Christopher Hitchens on Nelson Mandela (1985)

Christopher Hitchens on Nelson Mandela (1985)

[@gordonhamilton7160]

Imagine calling into cable news today, asking detailed and well-informed questions, and then seeing the moderator allowing detailed essay-like responses from the interview subject. A different era.

[@growshakephil]

C-SPAN had some great interviews

[@myflatlineconstruct]

Such a beautiful moment. I continue to search for interviews with this most singular of beings. I would use the term unstoppable but that unfortunately is not the case. Perhaps this can someday be replicated. I welcome it. I don't hold my breathe though. This being was an amazing gift. Charisma and education woven at a level above.. Sorry this is 5 months late, but as I said I'm pouring through his early talks.

[@taniaearle4457]

Yep. That's why I am on utube watching old Tele Shows! The common person used to be intelligent, curious and well informed with social graces. You could have a *conversation* with other people, discuss subjects. Your brain would get its exercise! Nowdays people cannot hold a conversation.

[@seymourbutts4654]

Reason and fact was a thing back then these days it's drama and outrage.

[@Meic3]

@@taniaearle4457 Except that what gives the lie to this is the fact that S. Africa was an apartheid state, supported by the US ( a 'democracy' elected by those same people you praise) - how reasonable and 'intelligent ' was that?

[@MrOhmygoditsben]

Even the people asking questions seem so much more informed and educated than most people today.

[@GarryAndrews_]

Just more civilised. Less aggressive and more open to discussion.

[@MrOhmygoditsben]

@Platon Aristocles lol you are part of the problem, and proud of it.

[@johnd3124]

​@Platon Aristocles news is supposed to be informative and accurate 😂😂 not entertaining or fun, thats not the aim of news

[@johnd3124]

@Platon Aristocles Ok idi0t.

[@proxmitikgames]

​@Platon Aristocles Ah, this is why the west is going down the drain, cool.

[@Arbojnr]

The ability to remain quiet during the questions and listen is something very special.

[@andrewdaley3081]

Its a lost art. Andy England 🇬🇧👍

[@no-reply6347]

I am trying to master it. So, this time I have two ids on KZbin. Whatever my views are, I search for the opposite on my other id, to get the other perspective. It's very difficult I must say. What might help is to consider that the other person is smart and so the more divergent their ideas are from you, the more the reason to talk to them as they might know something you don't

[@decimalexercise7154]

It used the be a given.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

It's special for special people.

[@ericscaillet2232]

it is called intelligence.

[@kcapkcans]

it always gets lost how warm and affable Christopher Hitchens was

[@WayToGoBerengar]

When he assured that caller who was nervouse it touched my heart

[@AkBirdman17]

I think his critics always thought he did what he did to piss people off... no this man wants what is best for EVERYONE. Liberation and freedom. He does not come to a conversation to hurt you, but he wont stop saying what he believes to spare you from pain. With that said my point is, his goal isnt to hurt you. He would rather convince you with a laugh and empathy than shaming.

[@TheSeeking2know]

The interviewer was a consummate professional. Admire the way she remained in full control of the flow of the conversation without dominating. It allowed Mr. Hitchens to clearly articulate his points without being cut short. Same with the calls. Good interview.

[@FORTEPodcast]

Very rare nowadays to see this type of Journalistic professionalism: respectful to the guest's opinion and also respectful to the host. We need more of this type of diplomacy on TV.

[@zionistkid]

God I'm tired of you internet fools. "Oh what a consummate.." whatever. And then this fool here says msm... what the fuck are you fools talking about? ?? This show is on CSpan every fucking morning. It's government law for this show to be on the format's always been the same... I'm tired of talking

[@LloydWaldo]

Imagine- 35 years later and we have a generation of interviewers who don’t know how to listen, so no research, and live in fear of people changing the channel.

[@zionistkid]

@Andrew H fucking idiot you said u watched this in its day. If u did, you'd know that nothing changed in main stream media from then to now. Like I said this is C-Span news. Plays every freaking morning. Same fucking format. Nothing has changed. THIS IS NOT MAINSTREAM MEDIA and has nothing to do with mainstream news. I only commented here because you fools give young ppl the false impression that mainstream news of the past actually did care about intellectualism. That's never been true of news, not from the beginning when Julius Caesar invented the presses.

[@stephenlosch2015]

@castroy64 idiot!

[@KD-oz8ci]

This is the kind of journalism we should try to go back to.

[@jarstoner]

waaaat? for what? so we can have a public that can think for themselves instead of regurgitating what the screen says? noooooo, let's keep it narrowing the attention span with 10 second tik tok and flashy click bait headlines.

[@mohammadshabih5293]

There are some left... Not on the TV, but here on KZbin. Quality journalism I only find in independent journalists these days

[@davidh7088]

@@mohammadshabih5293 No. There is absolutely no quality journalism on KZbin. There should be, but there is not. There are no broadcasting standards of any kind from KZbin, meaning anyone can say anything. Good journalism can only be underpinned by a regulatory body, without that, any so called journalism on KZbin is simply some guy talking about whatever they choose.

[@PittsburghSonido]

The Leviathan It’s not just about pop culture. Humans have been obsessed with the celebrity culture for decades. In our time now, we have corporate-owned media who filters information to the public. Which is why you have the real, on-the-ground journalists struggling to survive until they reach a certain point. Horrible.

[@jarstoner]

@@PittsburghSonido yeah thats what I meant by flashy click bait headlines. most people don't even read the news article, as bad as they are, and simply go off of what the headline says.

[@chriseagle3634]

What a huge talent, just shows how far we have plummeted from intelligent discourse. Christopher Hitchens was brilliant and a joy to listen to...he is sorely missed..

[@Gnolomweb]

HE WAS WRONG ABOUT EVERYTHING

[@chriseagle3634]

Stop watching Fox News..

[@Gnolomweb]

@@chriseagle3634 I don't watch that left wing propaganda sht

[@andrewstaub5378]

A slope so slippery even Elmer's glue can't stop the avalanche

[@theedude2207]

In such a short space of time as well...watching that Piers Morgan and James Murry in a debate with an "activist"...what a mess…the activist couldn't control himself.

[@ReeseEifler]

The way he makes this woman feel comfortable on the phone on live TV is absolutely priceless.

[@jondaspark]

For someone I never met, I really miss this dude :(

[@synccore]

ditto!!!

[@SagesseNoir]

@Mr Leon At least South Africa has a parliamentary republic now rather than the Fascist state under apartheid. Moreover, whites are NOT being slaughtered (certainly not they slaughtered and enslaved the Blacks).

[@eaccristo]

F Boyle I cut his hair when he visited his dad.

[@cabaiste]

The presenter is very good, no nonsense and on the ball.

[@FutureBoy.]

What's her name?

[@boxer12350]

Pretty hot too, no?

[@adsensedd]

I can see why they made her CEO, very good presenter.

[@clash5j]

Amazingly enough, she was only 30 at the time this was broadcast.

[@osricleondegrance9244]

She was held to a higher standard at the time, than she in turn held anyone to.

[@paulgilson2347]

Can you imagine this now on modern day shows....dear god what has happened to us. What a great session.

[@zeitakulobusta9708]

Not only was he incredibly intelligent and book-read, he travelled relentlessly to see real life first-hand. His ability to clearly and elegantly parse out and present his analyses was truly a thing of beauty.

[@TruthDissident]

I wonder what happened with his Iraq takes? 🤔

[@anonymousman4419]

@@TruthDissident a grave misstep

[@suetaylor3136]

@@anonymousman4419 About the KURDS he couldn't not care. I'm more than grateful to Yvonne. His Ma.

[@anonymousman4419]

@@suetaylor3136 Yo, didn't Hitchens support the war on Iraq?

[@Iammrspickley]

Hear hear

[@wagherbert]

33 years later and it's still worth watching just to hear his voice and share the workings of his mind.

[@PittsburghSonido]

I dread I cannot reach thru my screen the Space-Time continuum and grab Hitch and say get preventive care for throat cancer.

[@wobblybobengland]

Do you think he gave her one afterwards?

[@Africa-ky1bg]

❗❗❗

[@felina7849]

​@@wobblybobengland He was homosexual

[@JB-rl8ki]

​@@felina7849 😂

[@JimmyPage68]

Amazing how much televised journalism has changed in the U.S.

[@akooloui1600]

+Hanes Grünenberger That's very true. But not only for the U.S. Big loss.

[@meljusttalent1]

+Hannes Grünenberger more like scary.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

+Hannes Grünenberger It is based on the views of the sponsors more than on fact.

[@akooloui1600]

Can't speak for someone else, but that was at least not my point, which was about timing and tempo. Time needed to deepen a point of view. To establish a point of view. And a point of view is neither mere fact nor mere opinion. Rather the stuff, reality is made of. Hitchens was a great guy, who really had something to say. In such a feature even more perceivable than in rather noisy debates.

[@bklynbroker]

+Hannes Grünenberger pretty sure this is c-span so it was always unlike commercial media. Still is 30 yrs after this tape.

[@bh2861]

This guy is truly unbelievable. You are so sorely missed Christopher :(

[@toast2610]

Something in the way he can say out loud "tribalism is the curse of Africa" without a hint of shame.

[@mnbv990]

agreed.

[@stuarth43]

ilk of Clive James and Peter Ustinov, we can ill afford to lose such intellect

[@benbunyip]

At this time, a brilliant journalist.

[@rayne6719]

Damn I love whiskey and cigarettes

[@hansenbee123]

Just listening to this because I miss hitch`s voice. Just me?

[@TheKevgray1]

Me too , but the voice of reason never goes quiet ,it simply echoes down the ages

[@dblankenship88]

Same here. I always come back to some of his videos not only to hear his voice but to observe someone that actually does his research pertaining to the topic he’s discussing. Today the mainstream media doesn’t report the news they create it. Hitch reported/investigated and told us the facts. Regardless of wether or not our feelings approved. One has to respect that.

[@burstcity3832]

I like the lack of forced tone or highlighted sarcasm or emphasis on viewpoints.

[@turbochargedsports6327]

Yes, me too.

[@elitee.336]

Me too ☺️

[@byronelenica8329]

Very professional interview. people allowed to speak. Very rare these days.

[@shookone568]

Also you could smoke on live television. I suppose it’s good that you can’t. If only we could go back in time and tell him those cigarettes would eventually do him in...

[@John-771]

@@shookone568 it wasn't a surprise to anyone that smoking kills you. I was born in the 70's and remember at a very young age my mother telling me not to smoke. She was a smoker.

[@shookone568]

John I was born in the late 80s and I never saw people smoking in an interview. That’s what was shocking me.

[@bramblebop1904]

This isn't an interview? Explain.

[@jamesm.3967]

You don’t watch CSpan today?

[@Dagens24]

That little shit eating smirk he has is adorable; we miss you Hitch.

[@Foucault42a]

+Dagens24 So many people were praying he got cancer that he got it. Proof that God exists.

[@HybridSoldier777]

+MassMurdering Mao we've also been praying to end world hunger

[@princeofruins3287]

+kongvinter33 If he does'nt, will this prove god does'nt exist ... Its a win win then .

[@megeddo1]

+MassMurdering Mao en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1755_Lisbon_earthquake I wonder what the 80,000 dead Christians were praying for when they were hit by an earthquake while at church. It must have been for deliverance or something. Who knows?

[@mhorton13]

+MassMurdering Mao the only proof that statement includes is that those who pray can be malicious, evil-minded individuals

[@stevesutcliffe3490]

"One of my earliest memories was it being expelled from the British Commonwealth"..... damn, now I feel stupid. My earliest memory is hitting my brother with a rock. Come back Christopher, we need you!!!

[@lucaperri4088]

Is your name Cain ?

[@jedaaa]

@@lucaperri4088 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jedaaa]

Mine was stealing a kid's chocolates in hospital when I was 2 🥺😂

[@mrbee6075]

I recently discovered Christopher!! He is alive and well to me! What a class act 👏

[@luckystriker7489]

the Hitch-slap compilations on KZbin is a treat!

[@bradws4eva]

The things we do echo in eternity Hitch's echos remain beautiful and sorely needed today

[@chipmarley]

April 2023 have re entry found this guy and just cannot get enough. The cool, clear intelligent way he speaks just grabs you. I wish I had found him before his death.

[@xelaldaero9339]

@@chipmarley same here. Just found him may 1st, 2023

[@felina7849]

​@Chip Marley why? You're having the exact same experience that you would if he was alive. You wouldn't have known him any more than you do now.

[@94981745]

He smiled a lot more when he was younger, and laughed more too.... I think years and years of focusing on depressing subjects took it's toll on him. RIP Christopher.

[@garynorthtruro]

The more one realizes the incredibly slow progress, in light of present knowledge, of our species to confront reason over mysticism, can wipe the smile off anyone. He took the issues seriously.

[@spybubbble]

@@garynorthtruro Very well said.

[@94981745]

@@marythomas1198 yes I agree. It's been 7 years since I made that comment and I certainly don't smile as much these days :)

[@raakareiska9804]

Humanity is depressing. Whole existance is based only on rivalry, mating and eating even after all this evolution.

[@jamesclapp6832]

Those f..king cigarettes didn't help.

[@greasemonkey1228]

What informative, high-quality television. I can't imagine a call-in show now where Americans would discuss politics across ideological lines with such civility and intelligence. Today it would be all hateful name-calling and lies flying back and forth. And who can take the place of Christopher Hitchens? A light went out of the world when he died. I miss him.

[@DannySullivanMusic]

yup. precisely accurate

[@joshyaleste]

If television today had an ounce of professionalism and intelligence shown here…. I’d be happy

[@ColtYohn]

Listening to Christopher Hitchens on old C-SPAN programs while cooking always puts me at ease from whatever stress, anxiety or depression i may feel creeping up. I love all the callers too, whether they’re well read, confused or just nuts.

[@rowancarreira2826]

I always have him on while i cook haha

[@mizpappas]

He was a good listener, too. The most intelligent people always are.

[@timpeck7683]

michelle pappas

[@kefkapalazzo1]

Actually a lot of really smart people are highly arrogant because they’re right so often lmao

[@Sarah-no7lv]

He was a homosexual

[@Ursacke]

​@@Sarah-no7lv Is it important to you that he was?

[@Sarah-no7lv]

Ursacke No. Just stating facts.

[@dprague]

Hitchens spoke of things he studied. He never made things up, had a point of view and was gracious in his delivery of the Hitchslap

[@mhnicholson]

If you'll allow the splitting of a fine hair, he was typically polite, but never gracious. His courtesy derived from morality, not divinity nor faith.

[@dprague]

Mel Nicholson when I was taking my masters at LSE I saw him speak on campus. He was genuine. Amazing knowledge. He knew the details, the footnotes in the details and the reference materials that made up the foot notes and their references and footnotes too. His knowledge was deep. Great man who the world should have listen to.

[@someoneelse.2252]

Mel Nicholson You said that right.

[@EmilyDNelson]

dprague I was deeply saddened by his death, but at least partially selfishly so. I still fervently wish I could have met him, or at least seen him speak. Even on subjects I didn't necessarily agree with him on, he was a force to behold.

[@dprague]

Emily Nelson He is an inspiration. I saw him speak when I was taking a masters degree at LSE. He taught me to read all reference materials and footnotes and the criticisms. He taught me that knowledge is deep.

[@damo06ab]

It's such a joy to watch an interview, where the host literally is interviewing and not interrupting or stating own opinions etc.

[@hobrandon]

"Don't worry, everyone is. I'm trembling here." Hearing that come out of Hitchens somehow comforted me.

[@SK-om6tt]

ikr

[@chazdomingo475]

It's probably true from the way he was chain smoking those cigarettes and washing it down with coffee.

[@papnlilly]

I could listen to Christopher talk about absolutely anything for hours on end.

[@mmartinisgreat]

Just not Islam. And war in middle east. He was wrong about those things.

[@simplyhuman3982]

@@mmartinisgreat may I ask? what do you mean?

[@simplyhuman3982]

I have just recently found out about Mr Hitchens. I love that his open honest opinions are just that. Honest.

[@mmartinisgreat]

@@simplyhuman3982 at the end of his life he became very hawkish towards Islam. He supported the wars in the middle east. Even tho he was smart enough to see through the American propaganda.

[@simplyhuman3982]

@@mmartinisgreat well Damn is that disappointing.

[@TrollCatcher2010]

The patience and thoughtfulness of this type of TV is missing elsewhere

[@rickmemmer5625]

"patience and thoughtfulness" are missing everywhere -- and the media does its part to make damn sure of that. But yeah, if what you see here still existed today -- the world would be a very different place.

[@renegadefunkstar]

George Carlin on the media is amazing

[@kefkapalazzo1]

That’s why we have the internet

[@rickmemmer5625]

@Col. George S. Patton, Sr. I'd be curious to know where you're seeing all this "patience and thoughtfulness."

[@benwinter2420]

This is before the complete western communist/elites/massive black economy $ traitor take over of the lying press in all its fetid forms

[@Laudanum-gq3bl]

RIP Hitch. RIP real journalism - depth, breadth, allowing the interviewee to lead the conversation, not trying to score points on the caller or guest. Forcing news to be profitable allowed news-tainment to take over and made the US stupider.

[@belturbet4]

Hard to believe this was actually on a morning show. The host is excellent, allowing time and space for points to be made, questions to be heard. Ms. Swain is light years better than King or Rose ever were. From 1990 + a host would inevitably try to be the star of the interview with much shouting, drama and excessive comment. Credit also due to the production. Hitchens is allowed to address the camera directly which is rare to see. It is just him, no advertising/banners/text or comment on the screen, and is really effective here. The mood, sound and setting are also very appropriate. Everything is calm and everyone is civil. CH of course is a great guest and whhile he does address the viewer directly, he doesn´t tell us what to think. It´s clearly his opinion and, like him or not , his delivery is exceptional. Great show.

[@peterfarrelly2437]

And he is smoking 🚬

[@samichapman1808]

A brilliant intellectual with a Rolls Royce mind...Fondly remembered and greatly missed. RIP Hitch

[@jeffreypope2223]

How refreshing to see, in this time capsule in 1985, an interviewer who interviews! She doesn't overestimate herself, doesn't "become" the story, or act in a "look at me" way. She is not attempting to entertain us. I might return to network news if anybody took this approach, an approach that would appear radical now!

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

One of the many that miss Hitch immeasurably......and everything about him: his wit, his sense of humor, his intellect......anyone else care to enumerate what you miss ?

[@suzannebryan1194]

All of that as well as his beautiful voice, command of the English language, his turn of a phrase, his charisma, did I mention the twinkle in his eye with his humor and during a hitchslap. A beautiful mind must have been a phrase intended for the Hitch.

[@psctravels6102]

@@suzannebryan1194 48:20 I love Hitch, but is the answer to his question correct, did the ANC have a better meritocracy than the NP government? Just to add, you're poor if you're black...the current president was a millionaire before the 1990's...!

[@stellaboulton9531]

@@suzannebryan1194 Kindness, generosity of spirit and you could almost guess, as a host, good choice of friends (if not of wives: Carol Blue - YES ms. Eleni Meleagrou - NO!), speed of thought, courtesy, irony, industry, ability as a raconteur .....

[@galenadebney1420]

To my regret I discovered Christopher Hitchens only six months ago and he is now long gone. His interviews and books have been an awakening and I am sorry this man is no longer with us sharing his brilliant mind and thinking when so many of us are struggling to figure out what's going so badly wrong in the world.

[@benbunyip]

Yes, truly missed. I guess there are only a few public figures that we as individuals genuinely miss. The American pianist Keith Jarrett is another I feel this way about. He’s alive but suffered a stroke which finished his career as a pianist. Truly a giant.

[@daleneparole1502]

@galenadebney, please, before you knock my words... investigate. The man, told us Truth. And the "ones" wanting to "Run the show" needed him done, shutted up, Don't say no more, kinda attitude... It's very easy to "make someone have cancer", nowadays.... Think of George Carlin

[@Vixter1945]

He was a truly great man and would be my choice to have dinner with if asked that age old question of choosing anyone in the world, dead or living... 😌 Have you checked out the debate between Christopher and his brother Peter? Though I don't find Peter anywhere near as charismatic as Christopher, he is still someone who commentates these days

[@Yellowswift3]

He has a lovely smile, and an amazing voice. I could listen to him all day. :)

[@thehitchrules]

His intellect, articulation, debating skills , writing and put-downs are off the chain . Miss him so much . He is needed today more than ever.

[@loveurlife4ever1]

Agreed

[@Iammrspickley]

6 years later and how welcome he would be in today's political arena ...

[@ripdbtpoo1441]

He'd be assassinated.

[@Iammrspickley]

@@ripdbtpoo1441 probably

[@Fireholder1]

His like are always needed, and if nothing else positive, the Internet can serve as inspiration for more Hitches in every generation that gets to enjoy his fiercely intelligent and razor-sharp eloquent discourse.

[@user-qn6yt3zx3w]

Watching this is so refreshing, a time when Christopher smiled frequently during conversation. I don’t even remember when he stopped. Watching him here is so humbling - a powerhouse of communication and journalism.

[@hossamgebeily]

A good interview. A professional host. A sharp guest. And well, a cigarette. What more do you want in life?

[@andrewfyfe8986]

A scotch

[@leejohnston3696]

What a classy intelligent lady Susan Swain is, why cant we see lady's like her on TV today.

[@peterjv8748]

She's still on TV.

[@splinterbyrd]

the insane number of tv channels now plus the internet means more competition, which in turn means a general lowering of standards. If this interview were today there'd be a twitter storm about her dress and hairstyle.

[@peterjv8748]

She's adorable.

[@splinterbyrd]

*Pete Jeffris* damn right she is!

[@definitiveentertainment1658]

TV stations would rather hire eye candy than brain food. Hell, they would rather hire a dumb bimbo than a girl with the whole package if they’re Fox.

[@brentpreid]

Funny how he's such a progressive and people now who know only his later stuff dis him for what they call his conservatism. He was always humanist, atheist and rational and brilliant. Miss you Hitch.

[@Bucketheadhead]

80s and 90s Hitch I miss extraordinarily, a hero of mine, pro-war 00s Hitch not so much.

[@geneobrien8907]

Bucketheadhead he still had a lot of interesting things to say post 00 but his pro Iraq war position was baffling.

[@dantheman4838]

He went from humanist, to capitalist, to imperialist. A devolution of wisdom if there ever was one.

[@Bucketheadhead]

A neoconservative in his attitudes towards militant Islam certainly, but never a capitalist. His last words were actually; "Capitalism, downfall." It is strange that these were his attitudes though, he would probably tell you that crime is caused by poverty, but that militant islam is caused by religion rather than oppression and murder on the part of Western Imperialism. I suspect his overarching hatred of all things religion blinded him of reason on this matter.

[@dantheman4838]

Bucketheadhead In today's world western imperialism and capitalism are one in the same. He advocated and defended western imperialism thus directly or indirectly he was an advocate of capitalism. I'm happy to hear that he had an epiphany right at the end though, better late than never :)

[@De_Bar_Gullibles_Travels]

Something that i have seen with Christopher is how polite he always was,how he wouldnt be rude or a smart arse,he always had an answer and it was always informed and educated. No emotional or cray outburst,just considered and well thought out. What is also amazing about him is that his ideals and ideas never changed over the decades,he never failed to stick to his points and didnt drop his beliefs. What you ALSO see with him,was his eyes and the glint in them when in conversation,how he would be flirting with the ladies and with the men in some ways too,a true gentleman and communicator. Did that seem like a fanboy post,probably,but well deserved. Miss his intellect and world views,miss his ability to make difficult issues easier to understand for lay people like me.... Thank you Mr. Hitchens.

[@un2mensch]

Hitch was the rarest sort of man: a pure and true gentleman, amongst the last of his kind. It's not something that can be emulated. How does a man so humble stand so tall? How does a man feel empathy & vulnerability, yet be invulnerable? I'm always in awe at how he manages to be so kind, patient, and graceful. If I tried to meet ignorance & criticism with acceptance and a compliment, you'd think me condescending or insincere. When I know I'm the smartest person in the room, and it feels like others can't keep up, I get frustrated and exhausted and I make others feel bad unintentionally, yet Hitch was on a level I can't even comprehend and I've only ever seen him offer encouragement in the same situation. I really fucking miss the guy. I never met him but somehow I miss him as much as my actual friends who have passed on.

[@kgothatsomatlala]

Wow, I really admire how Hitch was so knowledgeable about the situation here at home. Just earned a new level of respect from me

[@RGNSS-dp8st]

Watching this was so depressing. I've known for a long time that Christopher has been a great communicator since his younger days, but I hadn't realised that the public used to be good to. Listening to the tone, knowledge, and even nuance of these callers, people would appear to be getting dumber.

[@P0RK3NST31N]

Exactly what upset me as well. Where did the depth of knowledge of the general public go? I would guess it has something to do with most news channels becoming more about pop culture than actual world events, but still, it upsets me that we have declined so far.

[@dandylion188]

+R3G3N3S1S You are (unfortunately) quite right. We are witnessing the advent of idiocracy.

[@gentilejoshsaved1646]

R3G3N3S1S so true, most of comments confuse courtesy for flirting.

[@bryanhurd9955]

R3G3N3S1S I wonder how many people he convinced that the anc were really nice guys?

[@bryanhurd9955]

gentile joshsaved 🤔

[@user-qn6yt3zx3w]

This is the first time I have ever seen this era of Hitchens - soooooo endearing, such a combination of intellect, experience and accomplishment, but yet so humble, approachable and giving - he works so hard to answer the callers questions, in the most responsible and honest way he can, without ego, bias or agenda. Amazing...

[@mistermuso2734]

I concur. Wish he would would have carried on like this.

[@Azabaxe80]

I have a visceral dislike of Christopher Hitchens. It wasn't always this way. In fact, one of my favorite descriptors of myself ("I'm no one's idea of a conservative") came directly from a seemingly off the cuff remark from him. My first exposure to the guy was a speech he gave about holding Britain (or Margaret Thatcher) to account for its support for Augusto Pinochet. This guy has a lot of fervor in him, I thought. Evangelical fervor, I found out later. I think that fervor consumed him.

[@user-qn6yt3zx3w]

@@Azabaxe80 perhaps his fervour consumed him. I felt that his extraordinary wit was his undoing. His followers deified him for little more than it, which (paradoxically) made him intellectually lazy and blinkered. The world was a better place with the version of himself, in this video. But now the world is a better place, without the version of himself that he became.

[@ScottDonnelly-tk7xv]

Hi Mr Hutching I'm your favourite subscribers oh why do they not sit an learn like kids AMERICAN YET CALL FAVOURITE MAN BY THE WRON NAME9

[@FreeBrunoPowroznik]

​@@user-qn6yt3zx3wYes, in his younger days, whilst still a socialist, Hitchens was brilliant, but in later life, when he became a pro-imperialist neo-con in favour of the iraq war: no thanks! Shame he didn't live to see how much he was on the wrong side of history there!

[@billbooth1592]

My respect for Hitchens goes up every time I watch him. What a great loss to humanity!

[@Gnolomweb]

HE WAS WRONG ABOUT EVERYTHING AND HE CONTRIBUTES TO THE GENOCIDE THATS HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

[@patrickwilliamscoaching]

Of course this is just me speaking from my own worldview, but Hitch was a man who stood up for right and wrong regardless of the ideology of his object of criticism. This is a priceless attribute and I wish we had 10xmore like him in modern day media. The world would be a better place.

[@williamvestbirk8173]

I love how he respectfully listens to everyone's questions, even the people who disagree with him or try to straw man him.

[@Iammrspickley]

He took in all information into that unique brain and razor sharp replies would never fail to follow....he is one of those people that listening too makes you actually feel smarter yourself for that moment.......but probably not if one would be in the opposite side in a debate....very likely the total opposite would occur.

[@tiffsaver]

Christopher Hitchens was a strongly divisive figure. You either loved him or hated him. But one thing cannot be denied... he was one of the most powerful, outspoken, and brave human beings on the planet, and his presence will be sorely missed. RIP.

[@chrisdurant4627]

I would,nt like to be in the room if one.of.his, children, said, pops, I do believe o In a God,.imagine.that.electric.thunder.bolts,,, such a.very interlectual,, person, but.an evolutionst, but celerbrates.christmas, well, wel.

[@DocSeville]

@chrisdurant4627 and why not celebrate "Christmas "? It is a purely PAGAN celebration! The sun is the reason for the season. As a true heathen I celebrate all the pagan aspects of Christmas...you know , Christmas trees, mistletoe, deer, yule log, evergreen decorations, gifts, feasts, etc.

[@stupothitch9162]

How I yearn for current affairs TV of this quality in this day and age. The host is a consummate professional. The quality of the questions and understanding of the subject by the callers is also unrecognisable in this day and age.

[@xXcangjieXx]

Mark Kenny Disagree. Here in Sweden main media has declined less than in the US and it has always been owned by the left. (Doesn’t necessarily mean I’m left myself)

[@Lavklumpen]

@@xXcangjieXx The largest media in Sweden is produced by the state, and they are absolutely awful. Worse than the US? Maybe, but it's obvious that the left have created a monstrosity in the name of 'public service'.

[@thereignofdando]

It all feels so deeply credible. The host is fantastic, sharp and well informed, as are (for the most part) the callers, and of course, Hitch’s credibility goes without saying. It’s a real shame there isn’t really a forum like this any more, or an appetite for it.

[@szepasszony1]

Well spoken and well read, witty, intelligent, talented, and with that mischievous dimpled smile... oh my! What a beautiful man, Hitchens was quite the lady killer in his day.

[@lazaglider]

Just watch him listen to the caller from 18 minutes onwards. Thinking, taking notes, more thinking. A mind that never stopped. Holy hell, to be half as smart as this guy.

[@shashimenon1000]

Hitchens is the best. What a loss. The interviewer is really good too. Unfortunately we do not see this quality and level of programme currently. Im so impressed with the thoughtfulness of some callers.

[@adamchisum2150]

Christopher Hitchens was such a treasure. His legacy is very important.

[@sandilemqwathi1621]

RIP Mr Hitch what a man your work will never be forgotten.

[@subscriber77]

So good that Christopher Hitchens left such a vast legacy of writings and comments for us to enjoy and benefit from

[@moedanglez]

We aren’t uninformed today, we are misinformed

[@KabirChattopadhyay1991]

Yes. And deliberately misinformed, at that.

[@moedanglez]

@Greg Brown its not lack of education, a lot of people are very well educated but misguided

[@lolawelch7235]

Denzel

[@burstcity3832]

Too eagerly informed, to informed through someone elses views on what it means. I don't want to be told what world events mean by reporters when giving me news on what happened. Later is fine, after we have thought it through ourselves. Telling us what your owners believe it means leads to confrontation between people who find following easy.

[@clairecadoux471]

Please see my note above on the Beyond Borders International Festival. I am not surprised it is not well known, its size and situation is part of its great success. So far it has been going ten years. Glad to have met and heard Harold Evans' account of his pursuit exposing thalidomide.

[@haroon420]

Wow! Top marks to the Host, the guest and the callers. Whether you agreed with them or not. This was top tier discussions.

[@billyakin3301]

What amazes me is the depth of knowledge that the callers have, and how respectfully they ask questions. By today's standards of call in shows, it demonstrates a decline in our intellectual discourse and our educational system rit large.

[@skribe]

its about the channel, cspan today would probably have the same quality of callers.

[@reginak9507]

Amen

[@guitarmetaldemon]

If you wanted to be informed back then, you picked up the paper and read. If you were bored on a long trip, you read. Now, you got facebook in your pocket, Netflix all day, etc. People are not feeding their minds with the right stuff. We are over-mediated with junk that's fighting for your attention.

[@HebrewsElevenTwentyFive]

Twitter has done irrevocable damage to our intellect. We now enjoymasturbatory echo chambers 🕵🏾‍♂️

[@theseoldbeats]

Once great institutions now use click-bait headlines that fuel social, racial, gender and sexuality based divides. People fall into cliques on social media. I’ve seen people defriend people they’ve known their whole lives over minor political disagreements on Facebook. People are confused, scared of being publicly shamed and hellbent on jumping on bandwagons to promote the latest thing to prove they arent bigoted. KZbin comments are such as cesspool as there has never been much drive for people to be identified by their own name. Behind a mask human beings revert to their lizard-brain behaviour - jealously, spitefulness, resentfulness. Social media opened the flood gates - now everyone has an opinion we live on egg shells where only the most anodyne opinion is safe.

[@joslinnick]

We miss you buddy :(

[@joslinnick]

John Breitley​ Lol...what?

[@TheRickmurray]

+Nick Joslin yeah, I miss him to. Loved listening to him.

[@Iconoclast444]

+John Breitley Fuck off numb-nuts, he's at one of Satan's pool parties right now, featuring an endless lobster buffet.

[@saultube44]

+Nick Joslin Unfortunately I never had the honor of meeting him.

[@narreddarr8092]

+Iconoclast444 sad. so very very SAD. now... BUGGER OFF! go on. FUCK OFF! WTF are you actually doing watching Hitchens now he's dead? are you seriously gloating over a dead man? how old are you? 8?? oh, i see you ARE 8 years old. time for bed, little buddy. you got some growing up to do when one day you MIGHT get to be a MAN. but it's not likely.

[@boogiestreet594]

What a babe, and my god she can hold a conversation and even impress Hitchens... There's perfection right there, and seems like she has a great sense of humor... GIVE ME!

[@DocSeville]

One of the few people who was as intelligent and well spoken as a young man as an older man. Such a damn shame he's gone.

[@RashmikaLikesBooks]

As a South African, I really admire how considered and informed he is in this interview.

[@martinsparrow150]

Great comment

[@johanliebert6734]

Sadly was*

[@LedZep234]

As a white South African born in the middle of the '90s he managed to inform me on quite a few things. His answer on Nelson Mandela's "refusal to renounce violence" was particularly powerful.

[@MPKhalishwayo]

As a fellow South African, I have to absolutely agree with you. He is definitely very well informed. It's a pity this guy is not alive today, he had a beautiful mind.

[@DooglasZa]

As a fellow South African, quality of life was better during apartheid.

[@kimbye1]

Seeing this really shows you what a formidable journalist Hitchens was.

[@moondawg3693]

kim bye Unfortunately, not even Hitch could foresee the horrors of electing a murderer, like nelson Mandela to power. South Africa has been absolutely destroyed under the ANC to the point of being the murder and rape capital of the world. I will, of course, be labelled a racist for this but, Black rule has destroyed what was likely the most successful way to govern a country such as this. The infighting of Blacks, based on ancient tribal factions in ancient tribal wars, is likely best controlled with an iron fist and in ways which a ". Remember that at least with White government, the many Black people were working and making fair wages to live on and not all lived in the shanty towns. The "Ghettos" were a disgrace but they are still there and much worse now that Blacks are in control of Policing them. The extortion and brutality of Black control, is a least as horrible as White rule, with crime likely never to rebound due to the fact that Blacks will never again accept a White controlled government.

[@PickledShark]

Dr Why Couldn’t disagree more. I’d rather have ineffective policing that effective tyranny.

[@pinball1970]

Brilliant. No tinsel just respectful intelligent conversation.

[@pinguberry6811]

What a professional interviewer wow!!

[@garyntownsend9547]

“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence” - C. Hitchens

[@carlisroy6666]

@Philip Tooley The irony is that those who tend to dismiss evolution theory are often in themselves the best argument in their favour.

[@carlisroy6666]

@Philip Tooley I don't believe in your imaginary bogeyman dude. Learn to understand the concept of irony and satire. Plus the bible says 666 is a human number. Try harder.

[@carlisroy6666]

@Philip Tooley I think it's ironic that you're offended at my suggestion you haven't evolved when you don't believe in evolution. You can't have it both ways!

[@carlisroy6666]

@Philip Tooley Your god tells you to pay Caesar's things to Caesar. Therefore by doctrine god sanctions the state. Try understanding your own beliefs son.

[@boringname3657]

@@carlisroy6666 One quick question. How did the universe came into being?

[@kevindavis6093]

This was a brilliant man

[@exas4791]

Until his death, he has been what journalists should aspire to be. More and more, objectivity, intellect and courage r no more.

[@peachmelba1000]

As a man of 45 years age, I do miss the civility of a mere 35 years ago.

[@peachmelba1000]

@Lord Rupert That's very nice.

[@redknight1825]

Slow deliberate intelligent questions delivered with respect and the answers and responses were given with an equal manner. What the hell as happened- have we de-evolved?

[@axlrio]

Crypto Knight the press dialog certainly has.

[@capnskiddies]

Panels, they keep getting panelists in an attempt to provide balance. Everybody shouts at each other rather than having the balance the following week. In short, sensationalism.

[@andrewharper1609]

The internet has given rise to people used to what I would call broadcast communication. So people compete to be heard by attempting to shout louder than the other guy rather than the intelligence of the content of their discourse. This has become exacerbated by the decline in profitability of print media.

[@redknight1825]

@@andrewharper1609 Good points

[@rosbifle413]

In short yes.

[@bwana4711]

As a South African and huge Hitch fan this interview just cemented his place in history as one of the greatest minds and commentators that ever lived. Everything he said here was on point, claiming it years before it unfolded.

[@fsi2274]

Hitchens was a humanist. He wanted a world that was simply kinder. Great man.

[@yeetman1422]

south africa doing pretty well eh? on its way to becoming a 1st world nation

[@fullmetalprism5249]

yeetman14 well you could always advocate for apartheid, it seems like you will prefer that

[@thagamerzzz]

And now the ANC has made a right bleeding mess of the whole thing

[@issyjas3309]

If you needed someone to debate for your life, he’d have been the one to call. Reasoned thinking and intellect, he was quite formidable.

[@jonathanlewis8342]

Handsome bastard, we miss you hitch your needed more today then ever

[@GinoNL]

Jonathan Lewis nah, religion is decling rapidly. Hitch played a big part in it, I’m thankful for everything he did and all the hours I had the joy to watch him on youtube

[@AFMMarcelD]

Oh, Hitch! So young (36) such a beautiful mind, through his books and discourses, he thought me to think for myself to search and discover, his unbelievable intellect and the work he's left behind assure his immortality, may his mellifluous voice continue to educate free thinkers until the end of human extinction. Christopher Hitchens sorely missed.

[@GravelShark]

Dan Kidd no doubt op sounds pompus but christopher hitchens was a gift to secularism and will be treasured as such

[@gloriaf6971]

What a treat to be able to hear Hitchens speak on these subjects today. I wish he were still around.

[@markwilliams974]

I love the cigarette smoke wafting into the air during the interview. Lol! This was journalism at its finest hour!

[@LordSantiagor]

Already a fantastic speaker before I was born. So much to learn from this man. RIP

[@ionelscutaru8687]

I have no words to describe this person and for someone I've never met, I really miss him. Respect Mr Hitchens!

[@psychobear1290]

Back when there was such a thing as real journalism, both excellent professional and concise. You are greatly missed old bean

[@dannytheman1313]

I've often found it quite strange that people primarily know Hitchens for his atheism and all that and yes he did a great job standing up to religious leaders and what not but a lot of people overlook the fact that he was brilliant journalist probably one of the finest of our time.

[@Uthedudeful]

And a Marxist of one kind or another to the day he died.

[@kitredKitredson]

Wow - 15:11: do you remember when shows like this existed and people actually listened to each other? THAT is professionalism. Don't see much of that these days.

[@southpaw602]

his oratorical skills were insane. i wish i could speak like he used to!

[@southpaw602]

MichaelKingsfordGray Theyre overrated, my good sir.

[@lesleyvivien2876]

+MichaelKingsfordGray And you may continue by lecturing us all on the permissibility of splitting infinitives. If all you can do is carp at how a complete stranger uses the caps keys, you're missing the point of debate, and you're very boring.

[@khalilmason]

Aaron Ach the person he tagged, maybe?

[@DZ-ky1fe]

Hitchens and Sagan were amongst the best public speakers I’ve heard

[@HES9]

@@lesleyvivien2876 LMAO. You watch a Hitchens video and roleplay an intellectual in the comment section with your vocabulary. Fucking hilarious.

[@Mary-ahern]

The great Christopher Hitchens I miss this man . This was a brilliant interview/conversation. It’s a shame we seem to have lost this ability to have open honest discussions like this .

[@tigress63]

It's really nice to see Hitch with a constant smile on his face. He saw so much during his reporting in various dangerous places throughout his life that it must have been heavy on his soul. I still marvel at Hitch's intellect.

[@rigsnz]

Hitch listened just as well as he spoke.

[@optimize.]

Mark Rountree here, certainly. Generally (primarily in his later career) less so. Without a doubt one of the greatest debaters of our time. We miss you Hitch.

[@fhqwgads5000]

"Don't worry, everyone is. I'm...trembling here." Possibly the most honest and elegant statement I've ever heard in an interview.

[@Holy_hand-grenade]

elegant? You need to expand your vocabulary.

[@hutchmusician]

Holy_Hand_Grenade-of-Antioch You need to expand your empathy.

[@poitco.52]

Knowing his persona, maybe he was being kind , the guy's a boss and shows no signs of nervousness - smooth af!

[@Freeworldforever73]

This intervievw in today s time would be far ahead of the people s general knowledge. For sure. I miss the 80 and 90. Well done!

[@sarahbyrne8501]

2022… the last days of the year… how prophetic he was, deeply knowledgeable and a delight to listen to. I miss his refreshing discussions and talks.

[@richardfarrell1978]

Miss you Hitch and your wealth of knowledge

[@moondawg3693]

Hitchen II This guy could read the phonebook and it would sound good.

[@santacruz01pca]

We lost an international treasure the day Hitch died. It took me a while to realize how much of a gold mine we have with KZbin and the like. Now, I'm scrambling to catch up on his every word (along with others, like Dawkins, deGrasse Tyson, Sam Harris, and other sages of the day) and am growing by leaps and bounds in the process. Thanks to all who help make the Internet the blessing it truly is.

[@orichlols9562]

Neil DeGrasse Tyson is not of same importance or intellectual stature that Hitchens and Harris are. Let's not start lumping him in.

[@santacruz01pca]

Not to contradict you, Orich.. but, let's see: "Importance" and "intellectual stature" -- highly relative, subjective terms, in my view. To me, Dr. Tyson is extremely important to the entire species within his reach -- contributing his own cutting edge advances in cosmology and making it all widely and engagingly accessible to diverse publics. Few, living (or not), can make such claims. Who knows how many future and current young scientists and old philosophers he has created, inspired, and/or paved the way for -- how many political and educational leaders and lay persons he has enlightened -- leading them all into deeper understanding of that which needs to be understood and, thus, supported? Sounds pretty important to me (and incredibly helpful toward a more promising future for us all). Intellectual stature -- he can take the most complex of subjects, "astrophysics," "science, in general," and "metaphysics" and reduce them to their simplest terms -- delightfully, by sheer dint of electrifying personality -- a highly involved, difficult intellectual activity, for which he has repeatedly, even reliably, shown himself specially suited. Not only that, one can see his gifting influences on the expressed thinking of the others of his caliber, or who are aspiring to same. By the way, the new "Cosmos" airs tonight. And, I'll eagerly wager he'll do justice to the immortal Sagan.

[@santacruz01pca]

Thanks, Mark. Dr.'s Filippenko and Kaku definitely belong on the short list. Your helpful comment is a welcome reminder for me to review their work more closely on KZbin, too. Thanks in no small part to them all, that short list is growing longer and longer. Greatness is contagious. May this awesome momentum continue to build for the greatest common good!!!

[@MrAarondesouza1]

David Nelson how right you are. I only discovered Christopher Hitchens the other day and have been kept awake for almost 48hrs seeking and watching as many videos as I can. I knew of Richard Dawkins, Krauss, Harris and Kaku years ago and am ashamed of myself I did not reach out and make the next step to Hitchens. What an honor it must have been to have read his essays or attended his debates (especially on religion) whilst he was still with us.

[@santacruz01pca]

Aaron De Souza, that's so interesting to hear you say. I, too, have been happily entangled in lengthy Hitchens marathons -- you should see the size of my bookmark list, tracking all my visits to his videos. While he was alive, I had heard a few of his conversations but, for some reason, I didn't begin seeking more until he had left the scene (my loss) -- yet, thankfully, his work is timelessly charming.

[@scattygirl1]

Lots of comments here saying you don't see calm, detailed, lengthy interviews like this anymore; you do- it's just that they're not on during primetime. TV stations only put programmes on at primetime that get good viewing figures and thus advertsing revenue. In other words- the public dictates what gets shown and when. If too few people watch quality current affairs shows, and masses watch reality shows, then that's what we get.

[@sulblazer]

I'm not even so sure if this was on Primetime in '85.

[@personofinterest8731]

Thank you for posting. What a trip in the Way back machine! I miss Christopher in the world. 💕 🇿🇦😢

[@cstavro]

Is it too late to call in and ask a question?

[@jtfeasor]

No. To expect an answer? Yes.

[@kennethgatteniii1792]

Sometimes I catch myself thinking of a question to ask Hitchens during his next TV appearance...

[@chrisstar969]

Is it too late to reply to this comment?

[@ciymail]

@@chrisstar969 Good God man, you're too early. It took Chris 30 odd years to think of a question for Hitch. I doubt he's expecting a reply any time soon.

[@Brad-il9mw]

What happened to Hitchens to make him start The “is there or isn’t there a God debate” he had so much knowledge to share. In retrospect he was right on all accounts about South Africa. I feel robbed and Cheated of his knowledge and wisdom on other topics.

[@Emotionengne]

Wherever there’s Christopher Hitchens, there’s smoke.

[@nishant1877]

Only bad thing about him

[@joeellis9162]

@Bunyon Snipe Very good !

[@craiglammasreach1242]

Cause he’s on fire 🕺🏻

[@mathewmillard6408]

Smoke but no mirrors.

[@d23bw]

This C-Span interviewer is just superb. (Anyone know her name?) Unshakable, intelligent and as on thre ball as Christopher himself, who is sorely missed in these times.

[@artgarrido5294]

What a beautiful gift to humanity Mr Hitchens was and forever be .