Owen Jones meets Peter Hitchens | Full length

[@JONNOG88]

I can't stand Jones. Or his politics. But credit to him. For giving Hitchens the time of day. And being respectable to him. And his opinions.

[@lewis123417]

JONNOG88 that's what any decent human should do

[@magicbuns4868]

Yeah - tbh my Respect levels for Jones just increased.... This was a very respectful debate

[@MrRailjunkie]

So I take it your against a fair society then because that's Owen wants.

[@gaygambler]

JONNOG88 I can’t stand you. You stink of poo

[@chriswilliamson7694]

@@MrRailjunkie , a person's credentials aren't measured by sound bites and the opinions they espouse - particularly when they're supposed to be a journalist and social commentator / critical thinker like Jones. He smears, makes dishonest and attention-seeking comparisons to score points, appeals to emotion rather than logic and facts to get a cheap racket from the crowd so he can have his ego stroked etc. But that seems to appeal to the majority these days.

[@Longshanks1690]

I find it amusing that Owen Jones' own KZbin comments support Peter more than him.

[@toiletfriend420]

probably because owen jones is 14 years old and a hopped up little bell end

[@MrDaiseymay]

it looked and sounded like a pupil interviewing his professor

[@gladifly]

Because Owen Jones lacks ethical standing where as Hitchens is a beacon of hope for the west. Owen Jones is essentially a leftist gate keeper, very much in favour of the status quo, Tony Blair would be proud.

[@toiletfriend420]

***** i doubt owen realises he is as you described; merely another "useful idiot".

[@gladifly]

No he doesn't he's ignorant to the realm of things.

[@houstonsam6163]

This is the first time I've seen Owen Jones do something other than vent self-righteous, manufactured outrage. Credit to him, he conducted an excellent interview, allowing Hitchens to speak at length even when Hitchens interrupted, listening openly and courteously, posing fair-minded questions, acknowledging the dour and pessimistic attitude Hitchens maintains but also cheerfully affirming him as a serious and influential thinker. I knew my positive opinion of Hitchens would be confirmed here; I did not know that I would be called to re-assess my negative opinion of Jones.

[@owenyork3075]

We are stronger together

[@donaldwebb]

this was before Brexit & Corbynism tho? He seems to have become substantially radicalized over the past few years.

[@MontyCantsin5]

@HoustonSam61: ‘This is the first time I've seen Owen Jones do something other than vent self-righteous, manufactured outrage.‘ You’ve not watched or read a lot of Owen Jones’ work, have you?

[@BlyatimirPootin]

@@donaldwebb not really

[@Chillmax]

The reason he took that route, is because Jones knows, if he riled up Hitchens, he would lose, Owen is an intellectual pygmy in comparison.

[@cjxked12]

This interview turned me from a left winger to a conservative. Thanks Owen.

[@rdo1233]

+Time How?

[@cjxked12]

+RDO 123 Well, when I thought about it, I as a working class chap know no left wingers. None. Then I realised that socialism was a concept invented by the middle class so that they could feed their egos. Peter Spoke a lot of sense. In face, he nailed some points to a tee.

[@rdo1233]

Time Labour tend to do better in working class areas, if only the middle and upper classes are left wing, explain that. Also, you based your assertion off personal experience, so for all I know, you could just live in a right wing area, not to mention many people are right wing because that's simply what is tradition in their family. Do you also think conservatism is some sort of working class movement? Bare in mind, it's only fairly recently that politicians are starting to get better salaries, in the past, politicians were paid very little so only rich people could afford to do it, the conservative party has been much longer than labour. I am also slightly baffled how he stopped you being a socialist. He was arguing on social issues whilst socialism is an economic viewpoint. He even said that he supported railway renationalisation, which is a socialist policy. Presumably, the reason he has such utter contempt for socialists is because socialism correlates positively with social liberalism.

[@Secular_Scot]

+Time You were never left wing in the first place if an insular conservative who says with a straight face that the tories are a 'trotskyist party' convinced you to become conservative. 6/10 for trolling tho.

[@fndthousing]

+Time I don't think Labour are truly left wing. And i know plenty of left wing working class people - proper hoolies and all sorts. it's just they don't have owt to do with Labour either. TBH Labour just represent the elite - same as the Tories, but Labour probably wouldn't screw the working class as hard. I'm of the opinion, thought, that whoever you vote for the government always gets in - so best to making stuff happen ourselves and not trust any politicians. I am still a left because I believe in justice, equal opportunity and taking power away from the elite. ut you're right, proper conservatives, like Hitchens have a lot offer intellectually, and he made a lot of sense on some important points. So it was a good chat. but of course, as he pointed out, the Tories don't represent him or his kind of politics. Check out Peter Oborne as well. At some point proper lefties and proper righties will have to get together on some things to get rid of this bunch of idiots in government.

[@danielwoodwardcomposer2040]

Once a country loses its cultural identity, it is not a country, just land.

[@Sr68720]

It's always been just land

[@92Tiberius]

+Sr68720 Agreed. Why do you call Douglas Murray a nazi?

[@Sr68720]

Vinny M He is a racist that is just full of hate he believe he is so clever but he knows nothing about islam or people.

[@JonB1995]

+Sr68720 islam isn't a race

[@Sr68720]

tom west i am extremely right wing actually 100% for the free market and i disapprove of equal marriage for all. so get stuffed.

[@rotatingcow]

If only all political discourse could be this civilised, good job.

[@owenyork3075]

@R Tim Agreed, It's not his attitude that's the problem. He grew up in a proper democracy

[@MCshlthead]

Political debates would be more often like this if they are just 2 people talking with no crowd and no time limit, this is what it should always be like but seldom is

[@seanmoran6510]

I suggest you see Owen Jones make cheap shots at Hitchens on question time !

[@ayebee652]

The older I get the more I seem to agree with Peter's views.

[@toiletfriend420]

same. i resisted at first. now i can't fault any of them.

[@jbrossa6945]

toilet friend what about the beliefs he doesn't share with the public, like the divine right of kings?

[@lewisner]

I am old left/Bennite and I don't recognise anything to do with socialism in Owen Jones. He reminds me of Peter Hain when he was young, spouting rhetoric en route to being Lord Owen Jones. As a Leaver, I have experienced some of the vitriol hurled out by the "new left" and it forced me to rethink some of my ideas.

[@uk1988tb303]

The age old adage. If you’re not a socialist in your youth, you have no heart. If you’re not a conservative in you’re maturity, you have no brain.

[@lewisner]

@@uk1988tb303 I am not a conservative and never will be but I realise that some issues transcend political divides and I have to be realistic and make new friends where I find them. I watched a video of Corbyn yesterday and he made me want to punch the screen and yet Jacob Rees Mogg talked perfect sense. It's a crazy world.

[@robinhooduk8255]

great one owen, we dont mind non polished videos, we care more about content.

[@R25-h4h]

+RobinHoodUKIP fancy meeting you here

[@robinhooduk8255]

Rob Ingram are you trying to chat me up. ;)

[@zaKkyBoY121]

70% of Ukippers are racist

[@R25-h4h]

Carbon Based Life Form Not sure if troll or not

[@Volound]

+RobinHoodUKIP by "content" you mean "videos", i assume. youd probably mind if he tried to give you one of those toys from mcdonalds or cereal boxes. when people say "content", i imagine a george carlin skit about pretentious bullshit language.

[@REDLEBU]

I was brought up a democratic socialist, iv been in the labour party since I was 14. Despite this, there's probably no commentator I enjoy and respect more than Peter Hitchens. A formidable intellect indeed. Its one of the great injustices of the world that men like Osborne and Cameron with no discernible passions or opinions become leaders, while men like the Hitchens brothers remain commentators on the side-lines.

[@thecuriousgorilla6005]

He's far too intelligent to go into politics

[@placidcasual9872]

I share your position on both politics and Hitchens. I make no defence of Osborne, Cameron or the like - career, populist politicians are nearly as dangerous as many hardline politicians in that they breed the apathy and mistrust in which corruption and specialist interests thrive. However, I suspect that many of these politicians simply don't share their firmer convictions or passions because their every utterance is contrived and formulated to ensure that any risk of alienating a potential voter is minimised. Hence they actually end up saying nothing and are utterly unappealing to all.

[@jumblestiltskin1365]

And here we are in 2023 with Rishi in charge, I'm not sure Peter could have seen it get worse than what it was at the time of the interview.

[@wurlitzer895]

Peter Hitchens is a voice that ought to be listened to and heeded. He's an an oasis of sanity in an increasingly insane world. A very informative and well-conducted interview, Owen. I don't often see Peter Hitchens smile or laugh, but you managed to achieve the unusual!

[@unownnnn]

Peter absolutely hits the nail on the head with the Conservative party. I also think this country is finished.

[@martinlogue862]

Probably one of my favorite Peter Hitchens interviews

[@stellayates4227]

I previously never understood where Peter Hitchens was coming from and it certainly confused me when I found myself agreeing with some if his articles yet he wrote in such an awful newspaper. Interviews such as this unravel how he has arrived at his opinions and explains why my own views can span across both the left and right of politics. The point he makes that England's history is no longer understood by the public is very important, from such a lack of understanding people do not know how their rights were fought for by revolution and struggle for centuries. If people are so unaware of social history they can have laws and policies imposed on them without being aware of the consequences. They can also be fed simplistic propaganda at elections and for entering into wars or making sweeping changes to welfare and the NHS. The lack of historic knowledge also extends to politicians unfortunately, evidenced by George Osborne declaring that workers should contribute to a fund for their sick pay - we already do and it is called NATIONAL INSURANCE!

[@tatixss]

Interview Douglas Murray

[@BrionyMae]

+John yes!

[@sithersproductions]

+John neo con trash will be exposed one and for all

[@ledzzappa]

+John yeah thats a good one !

[@BrionyMae]

GoreMasterFlash I'm on the left but I completely agree with you. Douglas Murray is incredibly intelligent and I've never seen him lose a debate. Owen Jones would have no chance against him.

[@sithersproductions]

***** paleoconservatism>neoconservatism

[@fndthousing]

Thanks Owen! Peter Hitchens, like Peter Oborne, is part of that rare breed of social conservatives that have an actual moral standpoint and that you can have discussion with. Concessions can be made to received wisdom and common ground can be found. I find my parents (and their generation) agree with his outlook, and where I make the most inroads in discussions with them is where we find the common ground that Hitchens expresses here. Churchill, WW1 and the how Thatcherism was not merely economically predatory but was immoral and broke away British soceity's fabric are a few of the points where we can agree. Especially as my parents are Christians they find the worship of money and the reward of greed particularly disgusting. Respect to Peter Hitchens, I hope he keeps charting his own path, and though there is a lot I disagree with him on I can see that in a world where more of the right were represented by him (and admittedly more of the left were represented by more thoughtful commentators than the ones we get pushed into the limelight on the odd occasion we get coverage) we would be able to work together on enough to make a better country. P.S. There is a socially liberal consensus at the top, which I can see how it makes Hitchens mad, but it is not half as oppressive as the economically liberal consensus that is destroying our country. I think it is important that lefties don't think true right wingers are supporters of the conservative party, just the same as true left wingers are no supporters of the Labour party (or at least the Blairite party)

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+Gringo Loco I've a feeling you're going to like one of the interviews we've got coming up in the next couple of weeks.

[@fndthousing]

+Owen Jones I'll be keeping my eyes peeled :)

[@Negi2468]

Peter Trombone is a blowhard and apologist for Muslim extremists

[@Ray-wy4kq]

+William Morrison Exactly. Try to start and run a business in this country, then explain to me how it's "economically liberal"?

[@theoriginalt-paine3776]

A lot of Christopher's fans might hate Peter, but I love him. Their views may be different, but they are so alike in their unapologetic honesty, and their ability to articulate their positions eloquently, and effectively. I find myself agreeing with them both on different things, and I think Peter is as much an asset as Christopher was just for different reasons. Not to mention, when Peter talks about Islam he really channels Christopher, and its wonderful to have another brilliant Hitchens speaking out against it. This was wonderful to watch, thanks to Owen for sitting down with him.

[@shaindaman13]

I very much admire them both. Each of them intelligent, articulate gentlemen who aren't afraid to speak their minds. I love that English reserve that's slightly condescending and a little superior. The thing I like about Peter is how much he rails against the conservative party. He's harder on his own in a way. He expects liberals to be wha they are.

[@adamski320]

That's why i like Liberals like Dave Rubin who are very hard on the left. I have come around to Peter in the last few years, as I have grown older and more conservative no doubt.

[@greywinters4801]

Christopher arrogance undermines his intelligence. Peters intelligence undermines his arrogance.

[@popland1977]

I've noticed that a lot of the Hitch fan boys now support people like Peter because they share a common enemy whether its third wave feminism or the P.C. attitudes

[@someguy3856]

I met Peter Hitchens in a petrol station I was working at back in 2003. I was working behind the counter at the time and I served him when he was paying for fuel. He over paid me and said "keep the change", after this he kissed me on the cheek and said "you'll be a manager one day". I smiled and he then asked me to pull his finger, to which he farted, winked at me and walked off. I quite like him.

[@malcolmmitchell4709]

It sounds to me that it's much more likely that it was Owen Jones you met in that petrol station. Apart from bit where he told you to keep the change, obviously. He's only generous with other people's money.

[@scerpalman]

​@@malcolmmitchell4709how not to take a joke

[@armanm246]

If all the interviews had a full version like this one, this channel would really be one of the best political channels on youtube.

[@JP-1990]

I enjoy listening to Peter Hitchens while working out at the gym. There's just something about listening to him go on and on about morality and stoicism that makes me want to push myself to become better and stronger than I was before.

[@briandelaney9710]

The best interview I’ve ever heard with Peter Hitchens. He isn’t ranting. He’s relaxed and calmly explaining his positions frankly Owen is a very easygoing and sympathetic interviewer although in many ways , they are both on polar opposite sides politically

[@crazytosh1]

Please try to arrange an discussion between peter hitchens and jeremy corbyn!

[@jamescarey8147]

Why can't everyone on the left be more like Owen Jones? He's respectful and actually LISTENS - so many people on the left just dismiss anyone with conservative thoughts as evil or tell them they're wrong. Owen at least tries to talk properly and understands that we are not all evil simply because we hold a different view.

[@MostlyAverage]

Well the main reason he is listening is because it's an interview not a debate, everyone seems to forget that Owen is a journalist not a politician, he has his own views but in theory his primary aim is to sample and interpret other people's.

[@jamescarey8147]

+MostlyAverage that's true, but so often people on the left will interrupt and argue even when interviewing. I really admire Owen Jones, he's a really good interviewer

[@Cashback13]

+James Carey Sadly anyone who goes Too far Left or Too far right is always gonna hit 'Horrible' person territory, hence why only Centre Left or Centre Right parties have been in government and won the most seats. The skill of getting elected or staying elected is knowing when to go left and when to go right on each issue as it comes. It's all about methodology the more to either end of spectrum one become the more extreme and simplistic their ideologies become but they don't know how to put it into practice and get too consumed with rebellion and shouting it out rather than sitting down in peaceful quiet settled environment to flesh out how to pragmatically implement their ideas.

[@DavidTPerkins22]

+James Carey The problem is that modern politics [on both the left and right] are being infiltrated by people with inherently authoritarian leanings. It's becoming more and more clear that people on traditionally opposing ends of the political spectrum are becoming unified by their desire to avoid a society whereby a person can be persecuted for their opinions. Owen and Peter might not agree on everything but they'd both fight to the bitter end to defends each other's right to think what they want.

[@Jide-mx3wm]

Yes you are . Lol.

[@Steve-is8dr]

What a delight - thoughtful, insightful and funny! Although my views are lefty, I have nothing but respect for Peter Hitchens, his integrity shines through the discussion...

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Even 5 years later I found this conversation interesting.

[@JayWelton92]

10:46 I can't stop replaying that sound

[@oracle8192]

A wimpering pup watching it's owner be beaten, that's what it sounds like

[@zeno2501]

I am such a huge fan of Peter. His sense of humour is so subtle and understated, but so brilliant.

[@ejayman]

His demeanour is that of the classic English gent. He's like a pleasant throwback in the most positive sense.

[@nobodybbm]

This didn't age well, given how he has accused and harassed Alex O'Conner after his temper tantrum was caught on film. Never knew who he was before seeing that interview but all I can say about Peter is ooofffff.

[@MrDominicBrant]

Owen respects him. Alex is arrogant, and thinks he's clever - he's not@@nobodybbm

[@nobodybbm]

@@MrDominicBrant What a nothing burger of a comment hahaha

[@MrDominicBrant]

Says Mr Nobody, commenting anonymously. Sure will listen to you.@@nobodybbm

[@DP-cd5wr]

Amazing what open minds and civil discourse can achieve in showing the humanity on both sides of the political divide. Great interview.

[@kasrkin2002]

I;m shocked it took so long. Disgusting behaviour from the left, their attemtps to silence debate clearly made massive problems.

[@davidrobinson7684]

That's nicely put. In all our political, religious and ideological divides we must never lose sight of our common humanity. It's that which unites us and in the end is capable of healing, even dissolving, all our differences. Sadly, it is nowhere to be seen in the fractious, ever more polarized political world of today.

[@Skiptastic93]

When I first came to college, I was actually a pretty devout Christian, and started looking up debates on youtube to hear atheists be defeated by Christians. But then I came to Christopher Hitchens and his debates, and was quite taken aback. I credit him and the other atheists/non-christians around him with the loss of my faith. I ended up finishing his debates on religion and read one of his books of essays, and then got into his debates on the war in Iraq, and then what do I find? THERE'S A WHOLE OTHER HITCHENS. Lately I've been looking at the interactions between Christopher and Peter and Peter's conversations with the media and debates of his own, and I find him to be incredibly underrated. Though he would probably resent the comparison, I find him to be just as brilliant as his brother, only walking on the other side of aisle and a bit more modest.

[@rapturebound197]

Christopher Garner, hey man. I just read your comment. Its been a year since you posted it...any changes or reconsiderations regarding your thoughts here? ...your faith? Just curious man.

[@TheRealGaffer]

I'm pretty gutted to discover the Hitchens brothers only a few months ago. Now Christopher has passed and there wont be other chance to hear these two speaking side to side. They are both fantastically interesting people. I'm compelled to hear both of their opinions on everything, even being that they are so different on the political spectrum.

[@MrPeterTrus]

+TheRealGaffer I know exactly what you mean. It's a shame the only large scale debate the two had on God ended up being very one sided Christopher's way due to technical difficulties and his rockstar status.

[@EmilyRose1]

A few months ago? It was a few years ago haha

[@Drenwickification]

+Emily P he said he discovered them a few months ago and you're telling him he's wrong? what

[@DieFlabbergast]

+Drenwickification It's simple: some people are incapable of comprehending written English.

[@jacktaylor1081]

'technical difficulties and his rockstar status' was definitely Peter's downfall during that debate. Unbelievable.

[@joycejnn]

Peter Hitchens talks so much sense. He is totally right about the Tory party .

[@billingtonmarc25]

He's right when he says that most of Christopher's fans know little about him. I've had people tell me I'm wrong or a liar when I say Christopher Hitchens was pro-life.

[@iainmclaughlan1557]

Spot on

[@ceen3237]

Just like people would be surprised Peter is in favour of nationalising the railways.

[@robdavies4294]

Whether I agree with him or not, I always feel like I'm learning and wiser having listened to Peter. I don't hear others making similar points with such depth.

[@joemiller9445]

Owen, I really respect that you went out of your way to do this interview - polite, intelligent engagement with the "other side" is a great antidote to the polarising effects of social media.

[@TheGreenManFJ]

I enjoyed this very much. It's great to be able to watch a relaxed but serious and sober conversation between two people I find interesting. Thanks

[@horatioredgreenblue2130]

There is a kindness in Peter under that carapice

[@glitch373]

Horatio Redgreenblue too bad religion and traditionalism have rotted those insides.

[@alistairg.3221]

The section on Enoch Powell and immigration was incredibly interesting. Why did you cut it from the first version?

[@stevebirdartist]

For years I have found much of what has come out of Peter Hitchens's mouth pretty abhorrent. But I don't know whether it's him or me, but recently I have found him much more agreeable and this interview has finally changed my opinion of him totally. OK I'm still very much on the left, but I don't think he's anywhere near as right-wing as I thought he was, in fact on many subjects he comes over as academically neutral and extremely well informed. Posting the whole interview was such a good idea. It was so much better than the edit and extremely enjoyable to listen to. Please Owen, less editing and more like this.

[@Jonnyewafc]

Go find and talk to him for another 40 minutes, that was brilliant to listen to.

[@michie2510]

Like him or not, Peter Hitchens is one of the most outspoken and honest journalists out there. He sees through the shady mechanism of our rotten political class and is not afraid to call them out for it.

[@EmilyRose1]

I love this interview so much. Peter is so interesting.

[@MrJohndory111]

He's a good lad is Peter. Went to fabric with him back in '02. He dropped a Garry and wouldn't leave the dancefloor for 6 hours. Upon leaving, he told me that I was 'safe as fuck' and that I was his 'best mate'. Think he had a bit of a rough comedown though, as I haven't seen him since.

[@jakeberriman7754]

MrJohndory111 Can’t believe I’ve just come across this, absolute gold!

[@shaunewilliam]

Top Gent Peter Hitchens. Honest and genuine as it gets, Real credit to Britain.

[@Ashfurball]

Always good to watch a discussion between two clever, articulate people with different perspectives.

[@TimScarfe]

this was brilliant! even as a leftie, I admire Peter greatly. I was the most fascinated with the parts you cut out and deemed less important I.e. growing up with his brother, comments on Adam Smith, ww1 history, Thatcher. Please do long form videos. Peter was being real and relaxed, and we got to see a different side of him. you simply must do a David Starkey video now!

[@BachelorChowFlavour]

Surprisingly Owen conducted himself better than anyone else I've seen interview Peter.

[@vivianprinsloo1832]

This is the first interview I’ve seen with Peter Hitchens where he is smiling and relaxed. He actually looks like he enjoyed it; usually he looks tortured ( having to deal with the stupidity of it all). A Great thinker; I respect him immensely.

[@leslaidler292]

Thank you Owen and Peter. This was the 50 minutes very well spent. Totally absorbing. Thank you both again..

[@dariusdoodoo]

This full content interview is really interesting. So is the dynamic. Owen Jones is clearly in awe of Hitchens showing more respect and affection than i would have expected based on his TV appearances. PH hardly let Owen get a word in but I sense that is down to enthusiasm more than anything else.

[@BlyatimirPootin]

It's an interview not a debate.

[@rosshutton765]

I actually done a mini-cheer when the notification came through on my phone saying you'd put up the full video. Not been that excited in ages! Haha

[@douwis125]

Even though people disagree with him, I absolutely love the way he conducts his arguments and beliefs, true intellect.

[@stephenblackwell7351]

Upload the full Jeremy Corbyn interview.

[@Pixiedust8399]

+Sam Barkley Lol, poor Owen.

[@cumannach6739]

+Sam Barkley Please do

[@fisheatsyourhead]

+Pixiedust8399 You mean poor adam.

[@JamesFLivingstone]

no no come now, he said one off

[@stephenblackwell7351]

***** the democratic voice of the masses is eternal, never once off.

[@AnaxofRhodes]

Loved both the shortened interview, and this full video of it. I think both versions have value. You performed very well as interviewer, Owen. You and he were both tremendously courteous to one another.

[@thecrimsonbubbles]

Owen, you could do these interviews live on KZbin so people can see them in full, and then upload the edited versions. Saves poor Adam from the toil of extra work

[@grade8william]

let's do two edits - and save Adam extra work? wait, what???

[@thecrimsonbubbles]

I don't imagine live streaming will be much more difficult than filming it, it just needs a computer link up. then all Adam has to do is edit/upload THAT video to get the version that goes up after

[@grade8william]

thecrimsonbubbles so everyone who wants to.see it has to be free at that time? Also the logistics of that are more complicated than you probably think (it being a two camera system)

[@thecrimsonbubbles]

fair point, I hadn't considered 2-camera setup! it's just one idea that could be considered, and if something like it would work there'd be a way of hearing more interview, because this 50 minute chat was amazing maybe recording audio of whole thing would work if put on soundcloud, but I'm just getting too eager and ahead of myself now...

[@rossleeson8626]

+thecrimsonbubbles Live would mean a live OB setup which would take a crew lol

[@EmilyRose1]

“It’s better to travel hopefully than to arrive, the practical application of the noblest of ideas turns out at the very best to be tedious and at the worst to be very different from what you’d hope for”

[@Vot63]

"UKIP are unpopular in multicultural areas", really Owen? Where are these multicultural areas? I don't see many multicultural areas in the UK, unless you mean the non-residential areas where the waiters, fast food chefs, cleaners, and baristas are brown, black and slavic, and the customers are middle-class white British having an excursion from their all white suburban enclaves.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Owen Jones, young, idealistic out of his depth. Peter Hitchens, mature, pragmatic, wise.

[@deafected]

Not out of his depth, just not as much depth or insight in comparison to Hitchens. Jones, while he is an optimist, he can be riddled with self doubt which skews his analytical ability from time to time. Hitchens is far more fatalistic and that's the root of his confidence. He seems like the kind of person that finishes reading a book ahead of everyone else and starts telling you spoilers, but he has such a mischievous intellect that you can never truly accept his word as gospel.

[@danemma3610]

I can't take Owen seriously. He goes on about how bad capitalism and tax avoidance is but he works for the tax avoiding Guardian and he sells his books on the tax avoiding Amazon. I also can't stand his hypocrisy and reluctance to be honest. Which is a shame because I do agree with him on some things and I am sure he is bright but he always reverts to the "you're a racist" lefty 6th former when someone dares criticise Islam.

[@joycejnn]

Alex Morgan he is always out of his depth. And very flaky . He changes his mind on a regular basis and follows the leftie crowd . Hasn’t had an original thought in his life

[@aenamabag]

The one of them that I agree with is obviously the more pragmatic and thoughtful one. The other one is just out of his depth.

[@ashes180-x7d]

"Owen Jones is riddled with self-doubt". Please. He's the most self-righteous, arrogant leftist going right now. As a former leftist, I know the axioms he operates on and uses to assure himself he is right: "well at least I'm not racist, "at least I know that everybody is equal", "everyone but me and fellow socialists are selfish", etc.

[@Angelosanto]

"He's quite likeable, I can't feel any passion towards him, it's impossible. It's like feeling passion towards a blancmange."

[@MoonshineNL]

this unedited VID is great, it was good to see some of the human moments in the interview. thanks for uploading it.

[@WilliamBrownGuitar]

Only someone young as Owen Jones cannot see that England is dead.

[@craigsmith8811]

Just because he is young doesn't necessarily mean he is niave,He probably knows alot more about politics than you do and would probably destroy you in a political debate.Old people always think that age =wisdom and that youth =ignorant but there are loads of older people who are complete bigots.

[@toiletfriend420]

he's older than me and i can see it.

[@WilliamBrownGuitar]

I know many teenagers that possess a large degree of wisdom. He's not one of the wise ones. Sorry, he is naive. He would fail in a debate with anyone who knows history well. "Old people" are not a monolithic class of unitary thinkers.

[@toiletfriend420]

William Brown who isn't wise? what knowledge of history does he (whomever) lack? who is naive? ""Old people" are not a monolithic class of unitary thinkers." who said they were?

[@MrDominicBrant]

He was right on so much - and I guess he regrets that.

[@malcolmprice9545]

Such a devoted fan of his much missed genius brother Christopher

[@jamesgray1210]

The people demand more debates like this. Two journalists who have radically different views but who can nevertheless sit down, discuss and debate the issues respectfully.

[@SpiritualInsanity01]

Well hats off to you Owen for showing the whole interview, but I think it would be somewhat ambitious to say it is a vindication. I will concede it was nothing like as bad as I was expecting, but not for the right reasons. Here was an opportunity for you to ask questions about the fundamental issues you disagree on, so your audience could hear your viewpoints scrutinised by someone with an educated opinion, but you instead spent most of the interview talking about history, the conservative party, Christianity and the war. Posting the full version didn't just show inconsistencies with the editing, it showed a clear desire to avoid having your views challenged by someone who could probably do a pretty good job of it if they were asked the right questions. This is why I think you are treading on dodgy ground showing only highly edited versions of your interviews, because they don't give the viewer the full picture. The ability to put personal biases aside when you have an emotionally invested opinion is a skill that very few, if any, truly posses. However, by reducing interviews to a quarter of their size, you are claiming you possess that very ability, which is quite a claim coming from someone who is probably as fallible as the rest of us. There is obviously an element of personal bias that creeps into your work because the excuse you gave in the 'Communist propaganda' video about the editing nightmare Adam would have to endure if you posted interviews in full was laughable. Anyone with half a brain could figure out that it takes longer to edit stuff out than it does to leave it in, and it was blatantly obvious by the mischievous look on your face and the way you were giggling as you said it that you didn't believe a word you were saying. By all means keep this channel short and sweet for the sake of the "drop-in and outer's", but maybe the addition of an 'Owen Jones Uncut' channel for those of us who can spare a few extra minutes might be a good idea for the sake of balance. Either way, much respect to you for doing the right thing here; there may still be hope for you yet. ;-)

[@acloserlook6133]

I'm a conservative and after watching this I have found some respect for Owen.

[@Bouncybon]

It says a lot about the charm and genuineness of Owen that this discussion is so successful and interesting.

[@confounded_feline]

Credit where it's due to Owen for facilitating a respectful dialogue.

[@DavidTraynier]

I really enjoyed this. I agree with Hitchens on much, disagree on much more but I always feel educated to have listened to him. Regardless of his views, Hitchens at least has thought about what he says, doesn't take positions for the sake of convenience, and has a coherent world view. For those reasons, I hold him in much higher regard than many with whom I agree far more. Thank you Owen.

[@BarnesysBearcubs]

There's a general perception on KZbin that only short videos will be successful. Hopefully this shows that there are many people who are willing to sit down with a long form video too!

[@jon9625]

peter hitchens understood before almost anyone else, the nature of our current political conflict

[@Wallace43266]

Unending despair

[@54footscray]

peter is a very intelligent bloke who is right about nearly everything

[@seanwynne5848]

Both Hitchens brothers are really lovely.

[@shughy1]

Can't stand Owen but respect to Peter who constructs his points of view in a logical manner.

[@leeeeee286]

Owen, not to be rude, but I don't understand why it's more work for your editor to upload uncut videos rather than uploading videos which have been edited down? You work in politics, you must understand the importance of uncut unedited videos like this, I think people understandably want the full interviews. We come here because we enjoy honest political discussion, it really would be a shame if this is the only full length interview you'll post and instead just give us chopped down content from here on.

[@JamesFLivingstone]

see how this is a multi-camera edit, that stuff takes time as well as processing and cleaning up any dodgy audio among other things. if an edit looks seemless its because it was done well.

[@adamsich5275]

+Lee It's not rude, it's a legit question. First thing is when Owen was talking about me having a load of work on, he was talking about the amount of edits I had to get through at that time. In a couple of weeks (maybe three) we recorded interviews with Jeremy Corbyn, Liz Kendall, Jake Mills, Gordon Aikman, Sadiq Kahn and Peter Hitchens. I had to travel around the country (in some cases), filming all of those, then I had to edit them, plus the troll video and Owen's comments shows, his opinion ones and the Jeremy Corbyn victory video. I get someone (generally it's been two either Tom or Matt) to help me on the two camera shoots we do but I edit pretty much all of the videos - although I got a great deal of help from the fantastic Yanis Mendez on the Corbyn victory one and Tom Silverstone on Sadiq (although the horrific typo was my fault). Most of those edits had to be done before the Labour leadership contest was over as they mentioned Jeremy Corbyn or the other candidates. So at the time I was swamped with edits. It also means there's no point in putting up full length versions of all the old ones as they really are out of date now. Hitchens less so, although they mention Corbyn, it's not the main focus. My day job is looking after the Guardian's youtube channels and I had to do that - and still do have to do that - so I wasn't getting much sleep at the time. Mainly looking at screens and Owen's face. There are other things to think about as well. We shoot them in informal environments, in this case Holland Park cafe, there were children around and I have a legal obligation to make sure there aren't any identifiable children clearly in shot. Weather's another issue - being the UK and all that. It's pretty rare to get a day where the light is consistent, so I have to do a bit of basic colour correction on the videos (I know, I'm not very good at it). We shoot them on shoulder mounts and - as they're quite long - there are times when one camera is moving/not focussed/breaking. Even on the uncut videos I'd have to put time into avoiding this as much as possible. Then, as +JamesFLivingstone said, there's processing time, audio fixes, all the other stuff. Hitchens took nearly two hours to process and when it got to the end I realised I'd muted one of the audio tracks. Bit of a bugger when that happens. And, as with a lot day jobs I have to go to too many meetings, do too much admin, explain the same things over and over to different people and put up with other bits of working-life drudge that get in the way and take up more time. Plus, most importantly, I need to go out and have fun at the end of it. Hope that explains.

[@leeeeee286]

Adam Sich Thanks for the detailed reply, that all makes a lot of sense.

[@PurushaDesa]

+Adam Sich I was just thinking. Since there seems to be a demand for these full length interviews which take a hell of a lot of time to cut together, isn't there a case for Owen doing the short videos as a single camera (doable with inserts), freeing up the other for a locked off two shot? Then viewers also get their full video that you don't have to spend forever piecing together. Just wondering.

[@Halfbakealaskan]

+Lee He could just take a recorder to interviews in addition to the cameras, and upload the full interview as an audiofile. I'm sure not that many are bothered about the visuals, which is where the time and extra work goes.

[@vulpesinculta3238]

It's a shame Owen Jones didn't push Peter Hitchens on "the next history of this country will be written in Chinese". I really wanted to hear his reasoning behind that one.

[@andythomas706]

Owen doesn't have the intellect to go down that road!

[@andythomas706]

You're very paranoid boy!

[@GabrielNicho]

He said "proper history" I think. Now I know Peter Hitchens says he believes all the races are equal in ability. But who knows, maybe he recognizes that East Asians will be the only high average IQ people left (though they are going through the same dysgenic process).

[@andythomas706]

Go for a walk around Cambridge any day of the week, it's up to it's bottom lip in Chinese!

[@Tusker78TogetherForever]

Not just the West but the Third world. Africa is already being infiltrated:(

[@sratus]

This is a great thing - grown up, respectful discussion between right and left

[@zane62135]

I really loved this quote from Peter Hitchens directed to Owen - "I realized that most of these struggles are futile...I really hope to some extent that your utopia doesn't come about, because you will hate it more than anyone when it arrives." I tend to agree with Hitchen's view of the world. Ultimately people are unsatisfied regardless of their position in life, and even when their desires come to fruition, they quickly realize it doesn't make them any happier.

[@johnnyfastfingers]

What an excellent, civil, illuminating discussion. More of this please!

[@DancinJim]

He's spot on why he's hated by some. But he's mistaken in assuming fans of his late brother would naturally hate him. I think he's great, even though I disagree with him quite a lot on religion.

[@r.b.4611]

I love them both.

[@rickrennyoneill]

I agree. I disagree with him on religion and drugs, but I agree with him on many other things and I respect him so much nevertheless.

[@kaisoerfjord6794]

44:06 - 44:11 Owen looks at his notes on his mobile. DON’T, Owen. During these 5 seconds your interview object is TALKING TO YOU, while you are absent, unable to pay attention to what he is saying, and then, when Peter pauses in his line of thought, you HAVE NO IDEA what he just said when you act as if you have reason to think he came to the end of his answer and, rapidly, begin cutting in with: «A couple of other things» as Peter CONTINUE SPEAKING. That whole thing is NOT ELEGANT, Owen. It needs to be improved on. It is better to NOT HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION READY if you have to CHECK OUT of the presence to get it. Far better to sit and listen to the end, eye contact maintained, and THEN look down on your notes. Even if you manage to listen while looking down it is BAD MANNERS, Owen.

[@remotefaith]

Writing with emphatic capitalisation isn’t elegant either.

[@KURDinEXILE]

I miss Christopher so badly

[@scotty686]

I think Owen Jones pronounces 'party' that way to deliberately annoy me.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+scotty686 Ha, I promise I don't. A few people have pointed that out - covered it in the last comments video I think...

[@danielisaac3638]

+Owen Jones Trying to figure out which book Peter was referring to about World War 1 any chance you can help?

[@gavloft]

+Daniel Isaac Maybe The unnecessary war by Pat Buchanan.

[@bangosdemangos416]

+Daniel Isaac - he talked about The Deluge by Adam Tooze but didn't seem to remember the other one he mentioned . . .

[@SuperMan-xf1eg]

+Daniel Isaac The Darkest Days by Douglas Newton

[@ropa2142]

Great interview.....both Owen and Peter possess great intellects.

[@thedolphin5428]

I love both Peter's and Christopher's minds. They each have/had great perspectives on many things. Neither can be right or wrong on all things. A singular, partisan binary of who's right or wrong is so intellectually immature.

[@JoseWhon]

True to your word - many thanks Owen.

[@Archangel76]

I commend you for doing this, Mr. Jones.

[@seagirl6056]

Fascinating! Thank you, Owen.

[@rockeyracoon3716]

I'm very pleased to have found this. As an American, I don't feel the British realize the influence their politics and culture have on the world still. You don't need to be the world superpower to set the example. Peter Hitchens is truly an amazing man.

[@spencermiller8858]

Interesting to see the young, progressive journalist aith his phone on the table, compared to the older, conservative journalist with the newspaper sat on the table

[@lewisgrace3596]

+Spencer Miller And the times at that..

[@spencermiller8858]

+ZennorTale I don't want to sound naive but I can't see that happening with Owens popularity, atleast I hope he doesnt! But I guess we can only wait and see. I also don't think it's a good thing to simply assume Owen's wealth. But on the whole I agree that it does tend to happen that way, or at least that's the story. I have grown up in an affluent area so its hard for me comment, as much of the people around me are brought up to have conservative principles, so it doesn't happen with age.

[@lewisgrace3596]

***** It clearly has happened with Hitchins but certainly hasn't with Corbyn and the like.

[@toiletfriend420]

it is your mistake there is to believe that because one has aged that one necessarily has grown up. many people are old but never grew up.

[@dan2009]

Interview David Starkey.

[@sratus]

Why?

[@remotefaith]

@@sratus Entertainment

[@graytoby1]

I imagine Starkey would be the top.... if things got physical....

[@donharrold1375]

This was much better than I expected

[@nooberinho]

Undoubtedly the best interview you have done Owen

[@orbazel]

One of the best interviews with Peter Hitchens and with Owen Jones no less….never thought I’d see that!

[@don14vito]

I think Peter was referring to the Belgian Grey book at 35:20

[@Mr1979flapjack]

A civilised debate from two people who are at both ends of the spectrum, wonderful!

[@thedaveastator7939]

Is this the same kid that stormed out of a news interview after the Orlando shooting?

[@user-uk5cu4vw7o]

yep - complete parody if himself

[@arianrhodhyde7482]

//://: he's gay and the other presenters were insisting that Orlando wasn't aimed at lgbt+ people

[@nolovedrjones9668]

Arianrhod Hyde Incorrect: He was asserting that the presenters couldn’t empathise with the victims of Orlando as much as him because they were straight and he was not. When they protested that their sexuality has no impact on their empathy - That’s when he stormed out He was a parody of himself though.

[@arianrhodhyde7482]

i think "straight people don't know about homophobia the way gay people do" isn't a stupid statement-- and they didn't just say that it didn't affect their ability to empathise but one of the panelists claimed that because she was a "gobby woman" she was just as likely to have been attacked. She literally said that because she claimed that she could have been attacked, her feelings about a homophobic terrorist attack were just as important as those of a gay person. It was pretty low move in my opinion.

[@matthewvaughan8192]

@@arianrhodhyde7482 The point they were making is that homophobia doesn't just fall out of the sky. It's indoctrinated into people, usually religiously, and that's the root cause. Owen didn't want to address this head on because then he would have to concede that his rabid defending of Islam doesn't match up with a firm stance against homophobia. That's why he made the bitch move of walking out.

[@joostvandegoor150]

I have just finished reading 'The Rage Against God'. Peter really knows what he's talking about. That's why he should be taken very seriously indeed, even though many people don't like pessimistic thought. His ideas make a lot of sense.

[@rosalindrussell1020]

Yes, he's a great thinker and I love his moral stance

[@TheAmacniadh]

Wasn't a fan of Owen until this interview. We need more debate like this.

[@rnw2739]

I can assure you this is the one exception in Jones' usual debate behaviour. Watch ANY other discussion with him and an opponent and he transforms into a pitifully childish brat who's debating skills are rasing his voice to a scream, talking over his opponent therefore ignoring and not even listening and then unclipping his microphone, pretending he has been so grievously insulted and offended by his opponent that he just has to leave at once.... Unbelievably childish and pathetic.

[@MontyCantsin5]

@@rnw2739: A gross exaggeration if ever there was one.

[@EmilyRose1]

He’d never try to debate Peter since Peter would destroy him lol

[@hamidqureshi2426]

The sagacious Peter Hitchens is quite brilliant. Well balanced, honest and straight to the point.

[@CoolHandLuke7]

4 times better than the original version

[@johnrichard9606]

Peter Hitchens has never been my most favourite person, but full credit to him for this statement.

[@juliantaylor1020]

I still say Peter Hitchens should have been the singer in the Pet Shop Boys