James O'Brien speaks to LBC caller who used to follow beliefs Alex Jones espouses

This is the moment when James O'Brien spoke to a LBC caller who used to follow beliefs Alex Jones espouses.
#jamesobrien #alexjones #LBC
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[@stevehanson2398]

Respect to this man for being honest. I've never shared any of his original views, but I've had different influences growing up. What happened to this man to change his opinions? He grew up and started to take responsibility for his own opinions, rather than following others like so many lemmings out there

[@craphead9842]

SH.. Just shows how you can be deceived without thinking... Tony cuenca

[@matthewprince9705]

Yes.

[@warhammerresurrection.1995]

Spot on although it does raise the issue of how poor the education system must be. Or more worryingly ,filled with right wing conspiracy theorists that perpetuate the problem. Of course schools cannot be filled with politically motivated educators from any side but you just need the truth. The problem with dangerous idiots like Jones and Trump is that it's not opinions they're espousing, it's just lies . They both lie as easily as breathing.

[@BobMinelli]

It's refreshing.

[@aljomc6444]

I liked Jones but never believed his theories

[@nellapatella]

legend... can we give this caller another platform? everybody needs to hear this. especially those of us who are trying to cultivate sustainable beliefs systems. this caller is a light in the darkness

[@ptv8113]

The people that need to hear it don’t want to listen. They’ll push back instantly

[@nellapatella]

@@ptv8113 yes I wasn't really talking about them. More talking about those of us who are in need of some hope. the caller provided that for me at least.

[@themaskedman221]

Why do you need a "belief system"? Just think rationally, no matter what. Scrutinize your instincts, seek evidence, listen to people who know better.

[@nellapatella]

sounds like you have some strong beliefs about this. @@themaskedman221

[@winter_s_44]

I am also 37, and I am an American citizen. It gives me such hope to know that someone my age from the south came away from the echo chamber he was raised within and saw the truth that other people and beliefs exist in this world. He believes what I do: so long as you aren’t hurting others, mind your business. The echo chamber he was raised in were built and sustained by two things: FEAR and perceived SUPREMACY. Once you step outside of this to realize that fear of that for which you have no proof is futile, and that the world is made up of shades of people who look nothing like you and believe not in what you do, and that you are no better than any of them, the harder it is for you to reconcile your dogma with the truth.

[@bingpz]

You leave my Dogs Ma out of this.

[@trishadick3786]

Here hoping all follow you

[@newspaperface]

@@bingpz🤣🤣 irish?

[@richard_ager]

So true.

[@MrLmorrow02]

Going from my rural small town of mostly conservative white people, to sharing my first dorm room with an African American kid from a housing project in Prichard Alabama helped to change my whole perspective of the world I was living in. Everything I was ever taught to believe about other people was shown to be lies and misinformation. He and I are like brothers to this day. I am forever grateful for how he changed my life and perspective

[@Loki_Yogi]

I'm a former conservative in Texas. This caller speaks facts. Every single thing he said is 100% true and I live this reality everyday while trying to navigate my own family and friends away from the flame. 🙏

[@craigplant8821]

Love has the best hand, hate is a losing game 🙏

[@pintpullinggeek]

Wishing you luck. It's tough breaking down your own ingrained beliefs and seeing where you might have been wrong. It's even harder to do with those you care about.

[@andreabrown4541]

@@craigplant8821 Hate has a very long track record in the US if you're African American.

[@ellarweegadsden8483]

Do you feel safer in TX than you think you would be in NYC?

[@TempeSoldier123]

What exactly is a “conservative”?

[@Whodatbuoy]

Massive respect to JamesO’Brien for taking the time to listen and appreciate the information the caller had given

[@SonOfExcess]

I mean he agrees with literally everything James says about the US so it’s hardly very ‘brave’ of him. I don’t really see why talking to somebody that completely agrees with you deserves ‘massive respect’ ?

[@Tortilla.Reform]

@@SonOfExcess original poster never called him brave… he said he respects him for taking the time. And he learned a perspective he hadn’t known about. It seems like you’re trying to inject your own personal issues with the host or left idealogy

[@SonOfExcess]

@@Tortilla.Reform Well he said ‘massive respect’, as if James was doing anything other than reaffirming his own views lol I’d say ‘big respect’ if James actually got somebody on that disagreed with him, and didn’t immediately act childish and attempt to berate them for having a different opinion. But all he did here was get somebody on that shares his views. I don’t see why this deserves ‘mad respect’

[@chuliluli]

@@SonOfExcess clearly you can't listen or understand, not even little respect for you given your capacity to thinking is 0 to none

[@brendansparks1511]

@@SonOfExcess The ol troll using yet another username.

[@charanjitsidhu4733]

WELL DONE LEVY,37 YEARS OLD AMERICAN SHOWING EXTREME WISDOM, INTEGRITY AND HUMILITY.🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Rc3651]

This is great. I was raised really conservative and used to be in these circles, and this guy was spot on. It's kind of intangible but you can really feel when someone used to believe these things

[@paigeleigh2554]

Same!

[@bianca-sg8zq]

When "he went to university"... education is essential to break the spell of ignorance. Thanks to this caller for being honest and self-aware.

[@nathanmckenzie904]

makes you realize why so many on the fringe want to demonize intellectuals

[@timothybarnett1006]

Of course the current squeeze on 'none-profitable' university degrees is completely unrelated to this phenomenon...

[@slartibartfast7921]

It is. I wasn’t formally educated past college, and what I did have was fairly shoddy. It took having enough life experience to appreciate nuance for me to turn my back on many conspiracy theories. Conspiracies have existed since time memorial, but recognising the legitimate from those designed to manipulate, again, requires an understanding and respect for nuance. People like Jones prey on the ignorant and vulnerable, as you say, education is essential, but I would emphasise quality education.

[@AB-zl4nh]

I question if it's the literal act of education or more the exposure to other people from different backgrounds and new environments that leads to something like this.

[@Munkenba]

Unfortunately this is prime fuel for the "woke universities" narrative, they'll claim he was radicalised by Marxists professors into turning his back on.... nonsense

[@nikkic9305]

Here's the problem I have with Mr. James O'Brien: I can't get enough of his fabulous content. Listening to Mr. O'Brien put his callers in their proper place is legendary. Or calls like the man on this show who doesn't come across as a clown but someone who is mature and level headed. Refreshing. Greetings from dysfunctional USA.

[@chrisolagrim3597]

He's a globalist schill

[@AP-di6gu]

Really? I think he's a pompous, patronising, see you next Tuesday, but then again, I'm not a LBC KZbin bot.

[@Comrade2261]

Same!

[@shellieeyre8758]

@@AP-di6gu and yet here you are.

[@QT-173]

@@AP-di6guHow do you want him to respond to the caller describing the USA as a f**king nightmare? He's being polite not pompous...would you rather he say 'My Goodness, what a nation of idiots!'?

[@robg5958]

How very refreshing to hear this man speak. We can only hope that the changing of hearts and minds comes as soon as possible.

[@CaminoAir]

Life expectancy in Republican dominated states is lower by several years than in Democratic, or 'Purple', states. Just one example of how the anti-science, anti-objectivity, anti-awareness attitudes produce bad outcomes for those who hold them. It's a shrinking voter base, which is resulting in extreme conduct by the Republican Party to try to gain control before they become significantly a minority in the political processes.

[@joshuaparrott2458]

Tricky, people have to discover for themselves. How you do that? That's the million dollar question.

[@missbee3618]

@@CaminoAir well, when your only platform is, in essence, insane lies about Dems, and the only stances you do hold are deeply unpopular with the majority of the population , what do you do ? 🤦‍♀️ ….keep the idiots uneducated & unable to think critically, at any cost. And suppress the vote.

[@DrMontague]

How many parents who children were killed were pro gun lobby? Do they too own guns? If you are pro gun then sadly you have to be prepared to take the consequences no matter how painful.

[@JohnPG1706.]

Very self worthy, it makes him feel better people may not think he's the c*** he was previously but because of one segmented interview with Moses I won't be changing my mind any time soon on him, or O'Brien for that matter

[@brogren802]

I listened to Jones too back about 12 years ago but educated myself and learned what the truth is.

[@muckle8]

No you couldn’t handle the truth so you chose to believe the official line - re visit your own mind

[@drag0n77]

@@muckle8 🤣

[@brogren802]

@@James-pc1ku that nearly everything Jones claims is BS much like his pal Donnie. Jones preys upon people's fears and makes money from it. He is a documented scam artists that peddles fake vitamins and prepper gear. The gaslighting he is well known for goes hand in hand with his store selling junk.

[@rioperez7461]

What is the truth then, Brendan?. Care to enlighten us all?

[@jakefarronmerlin7963]

@@James-pc1ku they cant..

[@amyjones2490]

The damage Alex Jones did to those unfortunate parents by his lies and his followers endlessly harassed those poor parents. It was heartbreaking to watch.

[@LukeDwornikComedy]

As an American, going to the comment section after hearing this reasonable man share how he changed his mind, I didn't know what to expect. The first 10 comments are all very understanding and complimentary, which is so cool. I genuinely that, as much as I love British people (I live aboard so many of my friends are British), sometimes people don't take Americans very seriously. However, I guess that is a wrong assumption because of the respect you lot are showing. He described the conservative American mindset perfectly. I couldn't have said anything he said better even if I wrote a script for it. Such a enlightened guy, and I'm glad I heard this.

[@timmurphy5541]

They/we have their own serious problems but they're obviously different. They cannot fully understand you guys because of leading a very different life - your views and behaviours can be seen but not fully empathised with because they have no idea what it's like to be you. I'm originally from Zimbabwe and have given up trying to explain myself or my attitudes as it doesn't work. From far away, someone else's culture/behaviour seems odd/comical but some English people don't realise yet that this applies to them also.

[@reevs2153]

@@timmurphy5541 what things do you find especially odd about British culture, interested to hear an outside perspective

[@timmurphy5541]

​@@reevs2153 as an example: Brits live in a "big country" where there is always someone whose job it is to do whatever. Zimbabweans need to have the mentality that if they don't sort out a problem then nobody will. i.e. if you see something broken it becomes your job to sort it out. There's nothing odd about this - it's just adaptation to the situation. In the UK if you take responsibility for things you end up annoying the people whose job it is. The state will also never look after you in Zim so one develops a very different attitude to not being in work or having debt.

[@AleXoEx0]

@@timmurphy5541 if that's you in your profile pic then you are more likely a Rhodesian 🤣

[@kyle9401]

@@reevs2153 beans and toast is pretty weird.

[@Furthermore69]

Excellent call. O'brien is one of the few broadcasters that gives me hope that honesty, intellect and decency will emerge again in this political cesspit we exist in. We'll done that caller for his growth 🙌🏿

[@mauromatos3124]

That was a terrific conversation . Well done to both.

[@craphead9842]

MM.. More BS.. Tony cuenca

[@martycrow]

The caller, Levy(?), was authentic, articulate and insightful. What was refreshing was that he had grown up in an insulated small community but was open to change when he came to a larger, more diverse community when he went to university away from home. That surely is the point of higher education - it's not just what we learn, but the people we learn about!

[@d3l3tes00n]

You'd think that'd be common sense. Conservatives see that as "indoctrination," sadly. Many even believe that the Liberal Arts literally has to do with Liberals lol

[@sergegainsbourgii1852]

College wake-up, it's what happened to Derek Black, the once WS wonderkid son of WS leader Don Black. His godfather was/is David Duke.

[@steft7903]

The things those Sandy Hook parents went through was beyond horrific. I really hope those that hounded and bullied them wake up to what they did.

[@arnoldrivas4590]

Not just Sandy Hook. Every mass shooting that have taken away the young and the innocent. Do you even know how much of a national wake up call of immense shame that would bring?

[@humanitarianH]

I'm American and now living in the UK. This caller is spot on with the culture in the South. I'm from Oklahoma and we are considered southern because of our belief system. It makes perfect sense that when you see the world, outside of your box, you see that it can be so much better.

[@evolassunglasses4673]

Modern liberal America is bankrupt, propped up by money printing, has 6 year old Trans children and is being demographically replaced.

[@basic3496]

Welcome to the better side 😂😂

[@jameskavanagh4315]

Travel is the best form of education 👍

[@zimprince195]

Keep making change around you and hopefully it will become a chain reaction 🤷🏾‍♂️❤️

[@jeovanneramos5066]

gotta ask what is it about England you like ? and what made you move over there ?

[@BenTheMotionist]

I listened to this call live, and I dropped what I was doing in awe of what was happening. It was a rare moment of radio that really hit hard, and I won't forget it.

[@joshuabaker67]

It is nice to hear a reasonable person talk about their growth and ability to change.

[@sorayacita]

I needed to see this today. I’m a university lecturer and for various reasons had decided to leave my profession of fifteen years. This caller talking positively about his exposure to other opinions, of his challenged cognitive dissonance, makes me realise that I need to stay. There is still work to do and I am in a privileged position to do it. Through reasoned discussion, we can promote unity and a more caring society - so I can still make a difference, as no doubt his tutors and other students did for him. Thanks to you both.

[@w5winston]

👍❤

[@onepunch9203]

Best wishes to you. Stay in the fight and broaden some more young minds.

[@andrew_eglinton]

Hope you find a new post. No mean feat given the economic juncture we're at. Perhaps also look at avenues adjacent to academia that might give you the leverage you're after.

[@johndonald7608]

Wise words from this gentleman. America may not be lost after all.

[@petermeichan3160]

the are plenty of people in America like this guy, accept the are many many more nutjobs

[@Neil-Aspinall]

It is very lost at the moment under Mr. Brandon.

[@mendozamoore366]

@@Neil-Aspinall it was more lost with trump in charge.

[@burningmisery]

@@Neil-Aspinall Unemployment is 3.5% under Biden during a recession, 6.3% under Trump. How do you like that? 🤣🤣🤣

[@mielerodriguez5678]

Biden is in power. All is lost.

[@Paul-eb4jp]

The part where he said the Trump and Jones generation are dyiing out and the following generations are more progressive really struck a chord, it really gives me renewed hope of a better world, I'm 65 now and probably won't get to see the best days but my children will, what a great call.

[@eattherich9215]

Me too, BUT if Americans want a better tomorrow they have to stop voting for the crazies merely for the sake of power.

[@ykrgfk]

I so hope he's right about that but we also need more positive action against exploitative charlatans like Jones and Trump - witness the poster above who declares' Alex Jones has been right on about everything'. We must accept that 'free speech' does not include the right to broadcast deliberate lies to the world's under-educated.

[@themaskedman221]

Sorry to rain on the parade, but what is little discussed in media is that Trump won *every age demographic* of US whites, including 18 -29 year olds. Younger generations are more progressive thanks mostly to people of color.

[@markgaedtke2184]

James, thanks for listening to this man. You let him finish a thought before adding your take. Doesn't happen so much here. Well done, sir.

[@jeffsimon9594]

Only because he obviously agrees with him, those who disagree get the mute button

[@realtexas1er117]

I thought I would never hear people starting to see through the fog of "Conservatives". It is so refreshing to hear someone speak the truth.

[@tonygange7636]

It's a plant obviously but you stay in your echochamber, people like you have to be governed & wont question.

[@Clark807]

@@tonygange7636 you only question what you’re told to question. You’re just lazy and makes you feel important like you’re in the know. You’re a simple 🐑. You’re the useful idiot that makes Alex Jones millions of dollars.

[@MattieBennett]

“The truth”

[@chasz3776]

@@tonygange7636 don't you have a WWG1WGA event to get to oh stable genius and 'independent' thinker?

[@peacheswilliams4539]

Conservatives in Government work for the Major Corporations and those Corporations will work night and day to fog the information you get to KEEP THEM in POWER. Anything goes. They will lie, cheat, steal, do whatever they can to keep that financial FLOW of Government funds and subsidies in the form of trillions of dollars in their favor, this goes for the U.S. and the UK.

[@innocenthedgehog8367]

As someone else who used to listen to Jones, only about two years ago, it's always great to hear stories of others who got out.

[@tobygrantham7215]

I’m so glad you were able to see through it eventually

[@mrspero4353]

I still follow him he has been tarred and feathered due to his backing of trump he said the sandy hook things years before, I understand he has his flaws an likes to sell magic pills to idiots online but he’s made a success of it which I like, he has also been around for a long time and basically took over from bill cooper who was shot an killed by police (he did draw on them though). Alex jones has shun light onto to many subjects I have found very interesting.

[@celticcheetah6371]

If you don’t mind sharing, what was the moment / thing that made you realise he was wrong?

[@colmivers]

Further to the last comment. Did you have a road to Damascus moment or was it death by a thousand cuts?

[@karl-rconnon9974]

I really wanna know what made you change your mind. What’s the best way to help the most amount of people really think about it for themselves.

[@steve1340]

Caller just nailed how alternative facts are made

[@goodlookinouthomie1757]

I agree, it's scary. CNN tried to tell us Jan 6th was worse than 9/11.

[@peacheswilliams4539]

Because a LIE and a conspiracy makes more MONEY and exciting then the truth, people have found out that their lies can make them millionaires then thinking about the people they hurt in the process. Stop believing all the crazy things you read on social media. or at least check where you get it from.

[@MrLmorrow02]

Huge thank you to James for listening to my story and perspective. Yes I got the genX/millennial thing wrong (my apologies)

[@suzy6251]

Levy your concise explanation of how and why this false information takes hold and is so difficult to eradicate was just brilliant, so informative. Have saved this, thanks.

[@leahtomasso1780]

I’m so happy to hear someone articulate my exact thoughts. It is uplifting to know that there are more people that think this way, that are out there and hopefully making a difference.

[@Stiffdistantandweird]

James isn’t being told anything he doesn’t already know. He’s giving the guy his voice and credit for breaking free from the old ways of thinking. Great interview.

[@cgirl111]

I'm in the US. I've been hearing that the old generation of regressive people are slowly dying out since the late 60's when I became politically aware. History tells us this simply doesn't happen. My theory is the more comfortable a person gets the more resistant to change they become so this will never end. The problem in the US is that the young simply don't take the time to learn about their candidates and also simply don't vote. Why is my generation catered to? Because we vote. Why are the younger voters ignored? They don't vote. The Fox news crowd and the Alex Jones crowd are simply trying to keep things from changing. To keep things from progressing into a way of life that's different. That's the majority of the following. In my opinion the young who follow these fools simply want chaos because their life choices have left them painted into a corner and they see chaos as a way out.

[@oldemajicks9428]

It's criminal that some people only get their first taste of critical thinking at university. We need to start it so much earlier.

[@missbee3618]

Uk schools teach it from early on

[@NinjaPeko22]

Your freaking mom and dad can teach you. To bad you are surrounded by morons.

[@mrspero4353]

What’s all this hype with university most people I know have come out with huge debt massive alcohol and drug dependencies on top of that a huge level of arrogance, Skills are skills your learn them you remember them you get a job, it’s that simple

[@drake7993]

@@missbee3618 clearly they didn't though after all voting in Tories and brexit

[@drake7993]

@@mrspero4353 University forces you to leave your little bubble which you desperately need to do. If most people you know have drug issues with arrogance sounds like you only surround yourself with bad people.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

You're entitled to your own opinion...You're not entitled to your own Facts.

[@eddieingalls534]

If (not saying you don't) you don't get how Orwellian such a statement is, then we have a problem.

[@MalakianM2S]

@@eddieingalls534 Au contraire, facts are based on reality, there is no personal facts, there is no "my facts" vs "your facts". A fact is a fact for me, for you, and for everybody, no matter we agree with it or not.

[@poochie81]

@@MalakianM2S who decides which “facts” are based in reality?

[@bikebudha01]

W, please give Richard Dawkins credit for his words...

[@dermymoto]

@@poochie81 who would you trust, experts in a particular field such as acclaimed scientists or dangerous conspiracy theorists such as Alex Jones who keep peddling this insanity to profit from the ill educated and poorly informed

[@dazzlernator]

Levy's easily the best caller I've heard on LBC. Refreshingly candid and self-aware of the pitfalls of echo chambers while recognising that differing points of view can invalidate those espoused by insular communities. Being amenable to new ideas that challenge or disprove what you were brought up believing to be the truth at an impressionable age is hugely underappreciated. He really did highlight beautifully that those with nothing left to lose can become a dangerous enemy. Alex Jones picked the wrong people to mess with and the families of the Sandy Hook victims would happily take the harrassment and abuse over the loss of their kids. Thankfully, justice has been done and Jones has learnt that the 1st Amendment does not protect him from making defamatory claims.

[@slartibartfast7921]

Perfectly said. I never liked Alex Jones, but I definitely was a believer of many conspiracies. This is spot on analysis.

[@georgeandrerwwilesmith8559]

Why do you think we went to war in Iraq, mate?

[@slartibartfast7921]

@@georgeandrerwwilesmith8559 I didn’t say conspiracies don’t exist at all did I?….. mate. Maybe I should have qualified my statement so as not to confuse fools.

[@georgeandrerwwilesmith8559]

@@slartibartfast7921 you didn't answer the question.

[@slartibartfast7921]

@@georgeandrerwwilesmith8559 It was implicit in my last message that there are often anomalies in the official line…. The Iraq war, gulf of Tonkin incident ad nauseum. But the mindset that I used to have deviated from logic and critical thinking, and consequently played havoc with my mental health. I knew nothing of nuance, everything was black and white, but more importantly, there was no hope in anything other than chaos. You are free to live in the world you inhabit and believe in grifters like Jones (that is the irony of the situation considering his ilk are always claiming subjugation), but the only way things are going to change for the better is to engage with the world as it is, not a delusion. Does that answer your question?

[@DaemonZodiac]

Besides, Bill Hicks is innocent.

[@erick3614]

Great caller. Sums it up pretty well. An estimated 4 million people in the US turn 18 every 2 years or so... a political realignment is well overdue.

[@craphead9842]

Erick... What BS...

[@richard_ager]

And in the UK too - for the same basic reason - regarding Brexit. In fact, the political realignment has already happened. So, let's have a Brexit referendum now that so many people who voted leave now realise that they were fed a pack of lies. What I don't understand is why those Brexit liars, such as Johnson, Farage and JRM, aren't behind bars for the damage they've knowingly done to the UK.

[@mrspero4353]

Problem is those 18 year olds don’t even no what gender is

[@colmivers]

@@mrspero4353 🎣 any bites mate?

[@Markadown]

@@mrspero4353 I am going to assume that "no" in your sentence is "know". I think they understand what gender is, but I question if you do.

[@markm.5756]

Agree with this man 100% - and thank you for articulating the layers of dysfunction/despair in a logical, sequential manner. As someone raised in South Dakota, USA, my experience growing up was very much like this man. I lived in a toxic, myopic, oppressive environment where I felt sanctioned, censored, checked at all times as I knew my views/beliefs/choices weren't the same as theirs. Survival mode. When I finally got out of there, graduated from college & moved to San Francisco and later, Saudi Arabia, my entire world view and mind changed about almost everything. I'm retired & happily live in London now.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

I never went down that rabbit hole. Coming from here in southern Minnesota.

[@davidarmstrong3564]

Thank you James for giving everyone the opportunity to hear this eloquent assessment of what is wrong in the US. His words should be heard by all Americans to give them hope to change so many things he articulated, that cause "normal" US citizens concerns.

[@theeightoclock]

I’m from the same part of the US and agree with the caller 💯 Love the show James, wish we had an equivalent here in the States

[@bonzey1171]

Me too, James is great, we need a US version

[@phiksit]

You could try Thom Hartmann. He has a daily call-in progressive show that's very similar.

[@theeightoclock]

@@phiksit thanks I’ll check him out.

[@TheCloudhopper]

The most common sense out of a US citizen i heard in a long long while. Down to earth realism. With people like him rests the future of the American Dream. Thank you.

[@gemmapeter7173]

You should check out the channel Beau of the Fifth Column if you haven't already

[@TheFhqwhgadsLimit]

There are many of us. I would say this represents most of us actually. We're just not the loudest voice right now. There's just so much right now preventing the regular working class from having a free moment to stop and think about and express this.

[@PoeInTheDitch]

The majority of us are like this caller. I virtually Am this caller. Born and raised in the South (US), but then I traveled a bit and then moved away. I left the echo chamber. Don't be disheartened by the American extremists you constantly hear. They're not the majority, they're just loud.

[@sharonharris9782]

The majority of us are like the caller. We just don't scream and screech like the crazy right does

[@ladiesman017]

Very clear understanding of the current societal trends in the US, especially in the South. Great Call.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

It all makes sense coming from here in MN.

[@johngordon4825]

Fantastic call, there is always hope.

[@lokischildren8714]

A very enjoyable caller I like his world view

[@dundon9999]

Frightening. It is only getting worse. I am currently sitting here with my in laws in Denmark talking politics and listening to their gripes and thoughts about their political system, makes me sad to think how bad things are in the UK which is following in the footsteps of the extreme country across the pond.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

2 party politics is a cancer on society.

[@stevej.7926]

Loved this man’s insight. Very fruitful conversation.

[@NiskaMagnusson]

was thinking the same thing! didn't agree with him on absolutely everything but i think that's what makes it more interesting

[@janthomassen9577]

I'm a Scandinavian living in the US south for 20+ years and this guy's story is spot on. The positive is that him and others like him can change quickly with just a little bit of education and outside the bubble influence

[@sinetteiversen9978]

First think to do is banning Fox "news".In a court case they said themselves people who believe in their lies are crazy .

[@sinetteiversen9978]

Edit thing

[@onomatopoeia162003]

Didn't want to move here in Minnesota? lol

[@mattbenson3482]

If only more people could wake up like this guy did. He should be proud of himself for actually opening his eyes. 👍💖

[@danstainton8590]

Anyone who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities

[@serenityinside1]

Well said 👍

[@ericcoverdale9523]

Perfect example: The MAGA cult 😉

[@jimkhana007]

Great guest, clearly and articulately projected his thought on the situation in a way that was understandable and easy to absorb 👍

[@petermeichan3160]

' he preys on the poor and uneducated ' sounds just like farage

[@MrYossarianuk]

And the Tories

[@faithpearlgenied-a5517]

Bullseye.

[@voodooguy2]

Farage also preyed on the gullible too.

[@terrysmith5168]

How do you explain job role in the biggest UK conspiracy theory of the decade involving Carl beech and exaro news involving conservative MPs killing babies 🤔

[@celtic69]

Exactly, blame the brown people who’ve moved next door instead of the people at the top who’re taking everything away from you.

[@VaiRostampour]

What a fascinating call, he made it so easy for us to understand. How very refreshing

[@keithwoods266]

Well said. I’m from NJ and moved to a small rural town in Oregon 3 years ago. The town’s mentality and even its work ethic is 15-20 years in the past. They are constantly looking for handouts to replace things because they don’t know how to maintain anything. Rural Americans are a sad, difficult group.

[@Tortilla.Reform]

Don’t forget intolerant, speaking from the perspective of knowing my great grandmother growing up and the fact that she was a sharecropper in the south

[@MrKMaussen]

Hey, can I ask you what small town? I lived in rural Oregon for about a year and am just a little curious.

[@keithwoods266]

@@MrKMaussen Scappoose.

[@keithwoods266]

@@Tortilla.Reform I believe the intolerance comes from the lack of love. These are some of the angriest people I’ve ever met. They just bottle up the anger and just aim it at whatever or whoever they can.

[@aurelia5614]

Oregon, positioned between the great liberal states of California and Washington, is also generally known for progressively woke, educated and environmentally aware thinking, although there may be pockets of insular regressive attitudes, mostly in Eastern and Southern Oregon where you possibly find isolated, sparsely populated rural communities who may feel quite 'cut off' and experience the world in quite a different way than the interior population. However, your description of this small town expecting 'handouts' seems odd to me. Perhaps you need to give specific details to contextualise the story.

[@greghudson5629]

Great interview, I live in the Michigan and always thought Alex Jones was spewing lies but it is truly fascinating how the caller said how his beliefs attached itself. It was like a light bulb turning on how that disinformation can take hold, and it’s in more than just the south, it’s has the potential in all rural communities.

[@jesusroblesjr.4352]

Amen to that caller and thank you James for saying he’s one of your best caller I also was in amazement

[@Eleesa77]

Lots of respect for the gent articulating something that many don’t understand. He was conned by delusional and fear-mongering ideology, yet has the gumption to finally embrace reality. That’s a difficult feat.

[@maureenwood1653]

Caller of the year

[@Dascorpio36]

One of the best clips I’ve seen. Made me kind of emotional that there’s hope in America👍🏾

[@moniqueengleman873]

I always enjoy his interviews. He asks some very hard questions and then leaves them so confused. Great job to both of them.👍

[@kagreen2k]

As a middle-aged American, this caller gives me hope.

[@maxbean8781]

Very interesting POV. Thanks to this man for calling in and giving me a perspective I’ve not heard before.

[@craphead9842]

MB.... An American wants to give up his gun rights.... What BS.... Tony cuenca

[@tt-ew7rx]

The Sandy Hook conspiracy theory was extremely difficult to understand/rationalize for me. I tried to listen to Jones and it still does not make sense. It is therefore educational for me to hear this caller making sense of why so many people believe this stuff to the point of making Jones a multi-millionaire on such nonsense.

[@DrMontague]

How many parents who children were killed were pro gun lobby? Do they too own guns? If you are pro gun then sadly you have to be prepared to take the consequences no matter how painful.

[@tt-ew7rx]

@@DrMontague People are allowed to change their minds, and people do. However, the mind of an entire nation is extremely difficult to change.

[@DaemonZodiac]

Well structured troll response. Cheque is in the post.

[@AleXoEx0]

@@DrMontague pro gun? What about pro self defense?

[@manu-tonyo9654]

@@DrMontague It is the lack of legislation, background checks, mental health assessments, education and the paranoia inducing rhetoric that creates the problems. Your over simplistic attitude 'pro gun' is a symptom, the 'lobby' system is essentially blackmail or extortion, but you think the best conversation to have is to belittle and insult the parents of murdered children. You and your attitude are a huge example of the problem. You would rather think you were right than address and fix any difficult social problems.

[@martindouglass3248]

Great call. We all should step up like these families. Actually, we must.

[@mrbearbear83]

In some way, it's why our political cadre feel they are invincible

[@miketumalty]

This caller fills you with optimism just when the world and US specifically is in a dire state. His perspective on the far right being marginalised is spot on and they are creating their own "universe" is also extremely dangerous. Ostracising is a short term fix, education, re-education and a centrist beacon is needed to bring the two wings closer together.

[@BeardiusMaximus]

I absolutely agree apart from the "centrist" part. To find the center in the U.S puts you between the far right and the center-right. There needs to be a middle ground between the actual left and right, but that would need a massive swing to the left in the Overton window which is well overdue

[@jounik]

@@BeardiusMaximus The Overton window has slid so far right that looking at if from the center all one sees is a line.

[@danieloliver4558]

The two wings are basically stuck together in this country. We have 2 centrist parties

[@BeardiusMaximus]

@@danieloliver4558 Which country are you referring to?

[@danieloliver4558]

@@BeardiusMaximus UK

[@TheAutobot]

As another American from a conservative town in the Midwest, it was so nice to hear another story similar to Levi. Luckily my mother is a more liberal catholic so I think that enabled me to see past the fog at a younger age(and maybe why depression hit so young now that I think about it.....) and get passed several biases, but it was only when I got to College and was exposed to so many different people that I TRULY realized how much Bull was passed off as the truth.

[@Joaquin546]

Hey Mine too! XD

[@DelightfulDiscs]

Sadly many people will never come back to reality because their stuck in this mindset. What's more shocking to me, is that we've let these people into such high positions of power. The president, many members of congress, the supreme court. Lack of education seems to be the #1 thing to help solve this. Critical thinking, and a general respect for all people. I started following politics in middle school when George W. Bush was elected. I thought, 'How does someone who doesn't seem right for this job get to this position? Oh, money, and people being dumb basically.' Then Obama comes around, "Nice, some progress even though there's pushback. Nothing is perfect." Then comes Trump... Just a downward spiral.

[@alliehurd9385]

You’re right, education and critical thinking are crucial to breaking the mindset that conservatives have been indoctrinated into. Hence the reason the far Right have been promoting war on education the last few years. They are petrified of their world changing and hide behind a false claims of defending the constitution, religion or trying to protect history.

[@starmole5000]

This caller is amazing. Those on the side of decency must face down where necessary but also understand what is happening and why, and have compassion also.

[@rae-everything]

Man, props to this dude! Nice to see honest, self-aware change.

[@markshaz8691]

Really happy that someone can show that he has progressed by education in his thinking and understanding. Thanks for your honesty man.

[@ricolush]

What this man talks about connects with me in my life here in Northern Ireland. Growing up in a Loyalist/Unionist area I knew only certain views of people of the Republican/Nationalist areas here. That started to change when I begun working, then we moved away from that area and the rave culture had a massive bearing on my opinion of people now around me.

[@crono3339]

My friends and I grew up in Kentucky, very red area. We all served in the military, and used to parrot a lot of the talking points of so called conservatives. Psychedelic experiences and music festivals have helped us grow SO much.

[@mhooser527]

Amazing caller

[@AB-zl4nh]

Some people say it's education that changes a person like this but I wonder if it's more the people you meet from different backgrounds and the new environments that change you. Perhaps it's all three.

[@timmurphy5541]

It's your courage, IMO. The belief that you can cope even while you're chopping away at the foundations of your beliefs. Wanting to be "right" so much that you are prepared to admit being wrong even when it's humiliating.

[@jooseppielleese7156]

@@timmurphy5541 wonder if James has that courage I doubt it, his whole show is him being smug in his "rightness"

[@timmurphy5541]

@@jooseppielleese7156 almost everyone thinks they're right. I think he often is and a lot of the people who are against him certainly have few doubts about themselves.

[@venyredun5221]

I love the rants and the fights... But every now and then a conversation like this is nice to hear aswell.

[@boblukasik323]

As an American I can verify. This guy is on point.

[@JJVernig]

I like how James takes this info onboard, and is open about how it changes and adds to his understanding. On the right there is no open discussion and always a mindset of "I know the truth" and no room for changes in their belief..

[@lightninggirl33]

I really love this caller! He is so on the money!

[@mantashaft]

He’s right. We are doomed

[@Jim1255783]

We’re in a race against time. Either millions will die, or billions will die. We still have the opportunity to decide on one of those outcomes.

[@iainherridge6253]

@@Jim1255783 Billions would be the best thing for the PLANET!

[@catherinehanner284]

What???

[@burningmisery]

@@iainherridge6253 I agree, tho I have a niece I'd love to grow up and see the world. Either we stop destroying our environment, or the environment will destroy us.

[@rowly1985]

Amazing caller. The more and more people like this that come out and preach common sense, the more we'll be able to slowly chip away at the idiocy that is suffocating the world at the moment.

[@peterkazmierczak7273]

That's a big mug, James (at 6:50). This American view chimes with me over how the UK populace couldn't "move on" (despite the best efforts of certain politicians and newspapers) from Partygate, as folks had lost opportunities to be with their loved ones in their final hours, whilst those in charge did their own thing.

[@darrenwhite3103]

That’s a bucket! Not a mug!

[@rewindradiouk]

It's a Mega Mug

[@danielcrotty3598]

What’s the difference between Televangelism and Alex Jones?? He was just preaching to the choir! He feed his audience what they wanted to hear to the tune of $800,000 in sales a day!!

[@lours6993]

What an articulate, humble, intelligent and above all fine young man. Coming from Alabama is about as South / Red State as you can get. I’m immensely impressed at the integrity of his journey out of the Right Wing batshit echo chamber AND his understanding of how the whole process works. Kudos.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Want your Trial to go well? Don't post pictures of your Judge on fire, & call her a Goblin during your Trial.

[@Tsuka-bn8hq]

The conservatives are dying out… I get solace every time I realise this fact

[@Ian_Carolan]

Yes, conservatives are dying out. They have been since feudal times. The problem is that they actively do everything possible to maintain their power through the usurpation of political systems for their own benefit. Progress has and is being made but has been and is being hamstrung by greedy Conservative ideology. The question now is are we smart enough to prevent the on coming collapse of our society due to the near unrestricted rampant Conservative ideology of the past 40 years?

[@originalbadboy32]

The figures in the US suggest otherwise. And the UK is even worse.

[@lifetimeexpat3905]

Don’t take solace. Many times in history minorities have seized power and installed dictatorships with horrifying consequences.

[@jooseppielleese7156]

If you think this is a fact you're a fool, society swings to one end to another even if it didn't conservatives have more kids than liberals.

[@benknight7130]

Have you seen the last like 15 years of UK politics? Unfortunately they've been active far too long.

[@betterdaysbetterme1426]

Cool Beans. From an American woman of color. Thank you sir for calling and sharing. On another note ...I Love Your Show Sir. Thank you.

[@craigplant8821]

Welcome ❤️

[@natyra22]

You are not on the borderline of Gen X and millennial at 37...being born in the mid 80s (85) is definitely millennial.

[@tommytolliver1211]

As a black man in the American south this gave me chills not in a bad way, really great call.

[@k-h969]

I love that video of him with Andrew Neil, whenever I need a laugh I go and watch it.

[@roderickjoyce6716]

Proof that even Andrew Neil has some redeeming features 😁

[@mikeoglen6848]

@@roderickjoyce6716 I wonder if you, Roderick Joyce, have any redeeming features?

[@jooseppielleese7156]

@@mikeoglen6848 I doubt it, he probably judges people solely on political affiliation.

[@serenityinside1]

So many do nowadays tragically

[@TDashem]

As a shapeshifter, I'm glad to hear this callers words. Definitely takes some of the heat off of us.

[@mudmudmudmudmud7605]

Great caller sounds like a smart person. 👍 Alex Jones is not the only problem in this discussion about him but the people who down play, welcome him, or try to make you think he's on to something. I'm looking directly at Joe Rogan (there's others of course).

[@henrim9348]

Great comment. Made excellent points. Critical thinking is so critical for the future of America and the world.

[@colinwhite5355]

It truly astounds me that any sentient being would ever be able to listen to Alex Jones and not, instantly, see him for what he is. A self serving peddler of hate and bile.

[@tonygange7636]

That's exactly what james is the way he frames his opposition & how the electorate vote. Literally paid to divide but you dont mind because you see it as "facts"

[@perthyren601]

Wonderful callin wonderful host !!! made me cry //Love from Sweden

[@ahh_yes_mr_bax]

I too used to be like this man. I grew up in the US southern states. Everything he says is exactly true. Its pure trained reactionary habits coupled with an emotionally held absolute conclusion that everything else in the world must bend to.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

It is called fundamentalism. Very dangerous.

[@charlieevergreen3514]

James O’Brien is one of the best commentators out there. Thank you. Edit: corrected spelling of James’ last name.

[@aladinsarsipeus]

I’m glad James brought up the role social media plays in all of the issues mentioned. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@keithferris9574]

Huge part of it.

[@GanjaGirlSF]

Great conversation. Thank you!🌺

[@karencattelldeves3815]

Wow what a great call. Thanks for this

[@DulceN]

I am very happy to listen to the American caller who was raised in the Deep South. He’s come out of the cultural dumpster and become a much better person. Kudos to him!

[@HexValdez]

Great call.

[@paigeleigh2554]

What an absolutely BRILLIANT caller!

[@ray.shoesmith]

I was born in 1969, was born and raised in country Australia. I'm fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I don't ram my beliefs down anyone elses throat and I don't want anyone else shoving theirs down mine. Live and let live is my motto, if it doesn't effect me I don't care. It warms my heart that Levy and his generation are there to carry onwards

[@alexanders7569]

I often feel that our democracies would be stronger if we had four main parties - fiscal and social liberal, fiscal and social conservative, fiscal liberal and social conservative and fiscal conservative and social liberal. I think in the West most people agree on socially liberal values, but they disagree on governance and economics. Unfortunately in partisan systems, politics gets hijacked by social zealots.

[@schrire39]

@@alexanders7569 “in the West most people agree on socially liberal values” Do they? It seems to me your analysis is topsy-turvy. I think what most people (not just in the West) would agree on is economic justice and fairness. It’s precisely for this reason that culture wars are stoked daily by the economic elites because they serve as a very effective distraction. For example, the UK is currently experiencing a massive economic crisis but the two candidates for Prime Minister are debating which toilet certain people should use. There is almost zero debate or discussion around economic/fiscal change.

[@alexanders7569]

@@schrire39 I think if people were in agreement on the idea of 'economic justice: Jeremy Corbyn would have won the 2019 UK GE. Most people agree that our economy isn't working but there's no agreement on how to fix it. When I talk about social values, I think the majority have a 'live and let live' approach. The idea of culture wars is to try and break that consensus up, so that the lack of economic policy can be covered up.

[@vinodbodhankar8342]

An articulate and coherent caller, at last! And he was given the time and respect appropriate to his expression.