"Dumb Smart People" with Van Jones | Andrew Yang

Yang goes off on how elites running our country don't have "street smarts," and how we should reopen our economy. Van Jones joins to talk about elitism in the US, how to fight for change when you're part of the "establishment," and who's actually in charge in the White House.
Van Jones - reformalliance... | cut50.org/ | / vanjones68
Andrew Yang - movehumanityfo... | / andrewyang
Zach Graumann - / zach_graumann
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Yang Speaks is Andrew Yang's new podcast where he discusses ideas on moving the country forward and shares conversations with leaders in tech, sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and politics. Find the latest episodes here on KZbin or on yangspeaks.com

[@henrytep8884]

I'm a dumb smart person and I approve of this message.

[@bellas2cents836]

Lol you’re funeeee...

[@elvillivle]

I'm a dumb dumb person and this made the dumb smart people more relatable to me. Damn, they're not very different from me!

[@bratis99]

@@elvillivle ooh you're a dumb trump guy, nice, so you're relatable

[@elvillivle]

@@bratis99 no, I'm a dump truck guy.

[@jzen1455]

I'm just dumb.

[@philliplue2196]

Van Jones is awesome and has the foresight to champion for Yang throughout the DNC campaign.

[@richardlee9207]

Van is smarter than me because he was looking for a Andrew Yang even b4 Andrew was running for POTUS. Let me explain... Before I knew about Yang I was interested in Beto O'Rourke because I didn't see any Dem candidates who has any good ideas that can move this country forward, Beto at least has gut to call Trump an asshole. But I know Beto didn't have it either. I had no clue what it was.

[@maldacious]

DNC campaign??

[@IMSiegfried]

The DNC (and RNC) are corrupted. We need to take back the DNC party and reform it. ~Tulsi quote

[@GersonNolasco]

I can listen to Andre Yang for hours and still want more.

[@kloppskop4149]

I want to see him in more conversations with people disagreeing with his positions, this is where he shows the most value, not because he is always right but because he finds a way the progress a conversation forward

[@tiemarie6027]

Thats why he needs to be our president now! Not later #SillVotingYang

[@athlonz2007]

@@tiemarie6027 I would make one single exception for 2020, This orange dude has got to go by all means, it is poisoning the entire United States as a whole, and as a Canadian who live relatively near the New York state border, I consider the US to be our top priority ally, So I urge you to just vote Blue to restore "Normal" so we can renew our common dreams and advance forward, If Andrew Yang runs for independent, then please for the love of god Vote Yang :). PS It is just merely a suggestion, I foresee a second term for Trump to be a complete disaster for the advancement of Humanity. It would be hell on earth, the US is the beacon of freedom and therefore shows the world where to go... at least for now if China doesn't take over, which is awfully close to economically speaking 🙄🙄

[@thirty_ish2890]

Agreed. These podcasts are kind of like a modern day version of FDRs fireside chats. Plus, I think most millennials stopped paying attention to the mainstream media years ago. Despite our purported “ADHD” and “short attention spans” I think we’re more likely to listen to long form podcasts than the Boomers are. They’re still stuck on sound bites.

[@IMSiegfried]

@@thirty_ish2890 Hey I'm a boomer and I'm not stuck on sound bites.

[@wagnerwong9966]

Yanggang is everywhere, from everywhere

[@henryliang3072]

More people need to hear Andrew

[@randal_gibbons]

Henry Liang I love Andrew. In two minutes I was hooked His ideas are so logical yet almost spiritual at the same time. I can't understand how anyone could not want this man in the White House.

[@LiMbOtrap]

Van Jones understands his path to the top wasn’t easy. He took the path less traveled at the time, and made it. He knows we need to level the playing field. All races have good ideas, we just need to give us opportunity.

[@zlatko8051]

watches marbula

[@musicpatron1693]

i think the reason there's resistance to this, is because it is a heirarchy..and to be at the top, more people have to move to the bottom..just helping people get to the top is counter intuitive in a competitive society.

[@ctdesign1503]

amen bro

[@shugies]

MusicPatron insightful!

[@ruburtoe1]

@@musicpatron1693 #gameb?

[@hariprsd1]

Andrew and his top aide disagreeing openly on reopening economy.. I don't agree with Andrew on a lot of things. But it's these kind of nonpoliticiany qualities that make me trust him.. atleast he'll care and have my back

[@maldacious]

It shows they’re humans and not political machine robots. I love it. They have differing opinions but can work together :)

[@tiemarie6027]

Exactly and you don't get that from the other candidates...#StillVotingYang

[@vangmx]

My mind is always f**king learning new things with Andrew and his guests especially this one with Van Jones.

[@ed_styles4218]

man. im so sad how We couldve had Yang. 2024 folks. we gotta make it happen

[@gmaureen]

First time I heard Andrew I was blown away. I also knew, instinctively, he would be brushed off as too radical. It is, however, satisfying to see his idea of UBI now being taken seriously....all around the world. Hopefully, America will be ready for him in 2024.

[@tiemarie6027]

Yang gang 2020 #StillVotingYang

[@harrisonschneider8333]

@@tiemarie6027 I voted for him.

[@katherinebanbury3294]

Its always gratifying to me to have class discussions because this country is so confused by it all. We have to get smarter about this particular oppression and how it internalizes into folk's understanding about themselves/their intellect/value/potential, let alone what it does to our society. Another reason Andrew Yang is helping our country evolve. Thank you Andrew. And thank you Van for knowing this about Andrew. Its great to learn more about you today.

[@Richannplayshop]

Insightful comment, thank you. I agree.

[@fury1185]

Agreed!

[@littlegravitas9898]

Van would deffo have had a place in a Yang administration.

[@8cupsCoffee]

Yang is so down to earth. He understands the problems small business owners have. We are gonna have a bad couple of years and we need someone to articulate what's going on for us.

[@WarlordStarcraft2]

....Helllll no

[@ArtScienceWonder]

Ah, this makes me think of The Portal with Eric Weinstein, I've been listening to his Podcast a ton lately, it's very good.

[@user-zb6lg1xj3k]

Eric and Andrew definitely needs to do another pod, especially after yang has appeared on CNN and eric voiced some concerns over that decision

[@IMSiegfried]

Hm...I'm not so sure about that. Because of your comment I just listened to Eric's talk about BLM, protests and how it would be horrible to defund the police but he doesn't even know what it actually means to do that!

[@daurham]

Wow, discussing Elites is so important! Thank you !!

[@jodokastde]

Let van jones speak more ? Another episode with van pls

[@kc5029]

I Did Not Know VAN Worked For PRINCE !! LOVE U ANDREW !!! ✍🏼💯💪🏽

[@saulgoo2334]

This is my favorite podcast ever

[@emerraldx]

I love that these drop so early in the A.M. so I don’t have to wait until I get home from work to listen ❤️ and I love Andrew & Van talking sense to everyday Americans. Thank you 🙏💕🧢💕 #YangGangForever

[@matthewpopp1054]

Van Jones interview starts 27:00

[@gordthor5351]

I was also looking for Yang before he showed up. However, I never thought I would see it. I am definitely pleasantly surprised

[@dynrgal]

I was at a fundraiser in NYC in November 2019. I had seen his TED TALK years ago ,found him before Rogan and was relieved to have a real candidate. I, totally, broke down crying , thanking him for running and was overwhelmed that he would sacrifice his personal life to help other Americans. We do not see that in politics. I still wear my 5 Yang2020 shirts , my 3 Math hats and my Yang sweatshirt....I still have hope AND standards...BUT, I will bite the bullet for Biden

[@ElemXCR]

Yep same here but I found him back when he was running. I really enlightening when you found the answer and someone who is preaching it with a firm confidence.

[@jhuang2007]

@@dynrgal Yang 2024! Yang Gang forever!

[@dynrgal]

@@jhuang2007 absolutely #americaneedsyang

[@dynrgal]

Really need to have video podcasts...I don't mind listening, but I think visual, is important...especially, moving on politically..WE NEED YOU

[@phillygirl3337]

Great Topics - Thank You!

[@dickjdicks]

You had me at "dumb smart people"

[@randal_gibbons]

We need you more than ever Andrew. Your plan is so simple yet far reaching.

[@structuralengineering3406]

Wow Yang graduated law at the top in class.

[@csy897]

He got 178/180 for LSATs and I wouldn't be surprised if he did that so he seemed more human and imperfect. Or if he thought 180 was uncool.

[@NorthStateNate]

Always been a fan of Van! Thanks Yang et al. “... if from noon to one we could just get something done.”

[@jonathannelson6428]

I’m looking at less than 30k views of this interview and of yangs’ podcast and don’t get it...??? There is a lot of substance in his interviews and his platform in general. Am i the only one who feels there should be many more people listening?

[@tiemarie6027]

Yes! He needs to do something to the peoples attention now more than ever ...#StillVotingYang

[@francomiranda706]

Andrew, please have Grant from 3Blue1Brown on the podcast. He is one of the biggest mathematicians on KZbin (which is well in line with your brand), he has a wonderful voice, personality and temperament, and he has recently covered the topic of safe, anonymous contact tracing methods which you were discussing in this video! check out his recent video called "Does contact tracing necessarily sacrifice privacy? (via Nicky Case) ", this is an excellent video explaining an excellent contact tracing plan!

[@drewpark3253]

Bump!

[@Richannplayshop]

Sounds like a great and timely potential guest and subject to cover in a Podcast.

[@supermonkeyqwerty]

YESSSS that''d be BRILLIANT

[@nunchucksupland]

Put the money in our hands

[@makesmefeellikeatalltree8250]

Your Humanity Forward brand is very nice. Very powerful. Kudos to your graphics team.

[@jodylowe8476]

I learn so much about issues I have never thought of or considered from Yang and his guests. Very eye opening.

[@RobertoBlake]

The problem we have now is a result of all the selfish people who didn’t comply with the i trial lockdown. Within American culture we are more willful. In places that complied they are in a position to reopen safely. We also have underreported numbers due to lack of testing and that is by design because the administration wants to save face. They also wanted that so they could push for reopening because this President is running on economic growth and jobs. Yang is right that we need to be able to protect people without needing to rig or prop up these numbers and that can only happen with competent leaders that are humanist. We have an incompetent populist leader and we are suffering the consequences for it now. He is willing to let ppl suffer just to save face... and to stay in power.

[@cookingwithhua7237]

💯I always liked you Roberto and the value you provide to creators. I’m glad to see you here. #humanity

[@O1OO1O1]

One can be willful and take other people into account. It's not a collectivist vs individualist issue. Smart people realise that dealing with the virus is most effective if you start early and go hard, so you can return to normal faster and ideally long term. New Zealand did this, through good government leadership. But a community of smart people, with the help of some government support, could do it without much government support. People just suck at being logical and collaborating.

[@ArtScienceWonder]

lol Andrews dorky laugh is a little too much at the beginning, but he's been so serious lately on the visual interviews that I was worried and I'm glad it's back. XD

[@quanganhvu6791]

this may be an unpopular opinion but his laugh sometimes cringes me a bit. Don't get me wrong, I love Andrew being an optimistic guy that actually had fun running for President (one of the qualities that attracted me to him) and his laugh felt like a normal part of it. But having watched A LOT of interviews or other content with him I found that oftentimes his laugh just comes out of nowhere either during a serious conversation or when it's generally not a funny situation. After a brief laugh he seems to recover quite instantly tho. Makes me wonder whether it's less of a sense of humor and more like his personal defense mechanism, to which I would relate.

[@phatape2100]

@@quanganhvu6791 I agree. It’s a shame to get distracted from his serious message.

[@statnerd9263]

@@quanganhvu6791 I have a similar dorky laugh - it's a defense mechanism :)

[@laheil3373]

Sometimes I think he is laughing because he is incredulous at the idiocracy of what he sees so plainly that our society/politicians do not.

[@1whyvonne]

Love and appreciate Andrew, Zach and team Yang so, so much. We need your leadership so badly. Some consumer feedback to help expand the yanggang base beyond the initial demographic. Some ideas are from other posters. --have others speak the ads, not Yang and intro. them so they don't flow directly from your own messaging. "but first, a word from our sponsor..." type of thing. --Work on the flow of the transitions --preface shifts from "presidential" to informal tones to reduce the jarring effect and maintain credibility:( for example: " I need to be brutally honest for a moment..." "This is kind of goofy but..." etc. ) --Zach, be aware of over-use of your "bro-speak" word choice and pace. Its kind of alienating and when you use it, Yang tends to play into it. Your empathetic voice, when you speak straight from the heart, is so much more powerful. --Give a bit of an agenda outline --consider having video of the discussions --consider throwing up some graphics (similar to your proposed PowerPoints) to add educational value. Your platform is incredible but, for many Americans, somewhat complex. As you correctly identified, we truly do need to "think harder." Doing this will entail a steep learning curve for our nation. Take it from a teacher, we're going to need to scaffold. We want the messaging to reach as many people as possible and for each production to be a learning experience. There is tons of good material such as visual aids/infographics out there, produced by the campaign and supporters, to work with. --Lastly, PLEASE get some sort of dock/tripod to use with your cell when you are making content with it. 🧢💕

[@livetosmileandlaugh5368]

I love this write up and feedback. I can tell you're a teacher!

[@1whyvonne]

livetosmileandlaugh That I am. Thank you.

[@passyourielts]

I love his ads. Comedy gold.

[@nunchucksupland]

UBI Creates Entrepreneurship

[@shanecar84]

Love and respect for Van. Thanks guys.

[@mahefafenmore3498]

Visuals coming? Love that Yang speaks but he also needs to be seen lol

[@alexgreig5455]

I’m from New Zealand and can’t differentiate who’s who!

[@jzen1455]

I appreciate how Yang is his authentic self and not some well-rehearsed uber civilized robot politician.

[@lennartandersson9977]

Andrew, thanks for the work you are doing! A breath of fresh air!

[@lucianopdx9647]

thank you Andrew And Van

[@unknownx7252]

Still haven't received the 1200.

[@dynrgal]

I haven't gotten mine, either...the website says may 22...this is a shitshow

[@Skapo]

Yeah. Me either.

[@mariaproto5911]

@@dynrgal Yea both my husband and mother-in-law haven't gotten it and the website says May 22 too. I don't understand the work that goes into sending them out...but I didn't think it would be this difficult...

[@RevolutionaryThinking]

My mom just got hers Yesterday so hang in there.

[@trixies.1322]

You give me hope.

[@jeanneelliott7243]

Thank you for sharing this conversation. I am new to the Yang Gang. I think you will be president one day, Mr. Yang.

[@infinitydml3466]

I love to hear Yang speak. 😁👍 Yang Gang approved.

[@sethsun]

yang is the only politician that can make me laugh, 'these people are coming from everywhere!' LOL

[@TripToTrappist1]

27:20 for Van

[@Inwoodarts]

Thznk you! Please keep these coming! You're on the good path.... Great work :D

[@willowgem4573]

Amazing as always! Thank you for being a rational voice through all this craziness. #Yang2024 #YangGangForever #StillVotingYang

[@bellas2cents836]

This was THE choice for president.

[@tiemarie6027]

This IS the choice for President...#StillVotingYang

[@aljan5047]

Great interview but it seems Van needs to stay a bit longer talk about his life and why he became successful. #askyangspeaks

[@livmilesparanormalromanceb6891]

"Fame is a shortcut for time." This is very insightful. Here, have a comment for the algorithmic boost.

[@AnisQiz]

This conversation was exciting and inspiring. The revolution is coming. ❤️🙌🏽

[@tr2330pd]

I have to admit this is my favorite one yet and all of them have been great thus far, but it helps that I have a great respect for Van Jones. Keep it up @AndrewYang!

[@ed_styles4218]

the beginning caught me off guard lmao 😂

[@graham8316]

yang 2024!

[@tiemarie6027]

Yang 2020...#StillVotingYang

[@lilychang7037]

Thank you Andrew Yang and Van Jones !

[@Heeroyui752]

The opening of this about dumb smart people needs to be turned up to 11.

[@howardzone]

I like Van's use of the term "positive populism". He really got to the heart of what is wrong with typical left and right populist movements.

[@kestelllaurie3224]

Who is newly Yanggang? (since he dropped out)

[@billytran3692]

Get Andrew a better streaming rig so that he can have quality videos to post

[@statnerd9263]

Good interview - Van Jones's back story was interesting

[@terrillmel]

Can't wait to listen to this. Need to find some time

[@geopaulet923]

I like when Yang has potty mouth 😂

[@howardgstrecke]

It's not what you know. It's who you know. It's called the ivy league for a reason. Ivy grows on castles and mansions and you know who lives in those buildings

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Paying heed to experts creates transference of OUR power.

[@mohammedislam2582]

This interview really changed my perception of Van Jones.

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

some grocery stores here (Chicago Burbs) are having "senior only" early morning shopping hours

[@makesmefeellikeatalltree8250]

Oh shit. was just gonna clock in and then remembered this.

[@matthewpopp1054]

Yang Jones 2024

[@oshontheexperience6440]

I was skeptical of Yang during the primary but the title of this episode & the excerpt from his book resonates so much!!!!!

[@sonnyd4678]

really enjoyed this talk

[@bobimus]

i love your geyser anecdote with the leg grasping

[@mofo3985]

Love this guy!

[@PkSage89]

30:30 just that one alone was substantial to hear, thank for it. Now on with the rest lol.

[@kevngu7256]

Can’t wait to listen to this one later when I have time.

[@cluisdotorg]

His description of "dumb smart people" sounds like that voice from the Radiohead song "Fitter-Happier" :D great stuff!

[@adamburton7471]

Andrew’s audio read on his book “the war on normal people” has so many moments like that😂

[@cluisdotorg]

@@adamburton7471 agreed! But it is still nice that he read it himself 👍

[@adamburton7471]

Oh it’s the coolest!

[@williamcook6127]

We need Andrew Yang.

[@NadineHarrington]

I love you, Andrew, but this was too much monologue (yours), and too little interview. But your worst is still better than 99% of us' best. :)

[@Angel-zh8cz]

Probably my favorite episode so far

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Van I have loved your from your first book. 🌹🌹🌹

[@uglytrash8914]

I highly recommend adding visual to this podcast and show your faces. I can guarantee this will dramatically increase viewership and youtube will promote it more. Love you guys though!

[@leolunacoolj]

How do I stop picturing Hillary Clinton herself when Andrew defines dumb smart people?

[@monitoradiation]

embraaaaace ittttt

[@MackTheTemp1]

He was not talking about Hillary Clinton. He was talking about people not like her.

[@marvinamor1330]

Just replace how you think of Hillary by defining her as dumb dumb people

[@cTVeRSaCuzZ]

That opening was perfect

[@Domo8186]

So many gems here.

[@randal_gibbons]

We need to get our flag lowered to half mast. To honor those who we have lost. In my opinion it is insane that they haven't done it already. I am a proud American yet this country doesn't have much to be proud of right now. They can be raised when lives are no longer being lost. #LOWERTHEFLAGS

[@dynrgal]

NJ has ...Gov Murphy did that within the first few weeks and it is mentioned every news briefing

[@mariaproto5911]

I have actually seen some flags at half mast in a few places, presumably for this reason.

[@randal_gibbons]

@@dynrgal can you think of a reason not to do it nationally? Or why we haven't?

[@randal_gibbons]

@@mariaproto5911 that's a start. I haven't seen one yet. Blows my mind.

[@DarwinChaug]

yang straight spitting fire about dumb smart people for the first 4 min!!

[@cheche9528]

Andrew can be therapist for lot of people

[@christinem7156]

I ran a small business for 12 years - we got decimated by a Hurricane then Covid. Had to switch to making money in the stock market. The sad truth is, I had a brick & mortar business that was really special

[@lilblackduck2001]

#YangGang Forever!!! 🤜🏾🤛

[@mcsoja]

Love this podcast! Not a huge fan of the intro. I started to just ff thru the first couple minutes but I get it..... need to dumb down the start to get more new people interested💩 More Andrew. Less fluff 🧢

[@zlatko8051]

More gang,more yang even more math.

[@mtheinvincible4156]

One of the most-needed conversations around, here. The elephant in the room--no not just a Republican---the whole system in plain sight now. Great conversation.

[@mariaproto5911]

I really appreciate Zach's way of pushing the conversation and engaging Andrew. I think its important to ask tough questions and push against main stream narratives if not only to just talk about it. The China issue really bothers me. Yes, blaming is not helpful, however being complacent and allowing the Chinese government not to take responsibility it not acceptable in my opinion. I think there needs to be long term talks from the US and the whole world of how China's information suppression lead to a potentially more widespread outbreak. The fact that we cannot trust data coming out of China, where samples were not given in a timely manner to aid in treatments, concerns me greatly. However, what concerns me more is many in the US media/government, refuse to speak openly about China's mishandling while constantly talking about the US's mishandling. Two things can be wrong or faulty at the same time, and both can be addressed.

[@virus4611]

Most of what you're saying is just western media propaganda, it's really no different from a CCP supporter that fills their head with state-run media, trying to convince their masses that the virus started in the US and made its way into the Wuhan military games. I hope you know we are politicizing this pandemic in order to destroy China's economy; we did this to Japan and we can do it again. This is just geopolitics in a nutshell and BOTH sides are weaponizing their media to achieve their goals.

[@mariaproto5911]

Virus I disagree with some of what you say. There are many pieces of evidence that represent Chinas poor handling of this situation from the start. Taiwanese doctors told WHO that there mainland contacts had been getting sick with covid-19 and therefore it was spreading human to human. They reported to WHO in late December yet WHO still tweeted out that no human to human transmission was occurring on Jan 14. I think there is a lot of information that is not accurate, as with anything, potentially from both sides.

[@chrismath97]

I would say that Andrew wants to stress the American response was horrible while being indifferent to China being to blame for it. Even if it is found that China was intentional in spreading the virus, that doesn't change the fact that the US has a horrible response compared to other countries under this administration. Now on the hand, I think crushing the China economy is something the world needs to do to make sure they pay for their incompetence. Right now they are being a bully to many countries. For example, Australia has formally asked for an inquiry into the source of the virus to the WHO and the CCP has now put an 80 percent tariff on Barley imports from Australia causing farmer distress. The world needs to stop helping China gain so much economic power cause unfortunately the almighty dollar is what talks in this world

[@virus4611]

​@@mariaproto5911 Taiwan, HK, and Macau speculated human to human transmission on Jan. 13-15. WHO said there was no clear evidence of that on Jan. 14. So health professionals can't disagree on a virus that was brand new? How is this indicative of hiding information? China's media and their CCP shills possess tons of clear information and evidence debunking what they think is "misinformation" that our media has been spreading. I don't believe them, but I would be utterly stupid to believe OUR media, which have been doing NOTHING but politicizing EVERYTHING. It's really scary to think people believe these "facts" from journalists are COMPLETE and properly analyzed. LOL it's like that article from Bloomberg that had "sources" claiming there were China spy chips on server motherboards used in the US. That ended up being a nothing-burger. No proof all lies and propaganda, just like there's no proof from either side. I'm always going to take this for what it really is...a fight for geopolitical dominance and using either state-run or profit-driven media to do it. We didn't REALLY start hating China until their people started becoming rich and using capitalism to buy out parts of the world.

[@virus4611]

@@chrismath97 Explain to me how our country along with the west downplaying the outbreak and not banning flights from China and Europe in Jan. is proof of China's incompetence. We never believe ANYTHING that comes out of China, so why did it take so long for us to ban flights? Were WE able to prevent H1N1 from becoming a pandemic? That could easily be labeled incompetent since we super-spread that, yet we paid no price on the global stage for that. LOL how can any inquiry from a western European countries with anti-China bias be COMPLETELY neutral. And what if they find that the virus didn't originate in China, are you going to call them CCP shills too? That it's fake news? ROFL. You're nothing bunch of mindless media narrative mouthpieces like China and their blind-ignorant shills.

[@siongchoo4498]

I'm a Van fan~ Love you guys!!!

[@rule1capital]

I like this Van Jones, not the one acting on TV

[@BunnyCentauri]

Damn this is so on-point

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Democracy can be messy and with heart and respect, we learn together. Yes, Dorothy had her red shoes all along. UBI and moe. Earth and people first.

[@derekd.4156]

One of the best openings to a podcast xD

[@raybigto]

Great podcast. Can you do one about guardianship fraud? The recent Netflix documentary “Dirty Money” on abuse of the elderly really made me sad and upset. We need to do something about corrupt judges, lawyers, doctors, and guardians who are stealing billions from the elderly from cracks in the laws.

[@johnathan.matthew6003]

Jamie Harrison is running to replace Lyndsey Graham in South Carolina 👏🏼. Definitely have him on to talk 👍🏼.