on any of his main points.

[@jonjenkins]

Isaacson is seemingly affronted because he realises that he is the type of simplistic thinkers that Borowitz is making reference to

[@dennisfarris5960]

@@jeffc1347 roll the video back to his face when the author expressed his opinion of Raygun.

[@sherybrownjones3795]

Finally! somebody who is willing to tell it like it is! The Truth!!!

[@JohnnyPeacenic]

Andy Borowitz is correct those with no common sense need to at least read books

[@davidbrick6325]

Those who stress the importance of "common sense" almost always lack much formal education in my experience.

[@joevasquez6375]

A clear and concise explanation of the issues with today's leaders. Looking forward to reading his book.

[@twintwitch1]

Hershel Walker underpins his argument incredibly well and demonstrates that we have not yet hit our head on the dumb and dumber ceiling.

[@123ucr]

Lauren Boebert, George Santos, and MTG are the worst examples of politician being stupid.

[@ninemoonplanet]

Reading demands people pay attention to something outside themselves, which also leads to people having critical thinking skills. Narcissistic people can't do either. They refuse to pay attention to anything else but themselves. Critical thinking skills are necessary for making decisions that take into consideration the possible outcomes, ramifications, and understanding of subjects to make good decisions. People who are curious about all sorts of different things are far more likely to succeed at understanding the problems and finding solutions that work.

[@michelledavies2197]

Well said

[@behr121002]

Well done Andy! Your book sounds like it parallels what many of us have been observing for a few decades now, and continuing. I think I'll pick it up; thanks for the writing.

[@Soapandwater6]

You can also be smart, but immoral, a dangerous combination.

[@paulpalmer6364]

You must be talking about people like Ted Cruz (a more despicable man would be hard to find). Desantis gov of Florida he should be charged with fraud, kidnapping and a few other charges. These are the big ones but there are others on both side of the isle but so many that are republic is in danger. All we need now is to reelect a man that insults anyone that disagrees with him. Why he insults veterans calls people fools that fought and died for this country. Insults the handicapped or anybody who doesn't meet his standard of how a person should look. There to fat to ugly or even the wrong religion. Why he even went so far as to offhandedly insult a religion that he knew nothing about. His followers embrace him by hating the people he hates. Unless this country embraces love instead of hate we are doomed.

[@marshcreek4355]

Ron DeSantis?

[@Soapandwater6]

@@marshcreek4355 And Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz and Rudy.

[@paulpalmer6364]

@@marshcreek4355 first of all these were no illegal Alliens. They had gone thru the process that gave them the right to be here. Second of all he lied to them by promising them things that he could not deliver that makes it fraud a crime. Third by enticing them to go to another place that is kidnapping. Right now he is being investigated for those crimes. You know for republicans who preach law and order they sure do break a lot of laws.

[@variyasalo2581]

Fear of being outcast from the popular clique and self-centered ambition are universal in politics now, regardless of intelligence or the morals these folks formerly represented. Remember when family values were the rule and scandalous behavior was aberrant, not the norm?!

[@joew8438]

I have to say I worked in Silicon Valley for 30 years. It was depressing how often financiers brought in their own Executive team with little or no engineering or even engineering management experience, little or no judgment, and little or no basic intelligence. People think SV is this meritocracy runs by the erudites, but it's really a cluster of ignorance and incompetence that always struggling to conceal its own reckless disregard for intelligence and experience.

[@PASwiftUTube]

An intelligent and informative interview. I thought they had disappeared from American political discussion.

[@bmunson4920]

I recall a story about Sarah Palin when she was running for the republican nomination for governor of Alaska. One of the other two candidates said there a debate in Juneau (perhaps), and there was going to be a focus on seniors issues. He and the other candidate came prepared with binders of statistics and policies When one of the questions on seniors came up he replied with facts, as well some policy ideas he had. When it was Palin’s turn to speak, she just relayed a folksy story about seeing and older woman at a bus stop, and how she looked etc. The losing candidate who relayed the story said he looked at how the audience was mesmerized by her, compared to how they were glassy eyed when he spoke. He said ‘I knew then I didn’t have a chance of winning.’

[@saraleigh5336]

Lovett or Leave it (Crooked Media) put on a mock debate that parodied this dynamic using a comedian and a policy expert. I’m trying to remember who…

[@bd3199]

Why did it seem like Walter was defending Reagan? Was it just me or did it seem like he didn't like Reagan being called what he was which was a literal actor who his powerful handlers rolled out to serve as a face of the system and to sign off on what they wanted? In an interview Reagan even said that somes he wondered how one could be the President without having been an actor.

[@valeriemulholland4282]

I remember watching the 1980 US election results on a black and white television, thinking that an actor could not be elected President. Wow, was I wrong. Little did I know that a game show host would be the elected some years later. I’ll read the book.

[@bd3199]

This is banana republic tier stuff where entertainers and celebrities are put in positions of power.

[@jimbrown1559]

I've found Borowitz's satire precisely on target with almost every post, and just finished watching this interview on PBS. His responses to Issacson's probing (and skeptical) questioning have been thoughtful and responsive. His book is on my list to read.

[@heatherc2939]

I am reading it now. It is a joy.

[@samansiddiquie1902]

@@heatherc2939 I am importing it now

[@samansiddiquie1902]

Definitely a must read book for me too

[@heatherc2939]

@@samansiddiquie1902 you'll love it. Cheers!

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Reading IS so important. Reading causes you to be interested in finding out things, researching things, and not always taking things at face value. You also pick up a huge amount of information, about a variety of topics. That information lodges in your brain and is available for recall when you later need it.

[@zombiehampster1397]

Great points across the board, and I agree about the "treating politics like a spectator sport". There are many examples of both party's failure to give any internal critisicms of their party actions.

[@tomjohn8733]

A good man knows his friends,and enemies, a wise man understands them…

[@tomrhodes1629]

Here is understanding: "Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes, prophet of GOD. EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") And "the devil" or "satan" is the selfish human EGO. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." And "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history. AMEN

[@tammybersing3517]

I so agree with Andy Borowitz. I prefer someone who is curious, educated himself and has humility. I don’t want ignorance and arrogance, I want someone who is empathic and ready to solve problems such as homelessness, lack of education, healthcare, equal rights and for that, we don’t need an actor, a “Decider” or failed, mafia entrepreneur. Thank you Andy Borowitz and Ms. Ahmanpour

[@annsanse2935]

i remember hearing reagan's surgeon general c. everett koop talking about the hard time he was having getting the reagan wh to give him the time of day about informing america on the aids crisis. so he said he created a brochure to be sent to every household in america and had it printed on the most expensive stock of paper available at the government printing office. he said the wh finally gave him the go ahead after they found out about it.

[@laurakazimir1712]

That’s a great anecdote. I remember C. Everett Koop from his anti-smoking messages.

[@kevinjenner9502]

Iran-Contra and International crime (CIA)

[@tomrhodes1629]

As your example illustrates, Reagan and Trump are literally two of a kind. Watch Noam Chomsky, "Requiem for the American Dream" to hear the full legacy of that anti-Christ known as Ronald Wilson Reagan. "Anti-Christ"?..... Ronald Wilson Reagan: 6 letters, 6 letters, 6 letters. Trump is German, and his name in the German language is Donald Johann Drumpf: 6 letters, 6 letters, 6 letters...another anti-Christ... "The devil" ("satan") is the selfish human EGO, and an anti-Christ is anyone who is totally possessed by the ego (satan). "Even now there are many anti-Christs." (1John) And the primary things that they lack are love and WISDOM. "Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes (prophet of GOD, the prophesied return of the biblical prophet Elijah.) EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") And yes, "the devil" or "satan" is the selfish human ego. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." And "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history. AMEN

[@renata31000]

Andy Borowitz, I just finished reading your book. It is a great read and very shocking since it shows us the intellectual level of those who became presidents and who should never have gotten there. Your writing is fluid, easy and most interesting. Thanks,

[@andrewwhite7210]

Intelligence without compassionate morality is dangerous. Ignorance is also dangerous, especially when aligned with evil. Celebration of ignorance is foolish, and reveals a corrupted value system. That we now have a significant portion of society that praises the dangerous confluence of ignorance, arrogance, and evil indicates the degradation of society.

[@SS-cf7nq]

I have been an avid reader all of my life-and reading has its benefits-but since the pandemic started I’ve come to realize how much great content is online. Listening to great content is just as good as reading it, I feel, and it’s much more up to date. There are plenty of mediocre and irrelevant books out there-it’s not like reading is a good in itself. While I used to be convinced that the best way to learn was to read, I just don’t believe that any more. Listening is an undervalued activity. And frankly, it seems to me that the quality of many new books is really inferior to older ones of comparable types. I wonder if there’s more of an attraction for new talent to create online content to listen to. I just don’t buy the argument that the smartest people must be readers. (And I’m definitely not classifying myself as smart! I just really love to learn and appreciate having more ways to do that) I love Amanpour and Co, Frontline, PBS, and Trevor Noah, among others.

[@samanthachurch]

There isn't an attraction to create content online--it is demanded by publishers. If you do not have a built in audience, you are required to build one yourself before a publishing house will give you the time of day. But when it comes to reading, you are very, very wrong that it's better online--it's demonstrably worse. There are no editors on most ebooks, number one. Number 2, to be successful at content, you have to pump it out constantly (which prohibits self editing and rewrites--the things that turn an idea into an actual, readable book). If you think it is just as good to learn online as with a concentrated effort with a book, then kids should have done just as well in class when it moved online. It got much worse. The literacy rate is in the toilet. Art cannot exist online, because in order to be seen, it must conform to algorithmic standards, which demand oversimplification, sensationalism and large quantitites of output in short order. If newer books are worse than older books, it is not because writers are drawn to the internet. It's because those books are written by writers who started online. The internet is WHY new books are worse.

[@SS-cf7nq]

@@samanthachurch I must not have been very clear-I like to listen to online content-such as this program-because it’s up to date and analytical. I don’t read that much online content, prefer to read actual books. But I love to listen! I feel listening is an undervalued skill and way to learn. Or maybe not-after all, people pay a lot of money to send their kids to college where lots of listening and discussion is required. At least it was when I went to college.

[@tomrhodes1629]

It's not how much one reads, but WHAT one reads: quality over quantity. And I have published a tiny 8 chapter book that can be read in 5 minutes or less, but is guaranteed to deliver the most important and least-known information on this planet. ("The Book of GOD" can be read free of charge on either my site or channel.) Intelligence is not what is important so much as WISDOM. Because... "Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes, prophet of GOD. EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") And "the devil" or "satan" is the selfish human ego. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." And "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history. AMEN

[@laurenprimoff5594]

Then you are inquisitive. Questioning what you are told is also among the criteria.

[@behr121002]

You do make some good points here. Generally, the reading process can be preferable for various cognitive reasons, but to be sure, there can be online content that is intellectually stimulating, uplifting, educational. However, all too often, it is not, and is broken up into 'sound bites' (speaking of the Reagan years) of oversimplified and/or sensationalized content. Reading generally takes more time and effort, but it's a process that serves the brain, thinking and educating oneself at a deeper, more quality level. Just as science has shown in other areas how evolution has evolved us to interact with our environment at a certain speed and level, so reading lends itself to those cognitive 'speed limits' to facilitate better and deeper learning and understanding.

[@zoer7338]

I enjoyed this interview. Well done, Mr. Borowitz. 👏

[@sandrahildebrand4283]

Educated: an exposure to information Intelligence: the ability to use/process what you have been exposed to

[@belladonnatook8851]

@Sandra Hildebrand. Anyone can be "exposed" to knowledge. If one is not taught how to use that information, it's pointless. Information is not knowledge, and "knowledge" is not applied knowledge - which is "wisdom" or "intelligence" based on "experience" - the testing of hypotheses based on lived knowledge. One cannot teach what one does not know or practice. Further, there's a difference between schooling, training, certification, education & qualification. The purpose of education is to bring out a sense of curiosity, a love of learning & the ability to apply one set of intellectual principles to another apparently different context. This is what makes one "qualified". If one does not continue learning after school or uni, if one is not able to test & prove hypotheses, one is simply not "educated". And quality reading is essential to that endeavour.

[@sandrahildebrand4283]

@@belladonnatook8851 I do not really disagree with what you have written, nor was I trying to degrade the educational system. The interview and interviewee seemed to be trying to explain how an educated/learnedly/well read person could make poor decisions and my answer would be they were not intelligent and could not apply all the information they have been exposed to in a productive manner. My point is just because you are educated doesn’t mean you are intelligent and conversely a person can be intelligent without attending university. Of course wouldn’t it be grand if we were all well read, well traveled and intelligent enough to make the very best decisions in all circumstances. I personally believe in education, research, science, history and listening to viewpoints that differ from my own (though not always joyously) as well as learning of cultural differences. I still may not have explained myself very well, but the attempt was made.

[@belladonnatook8851]

@@sandrahildebrand4283 Please do not misunderstand. I also agree with you. My comment was meant to elucidate, not disagree. I'm not a defender of the "education" system, as it is practiced in the US! 😉

[@belladonnatook8851]

@Adam Jacobs Wisdom involves three questions: "Why?" - a question of rational; "How?" - a question of methodology; and "What if?" - a question of creative thought processes, based on experience. Again - elucidating, not disagreeing.

[@annedwyer797]

Really interesting conversation. Intelligence and humility beat ignorance and arrogance, every single time. Tump, MTG and Lauren Bobert are the absolute greatest examples of the celebration of ignorance, arrogance and cruelty. "I know more than the generals!"

[@kayelfant2821]

The generals, the doctors ..it was a very long list....yes!

[@Lambert7785]

an excellent interview, with walter being tough and inscrutable, and leading to a good solution for our problems (participation in local politics and town hall meetings)

[@Adam13Chalmers]

Of course reading more books, more intellectual curiosity, a track record of lifelong learning, and even IQ test scores, can be indicators of intelligence. But people who need to lead, mostly through persuasion (political leaders), and not through broad decision making authority (like a CEO), can benefit greatly from other characteristics, and refined skills in other areas. A potential leaders integrity, empathy, humility, willingness to seek and respect the advice of experts, and then the ability to communicate confidently, and persuasively, is crucial. Also, the ability to 'read the room', know the audience, and sense the moment. Charisma helps a lot, but there is a savvy at play there that is another form of intelligence. To be sure, if a leader is not bringing the 'book smarts' they better be great at attracting experts, and have a willingness to listen objectively.

[@sunrise7937]

Spot on, an example is the US military that invests a great deal in leadership development from the top Generals down. Education combined with training and development produce a well rounded leader that makes informed decisions where facts matter.

[@tecumseh4095]

Intellectual curiosity, that’s the key

[@lam6572]

Borowitz's book recalls to mind the hilarious 2006 movie "Idiocracy," a dystopian comedy in which morons rather than nerds have inherited the earth. Isaacson questions how people, who are morally dumb (lacking emotional intelligence) and short on wisdom/good judgement, can yet be regarded as "smart." No mention here of how "emotional intelligence" is a marker of being "smart," which by the way, study of the humanities tends to develop. As Borowitz maintains, "curiosity" does seem to be the hallmark characteristic of intelligence. This is probably true, because curiosity leads one to explore widely, in many directions --- all of which ends up shaping a muti-dimensional, deeper intelligence and awareness that's less prone to making mistakes of judgment.

[@chezmoi42]

_"...study of the humanities..."_ For which the right has nothing but disdain. Well said, Lucy.

[@tomrhodes1629]

Lucy, "Idiocracy" hit the proverbial nail (and my sense of humor) on the head! And you are correct; intelligence has many aspects that are often overlooked. And intelligence is NOT wisdom, which is a separate quality that was accurately defined by the ancient genius known as Socrates. Wisdom is the ability to know the limits of one's understanding. WISDOM IS KNOWING THAT YOU DON'T KNOW. Because, Truth is absolute and limitless, while our understanding of absolute Truth is always limited, to varying degrees. And... "Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water. It won't take you anywhere that is meaningful." Tom Rhodes (prophet of GOD, the prophesied return of the biblical prophet Elijah.) The word "curiosity" has as its root the word CURE, and this is for good reason. Curiosity didn't kill the cat, but CURED the cat, as my books make clear. And... EVIL is nothing more than IGNORANCE. ("Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.") And "the devil" or "satan" is the selfish human EGO. Combine a lack of wisdom, ignorance and selfishness, and you have the ultimate recipe for disaster, as exemplified by NAZI Germany and MAGA America. It won't end well, in the short term. But GOD's plan is longterm, where it DOES end well. And THAT is the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which even most "Christians" are totally ignorant of. "The Kingdom of GOD is within you." And "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) Want to know more? Click and ye shall find even the very Meaning of Life, which is finally revealed, for the first time in recorded history. (I don't receive KZbin comment notifications, but communicate through my site.) AMEN

[@kathya1321]

Great comment/ insights!! I agree.

[@eddiebronston]

"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.' Isaac Asimov

[@sueromanick8631]

Outstanding

[@BeerElf66]

Oh this is a good way of explaining what I've felt for years. (since 2016!) I'm from the UK, and I endorse this message!. Our last prime minister had to have all his briefing notes in less than one side of paper or he wouldn't read them. The new prime minister is famous for her short attention span, and got lost in a small meeting room when she launched her election campaign.

[@chezmoi42]

She is such a prize. Better groomed than Boris, but nearly as obnoxious, without trying half as hard to be. Unfortunately, Labour are offering little more in their leadership. American in France here, happy to have discovered Novara Media. The BBC has changed over the years, and not for the better.

[@katharinedowling9191]

So true,alas!

[@abocas]

Boris may have been a disaster as Pm but he is not dumb or illiterate and he is well educated. In that sense he is nothing like, let's say, tr***.

[@jaykay415]

Just like our Trump who needed one page, tops, and preferably with pictures. Unless it was about him. He could talk about himself for hours.

[@alansmitheejr.]

A leader who is literate may have a better understanding of history, art and politics.

[@belladonnatook8851]

@Alan Smithee Jr. Logic and Science!

[@kevinjenner9502]

Obama’s illegal CIA regime change, proxy war in the Syrian civil war is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. (CIA Operation Timber Sycamore 2012-2017)

[@mytruthbekind5793]

And the ability to find and unite smarter people and ask the best questions to find solutions to problems. Curiosity and humility are so important.

[@orffrocks5667]

Exceptional discussion and push-back, Walter. AB said some brutally honest things we must admit to.

[@barbaraorourke2077]

We see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear until we are confronted with it's consequences, then it's too late.

[@kevinkevin4985]

I liked Reagan in "Bonzo goes to College." I had no idea at the time that I was watching the future #40 grooming the future #43.

[@LoisSharbel]

Andy realty is, unintentionally, hilarious. His comments on intellectual humility, as he brazenly exhibits a complete lack of such humility, is worth a huge belly laugh! Walter, Amanpour does not have the right to ask you to endure this.

[@craffte]

The sass did not go unnoticed lol.

[@tammiepulley7167]

We want wise people WISE.

[@marshcreek4355]

Unfortunately, as we've seen and history has taught us wise people are rare. It seems like we're incapable of producing those kind of folks / leaders any longer. I'm almost cynical enough to think that many of our folks don't even know what true goodness looks like anymore, yet alone wisdom. But I sincerely share your desire.

[@marilynmead5324]

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR WAS SPOKEN ABOUT VERY HIGHLY ON ‘The View’ TODAY! SHE’S ALSO VERY INSPIRATIONAL TO ME!

[@black_sheep_nation]

My first external assignment out of Italy was Iran. I was thrilled that I was the first Western female journalist to go there since the 1979 revolution! Even before my inspiration, Christiane Amanpour, who is half-Iranian! She, and Richard Engel remain my inspiration. It's too bad Anderson Cooper hung up his combat helmet.

[@kevinjenner9502]

The first democratically elected government overthrown by the CIA was Iran.. Eisenhower commissions CIA coup in Iran removing their democratically elected leader, Mossadeq, and installs the Shah as an American puppet. (CIA Operation Ajax...MI-6 Operation Boot 1953)

[@rlud304]

FYI: All caps make you appear like you’re a crazy person

[@yveslafrance2806]

@@rlud304 if I may, and I don’t know if it’s the case for this person, it is possible that they are visually impaired and all caps is the best way to see what they’re writing. This was explained in a thread last year. That condition is bad enough, so maybe it’s not worth the risk to make their life worse. Thank you

[@rlud304]

@@yveslafrance2806 You increase the letter SIZE (in settings 🙄) not write in all caps which anyone under 80 reads as a crazy person yelling. I was providing helpful feedback. Sit down, grandpa

[@cgamiga]

Excellent interview, not from the interviewer strongly attacking Andy, but how Borowitz responded extremely well and dare I say, intelligently! Fully agree with all his points... no way our democracy can survive, if the electorate is un-(mis)informed, incurious, and arrogant and defiant in their "beliefs" and resistance to facts and learning. MAGA and QAnon is just a near penultimate example. No amount of facts and evidence can convince them to the contrary... and no democracy can survive when half the voters, have been brainwashed and bamboozled. So sad. The movie "Idiocracy" is turning true.

[@annmariecassani8388]

The book is fantastic, I just read it. I recommend it.

[@ecwhittemore]

EXCELLENT points -- THANK you, Andy!

[@lzrd8460]

“Trickle down ignorance”, how apropos! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@georgeroyal5860]

Maybe it was trickling down at first? But it's coming down now, like a landslide...

[@bjdefilippo447]

Carter really impressed me growing up.

[@samansiddiquie1902]

This book is gonna be a must read

[@torycook1215]

Excellent excellent excellent! I also saw the storm clouds gathering when Reagan was elected president. Few people acknowledge that today. This interview frames one of the best "opinions" I have ever heard. Spot on. Absolutely right. Thank you!

[@dwidmark]

Good interview questions.