Gore Vidal Wrecks Reagan AGAIN!

It's 1981 and the governor of California, whom Gore had once called an "aging juvenile hollywood actor", is now President-elect of the United States. Naturally, Gore revisits the subject.

[@FZmustacheFZ]

Griffin: "But he said he will get government off the backs of the people." Vidal: "I wonder where he will then put it?" Fucking brilliant.

[@FZmustacheFZ]

***** lmao

[@EuSeiT]

Very simple answer: in the exact place where the Founders intended it to be. It this is still too difficult for you to grasp, read the Constitution.

[@longlost8424]

vidal, hitchens, carlin....... where are the eloquent, critical voices of this generation?

[@Arjmm]

Hitchens doesn’t belong there

[@MEpianist]

"I wonder where he will then put it?" Was that a set-up? GENIUS!

[@brian2e]

the most amazing thing about this is that two people, who disagreed, where still polite to each other

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

Not really so amazing; civil discourse is common among civilized people. It's too bad that this is not the case, anymore. Or maybe we're not so civilized any more. It's amazing that when this video was made, Merv was developing a game-show based on the old "Hangman" game we used to play in class. He called it "Wheel of Fortune." I think Merv's tombstone says on it, "I won't be back after this commercial."

[@BemkyWatchesBuffy]

maybe if they werent shit would have changed

[@davidmcginness6718]

@@BemkyWatchesBuffy Well talk shows aren't avenues for change, it's just about discussing things. Whether they are respectful, or they just scream at each other, nothing is going to change. I wish we still had the former, instead of the norm now, of angry narcissists hurling insults and screaming at each other to no end over and over

[@gonzoredux]

Not even a "boydate"...I miss this man

[@88BigEtrain]

Although I did not agree with everything that Gore Vidal had said over the many decades, he had always spoken the truth and nothing but the truth about most of the issues, which our country continues to face and is overwhelmed by to this day. His warnings about America's future materialize right in front of our own eyes... Such was the case with his brilliant explanation of how wasteful and senseless the government spending had become over the decades, as well as his description of the president, who I believe is one of the most overrated presidents we have ever had, one who is essentially considered to be untouchable by many pundits and commentators, majority of them being neoconservatives. Ronald Reagan was responsible for many terrible decisions and policies.

[@bradtrimble1728]

You are so very right,

[@robertpolanco1973]

@Blue Butterfly - Well, NOT EVERYONE in this country thought of Reagan as what you been describing him. Reagan was NOT an infallible man that conservatives look up to. Only those who prefer to look the other way about Reagan's misdeeds as U.S. president would only insist about him being all that "great."

[@robertpolanco1973]

@J. O. - Yes. It was one of Ronald Reagan's foreign policy masterstrokes. The death squads were trained at places in the U.S. like Fort Benning in the state of Georgia. The support was also from both the CIA as well as the government of El Salvador, through its right-wing political party, ARENA.

[@jadezee6316]

who the hell cares what you think?

[@Dan-nt2yb]

I always felt Merv to be a tad ridiculous but, props for having the nerve to engage with Gore.

[@williamparker1085]

a vastly uneven contesr

[@ReineDeScene]

God, what I would give to have Gore Vidal alive today and discussing the freak show that is the Republican party and the goblin that has arisen from it- Donald Drumpf.

[@headley62]

Let's not forget Hillary. She's receiving a free pass because of the left wing politically correct Jewish owned American media.

[@HeathWatts]

You incorporated antisemitism and misogyny in a single sentence. In the circle of imbeciles that you inhabit, you will be a hero.

[@ckaz007]

+Ashton Bradley President Trump would tear Vidal a new asshole, both literally and figuratively.

[@HeathWatts]

ckaz007 President Trump doesn’t speak English or any other language, so he would not fare well in a debate against Vidal. I can’t remember Vidal’s background, but President Trump was raised as a pampered weenie and is an adult pampered weenie now, so I don’t think that he’d fare well in a physical altercation either.

[@ckaz007]

+Heath Watts The last time I heard President Trump, he spoke English, so I have no idea what you're talking about. We'll never know about the physical altercation since Vidal is dead.

[@patbrennan6572]

reagan proved you can fool all the people all the time.

[@unfortunatebeam]

+Pat Brennan bullshit he did.

[@camille9803]

No, he only fooled some, granted that some was enough.

[@easywind4044]

Pat Brennan No, he didn’t,

[@johnnyk6628]

Every president does fool fools.

[@NickZedd1]

He never fooled me.

[@andrews527]

Merv, of course, in the closet. Gore on his best behavior.

[@theghostofhumankindness4312]

I wish somebody like him was president

[@37Dionysos]

Reagan's changes to the tax codes began the US' long slide into a colony of itself. He was a wrecking ball to the last decent things about America, like getting somewhere if you worked hard.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

37Dionysos Don't forget the part Nixon played in "opening" China, which, under Clinton became severe indebtedness to Chinese Communist banks, and onto today's complete dependency upon China. We are not a colony of ourselves, but China's very lucrative plantation with willing this time, slaves.

[@chucknchar]

Gore was prophetic, Merv disappointing

[@rickbodick6812]

+chuckn char i don't know, i remember watching Merv when i was young, he played Devil's Advocate with just about everybody - if someone took one side, he would ask questions like he did with Gore, respectful yet opposing - he was a fantastic interviewer for sure

[@chucknchar]

+Rick Bodick I didn't watch him either but on U-tube I once saw him interviewing conspiracy theorists about the murder of JFK

[@davidtaylor2098]

He teed up the ball nice and high for Gore.

[@robertrichard6107]

Merv was a Reagan gate keeper. Of course they should have brought up what GHWB was really doing in the administration. Bush's were usually donor, puppet master, senator class.

[@jaybone23]

I wonder what Merv thought of the "boy date" line. Got a bit nervous I imagine.

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

Merv was in the closet himself...

[@jadezee6316]

vidal was not in the closet....fool....merv was a well known homosexual to anyone with a brain....if you watched his show he always put the camera on his young.........boy....friend in the audience@@Blaqjaqshellaq

[@haydenstuder322]

I like that period where Gore Vidal had an american accent.

[@romee4722]

Vidal was still so handsome then!

[@phatos_says]

Look how close they are sitting to each other!

[@Gachitadamunga]

Reagan proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that not only can anybody grow up to be president, but also that their favorite comic book hero can also go on to become president.

[@PeteBurns-xv2fz]

Very astute man..i like it when you see and hear an american with intelligence using it, being very funny and at the same time making serious points about important issues.

[@richwalko81]

I fucking love Gore Vidal

[@rtisom]

So interesting, thank you!

[@emmaduncan2991]

I remember Roseanne talking about Merv, she said she would get drunk and write him letters about how much she hated his interview style, which was,he would "ask a question, lean in and stare at the person he was interviewing forehead" anyone else remember Merv doing that!?

[@nutsackmania]

holy fuck that was amazing

[@d.bcooper7819]

A 6 month honeymoon for a new president, could you imagine?

[@austinhawks7045]

This is great 👍 very correct about this 👌

[@stew3128561]

Fact is, the word in San Francisco is that Reagan was more than friendly with Rock Hudson...Adds more zing to Vidal's humor...

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Andrew Stewart But, as Cole Porter said, if baby Im the bottom, who's the top?

[@pacoval4577]

Brilliant.

[@julianmarsh1378]

I think by and large Merv was playing straw man for Vidal. The contrasting view points are just a little too neat, too all-encompassing.

[@dstuart2918]

Insanely, I voted Republican 3 times when I became of age--because my Dad was a Republican. I knew nothing about it--just thought "poor people should work harder" which is sickening I even thought that. Now I am a crazy liberal and super tree-hugger, etc. Gore is a personal God--love him SO much and miss him. I'd hate to be on his bad side--even in "Heaven" where I'm sure he is.

[@hanklogsdon8390]

D Stuart what has obama done for you or maybe pelosi lmao and i could give a crap about how your dad voted. Man up and take responsibility for your vote don't blame your dad nerk

[@youtubedeletesmychannels2329]

“Crazy liberal and tree hugger” what a disappointment. If he were alive you would already be on his bad side

[@marilynskrepich9548]

Wasn't Nancy president in the end???

[@BirdArvid]

What glorious foresigtht!!!

[@wondereagle]

Merv was a jerk.

[@paulbadoo9326]

Vidal nailed it. It has been downhill since Reagan became President.

[@hayleyannamathieson7261]

I adore this man. 🍸

[@JulianEaton]

"I wonder where he's going to put it?" 🤣 We sure got our answer🚽. So glad the era of blaming government and bureaucrats for everything that goes wrong in society is over.

[@leanneblake4248]

so true. Reagan was also a F.B.I in formate.

[@robertpolanco1973]

@Leanne Blake - The word is "informant."

[@3chel3]

But Reagan was a republican clown

[@tureytaino2785]

+3chel3 I disagree, clowns are funny.

[@3chel3]

Turey Taino Trump might end up a very unfunny clown too.

[@3chel3]

Don't happen to have next weeks lottery numbers do you ? Looks like you can see into the future as your looking correct about Trump 4 months after your above comment.

[@davidtaylor2098]

Reagan suffered from dementia and translated that into policy.

[@leeackerson2579]

David, lots of people think Reagan developed his mental problems late in his second term. Not true. I worked in a startup company in Santa Clara with a guy who used to be the manufacturing manager at a high-end hearing aid company. He said that Reagan used to forget to remove his hearing aids before showering quite regularly which required the White House to order the $4000 sets of hearing aids two dozen at a time.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

David Taylor Trump suffers from incoherency and truthaphobia and tweetslates that into policy.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Merv was pretty swift here. History was kind to him. Gore was catty as ever.

[@roughhabit9085]

Mr Gorbachev. Tear down this wall

[@benparkinson8314]

From on their backs to up their....

[@greg1030]

What's missing on KZbin is that 3 part Dick Cavett one-on-one. Lots of Vidal's on target Reagan Admin ass kicking.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Ronnie Raygun; first President to occupy the White House whilst suffering with Alzheimers.

[@ianv6959]

And Barry Obamama's boy has finished

[@HerePepPep]

+Ian v wut?

[@ianv6959]

Finished off America. The worst president in living memory and I am no spring chicken. Barry is weak and ineffectual. He cares more about what other countries might think America than Americans themselves. He cannot make the best decisions for Americans because he is constantly trying to make the "right" decision for everyone else. Guess what Barry? You are the president if the United States not the president of Earth.

[@Neville60001]

+Ian v: Oh, shut the fuck up, you neocon stooge. Keyboard was right-Reagan was nothing but a puppet chock full of Alzheimers-a real life version of Chauncey Gardiner, except at least Chauncey realized what was being asked of him and terminated his life; Reagan didn't even have the humility to even do that.

[@ianv6959]

Neville6000 such a typical socialist. I don't like what you say, I can't argue against it so I will hysterically call names and plug my ears screaming over top of your logic. Another shining example of socialist intelligence levels and bully tactics. You have said nothing and only shown your ignorance.

[@professorspf]

Vidal clearly wins.

[@bobnob9195]

shame Vidal never got to the white house

[@steveziv]

Err, no, I believe I started out by calling him mean-spirited and patronizing. The mandate thing was just bonus material.

[@tubularbill]

He’s witty but bitter....

[@julietantonio1049]

Oh man imagine what he'd say about Trump's hair

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Juliet Antonio Possibly: a triumph of the hair club for supposed men.

[@Rodin99]

Vidal before he was batshit crazy and still entertaining to watch on the talk shows whether or not you agreed with him. no one like this appears on talk shows now and he could easily handle the kind of stupid bigotry that is displayed in some comments.

[@halwasserman7905]

As fantastic as Gore's wit is, what is, sadly, far more striking is how desperate Merv Griffin is to kiss Reagan's ass.

[@user-ff4lr2jj5r]

I think this "interview" was a bit of a set-up with Merv playing strawman.

[@battleburger]

I dont get how this is prophetic. Is that what people really thought back then? Weird comments.

[@Giofajardo]

Steveziv listen to the information mr vidal provides. Don't be so sentimental.

[@piratemccall]

Reagan only went on to win 49 states in 1984.

[@steveziv]

There was very little actual political content in his comments. Its mostly just catty insults and vague criticisms from a largely irrelevant fringe character, resting on his own obscure laurels.

[@robertpolanco1973]

Personally, I have to say that if only there were more people like the late Gore Vidal on criticizing the likes of Ronald Reagan, the conversation would have been more fascinating. Reagan, after all, was a pathetic man who thought he could be "an ideal politician" and a "man of the people." I HATED that son of a bitch with all my fury because he was the WORST U.S. president in history. Furthermore, anyone who would insist that Reagan was a man who did "good things" for the country and the world, can only be LYING through his or her teeth. After all, I LOATHE those who only think of the "greatness" of Reagan and then look the other way when what he did was the total opposite.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Robert Polanco Vidal once said of Reagan, ," that triumph of the embalmer's art"

[@disme2072]

lmao not a mandate

[@brainsareus]

Merv was politically useless

[@jscottupton]

4 minutes of ad hominem attacks. Vidal has NOTHING.

[@905if6was9]

When we put Reagan in office, we voted for national suicide. The American people marched out on that November day and decided to buttfuck their grandchildren's future. Many of them have since died, all the while believing that Reagan was a "great president." What the delusional fools could not possibly realize at that time was that they were accomplices in the premature deaths of their loved ones.

[@davidkrebs1853]

J Scott Upton Desperate.

[@eamonwright7488]

J Scott Upton Sounds like you just described our current president. Just add another 3 years, 364 days, 23 hours, and 56 mins.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

C J Titan Trump reminds me of spoiled little Eloise, that mythical character who roams the halls of the Plaza Hotel in New York,ironically, owned at one time by a certain socisl climbing primadonna from- New York.

[@steveziv]

Turns out Bill Maher lifted his mean-spirited, patronizing shtick from Gore Vidal. I'll admit though, Merve and Gore are both imminently qualified to discuss the relative merits of man-dates and boy-dates.

[@fluffgirl1000]

people always vote for the wrong person.... what would he think of trump

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Yvonne Bales He might characterize him as Trumpius, or Don Trumpeone, or The Man Who Could Only Say, You're Fired!, or Putin's Rasputin, or ...

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Yvonne Bales One more, I can't resist: Super Fragile Narcissistic Extra Specially Atrocious.

[@mandykhoo2473]

Not a man in the electoral arena........best understood as the Bob Robert s character....a real snob

[@robertpolanco1973]

@Mandy Khoo - The "Bob Roberts" character was played by Tim Robbins. Gore Vidal played "Brickley Paiste."

[@jameshaynes7062]

I'm pretty sure posterity will remember Vidal for a bit more than playing a supporting role in a mockumentary.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

James Haynes Such as The Best Man, brilliant and prophetic(1960), and his autobiography, Palimpsest(1995), and the vivid unforgettable Lincoln(1984)!!

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Robert Polanco Reminds me of William F. Brickley, eh, Buckley, and that famous on air debate in 1968. And David Frye's Buckley. I wonder if Frye ever imitated Vidal?

[@calql8er]

Such a cynic. And, of course, other than his lame platitudes, Vidal has no answers of his own.