The GOP’s 'Antiques' Problem: MAGA’s Whole Concept Shredded By Icon Harvey Fierstein

Tony Award-winning actor Harvey Fierstein, known for his iconic roles in "Hairspray" and "Mrs. Doubtfire," takes on Republican politics, the movement for full equality, and the misplaced appeal of right-wing nostalgia with his characteristic wit in this interview with MSNBC's Ari Melber. Fierstein recounts his experiences as an actor and artist challenging some of the political censorship and mores of his time, and discusses his new memoir, "I Was Better Last Night.” (This is the full interview. A shorter version aired on "The Beat" on April 1, 2022.)
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#HarveyFierstein #GOP #MAGA

[@freetochoose6421]

Let people be who they are. The GOP should stop trying to change people who are different.

[@stregalilith]

Vive la difference!

[@rachelk4805]

Yeah, there is never going to be a single answer for everyone, and nobody is more important or precious than anybody else. We need more open minds and open hearts.

[@antoniojohnson3925]

Most of them are active bottoms that’s the problem.

[@dinhnguyen2110]

That's where Harvey is wrong. There are some simple, simple people. I call them "conservatives".

[@Alpha-ms9nj]

The ReTrumplicans are always saying they are the party of "freedom" but they are the ones stripping rights and imposing their will on others. The libertarian mindset is to allow people to be free and do what they want as long as they do no harm to others. ReTrumplicans are the anti freedom party and would not have any supporters if not for the ignorance, weak minded gullibility and rampantly stupid Q kooks who make up their base.

[@einherjar8585]

Wise man. Everyone deserves compassion and respect. I have watched this genesis, and Harvey F, for decades. He's right, we aren't all the same. You be you, I'll be me. We'll be fine.

[@beedalton9675]

He was in independence day he said oh ..crap.. ..im gotta call my lawyer

[@dark14life]

@@beedalton9675 and then he said "Forget my lawyer."

[@timothymartinez5739]

Thank you Ari for having Harvey on the show. He is the best example of what Humanity should be.

[@ashdobbs7492]

are you kidding me? the man is in prison for the horrible things he did to women

[@nancygodsey8312]

Wrong. That's a different Harvey.

[@bettinadewoof3309]

@@ashdobbs7492 Are you really that uninformed?! 🤦🏻🤦🏻

[@mikereseigh]

We can use more of that

[@mikereseigh]

@@ashdobbs7492 wrong Harvey dude. Completely different guy. This Harvey isn't even interested in women in that way. He hasn't harmed anyone man or woman.

[@gregbjornstad6208]

In 16 minutes, I experienced a broad range of human experience, how wonderful! And what an amazing and inspiring man is Harvey. How fortunate is Ari to be seen, known and adored by such a dear soul. 🙏

[@waltergodsoe5526]

That "way about Harvey" is called Beautiful, Courageous and Loving.

[@lanceschmidt28]

I love Harvey Fierstein. His voice, his openness, his views, his wit. I hope he lives to 110.

[@serendipitouslytranscenden8843]

When I see those red Maga hats (not much these days) I always I say to them, "ok let's, just tell me when America was great the first time." I never get a response just a puzzled confused look because they are stumped by a slogan they are promoting. It's priceless.

[@Junebugreen]

Ari your personality sparkles when you wink and smile at Harvey. I love the lightheartedness. It makes this grandma smile.

[@itwasntriggedyourejustaloser73]

"The heat gets to those people" I about died! Love Harvey so much, a legend and national treasure!❤❤❤

[@MajorAnthonyNelson]

Joe is ending Title 42 on May 23. Even Dem Manchin is calling it ‘doomsday.’ Millions of migrants are coming. The death of America continues

[@margo3367]

“Iguanas falling out of trees…”

[@cristiaolson7327]

That comment killed me! 🤣🤣🤣

[@sharonburks6176]

I Iive in Florida. Can’t stand DeSatan.

[@margo3367]

@@sharonburks6176 My daughter lives there too. Loves it, but she’s a Democrat.

[@erikhendrickson59]

One of the most recognizable voices of all time -- both literally and figuratively!

[@amppma7302]

loving the long form interview style. Ari is knocking it out the park lately. He knows how to let the guest talk. This was such a pleasure to watch. Go Harvey!

[@Junebugreen]

He’s been impressive lately. I love the way he hammers some of the ignorant politicians with the law. I appreciate that he has different sides. Loved him with Harvey too.

[@amppma7302]

@@Junebugreen Exactly! His interviews with conservative politicians allow opinions to flow. When he disagrees and counters someone's "facts" it remains civil. The guests are responsible for hanging themselves!.

[@chezmoi42]

@@amppma7302 Navarro did an epic step off the gallows.

[@pattydonohue5452]

Well said. I feel the same (but I appreciate your uniqueness).

[@amppma7302]

@@chezmoi42 yes, that one will go down in the history books. the january 6th committee even used it as part of the argument to indict Navarro!

[@FeelinTangerine]

In a time when interviews are full of talking points, whataboutisms and partisain jabs, this was very lovely, wonderful & heartwarming. Thanks Harvey & Ari!

[@StrangeDeranged]

Wasn't it though? Trudy was Heartwarming and just nice to see a little of what I wish we had ALOT more in the U.S. ( Kindness and Respect )

[@christopherhughes2211]

@@StrangeDeranged beautifully spoken. 👏

[@StrangeDeranged]

@@christopherhughes2211 Thank you, Friend! :)

[@eunicedesouza8279]

With the diversity of guests on his show, regardless of their beliefs and philosophies, Ari treats them all with respect. Harvey made me feel unique with his love of humanity and positive outlook on life. Thank you both for a great show, I appreciate the celebration of our diversity.

[@josephadiaz8343]

❤️✌️😎

[@janellie1985]

Gosh, I love how personable and caring Ari Melber is. We need more people like him. ❤️

[@mikemccoy3430]

Ari was showing genuine affection for Harvey all through this interview. Yes we do need more people like him.

[@janellie1985]

@@mikemccoy3430 for sure. Harvey was great, too. I’ve only seen him in Mrs. Doubtfire and didn’t realize what his voice sounded like until now!

[@mikemccoy3430]

@@janellie1985 You must and I really mean must see him in Torch Song Trilogy!

[@janellie1985]

@@mikemccoy3430 I’ve never even heard of that, but I’ll look into it!

[@napoleonwilson6499]

he's becoming a better interviewer every day...

[@waleskagracia4891]

Spending any time with Harvey Fierstein is always a delight.

[@hardergamer]

"Keep telling the truth, Ari" *Harvey Fierstein. That brought a big smile to my face.

[@sunnylilme]

Love harvey. He was completely unafraid, unapologetic about being exactly himself in a time...no one else was. Brave.

[@ashdobbs7492]

well, now he's in prison for the unspeakable things he did to those women

[@judithnelson1581]

@@ashdobbs7492 Fierstein is not Weinstein.

[@nancygodsey8312]

Get a grip. Not the same person at all.

[@chasinglighttoo]

@@ashdobbs7492 wrong person-you mean Harvey Weinstein. Look it up

[@matthewhuszarik4173]

Harvey Fierstein is an Americano treasure.

[@ashdobbs7492]

I thought he was locked up for those bad things he did to women

[@judithnelson1581]

@@ashdobbs7492 Wrong! Fierstein is NOT Weinstein.

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

@@ashdobbs7492 Which bad things? Name them.

[@timmmahhhh]

@@ashdobbs7492 I think you're confusing Firestein with Weinstein.

[@doggiesarus]

Harvey's the best, and all the people struggling for their freedom!

[@ashdobbs7492]

Harvey is locked up for those horrible things he did to those women, not free at all

[@bjornstahle4652]

@@ashdobbs7492 You are obviously insane or talking about a different harvey.

[@notperfectandneverwillbe4825]

Wrong! That is Harvey Weinstein! Not the same person!

[@miriaml.150]

Much love and respect to Harvey. He's a wise man with an open mind and heart 💖⭐

[@npesce01]

I didn't just enjoy this interview, I needed this interview. The past five years have revealed how many people have a darkness in them that not only consumes them but makes them want to extinguish all others' light. When I watch someone like Harvey Fierstein speak so beautifully about appreciating others and accepting that change is not only inevitable but necessary for society to move forward, he reminds me of that hope I had for society. Harvey is someone who shines so brightly that he can illuminate the path from the darkness to the light for those all those around him that have not been able to find it on their own. I guess what I am saying is watching Harvey and remarkable people in this world that shine like him gives me back the hope that the world I leave my children will be many times brighter than the one we live in today.

[@DarkKorruption]

Harvey Fierstein is an incredibly heart touching and smart individual, one that can speak across generations.

[@ashdobbs7492]

well, now he's in prison.

[@judithnelson1581]

@@ashdobbs7492 You must be confusing him with Harvey Weinstein.

[@DarkKorruption]

@@ashdobbs7492 ...Harvey *Weinstein* is in prison... Not Fierstein. People do make that mistake though.

[@notperfectandneverwillbe4825]

@ashley Dodd get it right! So far you have slandered Harvey F. HE IS NOT HARVEY WEINSTEIN.

[@ashdobbs7492]

@@notperfectandneverwillbe4825 libel maybe, not slander. but not libel either

[@chezmoi42]

This brought tears to the eyes of this straight old lady. I love Harvey, and still remember the emotion I felt watching him in Torch Song with Anne Bancroft. What he said about his early audiences was so true. In '62, when I was twenty, I moved to San Francisco. My church lady gran came down to visit, and the one thing she wanted to see while she was there was a drag show at Finocchio's. It's been quite an evolution from then to now.

[@endora2.046]

Ari.... you're the best!Thank you for having him on your show.Such a gift he is!

[@freetochoose6421]

Thank you Harvey for being yourself.

[@alenegonebad1259]

Ari, one of the best segments I can ever remember on your show, and there have been a lot of great ones. Thank you for sharing his presence!

[@Rehanvlog11247]

"Hard work pays off, dreams come true. Bad times don't last, but Bad Guys do!" There will never be another. Thank you for everything,

[@icare7151]

Biden’s and Democrat Leadership Totalitarianism is the dream we call never ending nightmares.

[@BeastNationXIV]

Think you might be on the wrong video. But I'm a wrestling fan too so (shrugs)

[@Rehanvlog11247]

what

[@Rehanvlog11247]

@@BeastNationXIV w/c dear

[@chinookadventuresrv]

Truth in consciousness comes in many forms. Even in the form of Harvey Fierstein. ❤️

[@PleaseDontEatAnimals]

Loved, loved, loved this interview! If only everyone was so accepting of each other... The icing on the cake was seeing how much Ari enjoyed the interview too and the smiles Harvey elicited.

[@ruthdepew7212]

I remember being 10 years old in 1958. We often spent part of our recess arguing about whether it was better to be red than dead or better to be dead than red. That is what I think of every time I hear MAGA.

[@cindypomerleau950]

It'll take time to decompress from that Reign of Error. Vote 💙.

[@xiaoka]

And now they say “rather be Russian than a Democrat”

[@beehappyalways]

@@xiaoka they are so disgusting. Traitors.

[@daveyboy7964]

"Iguana's falling outta trees" 😂 I love this man. A true gentleman, a totally professional thesbian, a sense of humour and a class act alround. Loved him from the moment I heard his voice in Torch Song Trilogy. LOVE YOU HARVEY!!!!!!!!

[@mariatomasino]

Made me Smile. Please have Harvey on again. Pure Love…

[@lareneandpipsqueeksully]

The Best Harvey to come out of Hollywood and Broadway❣️❣️ Harvey Fierstein is still a youngster ❣️❣️❣️

[@roberthodge7802]

This is your life Harvey, and your life has become our life, Mazel tov thanks for the memories! And you are absolutely right about the heat in Texas and Florida making you crazy, I was born in north Texas in 1956. No AC too much cold beer and cigarettes recipe for disaster. Only slightly better today if they can keep the power on.

[@cherielincoln4146]

That was precious, thank you to both of you💞

[@kittycat10100]

Every time I watch Harvey I find myself smiling (or laughing) - he just radiates joy. Add to that his talent, insight, self-confidence and the freedom to be his delightful self and I have to wonder - what are Right Wingers so afraid of? Hate is amplified fear, and there is a lot of fear in these comments.

[@aurora_occidentalis2248]

I'm not afraid - I'm euphoric. I just can't decide what I'm most optimistic about: skyrocketing energy prices, surging violent crime, Bidenflation, record Fentanyl deaths, declining real wages, supply chain collapse or the European ground war with a nuclear armed combatant. Life was so much better in 2019.

[@RobertEmery]

@@aurora_occidentalis2248 not a single thing you mentioned is Biden's fault, crazy-pants.

[@cheyennetapiasmith9056]

@@aurora_occidentalis2248 I guess you missed the entire Covid Pandemic that the "ORANGE PRESIDENT" WAS IN DENIAL ABOUT. 500K+ COVID DEATHS ON HIS WATCH.

[@donnievance1942]

@@aurora_occidentalis2248 Way to go demonstrating the thesis.

[@aurora_occidentalis2248]

@@cheyennetapiasmith9056 And even more Covid deaths during Biden's disastrous first year. With vaccines available and a better understanding of the virus, there should have been _far_ fewer deaths.

[@steveclark5357]

love to you harvey, we need all people, whom are we to judge what others desire, we ALL are 1 peoples, thank you harvey, I wish I were as human as you, respect sir

[@infinitywulf]

I love Harvey so much, so many wonderful roles, and he just seems like such a fun person.

[@ashdobbs7492]

quite a few women didn't think he was "fun" now he's in. prison

[@judithnelson1581]

@@ashdobbs7492 Get your facts straight! Fierstein is NOT Weinstein.

[@idigamstudios7463]

@@judithnelson1581 Pretty sure it's a troll account given how it's jumped into multiple threads with some varient on the same piece of inanity.

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

I hope he's a hugger, coz if I met him I'd want to give him a big hug.

[@maureencoyle666]

Ya gotta love Harvey Firestein!!!! Such a fabulous love of life!!

[@stevejohnson2321]

A national treasure!! Thanks Ari. Wonderful interview. This man made my life a better place in which to be.

[@nighthawk_predator1877]

Fantastic interview with a very important, genuine and influential member of our generation. Thank you Mr. Fierstein for helping the LGBTQ community in ways that will be remembered forever!

[@JohnFoley1701]

That iguanas falling out of trees comment had me rolling.

[@tabithabex]

What a delightful person.. and to see Ari's face cotton on to the image of Iguanas dropping out of trees - priceless ! 😀

[@Scratchync]

Thank you Ari for being an all inclusive all amount guy!!!🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@cindypomerleau950]

Well said Harvey. We know we have evolved as a species when we learn to celebrate our differences. How boring it would be if we were all the same.

[@lolodee3528]

They are indeed, boring. Ultimately. It's funny they whine bible & warn Satan, because Satan is anti-creative, anti-love, anti-unity. Exactly what they warn against is THEMselves.

[@Tulpen23]

What an absolutely wonderful interview! I smiled from ear to ear the whole time 😊

[@SkittlesBoris]

What a delightful person. Please have them back soon and often.

[@heidigone]

I would love to have a Harvey Fierstein in my life. I would never stop smiling.

[@aandrus2169]

This is a great interview. ❤

[@88happiness]

I really liked Tourch Song Trilogy. We're so lucky people like him paved the road for us.

[@ohmy5650]

My!, didn't know Fierstein (am not American) but what a fabulous wealth he shares with who wants/cares. Besides the gorgeous change of "personality" Ari invites here: for once, no lies to detect & stress about.

[@edwinacross3452]

Bravo, bravo Harvey Fiersetein !! Magnificent, so human, so beautiful. The best thing I've seen anywhere for a long time!

[@davidserlin8097]

Ari’s man-crushing on Harvey is adorable to witness.

[@JamesSmith-rh4is]

America is actually doing very well with Biden in the White House.

[@JamesSmith-rh4is]

@Major Anthony Nelson The gasoline prices are actually pretty reasonable right now.

[@JamesSmith-rh4is]

@Major Anthony Nelson Biden’s policies are not causing inflation at all.

[@JamesSmith-rh4is]

@Major Anthony Nelson There are no empty store shelves right now.

[@JamesSmith-rh4is]

@Major Anthony Nelson Biden’s policies have absolutely zero effect on the crime rate.

[@JamesSmith-rh4is]

@Major Anthony Nelson The grocery prices are actually pretty reasonable right now.

[@fearsomebunny]

The hard difference between an elder liberal and elder conservative is that the liberal, no matter the age, will embrace the future even if the future is uncertain and believe in the goodness of people will prevail. The elder conservative believe we need to live in the past where all good things were and that the uncertain future is scary and no good. IMHO.

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

Conservatives of all ages tend to be afraid of the future. The future represents the unknown. They need their safe spaces. That's why they usually get left behind.

[@arof7605]

On a person to person level, maybe. As someone with elder liberal parents, so much so I ended up a little right of them (and I'd never consider supporting any elected republican due to what they do with majority power), they are now retiring out of country in part because they can't trust the future situation here.

[@quinndawsonosgood5261]

Only the past wasn't very good for soooooooo many. The past was only "good" for cis/het white guys

[@jettabartholomew1118]

Love him much 💙 Always a fan 💙💙💙

[@Lizablue0608]

He’s always been FANTASTIC at anything he does. 😂

[@garydmercer]

Love Fierstein. He is a national treasure.

[@lauralewis1290]

Love you Ari! Never heard if Harvey before, he is Awesome!! Another great Ari episode, jepp them coming! 👍🏾✌🏾✌🏼🌊🌍💙💃🏾🕺🏼

[@sandramartinez2910]

Love and respect will get us through.

[@shewolf2671]

I have always loved his voice and his work. Outstanding spokesman for our community because of his wisdom and his perspective.

[@AimeeAimee444]

Thank you Harvey! You fought for our community made the world a better place. I’ve been with my partner for 30 years and thank the heavens she has health insurance that is afforded to me as well. You would have never imagined this in the 80’s. Much love and respect to you and Ari!

[@shannon3944]

❤💯 Exactly! There's no going backwards.⚘Time moves on! Love Harvey!!

[@waltergodsoe5526]

Thank You, Harvey

[@solidrock7998]

Harvey is brilliant

[@funface4]

I love Harvey Fierstein. Thanks for having him on your show. He's an icon and I would love to read his book.

[@LR-mh8hs]

A very likable, newly hired, female employee at work casually replied after being asked something or other: "I'll ask my wife". How awesome it is to live in a society where that is possible.

[@richardmacauley1107]

Ari, you are such an incredible interviewer. Thanks for bringing Mr. Fierstein to your show.

[@lindaredwood-kahn2729]

Wonderful human, thank you Harvey!! 💙💜💙💜💙

[@burgesskj]

Great messages, but I had a hard time trying to stop laughing.

[@serendipitouslytranscenden8843]

"For every difference that makes us unique, there's a common thread which connects us all."-Harry Belafonte

[@kx4532]

The world was never simple in child hood. You were just isolated from it.

[@PennyLane-wc3iq]

“Except Texas and Florida. The heat gets to those people.“ 😂

[@nygrl6102]

Add Georgia and Alabama to that equation. 😹

[@lezlipolm8229]

Please add Arizona to that list.

[@jacklily999]

Love Harvey Fierstein, an American treasure!

[@NJBrand]

Harvey talking about Texas, as a native (still here) 70 yr old Texan, I bust a gut laughing - yes - he nailed it. 😂 ❤️

[@selah71]

One of the best and most entertaining shows I ever attended was by drag queens. They gave a wonderful and memorable performance.

[@Iquey]

"the heat gets to those people" 🌞🤣🦎🌴 I really liked this interview. Thanks for reminding us that the world needs our uniqueness. Sometimes it gets hard to remember. It feels like the only way to survive is to find somewhere to fit in, or else you will be pushed out to the gutter

[@Jin420]

Well said 👏🏻💯

[@vocalcoachgina]

He is SO right!

[@jackbarry7155]

So Great. Humorous and true, this fella’s a Beauriful Human.

[@nerdybirdy420]

What a legend. 💜🏳️‍⚧️

[@Matrxmonky]

That hoochie mama lamp he's got in the background is amazing.

[@pchk7421]

Thank you, Ari for re-introducing and Harvey Fierstein to a new generation. This made my day!

[@laurentsaint-laurent3659]

Interesting point about nostalgia.. I'd love it if a social student made a study on how nostalgia is weaponized, how people go from "cultural/artistic nostalgia" to "political/social nostalgia"..

[@sandramartinez2910]

Respect.

[@laurenupshawesq]

A National treasure ❤️

[@user-pw2eb1ki2s]

love love love laughed so hard!!!

[@patfrench8046]

Humans. Evolution is so hard. We must keep intentions to become better than we were.

[@aandrus2169]

This is a great interview. ❤

[@paulaellis6281]

AMEN HARVEY!!

[@Knight3rrant]

I adore Harvey. What a fabulous human being. And he has the most expressive beautiful face and especially his eyes: beautifully wise and full of heartfelt kindness and wry humor.

[@stephaniemartins5881]

Wow, This was so fantastic. Thank you Ari. Keep telling the truth.

[@hamlet1018]

I would just ask, "Do you love?" If the answer is yes, then you are the luckiest person in the world. It is nobodies business but yours who you love.

[@muttinchops3708]

To be yourself is all you can do.

[@garywparks5797]

Love Harvey!

[@dirk903]

There are alot of scared little people in these coments. Its pretty sad One day maybe they will grow up and be adults

[@jeancharlesclement787]

But , honestly, a lot of grown up too, thankfully

[@testruelove2530]

I love you H F! 💗

[@jaxs7267]

He looks really good!!! Love this guy.

[@valeariawilson8696]

I really enjoy watching him, he entertains me with his work

[@rhiannonrede]

I can't wait to read this book. Thanks so much Ari & Harvey!

[@lrs7777]

The best interview MSNBC has presented in a very long time