Lies, Politics and Democracy: Mona Charen (interview) | FRONTLINE

Mona Charen is a conservative columnist and the policy editor for The Bulwark.
The following interview was conducted by the Kirk Documentary Group’s Mike Wiser for FRONTLINE on May 4, 2022. It has been edited for clarity and length.
This interview is being published as part of FRONTLINE’s Transparency Project, an effort to open up the source material behind our documentaries. Explore the transcript of this interview, and others, on the FRONTLINE website: www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/in...
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CHAPTERS:
The 2020 Election and Trump’s Claims of Fraud - 0:00:00
The 2016 Election - 0:04:21
What Trump Offered Voters - 0:14:16
The Democratic Response to Trump - 0:25:17
Trump’s Early Presidency - 0:29:16
Trump and Charlottesville - 0:35:26
Trump’s Relationship with Authoritarian Leaders - 0:46:11
Liz Cheney and the First Impeachment - 0:55:14
Trump, COVID and Black Lives Matter - 1:01:40
After the 2020 Election - 1:11:14
Jan. 6 and the Aftermath - 1:20:36

[@frontline]

Watch the full documentary “Lies, Politics and Democracy” here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emPIhZx7aNBqmtU

[@mmlvx]

I watched it. It was good. Thank you for your service.

[@jy6402]

You Stole money from others and ask them to say: It is over? Shameless!

[@kjelliversen7524]

Lookoo😊oåløppæåoooooø

[@ianbrander8381]

@@mmlvx l ok l

[@ianbrander8381]

L P

[@bh4333]

these interviews are actually compounding my disappointment because it's clear that EVERYONE in the political nucleus KNEW what was happening, they KNEW the consequences, they KNEW particular people's failings and susceptibility to corruption and their intoxication by power . . .and STILL did nothing meaningful.

[@mwhitney9532]

Do MAGAs ever really consider the consequences of their actions?

[@ARichardP]

@@mwhitney9532No. They see a lack of self-control as freedom.

[@tonyhill2318]

I always thought most politicians were fairly spineless, but I never suspected they were so thoroughly cowardly and craven.

[@Dana-pq7ke]

@@mwhitney9532 I'm new to MAGA since last year. I followed them because I was told they were dangerous, so as a clinical nurse, I got involved due to risks with mental health. I found that I was on the wrong side of history. Touché. I changed parties from being a Minneapolis democrat and activist to MAGA. Many of my black and hispanic family members are doing the same.

[@shang0h]

Also listening to this it's clear how even last year, even now, the political establishment really didn't understand how much of this was engineered on the internet by folks like Bannon working with the alt-right and 4channers, to leverage trolling and make absolutely insane claims/attacks/etc. to bait out a response to them, and then using (the now made extra famous and constantly used by trump) strategy of turning to regular republicans and saying "she's saying this about you!". The uproar from those communities after the "basket of deplorables" comment was off the charts as they knew at that moment they'd won, and it will likely go down in history as the most consequential victory of the alt-right.

[@dominiquebertrand6786]

Watching this a year later, how perceptive this lifetime Republican woman was! She really coldly analyzes and excoriates the Republican Party and their spineless leadership. A year later nothing has changed on that front.

[@user-wt4ef5og8v]

Watching this a year later, how perceptive this lifetime Republican woman was! She really coldly analyzes and excoriates the Republican Party and their spineless leadership. A year later nothing has changed on that front.

[@mmeeddddddozzzzzzz3421]

The problem for the Republican party is that Donald Trump is the logical end point of the people who were in the Republican party since the 1950s and 1960s. Let's start with the John Birchers. They had the power to exile them so they would have become useless and eventually a much smaller group but instead they kept them. Why? Because the John Birchers were willing to knock on doors. and would help their election efforts. The same could be said of Barry Goldwater, who famously said "Tolerance in the face of tyranny is no virtue. Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Moderation in the protection of liberty is no virtue; extremism in the defense of freedom is no vice." Well Donald Trump would tell you that he's defending liberty and therefore can and should be as extreme as he wants to be. But the problem the Republican Party has is that they have ideas that do not appeal to the general public, and therefore they have to find an alternate way to complete or stay in power. The bargain they and the evangelicals have made is to get into bed with Donald Trump.

[@hz5484]

Nothing has still changed, dear True American friend 🙏🏻🌹

[@kipallen6538]

Yes, they did not magically grow spines.

[@andrewreeve5537]

As an Englishman 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, Mona Charen is my idea of the best America can offer. She is brave, coherent, reasoned, decent and admirable. Great lady!

[@barbaraseymour3437]

I’m watching this a year on - Nov. 2023. Could you have Mona on again, please, with her up to date insights on the current horrors?

[@myralhf]

A followup at this time would be beneficial...!

[@williamonderlinde5068]

I"D LOVE TO LISTEN TO HER AGAIN. She's the Rachel Maddow of the repub side.

[@julianciahaconsulting8663]

Yes it would be interesting to see if Mona still sees Zelensky of Ukraine as representing "incredibly good leadership" in the wake of billions of US taxpayers' monies sent to Ukraine to support that country's (failing) war effort going missing and unaccounted for & very likely now sitting in one of the many offshore bank accounts of that "incredibly good leader".....

[@gingermcintosh6545]

A follow up would be great but we know where she stands. She is the policy editor for the Bulwark. Tim whatshisname from the Bulwark appears regularly with Brian Tyler Cohen to talk about the Bulwark position. He is voting Biden, and did in 2020. The Bulwark policy position is that Trump is a nightmare dictator who has to go.

[@DCo923]

Yes is she ready to accept her possible imprisonment for election interference?

[@noreengardner1075]

He said more than I won he said “STOP THE COUNT!!”. Insanity.

[@darlenelarochelle4011]

He did say that. Yep. How do we just let that chit slide?

[@billwalsh388]

The whole thing was insane. I can't believe the whole country got locked in to Trump's temper tantrum. This BS should have been over a long time ago.

[@ARichardP]

He was 74 years old then and had seen more than a dozen national elections and would have known that vote totals come in from the big counties later at night. But he pretended not to know and just lied so he wouldn’t have to face the fact that he lost. Losing in his mind makes him a loser and he can’t deal with that.

[@laurenjohnson2577]

Great interview by Mike Wiser.....carried the dialogue along briskly , intelligently & most importantly did not interrupt Mona in her responses.....wonderful listening to two well versed people have an intelligent conversation

[@williamonderlinde5068]

STELLAR INTERVIEW techniques. ASK the Q, let the person ANSWER W/O BUTTING IN. It's ALL about THEM, NOT U.

[@teresastaalcowley8521]

I have had the naughing gut feeling and trepidous concern about the leadership of Trump and the recent Republican party. I am watching this on 2/3/2024 and thankful to listen to Mona Charen and her wise perspective.

[@markdask]

Speaking as a UK person, it was a delight to listen to a self-professed conservative journalist and intellectual speak so candidly about wtf happened to "the party" in the tfg years. A touch of "bothsidesism" here and there but wow; I hear John McCain speaking from the grave 😊

[@Javdoc]

It was all a power calculation. You had conservatives supporting someone who had always been liberal. Evangelicals supporting one of the least moral individuals to ever exist. Originalists supporting someone with no practical familiarity with the Constitution - or ANY of the workings of government. History (assuming we will still be in position to write critical history in the future), will have a field day with this period of time.

[@yurei8]

That's about it. And I don't have to wait for the 300 page version. Thanks!

[@HVACSoldier]

Javdoc, That’s what Pence was for. Trump needed Pence for the Evangelical vote.

[@conconmom]

This. Trump could give a shit about the Republican values. He’s only in this to have power and stay in power. He wants to be like the king and ruler of the USA at all cost

[@suzannelee854]

"One of the least moral individuals to exist"? Think about what Trump sacrificed to save our country from the corrupt DNC, from China robbing us, from unnecessary wars both here and in other countries such as Israel and N. Korea, from joblessness, from injustice and unfair prison sentences, from wasteful govt spending, from inflation, from high taxes, from our country being overrun by crime, drugs, sex trafficking and illegal immigration. I even give him some credit for doing what he could to get our country back to work as soon as possible after the plandemic was created by China and capitalized on by the DNC.

[@kellyscott9831]

She left out that it was the two traditional parties that has torn this country apart before trump ever was a thought,because it was the you scratch my back I'll scratch yours.and this countries government has lied to it's people for a very long time.

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

Haven’t changed my feelings about Putin-never trusted him-, and have always had issues with free trade. There are many of us within the Democratic party who didn’t shift in our beliefs in response to Trump. We just knew a would-be dictator when we heard one. His opening authoritarian gambit was when he announced and called Mexicans rapists and murderers. Yet, those words helped draw tens of millions to him. It was a Rorschach test for having a moral compass.

[@yurei8]

Exactly! (And I'm known for my usually long posts).

[@JoniDiMaggio]

@Madison Heights Couldn't agree more. I already knew trump was a lousy business man. I mean Jesus WHO bankrupts a casino? How is it possible? when you don't pay they're the bills you don't pay the contractors, you don't pay the casino workers including maids, restaurant servers, etc. Who in the hell was he paying? Money goes through his hands like water. He spends it on himself, suits, jewelry for the wife to keep her quiet, entertainment, dining out, buying yachts and God knows what else but he doesn't pay his bills. I've always wondered where all his money went cause he made so much of it but never had any. 6 out of 9 businesses went belly-up. TWO of them TWICE! The man never learn a damn thing about business Anyway I knew from day 1 that he didn't have the character to be president. I knew he was nothing but CHAOS. So I was worried when he won (stole) the election in 2016 I'll never forget how obsessed he was with Kim Jong Yun. He said whenever the man walked into a room people stood up and clapped. Trump said that's what he wanted he said it would be the greatest admiration from his people. (He actually thought those north Koreans had a choice)

[@MOI-qq8zc]

Nothing wrong with free trade

[@LetsBeCivilShallWe]

Trump’s presidential announcement was the beginning of the end for the relationship I was in at the time. We watched it on TV together, and I remember turning to my SO to tell him how horrible and crazy Trump was, and how he would tear the country apart if he were elected…except his facial expression told me he agreed with Trump’s words. I could not believe it. We actually argued about it, and how he felt about Mexicans, and Hispanics in general came out. I had no idea. Within a week we had broken up. It may seem like an extreme reaction but, I’m Black and he’s first generation Latvian-American. It made no sense to me, particularly with our personal stories but, racism can exist in anyone.

[@kellyscott9831]

Don't think either party has any room to speak on morality.

[@kacie1661]

Thank you, Ms. Mona Charen and interviewer, Mike Wiser. This is a well done interview, presenting information in a way that anyone can easily understand. Awesome interview. I'm really getting hooked on Frontline interviews and documentaries. Other than this extraordinary piece, I recommend Pelosi's Power, The Choice 2020, and America's Great Divide. Tonight, after work, I think I'll watch the Michael Luttig interview. After the Jan. 6 fiasco, caused by a petulant man-child in denial, and then again, after the Supreme Court overturning Roe, I suddenly wanted more and more knowledge and answers. And let's not forget, Accountability. Thank you FRONTLINE PBS, for helping me understand this dangerous political world we are living in today.

[@allancrow134]

Have you seen Steve Bannon's Frontline Interview(s)? I'm no fan of Steve Bannon but It really explains how we got to where we are. These are really good interviews for sure.

[@darlenelarochelle4011]

Indeed. This is quality information. Unfortunately, most of tRumps base voters will not comprehend the words that contain more than 4 letters.....

[@sewfantastic7257]

Wow, just when I was about to give up because I started to feel I was alone in my feeling that something is wrong , I come across this video and OMG. The Truth is out there and I thank her for speaking it.

[@thadford8201]

I truly hope that you are in the majority and the majority of people know. If not, we are truly on the verge of coming under the rule of a dictator

[@leeboriack8054]

This type of journalism is far superior to mainstream news, which is expressed by the emotional opinion makers.

[@lilmoe4364]

Indeed - like nght and day

[@cHVF]

Frontline interviews like these are the best thing on youtube.

[@patrioticsoul6686]

Spoken like a true leftist

[@crf7604]

Wrong. Should be unbiased since it's tax payer assisted.

[@BruteStrength99]

@@crf7604 tell me what's wrong with the interview?

[@orlock5510]

​@@patrioticsoul6686 awe, truth gets your panties all bunched up

[@mikeb5664]

@@patrioticsoul6686 Mona Charen is a conservative columnist and the policy editor for The Bulwark.

[@CandyHatsuneWolff]

This woman is the definition of a patriotic, brave, honest conservative. All my respect to her. Even as a leftist, I would be comfortable if Republicans like her, who truly value their country, were in power. Edit: Does anybody happen to know how she's faring in her political career? I hope the cultists haven't retaliated. I mean, of course they would, but hopefully not successfully.

[@susanfrancis5471]

“Cruz was very flexible” she said. You mean like a Snake, or a worm?

[@genomic_]

I don't consider myself a conservative and didn't know anything about her before watching this video, but I respect her after watching this interview. My impression of her is that she is smart, thoughtful, and passionate about what she believes.

[@stevejette2329]

Exactly my thoughts. She is VERY articulate and understanding.

[@loge10]

I'm not so sure - I checked out her books on Amazon and she seems to be a bit of a conservative extremist herself which allowed a person like Trump to ascend to power in the first place. And I'm no major liberal - I don't like many of the positions and methods of the progressive movement either. All I want is sanity and people who are willing to see reality, not just what they want to see.

[@peaceworld5393]

I was devastated when he ran and shocked and sick when he won !

[@peaceworld5393]

I think I meant shocked when he ran , devastated and sick when he won !

[@youresoakinginit2113]

@@peaceworld5393 Devastated•Shocked•Sickened All the right words, all used correctly. 👍

[@peaceworld5393]

@@youresoakinginit2113 I couldn’t put my real choice words 😉

[@fadedrose9]

PEACE WORLD. DITTO!

[@andrewroberts6123]

He’s a real hack. When he stood at the podium and shouted out for “Russia” (of all things) to HACK into Hillary Clinton’s E-mails, I knew that if he wasn’t arrested and in jail for that by the following morning, then he would finish rigging the Election and that he would be declared the winner. (Dude, where’s my Country) ?

[@topgrain]

I was waiting in line at the post office on 11/09/2016, and a woman, a total stranger, looked at me and asked me this: "What do you think Trump will do for the country?" Just then, a clerk became available, so I turned away. But as I walked by on the way out, I said to her, "I think he will destroy it."

[@porlvuj]

Obama did exactly that, perpetuating racial differencies and creating a cult of victimhood and in that way preparing the red carpet for Trump' s arrival.

[@p.j.morrill7249]

Oh you are so witty...destroying our country was left to Biden

[@baldguy8977]

This is an insanely great interview more people need to hear this

[@KimCarney]

agreed!

[@johnjohnson3709]

Don’t expect a Trump supporter to hear and see this interview! They do not have the slightest clue!

[@terrycline8689]

I completely agree. And almost half of the country will still think 45 is ok. That's the part I will never understand.

[@lpperrone]

That is because you do not have the insight for truth.@@terrycline8689 TRUTH IS A PERSON.

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

the first time in memory someone approaches the Trump phenomenon with actually reasonable terms. PBS has such an important role to play!!!

[@aresmars2003]

5:40 On Trump claims of "rigging against him", it is clear it is a strategy. If someone claims you are cheating, you are immediately on the defensive, and you feel compelled to show you are treating him fairly, even when you don't want to, when you find him offensive and disgusting, you know anything you do to "speak up" against this monster, the more proof he'll have to say he's right, you're biased against him. So this strategy helps to silence any resistance to his words or action. Everyone is against him, poor me. Before Trump I has NO IDEA that victim-status is central to bully personalities.

[@aresmars2003]

@Exculpatory Shōgun OH, I see. Like Hillary conceding the next MORNING after the election? Outrageous! Or like Biden counting the votes after the electoral college without Hillary's voters threatening to hang him? Or like Obamas, Bidens, Bushes, and Clintons ALL attending Trump's inauguration? Outrageous betrayal of democratic norms!

[@phylis3917]

👍🏿

[@mah4769able]

Trump has been using the phrase rigged/cheated ever since The Apprentice, when it didn't receive an Emmy Award

[@tomgraves6463]

The only time a 'one person- one vote' doesn't matter is when someone doesn't vote because they believe their vote doesn't count. Hey.... VOTE anyway.!!! Because you matter.

[@grumblycurmudgeon]

I would argue the one person one vote thing ALSO falls apart if, in spite of your vote, the losing party seizes control and ignores the legitimate outcome anyway.

[@jamesbailey5350]

Neither "one man, one vote" nor "majority rules" is the essence of democracy. The rule of law is the essence of democracy. The life, liberty, and property of Donald Trump must be destroyed by the lawful judgment of his peers.

[@rohankurian5641]

💪🇺🇸💪🇺🇸💪🇺🇸

[@br0k3nman]

The electoral college is a farce in this day and age. Land doesn’t vote, people do, it was part of the aristocracy from Europe trying to rebuild a sense of fairness in America to the Rural people. It was when information travelled slowly and the rural people could easily be left out. While I’m not saying that doesn’t happen, the system has been gamed and manipulated to where the minority can essentially win the vote and impose their ideals on the larger urban and suburban populations. Unfortunately, this correlated to less educated and open-minded voters being used or by choice to both, create laws antithetical to their own best interests and against the more left leaning city people (again, not because it benefits them, or would even affect them, but HURTS the other). Voters in Nebraska or Mississippi hold more voting power than I do on the west coast. They have inadvertently (mostly) allowed themselves to become victims of their own policy, while supporting politicians and fascist judges to hurt the blue regions… who by the way… quite literally provide all the welfare for most red states via the federal system. The electoral college needs to go and you will see the quality of life rise for everyone in the whole country…. Even if some regressives want to bring us back 50+ years.

[@karenwhinesmore9347]

Absolutely!!!!

[@stockbag]

She deserves a medal for this remarkable interview. Should be required viewing for all young Americans before getting their electoral cards. Just astounding knowledge and explanation.

[@alwayslernin4400]

Frontline always has the best interviews. They ask the right questions and then let them talk.

[@marklyles3335]

This is the best post-mortem of the Trump election I've ever heard. OUTSTANDING!

[@capstone1073]

Let us not forget the interviewer in these extended interviews. The questions were excellent and allowed the viewer to get a cohesive story of the lead up to January 6th.

[@anabaird3835]

AGREED.

[@Greg-yh2md]

Yes, agreed

[@Mark-gg6iy]

They are good but I prefer a bit more challenging.

[@sophocles1198]

Yes, he asks concise questions then steps out of the way

[@ernesthairston6464]

How do we hold anyone "responsible" for violating the oath of office now that the "honor" system at the base of political system has been destroyed?!?

[@kellyscott9831]

The president I'll seat has been corrupted for a long time long time.

[@ehayes7849]

with honor no longer existing or holding meaning, guess we need to reintroduce punishment for character flaws at the town square

[@Butkusfan1]

Reintroduce the gallows pole to the anointed ones

[@donnyg.1681]

But they swore on the Bible. You think they had their fingers crossed? OK from now on its pinky swear.

[@kimwhitmore7505]

@@donnyg.1681 Sure, that will work. 🤣

[@quillowl4319]

delightfully knowledgable, reasonably balanced, Mona Charen has mastered language, in a way that explains complex, multi layered issues, in ways, that make it easier to understand. when relating to citizens, i wonder what could replace "ordinary", or by royalty, "commoners", when referring to members of the public! really appreciated, thank you.

[@seculareyes]

Thank you Mona Charen!

[@slinkydragon11]

When Trump said "frankly we did win this election" and only the in person ballots had been counted, I knew our democracy would soon be over.

[@tonycollyweston6182]

If Adolf Trumpf wins then we will be done, have hope.

[@janiekcarney5482]

I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta and racism was there. Everyone knew it but it wasn’t said in public. Now Trump has made saying racists comments in public OK. It is sad. I thought we had made more progress on race and class but we haven’t. It’s blatant. It’s disgusting. Lack of respect for each other.

[@kdnick8584]

I will be 70 in December. Just today I had to ask myself if race relations have gotten better since the '70s.

[@lovinglight1720]

Best interview. so healthy to view our truth vocalize. So Grateful.

[@grahamjacob97]

So wonderful to listen to intelligent adults

[@Aristotelezz]

Another great interview! I'm getting addicted on this Frontline stuff!

[@adrienbancroft7895]

Check out the Front Line library over the last decade. Absolutely impeccable content. Nothing compares in regards to deep investigative reporting. Frontline is in a class of its own.

[@kimwhitmore7505]

I've been addicted to Frontline for a long time! Excellent reporting.

[@billwalsh388]

​@@adrienbancroft7895 Vote Blue, because last time I checked, republicans wanted to defund public broadcasting.

[@allancrow134]

These long-form interviews have been showing up in my queue. They are excellent. Subbed.

[@SJmystic]

I did not know of this journalist prior to this interview, but how impressive is she! I am so appreciative of this series and the range of people who were included. Ms. Charen is so well spoken, informed and insightful, that I found this interview so meaningful, and I am not a Republican or conservative. I think that speaks volumes about the role that fine journalism can play in a democracy and in this country -- that people of high principle and strong work ethic, interested in the role of the press as it is designed (i.e., to bring out what is occurring, regardless of what/who it reveals), are important servants to the country. I am thankful for such service . . .

[@lancemiller4647]

I can't express strongly enough how so many more need to listen to what Mona Charen has to say..1!! Talk about eye opening..!!!!

[@marystamara2012]

Trump can't stand to lose, that should have been evident when he said it for the 2016 election and the fact, he would not answer questions on whether or not he will concede if he Loose's. Trump had a taste of absolute power, and he didn't want to give it up.

[@yvonneplant9434]

He lost at running casinos. Complete failure at it.

[@peaceloveharmony7213]

The Frontline episode Lies, Politics, and Democracy just aired tonight. These interviews are very interesting and informative but be sure to watch the actual documentary that these people were a part of. ✌🏼🇺🇸

[@rohankurian5641]

👊🔥✌

[@brettg4248]

I have never heard such a wise, thoughtful Republican. I didn't think they existed. Credit to you Mona. If Republicans were like you we'd be able to argue rationally about indifferences of opinion in tax policy or abortion.

[@Valentinathevamp]

I have never watched an entire interview in one sitting, until today. This was an insightful, logical, no frills interview. Thank you! VOTE 🗳️ BLUE🔵

[@mbords01]

Indeed; the content, the wording, the manner of speech so good to listen to. I have no doubt of her sincerity in this interview!

[@lpperrone]

All communists vote blue!!

[@EEE-ds8bb]

Voting Blue is just as bad. They are as crazy as Trump but with different policies

[@rap4880]

​@@EEE-ds8bb- Your information is incorrect.

[@tomatlanta2665]

Mona is a die-hard conservative, so it is important to see this. She is remarkably well-spoken and thoughtful. I must admit that I detested her conservative newspaper columns back in 2000-ish.

[@sharonhoyt2133]

She is not a conservative.

[@lynnwitherington6604]

Doesn't it bother you, how nasty and-- how nasty and unhinged she's always been? Not a good person-- but Trump gives past sinners a chance to broaden their base.

[@davidburcar7620]

@@sharonhoyt2133 What do you base that on please?

[@julietolis1918]

THE smartest conversation with the smartest speaker I have ever heard. BRAVO MONA CHAREN.

[@oneirishpoet]

Yeah she's so smart that she wasn't willing to call Trump out for being a malignant narcissistic psychopath until now? Funny how these right wing pundits are so fucken smart NOW 🤔

[@user-qv4ni9hd8m]

If you think that, your cognitive capacity is limited.

[@user-qv4ni9hd8m]

Having a large vocab doesn't prove that someone is smart!

[@anton1949]

She was Nancy Reagan's speech writer, constantly bashing Democrats, now She votes for Democrats for President.

[@h.lloydweston4506]

This is a great and enlightening interview. Thank you Mona Charen!. You have brilliantly articulated and explained the problems facing and affecting our great democracy at this stage of American History. We are very grateful to you and hope our democracy will survive. God Bless America!

[@ethanboyd7843]

GOP leadership didn't just have the 'opportunity' or 'responsibilty' to to say publicly the things they all say privately about trump, they had an affirmative duty to do so and that's a big difference.

[@pauo6192]

I love the words she put down for Kevin McCarthy "obedient poodle".👍👍👍👍

[@aiwenli9605]

I thought that was Lindsey Graham from South Carolina.

[@lilmoe4364]

That was Graham. McCarthy was a hollow man, C.S. Lewis' "man without a chest"

[@phylis3917]

👍🏿

[@devilaces]

It's interesting to listen to her discuss the irony of Trump being a champion of the conservatives. Paraphrasing here.... "Trump's position of burn it all down is the opposite of conservatism"

[@kevnwarriner8819]

The thing that most people don't understand is that Trump wanted a top down Fascist Dictatorship with the power focused in and around himself and the Rethuglicans in Congress, he tried to get the DOJ to investigate his critics and Political Opponents to find the slightest reason to get rid of them and everything that he accused others of he was guilty of himself, Projection/Projecting just like Dr Josef Göebbels and the Nazi's used to do, which is no surprise considering who and what his father was and the time that shaped him in the 1920's and 1930's, the Klan was a big problem and so was the American Nazi Party who were intertwined (America First Movement and the Bund) Trump wanted to burn democracy down and replace it with an Oligarchy/Radical Right Kleptocracy/Theocracy and yes that is the opposite of Conservatism

[@samanthamariefreeman335]

DT was the opposite of 'moral' to the Christians who supported him; DT was the opposite of a wealthy, successful, winning businessman - he lost more money in every one of his businesses than he ever made, and was in severe debt when he ran for office. DT is the opposite of a rich man.

[@barbaratrepka5896]

She is so right on about everything

[@jma6893]

I like how Mona Charen speaks her mind freely... no BS. (and I am on the left side of the political spectrum). I enjoy her honesty.

[@pamelajones6969]

Truth is what it is all about.....thank you.....I still wonder how we ever got here,,,,,but I shed many tears for all the men and women who served this country to protect our constitution,,,,including my father

[@mah4769able]

Amen!!!

[@jessicafalstein]

This interviewer is so excellent.

[@user-qv4ni9hd8m]

Mona Charen is partisan

[@athleticguy15]

@@user-qv4ni9hd8m She may be partisan, but she called out the Trumpists from the very beginning.

[@us-Bahn]

That’s an amazing observation: “The design of the Constitution is not strong enough to withstand the pressures of hyper-polarization.”

[@thomascarlisle7895]

A very good look at the Republican circumstances during and after the 45th presidency by an intelligent, sober, grownup. Unless we want a dictatorship or a return to a kingship. We need to pay careful attention to voices like this.

[@malvernwarmington707]

At the end of the day, the question is; what does this say about so many Americans in 2022? How could this happen in what is generally accepted as the most advanced country on our planet?

[@CC12398]

Mona Charen is so well-spoken. Allison in wonderland-esque explains the last few years to a t.

[@bradgillette3325]

Thanks, Bryan. Always great to hear from Mr. Raskin.

[@elizamccroskey1708]

This is absolutely the most important content I have heard about the last 2 years

[@artemisfowl2820]

Love this long form interviews. Thank you, Frontline!

[@emmarosie18]

This is the first time I’ve seen or heard of Mona Charen and I’m a happy person knowing that righteous goodness and education live on in a woman such as Ms Charen. Her interview was brilliant the questions perfect. I learned so much watching this interview including three words I wasn’t even familiar with! Her knowledge of history that she was just able to use in her answers was astounding. Plus she did not use one off color word or reference. Believe me in this world that still shows that with over 300,000 words out there, (I read that), if you can’t find a discriptive word for what you want to say, get your money back from wherever you went to school. EDUCATION MATTERS! Thank you Ms. Charen

[@adrienbancroft7895]

This Frontline series should be mandatory viewing for American secondary students. This series lays it out perfectly.

[@davidburcar7620]

This interview should be mandatory viewing for every single American.

[@W_Bin]

This series should be mandatory viewing for the world.

[@phylis3917]

👍🏿

[@om-nj2hw]

Very intelligent woman, enjoyed listening to her

[@MicheleToland]

What a FANTASTIC interview. Do yourself a favor and give this your full attention. It answers to a multitude of questions that have perplexed many of us since 2016. The observations and conclusions validate my extreme concern for the future of our democracy. The best (and one of the most concerning) quote was "the design of our constitution is not able to withstand hyper polarization." No one ever imagined it could get this bad. We all need to pay close attention and make our politicians accountable for the nefarious behavior described in this interview. Kudos to Frontline (again)!

[@michaelwoehl8822]

Mona Charon is very astute in her thoughts about Trump, the modern-day republican party and the last 2 elections, do not see anything she said that was wrong. It's very refreshing to hear a republican speak sanity and truth, just wish there is more like her, we need this to repair the damage that is still ongoing in our democracy.

[@georgeradcliffe7511]

From across The Pond. Had never heard of Mona Charen before this interview and no wonder... She REALLY DOES describe modern America. Stay safe Mona, your sound.

[@BrettCalder]

Check the bulwark podcast that she hosts "Beg to Differ".

[@athleticguy15]

She has been a syndicated columnist for over 40 years in major newspapers and publications.

[@christys413]

Excellent interview. I may disagree with Mona Charen on a million different policy points, but her sharp perspective is desperately needed in America today.

[@athleticguy15]

Same here.

[@matthewsmith5374]

@@NSOcarthher perspective on THIS subject is sharp I think is what they meant.

[@lesliewarnell5172]

Well stated, and agreeing to disagree is ok, but I too choose to give credit where credit is due. 🦋

[@judjudersawn2596]

She has no sharp perspective. She has detailed but oversimplified theories of the world which cannot possibly be true.

[@judjudersawn2596]

@@matthewsmith5374 She diagnosed Trump with a personality disorder despite having no formal training in psychiatry. She is an inflated individual committed to her personal theories which cannot possibly be true.

[@PinelJohn]

After almost a decade of this nonsense, this is one of the best takes I have heard. Dispassionately eloquent, yet highly aware of the situation. Looking forward to seeing more of this pundit as the civil war develops. Much respect!

[@gregparrott]

Mrs Charen's insights are clear and well articulated. Thanks for conducting this series of interviews.

[@rustyreturns9754]

I’m on my fourth in this series. Repetition aside, my mind has been opened. Thank you

[@charlesbonnet8057]

I agree, and I think this one is the best of the 4.

[@lilmoe4364]

This is my second - great series indeed

[@weston.weston]

I agree, Rusty. I've listened to each interview and find them each extremely insightful.

[@angeline12345]

Did you start thinking you imagined it all lol I did see it that way too I happen to see it live. Publicly 🤷🏼‍♀️🥳 daily 😳😝🇺🇸. Good luck 🤞 America 🇺🇸

[@angeline12345]

Is very good series ☝️👍

[@cesardeleon3856]

So sad what the Republican Party has become. Politicians serving and protecting themselves not the people they are sworn to serve. Thank you for such great interview.

[@jeffbohen4301]

The burn it all down idea, before Trump championed it, it was Bannon's Mantra

[@evac3928]

Sociopaths are like that.

[@Jack-bs6zb]

@Cesar etc… substitute the word ‘Republican’ with ‘Democrat’ in your comment and you’re getting close to a sensible statement of truth.

[@DrFunk-rk6yl]

@@Jack-bs6zb not really. Democrats publicly disagree with Joe Biden. The current group of elected Republicans do not disagree with Trump even though in private they are disgusted by him and his behavior.

[@TX_BoomSlang]

@@Jack-bs6zb can you show us all on your trumpy bear where the 'Democrats` hurt you? 🙁

[@tombudzinski950]

When I started watching, I thought “an hour and a half-and only one person being interviewed -I’ll never stay with it.” By the end I wanted more.

[@jakespivey3716]

These full length interviews that were done for Frontline are sometimes much informative than the Frontline shows themselves. I never used to bother to listen to these but, this interview of MC shows how much depth gets glossed over.

[@ld4974]

"In our nation's 246 year history, there has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.” -Dick Cheney

[@belladonnatook8851]

Except, of course, Dick Cheney...

[@davegreene8588]

@@belladonnatook8851 Cute, but false.

[@christinemann6180]

Dick Cheney is a war criminal! Trump is mentally deranged!

[@ld4974]

@Robert Berger My opinion on Trump should be pretty clear.

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

People should share this far and wide with anyone still calling themselves Republican or thinking that Republicans deserve your vote.

[@ts2thankful1]

Sad thing is that we can share this but trump people will never listen or believe the facts. These interviews are great.

[@lylewalker5681]

They can get right up to the point where they accept everything she's saying... but gay people are still going to be gay, and black people are still black. That's what it comes down to, for most of them.

[@luckylulu7777]

@@ts2thankful1 we believe trumps word because he did what he said he'd do. Put America first. If you support Biden you support pedophiles and child abuse and the ridiculous toxic race bating. Sad people still fall for it.

[@j.michaeljefferson60]

I'll share this video with everyone who is dysfunctional and a Democrat.This person who has no clue who she is talking about.Shes a never Trump Rhino or worse. Don't know what she's doing as a conservative. She's just a Rhino and it shows

[@maryfields1382]

I would try, but they won't believe it. and that's the problem.

[@Elliott_Wave]

Wouldn't it be great to have intelligence like this governing the US

[@johneblen9172]

I would love to see McConnell and Graham reflect back on their times in our Senate, and tell us if the believe they provided America an improvement or a failed, more partisan era! My opinion in their stunts, especially in their efforts in our Supreme Court, they undermined America's confidence!

[@kgraham5820]

Thank you for sharing your point of view, and being so candid and honest about your take on things. I am curious though... with most of our country’s representatives only looking for the vote, running around power grabbing and stroking their own egos, trying to be first - what about "We The People..." Does anyone have us and the betterment of our country on their minds??

[@annettebrown1346]

Like you I wonder the same. They talk about gun control but they have security guards They talk about paying off student loans does that not sound like higher taxes to cover this is coming? Nothing anymore sounds like it is people friendly or building a better government. And currently we hear Build Back Better, when, how?

[@comment3711]

Good question. Expresses the feeling that all Americans share.

[@oggiedoggies]

No one other than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has spoken up against predatory Hedge Funds (Citadel), so no they do not have the Countries best interests in mind.

[@timothybanks2927]

K Graham....I believe United States Government only care about themselves. Democrats and Republicans are working together and the goal is to divide us. I don't trust ANYBODY from the White House to the small town local government!!

[@Blonde111]

Nope, they do not care about ‘we the people’ they only care about $ and power. Even though I am grateful for this interview, why didn’t we hear from YOU when all of this was coming down???🧐

[@alibobo2009]

Thank you for voicing these things!

[@christinefarrell166]

I am a moderate Democrat …this woman is amazing! This is so refreshing to listen to a mature dialogue about the mistakes and shortcomings of ALL involved in where our country is. I’m definitely going to follow her interviews

[@hermionegardener3796]

Hindsight is 20/20

[@MsJudi54]

She's a very biased, RINO w/ TDS & can't be trusted. He's not an "authoritarian" & he was never enamored of dictators, or socialism/communism.

[@christinefarrell166]

@@MsJudi54 I respectfully disagree…her tone was NEVER BIASED IMO. Dial back the anger, I was just voicing my opinion, no one is 100% without fault.

[@MsJudi54]

So, when does having an opinion equate to "anger". There was no anger attached to my previous comment, & there is not to this one, either. Perhaps you're projecting your own feelings? FYI, this was not a "dialogue," it was an "interview", & this woman's bias was clearly showing us that she is a RINO. She may be able to come across as knowledgeable & "mature"; however, one has to use critical thinking & have a working knowledge of what & who she's talking about in order to "maturely" assess her veracity & her intent in doing this interview (& any other interview she engages in). Follow her, as that is your right, but I'd suggest you do it with some serious discernment. Anyway, thank you for the peaceful exchange! [The elitists are trying their best to turn us against each other on purpose in order to distract from their power grabs. We have to be smart enough, & mature enough, to recognize that & stop it in its tracks. If we don't, we all lose our voices, our freedoms, & most likely, our lives (see Venezuela, Cuba, China, NOKO, Russia, etc.)].

[@christinefarrell166]

@@MsJudi54 because RINO is used as a derogatory slang by Trump and MAGA supporters, Ive never heard it used as a compliment

[@eileens4111]

Just a superb, candid interview! Thank you, Frontline!

[@rashidasnead865]

She’s so well spoken and very smart. I might have to listen to her podcast. ❤

[@waterishdrake8693]

She’s really not

[@joannecleve4718]

I will be, like I said she knows his stuff. 😅

[@mmlvx]

Holy guacamole, it's so nice to hear a conservative expressing rational thoughts in complete sentences. Funny, the things you didn't know you missed until you get a glimpse of them again.

[@sgarcata]

Actually they are all over MSNBC... Charlie Sykes for instance. Many former Republicans who speak honestly and intelligently.

[@mikefoley5792]

I did not know of Mona Charen. I wish I had and I am a fan now.

[@estherwiskel6550]

She is a real bright lady, very articulate. Best interview overall and above other regarding the little prince without his shorts😖

[@marthaking108]

"...the Republican Party can tolerate the Jewish-space-laser QAnon lady but it cannot tolerate the truth telling rock-ribbed conservative lady. So, that pretty much sums up where the Republican Party is now." I don't agree with all of her views but I deeply appreciate her highly elucidating integrity and incisiveness. Mona Charen--rock on!

[@marcwordsmith]

thank you, Ms. Charen, for your cleareyed lucid commentary. Thank you Frontline.

[@johnmason6701]

Mona Charon has such clarity and courage in this Frontline/PBS interview!

[@maureenfonken3654]

Real talk--I realized that there was immense hypocrisy on the right wing by the time George W. Bush came to office and began running up the deficit, and began studying both sides of all issues to come to my own conclusions. This led me in a much different direction from my upbringing. That being said, I definitely thought there was a substantial commitment to ideals among most. Real-talk on this failure of people on the right to live by the courage of their convictions is what we need to hear LOTS OF in this country. The general public needs to understand these failures at all levels where they have occurred.

[@slevin4591]

Wow this interview says it all…well done.

[@eddybrevet6816]

They fuked up, boy how, the monkeys r saying they aren’t our cousins

[@hullusawyitayal64]

When you spend so much time and energy guarding the fence and the gate from the "left", you tend to lose sight of what's going on inside the fence.

[@cody_creativename5382]

🤓

[@cody_creativename5382]

L bozo + ratio + fatherless

[@cody_creativename5382]

🤡

[@cody_creativename5382]

@@Maggie-zr2ow hmm, i don't care

[@cody_creativename5382]

@@Maggie-zr2ow Also, i did check i don't see anything

[@jeffreyness9741]

Sorry I'm 11 months late for this interview but she is so fantastic and so well-spoken and so intuitive and and so right to the point that nobody else could do what she does I've never seen it before I'm sorry Missy initial deal but 1.2 million people also watched.

[@BabbaYagga]

No, she is a self-righteous lying demagogue.

[@ilovethe80s71]

Fabulous series. TY PBS!

[@ritacampbell3833]

I still think this was long. However, I found her opinions and observations to be very accurate, insightful, and helpful. It was also interesting to me as a lifetime liberal that this lady is a confessed political conservative, yet she seems clear sighted. I agreed with her totally as far as ethics, and the unfolding horrors of what Trump has done to degrade, embarrass, and yes, as she said, “tear us apart.” This is now September 2022, and the interview was done in May, but all she’s said is still accurate it seems to me. I too watched Trump and the unfolding drama - a tragedy really, day by day. No part is a surprise to me, what she’s saying, but it is heartening to know that my severe suffering was not done alone. I thank you for interviewing this highly articulate, literate, clear sighted woman, and as I said, I feel amazed that she considers herself a conservative, yet she seems mature, moral, educated, and considerably wise. I’m not saying my values are ever going to be conservative, but I respect her, nevertheless. I was truly disappointed and I felt deeply betrayed when most or all Republicans refused to impeach and remove Trump. I felt so much utter disrespect for most Republicans for that. Their party is so degraded and immoral today, it seems surprising that anyone with integrity and intelligence would choose to stay in it, but in a way it is comforting to know that there are good people, even in the Republican Party of today.

[@frankbarthel8921]

Cover it up as much as you like people are not stupid

[@jcbjcb2]

@@frankbarthel8921

[@sherirobinson6867]

As a Reagan Republican, today I see a complete failure of the national Representatives. The compromise was completely shameful. The insurrection and vow for civil War was my worst memory of 60 years of life. This lady has spoke many truths that are missing from the Republican party of today. I don't know if I'll ever be able to vote for another Republican the rest of my life. I certainly have not voted for one since the election of the madman.

[@HVACSoldier]

Sheri, The problem is these politicians play to their base. Politicians in BOTH parties do this, and they keep taking it to the next awful level instead of saying “Look, don’t do anything crazy. Don’t take the law in your own hands. I know your angry,” they say “If we don’t get what we want, you know what to do.” Next thing you know, you have people rioting and breaking stuff and storming government buildings. Solution: TERM LIMITS. That way politicians aren’t bound to their party leaders for very long.

[@peggyrivard3080]

One lie after another.. unbelievable!!

[@fitveganathleteintegrateda1695]

@@HVACSoldier term limits are not the solution, bringing in total political unknowns, even from those who are socially known is dangerous. Think of the questions asked by pundits, "when will Trump pivot and become presidential?" Will Trump become presidential? Will Trump show his taxes, and so forth. The total elimination of private funding, for elections, is at least part of the solution -- seats in the house, Senate and Oval office should not be for sale, the same should go for state legislatures. I want to remind you, as a former republican, nobody in the Democratic party has led or instigated a seditious insurrection. "Both," is a false equivalency. JAN6 is a singular event, without precedent or parallel. Secession in 1861 is different from attacking the capitol, that also did not lead to happy times either.

[@fitveganathleteintegrateda1695]

I hear you. I used to be a Republican. Now that party is Trumplicans, everything is all about Trump, all about his petty grievances, delusional hallucinating claims, deliberate falsehoods, coarse, crass, vulgar, cheating, obstruction, racism, antisemitism, misogyny, starting a stupid tariff war with China, not showing his taxes, election and bank fraud, handing top secret intel to Lavrov and Kislyak -- people from the evil empire. Can you imagine Reagan indulging, perpetrating, promulgating, suggesting or doing ANY of the above and a whole lot more not listed, like not contributing to his "charity," not suggesting he would date his daughter...he is a grotesque suffocating nightmare, where is the oxygen.

[@HVACSoldier]

@@fitveganathleteintegrateda1695 I was a truck driver. I was in Minneapolis, when the Chauvin verdict was do to come out. You know who else was there? Rep. Maxine Waters angrily suggesting that the jury better return the “correct” verdict. As for me, I’m hoping I get out of Minneapolis before the S#!t hits the fan, IF it hits the fan. That’s the problem with some politicians. They “gin up” hate and anger. What Rep. Waters, and Trump (and other Republicans) were doing was wrong. Rep. Waters might not actually be leading a riot, but she was trying to instigate one. Besides, who says they have to be complete novices. My problem is we have people worried about re-election (Democrats AND Republicans) and not trying to help the country.

[@debrabell2604]

When you know of a crime and dont speak out against it or act to stop it you are just as guilty.

[@spinnetti]

I haven't heard a rational well reasoned conservative in so long, I didn't think they existed anymore. Very good conversation.

[@maryrodger5130]

Pence honorable? Nope Mona, Pence did his *job*.

[@adambrooks7137]

Mary are you from the states. Where do you live ?

[@wattetiparoch]

Yup barely

[@adambrooks7137]

@@wattetiparoch The pleasure is all mine meeting you here .add new up on Gmail by sending me mail

[@sands7779]

Pence was under incredible psychological pressure and physical danger and yes he showed moral courage on Jan 6 2021.

[@gamtngirl3655]

Excellent presentation. I listened to every word.

[@user-vn8om6yv4n]

I like her. We can't move things forward without people like her. I will continue to speak out about how my things are being used and were used to normalize things I do not find to be acceptable. I will lose nothing.

[@olivierbolton8683]

'people like her'? we can't move forwards without WE THE PEOPLE?

[@josephvotta6698]

What an incredible speaker! And so knowledgeable! Thank you, Ms. Charon! 🌺 (and Frontline!:)

[@jefftollison3848]

Her interview is very reminiscent of the days when political Conservatives had some semblance of integrity, some measure of honor, when they put Country above Party. I remember when I used to vote split ticket. In the past I voted for Republicans, Democrats, Independents, of both genders, from different religions, ethnicities, etc. I'm a Centrist at heart. In the current state of affairs, I cannot see ever voting for a Republican candidate again, which is unfortunate.

[@phylis3917]

👏🏿👍🏿