Rachel Maddow on Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism, Empathy and Gay Representation

Rachel Maddow is an MSNBC legend and an old friend and the author of a book called Prequel. We talk about what’s going on in America and also dive into Rachel’s life.
Chapters
00:00 Top of Show
01:22 MSNBC Culture
10:09 on Fascism
35:44 on Gay Representation
44:20 on Biden
48:35 Hidden Talents
52:28 on Political Empathy
Toure Show Episode 411
Host & Writer: Touré
Executive Producer and Talent Booker: Jennifer Brown
Executive Producer: Ryan Woodhall
Associate Producer: Adell Coleman
Photographers: Podstream Studios
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Hear the Full Conversation:
Pod Link➤ pod.link/1313077481/episode/8...
#msnbc #rachelmaddow #prequel

[@Leeza-G]

Rachel Maddox is magnificent. She’s got integrity, impeccable qualifications, and her delivery is the best. Her thorough explanation of the news she’s delivering is everything. Her commitment to giving the facts is above reproach. When she has something to say, I want to listen. I’m grateful for her. ✨👍🏽💯💙🧢💙

[@patriciacuchetto7459]

I love Joe and so does most of my family. He is experienced. Hd knows how to talk reasonably to foreign leaders. And he really cares about the people in the US. And He is not a narcisist. So my family is voting for Joe.

[@jonimarsh364]

I feel that Biden first needs an excellent physical therapist for his shuffle. He must have a bad back. This shuffling makes him look so much older and feeble. I know that it would make him feel better. I like that he is speaking directly to the MAGA cult and trump. He needs to be on TV and podcasts at least 4 times per week to bring him closer to the American people and talk about his accomplishments and plans for this country. When Biden is comfortable and relaxed he comes off more relatable. It is a new era, so use it. At 75 years old I can say that.

[@Marvmoney777]

@@jonimarsh364He's almost 100 years old, give the man a break. His shuffling has nothing to do with his capacity and ability to lead. His shuffle hasn't impeded his leadership at all. Our democracy is at stake and you're complaining about his shuffle 🤦🏾‍♀️🥴🫠

[@janwag6856]

I’m really grateful for Joe Biden who is skilled, compassionate and dedicated to finishing his legacy of making a better, stronger USA. It’s on the spectrum of love ❤️ ❤❤❤

[@Babyluthi]

Yes. Opposed to trump who is on the hare/greed/avarice spectrum.

[@GoogleIsTooInvasive]

Toure - I came to this video as a Rachel Maddow fan - I left as a bigger fan of hers - and as a grateful fan of yours. Thank you!

[@earthsystem]

Ditto! New subscriber.

[@TheGezzagirl55]

I’m always satisfied that I have a better understanding after listening to Maddow.

[@reneemaciag3084]

This "interview" was really a conversation that addressed so many questions--political, personal, social--in such an honest and thoughtful way that kept me wanting to listen to more. It was empowering rather than "triggering", calmly addressing an alarming subject matter such as authoritarianism and potential existential crises. Thank you both!

[@Leeza-G]

Well said! 👍🏽💯✨🧢

[@marysharvey]

I love Rachel Maddow, my husband and I never miss her broadcast. She is so right “people are either nice, or they’re not”.

[@ericgraf1127]

Lots of respect for Rachel. It is a pleasure to see a journalist that does the research and brings the receipts. Instead of giving an opinion, or. ( Just asking a question. ) We all need more honest people in the media. Real reporting, not entertainment, parading as faux news. Facts matter.

[@user-tu4rn8ui9u]

I wish people would look at Biden’s record not the aesthetics. I actually like him very much. Decency and competency is underrated. He’s a steady hand. The last thing I want is for an unstable, unpredictable leader in an unstable world. We get what we vote for, plain and simple. Th

[@Val-rd4lb]

You're so right. I wish everyone could see what we can see.

[@Thedrisin155]

That’s the issue. Some people aren’t thinking this whole Fascism thing through. I’m also seeing the good things that President Biden has done and continues to do for us, but not everyone wants good things done for everyone, just for their people, their party, their tribe. Logical people know that’s wrong. This is as close to a peaceful nation as we are going to get and yet some are willing to give that up? We aren’t dealing with rational thinking people here.

[@user-qo3jh9mn1t]

I saw a video yesterday that said a poll of over 60% of people over 65 support Biden. I don't know about the age but people who are paying attention are supporting Biden because of his policies not personality. He's working for ALL Americans and it's showing in our daily lives.

[@cgarrett845]

Thank you. Nice to have him as leader. Very pleasantly impressed more with him than I expected.

[@marysharvey]

I read the book and found it riveting! I believe this book should be taught in every government class in high schools across our country.

[@tonitalas1757]

Brilliant, captivating and witty woman 😅

[@leemarinus]

This was one of the most informative shows on how to fight the stink that has taken over politics in this country. Thank you, Rachael for some insight into how to fight.

[@michellerusnell1702]

She is such an amazing person. She is always always professional.

[@alisabrown9103]

I love Joe Biden. He is the grown up in the room. He gets good things done. He has accomplished many many things. He is a man of faith and good character. I am so grateful for his service and leadership for the country I love. He is stable!

[@earthsystem]

I love Joe Biden! He's given a diversity of young voices power, in his administration, and they will use that power wisely for the next generation. And he is completely unflappable on the world stage. He governs with the stable confidence of a man swinging BDE.

[@pilfernandez]

Excellent program. Always a pleasure to listen to Ms Masdow

[@lindathalman3506]

So insightful this interview. Thank you Touré. Rachel's book is so important to read and her podcasts have been so amazing.

[@shazamshazamshazam696]

Wonderful conversation, I salute both Rachel and Toure'.

[@djrtrane7470]

This was a great interview👏🏾👏🏾

[@marysharvey]

We listened to the Ultra podcast while driving to Texas from California. It made our trip so much more enjoyable! The miles flew by, thank you Rachel!

[@pattir9332]

Rachel Maddow is so educated regarding democracy and fascism. Love her, and watch any and all shows she is on. You get truth, total truth.

[@daviddickey4244]

Truth? what about her religious beliefs?

[@pattir9332]

@@daviddickey4244 I don't care about anyone's religious beliefs. Everyone has a right to believe what that want to believe. That's freedom of choice.

[@katmandudawn8417]

@@daviddickey4244 I don’t think that I’ve ever heard her speak about her religious beliefs. Why would it matter to me? I love her for her knowledge of history and politics; and her ability to share that knowledge. I wouldn’t see a priest to talk about cancer. Your comment makes me think you are trying to fish for drama. Luckily, some of us believe in separation of public vs private life, as well as a separation of church and state.

[@SnarkyMarx]

Lol you do not get truth, you get the neoliberal establishment version.

[@earthsystem]

I love how Ms Maddow delves into a topic and comes at it through a unique lens that really illuminates it!

[@primalamusica3]

Wow! Rachel Maddow is my favorite journalist and historian! Thank you for inviting her.

[@Leeza-G]

Yes! 💯👍🏽🧢💙🧢

[@lindylee1139]

What a great interview and conversation, more personal than most RM interviews I’ve seen.

[@ericaobrien5941]

Dang...this was the best Rachel Maddow interview I've ever seen! And I've watched every single one I could get my eyes and ears onto. Bravo, Toure show!! 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@teresaforsyth6185]

I agree---seriously, I was thinking to myself "this is Rachel's best interview ever" and then I see you beat me to it. I'd like to have Rachel over for dinner. 😀

[@ericaobrien5941]

@@teresaforsyth6185 if you can finalize dinner with Rachel, can I come too?! I'd LOVE to meet her. She's gotten so famous these last few years, but I'm holding on to hope that it'll happen.

[@ericaobrien5941]

@@teresaforsyth6185 that was supposed to be "finagle", but finalize works, too.

[@teresaforsyth6185]

You bet!!! In only my dreams could I "finagle" having Rachel for a winter dinner (she seems like a beef/vegetable soup and cornbread type person to me) and I'd be happy to invite!!! In my dreams. 🤪🤪🤪

[@travisgrant5608]

Rachel is absolutely brilliant! Listening to her is always a fascinating learning experience. She's a wise teacher and a treasure. 👍

[@cherylsimon7785]

20 years ago, my late dear friend, Rhonda, recommended listening to Rachel on Air America. I've been a HUGE fan since. Just finished reading "Prequel." WOW WOW WOW!!!!!

[@Leeza-G]

I’m going to get it! You’re right, Rachel is great! I feel confident that I’m getting the facts from her and she thoroughly explains everything she’s talking about. I so appreciate her as my source for what’s going on. I’ve been following her since the day the orange buffoon descended that escalator. How symbolic that turned out to be…😑

[@nancysmith3400]

🤗🌿That was a Life affirming inspirational conversation!!! Thank you sooooo much. Praying for Peace and understanding to live in this world with humility and respect for all. Let’s move in a direction that will be beneficial and supportive of all the best qualities of the human potential will be brought into Being. 🧡

[@zoecunningham3019]

Bravo 👏 a mutually magnificent respectful, thought provoking conversation 👏

[@randomoldlady_]

I love Joe. Yes I actually do. He saved us from Trump and brought us back from the brink. He is a really good guy who speaks to real people

[@mariateran932]

Thank you for this very interesting and insightful conversation. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@kittehbelleh7051]

58:55 "I don't know how to find grace for people who hate me but don't even know me. How do you do that?" Rachel: "Well, what's the alternative?" 💯

[@debbiestokes2310]

God bless you Racheal..You never give us half measures you never put down others to pump up yourself even when they are angry lying pathetic human beings.You are the very definition of class,Please keep reporting the facts for us we need you.❤

[@LuEmanuel]

At 11 minutes and 30 seconds, there is talk of fascism and the focus on the leader. Leaders need followers. My question for America is this: Why are there so many willing to follow Trump, to give him their energy, time, money, support? I've wondered that since 2016.

[@SmileyRays]

It's because Trump (and his entire political party) validate their supporters' hatred. His supporters value being told their bigotry is okay more than anything else.

[@MC-br1gk]

Most people are followers. Religion. Power.

[@eileenfile6157]

No one unpacks a story like Rachel!

[@earthsystem]

Oh exactly! She unpacks it, and then packs it up tidy like a picnic basket. 😇

[@teresaforsyth6185]

Maddow for President!!!!

[@marylesak8529]

I’m with Joe! We don’t need to worship a candidate 🇺🇸

[@harriettejensen479]

Yes, I woud much rather lhave a president who was competent, experienced, and able to look at a situation with a clear eye, could work with people with very different ideas to come to decisions that he or she felt was going to have a positive outcome for the country.

[@laurenm3148]

Finally, someone actually got Rachel to open up and be a little vulnerable. Thank you, Toure, for getting to some of the marrow.

[@user-tu4rn8ui9u]

This is a great book. A story that chimes with our times and makes them easier to understand. Clarifying stuff…

[@kcuzz4091]

Rachel writes her books the same way she tells a story when she is broadcasting. She is the most interesting broadcaster out there.

[@warriorgoddessyaaasantewaa4773]

Great discussion

[@user-ni1gi8gr9d]

I admire, respect, and enjoy Rachel's work, and that won't change. I can't help though, to feel somewhat disappointed that she didn't take a clear stand about Mehdi Hassan.

[@AndreaCuchetto]

I miss Medhi Massan.

[@robinpulver8702]

The opening conversation is how I feel and what I love about MSNBC

[@OvSpP]

Way too liberal and always trying to scare minorities. Plus it’s not they actually care about us considering how quiet they’ve been on what’s really going on in Palestine. I think we should judge the host and correspondence of MSNBC individually, not by the whole channel.

[@earthsystem]

I love the diversity of voices on MSNBC, but MSNBC is still mainstream, and not focusing on the danger of a fascist violent movement

[@seriouslypagan6904]

This was so good, I feel more hopeful about the future, even though it's bleak as hell at the moment. Good advice from people I admire.

[@randomoldlady_]

I really appreciate her message of compassion and trying to understand what people are actually looking for in fascism

[@jihadbattle2003]

I love Rachel Maddow's work. So glad my co-worker pulled my coat to her. I got her book 'Prequel."

[@cheriewolfsen2491]

Thank You for Such a Brilliant Conversation! Love Rachel!!!

[@peggieodea7231]

Thank you for this interview with Rachel Maddow. She is the one I always look forward to listening to. She’s sooo amazing and gives us much to think about.

[@vickiroberts7947]

What a fascinating conversation. It went so much deeper than I anticipated it would. I'll be looking to see what I've been missing on this channel.

[@travishuffaker2817]

Rachel Maddow, Thank you for your constant message that Democracy is worth working for. I do want to make a suggestion. I live in a red state that turned down the Affordable Care Act for us poor starving gay artist folk. I did not get health care until 2020, and then only because the voters demanded it. It saved my life. Many of the painful things I had to make do with in my life were remedied by being included in health care. My ask is how many of the Trump supporters and people who rail against the government are people from red states who have been refused health care by the choice of their state Legislators? Access makes a huge difference in being able to care for…..

[@Cin2023]

Loved this interview! Hi Toure! 🥰 🤗 When I grow up, I wanna be Rachael Maddow. 🤩☺️ Great interview!

[@user-gg9ng9ei5y]

Great conversation with Rachel and so interesting

[@MikeyJJJ]

Oh my FFFFKIN god there’s an Ultra movie and an Ultra season 2. I just finished Prequel and I’m really looking forward to more!

[@cheretodd9949]

I'm in love with Rachael's brain!❤

[@earthsystem]

Me too. I'm in love with Rachel's brain and she's also very very pretty.

[@margaretsomerville2510]

Morals, Values & Ethics too

[@mariansmith7694]

WOW Rachel. Way to go. Movies are the way to reach people who will NEVER read. Im serious. This is GREAT.

[@joesanders6898]

That was some "Really Good Stuff.' I couldn't stop watching.

[@michelekett8450]

Being scared does not help. Fear invites your enemy.

[@JodiTraver]

This was the first time I saw your show I'm now a subscriber thank you for that interview!

[@user-io4ur8vk5o]

MSNBC is the only cable network I trust to tell me the truth about what’s going on.

[@elizabeththelen7955]

I don't want to die trying to restore Democracy but I would. 2024 is my 4th campaign. Arizona is vulnerable but holding.

[@chris...9497]

The one good thing about climate change is how it is a great leveler of exclusivity/elitist politics. Hating people for political reasons only works if you live in an environment that you feel is stable and dependable. When disasters break out, the good that is almost every human being comes out. When you are in need, you don't care what the gender, ethnicity, or politics are behind the hand that reaches out to you to bring you to safety. You asked Rachel how to handle 'hate' towards you coming from others. Sometimes you just have to be kind to them, be inclusive, just ignore the crap and support any good that rises above it. the enemy of unity is isolation. Doesn't matter if it's intentional or situational or even hereditary exclusion from a category of people; it's the standing apart that allows misinformation to trickle in and solidify. Rachel has said communication breaks down barriers and kills cultural hate. It's talking to people...actually, it's LISTENING to people that make a difference.

[@nicholasschoonbeck6866]

No one wants to love the Prez, we want to ignore them! We want to be allowed to just live our lives. America's love of fame, wealth, power, leadership, is all very toxic.

[@kittehbelleh7051]

54:39 Anger and shame are byproducts of fear. Fear is the root.

[@carolevolcy7608]

I don’t want heart palpitations with my president. At this time I prefer the one not in court.

[@Blackdressstyle44]

Excellent interview. Very informative

[@cheretodd9949]

Be a speed bump!❤

[@sandrahildebrand4283]

I want to respect a leader, not love them.

[@bradley244ify]

I would love to here these two discuss the situation of Claudine Gay and Harvard right now.

[@nicholasschoonbeck6866]

We're not supposed to LOVE our prez. That's the way of worship.

[@Rubyduby1]

Rachel is such a brilliant lovely human being.

[@mikejones9556]

When the hell did he start this channel? I follow Rachel, that’s why I’m here. But I’m here to stay! I’ve always been a fan of Toure! 😊😊

[@user-ni1gi8gr9d]

As an outside observer, I think that one of the problems is that for far too long the definition of citizenship was limited to a specific group. If you feel as 2nd or 3rd class citizens, you do not really feel as part of it.

[@user-ff6bz9gc9l]

I really appreciate the way you’re conducting your show! Where have you been all my life! Thank you!❣️

[@katemcbride8715]

I am a nurse. I find myself deaking with people who have illness which is accompanied by delerium and I i struggle to communicate with them because they are expressing the belief that they have either been kidnapped or you are in their home or it's their business and you are intruding or they just want to do something that is contraindicated by their cause of admission e.g. sit up for 10 minutes but they are in hospital with a fractured neck of femur and that would hurt and displace the bone even more. In every case you, who are trying to help them, are the anti hero, the villain etc. I feel the same frustration with Trump people. They have a delerium where they are desperately trying to either control through denial or are victimised for ?why?

[@LoriKasprzak-yk6nc]

Compare Trump to Robert Kennedy!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJzFiGivf8ahsMUsi=LtON5Pivo0G91AW_

[@cgarrett845]

Not enough time to respond to this tonight. I do feel your frustration - I dont try to disuade them. I dont allow them to try to influence me either. There are more of us than them. for me, it is about getting our people voted. This trump love is not just about trump. He is guided by the clever influence of Bannon, Stone, Mercer, among others. The followers are lured by various hooks. Some are republican loyalists. Some are reacting to 50 yrs of feeling ripped-off, stymied while others enjoy huge advantages - hence, their feelings of stagnation causes their anger & resentments which multiplies into grievances which trump hooks them with.....

[@elizabethgiles2735]

I love Joe Biden! I admire him greatly. I have political love.

[@terrific804]

Sack of rocks

[@staciestacie1327]

I really like your introspections.

[@georgiahazan2842]

Really interesting. Need a part 2 as the ending is full of insights and opens towards other questions

[@janedexter2869]

Great interview

[@7MoonSonoma]

She’s incredible and brilliant and fun! 💕🙏🏼💙👍🏼✨✨✨

[@peterbathum2775]

Thank you for sharing you time with us here. Hopefully we still have a democracy for your plans to evolve in all the directions.

[@amygarman2247]

Such a great conversation - Toure is a terrific interviewer.

[@michelekett8450]

The fish rots from the head down. Whoever leads an organisation creates the culture. A decent leader begets decent people.

[@Fiawordweaver]

Great intelligent interview 🎉

[@dumpercastillo1499]

Also, have Rachel Maddow and Dana Goldberg ever sat down together? That would be great! Two of my favorite ladies of all time!!!😊

[@earthsystem]

Oh, I love Dana Goldberg's voice & wit

[@hwwelds9050]

It is amazing how people decide what is best for the children with LGBT parents without ever talking to those children.

[@GoogleIsTooInvasive]

Are you certain that they don’t talk to their children?

[@hwwelds9050]

@@GoogleIsTooInvasive I wasn't referring to the LGBT Parents talking to their kids.

[@judibarth7999]

🇺🇸⚖️❤️🤍💙🇺🇸⚖️ VOTE FOR DEMOCRACY VOTE TO FIGHT FASCISM! YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT ⚖️🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸⚖️

[@daviddickey4244]

VOTE BLUE!

[@pamgallagher9778]

Magnificent. Thank you.

[@patriciaberger5279]

Thank you both for an amazing episode!

[@erinthesystem9608]

They used to tell queer minors "It gets better"- as if life itself somehow improves when a person is honest with herself. I've found in my life thus far that life does NOT necessarily improve for me when I do what I believe is right, but rather that *I* am getting better at handling the bad parts of life. In that way- by bettering myself and changing my reactions to the events which occur- I have found more peace in life than I would have, had my original dreams been fulfilled.

[@nonya.bizness]

that's right, nothing beats achieving and maintaining personal authenticity, and the struggles that entails makes it all that sweeter.

[@mimij5015]

I love your show. You interview my favorite people.

[@cgarrett845]

Good conversation. Yet, he is so uneven. Ford tripped more than once. And. Definitely weak @ Biden. She gets Biden - bullseye. Thank you, Rachel, you rock.

[@zopizopi5054]

We have a saying which in Persian, of course, rhymes! The translation is: the more the tree has fruit, the more its branches are bent. That is Rachel !

[@user-fq4yz5ek3r]

I've been trying to learn Farsi and Dari. Persian poetry is world renowned.

[@VivMRR]

I can''t stand CHapelle. Great interview. Great Job to you both.

[@Cin2023]

Exactly! What is wrong with people! My brother, just yesterday, sent me a doctored up clip of Joe Biden saying some weird things and right away I could tell the clip wasn't authentic. I did the research, showed him the real clip and told him to do better! We need to stop putting Biden down!

[@user-qy7zu2pg2j]

Thank you

[@nicholasschoonbeck6866]

Its crazy to me that so many progressives are so compassionate towards conservatives, because how does that make us different from them, really? And we should be empathetic towards them, they are in the middle of an abusive relationship. Their "partner" has isolated them, lied to them, misled them, manipulated them, etc. If you spoke to most of them, one on one, you'd find so much of their fear & anger would go away. And I would bet that most progressives don't care about certain groups either, I mean look at how many people are literally saying they don't see us as human, so we should see them as bad. Its the SAME thing. Who are we?

[@terrydillon9323]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@philiphorrocks6107]

brilliant

[@laurenm3148]

45:05 "even you dave" amazing

[@willfaulconeer]

Obama 🎉🎉had the magic, he would draw you in. 😮😮later when i saw him be human ,then i fell in ❤️ .i love JOE🎉🎉 because he gave his life to the 🇺🇸 🌎 🇺🇲 country.

[@TrophyJoe]

Please 'use your words'.

[@willfaulconeer]

Made you look😁😁😁

[@earthsystem]

Yeah, Joe actually came out of retirement, he could've let his family live a quiet life enjoying his grand children, and his full life, but he made the sacrifice of running for president because he patriotically wanted to combat the fascism. IMO. When you look at the giant picture of the Trump administration, it's old white men white men white men. When you look at the giant picture of the Biden administration, it's a rainbow of colors, men and women, tall, and short, dressed in colors, just such a beautiful rainbow of people!!!!

[@mmcdonough9844]

5:39pm Great questions

[@BcClarity]

The ;last ;line/. I don't know if I have that much Grace/. Me too

[@earthsystem]

What Rachel is saying, that's not true, neighbors can know you and hate you right to your face. a couple of neighbors unreasonable really hate me, because… I guess because they need somebody to hate. I am a tiny, defenseless lady. One of the haters lays on his horn at me a couple times a week.

[@aliciarodriguez6065]

Love the Rachel!!!!!🎉❤

[@shazamshazamshazam696]

Yes, the only constant is change.