"Democracy Is Work" - Julia Ioffe On Why The Ukraine Crisis Is A Wake Up Call For Americans

Julia Ioffe knows what it's like to live in non-Democratic Russia and thinks Americans should view this crisis as a glimpse into this country's future if Democracy is not protected here at home. Read more of Julia's work at www.puck.news. #Colbert #PuckNews #JuliaIoffe
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[@nojolie]

When she said ‘ukraine hasnt experienced democracy for that long and look how hard theyre fighting for it’ i almost started crying

[@SilentKnight43]

That was indeed a poignant statement.

[@unorthodox_funbox]

Forreal and we got these idiots in the US taking advantage of their democracy

[@undeadly1103]

i actually did

[@wonderfulfable]

That statement hit hard. And democracy should not be taken for granted.

[@tw-ym8zr]

watching Bald and Bankrupt on youtube ...... interviewing babushka's, exploring old soviet buildings... worth it

[@Ring0fSaturn]

"Democracy is work, it's vigilance, it's being educated, it's being a savvy consumer of media, it's voting, it's paying attention." Julia Ioffe. Thank you.

[@MichaelFlynn0]

Yep - the gist of the interview.

[@seastorm1979]

Democracy and liberalism are worth defending with a really big stick!

[@supernatural5354]

U.S isn't a democracy.

[@MerkleAkrunphleuphle]

Lol it's everything democrats are against.

[@lesteralfgutierrez]

Democracy Is not being lazy racist like American society

[@Cisssana]

Julia, we are fighting not even so much for democracy, but for survival.

[@tetiana7868]

Julia, you've underestimated Ukraine, "We'll lay our bodies and our souls for our freedom" that's what our anthem says. Every Ukrainian soldier, every Ukrainian child, every Ukrainian civilian knows these words. Our servicemen have kids and mothers behind their backs. They will never give up fighting. The motivation is absolutely incredible here, we protect our land and now we want revenge, for every killed baby, for every killed person. Ukraine will win. We are grateful to everyone for support!

[@Turnpost2552]

Death is easy, its living that is the hard part. Live for your family, don't fight for another meaningless hatred of just one man desire for power.

[@derekd1510]

@@Turnpost2552 Silence you coward! The WORLD will fight for the freedom of the Ukrainian people. Already foreign fighters from every western country are flocking to Ukraine to support the brave Ukrainian Resistance and WE WILL NOT STOP THERE! Poo-tin's END is NEAR and the end of the Soviet era along with him. Freedom for Alexi Navalny and for all the Russian people as well.

[@maxmcgloin]

Julia has covered Russia and Putin for 15 years can you blame her for being a pessimist. Keep up the fight Ukraine, Bless you all.

[@genciduraku4340]

Great words Tatiana ! Ukraine 🇺🇦 will win this war and show all the world the true spirit of Ukrainian people. High respect from Albania 🇦🇱 for you and your cause!

[@klyxrasta]

She did not underestimate Ukrainians, nobody really did, except USSR lover Putin. By telling her "best" case scenario she was aiming for the least amount of deaths, infrastructure damage and disruption to everyday lives both for Ukrainians and rest of Europe. Her dream scenario can be argued for both sides whether it's really a "best, best" case scenario, especially now when we see how much Ukraine has been destroyed, lives that you nor I will be able to bring back, all the memories lost. But it is not my business to talk about these things since i have no relations with Ukraine. Only for you to judge how much you have lost and if it, in the end, will be worth it. I can only guess that there is no point stopping now since so much has already been lost. It would make all those loses irrelevant. However we were all surprised by how unprepared Russians were for this war. That is the THING that we overestimated. We knew Ukrainians would fight back, anyone would if we really take in to consideration all the aspects that lead to this war. Let me paint you a picture - someone gives you 8 years to prepare after they take 1 room of your house with zero retaliation from you and after 7 years starts to transparently prepare to take the rest of your house. Trust me anyone would fight tooth and nail, so nobody underestimated you guys. Most of us are still baffled by Russian army. Their biggest threats were their army, their military power, tactics, strategy, all sorts of political and military manipulations. And now people don't even know what to associate Russia with... maybe incompetence, ineffectiveness and being brutally outdated. If you asked me in 2021 who would win if a full scale war begins (A war where all parties are aiming to gain something valuable and by that I mean minimal, highly strategic use of nuclear weapons... so you are left with more than post-apocalyptic wasteland) I would hesitate and think about Russia... If you asked me the same question now I would laugh and ask you war between who? I would not say we were surprised by Ukrainian efforts. It's just that Russians were unsuccessful for the most critical first week of this war and because of that Europe's, as always, sluggish decisions actually made some supportive impact. And the longer this war stalls the more impact is being made. And this complete failure of Russians boosts morale and retaliation strength of all defensive parties involved. I'm not saying Ukrainians are not fighting hard enough or not sacrificing enough for their country, they certainly are, as expected. But their army soldiers are not some crazy top of the line war machines that nobody on this planet could replicate. It is plain and simple complete failure by Russians. COMPLETE Fiasco. Failure is not even terrible enough word to describe how utterly big this FUCK-UP is. I'm sorry but history will emphasize more how Russians failed and how much they were overestimated than Ukrainians fighting back like anyone else would. Tell me honestly do you think Poland wouldn't fight back if they were not in NATO and EU and let's say Belarus and Ukraine were under Russia? And 8 years prior took idk 20% of south Poland and after 7 years brings in whole military arsenal next to its border to take rest of the Poland away Now I would have been surprised beyond measure if Ukrainians went to war after Russia took Crimea in 2014, but we both know how that went. I sure as fuck hoped you would not give rest of Ukraine away the same way today. So what we all estimated from Ukrainians in response to this "special military operation" came to fruition. Слава тобі. Russians took Crimea with no retaliation cause they sent in troops and said they were not there, cause troops simply didn't have insignias or anything. And you guys were all baffled and didn't know what to do. You increased the budget for military and never ever wanted to be embarrassed like this again. Now Putins plan was to start a full scale war and call it "special military operation" and hoped you would yet again be baffled and not know what to do. But you proved him wrong and were prepared this time. And that was to be expected! Only one that underestimated you was Putin. Not Julia, me, Biden, Poland or anyone else. Just keeping it real here. Fuck geopolitical occupants and USSR lovers!

[@blakeforland8238]

We should always care about the suffering of others, no matter who or where.

[@sunseeker9581]

Should but dont

[@blakeforland8238]

@@sunseeker9581 Unfortunately,

[@frozenrose84]

this! yes! Thank you!

[@johnhopkins6260]

If we don't fix it, someone else may fix it for us... regardless if we like the outcome.

[@iguacu3517]

A nice platitude, but also part of the thinking that pulled us into some terribly ill-conceived wars since WWII.

[@junheceta268]

Julia Ioffe's analysis is both insightful and incisive. I particularly like how she does not sugar coat the gravity of the situation but still offers a realistic ray of hope.

[@az..0N3]

It's very tough believing anything from American media even if it is coming out of a Russian born.

[@verlorenish]

@@az..0N3 Oh but you will blindly follow Rupert Murdoch's lies through Fox News right.

[@yc9185]

@@verlorenish inbox me 👆👆

[@toofunkyT]

Watch the Putain files on KZbin

[@az..0N3]

@Jairo Siordia Not sure why you think I would even watch fox news 🤔 All the mainstream media from USA is full of rubbish!! Always following the narrative that benefits corporates or weapon manufacturers

[@LuboMirtchev]

Watching this in 2023. It amazes me that even informed experts like Julia had doubts about Ukraine's success as it has transpired since then. Ukraine taught all of us a big lesson!

[@OriginalPuro]

Replying to this in 2023.

[@f0t0b0y]

That and Russia sucks ass at war. 🤣

[@move2003ny]

fair point, but in the first month of the invasion all the experts, political and military, thought that Ukraine had no hope whatsoever. To be honest, even now a Ukraine victory seems very far down the line, if it happens at all. The current frontline reminds of the western front of WWI. Plus, if NATO countries don’t hurry up and China starts supplying the Russians, we might be in for a nasty surprise

[@dukeon]

Julia Ioffe really knows her stuff. She’s lived and worked in Russia as well as the USA, and she gets it. I always enjoy her articles in The Atlantic and many other outlets (including PBS’ Frontline).

[@ThatSingingGuy]

She was generally insightful, but she was way off base on the Syrian refugee crisis being the thing that "gave us Brexit." That pot has been boiling for a lot longer. Small mistake, but a superficial understanding.

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

@@ThatSingingGuy You're right that Brexit is the result of many things accumulated. But I think she meant Syrian refugees was the "last straw", not the only reason that caused Brexit.

[@dudeshiya]

Good Lord! Julia is really a hell of an imaginative lady. Tbh, this show is really for the mass. Very misleading and political. How about being neutral and looking at the two sides of the coin? And educate the public as for the real reason behind this invasion so that we can prevent such things from happening again in the future. Without true education -- and further misinformation -- invasions like this will happen again. And people like Stephen Colbert and Julia will indirectly have blood on their hands cause they have the reach to really inform. How about being truthful for once? I guess that will never happen on this show and these people ... They are too concerned about making money and name for themselves.

[@karo1922]

She knows half of the stuff. For me ( a person born in post USRR period in one of the satellite countries), she is pretty much focused on russia and has very limited knowledge about other countries from that block. The fact that she disregard the subject already shows that she shares russian perspective.

[@klyxrasta]

@@ThatSingingGuy way off base? :D That refugee crisis is what tipped the pot over. It was one of the many last straws. And this could be a last straw for other countries. But only those that are further away from Russia.

[@ultimomos5918]

You can see she's on the verge of tears here. So much needless suffering and death...we can do so much better and yet we fail, time and again. Here's to hoping that reason and mercy prevail.

[@angela1984a]

The only thing that can stop this is if the Russians rise up and gets rid of the Dictator Putin.

[@stevekluesner4430]

Hard to believe that Putin couldn't find more constructive ways to exercise his influence , opportunity and abilities isn't it . Looks like the indication(s) of a sick mind in action to me .

[@anadd6195]

She doesn't seem to be at all. But it is nerve-wracking for sure.

[@ultimomos5918]

@@anadd6195 look at her body language, she's very clearly attempting to remain composed. It's really not very hard to see

[@MikeOxlong-]

@@angela1984a ...and he is more acutely aware of this fact than anyone else on the planet. The only question that remains is will he put the bullet between his eyes himself and allow the world to continue, or will he press on through bringing all that comes with it (as he’s been threatening now for more years than I care to remember)? Because it’s all about him, his legacy, and the fact he still to this day believes the fall of the USSR was the worst thing that could have ever happened (oh, and the fact that he never bluffs, ever) - I’m leaning towards the latter...

[@chemento0712]

Imagine Americans having to be told this by a born Russian. Kudos to Julia Ioffe!

[@supernatural5354]

Be told what?

[@chemento0712]

@@supernatural5354 Just listen to the interview...

[@jsatish1974]

I did not know America is a democracy. You guys disenfranchise colored races and enable the nazis to decide who should run your country. The best part is you guys preach about equality, democracy to others. Effing hypocrites.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆👆

[@Eidelmania]

@@jsatish1974 India is ruled by a far right religious fundamentalist who inspires bigoted attacks against religious minorities. Who the hell are you to lecture us?

[@whatsilviadid3993]

WOW, when she said Russians have never experienced democracy and Ukrainians have only experienced it for a few decades and look how hard they are fighting for it is a total eye-opener.

[@robertmeis887]

In world history, democracies are actually extremely rare. Democracy is NOT the natural state of human societies (autocracies are) and must be vigilantly maintained and defended.

[@seanmoran2743]

Ukraine is run by oligarchs- she is being dishonest

[@bricology]

Also: Thank you, Stephen, for giving her plenty of space to talk. I appreciate that you could've thrown in more witty banter, but it was so important to let her continue to fully express her thoughts.

[@bernardwirth7442]

Spot on. +++

[@hoozle]

She's superb. I love her insight and her manner. Such a privilege to hear from an expert who can communicate so well with a late night TV show audience.

[@Deaner3D]

There's a really great long-form interview with her done by Frontline for their Putin doc, def give that a watch/listen.

[@januarybaby1063]

She seemed well informed but a bit all over the place to me

[@guysabol8743]

yes you texted my thoughts exactly many thanks!!! damn I love Colert show!

[@hoozle]

@@Deaner3D thanks for the tip 👍

[@8ctopus0000]

This is the lady posting pics with Richard Spencer, she’s a scam

[@Lexomm1]

We take democracy for granted, as a right, when it's a responsibility, a duty, do be well informed, and reasonable when participating.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@elroythegreat1590]

Well informed, do you also watch the View?😳

[@trainingxtrish]

@@elroythegreat1590 sir, is that your only response? Your prejudice (pre judgement) and ignorance are astonishingly disheartening. Or do you only watch Fox and OAN? See how stupid that question is? Either add an educated comment (because you’ve read many sources) or STFU.

[@katescott4049]

I like these kind of journalists that tell the truth as it is , without sugarcoating it , even when it is hard to hear .

[@shichiroku]

Just finished watching her on Frontline. She has a new fan. Incredible insight.

[@S0ulinth3machin3]

Agreed. That's one of the best interviews (if not the best) on this subject that I've seen.

[@migueljaquez4455]

I seen d Frontline interview.... I loved d way she described the way Putin sees our presidents.... actually right on d money.... I hope d whole country sees this documentary... especially d Trump lovers

[@ninskdesign]

She contributed to the Frontline documentary that covered the Ukrainian revolution several years back. They released all of the long form interviews that they pulled from for that doc and hers was the most informative by far (in my opinion). Highly recommend to anyone who wants a better understanding of what is going on and what is at stake.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@alexapuerta]

Thanks! Is it "The Battle for Ukraine"? I never heard of Ioffe before today. Going to check out Puck and this doc you recommended.

[@yc9185]

@@alexapuerta inbox me 👆👆

[@bricology]

@Ninsk Design -- do you have any more specific info than that? My attempts at Google-fu haven't turned it up.

[@ChrisColeChicago]

@@bricology kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6eYZmiFpKinptU

[@y2kelly66]

Ukraine is so close to Russia. Afghanistan was a far away place and we stayed 20 years. This could go on a long time. Pray for Ukraine 🇺🇦 🙏 😢

[@DuranmanX]

I mean, the USSR bordered Afghanistan

[@Megalomaniakaal]

@@DuranmanX Kelly means the other Afghanistan war.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@yc9185]

@@DuranmanX inbox me 👆👆

[@katakurifan5213]

Or end in nuclear war which Putin seems interested in starting

[@davidbrook7121]

Julia Ioffe has a beautiful heart. Brilliant, soulful, compassionate, wise. A valorous woman.

[@user-zm5wo1ip5m]

As a ukrainian I felt all her compassion in her "best case scenario"! You can take girl out of russia, but you cannot take rashism out of her.

[@davidbrook7121]

@@user-zm5wo1ip5m - Slava Ukraine!

[@skymaster4743]

Lol. She is a notorious warmonger doing the bidding of neolib-neocon axis in Washington DC.

[@visantparkash384]

People talk about democracy as if it is a religion and is flawless. Factually, democracy is a SYSTEM. Like all systems, democracy needs to be improved continuously, its flaws should be correct, and its results should be managed and improved.

[@whiskeycreammedia]

"We've had a democracy for hundreds of years. We just need to make it better."

[@marknewbold2583]

Ha ha

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@yc9185]

@@marknewbold2583 inbox me 👆👆

[@nav579]

I agree. Let’s stop pretending there’s no room for improvement.

[@tinaperez7393]

KEEP it and make it better.

[@mortenBP]

"Look how hard they are fighting for it" (Democracy). That was the most important line I drew from this.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@zitools]

good gods will somebody already inbox them.

[@tintinban]

What a Brilliant woman. I wish our leaders are surrounded by people like her who tells them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.

[@johnbolton2149]

So to recap her 3 pronged worst case scenario: 1.) Putin expands attack to Baltic (NATO) countries, drawing the USA into yet another international conflict. 2.) Putin’s war, like the USA/Iraq war, will drag on for decades due to quick decapitation of govt w/ lil prep and no clear plan for moving fwd. 3.) The amount of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war in large numbers and spreading rapidly across Europe will only further far-right nationalist movements in European governments. Her “best case” scenario: Putin is successful in capturing Zelensky, extraditing him to Russia where he’s tried and convicted for bogus war crimes. The invasion not only ends democracy immediately in Ukraine, but it deters any revolutionary attempts by the Ukrainian ppl for fear of Putin’s wrath?! - does this woman understand the term “best case scenario”? For whom is that the best case? I’ll take the 3 headed worst case scenario given those options plz. Idk if this woman misunderstood the spirit of the questions, or if she’s extremely cynical. I’m a realist, not trying to sugarcoat this dilemma w/ myself or others, but this was odd…

[@robshastri1346]

@@johnbolton2149 I see what you’re driving at. But think she’s being straightforward in saying that the “best case” for the world from global war & annihilation standpoint would be worse case for Ukrainians ie, a swift & decisive victory. Which we now know hasn’t happened…and won’t happen. So Putin will simply escalate the violence since he’s indifferent to mass casualties & human suffering…and thereby essentially dare the West to confront him on the battlefield. So it’s grim outcomes no matter what.

[@LillianHenegar]

Thank you LSSC crew for bringing on intelligent informed experts to discuss critical issues. I loved her "cautionary tale" to us - democracy is work! If we stand with Ukraine, and those brave Russians protesting the war, then we must work to save and invigorate our own democracy.

[@chrisandersen5635]

Much respect and hope for you and your friends and loved ones’ safety Julia Ioffe.

[@mikewhite4560]

But MANY Americans don't KNOW we're a DEMOCRACY....

[@yc9185]

@@mikewhite4560 inbox me 👆👆👆

[@marvinmartion1178]

She's absolutely right, democracy is work! But I'll take a little work over fascism any day!

[@kenhoward3512]

It's gonna take more than a little work with a fascist - proudly so - in our midst, influencing tens-of-millions of Americans and leaders of one of the two political parties in charge here. I don't believe we've ever seen an internal threat like this before, with so many Americans now believing we should have an autocratic leader (the same one defeated in 2020, who convinced traitors to wave American flags and call themselves "patriots").

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@yc9185]

@@kenhoward3512 inbox me 👆👆

[@supernatural5354]

You say we have a democracy but we have 2 parties in this country they operate the same way 🤣

[@yc9185]

@@supernatural5354 inbox me 👆👆

[@wolrdtraveller]

Everyone in democratic countries should be paying attention to this incredible woman.

[@allanmiltenberger7798]

Killing it Ms. Ioffe . Glad to see and hear you. Will pray for friends and family swept into turmoil.

[@haldenza6464]

Gotta love this show for how they‘re consistently managing to blend late night entertainment with a more serious and critical approach, I think Stephen is probably the only LNS host who can authentically pull it off. I sometimes think he still doesn’t get enough credit for his intellectual prowess. He could easily host a one-on-one format like Charlie Rose (without the creep factor, that is) and I hope we‘ll get to see him in something like that at some point in time. Would be awesome!

[@dingaia]

Trevor Noah is pretty good as well, i'd even go so far say he's even more progressive than his counterparts.

[@cc1k435]

The Colbert Report was bitingly funny political humor, there's no way he wouldn't be talking politics now. 🤣

[@gregdiamondmusic]

💯 he’s pretty brilliant, John Stewart also did it so incredibly well back on his show back in the day.

[@JohnSmith-pn1vv]

This! Celebrities who parrot the mainstream narrative know what's best!

[@JohnSmith-pn1vv]

@C C you don't have to, you choose to, and it's very obvious. Another shitlib American who wants.... drumroll please badadadadadadadadadaa.... WAR! Oh, nobody saw that coming

[@MylesDavid]

Julia is awesome!! They should have her at the White House right now helping to navigate this awful situation!

[@lakotasue]

Good point!

[@mishynaofficial]

As a Ukrainian, I must tell the world that Ukrainians will never give up democracy and will never submit to any puppet or repressive regime after 2013. Nonsense to even think about it. Julia Ioffe may understand Putin, but she does not understand Ukrainians.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@ericklaus3972]

Yes because Biden is in Delaware taking a nap

[@yc9185]

@@ericklaus3972 inbox me 👆👆

[@irynayakymets9758]

I think it's nice Julia acknowledges how hard we're fighting for our freedom. But Ukraine hasn't had democracy for a couple of decades. Our history goes back centuries. Kyiv Rus, the Kozacs - that's our history, that's when our democracy started, not after the fall of the Soviet Union. The first constitution in Ukraine (and one of the oldest in the world) was written by Pylyp Orlyk in 1710. It's obvious that our history is only known to us - Ukrainians. But we're extremely proud of it, of our ancestors, and we're not exactly new at this.

[@lolodee3528]

Kyiv, so rich in history. Traversed by so many cultures. I hope to see Kyiv one day. Free from Pu's nastiness.

[@akc1739]

Thank you for this comment. Respect.

[@ladybug5859]

That was a very good point and it reminded me of the two-hour documentary called the history of ruse it was really excellent and it went back to the founding of Ukraine Bruce which preceded the kissing with Vladimir into the Orthodox Church and when I recall vividly and it made explicit in the documentary as that they've been fighting over an in Ukraine for millenniums and they always fought for freedom while Russia itself has never known freedom and never fought for freedom but always capitulated to the strongman in all events that's what I took the documentary and it confirms what you said just now I'm not sure if she knows the history of Ukraine because I think her studies were dealing with Russia and she doesn't have Ukrainian Roots but she's actually a Russian Jew so so she was trying to make the contest of a new and young democracy versus an older democracy like ours which is often and is complacent and by Young mean that only recently they finally got the Russian puppets out and couldn't let their own person so

[@ridethepace6005]

As a US citizen, I have to express how much respect many of us feel for you and your countrymen and women. I will gladly sacrifice any amount of support my country sends to you in this time of need. As your President says, you are not only fighting for yourselves, but for all free people. My heart aches for your loss, and hope that one day we get to see Putin dangle before his people the way Mussolini did.

[@khananasherov]

One of the best political interviews! Great stuff, thank you.

[@lllCTHULHUlll]

I know celebrities get more views, but I'll always love Colbert for putting politics first. His insistence of putting politics at the forefront did not work for his ratings early on, but I'm here for it just as I was for The Colbert Report. And this interview was perfect even if it was sobering. Great guest.

[@garryferrington811]

If you want your fluff straight, there are other shows. Colbert is like Dick Cavett compared to Mike Douglas, but funnier.

[@supernatural5354]

All he ever has on is liberals 😂

[@dukeon]

Great Cthulhu, is it really you?? Please start with MAGA and Freedom Truckers when you destroy our reality and drive us all insane. Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@elroythegreat1590]

I am guessing you also watch the View.

[@alexapuerta]

@@supernatural5354 No he doesn't. Chris Wallace, D***** T****! And a fair share of moderates.

[@borntoexplore982]

America, If you value your democracy, you will vote in November. We can’t afford for people who defend Putin’s actions to be elected.

[@artimuos903]

Or who are doing nothing.

[@dwhitman3092]

AMEN!

[@katakurifan5213]

We might all be dead by November

[@scoobydoo3928]

Yes. The elected Republican party has shown us who they are. Drumpf supporters have shown us what they are about. Right wing authoritarianism, which has been on the rise around the world in the last few years, must be shut down with a mighty scream of democracy. So sad, that the loudest voices have been the minority, and anything but democratic. Such is the result of poor education and monied social media.

[@justaperson9155]

So thank god Trump is out. Who was buddies with Putin.

[@miguelidcomm]

She’s absolutely right: We already have a Democracy. Let’s just make it better. So learn about politics. Stay vigilant. Stop acting out of emotion, and start acting with reason. We can do this, America. 🙏🇺🇸

[@Yertle_Turtle]

Excellent guest! Best informed speculation on the outcomes I've seen out of ALL the political discussion so far. I'm paying attention to Ms. Ioffe from now on.

[@nirrti7]

"You got anymore of that bourbon?" I have a feeling we're all about to get a little drunker from going through this mess.

[@dwhitman3092]

I feel ya darlin'!

[@Kat-gp6gj]

I just got a Jack Daniels commercial after watching this lol

[@robvangessel3766]

I feel it's time to take a broad look at how hoarding sociopaths and greedy corporatists work together. Their alliance is mutually profitable, and as it grows, democracy sinks.

[@frozenrose84]

so true

[@desireeespinosa3954]

Yep. Our Corporations in Chiefs don’t see a monitory gain for helping Ukraine, so we won’t. It breaks my heart

[@robvangessel3766]

@@desireeespinosa3954 My bigger concern is the long-run pattern. The 'Corporations in Chiefs' alongside the billionaire class (all of them, self-serving bullshitters, from Vladimir Potanin to Elon Musk) are pressing on to dismantle democracy, ours and those throughout Europe. We all have a big, big fight ahead; but with billions controlling our political system and our politicians, the People as defined in our Constitution may have as much chance of winning that fight as Ukraine has against Russia. As quoted by Stephen Colbert,. "the price of liberty is eternal vigilance". Well, since the 1980s, most of us haven't been very vigilant, as corporations deepened their hooks decade by decade - until it fed into what may now become a global crisis. The corporate oligarchs are ultimately the source of this whole damn thing.

[@jeank8061]

@@robvangessel3766 To support your point, I found it rather disturbing and incriminating that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' wife is very involved with this small group of super-wealthy people who are funding this whole lie about the 2020 election being stolen. To me, this supports the idea that the super-wealthy oligarchs of the world working to dismantle western democracies. Why now? I can't help but think that these powerful entities are all watching the current global severe weather events as well as the grim forecasts of increasing sea level rise, devasating storms, floods and wildfires. There is no way climate change will not create ieconomic instability; it is inevitable. They are building their larders and feathering their nests... :(

[@ultimomos5918]

very well said

[@katherinevanderbogart490]

Fantastic, unbelievably well spoken and honest journalist! I thank you for giving us this much needed knowledge. Incredible!

[@robote7679]

What she said about Democracy. Yes, yes Democracy is work and it is worth it.

[@pamelatanner788]

Yes! Thank you for very important reminder that democracy is work. We take it for granted but can lose it if we dont protect it.

[@ericminch]

All we have to do is convince the 40 million Americans who think authoritarian rule is better that they are wrong. 40 million of us. How many of those 40 million are you going to convert? Starting...now.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@buttercrunch24]

I have been following Julia for quite a while and she is the first journalist I turn to regarding Russia and Putin. Her insights and calm clarity are priceless.

[@torivarnor]

Why would you trust any journalists to tell you the truth? you americans ar so easy to fool because you know nothing about the world or its history. Bring back the real President, the orange one that never started a war unlike the rest of your criminal presidents and war criminals. Good luck from Norway.

[@glentorn5362]

This was a fascinating interview. I found Ms Ioffe's insights to be very enlightening.

[@camelo1495]

Thank you for introducing this person to us. Would love to sit down and listen more to her intellect. Absolutely brilliant guest and I really listened intently....sorry.

[@giaccommander7474]

I don´t know why but she made me cry at the end.........

[@venessav8773]

All i can is wowwwww! 🇨🇦 stand up and rise together for Ukraine and for the world!! ❤🌏 democracy must prevail and sacrifices must be made to keep it! ✌️💞🌎

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@byrnez2755]

I admire her. I admire her insight. I admire her thoughtfulness. I admire how much she is dedicated to learning about this story-line, day-in, day-out.

[@peterheise4956]

Julia paints a picture that is clearer than any politician ever has. She is not only smart but also beautiful. Excellent!

[@theWZZA]

She was a brilliant guest. We should heed her warnings, be vigilant, and protect our democracy. The USA needs to be a shining example to the world.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

I agree with every word!

[@sunseeker9581]

Its not been a shining example for a long time

[@theWZZA]

@@sunseeker9581 We can be better, no doubt. We have to try.

[@sunseeker9581]

@@theWZZA a lot better. Many countries in europe and Canada have done better for a long time.

[@theWZZA]

@@sunseeker9581 it's not a competition. Peace.

[@orsygodri1155]

I understand that as a late night comedy show you wanna end on a high note but I think Steve should not have pushed her on a bright side. Julia Ioffe seemed very clear on how grim even the best possible outcome is. We NEED to understand that life is not just chuckles and happy days and leaving on a note like this might wake people up more to the reality we are living in.

[@kevtb874]

This. He just couldn't let it go as a host could he? She was being realistic. She knows Ukraine is not going to win this fight. Not without direct immediate help which until now is not on the horizon. That's the facts if the matter. Best case scenario is that it's at least a swift and efficient takeover, with minimal casualties and then things go back to a discussion and justice is done without a protracted need for open war.

[@joeydon185]

Agreed

[@me034]

I think, he knew her answers before hand, and pushed the good case scenario to make people understand that the best case scenario sucks and how serious the situation is

[@miscellaneousstuff2901]

However, by pushing that hard and still getting a grim picture from her, it has that much greater an impact. It was good interviewing and probably even better answering from Julia.

[@docjohnpaul1]

This is a comedy show. Comedy is not empty "chuckles and happy days." Colbert was in no way undermining the gravity of what is happening. He merely coaxed the guest into the irony of yesterday's events, and how our own country has been tap dancing in the minefield of authoritarian rule. Irony and comedy are very close cousins.

[@brinsonopinion]

I just watched all 3 segments - never seen this woman before but she is GOOD & I will remember her name, seek out her content. Thanks The Late Show.

[@resevoirdog]

No way !! I'm a huge Julia Loffie fan I never thought she'd be on a show like this !

[@laalaa99stl]

Hoping that Ukraine becomes Russia's Iraq seems like a pretty bleak thing to hold up as a best case scenario. Thanks for not sugar coating things for us too much there.

[@sunseeker9581]

At the end of the day ukraine aren't a nato country so they won't get the support they need.

[@luckyfisherman2152]

So why did Americans go and die in Iraq again? Do the Iraqis suffer less after the war US brought on them?

[@sunseeker9581]

@@luckyfisherman2152 because sadaam Hussain was getting too big for his boots. But I agree Iraq was a total mess. Just like Afghanistan. War very rarely ends well

[@lucasgrey9794]

@@sunseeker9581 Are you a boomer? How can you seriously still buy the official narrative on the Iraq war? There is no excuse for such ignorance on your part. Saddam did NOTHING to deserve the destruction of Iraq.

[@sunseeker9581]

@@lucasgrey9794 he didn't have chemical weapons but he was a dictator. The invasion maybe shouldn't of happened but he was certainly no saint.

[@ernestpaul2484]

Her voice almost cracking as she answers the questions shows her emotional involvement as well as her intellectual one.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@johnbolton2149]

I interpreted her constant throat clearing as being due to dry mouth & nervousness caused by public speaking. Reasons being she did it consistently throughout interview, even at points where there was lil to no reason to be emotional, just speaking matter of factly. Also she’s a Russian born woman, takes a lot more than a 6 minute analysis themed discussion to crack them emotionally.

[@ernestpaul2484]

@@johnbolton2149 Yeah, she is born in Moscow. But one would think that after immigrating here in 2007 at the age of 25, she would have shredded some of that "Russian hardness". Maybe, just maybe, it was because unlike Putin and his inner circle, the majority of the Russian people are completely against the invasion into Ukraine. Since she has so close ties to the people of Russia, she feels the same way.

[@yc9185]

@@johnbolton2149 inbox me 👆👆

[@marciss8372]

@@johnbolton2149 I don't think basing your opinions of people on corny Hollywood cliches is helpful. The whole format of the show is quite bizarre, would they be discussing 9/11 like this? You can tell by her "ironic" laugh. And, yes, she was choking up.

[@michalotten9722]

Please have her on again just in general, not just in reaction to Russian aggression. What a great interview.

[@chubbybrown4real]

She is Truly amazing from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Cyndance]

Thank you for having her on. Bless her and all her people. The Russians don't want this either.

[@nevadak3424]

@Don Dimon they dont elect him dumbo! He passed a decree so he could be president for life! Abd hes gotten rid of all his opponents! Permanently!!

[@mishynaofficial]

@@nevadak3424 they could do a Revolution dumbo. Like we, Ukrainians, do it for every autocrat. But the truth is that most of Russians, civilians and military, believe what Putin believes. They may not even support Putin, they may not support hot war, but still they are imperialists and N*zis. They hate Poland for telling the world about the crimes of Russia (which divided Poland three times in the 18th century and divided Poland with Hitler in 1939 and occupied Poland with the Communists until 1989). They think ex-USSR countries and cultures belong to them. They consider others inferior to them. Many of Russians said it on camera, it's all over KZbin, ready for the Nuremberg Trials 2.

[@imtheboss1826]

If the Russian soldiers would refuse to fight.....

[@chrisslashmann5044]

@@mishynaofficial as a Russian I assure you that what you're saying is nonsense. Idiots are always the loudest, so it may seem like they form a majority, and this is exactly what they want you to believe. This initiates spiral of silence, which divides people further and further apart... See, it even tricked you

[@mishynaofficial]

@@chrisslashmann5044 i do not care. You and your children and your grandchildren will pay reparations to Ukrainians for 100 years. Your children and grandchildren will ask you "Grandfather, what did you do to stop Putler?". Now live with this.

[@hanskrill5625]

Wow, if you'd scripted this scene, you couldn't have made it more impactful in that nuanced way where I suddenly realised she's personally, emotionally involved in this conflict. Also, having to try 3 times at a best-case scenario only serves to show how dire the situation is.

[@justinsullivan1285]

A good and insightful interview. Julia's solutions to persevering our democracy ( voting, staying informed, Being educated etc) sounds great. I wished it was easier said than done.

[@ericminch]

Good luck voting when the voting laws make it as difficult as possible. Good luck staying informed when Fox and Oann and Newsmax pretend to deliver news. Good luck being educated when teachers are paid a pittance and school districts' budgets are raided in order to fund "school choice".

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@miket4560]

Thanks for the clip. What a charming guest. Looks like Stephen needs a hug. In fact I think we all could use one. 🇨🇦

[@ericminch]

I'm with you. Consider this a hug for you and all of Canada.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@yc9185]

@@ericminch inbox me 👆👆

[@possumGFX]

Julia Ioffe has an interview on youtube where she explains the origins of Putin and its one of the most insightful things you can watch to educate yourself.

[@skeeterbodeen8326]

Yes it is a must see... plus there’s a second “newer” one on the current war.

[@ML-vy8xo]

She speaks with beautiful comprehensible clarity. I could listen to this lady all day

[@francesthorarinsson3699]

Thank you Julia-Democracy is work

[@The_Notorious_N.O.E.]

She didn't sugarcoat it and I think we can all at least appreciate that

[@SuperMTight]

Wow, what a fantastic interview. Can you make Julia a regular segment for the next weeks while Putin's shit keeps hitting the fan? I feel that her comments would contribute greatly to keeping sanity.

[@karlvonbahnhof6594]

Ive just watched her interview on PBS frontline, she is so clever, her insights are just spot on, everyone should listen to her, plus she is so beautiful!

[@Necedemal]

Julia, Youa are an extraordinary speaker, so clear, inteligent, and beautiful.

[@AbdulHannanAbdulMatheen]

👏😐 Best wishes to the people of Ukraine

[@switchmuso]

Very moving at 5.00 when Julia talks about how hard Ukrainians are fighting to keep Democracy alive.

[@whatabouttheearth]

"and a cautionary tale". Yeah, the entire essence of democracy can be seen as a cautionary tale

[@jason1656]

I'm watching every interview Julia Laffe has done this woman is brilliant

[@nannettehuffman8397]

Man, she is right on point about democracy!!!

[@mikejackson5666]

MY wife's grandma was from Latvia ,I said the threat from Germans was a nightmare for your family, she replied yes, but not as terrifying as the Russians.

[@tanyam5471]

Well everyone has their own experience. My grand grandfathers fought with nazies as a soviet soldiers and could tell you a lot about who is the worst if they were still alive. A lot of people from Baltic Countries was very nationalistic even at that time. And it is very easy to believe in your grandma story.

[@yc9185]

@@tanyam5471 inbox me 👆👆

[@genechorney]

My parents from Ukraine told me the exact same thing

[@rossmclellan8875]

Wow....brilliant person.....I mean when she spoke about democracy I got chills... And I'm not even American. (Canadian)

[@2Startortoises]

Julia for president!!! I love this brilliant woman!!!

[@silcrow]

This was a great interview

[@barandayiyer5976]

As an Indian, I feel what she says in the end is pure gold.

[@scottkempton6085]

She should make a poster of that list of things she said democracy requires; vigilance, education, being a savvy consumer of media, voting and paying attention, then post it on every street corner in America. Maybe it'd sink in.

[@mrzoinky5999]

Sad thing is that the Trumpists think they are savvy - they believe in so many conspiracy theories that they are convinced that they are smart for seeing all the clues - not like all the sheeple they mock for not being as "savvy" as they are. You will never convince them otherwise, because they are driven by hatred.

[@christinegivens9048]

Watch her PBS interview from 2017. Wow. What an articulate and bright journalist!

[@liheliheliheli]

I am a Chinese (non-communist) in Australia, please support the United States, I feel that your internal conflict is too serious, if this continues, the world will really belong to Russia, China and North Korea, the United States, unite, support up ah!

[@kkpenney444]

Yeah, as an American, I can barely sleep anymore. I always see our situation as it relates to the world, so to hear even the smallest reminder that our role as a relatively healthy nation is vital to the world (rather than the usual hate), helps me, at the very least. Many of us are trying. Please don't give up on us.

[@gkh2606]

So chilling and haunting. Her analysis.

[@bradcalhoun8976]

Who IS THIS WOMAN? SHE'S AMAZING! How Remarkable! I wonder if she can handle 100%🥃🔂100% of the time. 🤔 I would love to have her in my Administration/Cabinet one day!

[@anpmech]

I love Julia’s take on this and her expertise. She’s an amazing woman and fascinating to listen to.

[@chrisgreen7725]

We should more of her as a guest; not only during disasters. She has an insight I want to hear more of.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆👆

[@user-sz2ze1pj8e]

I am a 17 old Ukrainian girl. Sitting at home in my small hometown. What she said here is really, really mean. How could she say that there's no hope. How dare she? She doesn't know what Ukrainian people are capable of. You don't know how strong and brave we are. We will fight till the end. I'd rather die than give in to the evil government. God is with us, because our country is innocent. We did not start the war. But it will only stangthen us, we will make history. This is our homeland, we will fight for it. Our national forces will defend our country. We believe in them. And I know that most of countries don't really care and I understand, because I used to not care too when hearing about wars in other places, but now I do. Please pray and help and believe in us. It will help you in the future too P.s. i know she meant well. It's just that it is disrespectful to those who are fighting at the front lines of our country for the freedom right now and risking their lives. So just casually saying that there's no way we could fight back is like saying what they are doing right now doesn't matter

[@justinvt]

You are right. We believe in you. God bless ukraine.

[@dwhitman3092]

We are praying for you and all of the brave people of the Ukraine. Hoping that you can stay safe, sweetie.

[@charleskramer7062]

First, I am so sorry for what you are going through. Second, I don’t think she was being mean when she said she did not see a “best case scenario.” I have no doubt that the Ukrainian people will fight bravely and tenaciously, but I think what she was saying is that many many people will suffer and die because of this invasion, and that it will last a very long time. The Russians have a much bigger military, and that matters, even though I am sure the Ukrainians will not give up. After listening to her, I am positive her heart is with Ukraine - as are the hearts of people all over the world.

[@garryferrington811]

We're with you. We'll contribute.

[@DontKnowHowToSayNo]

@@garryferrington811 How? Be careful that middlemen don't take the majority.

[@hestergreen2031]

Thank you for this interview.

[@Green-ie1dn]

Thank you, Julia!

[@83don37]

She almost made me 🥺🥺🥺🥺 at the end. This is definitely a horrible situation

[@nojolie]

Yeah me tooo

[@eileenrobinson8014]

Well said! Democracy is on guard!

[@jamesdonnell2579]

Julia, wise and beautiful.. All ears when you orate so sagaciously 😉👍😁

[@justinelord95]

Love her a realist a definite wake-up call to all nations who hold democracy as it’s political system

[@Shadow-nlr]

Do we live in a democracy when the government makes it difficult for people to vote?

[@Left_hand_clapping]

To be fair there’s only one party trying to make it difficult to vote. The other one was perfectly fine with mail in ballots and growing the accessibility to vote. 2020 was the most secure election in US history.

[@Shadow-nlr]

@markallen You're absolutely right. This is what I meant.

[@hotrodhendrix1]

Sounds like y'all need to look into what voting laws have been added by Republicans... If you think they are trying to suppress votes you are either watching bias news channels or ignorant. Educate yourself on these things instead of listening to far left media outlets.

[@JuanVasquez-el1xt]

@@Left_hand_clapping you stupid if you believe that lol

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Requiring ID, us citizenship, and only allowing people to vote once is not making it difficult.

[@Ecovaluations]

Yep, Iraq was a perfect example of how an invaded country can take on a military superpower and make their lives miserable. It's good to hear the US is making Ukraine the beneficiary of this lesson.

[@yc9185]

Inbox me 👆👆

[@shashimenon1000]

A very bright and sensible lady. People should listen to her.

[@gmt5664]

Watching in May. Incredible

[@galahadgarza6905]

"The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.”-John Philpot Curran

[@Tim_Shu]

Really liked her interview, she's clued up

[@jonnatonjapiassu9083]

I think it's interesting how I got offended by her pessimism and how She underestimated Ukraine. I appreciate Stephen trying to get an expert on Russia such as her to be more hopeful and optimistic. Glory to Ukraine!!

[@HannahTrapeze]

#DemocracyIsWork. Ioffe is brilliant. I'm a new fan.

[@ulasliz]

Will any of these experts finally learn that Ukraine was in the union of states with Poland and Lithuania as part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from the end of the 14th century to the end of the 18th century, and only then was Ukraine colonized by Russia? Despite all the atrocities inflicted on them, the Ukrainians never gave up their dream of regaining independence. In this Polish-Lithuanian-Ukrainian-Belarusian Commonwealth, Ukrainian elites practiced parliamentarism and democracy as deputies and senators to the Seym long before Western European states.

[@lightefilit]

Exactly. Ain’t no one is scaring Ukraine enough to “keep quite” even for a month. Even if they kill our government, Ukrainians won’t back down. They’ll face opposition, hate and revolutions at literally every corner.