Charles Sykes: How the Right Lost its Mind

Once at the center of the American conservative movement, best-selling author and radio host Charles Sykes is a fierce opponent of Donald Trump and the right-wing media that has enabled his rise. Sykes will present an impassioned, regretful and deeply thoughtful account of how the American conservative movement came to lose its values, asking: How did a movement that was defined by its belief in limited government, individual liberty, free markets, traditional values and civility find itself embracing bigotry, political intransigence, demagoguery and outright falsehood?
In his new book, Sykes addresses:
Why are so many voters so credulous and immune to factual information reported by responsible media?
Why did conservatives decide to overlook, even embrace, so many of Trump’s outrages, gaffes, conspiracy theories, falsehoods and smears?
Can conservatives govern? Or are they content merely to rage?
How can the Right recover its traditional values and persuade a new generation of their worth?
Come hear from a leading conservative voice about how the conservatives and the nation as a whole got to where it is today.

[@Creative-Chaos]

I am listening to this in 2022. I wish the Republicans would acknowledge the problem and dump Trump.

[@lolodee3528]

He’s stuck to them like a tick.

[@Randomusername822]

@@lolodee3528 at least the rightwingers dont groom kids like the leftwing

[@Justin-hb9wc]

they need to dump the billions of dollars of corrupt campaign donations also

[@SirBlackReeds]

@@lolodee3528 He's their seven year itch, but no matter how much they scratch, he just won't go away.

[@SirBlackReeds]

You should check out the response he wrote to Pat Buchanan's panegyric for Viktor Orban from Washington Examiner, if you haven't already. The right is becoming more and more captivated with autocracy and autarchy because they're seeing it as the only means of achieving a moral and just society. Plus, you know, pwn the libs and all that garbage.

[@sandralybrand9407]

Videos like this should be on mainstream TV! Everything that Mr Sykes was talking about has come true only worse!

[@nostrilnick]

The fact it is not tells you everything you need to know about mainstream commercial "news" sources.

[@jeantaua9053]

It is fascinating to listen to an intelligent person on the opposite side of the equation. I am a life long Democrat. Yet, by listening to those on the right, I can make an adjustment on my way of thinking. Trump is a bully. He uses his boorishness to get his own way whether it involves women or ideology or leaders of other countries. Trump has built a base that has no clue as to History, Politics, diplomacy, budgets, or anything else needed to run a country. I am pretty sure Trump has not idea about what it takes to be president of the most powerful nation in the world. Hillary Clinton was treated to Donald Trump's bullying during the elections. Even though she won the popular vote, she lost the electoral vote. Trump used that to batter his opponent, along with the well loved outgoing president, Barack Obama. He has demonized the Democratic party and just to make sure his base continues to follow his rhetoric he also demonized all of the news media as well. They trust no one to give them the truth other than Donald Trump. So how do you ever open the eyes of those on Trump's base when they have so drank the Kool aid there is no way to talk to them.

[@PeterOzanne]

Here in the UK I agree. And the misguided right will not be persuaded - neither the naive nor the dangerous extremists. But I fervently hope that enough moderate people will vote for a middle-of-the-road alternative; something which will by no means solve the problems we face, but at least would be a start on that long road. All the best!

[@robinantonio8870]

It's a ridiculous unfair system that one person can win most of the popular vote but lose the election. One person, one vote , for president, and for seperate state offices. In Australia that is our system and it works.

[@stargoddess2344]

Very true, there is something deeply WRONG in this country when we the people will elect someone like trump as president, great talk.

[@verntoews6937]

How do you like Biden now fools

[@lostboy583]

@@verntoews6937 Biden is stuck cleaning up the mess of a Republican president for the second time in 12 years. I’m fairly certain you didn’t listen to anything this man said, nor could you tell me a specific policy of Trump’s that benefited the American people. I’m even more certain you couldn’t draw a straight line from that policy to a specific benefit.

[@Monk-Amani.]

@@verntoews6937 • As a fellow fool. I feel disappointed that Biden and Trump were the only choices that we had.

[@verntoews6937]

Trump is 100 times the man Biden will never be Trump will go down in history as the most investigated human being in history Only to emerge cleaner than anyone in politics

[@papadick70]

@@verntoews6937 Two wrongs, don't make it right....Trump Was just not a good candidate for the job of President. Let, s keep it 100 grab her by the _ _ _ _y. Do you have any respect for your sisters let alone your mother. You got taken in by the Hate speech.. Sad ,Sad, Sad. Those are the things that make American _F _ _ _ _U _ today.

[@christinepizzi6197]

3 years later...this man was spot on his knowledge of Trump and that he was never going to change. "Well he started it". Wish I knew that then, I could have shared it at a family reunion, me the only one laughing...and believing.

[@randykrus9562]

'How the Right Lost Its Mind' is a good title. And now we are all screwed.

[@pamelafranklin3452]

God people aint screwed

[@Drwild75]

Nixon, Reagan, Bush and Trump. What is the reason to vote for one of them? Why are these terrible past presidents all Republican? What happened to the Eisenhower and Ford quality?

[@darbyheavey406]

@@Drwild75 Reagan was our best post war President.

[@jennifer60515]

@@darbyheavey406Reagan is the reason we have terrible mental health care and mass shootings. So, wrong.

[@kolinkomita2975]

@@darbyheavey406 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@gartner101]

This man discovered all the conservatives he respected for twenty years turned out to be unprincipled grifters.

[@mossydog2385]

Ab-so-lutely!!

[@AWildBard]

shocking! hahaha

[@rjmcco]

Yup, American conservatism has always been simply a pretty veneer over deeply racist, authoritarian, antidemocratic, utterly amoral venality. Trump just pulled off the wrapping paper and revealed the accuracy of Gore Vidal's description of William F. Buckley as a "crypto,-fascist". This poor fool is just starting to figure it out

[@urbanart7325]

Still don't understand the benefit of conservative ideals and how their policies move the entire nation forward.. Trump exposed the worst in us

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Stuart Stevens' IT WAS ALL A LIE.

[@elviralopez6401]

Thank you for speaking out aloud what today continues to be a very relevant true: Republican Party destroyed itself with Donald Trump.

[@membear]

The best thing he said is the Republican party has become the loudmouth drunk at the end of the bar.

[@cutbackgreenroom]

A plural 'drunks' is better than a singular 'drunk' in that there is more than one Republican. There is no problem with the thought.

[@sandragoss48]

Ppp

[@forgotaboutbre]

​@Joel Uldrych Perhaps it is yourself who is lost in a fuzzy morally ambiguous purgatory where you can't tell the difference between right and wrong.

[@ericschmid2617]

and then that drunk grabbed the lady with the torch by her privates and took her home with him.

[@pamc3338]

@@ericschmid2617 Except that never happened. Trump doesnt drink 😊 It was lockeroom banter. Why do you Trump haters keep going over & over & over with the same line?

[@ritamariekelley4077]

I'm still shaking my head asking, "How did this happen?" Wish you had been listened to by Republicans. Look at what he's done to the Party. Look at what he's done to the country. Above all, how did all of those Republicans allow their moral compasses to be suppressed?

[@peanutbutter3543]

As much as i despise Trump, he only revealed what the leaders of the party truly stand for in broad daylight...live in the past ,a whiter america who had more power over women, minorities verses moving forward as a country with the potential to make it better for everyone. The party of Business, not constituents, serving their purses , not the least or vulnerable of us A stronger healthier nation without criminal billionaires is Not A Dream Republican strives for..Trump, a Malignant narcissist is the perfect tool bringing us closer to authoritarianism...as most greedy Corps would Only have our country be. Being Slaves is trending....live to work

[@usmale4915]

@@peanutbutter3543 Very well stated! Thank you!

[@AlexanderDunetz]

Trump must be rendered without mercy , forgiveness , or apology.

[@AlexanderDunetz]

@@peanutbutter3543 Proof read your text , (sometimes 2wice) if necessary , before uploading. Then it reads better. I feel your pain and angst. Carry on.

[@fatimarazaak5897]

@@peanutbutter3543 well said 👏🎉

[@christinestill5002]

I was a moderate but leaning liberal so I watched reasonable conservatives become tea baggers, but after Palin, I became much more militant and anti-Trump. I don't think the GOP will recover, ever. Glad I lived thru Eisenhower, Kennedy, etc.I agree that the scary thing about Trump is that he has destroyed the respect for truth. Trump supporters say they "don't care that Trump is lying" no matter what!"

[@steppenwolf3252]

Yes, the disregard for truth and lies. I don't mind arguing over facts--but when they have no facts and when you prove their facts to be false yet they keep repeating those lies--therein lies madness. You cannot have an intelligent conversation with lies and insanity. It's impossible.

[@gailshmail3420]

Only if you believe your media. And you do.

[@jessetwo1]

Christine still you are not a moderate you are a liar. I love the way you ignorant commie liberal democrats try to say, “ I’m a conservative or I’m a moderate.” This is a lie and you think it gives you cover. Trolls!

[@gailshmail3420]

How can you say that when elite communists have corrupted every single institution and agency in the whole country without many realizing they were doing it?

[@kathybringman2573]

@@steppenwolf3252 it's a cult

[@johnrobinson4445]

Evangelicals "flipping" was the LEAST surprising thing in the world, to me. I smelled their hypocrisy from the womb.

[@anettanewport8514]

John Robinson - Since Trump slimmed his way down that escalator, I have said that anyone who calls themselves a Christian and supports him should be ashamed. That is truly the height of hypocrisy.

[@davidcoxinparis]

@@anettanewport8514 They don't care. All that counts is power.

[@dozzer009]

Joel Uldrych R Pro life isn’t pro abortion. Learn the difference.

[@kenfrank3782]

Would Christians / Evangelicals believe in Jesus if he was a really ugly man ? LOL!!! Easy to love a good looking model versus a Hunchback of Notre Dame type. If you think that’s wrong to say than You might be part of the problem. :)

[@alanblanes2876]

@@anettanewport8514 could that be "slimed' his way down?

[@doggiesarus]

Evangelicals: Character matters only if you are a non-republican.

[@anettanewport8514]

doggissarus - the "immoral" majority."

[@ThereAreNoBlackPpl]

im learning a lot about the racism in churches, and its so daunting to realize that for an institution that preaches peace and love, wont even attempt to integrate their churches in the 21st century, this is fresh info to me, less than a week old, but oh my, these ppl have been hiding their bigotry behind god, on such a scale that i didnt realize, some of these christian branches started just so they could keep institutions of white supremacy, so understanding that and then looking at how they flock to a white nationalist is NO surprise.

[@MichaelLantz]

They place strong emphasis on Female Sexual Immorality.

[@glennmaillard9076]

Evangelicals= 21st century Pharisees.

[@annettemarrero-oliveras3090]

@@ThereAreNoBlackPpl this is indeed a very interesting subject that I myself been looking into for a while

[@arezooshaytoon]

This was three years ago. They have gone wayyyyy deeper into the looney world.

[@mariespi96]

One thing that gives me hope is that the younger generations do know how to spot fake news and they haven't been brainwashed by conservative radio and FOX.

[@steppenwolf3252]

You are more optimistic than I, Marie. Many of the younger generation have no critical thinking skills & buy into the propaganda they are fed on social media. However let's hope the more educated & talented among them rise to leadership roles.

[@mike9rr]

13:20 ff re Buckley, I don't share his view of him as an intellectual. Buckley displayed his deeply patrician biases, in a debate with James Baldwin, showed a great lack of compassion, if not outright ignorance. And re Krauthammer, he was one of those go-it-alone chickenhawks suggesting the US should not worry about getting allies as it went after one or another of the several post 9/11 targets. Also, Reagan, locking up Air Traffic Controllers, and then firing all of them because they wanted better equipment (some still had WWII era sets) and better working conditions. So now, all of a sudden, he's saying the conservatives in the Republican party were all about civility? Oh, and Karl Rove, Newt Gingrich?

[@livthedream5885]

Right? With Trump and this administration I guess the high bar has reached a new...LOW.

[@susanbengston3208]

mike9rr- True, all true but the immediate point being, to me, isn’t it some level of “reassuring” to hear the Political Views of an Adult, Sane American who believes in the functional workings of Our Democracy? We don’t “Have To” agree with everything Anybody Else simply says they “Want”, just listen, use our own Rational Brain then Vote for who we decide will Govern most appropriately to do the Best for We The People, Our America and Our Planet. Just good to hear a rational Republican speak and share his views. At least there’s a chance at Civility returning to Our U.S.A. and Our ability to move Forward toward a more Perfect Union for All.

[@marikalathem813]

Oh my...what an excellent interview. Given the last 4 years, I had given up on the premise that any conservative would ever demonstrate common sense, intellect and civility. This man is a wonderful, refreshing example of integrity. Please keep articulating your message✌🏼

[@matthewscottshea]

Real Conservatives. An endangered species to say the least.

[@snow-rm3jx]

Real liberals are endangered too

[@nikolaus2688]

"What happened to the party of Reagan?" Seriously? Reagan happened. The party of McCarthy got someone with limited TV success and little to no qualifications into the white house to say the right lines and do the oligarchs' and "Christian" right's bidding. Trump is not an aberration, but rather a logical consequence of Reagan. And all because his predecessor had the audacity to talk sense about energy consumption.

[@deloresmatt8643]

The difference between Trump and Reagan is that Reagan could be guided and controlled , if you will , and they found out that this was not the case with Trump.

[@larryjones5655]

Amen brother, I completely agree.

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

Small translation problem: in this context "religious liberty" means the permitting of right-wing pseudo-Christians to discriminate at will against the racial, sexual, or other, group of their choice.

[@steppenwolf3252]

And to behave like they follow Satan, promoting evil, rather than goodness in our world

[@lolodee3528]

GOP spent $50 million on trans attack ads.

[@Age_of_Apocalypse]

I'll be damned, a conservative that I like: Thank You Mr. Sykes for making sense. If Donald Trump had half your intelligence, the USA would be in far better shape.

[@brett66]

I'm sure I disagree with Sykes on a number of issues, but damn is it refreshing to listen to an even-keeled Conservative. Maybe one day the party will purge itself of sycophants, lobbyists and conspiracy theorists. one can dream.

[@scattygirl1]

tbf- the format enables him to display his even-keeledness. If he were to be inserted into a CNN or MSNBC - or whichever - evening MSM news programme, he'd probably be soundbited into sounding just as reductionist or simplistic as many of their experts.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

phoebephoebo .sydney Don't forget taken out of context, constantly pushed to irrelevent subjects, interupted after every sentence and forced to take a black or white stance on some statement to which there is no right answer without context. That is the way of the media nowdays. Anyway, concervatism in itself is actually very reasonable with pretty much the same end goals as progressives have. They just have a differrnt idea about how to get there. It's just that there is nothing conservative about the republican party and nothing progressive about the democratic party. They both are just caricatures of what politics should be about and arr completely controlled by private enterprise. Neither of them have the goal of serving citizens, they are there to serve private enterprise and multinationals. Until the country realises that the usa is doomed and will remain the laughing stock of the world. It really is nothing more then a traditional banana republic at this point. And the media is just the tool thats used to confuse and devide people over useless things while the important things are aranged in back rooms and hidden from the public.

[@QTEPYE]

What is your take on president donald j. trump's failure to be critical and or skeptical of Russian president vladimir putin's policies (international & domestic)?

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Marty Gray who are you asking?

[@QTEPYE]

Brett Warren

[@LAinLA86]

Hes starting to see what the Republican Party really is...what we on the left have seen for a long time

[@hcwcars1]

Be quite baby killer one more SCOTUS pick and Roe v Wade is history

[@felang9257]

This from the party that saves the fetus so one your NRA members can kill the child, seems logical. And as for Row v Wade, there will always be states where religious nut jobs dont control the legislature that will keep it legal.

[@felang9257]

I make sense to those whom haven't been brainwashed with magical thinking since they were born, im pretty sure that if you step out of your Fox New, Rush Limpballs bubble you will be able to understand what I've written there.

[@felang9257]

What, did you just create this profile so you could respond to me, lol, thanks.

[@felang9257]

And ive been saying it since the 90’s that the Republican party was becoming a religious cult and now they have gone all the way by falling on bended knee to a charismatic leader, who is no more a Christian then I am. The difference between he and I is the fact that I am not willing to pretend to be one to enrich myself of the blind faith of others.

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

The southern strategy was the start of undoing to the right. They have only further embraced (and exploited) the low-brow yee-haw set which now made them the party of the very top and very bottom.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

yup. Bingo. It all started with Nixon.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

4 years later and wow was he right!

[@tashuntka]

5 years and its getting scarier 😱

[@janquantrill9585]

"Is there anything trump could that would alienate the party?" I've just watched him have policeman national guard teargas a peaceful demo, for a photo opportunity. Hi from Britain

[@gailshmail3420]

Peaceful? Are you blind???

[@jennifer60515]

@@gailshmail3420No, we are not blind. But apparently you are. You are blindly following a madman.

[@scrambaba]

40 minutes in and still haven’t heard the “f” word - fascism. The movement of the GOP was not to lose its mind, but to move into a specifically American form of fascism.

[@gailshmail3420]

The fascists are the Far Left White Supremacist Elite, but you are not well informed and not self aware, so it is hopeless and you are going to turn your grandchildren's future over to oligarchs who look down on them.Of course, in your case, whose grandfather was it that Truman had to stop from profiteering off of the death camps? You are deep state. How stupid do you think we are?

[@justsaying7979]

Jeb!

[@justsaying7979]

@@gailshmail3420 Yikes... The last 9 months have not been pleasant for you have they? Reading your comment is like opening up a time capsule that was filled with milk and diarrhea.

[@ebrennie]

@@gailshmail3420 “you are not well informed . . .” This is what a defensive, uninformed brain would say out of fear (or the exhilaration that comes from thinking one is unique by simply being contrarian). That, or you’re a Russian operative or bot who knows how to wield social media to maximum psychological effect. Either way, I feel sorry for you.

[@petergianarakos5698]

@@gailshmail3420 I know a whole year has passed since you posted your comment after you said something pretty bizarre. Something About the far left Being the party of the far LEFT. Au contrary, my sweet. Allow me to Retort, but white nationalist are the far right. As my pet chicken always says: nationalism is the last refuge of cowards.

[@hemeoncn]

It is so refreshing to listen to a republican who isn't a frothing at the mouth nutbar. I have hope for murica again but it seems Mr. Sykes has a long way to go to restore sanity.

[@steppenwolf3252]

He makes me proud to be human instead of the opposite -- and I may not agree with his politics -- but I respect and admire his intelligence and respect for the factual truth.

[@thesprawl2361]

@@steppenwolf3252 I respect all the never-Trumpers(I respect them more than some of my fellow liberals in fact, because it takes guts to move against your own tribe), but let's face it: there should be a LOT more of them. They're a relative handful of people compared with the vast majority of right-wingers who have zipped lips and kowtowed completely.

[@palmereldritch_6669]

"Hope" is a strong word. I've yet to see any signs that our country will ever be able to unite around any project again. And that's a shame because we are staring climate apocalypse right in the face. No more snow melt will be huge trouble, and that's only the tip of the iceberg.

[@csaracho2009]

I read “... restore Hannity” and I tripped! Ha Ha.

[@jenncampbell277]

One way to restore sanity is for our kids not having to worry about being groomed in schools

[@Blonde111]

The party of Reagan is when this idiocy all started

[@stephentymcio8856]

Yupp, another actor/ entertainer being shamelessly two-faced over and over yet somehow becomes an icon instead of being indicted. Honestly, any republican who can win in california pretty much becomes potus on electoral college alone

[@sheilalopez3983]

It started with Nixon.

[@steppenwolf3252]

I knew we were doomed when we elected that Bedtime for Bonzo fool.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

@@sheilalopez3983 true. with that Southern strategy.... Since those dixiecrats got triggered over civil rights, etc. lmao

[@sheilasullivan3943]

Really enjoyed this. I am not a conservative but this is the best analysis of the reason for the rise of Trump and the decline of the Republican Party I have listened to.

[@dianewest6479]

I totally agree. Thank you Mr. Sykes for doing what you do!

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

I might disagree with his politics but there’s no denying his intellect and insights.

[@anonhooligan8425]

These Christian Nationalist have been planning this for decades.

[@frederickhartray9701]

I wouldn't be so sure about the fall of the Republican party. The Democrats only seem to have hate of Trump and Russia. What happens when that gets old. The US can't keep fighting endless wars forever. Istarted voting Democrats with Carter who was antiwar. Clinton got NATO into wars of aggression. Obama was far worse than GWB as a warmonger. Not sure I can ever vote for them agian. Reaosnable people like Dennis Kucinich have disapeared from the party.

[@jennifercottee9002]

If only we knew then what we know now. Everything you said about Trump is absolutely true. And the twice impeached now indicted and criminally charged sex offender with soon to be further criminally indicted ex orange president……if only!!! Sigh ……? And Ted Cruz is still hanging on his every move and constant demeaning takedowns.

[@SolidAir54321]

When he said he approved of Neil Gorsuch, I wanted to ask him if he also approved of Mitch McConnell blocking Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland for a year. And then talk about democratic institutions and the Constitution.

[@davidrapalyea7727]

SolidA Your people would have done the same thing so why even bring it up. In addition, I believe it was Hairy Reed who broke the 60 vote Senate custom anyway.

[@johnrobinson4445]

@@davidrapalyea7727 Would have = actually didn't.

[@TG-gm3et]

@@davidrapalyea7727 "Your people"? have you ever considered that SolidAir might be an independent and not a democrat or do you think that anyone who questions conservative actions as an opponent or associated with a political opponent.

[@jeffmorgan5152]

@@davidrapalyea7727 I'm republican and found McConnell's actions regarding Merrick Garland repugnant, and I'm not alone.

[@jfrsnjhnsn]

What was the first thing we heard about Garland after Obama brought him up? "Republican favorite". Obama wanted to nominate some weak soup to make Mitch happy. It's no loss to us.

[@adamage1766]

I can’t believe this was so long ago. He saw it all and it’s gotten so bad. Hopefully it changes At least he can admit he contributed to turning Americans against the media. Which has hurt out country more than anything.

[@chrisstevenson5378]

This should go mainstream TV. Every American needs to see this.

[@mikewoods1622]

It's very interesting to see this interview four years on. Mr. Sykes had it right.

[@Ladybrite1]

Thank you. It is so refreshing to listen to such reasonable dialogue on these very important issues. We can only hope that reason will return to those lost minds.

[@yeshereign]

What bothers me most is that the Church created all this mess

[@palmereldritch_6669]

@@yeshereign The "Church" is based on believing pie in the sky nonsense sky fairies as the price of admission to the tribe. Of course, any greaseball fraud knows that the next step is to make the tribe feel like its them against everyone else. Trumpism is a direct extension of that crapola. And mixing capitalism with Jesus led to corruption of Christians starting with that fat prick Jerry Falwell and his very greedy and racist war on Brown v Board of Education. Voltaire said it best. People who believe absurdities can be made to commit atrocities.

[@tracesprite6078]

@@yeshereign Hi Lilda, there is something at work that is far more sinister than churches and that is Rupert Murdoch spreading infotainment through his Fox News. People get muddled by the mix of lies and half-truths and they lose hope that they can sort out the difference. Also people enjoy how entertaining all the exaggerations and distortions are. it works way better than the kind of simplistic propaganda used in dictatorships.

[@trismagistus6679]

We’ve got to shut down Fox first! And name them co-conspirators in January 6! And break up the corporate media monopoly, because five corporations own all of our media! So good luck on that

[@joanteasdale2991]

So Eric Jones and Trump water pair know wonder they both crazy can't believe it people listed of these folks

[@louisesumrell6331]

Yeah, I knew that he was unfit when there first started to be noises about him running. I, like most liberals and progressives, thought that he had no chance of winning. His win was both a tremendous shock and a deep disappointment.

[@adamage1766]

I agree. I thought he was never going to run. I thought his advisers would have convinced him he had no chance. I never thought so many Republicans would not care for the truth or rational thought. I knew the right were full of knuckle draggers but, not this many. And didn’t think those that were above that could fall in line with them.

[@jennifer60515]

@@adamage1766 I think HE thought he had no chance and it was strictly financially motivated. I think he won the election and probably shit himself, then unfortunately like the megalomaniac he is, the power and perks were too good to let go of. Hence January 6.

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

I knew he was going to win. I had pins made for my jackets apologising for being an American - I live in the UK. I also had a door mat made that said Trump is a chump to put out the day after the election so that people could wipe their feet on him. The denial was strong in the US… maybe it was easier to see from across the pond.

[@louisesumrell6331]

@@jennifer60515 yes. I agree, 100%. I've imagined that same thing, but it just seems obvious...

[@jennifer60515]

@@louisesumrell6331 Yep. And now the country has to find a way to put the pieces back together. God help us if the DOJ doesn’t find the courage to prosecute him out of fear of his rabid supporters. My thoughts are that they are concerned about another actual Civil War if he is ever placed in handcuffs. And so am I, but we cannot allow another person in this position to ever commit these atrocities again.

[@JohnThomas-ut3go]

It's asked right off what happened to the party of Reagan. We've had decades of Reagan economics shoved down our throats. Even Democrat presidents practiced it. In all this time jobs, security, education, and wealth accumulation have stagnated or fallen for the middle & working classes. Poverty on average shows little change since the 70s. The American dream is growing further away. If Reaganomics worked would so many of the people, especially those in these classes gave elected Obama who offered hope and change then when he failed to provide it Trump who offered to bring back secure jobs in fields these voters already know and have experience in? No, if Reaganomics worked they would have elected another Bush or Clinton. The working people deserve more than a trickle. We deserve real opportunity for growth.

[@steppenwolf3252]

Wages have stagnated since Reagan. While billionaires have seen their wealth soar. Reaganomics killed this country and continues to destroy it while some of insist on worshipping that fool. However, Trump makes Reagan look saintly.

[@JohnThomas-ut3go]

@@steppenwolf3252 The only real difference is Reagan was an actor, Trump isn't.

[@cheesy132]

Great interview! Thank you Mr sykes.

[@commonwealthclubworldaffairs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Lars5218]

Sykes had a right wing talk show for years and contributed to this problem

[@annawarner1078]

I was life long democrat. In May 20176, I changed my registration to No Party Preference. I ended up voting for Hilary, only because I did not want Trump to win. I thought Trump was unfit to be president. Had I had opportunity, I would vote for John Kasich or Rand Paul, moderate republicans. Now I watch Apprentice. White House Edition. On occasion I enjoy listening to people like Charles Sykes or Thomas Frank. I think republic is in trouble, but then similar thing happened in Roman Empire just before it collapsed. I believe, that while our attention is on Russia and Putin, it is China that is steadily eating our lunch and will become the next world superpower.

[@Michael-ut6mu]

Some of them never had a mind too lose, although I do salute principled conservatives like the Mr Sykes, the Cheneys and Mona Charen. I would give anything to bring back that Republican Party.

[@davidowens5898]

Mr. Sykes articulately, and calmly asserts what he thinks a 'true' conservative's values are (or should be), and while I don't necessarily agree with them all, I do not viscerally disagree, with any of them. They are, for the most part, reasonable, thoughtful, and not threatening to my own values as a liberal. When I was young, (60's-70's) the republican/conservatives that I knew, were nothing like what one sees today. They are about as far apart in their values as a communist is from a capitalist. If more men were like Sykes, I might even vote for them at the polls. It could happen.........

[@_dollzitism]

Yep. It’s not your father’s Republican

[@lisaratley4858]

They’ve been racist and sexist fur a long, long time.

[@bearlytraincot807]

Republicanism is a grift in want of an alibi. Reagan was an actor, I mean what is it with these people? Roger Stone has been around for a long time -- he has a picture of Nixon tattooed on his back. And people are surprised that the intellectuals quit the Party?

[@cherylj7460]

I’ve always said that trumpism shares nothing with true conservatism and so should not be called Republican. They’ve kind of high jacked the label much like they’ve hijacked the term “patriot”.

[@jamessilver6429]

@@cherylj7460 why does a rally that went wrong ( probably because of f.b.i manipulation) jan.6 , concern you more than whats going on at the southern border , and afghanastan , and the dem. party sanctioned riots after george floyd etc.

[@pas9ify]

Conservative generally means opposed to change. Conserve the status quo. When you look at the state of the world, only a madman or someone incredibly short-sightedly selfish could want to keep things the same.

[@gailshmail3420]

No, conservatism means not throwing the baby out with the bath water.

[@josseybareille-ed3tc]

don't forget the horrid moscow mitch and the crime cover upper BARR !!

[@gailshmail3420]

However, McConnell is not the one who sold our uranium to Russia, is he. That was Hillary.

[@breathnstop]

Even Melania said, "he's not going to change, so I don't try to change him". She said it in an interview. She should know, she's been dating him since she was 15.

[@pamc3338]

Gossip

[@incognitotorpedo42]

Charlie Sykes and the Republicans made this bed, over the course of 20 years. Now we all have to sleep in it.

[@Wildfan-sg3fh]

IncognitoTorpedo I agree. It's good he's seeing the light. But they helped facilitate this mess that we're all in now.

[@buckeyewill2166]

IncognitoTorpedo ...Mary Shelley's novel bites us in the behind.

[@janet6348]

I wish it was just sleeping in it. We LIVE in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@adamk5937]

38 years!

[@clovers-zi5fe]

Yep. It's like he's denying he's part of this Frankenstein. M'f'er...this is in part, your doing.

[@bernardscheidle5679]

"an intellectual Renaissance of conservative thought"??? Ha-ha! Conservative "thought" is like promoting "greed is good", irresponsibility to society is good, and the philosophy of Ebenezer Scrooge is a high point in conservative philosophy.

[@susanbengston3208]

I’d like to Thank You. It’s so reassuring to hear from a rational, intelligent American Adult, irregardless of Political lean. I appreciate your regard for Our Democracy.

[@idajane1974]

If conservatism "believe" in the law.....they better start SHOWING IT

[@lisagerman2111]

After posting two comments below, would simply summarize with this; many who identify as conservative, and as such boxed into voting along GOP-party lines, are uncomfortable with the ultra-right take-over of the GOP. The forced adherence of non-compromise in any legislation, the forceable pressure of being "either you're with us or you're against us" (Thank you, Bush II), and the fracturing of Congress in working across the aisle because of these extremists...it will take at least 2-3 presidential cycles in order to break down the divides forced on Congress and constituents by the Tea Party / Freedom Caucus ideology. Our Constitution was not built on ANY one-party rule - ironically, those wishing to force such into current gov.t presume to represent the Constitution. Would be funny, if not so threatening to our very democracy.

[@judydyer]

And, 5 !! years later...this guy is still SO right. he saw it all.

[@greenftechn]

Over three years later, and we're still in this strange place.

[@owelding2512]

Mr. Sykes prediction almost 3 years ago was damn RIGHT!!!

[@charlesbartlett2569]

Sykes showed his underlying tribal views with the discussion on gerrymandering in Wisconsin and using the excuse that we separate ourselves. It’s pretty simple, require districting to have limits on the aspect ratio.

[@robk8463]

"I'll fess up...we contributed to this..", there's no going back from this, when Trump is no longer in office the Republican party will not be going back to the way it was. All those drunks at the end of the bar are NOT going away. I just don't see the GOP having a viable candidate for years to come.

[@paulalindsey3235]

I really appreciate this. Thank you, Charlie! I feel a bit less lonely. Not less terrified, but l really appreciate your voice.

[@jenniferrosal185]

The Republican Party under Trump is not the party of Reagan. It's now made in the image of Trump. It will be a long while before we get back to the conservative principles that the party once stood for.

[@altitudeillume6729]

try abstraction; trump as vomit, symptom of internal disorder in organism, us. republican's ARE marshaling unstable people, groups, who own machine guns.

[@mikereseigh]

A voice of reason in a country gone mad.

[@richardrittenhouse3899]

Should be both

[@MLinaresSR47]

Aside from my own reason for wanting to know and see-what the other side is up to-I've grown to like Charles Sykes style of discussing topics of interest-for one overriding reason-Mr. Sykes is not your typical political conservative that is either bombastic or some kind of "shock Jock," when speaking on the issues usually eluded by many other conservatives and attribute fault to those on the left. I like his way of expressing his own beliefs and gives an impression-he would be willing to hear and engage in a civil dialogue of exchanging ideas-that may result in reaching a consensus of importance to both sides. The same can be said of disagreeing on certain topics, and yet, still being civil and willing to cede on points of persuasive point of view. A most interesting interview and has been quite insightful.

[@kentcavender9250]

I respect him even though I totally disagree with his political values.

[@dollymadison2397]

@@kentcavender9250 That's very mature of you. What a rarity today. Dec 2020.

[@susancraik7587]

I like this man, articulate and 🤓

[@simonbacaltos5660]

Mr Charles Sykes's words have been prophetic. Looking back his diagnosis and prognosis have been fairly accurate.

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

It's a bit of a relief to see that there still exist conservatives who are at least marginally serious, rational and decent. Good luck, Charles Sykes! Still I strongly object to Sykes giving the "Evangelical" "Christians" credit for wanting religious freedom. They don't. What they call "religious freedom" has nothing religious about it and it is only the freedom to be an active bigot.

[@Hastur876]

Right. "Freedom for me and nobody else" is their motto.

[@lolodee3528]

A really republican stance. I.e. pulling up the ladder after they got theirs; elitist: rules for thee & NOT for me.

[@emilykrahn3185]

Thanks Mr. Sikes.

[@ajmeyers5661]

+Commonwealth Club - Thanks for the great interview and topic. You should have Frum and Sykes in dialogue if possible.

[@jacquelinec-w5725]

The world would be in a much more dangerous place without people of your Insight! Keep it up!

[@hereigoagain5050]

For my Christian brothers and sisters, if you ride with the Devil, where do you think you will end up?

[@thomasmccracken8819]

Sow the wind reap the whirlwind.

[@claudeabraham2347]

Who is the devil? Who is riding with him? Who should we ride with? Names please.

[@saul2007t]

70+ year olds' with that mindset generally don't change. Potus is old, ignorant and steeped in the racism of his upbringing. He is not and cannot be a deep thinker. Unfortunately he represents a large segment of the U.S. populace by a third who relate to him.

[@sassy0010]

Saul, he does represent a segment of the population, but it is shrinking. Not enough, I know, but it's small compared to the majority of the country.

[@joebob5528]

Listen carefully, Trump is a LOT More popular then any of these boneheads understand. Trump easily wins again in 2020. These never Trumpers are just lost and part of the problem.

[@UntrackedProductions]

@@joebob5528 Fast forward for you, bud, look at the polls now. I mean we all knew it for 4 years, but now it is self evident, donald trump is the worst, most dangerous, most incompetent, most unethical, most dishonest president in the history of the United States. Period. Not up for discussion. Stop watchin Hannity.

[@julietolis1918]

I would love to hear an interview/conversation with Mr, Sykes today 2-14-22... Oh what we have had to go thru since this 2017 chat. God help us.

[@elreytriton]

Good talk but he and many other conservatives are being VERY disingenuous when they talk about the party not being full of racists or they are simply "fringe" groups.

[@davidjohnzenocollins]

No, elreytriton, they aren't being disingenuous. They seriously believe that. We all have our illusions.

[@thomaskremer4604]

That's my 5th or 6th Commonwealth Club talk I heard the last half year. Everyone took me a step nearer in understanding your political situation. Thank you for the possibility to follow your evenings in europe. And for me it's just now just in time!

[@commonwealthclubworldaffairs]

Thank you so much for tuning into our programs from across the pond! Consider becoming a member to help support all that we do. To learn more visit here: www.commonwealthclub.org/membership

[@mks6148]

This is the kind of Republican I really respect.

[@rickkimball4351]

Amen ! What he said! Straight forward talk.

[@terrytaylor9460]

He nailed this. Bravo!!

[@stevendaleschmitt]

"conservatism" : resistance to progress and change, literally.

[@Pollutical]

What exactly is your stance on murder though? Why is it a 40 year sentence for someone to preconceive their murder suddenly becomes empowerment when you're stirring a baby up into a stew and grabbing your med-grade shopvac?

[@lenblack1462]

@@Pollutical It's not a baby.

[@steppenwolf3252]

RIGHT ON STEVE. The definition of "conservative" in the dictionary: "averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values." The definition of "liberal" is "willing to respect or accept behavior or opinions different from one's own; open to new ideas (in a political context) favoring policies that are socially progressive and promote social welfare.

[@didierduplenne2325]

This was in 2017...and it says it all about what is going on now in 2019

[@mrtraa2639]

and even now in 2020!

[@monnieeeeyt7037]

And now in Aug. 2022…☹️

[@jacquelinec-w5725]

Awesome! Thank you for your frankness!!

[@cathyholoway722]

Mr Charles Sykes thank you so much for your input I have so much respect for you and the way you summed up the twice Impeached One term Idiot That's no longer occupying the Big House In Washington. Thanks Mr Sykes for speaking TRUTH!

[@ontime3462]

Three years later this is even more so. Many years ago I would have in my barn a radio for the benefit of the animals. I chose this station because it was 24 hour talk radio and my reason for playing WGY was to dissuade wild animals from taking up residence. Thinking back, i remember a couple of shows that were known for conspiracy theorizing-----a name for simply lying---and pushing it on us. I'm rambling.

[@edarcuri182]

A fundamental reason for the oft cited binary choice view has been the Presidential Debate Commission. There were, in 2016, three candidates on all 50 states' ballots. The Libertarian ticket was headed by two term (Republican ) Governor Gary Johnson and his running mate was former Massachusetts Governor, William Weld. It is unlikely that the Libertarian ticket would win but the inclusion of another viable candidate might have given voters more policy and less bombast. Johnson made the case that the debates should include all candidates with a mathematical opportunity to win. I agree with him on that point. Excellent discussion, by the way.

[@wwbradley7629]

If this man has always been this true. Then mostly keep up your good intentions for we'll meet again in the here after I do hope the best for you Sir.

[@lioneljaftha3473]

Brilliantly prophetic. Best I've ever heard

[@occamtherazor3201]

Wow, this has aged pretty well. Someone asked if there was anything Trump could do to lose the Right Wing media.... Apparently it never occurred to him to say, "Attempt a violent coup." Becuase Trump totally did that. And the Right Wing media is still with him.

[@evawild8016]

Are you referring to that little frat party kerfuffle that is being compared to 9-11? Seriously? You’re welcome to the Swamp. How ‘bout those gas prices? Seriously?

[@gggnumber1]

"What might push him over the edge?" He started 'over the edge.'

[@elviralopez6401]

Mr Sykes you are so right on the profile of Donald Trump you are drawing in this conversation. I applaud you. Thank you.

[@endofanage223]

When people realize that their ideas and way of life isn't really their own; it will be too late. This is the story of this election, president, and the people who elected him. The hate that this president has brought on POC, other religious views, and humanity is horrific. This guy is awesome. He needs to run for president.

[@cherylj7460]

Or at least, this is type of Republican who should run against trump.

[@dianewest6479]

There will have to be more rationally thinking Republicans, if they want their party to uphold their original ethical values. Since rationalism in the Republican Party has left the majority of the party, they are NOT what they once were. They have morphed into a party of alternative facts and total disregard for the truth. I’m a Democrat, but I respect Republicans like John McCain and YES Trump, John McCain was a war Hero, a true patriot, whereas you are a bigot and a traitor to our Republic. Trump should have been impeached the first time, and be behind bars for his part in the insurrection on the Capitol on January 6, 2021 and also his part in suppressing the facts on Covid where over 100’s of thousands of people have died due to his narcissism and STUPIDITY!

[@rickw1954]

No one has yet been able to adequately explain the Trump phenomenon. I've never seen anything like it. It's difficult to understand the unquestioning loyalty and devotion people can have to one individual. No matter what Trump was found guilty of, it seems to have no effect on his cult-like following. Some people have said, it's not so much about loyalty to Trump, it's about the conservative agenda he represents. I think it's something beyond that.

[@bluecollarlit]

I think part of the power he has with people is his fame throughout a long time period. He's been publicly known since the 80s. His TV show built on that. His ability to entertain the crowd adds to his power with people. They feel like they know him, and that he belongs to them. It's kind of a fandom, powered by social media and trump's fame and communication and rapport with his audience.

[@verntoews6937]

Trying to spare us from the coming enslavement of us common people by the coming totalitarian New world order made possible by a worldwide liberal Masonic Illuminati conspiracy

[@josseybareille-ed3tc]

oh and what about the deficit!!! Look what the Republicans have done !!!

[@pigeonmumbler]

Knowing an understanding what happened, ahhhh but Charlie gives you a lot of hard thinking points with honest perspectives'

[@tashuntka]

Getting scarier.. 😱😱✨️✨️😱😱

[@bohansenboh]

Sykes is, in a way, refreshing and in another way infuriating.

[@thetawaves48]

2020, after the election of Joe Biden, this is still interesting.

[@ckslums]

🎯🎯🎯

[@Badgersj]

Ditto. I'd love to see him back to reflect on the intervening years.

[@dantescave1]

Watching 9/24/21

[@DJS11811]

Truth-teller.

[@mgray3130]

listen to this and I think all the mess that we are in now! Right and left, we can all listen to this and get the answer to all of it! Me and my sister could talk about everything and now, now it's like a bomb every time I see her no matter what the topic is, hows the weather, she is explosive and would say whats there to talk about!

[@NordicUrs]

So weird, and I say this as a staunch liberal, Sykes is and gives the perfect example of how interaction and discussion between conservatives (I am excluding RepubliQAnons) and liberals could/should be. Currently, there is almost no person in Congress with a (R) behind its name worthy being labeled conservative. The label Republican is by now a sure sign that that person is most likely a fascist nut case of epic proportions. Sad, because the country needs responsible, decent, and reasonable conservatives.

[@papadick70]

Yes SIr, i concur. You hit it on the head, if it is no room for interaction and discussion, you and i ,everybody suffers. That is Self destroying.. And that is what DT fertilize..

[@emsleywyatt3400]

We need two parties. One liberal, one conservative, both sane.

[@gloriajuarez9994]

Thanks for today's guest. I hate with a passion D. T.

[@ollie6004]

Excellent.

[@commonwealthclubworldaffairs]

Many thanks!

[@jcurrin1904]

Interesting perspective. Curious what a William F. Buckley would have to say about the state of things in 2020.

[@peterford9369]

So now after you've seen exactly how trump did proceed thru his only 1 term, can you imagine if he gets another chance, or even if he has any input into any other candidate that will carry on his agenda.

[@Killinemkid]

Donald Trump was one of the best Presidents of my lifetime (a very short time) if I'm being honest. He is a manic narcissist, certainly, and he's comfortable playing to racist and fascist factions of the country in so far as it benefits his popularity, but that same instinct, the instinct that tells him to lead for approval of the populace, not of the ruling class, that is what makes men like Donald Trump good leaders of developed countries. He initiated our withdrawal from Afghanistan saving us potentially trillions, exposed a good deal of corruption within the executive branch, he brought focus to the issue of domestic national security rather than stabilizing other regions, his effect on the economy is yet to be determined (will we attempt to pay off our debt or not?) and he broke the mainstream media's hold over the independent segment of the populace. I believe, as a far leftist, that Donald Trump would, in his second term, rally Republicans around an actual agenda that benefits America because that's what they want. What agenda? He doesn't care. It'll be whatever his faction are calling for. The question is, how reactionary is Trump's base really?

[@pdias8469]

Wow! What an eye opener!

[@thomaskremer4604]

Hearing again at kitchenwork. Yes: it's the best analysis of the Trump phenomenon so long! Respect!

[@RethinkingtheRules]

Such an intelligent conversation. Thank you.