"The Undertow": Author Jeff Sharlet on Trump, the Far Right & the Growing Threat of Fascism in U.S.

We speak with award-winning journalist and author Jeff Sharlet, who has spent the last decade reporting on the growing threat of fascism across the United States. In his new book, _The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War_, Sharlet says the language of "civil war" has become central to right-wing rhetoric, mainstreamed by former President Donald Trump, Congressmember Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Republicans.
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[@lindafox1679]

That interview with MTG was a disaster!! Disgusting that MTG wasn’t called out on her lies and rhetoric! Why would they even air such crap?!

[@EdwardSkihands]

They believe they exposed her sillyness and she can't be taken serious, not understanding that all that makes her appealing to reactionaries. It stems from them being as out of touch with reality as is MTG and her supporters, but just having different set of values that creates this paradoxical misunderstanding.

[@ladyrose508]

Agreed 110 p/c. NYC

[@adamazzalino5247]

Ratings. They think going eh, eh, aren't they wild is enough. They gave more coverage to Trump's empty lectern than Bernie Sanders.

[@gregoryyancey6081]

They aired that so everyone could see how truly ignorant she is.

[@jo-annerichardson34]

​@@gregoryyancey6081 unfortunately they failed by not calling it out nearly enough.

[@dividedconquered3784]

George Orwell's books are more relevant today than ever!! 😮

[@bozidarsicel3884]

It's wery much true, although Orwell's books are much less apocalyptic then our reality that we are living through.

[@nocomment3294]

@@bozidarsicel3884 lel in the world of 1984 your comment would never reach another pair of eyes and you would be already on the way to an execution site. But real political violence gets downplayed, even the violence from the left.

[@victorrowan3108]

Yes

[@YawehthedragondogofEL]

George Orwell would see Democracy Now as dangerous propaganda if he was alive.

[@bozidarsicel3884]

Yes, GOP uses Orwell's books but withe evils and hate on steroids added to original.

[@katherinejones8022]

Leslie Stahl dropped the ball! Absolutely shameful!

[@katepanthera7265]

The way she reacted to the pedophile statement, you'd think she just fell off the turnip truck yesterday; like she didn''t know who MTG is. The least 60 minutes could have done was run a disclaimer to refute the crap MTG said.

[@jeannerogers7085]

I wonder if she was constrained by orders from above "Don't upset MTG?"

[@OMEGALFA.]

Leslie Stahl's and CBS' first mistake was to agree to put PERJURY FAILURE TEEN on tv and treat her like a normal human being who has something worthwhile to say. The likes of MTG need to be ignored and publicly shamed until they crawl back into the darkness under the rock where they belong. Stahl reacted in ignorant disbelief and with her emotions---which is exactly what MTG wanted---instead of with a barrage of facts that would have drowned MTG out with the cameras rolling. THAT'S what Stahl SHOULD have done. THAT'S what CBS SHOULD have aired.

[@juliewake4585]

A very thoughtful and erudite interview. We can see the rise if fascism all over the world. Thank you.

[@bobjary9382]

We certainly can . I was waiting for more mentions and the fundamentalist buddhist Trumpist monk ( i know too many ists) is s good image ...but the number of countries with facist leaders, facist leaders in waiting or strong facist movements is scary. Then theres a whole load who hate the word as do their adherents and have probably convinced everyone theyre not , but continue to do facist stuff and are by any other name, facist Far too many ists

[@loyaljustice1]

Propaganda lies

[@RidingWithBiden]

@@loyaljustice1 You MAGAts can try to fool yourselves, but you can't fool Democrats. That will be your downfall, because we will fight you with everything we have. You don't have a chance in 2024.

[@faith4freedom76]

And Julie is actually thanking them. Insane

[@juliewake4585]

@@faith4freedom76 it’s always nice to get some proper journalism, but maybe you disagree.

[@whygohome172]

Leslie BLEW IT!

[@rhlang11]

oh wow...

[@deeone5326]

Protect & Support all journalists. Thank you.

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

I'm with you, but where was that sentiment when James Foley and Serena Shim were killed in 2014?

[@foadnwol6684]

Yes, REAL journalists, not these full of it, read the script that's been handed to them, fake journos.

[@jacksonfitzsimmons4253]

Unless they do undercover journalism to expose democrats or organizations you like

[@loreneskidmore2591]

I thought they were called "advisors" now

[@socialanarchy081]

It has always been a war against ignorance and bigotry. We must always strive to shove enlightenment into their blessed little hearts.

[@sidtapia09]

How about our economy and the homeless?

[@posadafan2058]

So glad I saw this. Looking forward to reading Mr. Sharlet's book. I grew up hearing Harry Belafonte's music; I should have known (but didn't) that these songs were about liberation. My dad was very supportive of the civil rights movement. He, too, was angry about how it all played out. Thank you for an enlightening interview, and thank you for calling out the atrocious MTG interview on 60 Minutes.

[@jaydinledford6990]

"we're not outnumbered, we're outorganized" Malcom X

[@missingpiece2071]

don't forget they didn't kill MLK until he tried to unite the poor of all races. They outorganize us by getting us to hate each other, something brother Malcom failed to appreciate but MLK understood very well.

[@fredgarvinMP]

Malcolm X didn't like white liberals either.

[@masskhysteria3311]

Malcolm X despised the Democrats!!! He knew they were the party of Jim Crow,Slavery, The KKK. and anti civil rights. He also knew Democrats were duping the American Negra into voting for them!!!

[@kx7500]

Perfect quote

[@adielstephenson2929]

Wow. Great quote. Thanks.

[@danielappell3484]

I'm glad we are finally talking about the threat of fascism.

[@HeyHEY-fg9rp]

Yes that is what the Patriot act is and the Restrict act is going to amplify.

[@slappy8941]

LOL You don't even know what fascism is. We might as well be taking about witches and vampires. 😂😂😂

[@orlock5510]

@@slappy8941 tour sucking again

[@wwbuirkle]

Problem is it's coming from the the anti free speech left. LMFAO

[@jesu3369]

Fascism 😂. What did Republicans colluded with Twitter? Or do they protest, riot if a democrat speaker is invited to a University? Are Republicans in favor of baning people or cancel? Of course not Democrats are the fascist.

[@lifecloud2]

I think Leslie Stahl is still living in a normal world believing that surely this is a reasonable person she's interviewing. I don't think she's aware of just how low some people who represent our government have fallen.

[@irishva2314]

Leslie was flabbergasted! In disbelief, speechless! Next interviewer must be prepared to expose and keep mtg engaged before she starts to bully...that is her go to! Our salvation will come from the young voters, via Tennessee expelled State house Representatives!

[@edwardmiessner6502]

If I was Leslie Stahl I would have called her a f'ing idiot to her face!

[@marshcreek4355]

Following the horrible interview much of the conversation was on whether or not the interview should have even been done. It shows you how crazy we've become in thinking it could have been anything other than the train wreck it was. It was doomed to fail and that's why people with good heads and hearts were aghast it was happening. It shows you the arrogance, lack of imagination, narcissism, and ignorance of the shows editors, producers, and Stahl herself. An 81 year old woman stuck in a different past and a legacy media program stands no chance in handling these folks. Michael Moore as a guest interviewer could have done that interview well. The same for a John Stewart. Heck, want to see their ratings go through the roof? Announce that Nicole Hannah-Jones of the NYT and author of the 1619 project was going to interview as a guest host. Greene would not have shown up. Our MSM simply cannot help itself and will have been complicit if we lose our republic.

[@coreyham3753]

@@marshcreek4355 There is now way to interview a wacko like MTG. All the interviewer would be doing is confronting MTG on every sentence, calling her a liar and a nut job, etc. And pointing out that virtually everything MTG says is false, propaganda, and nonsense. The best way to interview a wacko like MTG is probably to pin her down on policy issues like ... how would you balance the budget, what is her immigration policy, etc. At least that way the viewers would see that she is a raving idiot and has nothing to offer.

[@mkunes2502]

Leslie Stahl is a christmas christian. She loves bright lights and fat gift givers. None of these people will identify the real problem. MTG and neo nazis and Qanon share ONE common membership…and it’s not being republicans. They are the REAL CHRISTIANS!!! This is where the mental illness starts…christianity.

[@kittys.2870]

No President should ever be ABOVE the law they should be held to a HIGHER standard!

[@themsmloveswar3985]

Every one for decades has circumvented the law. There is a serious, on going problem.

[@noxvenit]

Except for guys like Bill Clinton, Barak Obama, Joe Biden, right?

[@wwbuirkle]

Yes and I hope they go after the Biden cabal

[@shawn2789]

Than lets lock up the people with the highest body counts first. Bush and Obama should be in prison.

[@stephengrover9406]

Tell that to sleepy Joe, jabroni!!

[@vivalaleta]

How dare Trump endanger those innocent relatives of the people in court. He deserves all he gets.

[@ladyrose508]

You are so right. I fear for their lives. When are we gonna quit handling DRUMPF(REAL NAME) with kid gloves? When are we gonna treat this thug like the criminal he is???? NYC

[@shirleyhill2982]

What is absolutely fascinating is the perseveration of the ultra-right with sex and children. That pointing finger always has 3 fingers pointing back at the ultra-right self.

[@fredgarvinMP]

It's gross that leftys give kids puberty blockers and perform top surgery on girls under 18. Nobody's "perservating" or whatever.

[@maxgrozema1093]

Every rightwing accusation is a self report

[@t.tenney3470]

Authoritarian people tend to be abusive and violent....that's why they want an authoritarian state, so they can be in charge by any means necessary. In charge of women, children, property.

[@nasaihyana]

Yeah right wingers promote strippers in front of children

[@jamesleonard2870]

Exactly. If the media were to use it’s recorded to uncover and expose the self admitted sexual predators who are pointing those fingers this horrible nightmare might start to disintegrate. I’m not holding my breath.

[@weston.weston]

Jeff Sharlet spoke powerfully and substantively here, I am grateful for his sharing here. I have never heard of him before now. I am going to read more about his reporting.

[@dremasutton1581]

Me too

[@Happymediumwill]

"She turns it into rage and she calls that rage 'love.'" 😢😮

[@samspetifore9875]

That part of the interview was so chilling. Any one of us could end up radicalized like that young woman had become. Very unsettling.

[@Krackonis]

That is literally the same words used by the Nazis to describe their patriotic mass executions.

[@Blakiedoo]

idk who this guy is but thank god for him exposing the ridiculousness of that 60 minutes interview. it shouldnt have even been aired. it feeds into this culture war in so many wrong ways. the world feels so dystopian rn

[@alin81-82]

That 60 minutes interview was a joke. No real push back on mtg, just a rehabilitation of a fascist. Shameful.

[@lynnyhen]

I have watched 60 minutes all of my life, and was shocked that Lesley Stahl let MTG get away with calling all Democrats pedophiles!

[@kathyfrazier5672]

mTRAITORg is still pedophile to those young new recruits! Ask her estranged husband! He definitely knows!😢😢😢

[@josephrowland2935]

Democrats: "They're not pedophiles, they're minor attracted persons."

[@dianedenham5259]

Thanks for letting him speak uninterrupted at length. I've read The Family, and will look for The Undertow. 🤓🇨🇦

[@michaelgnit8476]

George Carlin once observed the quality of American elected officials are a direct result of the quality or lack there of, of the American public. Mr. Carlin had a way of cutting directly to the truth with no excess fluff.

[@michaelgnit8476]

@@Unite-4-Peace Agree

[@Krush00]

"Maybe something else sucks around here... like the public."

[@wetguavass]

The real Americans are the brown people of Mexico, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Bolivia, etc.

[@dustydawg473]

Being forced vax because people can't control their eating is fascism

[@dustydawg473]

Balenciaga ads with babies in bdsm is proof.

[@richardbromfield3336]

I had to watch this twice. Amazing analysis. Like whoa 🤯

[@laluba3603]

You can also listen to Jared Yates Sexton's Lecture's "Midnight kingdom", here on YT.

[@richardbromfield3336]

You righteous thank you La Luba

[@Regi254.]

From my own personal experience in my real world, this man has caused division between me, my family and friends. The pandemic and Trump did much damage to my relationships.

[@BobJohnson648]

Sharlet's job is to cause division

[@Chatta-Ortega]

​@@BobJohnson648 Only if you can't or won't grasp the message.

[@BobJohnson648]

@@Chatta-Ortega TDS

[@georgelahmon4539]

This dude thinks repeating fascist makes it true, LOL. He said she was armed she had a knife, was she brandishing it, no. He's saying trespassing is a capital offense apparently. I have never seen such propaganda in my life. You probably suffer from TDS and that is why your relationships suffered.

[@RidingWithBiden]

@@BobJohnson648 Poor MAGAt is trying desperately to remain powerful. You are not.

[@miriampborne]

I am in the middle of reading Sharlet’s book, and it’s highly informative. Glad you invited him to speak. Thank you

[@dannyize]

I raised my eyebrow with skepticism when Sharlet proposed a connection between the gospel of prosperity and the rise of Trumpism. After hearing him, I'm impressed. What a profound observation. Maybe this insight can help bring those souls back.

[@AbeldeBetancourt]

This is like watching FOX News

[@RidingWithBiden]

@@AbeldeBetancourt No, it isn't like watching Fox at all. FOX is full of incorrect information--actual LIES.

[@spankflaps1365]

When one party is calling the other by the most extreme language (for no reason whatsoever) that’s a really bad situation, the precursor to mass violence and a failed state.

[@jabbermocky4520]

One party has decided that the only way they can seize and keep power for themselves is to push all others into self-defense mode. They are not going to win in any fair elections. Even gerrymandered Republican districts in some states look kind of shaky these days. The natives are restless. We are sick of their Russian style propaganda and belligerent behavior. They will get much more violent before the dust settles because it is literally their last resort to achieving an authoritarian dictatorship, by the very rich few against all others, in the USA.

[@ShankarSivarajan]

Are you referring to one side being called "fascists" and "cultists" or the other side being called "pedophiles" and "communists"?

[@jabbermocky4520]

@@ShankarSivarajan It's important to see who started the pattern of abusive name calling in this case. Trump descended his gilded escalator and said "Mexicans are rapists" as soon as he got to the ground floor. Any retaliatory verbal barrages are merited. Particularly when they are truthful statements. MAGA is a cult and Trump is a fascist. Plain facts.

[@josephsimmons9241]

​@@ShankarSivarajanonly one of those assertions is correct. I'll trust that you are able to decipher which.

[@john.premose]

​@@ShankarSivarajan calling trumpists fascist and cultist is not extremist. What else would you call it?

[@OMEGALFA.]

Sharlet calmly, brilliantly verbalizes that which makes most of us scream out in anger and then shake and lower our heads in disbelief, shame, and hopelessness. Thank you Mr. Sharlet.

[@thetruthserum2816]

Uhh, how about let's start prosecuting those issuing death threats?!? How is no one ever held to account for this?

[@truenokill]

If they could they would 😢

[@chrisbaxter489]

How fascism comes to America, he's connected all the dots. So many disenfranchised people across this county from deindustrialization and financialization. He's a good orator.

[@mikeferrini8884]

It is all fear based. Fear of climate change, fear of economic collapse, fear of nuclear war, fear of extinction. Jeff Sharlet said it here "If we are going to find our way through the Trumpacene, it's not going to be by returning to some normal that was never that great." Fear of what needs to happen in order for us to avoid climate catastrophe and evolve into a sustainable life is way beyond the capability of the growing hoard of neanderthals following a dream that includes wealth hoarding, resource exploitation, and the false belief in rugged individualism.

[@randywatson1615]

Someone once said fascism would come to america wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross....so sad

[@john.premose]

It's twitter. I tell this to everybody. Stay off twitter and all those platforms like it.

[@lonelycubicle]

That’s what I think is going on and globally also. Have the Democrats come up with a reindustrialization and definancialization plan and communicate it so people will vote for it? I like the Green New Deal but doesn’t seem to be popular enough with voters, don’t know why or maybe I’m misreading it’s popularity.

[@john.premose]

​@@lonelycubicle capitalism won't allow a reindustrialization or definancialization. You're never going to change capitalism. We just have to outgrow it.

[@j.p.110]

Love this interview. Thank you DemocracyNow.

[@justinlavine9209]

What? It was the members of Congress trying to impeach Trump who asked people who felt they were victims of voter fraud to come forward. Its not Trump's fault a bunch of bad intelligence coupled with an administrative faux pas resulted in a bunch of people who felt they were victims of voter fraud going and smashing up Congress on Jan. 6th I'M VOTING FOR INTEGRITY IN JOURNALISM BECAUSE WHAT THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES NEEDS IS DEMOCRACY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maryhjort7318]

Excellent interview.

[@corbin8709]

The sad truth is many people watching 60 minutes thought MTG did well. There are millions living in an alternate reality.

[@ivajloberberov1732]

Not 🚫 a doubt.. Democracy now opinion is biased.. ..

[@Greasyspleen]

Love the "lucid dreaming" metaphor. Never thought of it quite that way.

[@alistairmackintosh9412]

Karl Rove's contempt for the "reality based community".

[@ruthokelley5833]

Fits Evangelicals, too, too well!

[@eustatic3832]

Welcome to Louisiana. The Civil War never stopped.. can we have voting rights?

[@cheryal6661]

Truth!

[@vwandtiny3769]

you have the right to vote last time i checked but you can only pull the lever once. you want to have the right to vote as many times as you want to pollute. the results

[@dremasutton1581]

I just moved to Memphis from the east coast and feel like I've stepped back in time.

[@willielee5253]

@@dremasutton1581 felt the same 20 years ago coming from the midwest. In time things will mellow.

[@wildshepherd5918]

Brilliant man, excellent points..

[@ArmenianBishop]

Jeff's critique of the Leslie Stahl & Marjorie Taylor Green interview is informative and helpful for me.

[@victorseger6044]

Well then if that's the case you'd love Pravda and Izvestia

[@anthonymcneill1465]

A brilliant interviewee who dissects the ongoing in America and the world at large!

[@markgreen4612]

Ron DeSantis is forming his own military force, similar to what happened in 1930s Germany, and I could easily see Trump doing the same thing if he ever again became president.

[@Monkismo]

We let the whole country become militarized since 9/11. Mercenaries and black ops goons are cultural icons now, and even some on the left feel compelled to praise the military as a safer space for LGBTQ and as a kind of harmless jobs program.

[@zarni000]

Good. Maybe protect the people from the federal government

[@josephsimmons9241]

​@@zarni000who will protect the constitution from the mob

[@kenanacampora]

Proof? None.

[@Monkismo]

@zarni000 you know that DeSantis served the federal government in the Army, right? He had no problem with "the government" when he was cashing their checks. He's just one of those people who only likes government when it's carrying a gun and killing brown people.

[@dad102]

This guy is an outstandingly informed speaker. He talks down to no one. One of my fave DN segments.

[@Nobody-cw4wm]

Jeff sounds like an honest, rational man who cuts through the fog a lays out a view that’s as fresh as a clear day. Thank you.

[@gregoryyancey6081]

I've never heard of this guy, but I will be checking him out.

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

He wrote The Family, which is about evangelical Christian leaders' influence in politics. I highly recommend it.

[@williamjosephbc17Q]

He's a secular jew who hates America....and think you are no better than cattle...see the protocols of the learned elders of zion to really know the TRUTH of who he is and the agenda he supports....I love America and family...jus sayin

[@irishva2314]

He also has a documentary on "The Family"...Netflix or Prime Video, can't remember which one. KZbin may have it too.

[@artartartart777]

Netflix, THE FAMILY

[@gregoryyancey6081]

Ahh I've seen The Family. Thanks guys!

[@geoffreycanie4609]

"Americanized gnostic gospel" - well said!

[@chrissaris6869]

Two words: Brilliant man. Thank you for this extraordinary interview.

[@adributu]

Thanks for this interview. Jeff, you’re brilliant. And Democracy Now! Is all that’s good about America in a channel. Keep up the good work. I’m from far away, but we are all similar and evil is the same everywhere.

[@dsiepiela6449]

I support a federal law mandating ten years in prison for each lie told to the American people by a politician. It’s time to raise our standards for public servants.

[@Theability83]

Unfortunately it would probably be one of the many laws that they sidestep and isn’t enforced.

[@sammoseh3899]

@@Theability83 Greetings….Not if a good majority of ppl wake up,get SERIOUS an hold this focus of accountability and execute what ever is necessary to hold them accountable…..A stop with this juvenile dream of some politician coming a saving us…..

[@Theability83]

@@sammoseh3899 I understand what you’re saying but you’re ignoring the fact that there’s a huge part of the United States population that have no problem supporting a fascist takeover as long as the ones taking over align with their own ideology. Plenty of yes men and bootlickers who would gladly take up arms and use violence and force against groups who they deem unworthy of being “American”.

[@masskhysteria3311]

@ D Siepiela. Will that be lies told by both side like Elizabeth Warren saying she is a Native American to enrich her pockets? Or Richard Blumenthal saying her served in Nam? Lies told by Bush that Sadam had Wmd's and all the politicians who supported and reiterated his lie? Bill Clinton's lie about not having sex with Monica? Will you support throwing both sides in jail for lying?

[@brodykin3505]

That would certainly clean out the House, the Senate, and most other government seats. Sounds like a plan.

[@rebeccaallen9917]

"Trump being arrested is like Nelson Mandela or Jesus", said MTG. Crazy.

[@shroud1390]

She is deluded. Its sad MTG probably prays to Trump.

[@wendwllhickey6426]

Can't fix stupid 😢

[@thetruthserum2816]

MTG should start wearing a toothbrush mustache... Her and the George Orwellian Party of Deep State Fascists and Hitler loving memorabilia collecting influencers of Clarence Thomas...

[@thelaughingshadow3538]

It's really scary how many tRumpsters say he is like Jesus. There was even video I watch of an elderly lady at rally day he could be her dictator. 😯

[@terryhaircastle5702]

Treason Mandela

[@jillgiachino8086]

Thank you, Amy great reporting 👍👍👍

[@juqual78]

This is someone who understands the threat we're facing it's global In nature and we can no longer afford to make the same mistakes when fighting it

[@irenes7297]

Such eloquence. Brilliant interview.

[@ginxxxxx]

and yet anti war vote is still forced to go with trump, all because of being brilliantly slimy

[@RidingWithBiden]

@@ginxxxxx The anti-war vote would be foolish to go with Trump.

[@ginxxxxx]

@@RidingWithBiden drone king obama, ww3 hilary, and dirty war money bidens are the real heroes we all deserve, freedom never exists, only war

[@littledorrit6819]

What a great interview. Unbelievably powerful.

[@erpthompsonqueen9130]

Thank you. Watching from Alaska. Been following JS's writings for years. His insights are useful in the effort to understand the trajectory of the current moment.

[@justinlavine9209]

What? It was the members of Congress trying to impeach Trump who asked people who felt they were victims of voter fraud to come forward. Its not Trump's fault a bunch of bad intelligence coupled with an administrative faux pas resulted in a bunch of people who felt they were victims of voter fraud going and smashing up Congress on Jan. 6th I'M VOTING FOR INTEGRITY IN JOURNALISM BECAUSE WHAT THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES NEEDS IS DEMOCRACY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RMScott]

Beautifully succinct

[@hapennysparrow]

Jeff Sharlet, I watched your documentary episodes, "The Family." It made my skin crawl. I have been reading extensively on the insinuation of the Religious Right Nationalists into the Republican Party. I also read in years past the rise of fascism in Europe 1930's. Reading Bonhoeffer's essays and letters revealed alarming parallels to what I saw happening when Ronald Reagan replaced Jimmy Carter, the Evangelical takeover of that political party, and everything since. In 1973 I was reading the book of Revelations as a new Christian. I saw that the reference to the beast with the fatal head wound brought back to life was the political ideology of fascism. I have watched it take root in our political system methodically and deliberately by the union of Church and State, just as occurred in Germany of the 1930's. The Prosperity Gospel, the Word of Faith movement, the heresy of Dominionism, and the hijacking of Christianity to serve power and greed, has been most distressing. On the night of the election of 2016, I reached into my closet to grab my bathrobe. I heard the Lord say," The little horn with the big boastful words will win," a reference to Daniel Ch.7, and 9. I sat snd wept. How any follower of Jesus could be this beguiled is astonishing. Please keep speaking out. We are, as a nation, in a precarious moment. Listening to MTG compare Trump to Nelson Mandela, and Jesus Christ is insane. So many pulpits across the nations are spewing toxicity and falsehoods to their congregations, and many are deceived by the rhetoric of dominionism, power, wealth, and a lethal legalism. We must push back. We must not back down. We cannot quit. A world under fascisistic control is unthinkable. I am going out tomorrow and purchasing your new book. God keep you. God keep us all.

[@vigorberg4798]

Yes, there is a threat from "religious" right nationalists which is a slow move to civil war. The social problems due to the overspendin on weapons and the "glorification" of violence in t. media is a slow working poison. The carieer of a man presenting himself as a real patriot is amazing. Big money sells idols that manage to avoid taxes and present themselve as martyrs when their tricks are scrutinized.🌻 Stay awake! watch Democracy Now!

[@johnthoreson8775]

This is a lovely commentary on the disparity between spiritual Christianity and the movement of political power corrupting religious Christianity. I would love to hear you in a podcast, seriously. You're voice is poignant .

[@johnthoreson8775]

🎉 beautiful

[@itsROMPERS...]

One thing that's essential is people have to stop believing God is talking to them, that's extremely dangerous, especially because it's actually your own subconscious talking to you, not God.

[@ASS999ish]

GOP has become full lying Hateful Nazis that never have enough! Not christ like in the least ! Their is a hymn in my church that says - Love is the kingdoms banner! Christ like was the foundation! Him without sin cast the first stone :

[@shaftomite007]

".. the victimization of white grievance, which is the current that pulls white supremacy along" Great stuff. I'm going to have to check this guy out further.

[@slappy8941]

I hope you people realize that when everything falls apart and we have open war in the streets, you don't need to expect any mercy.

[@guesswhoscomingtoyoutube]

@@slappy8941 You do understand we are not afraid and don't care because you will receive the same.

[@wwbuirkle]

Ah yes the total BS false white supremacist problem, LMFAO

[@idontagree9658]

Truth, facts, are not important for fraud conservatives,, they are incapable of defending their own rhetoric, its all negative attention seeking aesthetics, posing fascism like a flag to see who salutes.

[@Chatta-Ortega]

​@@slappy8941 You do realize you are anti-democracy and anti- American, right?

[@tigersforever4577]

The pornographic lust for violence, where as someone said: violence is not only acceptable but fashionable.

[@shaney8275]

Absolutely love this interview. Been listening to Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Timothy Snyder, Jason Stanley, and Anne Applebaum. Mr. Sharlet has added a great deal to the conversation about fascism and the authoritarian impulses in this country. Thank you Democracy Now and Jeff Sharlet.

[@bigdog44pc]

😢 we could get programs that will help the public out and make your life much easier, thus making it less likely for people to be violet. Programs like Medicare for all, higher wages at jobs.

[@RidingWithBiden]

To get those programs, we need to elect a lot more Democrats.

[@Mike-B.]

Great Interview, great story.

[@FredlocksAsher2012]

great analisis Jeff Sharlet,. says it all super Inteligent incite, well said sir

[@fazbell]

Amy Goodman is one of the women I admire most.

[@mjmj3658]

A national treasure.

[@deeone5326]

I’m not afraid of the noise… it’s the quiet that I cannot hear that scares me. - the pit

[@cheryal6661]

Ooh. I *love* Edgar Allen Poe. And your relating quote is very relevant.

[@lindafox1679]

Thank you!

[@valeriejean6507]

A wonderful, informative interview. Thank you from the Heart of America 🇺🇸 💙

[@cherryghost15]

What a beautiful interview. Mr. Sharlet has the first calm take and hope of how to react and survive in the middle of all this insanity. Thank you.

[@JustPolitickin]

Really good interview

[@djdollase]

Love this guy. Am listening to his earlier books and working up to the present book. Really deep and insightful.

[@laluba3603]

Yes 🤗. You can also listen to Jared Yates Sexton's Lecture's "Midnight kingdom", here on YT.

[@SCNYC]

He is a creative & well spoken man. Otherwise I believe that the holes in his head are filled with corrupt nonsense

[@zedwolf1589]

Sam Sedar on the Majority Report also does an hour long interview on his podcasts where he interviews really great individuals a lot are authors. He's opened my eyes to quite a few brilliant minds of our times.

[@annefischer1433]

Calling rage love is the complete antithesis because rage is actually fear and the fear has been removed that layer so then the anger bubbles to the top and out just like a volcano.

[@vicycross6037]

Great interview!

[@diligentmindz]

Excellent commentary, this is extremely useful

[@nicolasuzanne7477]

While I'm not in favor of transgender surgery for minors I can't believe we're going backwards with civil rights. Criminalizing gay people and women's rights regarding her own body. This is insane

[@christophercousins184]

Excellent interview, excellent journalist and author.

[@jackthelid]

Thank you Goodman et al. (2023) Inspiring psychologists everywhere!!!!!

[@DuongTran-mh7ci]

Looking at the face of Trump sitting in the court gives me goosebumps! Anyone else feels that way ? I cant describe it but my perception is turmoil, anger, worry, fear, defiance, hate, aggression, arrogance, destruction, death….

[@shirleycrane9013]

Retribution…taking notes of everyone to get even with

[@leilas8201]

It's in your mind only, are you a psychiatrist????

[@doneestoner9945]

He's very sad that he is a defendant in court.

[@hapennysparrow]

The man is beyond contempt. Just the sound of his voice makes me want to tear out my hair. He is a malignancy. Ron DeSantis also has a dark heaviness about him. He is pure evil. Soulless.

[@lesliecurran1704]

His eyes look empty and soulless. They look like the eyes of a shark, nothing behind them but emptiness and soullessness. And very possibly evil.

[@KevinfromHeaven1980]

If someone is playing intimidation games or using bullying tactics, they need to be held accountable just like everyone else.

[@ginettejalbert122]

Great interview! Thanks

[@story.7162]

The war is coming home. I have just placed this book on pre-order (I'm Australian) and sounds like a good follow-up book to Luke Mogelson's 'The Storm is Here: An American Crucible'.

[@anhedonic-voting]

Thank you🌎✊🗽🌹

[@rolfhdk]

Fantastic! Deep deep analysis of just WTF is going on with all this fascism.

[@monicalarrarte7664]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻great thinker.

[@dsiepiela6449]

MTG understands that there is no bad publicity.

[@pnf197]

That's only if you have no shame.

[@pnf197]

@@Unite-4-Peace Ah, if we look close enough , it always takes them down: Ceasar, Pharohs, Kings and Presidents -- it is hollow, it always collapses in on itself. Doesn't mean the person with no shame comes to any realization, but that reality will implode them. It always does, like poetic justice.

[@RevLetaLee]

Our democratic republican experiment is a failure. Hard to see a way out. I look forward to reading the book. Wish it was in audible form.

[@mravalosmj]

Incredible!!

[@bet2600]

Spot on. Thanks for reporting

[@bozidarsicel3884]

The seed of Fascism in the US was planted to the fertile ground with G. W. Bush's in his speech at opening ceremony of the Salt Lake City Winter Olimpic Games that echoed the Hitler's speech hi made at the opening of Berlin Olimpic Games in 1936.

[@MrFishperson]

Honestly I'd argue it started at the inception of this nation with the enslavement of black people and the enshrinement of minority rule of wealthy white land owning men. Hitler himself said he was inspired by the laws and policies of the Jim Crow south...

[@zarni000]

It was already fascism then. But it's not trump that embodies it

[@t.tenney3470]

Rumors had Prescott Bush tied to Hitler and Nazis. The grandfather, I think.

[@kx7500]

It’s been a gradual process caused by capitalism.

[@DumbAssSpeakingWithMansVoice]

And yet Hitler and Stalin got along just fine until they didn't because their totalitarianism was similar.

[@patricksiney]

I believe history will prove the Voting Center will grow larger. And will outweigh the far Right or far Left. I believe a great coming together is out near future. Great interview! Glad to watch this content. Love will always win. It has always won.

[@NullStaticVoid]

thing is we dont have a far left in the US. Its a false equivalency to paint it that way. We have republicans who are, and always have been a right wing party, but lately have gone as far right as physics will allow. Then you have Democrats, who are centrist liberals. They have a few very progressive people like AOC and Bernie, but their rhetoric is not reflected in anything the Dems do. And they are social-democrats at most. Basically a European version of liberal. Unlike many other democracies we have no communist or socialist party members in congress. These parties do exist in the US but they either dont participate in elections or stick to local races.

[@kx7500]

The far left is the solution. Capitalism is the problem and needs to die.

[@kx7500]

@@NullStaticVoid lol the dems are also right wing.

[@patricksiney]

@@Unite-4-Peace Maybe we have already had our war. War of words. People are tired. People are seeing the fruits of anger and hate and choosing something better.

[@gaiagreen2690]

What the rest of the world sees but Americans are still oblivious to is that America as a country has moved so far to the right that all of centrist policies, which are adopted by all parties and considered to be normal and basic features of every civilized democratic society, have somehow become "far left" in the US. Public healthcare, social services, public education system, human rights, civil rights, reproductive rights, separation of church and state etc. are the absolute basis of in western democracies, only the Americans think that they are "far left." In other words, another nonexistent rightwing boogie man.

[@jimkessler2001]

GREAT Reporting and Commentary, Ma'am. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !

[@rebeccahale322]

Excellent interview.. Brilliant.. I'll bet a good read..

[@davidrichardson4131]

Thank you for the update

[@richardkatz8713]

Best news show

[@Lynn-ce8rr]

He's actually doing very important work right now.

[@George-2115]

*Ok, it really seams like Jeff "gets it".* (17:29) "If we're going to find our way through the Trumpocene it's not going to be by returning to some normal that was never that great". Amen! This book is going to the top of my reading list.

[@richardbromfield3336]

Amy is valiant!!

[@arikkatzenberg582]

Are you kidding? I could go camping under that turkey neck

[@Laura-LaFauve]

I grew up listening to the Weavers!

[@Twindragon-tu1wd]

Thanks brother Jeff . Yells truth, shames the devil ❤😂🎉

[@attorneybretclark9197]

I agree with the assessment of Leslie Stahl's poor interview with Greene. She needed to deal with Greene on the merits of what she was saying in a polite way by having her step onto the slippery slope of her prior statements and leading her over the edge towards absurdity. Greene would never know what hit her - nor be aware that she had just made a fool of herself.

[@cathrinechartier3790]

Lesley should have pushed back, much much harder! Jeff is correct, I'll have to read his book

[@jo-annerichardson34]

Thank you dn for this amazing, thoughtful and informative video. Definitely getting the book. A very serious situation talked about calmly and intelligently. Thank you.❤💙💙

[@Macrd84]

Amazing interview!!!❤ sharing!!!

[@curtrice6060]

We need a Jeff story at least once per week 😊 !

[@MrFishperson]

Heard this guy on knowledge fight definitely interested in his book

[@MrFishperson]

​@Chad Abercrombie we live in frightening times it's valid to feel anxiety and fear. There are still things to be hopeful for, they don't have control of all the levers of power just yet. This is a wakeup call. Pay attention to your local elections and vote. Despite what people want you to think voting can still make a difference just look at what happened recently in Wisconsin with their recent election where progressives won despite the deck being stacked against them. I don't know you internet stranger but I hope my words still reach you

[@jodibales3169]

Thank,you for providing such a valuable forum. I believe that another form of separation comes from the isolation and the internet. Particularly now when all of us have less and less in common we don’t share our experiences with each other because so many are on the internet.