Rachel Maddow and Ken Burns on U.S. and the Holocaust & the American fight against fascism

Rachel Maddow joins Ken Burns to discuss the parallels between Ken’s 2022 film THE U.S. AND THE HOLOCAUST and Rachel’s new book, PREQUEL: AN AMERICAN FIGHT AGAINST FASCISM by exploring the forgotten history of extremist and antisemitic American political ideals around the Second World War. Rachel and Ken examine the patterns of home-grown fascism and how we can remain vigilant against future threats to our democracy.
UNUM: One nation, many stories.
UNUM is a new way to explore American history through scenes selected from over 40 films by Ken Burns. We're constantly curating new topics, providing historical context for the conversations we are having today.

[@user-tu4rn8ui9u]

The fact that this history is unknown to most Americans says everything about the country's inability and unwillingness to reckon with history in a serious and true way. To do so is not unpatriotic, like many in power would like us to believe. To the contrary, it speaks well of a nation that can right its wrongs. Look at Germany! That country has done so much to reckon with a darkest period in its history, and look what happened just recently. When Germans learned of the far right AFD (many of them neo-Nazi sympathizers) meeting in secret to discuss mass deportations of migrants and other "undesirables," the pro-democracy German people came out in a show of democratic force. We need that in this country. Germany not only knows fascism when they see it, but are willing to fight against it. Trumpism is fascism. That millions of Americans can't see this, particularly after we fought a world war to stop it across the world, is the strongest argument for telling the whole truth and nothing but.

[@medicare4colcness27]

Amen for lack of better word

[@arlysmills9027]

I thought we had pretty much stamped out racism in the 60's. But Mitch McConnell brought the racists out in the open when President Obama was elected. It popped out of the mouths of people I thought were good caring people. My active mostly Democrat friends are ok but I find the need to censor myself in politically mixed groups where we are told to never discuss politics. This is especially uncomfortable when the R,s are extended family

[@TheHunchTV]

I think that it tells us who controls the telling of history. I was told as a teenager that if we didn't defeat/kill the Viet Cong they would come to North America. I expressed this to my wise, old Grandfather. Grandfather smiled and laughed and asked me , "How will they get here?". I then realized that the Viet Cong were not coming here. It is called managing consensus for an anti-communist reaction to everything by fear mongering.

[@norweijanspruce]

People in America have been told for so long that we are Great and that tends to make us think we are BETTER than others. NOT BETTER only different

[@duelenigma7732]

USA sat and watched WW2 until Pearl harbor . Then came late and sucked up the Glory

[@donnavorce8856]

Yes. Every nation coughs out propaganda to that affect. Why? It works for a majority of a population. Manipulation is what keeps these rich and powerful in seats of power. The enablers - the manipulated masses - keep them propped up. The rich make promises and hire armies to enforce their own positions. They're all over the world.

[@tonirose6776]

As a Canadian, I am gratified that an American has realised this about their fellows, and I hope, as our cousins, that more Americans can hear this as a truth.

[@piffgrouskay2614]

😊😊😊Źzźzz​@@tonirose6776

[@Nick-kb6jd]

The same exceptionalism that caused Brexit in the UK. Also very self-destructive.

[@anthonymccarthy4164]

My father was in the CCC, he credited it with saving his life, then he fought against the fascists in WWII.

[@katherinebeebe8293]

My father was also in the CCC in 1938 and 1939. I have a golden pin from that time he was in the core in the western United States. He would have been 103 years old.

[@djack915]

We need the CCC again ! Also you must be sooo proud of your father 🎉

[@TheHunchTV]

Mine too

[@davkatjenn]

My dad had been hopping on and off freight trains as a teenager and picking cotton and then along came the CCC and saved him. Thank you for telling us that about your dad. God bless the CCC and God bless those who were in the CCC.

[@mariellouise1]

Most of the wonderful trails in the Sierra mountains on the west coast were put in by the CCC.

[@banadidi]

Thank you Ken and Rachel.

[@user-cu7uz5le3h]

Maddow’s bad journalism and her ruining history by falsely equivocating it today needs to be called out. She is a manipulator not a serious reporter of truth.

[@Short-Cipher]

Thanks so much for this engrossing and enlightening discussion. I did get a kick out of Ken's observation that if President Biden "cured cancer, people would be complaining that he had put too many doctors out of work." 😄 True.

[@coolazbro5326]

the sad truth is Biden would never cure cancer even if he could only because doctors would lose their jobs. Cancer is in no danger when Biden is president.

[@cindymaceda2999]

Poor guy. Right now, people do not give him the respect that they give their wise grandpa whom they treasure.

[@KloeBrady]

True dat

[@garydecad6233]

We are so fortunate to have Ken and Rachel raise our consciousness to these existential issues.

[@sharshar4532]

Thank you both 💙 May we all be inspired to fight the good fight till election day 2024 & beyond

[@shantishanti2295]

This is one of the best conversations about fascism and democracy I have listened.

[@ttmarty82]

Yes but they fail to see they are the facists

[@KathleenHayden2016]

WOW! Two of our American Treasures. Set aside time to listen; believe me, it's worth your time.

[@vizzini589]

I have so much respect for both of you. Fighting for Democracy through understanding history is a righteous cause.

[@geniemelone6793]

Brilliant discussion….full of hope in these seemingly hopeless times

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

What an EXCELLENT INTERVIEW!! I agree with EVERYTHING SHARED HERE. Thank You Ken Burns and Rachael Maddow!!

[@yosemitedawn]

I can't say enough good about both of these people who have a way of getting to the heart of what is going on today in a way that we can understand.

[@luannnelson547]

“Prequel” is an excellent book - I could not put it down. I also strongly recommend Rachel’s podcast “Ultra.” One observation about the heroes and heroines of our national story: NONE are perfect. We recognize those whose goodness or accomplishments outweigh their mistakes, but everyone is flawed, or reflects the time in which they lived, because that was the water where they swam.

[@cmecre8629]

Ultra is excellent

[@alistersutherland3688]

@@cmecre8629 Rachel evidently has a talent for excellence. It is also evident that she strives for it, to imbue everything she does with it. Has she made mistakes in that endeavor? Of course. And her detractors - most especially on the far right - seize upon every one, no matter how minuscule and inconsequential to try and tear her down. Because they can't bear the truth. Nor can they withstand her laser-like focus on shining light into the darkest corners of corrupt power in our society. And that is the truth.

[@MikeyJJJ]

Looking forward to Ultra 2

[@tammylathrop6223]

​@@alistersutherland3688amen. And Hallelujah.

[@janislentz5649]

Good point!

[@Bob06460]

I've read, and highly recommend, this book. It is well written, an easy read, and filled with a history that should become familiar to all Americans.

[@maxcat06]

It is excellent

[@Bob06460]

@@tadatada296 Have you read it? Plus, when she references Nazi records recovered after the war, or the infamous rally at Madison Square Garden, is not a point of view.

[@LibbyLiberal]

@@tadatada296facts are not a point of view. Have you read the book or listened to her Ultra podcasts.

[@chrisfreebairn870]

​@@tadatada296And, therefore, what? Are you suggesting that everything is just someone's point of view, that there is no truth, that no hypothesis or explanation accords better with the facts than another? Of course there are many points of view, but the objective is to find truth amongst them, not wallow in the soft glow of diversity for its own sake; diverse views offer the chance to arrive at a better version of the truth, to solve problems; an opinion is only as useful as it's utility in problem solving, i.e. a tool, not an end. The endless amorphous elevation of diversity of opinion for its own sake is a luxury afforded when no serious problem is at hand; serious problems require serious analysis, hard headed critical analysis; if you demean, discount & diminish the value of proximity to the truth you defeat yourself & deserve the trumps of this world, bc that's what they represent & use to defeat you - your inability to distinguish truth from disinformation. This is the point, that failure to discern the value of rigorous truth seeking leads to the demise of truth as a guide; at that point the charlatans have the field. Conservatives cling to old truths, only some of which are true, liberals must find the new truths, not glorify the search to the extent that the truth is obfuscated, bc the conservatives use that confusion to control the narrative. As per tRump & Putin, the conmen win by virtue of their confident assertion of truth, defeating the timid. There is a time to recognize that violence may need to be met with force. Bullies respond to nothing else, hence the conundrum represented by the saying "speak softly but carry a big stick!"

[@eclectickimmer]

This book should be taught in every school in America.

[@beverlywrobel5778]

Thank you for highlighting the power of every man, coming together to support the real benefits and power of our democracy. This was a very enlightening discussion, thank you both.

[@krmccarrell]

Nicely said.

[@wendytackett5326]

Great job, I am 74 yrs old and knew very little of this😮, I will pass this on

[@Democracy4USA]

Hi Wendy, I am your junior by 5 years and I also knew nothing about most of this. I did happen to travel through the south on a cross-country trip as a child and was astonished at seeing a Ku Klux Klan march going down a road (and all in full costume). Other than that, none of this was taught at any point in my upbringing or formal education (in Bakersfield, California). I found the talk about Henry Hoke very interesting ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/amPXo4t4f5iAfdE ) . I could only successfully find references by searching for: "Who was Henry Hoke, the advertising executive?" One search result is fascinating - a book written by Henry Hook titled Black Mail published in 1944, subtitled as "The Inside Story of the Campaign to Disrupt America - How It Was Planned - How It Operates-What It Is Doing." This is a photocopy of that actual book as scanned and placed online by Florida Atlantic University Digital Library - fau.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fau%3A4782/datastream/OBJ/view/Black_mail.pdf

[@lyndamonchak4072]

I am 76 and I very sadly knew very little about this as well!

[@earthsystem]

I'm 60 and while I didn't know this, BUT I remember many angry school bullies hated me in school, and as an adult police officers treat me extremely rudely and aggressively compared to my sisters with big blue eyes, and sometimes tradesmen or waiters won't do business with me, simply, because I look Chinese. So I'm not at all surprised the suppressed hatred of others can pop its cork, but what I am surprised about is how calmly these two people who are safely white-looking treat the matter.

[@Faerysong1]

I'm 72, and Never knew this. I wasn't taught any of this. This HAS to be taught in schools. History will repeat itself if it isn't known. I'm appalled at my ignorance.

[@marykatebluhm3597]

Definitely read or listen to her book, "Prequel". I knew some, but exactly how deep the Nazi ideas were the in this country shocked and saddened me. We must not let this happen again, remember our history or face it repeating.

[@SoberOKMoments]

My Dad taught commercial art and sign painting skills to young people ih the CCC. It was nice to hear that national effort remembered and mentioned here.

[@chdarwin05]

Thank you. Our work continues to protect and promote truth and democracy. Raising consciousness is such a slow process.

[@tcam2352]

Ken and Rachel, dynamic historians! Great podcast everyone should hear!

[@marysmith5003]

This is a digression, but I can't help wondering why and how Ken Burns is photographed hanging out with Harlan Crowe and the bought-paid-for House African-American of the richest and most powerful?

[@Pond_Maven]

Thoughtful. Thorough. Timely. As always, I appreciate the work that each of you do.

[@flobrodley5761]

Excellent discussion that needs to be heard nationally on television, podcasts; parts of which can be used in news reports…even on Fox, Sinclair, etc.

[@amelsev]

Excellent, illuminating, inspiring dialogue. May our actions be fed and follow through.

[@thomasfahey8763]

What a wonderful moment of clarity. No criticism whatsoever. A pleasant surprise, to be sure.

[@flitterbye123]

Thank you both. Understanding history is vital.

[@coreyham3753]

Agreed ... very interesting history lesson. Likely unknown to almost all americans.

[@Frenchblue8]

And then we have monsters who want to rule the world starting from this country, who not only don't care about history, they don't understand it and what's worse, they don't even care about understanding it and even if you explained it to them and they actually did care about it they are too dumb to understand it. And if those people are pushing 80 and they still don't get it and they still don't care I'd say keep those people out of American government~our country, our democracy and our very lives depend on it. Contrary to current maga lies... People who care about NATO are the warmongers when those of us with functioning brain cells understand that the very opposite is the case.

[@sandrasegal3163]

Rachel please keep your hands still. It's very distracting 😮

[@theartfuldodger5326]

I'm dumbfounded that I had never learned about the Germans being inspired/influenced by our (awful) laws & our history. I'm embarrassed especially because I have a degree in German and European studies, & took many classes on German history & politics, in both the German language and English, & this was never mentioned. 😳 RM & KB- I've admired their work for so many years, and I'm grateful to discover this channel & learn. I plan on adding this book to my cart to order. Thank you! ❤

[@marileeodendahl2720]

Luanne's comment below may interest you - " I also strongly recommend Rachel’s podcast “Ultra.” I listened to it and, like you, was flabbergasted at the history we were NOT taught.

[@heatherw.286]

Henry Ford's role in publishing and distributing anti-Semitic tracts that were widely translated and deeply influenced Hitler is well documented in Edwin Black's great book "Nazi Nexus". Ford required all of his dealerships to carry the offensive publications, which precipitated a Jewish boycott of Ford cars for years. Forgotten history....

[@MrBENTON78]

You should watch the Eugenics history. We have Hitler his ideas. And now the Repugs are trying to bring it back.

[@veritas2222]

What an incredible interview!!! Two brilliant scholars and interpreters of the human condition struggling to grow in a dramatic historical context, talking about what they’ve learned on their deep dives. Not a word was wasted! This is my favorite conversation on the book so far. 🌹

[@juliet1774]

My two favorite historians. Your work is so important, now more than ever. Thank you for this!

[@lenorefoxmoor9985]

@juliet1774. 🛎Neither one is an "historian" (more medi-ating Personalities). Interested in serious scholarship? See Polish sociologist & philosopher Zigmunt Bauman's "Modernity and the Holocaust" & Inga Clendinnen's "Reading The Holocaust" & Dora Apel's "Memory Effects: The Holocaust and the Art of Secondary Witnessing"🛎 Fritz Stern's "The Politics of Cultural Dispair" is surely a relevant book for (usa) Americans 🛎🎈🎈🎈

[@oddjobs3025]

That was great you guys. Why can't we, US, have a candidate like either of you?

[@lyndamonchak4072]

Yes, why can't we??

[@nancym5341]

Their places are cemented in history and in cause.

[@tundrawomansays694]

They’d never be able to raise the funds to compete against the prevailing beliefs brought upon us by the Christian Right. *Americans can be relied upon to vote against their best interests regularly.*

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@tundrawomansays694 why would I vote for anti-human baby killers?

[@audreywitko1445]

This discussion was amazing! Thank you for enlightening us as to past heroes & villains, and making us even more aware of our individual role in ensuring we protect & strengthen our democracy.

[@GS-uy4xo]

Great conversation - subscribed ! I dearly wish Rachel would change her schedule a bit and come back to more than just one day on tv, she’s desperately needed in these times🙏🏼

[@nancym5341]

Ditto

[@ChildPerson]

My dad was in the CCC's. He loved it!

[@maryhamric]

That's awesome!!!

[@nancywhitaker5096]

My Uncle was too. It really helped him and my grandfather during very hard times. At least that is how they related it to me.

[@tammylathrop6223]

I was in a Kiwanis Club in NC. We had 3 members that served in the CCC. They told us many amazing stories. Like we were there. One was a Methodist Minister, one was a Medic, and the other was a worker.

[@suzellechaput15]

Brillant both of you! Keep on ! ❤️❤️❤️

[@brendastonitsch1952]

Both Ken and Rachel are such great researchers. I love your talks together . Thanks for the truth of history

[@jamesmcpherson3924]

Great, but the Cassidy Hutchins interview was more surprising and powerful. If you are watching this one , do not skip that one. We might get to keep this democracy experiment going Ken.

[@toninatoli]

Agree with you on the Hutchinson conversation.

[@yvonneplant9434]

That woman is still on the side of conservatives since she's still a conservative.

[@Cherizac]

@@yvonneplant9434There’s nothing wrong with conservatism per se. Like Liz Cheney with whom I disagree with on everything except that our democracy must survive. I’m old enough to remember when Dems and Reps would argue like hell on the floor of Congress and then go have a beer together. Disagreeing doesn’t mean we have to hate or vilify. Those who “other” Americans they don’t like or don’t understand need to be voted out and replaced with people of good will. It’s the only way America will survive.

[@greentara291]

@@yvonneplant9434 , as Burns and Maddow say here, they may not agree with the policy positions of the Cheneys, Kinsingers and Hutchinsons, but they have upheld the US Constitution, unlike so many MAGA Republicans and their collaborators. We have been, for good or bad, a two party system ( in contrast to coalition governments). That's nowhere near as problematic as those who'd rather have not deal with disagreement and want a dictatorship, autocracy, theocracy.

[@VonnieSue]

I am so glad to see this discussion. I was Crushed when I saw the photo of Ken Burns with the bad guy billionaires. I didn't know Ken's political leanings, but I assumed he was normal and not MAGA. CRUSHED! He has since clarified that he does not run around with traitors.

[@blessings4381]

Wonderful and inspiring conversation! Thank you both so much.

[@maryoconnor9166]

It is wonderful being enlightened by two master teachers. If I may offer a perspective. As an optimist, I see this as a pimple. The toxins have built under the surface to a burning bubbling cauldron of explosive "vermin". Like a volcano it is erupting in a way to allow visibility. Like MLK , I have deep trust in the human spirit to move in the arc of justice and freedom when we can, through your telling of the stories, observe the dark aspects of our nature, both personal, communal, and societal. Now we see the breach and the safeguards needed to protect our precious gift of democracy. You both are giants in communication and hopefully you assist in our integration of that necessary and crucial knowledge and therefore abiding wisdom. Thank you both!!!

[@jamesleonard2870]

Whoh! Great conversation! The last ten minutes of which was truly inspiring. Citizen is the most important office in this land. In this democracy. A good citizen learns and practices Civics! Everyone is redeemable, and can be inspired to change with stories. Going forward I will use my story to effect the changes im seeking for our country. Thanks Ken and Rachael =] I needed that message.

[@nancym5341]

We need to teach CIVICS to anyone who wants to learn it. I think that will make a huge change. People don’t know that they can call any of their representatives in state or federal offices. It’s sad to know THAT ONE FLAW OF OUR SCHOOL system

[@katherinehicock9452]

God bless you Rachael and Ken for shining a bright light and giving us hope. Thanks for your hard work.

[@yvonnebonal7754]

Rachel, I started following you on MSNBC [circa 2015] and it is because of your literal genius [well read]….thank you for sharing your hard work and delivering with heart.

[@BasilCake-hv5cx]

Two heroes of our time thank you.

[@perrykealoha2511]

Compelling, informative and thought provoking. All this I expected, being an avid follower of your work. What I wasn't prepared for was how profoundly moving it was. Thank you.

[@user-ik9zv2ih4s]

Transparency and justice

[@nancym5341]

Indeed!

[@pamenadee9717]

Excellent discussion. Inspiring really. I've been saying for 8 years the only cure to a bad democratic outcome is more and better democracy and that's where we're at now. Thank you Ken and Rachel for a terrific session.

[@katherinecrossman8521]

I completely agree. And THANKYOU.

[@thejulesist]

What a fantastic interview and conversation about our real history. Thank you for sharing this !!!

[@markdunshee6456]

Excellent conversation. I could listen to this all day.

[@lorainepino8153]

wonderful show, thank you! Rachel I love your book, thank you for the time and effort it took to bring it to us.

[@carlacrazymom]

Rachel's next book...why we have a democracy and how do we keep it. Amazing conversation...thank you both.

[@sabinemeyerzureckendorf6001]

It’s a pleasure to listen to you; thank you ❣️

[@jackrice2770]

As a member of a minority group, born in the USA, I have to say that anyone who doesn't think a large percentage of our people are racist is either deluded, ignorant, or...uh...racist. I thank Ms. Maddow for raising the awareness of this recent history, although I suspect she is preaching to the choir, and most Americans will either shrug or actively scorn her effort.

[@lyndamonchak4072]

I pray that the size of the choir that Ken Burns and Rachel Maddow are preaching to grows exponentially and enables America to correct it's present anti democratic national political tendencies

[@cmecre8629]

as a very white American i know racism is as prevalent in the USA as historical ignorance

[@JoePalau]

Ken Burns is a National Treasure. His documentaries change our identity by bring the Civil War into our livings rooms.

[@user-fq4yz5ek3r]

I am so sorry. As someone born into the majority Americans,I grew to embrace that humanity is my people. I despise religious or racial bigotry. I consider it my American heritage,and I don't know where these bigots come from. Now, although white,I converted from Christian to Buddhist,so technically, I'm a religious minority.

[@jackrice2770]

@@user-fq4yz5ek3r Well, just like not all of any group are one way or another, not all white people are bigots. Truth to tell, I've been able to be accepted by many different ethnic and racial groups due to my rather generically 'brown' appearance and there's plenty of bigotry among them.

[@marylesak8529]

Excellent discussion! Thank you ❤

[@user-ni4xq9zh7k]

I am a new fan of UNUM and really enjoyed Mr. Burns' discussions with Cassidy Hutchinson and Rachel Maddow. I would like to particularly comment on Rachel's remarks towards the end of the conversation about the need for us, as a people who love democracy, to tell and re-tell the "fables" of what ordinary people have done in the past, both distant and recent, to support and defend our democracy (and thus, the Constitution). I told my wife that I couldn't help getting a bit choked-up as I listened to her. Great thanks to both of you.

[@donnarmills9902]

THANK YOU, KEN BURNS, for bringing our history to life and helping us understand that our knowledge of history informs our present & is a cautionary tale for our future. ❤🇺🇸🙏

[@tropicjac]

If 20% of America were as intelligent as these two, democracy would survive! Keep up the good work Ken and Rachel!

[@beaubritton2125]

Your point is important. Education is important, and even though it will raise the intelligence of maybe double plus the existing 20%, to nearly 50%. It would be a very different America.

[@Andrew-iv5dq]

These two are top 1 or 2% intellects. Right now, it seems like the MAGA cultists are just astoundingly stupid and thus we just need more smart people. BUT if you look back at previous authoritarian regimes, the smart people are often the most eager joiners. One theory holds that really smart people have an outsized affinity for order and fear of messiness. Democracy is messy.

[@ttmarty82]

Oh please

[@faeellsworth3714]

I agree!!😊

[@faeellsworth3714]

With the first comment.

[@janedoe3915]

Two of my favorite ppl. Thank you for reminding of and/or informing of our history to help us see more clearly the cyclical nature of these times and how we worked through it in the past!

[@markpeterson8658]

Spectacular conversation. Everyone in America should watch and listen to this program.

[@whateverwhatever5715]

For me , Rachel Maddow and Tim Russert are the gold standard of political journalism...Rachel just has this way of explaining history and engaging the listener ...wanted to add that Ken's baseball doc on pbs is one of the best docs ive ever seen ...it was so well done

[@pb3254]

Maddow is lots of things but a journalist is not one of them! She's a radical leftwing activist and a real nutjob!

[@ragauerk9310]

RIP Tim Russert, my heart has been forever broken at our early loss of such a great man.

[@mns8732]

Maddow and Russert? You're in another universe

[@jcboom6894]

You do know Tim Russert died in 2008, may he rest in peace.

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

Two of my favorite American brains! Rachel, I must read Prequel. As an undergraduate History major 48 years ago I’m still proud of studying and trying to understand past events that took place in America and beyond. So very important. Thank you s much for all you both do to enlighten and educate us. ❤❤❤

[@Anna-rs4mx]

It’s terrifying.

[@kathleenroberts6931]

Professor Heather Cox Richardson also is a great source of American history & how it affects it, today ❤

[@shawnwales696]

I hope that Rachel will write a book on the history of immigration and how we have handled the issue over time. It might be too big an issue, but it's fascinating how history pulls back the veil and reveals the racism that underlies so much of that history. As a nation we need that, we can't start to heal without acknowledging and adressing that.

[@katrand5357]

@shawnwales - I so agree! No one has figured out a solution and the issue has been going on as a heated issue since the 1890s. No Republican, and no, Democrat has ever succeeded in this to National satisfaction.

[@c.m.169]

Maybe Ken Burns xan put one together on immigration.

[@ragauerk9310]

Agreed, from both. I had chunks and pieces of immigration history and it puts always at odds with 'utterly certain' profound ignorance of the most basic immigration laws. Their thrill of unbased outrage is a marker of maintained stupidity.

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

​@@c.m.169 Excellent suggestion...Burns and Maddow would be an awesome team !

[@user-cu7uz5le3h]

Maddow bad journalism and her ruining history by falsely equivocating it today needs to be called out. She is a manipulator not a serious reporter of truth.

[@juliedevereaux43]

Thank you both for this intelligent, constructive conversation. Very much appreciated.

[@miriamhoelzle]

Thanks so much for fighting for our country and democracy

[@patriciacurran3989]

Thank you both. I pray that this information gets heard.. I will pray 🙏 everyday that the truth prevails and I see results while I'm still alive.

[@muscularviolist6734]

This is a conversation which really needs to be shared more frequently and widely. Our tendency to focus on Trump, the more apparent danger, seems to ignore the long term reality that one day, a much more sophisticated, smooth talking version of Trump will succeed.

[@toninatoli]

Not "will", not yet.

[@carolannplastina9156]

Wow this is the discussion I have been waiting for! I watch with openness, confident in the knowledge both of you shall undoubtedly reveal in our mutual journeys’ for hope and optimism.

[@Waldvogel45]

To quote Kitchener, Your Country needs YOU. All power to any media that will give you both VOICE.

[@smiles784]

2 of the most intellectuals,most intriguing, most knowledgeable people and mostly my favorites. Thank you Rachel and thank you Ken for educating us and give us food for thoughts. V💙TE 💙💙💙

[@donttrudd2310]

Gosh, I DO hope America remains a democracy. We NEED a Democracy to move into the future. We NEED all people... not just one twig of the human branch. Democracy for all is our best hope. We NEED to move beyond authoritarianism and beyond dictatorship.

[@deborahdarling1799]

Amazing discussion! Democracy first!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@pollyd612]

Great conversation !! We need to keep up the fight. 🙏✌️

[@OmbrellaMedia]

The conversation between documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and writer/journalist Rachel Maddow is a meeting of minds and a convergence of invaluable perspectives on American history and its contemporary relevance. Their discussion, linking Burns' profound work on the U.S. and the Holocaust with Maddow's exploration of America's fight against fascism, sheds light on often overlooked aspects of our nation's past. In an era where historical understanding is crucial for navigating present challenges, Burns and Maddow serve as beacons of reason and historical perspective. Their commitment to uncovering forgotten narratives of extremism and antisemitism underscores the importance of remaining vigilant against threats to democracy. As they delve into the patterns of homegrown fascism, their dialogue offers insight and a call to action. By engaging with the past, we equip ourselves to confront the challenges of the present and safeguard the future of our democracy. In a media landscape often marred by sensationalism and polarization, Burns and Maddow exemplify thoughtful discourse and historical reflection. Their conversation reminds us of the power of storytelling to illuminate the complexities of our shared history and inspire meaningful change. Listening to them.Watching their films and reading their books, is time well spent.

[@troyrager1352]

Rachel maddow is not a journalist, it's a propagandist.

[@user-cu7uz5le3h]

I think speak for many of former Democrats, looking at the polls of the increase in independents. That we are angry at how the party went nuts. They must be stopped and we will vote for anyone to stop them. ANYONE! If we knew that this is where the democrats were heading when we signed up we have a new party by now. Trump is an idiot but rather have him and see you folks rage. Be worth it. WE WANT AN ALTERNATIVE TO the MSNBS party of kooks with bad ideas. Give us Yang or DeSantis. You have got to go and now.

[@pin65371]

What US fight against fascism? The US spent decades installing fascist dictators in South America. Also provided all the training and support for the death squads that supported those dictators. In the 50's the US overthrew a democratically elected government in Guatemala and installed a dictator because the elected government wanted to give people property rights. All this talk about protecting democracy is completely laughable to anyone that hasnt been sheltered in the US their whole life. There is a reason basically every developing country and most of the southern hemisphere is completely aligned with China at this point. They abandoned the US due to the decades of terror the US unleashed on them. Keep in mind the left used to call out that stuff. Now they clutch their pearls if anyone dares to call out the CIA.

[@user-cu7uz5le3h]

@@pin65371 south america ieven from it’s start they could not hold a stable governments, Central america was much the same. The US could only support the best bet which was choosing the bad from the very bad. Even today the corruption is off the charts. Look at many places in Africa today and you can see the situation. Do you support the coup leaders who are supported by Russian militias or the corrupt former government, and they run on corruption. You support the stablest one and those not aligned with your moral enemies . Many of them are left wing fascists like there was in Argentina. The US does the tough work but it has paid off big. Poverty has plunged, literacy plunged. All because the uS wanted to and did win the cold war.

[@ottomechanic1370]

Nicely thought out written comment.

[@katrand5357]

You have to embody the values you are fighting for … I love that she said that

[@PremjitTalwar]

Two of the most creative and intelligent people in the media. For decades now, Ken Burns has been a hero of mine.

[@judykinsman3258]

When stupidity is considered patriotism, it is unsafe to be intelligent. - Isaac Asimov

[@dianetourje1359]

Thank you both for leading the charge. I have hope

[@kennethpeters]

This was the best 56:13 I have listened to in a long long time thanks so much.

[@trishwinstead28]

Fantastic conversation! Thank you both.

[@crl7413]

We have a responsibility to ensure all our children are taught the truth. We need a federal education system.

[@Northcountry1926]

🇺🇸 Much Respect from 🇨🇦

[@annielindt6245]

ENCORE! Your message is making a difference. Optimism and intent for the greater good can and will prevail if westay the course and VOTE.

[@maryhamric]

Thank you Ken for all your spectacular work.

[@twodonks]

Brilliant! Very important discussion, especially now. Much gratitude to you, Ken and Rachel.

[@lisaharner3720]

Thank you. I loved this conversation. It was so compelling and informative.

[@MiMi-pstatyt]

Oh wow! Such a great, informative interview 👏 ❤ Thank you both!!!

[@MrMeganjames]

This was so great! Thank you both!

[@pgknippel]

Unum?!! You brought him, YOU unum! Sorry, had to. Thanks for this video, it should be mandatory viewing for anyone hoping to vote beyond 2024.

[@clifover]

I hope your hope is realized. I am not that hopeful myself. Your courage in speaking out publicly is admirable.

[@lyndamonchak4072]

I also hope that your hope is indeed realized and the sooner the better

[@nancym5341]

Let these two beautiful, talented and brilliant Americans go down in history as they who we relied upon for direction and love of Country. Ken thanks for mentioning the LACK OF CIVICS TEACHINGS IN SCHOOLS! Rachel, thanks for giving us names of Souls we can learn from and look up too. Blessings to both of you.

[@Pronchick1]

Thank you so much Ken and Rachel. I’ve read Rachel’s amazing book and heard other interviews and I learned so much more from you both. We must defend our democracy and continue to tell stories about what is possible. 👏🏻

[@catherinereynolds9644]

Powerful conversation. Democracy will survive if we lead by example ☮️💜💫 thank you

[@AnnBearForFreedom]

My house was built in 1930, so it has lived through this before. I will listen to the wisdom of my home, and keep its sturdiness alive.

[@candaces9615]

It is not just “please don’t believe lie”. It is addressing the fear that makes the lie attractive.

[@mariellouise1]

Apparently, the postwar generations look back on World War II as a time when we were all united and the “good guys “. Therefore the expression “ it couldn’t happen in this country” was espoused for some time. It shocking, relearning history, that we are so vulnerable and always have been.

[@anniequilts8617]

What a treasure! Two wonderful people having the best conversation. I enjoyed listening to this conversation so much I did not even realize how fast the time flew by. Thank you both for making this video.

[@jeffwatkins352]

What a joy to hear two brilliant minds in conversation to save our precious democracy. The big take-away is NOT to demonize MAGA. Rather, we must do everything we can with all possible compassion and fellow feeling to open their eyes to the threat they bring down upon themselves. Those they mistake for their heroes see them as mere pawns. Once they're served their purpose, these self-serving narcissists will fling them into damnation without a backward glance.

[@Fiawordweaver]

Two great history truth tellers🎉🎉🎉

[@lorrainegarland9232]

Thank you both for a brilliant history lesson!! Crossroads again and again to the right path ❤

[@user-oz6kv8ix7o]

Great conversation! Thank you so much!

[@BarbaraStone-un4ir]

Beautiful! Love Prequel. Everyone read or listen to it!

[@lmacdonald1281]

We are so interconnected across all artificial boundaries. We are so alike …right down to our most basic DNA … across all artificial, superficial ideologies. We so need to work together to achieve a better world. Together we are Best.

[@enaidebacus1461]

Thank you so much! Ken Burns and Rachel Maddow from the phillipines

[@daniellejohnson7195]

Brilliant conversation. Thank you

[@lbazemore585]

Absolutely brilliant!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼