Matt Taibbi "Insane Clown President"

Rolling Stone magazine contributing editor and columnist Matt Taibbi spoke about his book, "Insane Clown President: Dispatches from the 2016 Election," at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy NY on May 12, 2017.
Matt Taibbi, author of the New York Times bestsellers "The Divide," "Griftopia," and "The Great Derangement," is winner of the 2007 National Magazine Award for Columns and Commentary.
"One of the most important voices in contemporary American journalism" - Independent
"Matt Taibbi is one of the few journalists in America who speaks truth to power" - Bernie Sanders
"Matt Taibbi is the best polemic journalist in America" - Felix Salmon
Directed by: Elizabeth Press
Cameras: Jenn Baumstein, Dillon Bodner, Jay Wilcox
Sound: Troy Pohl

[@jazzsocietyofecuador]

Watching this on KZbin on March 15, 2020, we're in awe of how brilliant, articulate, and prescient Matt Taibbi's appearance at The Sanctuary was almost three years later.

[@OB17358]

Thank you Mr. Taibbi for your dedication to independent investigation, and your work to share it.

[@IMP3TIGO]

Hats off to Matt, a real modern day hero with real courage and conviction.

[@TheDmonet]

@@renuznet He's a writer not a movie star..or an anchorman for that matter.

[@oldcronediy486]

The most important factor was the electorate did not want Hillary, the press supported her ,there by putting the nail in the coffin. The disconnect of "journalist" was profound and well understood by the "Common people" and still is...

[@Ziontrainism]

About Roger Stone "I cant elaborate to it because I haven't covered the story"..If only other journalists had this frame of mind.

[@Brembelia]

I've always loved Matt Taibbi. His writing style caught my attention early on because he has a unique ability to take very complex subjects and explain them, without being demeaning, in a way that is educational and we get to know and understand what is really going on. He's a wonderful journalist and we thank him for all of his good work.

[@peterstafford4426]

Except these days he is a right wing stooge.

[@alvaroLguevara]

Except the days he's a left wing stooge 😉

[@bigpete9577]

You can see in this post who is using bots to spread misinformation for their narrative. I just came by this video to see Matt 5yr ago what he was saying.

[@lisad2701]

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead

[@rd264]

I find these sort of idealistic sentiments always crop up in the saddest, most dire, desperate times.

[@redcapitalist]

yes the committed thoughtful citizens are called the 0.1%. idiot

[@martinvalentine9228]

Completely agree, the work of Karl Marx is a great example. A single person who's works have spread the Marxist ideology quicker and faster and into every corner and nation of this planet than any ideology that preceded it.

[@pattihawks8514]

Lisa D Well spoken, M.M.. RIP

[@MrPiccolop]

@@rd264 Because its really only the example of sacrifice and martyrdom that actually make sthe authorities think twice.. if people are paralyzed by fear nothign gets done....

[@ahope3333]

Matt Tiabbi is truly one of the last JOURNALIST left. His research is meticulous. No matter how mundane the topic (example derivatives) he writes with humor and in a style that not only holds the reader's' interest, but also in a way that the reader can comprehend the subject.

[@headlyl]

He's our Edward R. Morrow.

[@Johnconno]

headlyl Murrow.Moron.

[@headlyl]

Nice talking to you. Thanks for the info.

[@engsunaw1614]

Tash aw

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

this is an EXCELLENT insight into the American media's relationship to political candidates and their campaign orgs. for instance I had no idea reporters and news outlets were directly charged for access to the campaigns. THAT'S INSANE AND CORRUPT AS HELL! but I think Taibbi is giving trump WAY too much credit. he's making it sound like trump was a genius strategist who intentionally REINVENTED the game and every move he made was a calculated strategy. that just isn't true. the ONLY thing trump did was be more outrageous, more abusive, more absurd and more ridiculous than the other candidates to get much more free news coverage. he also intended, and succeeded at appealing to the most fascist and fanatical fringe groups. the individuals within these groups helped SELL him to other less fascist conservatives. these were the ONLY things trump did intentionally that was any different than past candidates. he DID lie his ass off but that wasn't a new strategy. he was NO brilliant campaigner. he just acted like a bully and a moron to appeal to the lowest of the low within our society.

[@GravityFarm]

I so appreciate Matt Taibbi's tact and hard work. He's not out to shred those he's speaking of as if it's personal. He is potent and cogent as to what's so.

[@andrewballenofficial938]

One of the few true journalists extant in the ditch that is America's aspiring democracy.

[@MRayner59]

Expiring democracy, more like.

[@richardblais5232]

it is the worse country with you in it you fucking ZERO ...

[@alex-qd6of]

@@richardblais5232 you poor, triggered fool...

[@allgrainbrewer10]

@@MRayner59representative republic. FFS

[@hopesnopes]

Wow. I'm watching this Feb 2020 and how VERY prescient Matt Taibbi is!!!

[@jeffreylebowski285]

My favorite author! Keep at it, Matt; you’re the best!

[@headlyl]

Please continue on as journalist and a truth-teller, Matt. We need you. One quibble: You said, "People don't read anymore." I read. My friends and people I know read. We're out here. :-)

[@monsterlove2323]

Do you still have bookstores where you live? Where I live we don't even have a decent bookstore left any more. Amazon is great but I feel like if I buy books from them, I support the very corporation that is partially at fault in the disappearance of bookstores (and CD stores) in the first place.

[@gatoryak7332]

@@monsterlove2323 Do you feel guilty that you use a refrigerator/freezer instead of having the ice man come by periodically to put a block in your icebox? Amazon has plenty of competition, even if it is online. For example, try Abebooks.

[@monsterlove2323]

gato ryak I live in a village in Armenia, so I don’t have a refrigerator.

[@gatoryak7332]

@@monsterlove2323 I'm curious about the reason why you don't have a refrigerator. Apparently you have electricity/computer/internet and are well off enough to be able to care about muscle/strength building. What about living in an Armenian village prevents having a refrigerator?

[@monsterlove2323]

@@gatoryak7332 too expensive to purchase. Also, most of the produce and dairy I buy is from local farmers and is consumed within the first day of purchase. As far as wine and preserves go, I store them in a cool, basement underground, which is sort of like a cave and has a year-round temperature of about 9 degrees Celsius. This is where I store dried fruits and vegetables, wine, clay potted cheese and "basturma", which is like a spice rubbed prosciuto. Anything else you're curious about?

[@thedude3369]

One of the last real journalists. Thanks Matt keep up the good work!

[@whosthesavagenow6379]

He always sounds like a nervous teenager meetings his girlfriend's parents for the first time...

[@Burktholumue]

That's is his charm!

[@akshaysubramaniam8963]

Yeah he’s a much better writer than speaker

[@natedoherty3462]

Nope. You idiot. He sounds like someone who isn't comfortable with public speaking. Or .... idiot, most people don't do public speaking. Stand up in front of a crowd and speak. You'll sound like nervous bitch.

[@LukeHotwagner]

That's called humility, friend. Good men, good women and an obligation to the people, not the controlling interest. We need nearly everything to change to make this thing work how it was originally supposed to. Sorry I'm a few years late

[@jamesoquinn9168]

An excellent speech, i only wish it were more popular.

[@roadhead8189]

sign of the times mate

[@winwin817]

Keep Tweeting it

[@peterc.3555]

PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS! PUT IT ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER! RESPOND TO THE THE RESPONSES!🗽

[@jaem.1565]

More people don't read it because most people are poorly educated which is a giant failure of society.

[@edwardcampbell1305]

@@jaem.1565 Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle g.co/kgs/n1VtYs

[@pennyo6868]

Few journalists expose the corrupt underbelly of the news business in an open and forthright manner like Matt, and he's a great gift to inquiring minds!

[@avedic]

Just finished this book.....it's excellent. He's the epitome of an independent journalist. He refuses to be dishonest....about anything or anyone.

[@davidratliff5282]

What he says at 01:05:30 is as apropos and well said as ANYTHING ive heard ANYWHERE. Hands down, this guy is good.

[@lisad2701]

Yes, the trend is deeply disturbing.

[@connormcgregor4578]

Butterfly, i think this is all over your head.

[@connormcgregor4578]

Im not going to disagree with anything you just said, but suggesting Taibi hasnt talked about or critiqued clinton, let alone the entire aparatus that presented her, is a joke. And the physical act of reading is not equal, in the subject or in the material

[@connormcgregor4578]

The statistics on reading are obvious, and even suggesting that reading some guys blog is equivalent to serious research is an affront to the human intellect and makes yourself look bad

[@connormcgregor4578]

The truth hurts I guess.... go play with your fuckin blocks kid and leave the thinking to the adults

[@squeezeme3316]

I'm watching this in 2023. It's almost laughable how some in the audience thinks this is an issue of the person of Donald Trump. It's so much more vast, dangerous and insidious than that. Today, with Biden and Harris, the situation has become far worse. I think Taibi is very insightful. I will definitely be following his reporting more from now on. Very impressive!

[@hirschowitz1]

Excellent .... as are the questions and comments after. Thank you.

[@williamfalberg8702]

It’s becoming obvious that our worst economic and political problems revolve around the global hegemony of corporate cartels headquartered in the US, where their military force resides. The only effective way, now, to regain our sovereignty as citizens of a constitutional republic is to severely curtail the activities of such corporations. To remain a free nation, we have to stop granting corporate charters to every con artist that comes along and start demanding a well-defined social value in return. The "Divine Right Of Kings” should not apply to fictitious entities just because they are “Too Big To Fail”. We can't take the incorporation of private transnational banks for granted anymore. The government must be held responsible to human voters, not fictitious entities. An omission in the US Constitution created the swamp of corporate corruption we now see surrounding our capital. It is a swamp that can't be drained at this point because the Constitution doesn’t provide a legal drain. This 28th amendment is intended to provide that drain so Congress can legally pull its plug. As a matter of political practicality we must rely on the Article 5 Constitutional Convention for which the electorate will need prior consensus to avoid preemptive state or corporate interference. This is what it will take, in plain language, to save the world; and nobody gets hurt: 28th Amendment Corporations are not persons in any sense of the word and shall be granted only those rights and privileges that Congress deems necessary for the well-being of the People. Congress shall provide legislation defining the terms and conditions of corporate charters according to their purpose; which shall include, but are not limited to: 1, prohibitions against any corporation; a, owning another corporation, b, becoming economically indispensable or monopolistic, or c, otherwise distorting the general economy; 2, prohibitions against any form of interference in the affairs of; a, government, b, education, or c, news media, and 3, provisions for; a, the auditing of standardized, current, and transparent account books, and b, the establishment of a state and municipal-owned banking system c, civil and criminal penalties to be suffered by corporate executives for violation of the terms of a corporate charter. The Founders had to fight a bloody Revolutionary War to win our right to incorporate as a nation - the USA. But then, for whatever reason, our Founders granted the greediest businessmen among them unrestricted corporate charters with enough potential capital & power to compete with the individual States, smaller sovereign nations, and eventually to buy out the Federal government itself. Now that these fictitious entities own the USA and command its military infrastructure by virtue of the Federal Reserve Corporation and run it by virtue of regulatory capture, MSM propaganda, and Congressional lobbying, they’ve set their sights on the creation of an all-inclusive global financial empire. The US Constitution is the de facto “Charter” of that Empire. Only we, the people, can amend it, and in doing so, restore the Republic.

[@SMC01ful]

Yes, Corporations are not human beings. The idea they have the same sovereign rights as mortals is perverse into and of itself.

[@masterofallhesurveys]

Wonderful words there, William. All the best.

[@lawsonj39]

Genius, dude. Well conceived.

[@mikeharrington5593]

Precis. Scrap the US military-industrial complex.

[@stevemartin4249]

EXCELLENT !!! I just hope we survive long enough as a species for Matt's analysis to be made into a movie ... which hopefully will garner more upvotes than the twitter-minded audience we've become.

[@jaydenrock]

Wow this was interesting.

[@timrscott]

Used car salesman tactics. Screw the truth just tell 'em what they wanna hear and they'll buy. "She's a real beaut! Driven by a little old lady and never been in an accident. All the experts say it'll be a classic and I don't really even want to sell it but my kid needs an operation and blah blah blah..."

[@uttaradit2]

Just repeat home of the brave and land of the free.

[@mbolduc]

You've been dead, stupid wrong about everything political for four straight years. Why can't liberals learn any more?

[@mackhomie6]

damn, that thing sounds cherry. how much you want for it?

[@johnheigis83]

Outstanding! "We" must all be aware of this truth!

[@uttaradit2]

this discourse is excellent.

[@davidanderson9664]

Great analysis Mr. Taibbi - I always enjoy your RS column D.A., J.D., (writer/attorney) NYC

[@waynebollman]

".... building the world's most advanced rocket ship to deliver the world's worst cheeseburger to the moon." - Taibbi decribing presidential campaign technology

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Very refreshing to actually have someone talk about the psychology behind how the press functions and why it is so detached from the population. To most people this doesn't seem to be obvious somehow. Once you know how it works it is easy to see trough the BS.

[@willyD200]

Glad I tossed the television out 20 years ago...sounds as if it has become strictly geared towards the lowest levels of intelligence .

[@islandgal500]

I also got rid of my TV at that same time, especially when reality shows became the new thing. That was the last straw for me. I was also annoyed at being subjected to commercials wasting over 15 minutes out of every hour of viewing. Double whammy. Every time I stayed in a hotel and checked the TV offerings in the evenings, that just confirmed that I was not missing a thing. So liberating to be without that crap.

[@lorettaehnes6588]

Brilliant!

[@hirschowitz1]

Thank you so much for making this available. Now, to activism; sustained, and potentially a portent for meaningful revolution against the depravity of bankism/ capitalism before the few months left to us 90 + % . Please let’s think about preserving what’s left for future generations. Miss Jenny

[@thetawaves48]

During the 2016 election, NPR acted like they never even heard of Bernie Sanders. THAT's how out of touch they were.

[@SamsTube716]

Bernie who? The guy who keeps losing and being rejected by the Democratic Party? That guy?

[@goodboybuddy1]

Can we live another way? That is a great question. I dropped out years ago because I couldn't see myself living the usual way and have never regretted it. Great and smart guy who has given so much thought to American political life. Thanks.

[@craigbeasley1]

Incisive journalism is his forte'.

[@RJStockton]

55:00 "Barring something important. . . like impeachment." Lol.

[@adrianscioscia4070]

He is basically explaining how uneducated Americans are in general.

[@carlpen850]

@ adrian scioscia... that's how I see it as well... we seem to have moved into a stage in history where facts no longer matter... instead of having a right to our own opinions we now have a right to our own truths... kind of sheds light on why the flat earth movement picked up so much steam

[@wilhelmheinzerling5341]

Yes.

[@allgrainbrewer10]

Some Americans. Some of us are aware.

[@misterdemocracy3335]

Matt Taibbi is a normal-ass looking dude, but the content of what he talks about and what he has to say is really indispensable and he explains it in such a nonchalant and approachable way and with with incredible insight.

[@nathanswann1198]

Awesome. Refreshing to hear a media guy discuss the disease within it.

[@gatoryak7332]

Refreshing to hear a journalist discuss the disease within the news media.

[@maxsnts]

Matt applauded the scientist (as did other people) and immediately regretted it when he spoke about Lord Monckton!

[@kingsdaughter777]

Perhaps Americans can put down the remote control, stop arguing about which terrible evil candidate is LESS terrible and evil, and demand REAL candidates. Its all a show that isn't worth watching.

[@davidanderson9664]

No. Just vote for the Least Bad for all of us. Every time that's a Democrat. Better an imperfect friend than a deadly enemy. Take note millennials and this Nov. LINE UP TO VOTE. It'll be worth the terrible trauma of standing in line for 20 minutes, I promise. :-)

[@allgrainbrewer10]

@@davidanderson9664hilarious. Enjoy your wars

[@alloomis1635]

americans live in a society modeled on that of george lll. the constitution made some allowances for american conditions, and there have some changes, but the fundamental aim was to ensure the rich ruled. and it has worked very well. the principle was simple: concentrate power in a few hundred people, and buy them. so long as americans tolerate elective oligarchy, the government will never be for the people. why not get democracy? it's too hard. and the people too ignorant, selfish, and lazy. so talk about fighting the good fight, all you want. but talk isn't going to change things.

[@uttaradit2]

u know why

[@tommylander6815]

This country was never founded on Democracy but yet Republic. Small gov overlooked by the people the public .. "Democracy is like 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is 2 wolves and a well armed lamb succeeding the vote" Franklin

[@TheBuzzaMedia]

@@tommylander6815 Fact Checked: Franklin is not recorded writing/saying that in any archive including the National Archives‘ online database.

[@DokktorDeth]

'All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [and women] to do nothing.' (Edmund Burke)

[@bonniechase5599]

I will always remember the quote about the central banks as "a great vampire squid, clamped onto the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money." The banksters really are aliens.

[@f.withrow4523]

How can we (readers) encourage the Media/Press to stop talking about the President Trump?

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

f. withrow you can't, they do not broadcast for you and your opinion does not matter. Their objective is not to inform you or service you with factual information.

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

If the press was not addicted to this pussy-grabbing asshole carnival barker, NOBODY would have ever heard of him, much less letting him lie (with UNLIMITED free MSM facetime, the lies of Putin's sycophants, right-wing radio; faux "news", Brietbart & Sinclair) and cheat his way into the White House.

[@alanhorton7300]

@@baronvonlimbourgh1716 LOL their objective is to collect ad revenue. If you think the corporate media is some kind of impartial information service, you're just gullible.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

@@alanhorton7300 that is what i was saying..

[@gatoryak7332]

Stop clicking on anything that baits you with 'Trump'.

[@paulproductions9213]

Brillante, independence information, our sword.

[@gatoryak7332]

I don't know about that. Right-wingers seem impervious to swords forged of facts. They may say the same about left-wingers. Somehow, we have to get to a place where facts are facts and then we can discuss opinions and negotiate based on commonly recognized facts.

[@christinestill5002]

If you get a chance to read an article by Taibbi, do so . He writes very well and his topics are interesting. Matt turned out to be totally correct.

[@subliminal2244]

I never watched trumps series the thought of watching some rich dude firing people who want to climb the ladder hurting those on the way up backstabbing each other just didnt appeal to me. Fame and money dont mean selling your soul worth it to all of us I hear there are more vehicles (bodies) than souls and a certain group are willing yo sell theirs no thanks.

[@capt.molyneaux7037]

Taibbi is brilliant !! Too smart for NYT and WaPo...He makes Maddow seem like a boor.

[@jimmythebold589]

boor = rude and ill-tempered person . perhaps you meant 'bore', as in 'boring'? which i could see. i like rachel , but i see how she could be considered boring...

[@MichaelFlynn0]

We have the attention span.....thankyou Matt.

[@Tsnore]

Excellent.

[@turleytho]

The time s right for an independent newspaper. I hope you can get one funded. Thank you.

[@mysticmouse7261]

Scary that the phrase " version of reality" can now mean something

[@sykat76channel-kx1ky]

Thanks amazing informative ✌️😎🔥❤️✊

[@Johnconno]

Donald Trump has ALWAYS thought about Donald Trump.

[@frankmaitland2569]

The Press was complicit they didn't strongly oppose him when they had the chance.

[@polarbear4612]

Nope. Most of the press has told Americans everything they need to know about Trump but Americans are gullible and chose to believe whatever they want to believe instead of the truth. If Americans can’t figure that currently it’s the right wing media spreading most of the lies and hate, that’s on them, not “the media”

[@mbolduc]

The press is praying he doesn't expose their collusion with collectivist shitbags in both parties. In a just world there would be executions over it.

[@Walmart_Sandal]

Absolutely love Matt’s books

[@lucaannone697]

Wonderful explanation of the political process in the US

[@whateverimtold9872]

Hey, it just occurred to me - Taibbi would be awesome to debate Coultergueist. He's 'leftist' and has written several books... I'm a lil sore still about her chickening out on a debate with Kyle Kulinski so...

[@artn2950]

The "show" got more accomplished than many many other politicians!!!!

[@nash984954]

Hearing 2nd time post substack sign up, happy Matt is honest and credibke as he is rare and one of the few, and at this time, I see he's back on Useful Idiots this week.

[@gregoryhartung5646]

'"Have you heard of that wonderful book "Boys in the bus?' - crickets 'anybody?" crickets... ' ...

[@johnbemery7922]

"Insane Clown President" can be recycled here in 2021.

[@anastaciu]

Brilliant analisys...

[@sherylF5610]

Fascinating and frightening.

[@dannyarcher6370]

*anticlimactic withdrawal* is a hilarious term.

[@kabalder]

rofl so I didn't realize why Matt was so nervous - until I realized that Jonathan Banks sits right there in the middle of the room, near the front row, his head gleaming in this massively bright spotlight aimed at him - making him squint his eyes at Matt, like he's sizing him up, like in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul XD

[@syourke3]

Trump brought the presidential campaign down to a level that the average American voter with an IQ of 78 can understand. Pro wrestling is a good metaphor for Trump's campaign.

[@johnbai4715]

Anyone who disagrees with you has a 78 IQ? I can't stand you fuckin retards.

[@GeoffLogie]

Trump is our current representation and interpretation of the shadow king archetype and therefore fits the role like a seamless glove...He is our exhibit "A" of Kardashian consciousness as the head of state. The only counter to this type of abomination is the good, the beautiful and the true king archetype that stewards all who serve the good the true and the beautiful.

[@redherronrecords]

If it's Oprah though... just fuck.

[@alanhorton7300]

Nah, fuck kings and royalty. Guillotine them all.

[@carlpen850]

"The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about"... Trump's ego has been playing that game for years

[@patriciagriffin1505]

Yes his psychopathic tendency are glaring in that respect

[@davidjohnzenocollins]

That was RAND Paul, the senator from KY, not his father RON Paul, a representative from Texas., that was running in the Republican Presidential Primary in 2016.

[@johndodson8464]

54:00 Trump DEFLECTS what's going on among the people??? He was the ONLY candidate talking about immigration when half the country was SCREAMING about it!

[@juliorodriguezp]

it is interesting to watch this in March 2023 after the twitter files...

[@pieternel101]

Very interesting. Nice speaker.

[@melodyrecord]

THOSE THAT ARE COMMITTED TO TAKING ACTION (VISIBLE OR "BEHIND THE SCENES") WILL DEFINE HISTORY & HERSTORY.

[@geoffdearth7360]

Why is it that I always thought of DJT as an idiot and that his TV show was moronic? Whereas I am always hearing that people loved him because of his TV show.

[@martinirving3824]

The Trump phenomenon explained...1;01:15...it is a result of the... "relentless heartlessness of modern American industrial capitalism."

[@johnbai4715]

What a dumb statement. Trump was our fight against this. Capitalism is not heartless. Capitalism has released thousands from poverty DAILY I've the last 100 years. Why do you people repeat things when you don't understand them?

[@martinirving3824]

@@johnbai4715 , "Capitalism has released thousands from poverty daily"? Tell me, do you personally know anyone who has dragged themselves out of poverty with "capitalism" (entrepeneurship)? As comedian, George Carlin, has famously quipped, "it's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it." My interpretation of the Trump phenomenon is that capitalism has not succeeded in delivering as promised or advertised and continues to get worse with the very rich getting richer while the middle class becomes ever poorer. Middle class wages have been stagnant (shrinking, in real terms) for the last 40 years. Apparently the blame is being put on immigrants. We live in an empire of illusion and delusion.

[@quychang4471]

Martin Irving Are you a millennial? Because you have no idea what you are talking about. Holy crap you are stupid!

[@martinirving3824]

@@quychang4471 , I'm a baby boomer. I'm curious, on what evidence do you base my stupidity? On the perception that I don't agree with what you think?

[@quychang4471]

@@martinirving3824 Your use of George Carlin's rants is enough evidence that you have no brain! His views come from a perspective of privilege, entitlement, and decadence. I don't trust intellectuals who have never swung a hammer or a sickle in their life.

[@jinunushi7269]

Never thought of he was the one fighting for Trump by exposing Twitter files!

[@54tristin]

THE best political reporter in the country toda. He is the reason I still buy ROLLING STONE.

[@darkanser]

I'm afraid that I've become one of those short attention people though not as much as others. I've not written one tweet thus far. But there used to be a time that I would spend leisure time in Barnes & Noble perusing books and journals. I used to love reading lengthy articles in, believe it or not, the Wall Street journal. I currently have access to the WSJ for free yet I hardly ever read it now. Perhaps much of that has to do with the change in the newspaper. Years ago I've noticed a trend in magazines that I would read that when you found a topic that engaged you and you wish to read on and on, reading the article would simply require you turn to the page once -- and never having to turn the page again. In other words the article would rarely take more than 2 pages. I wondered if this trend reflected shortening attention spans. One magazine I love is the New Yorker for their in-depth generous articles. One thing that is rarely mentioned, however, as we constantly extoll the virtues of reading is that reading requires a lot of sitting. I may have reached a compromise with audiobooks which I've learned to love. I've been asking myself are there different benefits cognitively to reading with your eyes as opposed to listening to audibooks.

[@lisad2701]

"I've been asking myself are there different benefits cognitively to reading with your eyes as opposed to listening to audibooks." Great question!

[@Hibernia2324]

Watching this in 2021, lots of Matt's predictions have come to pass.

[@Anina903]

I wonder ….how he will describe in His next book, about the “ Clown” that is today in the White House!?😂😂😂

[@suzannfulbright5652]

There were more than three choices: Republican, Democrat or not vote, Jill Stein of the Green Party was a viable choice or she should have been were it not for journalists who acted like she did not exist.

[@jJustPlayingNZ]

In Australia you have to vote. It is the law. Would this be an idea for the USA?

[@uttaradit2]

No. Compulsory voting is for oxymorons.

[@gatoryak7332]

Bad idea. Forcing people to vote allows the winners to claim a popular mandate. I think that there should be a 'None of the Above' choice. However, I do understand how paralyzing that would be and I have not thought of a solution to that potential problem.

[@ChicagoMike85]

Was so cringe when they clapped for the scientist 😂😂😂

[@bodhimartina6985]

Matt Tiabbi, a name that will go down into history books....IF.....there are any history books left or people who want to read them. Finally, a clear and present voice, telling the step by step reality of how this happened. WE might be able to blame the press, BUT it is my sense that humanity has sold out to its own egoic NEED and the addiction to "what I want", as if there is no larger community the the id. There is no one to help humanity, the bed has been made. And Oligarchy is the new dynasty of the very un-United States, the late great state of America.

[@jimmythebold589]

finally? matt's been around for a long time, i've read his stuff in rolling stone for close to 20 years, he was a salve during the W years... there is no soothing salve for this administration though, not even matt consoles me now...

[@leithsapitan1428]

The history book will not allow Matt, a white heterosexual man, be apart of history in any good way. He, unfortunately, will be trashed.

[@christinestill5002]

Hillary Clinton will be the last candidate who ran a traditional campaign. At least the last Dem. Some of the original GOP candidates might have conducted traditional old-fashioned campaigns but when this most recent group were sorting out, most were not internet savvy. That has changed. My first vote was against Richard Nixon. So I have seen a great many campaigns. I was a journalism major, but I wouldn't want to be a reporter today. Our country's only hope is if they indict Trump.

[@uttaradit2]

the thumbs downers are people who cant handle the truth

[@StellarFella]

A less than Cliff's Notes presidency for sure.

[@RONCASE152]

His insight about Trump hating many things happening in America is correct What he failed to point out is that it reflects the views and attitudes of the vast majority of Americans that have been born and raised here and see this country morphing into something unrecognizable.

[@drakekoefoed1642]

obama sold hope but it was hope for something that would never happen

[@barryunderwood2036]

Thank god

[@indydude3367]

Matt did some of the most intrepid journalism in Russia throughout the 1990's. Things got CRAZY but it needs to be movie at some point.

[@jondunmore4268]

Matt Taibbi is awesome!

[@phillipmay2541]

29:52 Mat says "most people have only three choices; vote Democratic, Republican, or not at all...I disagree, there are very worthy Independents and third party candidates eg. Libertarian Gary Johnson for president in 2016. Just needed to be said. Thanks.

[@leithsapitan1428]

I didn't want to watch this because I think the title might refer to my President Trump. But I really like Matt, so I will give him a chance.

[@73gmiller]

Loved it ! A truthful insite into MSM.

[@1828tolstoy]

This is how we arguably elect the most powerful person in the worl.

[@larkmurry7808]

Excellent, Matt, thank you so very much for your glaring glimpse into your world. Do you think Trump voters knew Trump didn't know how to change an auto filter AND PERHAPS RESENTFUL OF THOSE WHO COULD ???

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

This is a long video that I don't have time to watch right now. I just had to click just to comment what an incredibly clever title it has. So let me know. Should I watch this whole thing? Is it worth it? Thanks.

[@adeersproute]

Paul TheSkeptic he's the beavis and butthead version of hunter s Thompson.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

I actually ended up ripping it and listening to it in my truck. I'd delete the comment but people are starting to reply now.

[@independentvoter8710]

He did a good job of describing how the media manipulates elections and the voting public, kind of like Noam Chomsky's message of manufacturing consent.

[@deasename5839]

Right on Paul pass it on change is coming

[@richardblais5232]

Whatever you do, never watch this video ...EVER !

[@gregoryhartung5646]

I'm surprised you had the guts to show that picture of your crowd although secretly it might be your way to cover up for the audio...

[@dalisabe62]

Interesting detailed description of what goes on the stage of presidential campaigns which is no different than what the entire nations culture is centered about. It’s all about acting roles that in one way or another generate personal profit and revolve around career ends. It’s quite shocking to know that the most important government post the election of a president is viewed as a complex yet silly dynamics of various parties who have different agendas that seem to care less about the true qualifications of a president, in particular, for a big nation such as United States.