Paloma Faith says Russell Brand is wrong on voting

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Singer Paloma Faith says the anti-politics message of comedian Russell Brand is "irresponsible" because "the powerful will always vote". She talks to Channel 4 News about power, music and sexuality.
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[@kidkunjer]

Russel Brand never said don't vote. he said don't vote for people who don't represent you. yet again everyone oversimplifies and deliberately misrepresents.

[@edaviescarr]

zeugfilms Tyranny is the deliberate removal of nuance

[@kidkunjer]

***** That too is a simplification of what he said, but lets assume for the moment that he did say that. The pointfullness of voting depends upon what issues you care about, and what the parties are offering. Take me for example; I have six most important issues on my mind this election: 1) the criminal bankers should be imprisoned, 2) the decriminalisation of all narcotics, and the release of all prisoners held for such charges. 3) the introduction of a written constitution with human rights as a priority 4) a massive redistribution of wealth 5) a complete overhaul of the education system from bottom to top that includes absolutely nothing of the old system 6) the closing down of GCHQ without opening a new equivalent. Tell me which party is offering these things and i'll vote for them. If no party available is offering anything near what you want, voting is by necessity pointless. To put it another way, if the parties are not sufficiently different so that you don't care who gets in, why bother taking part at all? In a sense I only have the "right to vote" in the same way that gay folk used to have the "right" to get straight married. as in, it doesn't really count.

[@kidkunjer]

***** You didn't understand what he was saying, and you didn't understand what i was saying. and your final sentence is just stupid. You might as well say: don't like ice in your drinks? then go live on the sun. its reductive and idiotic.

[@politicalreality1256]

It is a shame that the general idea that seems to have been absorbed is RB says not to vote, while that is not precisely what he said , he said he does not want to vote because he personally feels out of touch with all politicians. Its this assumption that he therefore thinks everyone should not vote , because that is how he feels is an odd one, but it is the common image connected with him and whether you as an individual should vote or not. IE: he thinks this so you must. (Also by being unaligned to a specific party he maintains broadcaster impartiality.)

[@rickymallard7837]

It's also interesting how she backs up what Brand did actually say, by pulling the same facial expression when given the names of the three mainstream party leaders - i.e. they're all the same, so she's pretty indifferent to them!

[@GeraldineLancaster]

Whenever I am looking for a concrete, educated & well reasoned view on politics that cuts through the usual rhetoric I mostly turn to Paloma Faith to deliver.

[@tbizone2002]

good for her. Admitting she doesn't have all the answers but strong in her moral convictions. Kindness seems to be the theme here.

[@richardlongmore9301]

Russell brand is doing something very important support him!

[@BagicalMindi]

He really isn't

[@ShallowDepression]

Jack Morton He really is.

[@richardlongmore9301]

Yes the jokes are funny:) but I like the bits where he exposes the tax dodging corps like Google/apple he was talking about that ages ago and now it's one of the main topics and might get sorted. It's never a bad thing to take the time to make people see all the curuption in politics/banks. Some people still can't seem to see it.

[@BagicalMindi]

He is a joke, hes not saying anything valid or new, its thinly veiled terrible interpretation of marxist theory

[@richardlongmore9301]

Are you happy with the way things are and the state this planet is in? Do you think there might be a better way ?

[@hit373]

She said ''the powerful always vote, it's in their interest to vote''. The elite make up only 6% of society, the working class 65%. Even if the majority didn't vote, they'd still have more voters than the elites. The problem is with a system that only produces politicians from privileged backgrounds, from the same few schools and who now want to represent their former classmates now heads of big business, in return for big donations.

[@MrWiggerdale123]

The powerful aren't only the 'elite' and the point is still true, if you choose not to vote who's going to vote in your place? Unless a large portion of the country decides to truly revolt the only change to the system will come from democracy and election.

[@kidkunjer]

Henry Dale there can be no change through "democracy" and election. which party wants to jail the criminal bankers? which party wants to catch and expose the pedos in Westminster? none. so you can choose between tories or tory lite. democracy is bullshit.

[@illusionz9053]

The powerful vote by using money, which has way more impact then a vote castes on Election Day

[@crusadercrisps]

How did you come to the idea that the elite make up 6% of society? That figure is waaaaay off. I'd argue more like 0.01 percent. It's literally just CEO's of fortune 500's, a couple of large weapons manufacturers and a few major banks.

[@crusadercrisps]

starchildstrider Not only that, but the small selection of parties they _do_ allow us to choose from are practically identical in their policies..

[@zasddsaf]

lol there's absolutely nothing wrong with anything she said

[@r4nd0mbr0]

yep. and thats because she vrtually said nothing, just repeated what people told her her whole life about how to view politics the voting right and society. if anything i wished she'd said something wrong, coulda been less boring

[@sarahgates5731]

Shes a person with as much right to a voice and political opinion as anyone else.

[@youtubeaccount2302]

Wow cool, thanks for giving us about 15 seconds of Paloma Faith actually talking and then filling the rest with the interviewer telling us what she said.

[@kellyb1554]

I respect both Paloma and Russell 100% politically. Come on, channel 4. Shoddy work here.

[@napalmextinguisher]

I love Russell Brand, but please vote!

[@crofoi]

why should we vote?

[@napalmextinguisher]

Jim wookread So that the people you do not like don't become in charge.

[@crofoi]

there is know one worth being in charge do

[@napalmextinguisher]

Jim wookread Where do you live?

[@crofoi]

wales

[@xenojamz336]

"Vote first, then complain" is anyone actually taking this woman seriously

[@basicallyalicia9886]

I fucking hate all of the people making fun of her! Just because she has a higher pitched voice you call her unintelligent? Well guess what? you just made fun someone with a learning disability! Well done I'm sure all of your mothers would be soooooo proud!

[@stevenmcnair1897]

She obviously thinks harder and deeper on political issues then russell brand. Great music! but....I mean seriously put her and russell into the same room and have them chat. The truth shall set you free

[@lordcommander9984]

Why do they always insist on asking entertainers about their political views ? I used to like her BUT right now I am deleting all her music from every device I own. Thanks for ruining it for me...again

[@pearlford8341]

I wouldnt have though Brand would have had a brain to comment on anything.

[@illusionz9053]

Like we haven't voted for years and years already, not to mention everyone always focuses on the 'don't vote' not the 'there's nothing worth voting for'...

[@chinwart]

So Russell is wrong? Who does she expect me to vote for when no party represents what I am looking for from a government? Brand is 100% spot on!

[@jonhickmanmusic]

"dont vote then complain" said as if its the first round of voting ever. People vote already, and already feel like it is pointless.

[@Andrejuno]

Good on you Paloma!! You have as much of a voice to be heard about politics as anyone else and damn right you should use it to voice your opinion on the good, the bad and the ugly in Politics.

[@ninaray4479]

I don't care this vid is 5 yrs old or whatever... I mistaken by hitting the wrong vid in YT... but very glad I did... Paloma Faith's voice soar beautifully on the song "Only Love Can Hurt Like This"... I fell in love with it... had to turn the song on to my best friend out on the West Coast... she loved it too... she thanked me and wanted us to explore all that we can find of Paloma Faith... and with that it??? brings me here... 🎙🎶 😉

[@MrJamesPaylor]

Oh Paloma... bless her :)

[@mr.coolmug3181]

Some people just think in slogans.

[@ILikeCoconutsLots]

Yet again more people misinterpreting things in they way they want to see it :(

[@mandolinorchid]

Brand followed up his statements of don't vote...with "don't vote unless there is someone worth voting for."

[@JayJay-em2tv]

Surely, this should have been titled....."Why Paloma thinks Russell is wrong on voting!" It highlights the bias message that channel 4 are trying to convey and then she pulls silly faces and then quotes "Russell's played into the hands of the powerful" and "the powerful always vote". Seriously, we all need to do a bit more research on things before listening to someone who hasn't taken much interest in Politics. Russell Brand on the other hand, has taken a lot of interest, might not be right about everything or claim to be, is speaking a lot of sense to a lot of people! BIG UP THE TREWS x

[@craigcapstick8785]

could listen to paloma all day. intelligent but humble 👌

[@tekamin]

If you voted you have nothing to complain about.

[@Charliebuttonful]

People complain about her voice and her sounding thick, if that's the only way to dig at an amazingly talented woman who has worked hard to be where she is then this is pathetic she has as much right to promote her views as anyone does and she is not thick hahah not at all she is a talented actress, dancer, and singer and has been professional in all three she has also made a living in the music industry so not thick quite the opposite most people here know nothing about her.

[@jeanettedevereux7664]

👏

[@SMARTvoterWorld]

"Grasp of political detail by own admission, seriously limited" Candidates are allowed to promise one thing and then not even call for or support it in parliament. No one had any reliable details and, until voters start acting like responsible grown ups with their vote and require a contract backed with a vote back guarantee, not for passing a bill, just for calling for and supporting it, voting will be a waste of time.

[@fessellsahmed2587]

Russel Brand said for years don't vote but promoted Ed Millband and Labour party for some reason one day before election

[@thomascummins4009]

Jesus!!! This should be called channel what4!

[@Benhatchfitness]

Vote then complain... So basically what we already do... Good one

[@colobenima]

Distractions - on purpose, misunderstanding what Brand said and put the focus on the only thing they have found that they are able to attack him on, in an attempt to discredit and ridicule him, to divert attention away from his more dangerous questions.

[@melllv]

This country needs more people like Paloma not less. I wish we could ship abroad all the vulgar aggressive right wingers that I have been sworn at by. .. And they, the extreme right, want us to live in a country full of people like them. Do not vote UKIP it shelters a lot of very nasty folk under its umbrella.

[@mikeshuttleworth5198]

Heavily suggestive title, backed up by absolutely nothing but a lot of laughing.

[@frapp83]

Ugh, the woman even states she knows nothing about politics, why is she even commenting? By telling people not to vote (or in actuality what he said is that there is no one worth voting for and that we should become more proactive in other methods ie. peaceful protest) Russell has opened up an important dialogue. The powerful WILL always vote, that's why we as the majority need to stand up and look at other methods because the current system DOES NOT WORK and is only in place to serve the agenda of the rich and powerful. Also arghhhh that goddamn painful song of hers sounds like a million dying cats, why does anyone buy that crap??

[@MrCZRC]

"Vote then complain" she says...may aswell order gold covered shit on a plate then complain it tastes horrible at some fancy resturaunt

[@chrisdude942]

Drusilla from Buffy is getting into politics!

[@timcomley3241]

getting into owen jones how very hip

[@Chrisealge]

Well do you think you should or should not vote? What does go through peoples mind when they think voting and what does actually mean?

[@lickmyshoe182]

How can someone who can hardly talk sing so well? Weird.

[@fallentograce945]

She could talk for Hackney..wait England..just watch her interview with Alan carr😉

[@Coast.Malone]

EVERYONE SHOULD VOTE....... None of the above

[@letsride3016]

Russell Brand is a legend.

[@webbydawgg]

The powerful always vote, true but normally they just send a sizable donation to the party they support so they can have the ear of their leader if they become PM.

[@ash42ism]

Love paloma but what are we actually voting for? Is it wholly inaccurate to say the system is broken and change wont come from within because they benefit from it? Just the fact that parties can actually accept donations from groups that are looking for support on issues that may affect them means it needs a "spring clean" surely - is it just me that thinks that there shoukd be no money from outside sources for election campaigns? I cant actually believe that it happens.

[@klemhopper]

"I'm gonna speak out politically because that's what everyone's doing, only problem is its completely over my head, so what i'm saying to the people is - here is Owen Jones! Je seems to know a few things"

[@lepermessiah1969]

Shame on you Channel 4, i remember when you woz cool !

[@glennoc8585]

She mentions that she would not have a band if Farage and ukip policies were in place which says to me that maybe she could just hire British musicians. Pretty lame.

[@Sharonmartinxd]

Su acento es TAAAAAN posh.

[@DarkKnife1100]

it's all good being a feminist and all but women aren't over sexualised in the music industry. you said it yourself Paloma, you get a choice to flaunt your sexuality or not so you can't be over sexualised p.s. for that gesture towards my name, when I get in power I will send your band packing.. no one else.. just your band.. Get Rekt Skrub

[@TheCraigy01]

Fantastic work Russell has done. I'm with him 100% all they way. Wether you agree with him or not he has brought about awareness to serious problems and corruption that need looking at. We can carry on trying to vote the next red or blue party which are all public schoolboys who know nothing about hardship. Or we can all try to make a difference peacefully though protest and not voting, but things aren't going to change for the better as they are. Can't believe they got Paloma on aswell talking about politics. sounds like she's talking with a sausage in her gob.

[@dejo3622]

Vote first then complain there you have it words of wisdom loool

[@mehcol]

There's some good comedy material here ! As a socialist, how much do her dresses cost ?

[@Teessiderang]

I like Paloma and I like Russel but I will be voting for Labour

[@RyanSeven1111]

Hahee lets all listen to her. She's clearly on the cutting edge. What a joke.

[@infoharvester]

Her music is good but she may be out of her depth here

[@jeanettedevereux7664]

She's a genuis

[@quantumofhate]

Paloma is an intellectual light weight!,she should stick to her singing!SERIOUSLY LIMITED! YEP AND OWEN LOOKS TO BE SOME WHAT OF A MOUTH BREATHER TOO...OH ENGLAND!

[@pimperdaddy]

She should have never been interviewed as she knows nothing about politics & therefore she shouldn't vote either. Russell Brand is right to say don't bother voting in my opinion. The next financial collapse is just around the corner. The housing & investment bubble in London will burst soon...

[@spikeychris]

By not voting you are essentially playing right into the hands of the political elite that Russell Brand slams so hard. You don't have to actually vote for anyone you can spoil your ballot and if everyone who doesn't want to vote for one of the political parties actually did this it would mean politicians would be more likely to go after their votes and change their policies.

[@spikeychris]

Essentially if people on the left listen to Russell Brand and don't vote then politics is going to be pushed even more towards the right than it already has.

[@tropickman]

Spikey Chris You simply do not understand, do you?

[@spikeychris]

tropickman I understand perfectly well thank you.

[@ShallowDepression]

Spikey Chris We voted no to the Iraq war, but that didn't do any good. Voting means nothing.

[@lizanonur1178]

What is Russell Brand talking about, exactly? He talks about some "higher power", and how he doesn't believe in "voting", and oh dear, did I mention I am a recovering addict, which adds some 'edge' to my personality? And let's not forget cosmic harmony and divine intervention, blah blah. All nonsense. He certainly uses interesting vocabulary to sugarcoat and razzle-dazzle, but don't let that fool you, people. He's just empty. Just watch any interview with Russell Brand, and pay close attention to what he says. There's no messages, just ostentatious words. Engage in reality, and bloody vote, and fight. Don't be a bloody guru talking about the cosmos and divinity, past sex addict and nonsensical jai guru deva om, or om mani padme hum.

[@ignasbednarczyk775]

Journalist/ interviewers are so Tory. Their questions are tedious & irrelevant.

[@MrJamesPaylor]

Also the Brits does not represent British music, it represents British marketing

[@shagger1968]

Thought channel 4 were serious about delivering an asute political veiw to the nation as a whole..............obviously not....whos next...basil brush!!!

[@necrox9674]

Why do women wear tight dresses! Looks so painfull.

[@lippypongstockings8356]

Democracy is vastly overrated, I think. to paraphrase the late, great George Carlin, "Think about how stupid the average person is; then remember that half the people are more stupid than that." We should have a minimum IQ score for suffrage eligibility. ;-)

[@marytaylor2117]

hahah you can try to deliberately misrepresent Russell's ideology more than you like but I more people are watching his Trews than will ever watch Channel 4 (which is shit). x

[@theyclimb9214]

"I've taken ownership of my sexuality" Can't get up from her chair in one go because of how she's dressed Girl power...

[@thomaswood3584]

Shit attempt to de-value Russell Brands ideology by using a beloved public figure. Emphasis on the 'USING' part.

[@tekamin]

Why does she talk like a child?

[@melllv]

Paloma are you still open minded about Labour and their "Immigration control" mugs now?

[@dejo3622]

White middleclass boys club is she talking about westminister we should vote for ???

[@terrigringo]

Thick as shit, lots of ethnic people wIll vote for ukip, I personally know them!

[@maxwolfe7194]

VOTE BILDERBERGER: Vote Lib/Lab/Con For; WW3, repression, austerity & The Corporate State.

[@beendoneagain]

Laughable!

[@mehcol]

It brought a smile to my face. silly but not dangerous.

Why vote when there is little difference between parties? She seems rather conditioned.

[@EE12CSVT]

Why did anyone even think of interviewing her about politics? It's evident that she knows nothing.