'There is no real choice this November': Ken Burns gives powerful defense of democracy

Filmmaker Ken Burns delivered a powerful defense of democracy while delivering the commencement address for Brandeis University. The Morning Joe panel discusses.
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#Democracy #KenBurns #Politics

[@thefpvlife7785]

Let’s all thank Mitch McConnell for allowing this cancer to spread by looking away. Mitch has a big part of this horror.

[@markcosenza3274]

Cry harder! America says FJB!😂😂

[@Pdf258]

Send DJT money!!

[@motardmike]

@@markcosenza3274 Bwaahaha.....Wake Up.

[@melissabenanti7824]

@@markcosenza3274America says FDJT all day long by the MAJORITY. He LOST and he’ll lose again. He’s going to be in the books as a massive fraud and cult leader. Ask the Presidential historians they’ll tell you. So try and cope beta guy.

[@dilsadmeraler]

See the comment right bow you?? They truly believe All America believe what they believe So very sad they don’t even accept it is not real

[@SlverNexus]

I couldn’t be prouder of Ken Burns, “The Meech”, and the everyone who spoke so heartfully truthfully and patriotically. Thank you!

[@markcosenza3274]

Calm down, he's a PBS government shill.

[@regu6582]

@@markcosenza3274 And you are nothing more than an unemployed Troll, shilling for your daily 250 ml of Vodka. What's your point ?

[@josephjones825]

Defund Marxist 😘🇨🇳 PBS

[@motardmike]

@@josephjones825 Defund,Cancel,Boycott...Yadda Yadda Yah

[@breakthewheelnow8223]

Wow!! The first three comments are so un American. You pro fascist should go and find your own country because you can’t have this country. You don’t like it here, leave. TFG has stated that he will be a dictator and you obviously want that so go find your own country, this country is NOT for sale!

[@carmend.1924]

Please play this speech in every tv channel, and publish in every newspaper. Mr Burns is a brilliant orator.

[@Northcountry1926]

Share Ken’s Speech !

[@terri6854]

This speech is too intellectual to affect any Trump voter.

[@mikebrigs1218]

Just Liberal lip service.

[@lindalarson1948]

Too bad he's just plain wrong.

[@lindalarson1948]

​@@terri6854 Trump voters are preoccupied with feeding their families and buying gas just now. And wondering how they will foot the bill to pay the student loans of elites who call them stupid.

[@crafty-lady6853]

Thank you, Ken Burns. Every voter in America needs to hear this speech and reflect on the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution regardless of our differences and backgrounds. VOTE BLUE FOR REASON NOT TREASON, DEMOCRACY NOT, FREEDOMS NOT TYRANNY, SPIRITUAL CHOICES NOT CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM AND OPPRESSION.

[@LynneHoptroff]

Sadly those that need to hear this wouldn’t be able to follow the text.

[@CarolEdmonds-pk7hr]

@@LynneHoptroffsadly the ones who MOST need to hear this are those who don’t give a F about fellow Americans; they don’t care about the country or its history. They just care about the former president getting away with everything he does, and STILL being able to get reelected!

[@kelperdude]

My family is going red to save america.

[@brendansparks1511]

@@kelperdude tRumPutin troll working hard for his masters.

[@andrewseow7791]

🫡🫡🫡

[@marcyanderson4268]

Forty years ago I became an American citizen from Jamaica. I came here in 1969 and I am proud to be an American. My husband also from Jamaica served in the military for over twenty years and he too took the oath to be a citizen!! We voted in every election because we have the right to vote!! In this election our democracy is at stake so I am voting for Biden!! 💙💙💙💙

[@CJRM-om9os]

So proud to hear you transplanted to America and have so much patriotism. It doesnt take long to appreciate America's democracy and defend it.

[@alfredgeorge3186]

Marcy....as an indigenous....welcome to my ancestral lands. Thank You to your husband for his Service....🇺🇸

[@christopheroliver148]

@@CJRM-om9os It does take more imagination than some seem to possess though. I.e. you need to be able to imagine what it's like not to be dear leader's flavor of the week to see that there should never be a dear leader.

[@monsterblue7453]

Voting for Biden, why? Open borders, 12 million plus illegals let into this country, high gas prices, high inflation, crime out of control, 2 wars, why????

[@DuaneHallinSD]

You wont be voting for trumpf because russians cant vote in US elections.

[@Northcountry1926]

Well Said Ken ! Respect from 🇨🇦

[@billolsen4360]

respect from the trash heap that is california

[@DesignedInNola]

i'm voting trump, but still love Kens docs

[@nancycrowe9063]

I agree with you Joe. My family came from Germany, Ireland, Wales, England, France, they were so happy to be here for the freedom and to build them a good life, and I’m so proud of them to be able to fight for that freedom! Tiny doesn’t know what freedom is! All he wants to do is be a dictator and ruin peoples lives! Please vote blue so we can keep our democracy and our freedom!💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

[@josephjones825]

😂 🤡

[@christopheroliver148]

I am an adopted mutt of very mixed nationalities, but I know well why my father fought as a US sailor in WWII. It would bring him to tears were he alive to see the political condition of his country. That folk support the very ideas we spent blood and treasure to supplant is shocking and disappointing.

[@brendansparks1511]

@@josephjones825 tRumPutin troll using multiple usernames.

[@motardmike]

you moved a lot?

[@MajICReiki]

My neighbor from Croatia believes the Democrats are going to make US a communist country. Even though she is always wrong about everything she admires about Trump and I keep Debunking her bought and swallowed bull on him, she insists she is right.

[@unsigned5324]

Problem is with this is, those who support trump will not understand 50% of those words and will resign it to nonsense. Those who are capable of understanding what was said will vote Biden anyway!

[@LynneHoptroff]

You rate the intelligence of trump supporters rather generously!

[@lindalarson1948]

The fact that elites like Ken Burns try to convince audiences that electing a populist president means the end of "democracy" is evidence of the utter contempt that they have for working Americans. It isn't a far cry from the politicians who refer to voters as deplorables and clowns.

[@Liberal.Linda.]

For the most part, yes. But there will be a few intelligent people who don't follow politics closely who will hear it and think, "Wait, what? Ken Burns is saying it really is that bad? Maybe I should pay attention now." And they will. MANY people don't pay attention to politics until a month or so before an election. They are too busy with the other parts of their lives. I have to admit I feel a little jealous of them, and hopefully in another few cycles, I can stop being so vigilant myself and pay more attention to other things in my life. Man, I hope so.

[@mkk7641]

YES👍💙🗳️🫲😉ＢIDEN🇺🇸

[@rachelk4805]

Even if we are screaming into the void, we owe it to future generations to continue to do so, so they can see and know that what happens here isn't happening because of ignorance, Trump supporters aren't "a product of their time." We have to highlight that we see and recognize the evil taking hold in our country.

[@xelamercedes]

A few people I sincerely hope hear Burns' address and take his message deep to heart: Judge Cannon, Justices Alito and Thomas, Merrick Garland, the editors and publisher of the New York Times, ...

[@christopheroliver148]

I find it interesting that Burns delivered this at a place named for a great supreme justice who said: "we can have democracy in this country or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of the few, but we can't have both.” We would do well to keep in mind the circumstances that led us to this point.

[@benjaminharris7091]

Great quote! Louis Brandeis was so much more than a jurist! Amazing crusader for rights, liberty and the ordinary person!

[@jeanpageau4851]

Ken Burns once again proving how brilliant and patriotic he is.💯

[@kelperdude]

🤣🤣🤣

[@bethanyhealy4989]

Yep another rich guy for joe

[@Dingleberry777]

He's a partisan hack.

[@mikebrigs1218]

@@bethanyhealy4989 BINGO!! TRUMP 2024!!!

[@somkit9102]

I imagine a lot of MAGA Burns fans are saying, " I never liked him."

[@Castlependragon]

I love Ken Burns so much. He's just AMAZING

[@lawrenceleverton7426]

I always knew he was tainted left this confirms it.

[@Judge_Meridian]

​@@lawrenceleverton7426Anyone who thinks Trump is the way is tainted.

[@alteredcatscyprus]

You need better heroes.

[@UAL320]

No, he just has a brain and is not a MAGA sheep.

[@nonamemcnotaspy8654]

Even with how succinctly Burns explains the situation, so many failed humans in the comments just can't comprehend. FDJT

[@christopheroliver148]

Many seem to be repeat offenders err... trolls.

[@terri6854]

This speech is too intellectual to affect any Trump voter.

[@stevenperez8157]

@@terri6854 Very true. Maybe a cartoon or a puppet show would have some impact. Nah, who am I kidding.

[@EddyMerckx-1964-Sallanches]

But yet you support cancelling Ukraine presidential elections ? Get bent on your crap fake moral high ground. You don’t know what’s going on.

[@paulkern7229]

most of them are bots

[@sgm7013]

The things this man has seen while making his beautiful and haunting documentaries, he knows what he's talking about. 💙

[@motardmike]

A real contrast to Steve Bannon(the human skin tag)

[@sgm7013]

@@motardmike human skin tag, 😂

[@juliaheger-dw6hf]

@@motardmike Agreed -- Steve Bannon - a skid-row bum.

[@snowrose101]

There is a VERY real choice. The choice is between democracy and family values vs. dictatorship and revenge.

[@mr.e432]

What institutions would actually support a dictatorship in America? Fbi? Cia? Which military branch?

[@josephjones825]

Family values? Like abortion? 😆🤡

[@Nutz2U2Ok]

​@@mr.e432Trump is promising, along with Project 25, to remove long time civil servants across the federal government and replace them with his minions. He had already implemented "loyalty tests" for his administration hiring. He only wants yes men, even if incompetent, to do his bidding. We can see what happened on J6 with some of his appointees at odds with the long term Pentagon staff generals.

[@joolsnorth1410]

​@@josephjones825 abortions save lives!

[@EddyMerckx-1964-Sallanches]

Choice of democracy? But yet you support joe Biden and president z when they cancelled Ukraine‘a presidential elections.?? Who are you talking to out here ??

[@berthabridges3483]

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." ~ George Santayana ✨️

[@camelsheit_on_the_walls446]

And those who don't want people to learn History, are those who want to repeat History.

[@christopheroliver148]

The trouble is that those who _do_ remember history aren't exempt from coming along for the ride.

[@MrWascally]

if ur not part of the solution there's plenty to be made prolonging the problem - some old cynic

[@lsheets1]

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to vote Joe Biden." - The Voice of Reason

[@suzanneparchman1814]

Ken Burns a real patriot.

[@carlettesouthern-robert2992]

Voting Biden/Harris! 🇺🇲❤️🤍💙🗳🇺🇲 2024🗳💙🇺🇲

[@billolsen4360]

he's a tool now

[@Longstreet-mv2lw]

I hope you are being sarcastic

[@denisehenry3427]

When God presents someone to us with the truth we refuse to recognize what's right in front of us. Mr. Burns just gave us the TRUTH. MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸, IN JESUS NAME AMEN 🙏 ❤

[@juliaheger-dw6hf]

@@billolsen4360 You know about tools?

[@GordonPavilion]

person, woman, man, camera, TV…prison

[@kelperdude]

gitmo joe.

[@MartinJ-t7y]

​@@kelperdudeThe Mendacious Malcontent of Mar A Lago.

[@mikebrigs1218]

Copy and paste liberals are LOSING!!!

[@somkit9102]

@@kelperdude He can grab them by the p&$$y because he's a celebrity.

[@Pdf258]

I would date her if she wasn’t my daughter.

[@coragoodwin344]

NOW is the time for ALL PEOPLE to come in support of the country. Millions followed Hitler over the edge with their eyes 👀 closed. What will you do? Your choice, your right. I'll vote for democracy and fairness for ALL PEOPLE. 🤔 Peace out ✌️.

[@dlcs1406]

Love This brilliant man!

[@sherylallen2962]

Mitch McConnell is hugely responsible and he has to take responsibility!!!

[@countd5955]

He knew he was destroying the essence of the Supreme Court. For the first time in my life we do not have the rule of law in the United States because of McConnell.

[@PAMELAPORTER-ci7mr]

He was one of the architects of this power-hungry mob that seeks to control us. He's a greedy monster!

[@suzanneparchman1814]

Thank you Ken Burns for doing what others would not. You are truly a moral human.

[@byronbarbour862]

Ken Burns was the powerful spirit we all needed to hear. I've watched his documentaries for many years, but my spine got a chill when he delivered the prophetic punch to our moral collective.

[@tinay9491]

maga does not hear

[@tkusterb]

I respect and admire Ken Burns no end. It takes real courage and a clear vision to tell an audience that the Emperor has no clothes. Too many of us also see it but are afraid to speak the truth.

[@aussiegrandpa]

Putting political views aside, Trump appears to be totally devoid of character and unfit to unify and lead a country.

[@richardhowlett4097]

Yes, and he calls governor Newcome Newscum, he should have those four letters for himself, he has respect for no one and continues to whine and debunk everyone and everything. How anyone can follow his lead is a mystery to me.

[@rachelk4805]

You should be able to acknowledge this simple fact without people screeching that you are being political.

[@kiki19822]

We have 4 miserable years of proof that trump was the worst president in history. $8 TRILLION IN DEBT, 1 MILLION AMERICANS DEAD.

[@DebWyndham]

No Kiddin'

[@aussiegrandpa]

@@rachelk4805 It's my (and many others) character assessment of Trump. If it helps you, Biden has his issues as well. But it appears it is Trump's nature to lie, cheat, steal, womanize every day of his life.

[@i.am.navkaur]

Man, these are some sad times.😪

[@kelperdude]

They have been for the past three years.

[@crafty-lady6853]

SO RISE TO THE OCCASION. BE RESILIENT AND HARDY!

[@i.am.navkaur]

@@kelperdude 3 years? More like since June 2015.

[@i.am.navkaur]

@@crafty-lady6853 I have and continue to.

[@bcfortenberry]

Trump-Americans. They’re doing the best they can, but because of how they were raised, it’s not very good.

[@annsmith7207]

"We are at an existential crossroads" This is the absolute truth. And it must be taken seriously. Vote Blue in November to preserve our democracy.

[@X2LR8]

No because democrats are trying to lock up their political opponents including the opposition presidential candidate. That's not democratic at all. It's fascist and authoritarian. I'm voting for Trump in support of democracy.

[@TK-ec5bv]

Democracy with wide open borders. That's not a democracy.

[@ColleenBuford]

Yes! Not about anything but saving democracy!

[@JP-fn5xt]

Waiting for Ken Burns documentary on Supreme Court inadequacy.😊

[@terrencekane8203]

"Vote for Joe, not the Psycho." --- Billboard near Maralago.

[@suemccord2633]

Thanks George Conway ❤🎉

[@g11rfe87]

you losers aren't voting for anyone. you're voting against someone, and that's the most pathetic part.

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

And his best friend Sarah Longwell

[@Light23K]

Location location location!

[@JohnWarner-lu8rq]

Comrade Bidenov IS the psycho.

[@taritabonita22]

There is no real choice this November! 💙🌊🇺🇸 Saving democracy 🇺🇸

[@LeftWingNationalist]

A two party system isn't worth saving. I'm voting Green Party.

[@EddyMerckx-1964-Sallanches]

Start by calling out the loss of democracy in Ukraine. When joe Biden and president z actually cancelled that country’s elections. And you gonna sit here talk about saving democracy. ?? You a fraud.

[@motardmike]

@@LeftWingNationalist Waste away.......

[@LeftWingNationalist]

@@motardmike doesn't change a thing

[@motardmike]

@@LeftWingNationalist Got that right....

[@lesleyghostdragon3149]

Da-amn. Ken Burns. Burning words. Frightful message - from the heart, into my heart - historical references in poetical eloquence.

[@michelemarr76]

As only Ken Burns could speak🇺🇲❤️🇺🇲

[@billolsen4360]

Pablum for the demented

[@jcharles1324]

​​@@billolsen4360 Don't understand the words huh? 😂😂😂😂

[@Northcountry1926]

🇺🇸America, Share Ken’s Speech !

[@colowyowatchman4420]

😂😂😂

[@ZelbeQahi]

Wow, Ken Burns is correct!

[@kelperdude]

*not.

[@brendansparks1511]

@@kelperdude tRumPutin troll working slavishly for his masters.

[@lightwillprevail]

Choose unity and humanity, not hate and division.. vote blue to preserve democracy and freedom 💙

[@colowyowatchman4420]

I'm voting for our Constitutional Republic- democracy is mob rule. So I will be voting for T r u m p

[@carlettesouthern-robert2992]

Vote Blue! 🇺🇲💙🗳🇺🇲

[@careydepass130]

Have you looked at Blue's foreign policy lately? What kind of alternative is this Blue?

[@kelliepatterson1142]

Biden and Trump are the same psychologically. We have no good choices for November, so I'm not playing the stupid game of the lesser of two evils. I'm not voting for either of those old out of touch delusional men. But I will be voting for the people who voted the way I would have.

[@richards5855]

@@careydepass130 Vote blue you live through one genocide. Vote red and you’ll get to live through two.

[@sherylallen2962]

What a fabulous speech by Ken Burns! Eloquent and to the point and so incredibly important!!!

[@catherine7147]

And you have a Congress continuing to do the work of a former President. 😊

[@markcosenza3274]

Still can't find a man?

[@kelperdude]

Someone has to save the country from joe.

[@CarolEdmonds-pk7hr]

@@kelperdudeknowing that pregnant women are dying from complications because hospitals are turning them away is exciting for you,isn’t it?? MAGA Mike and his state legislators are going to outlaw contraceptives by making them “controlled dangerous substances “. And when doctors prescribe them for their patients, they will be unable to assure their availability. It’s ALL about the CRUELTY!!

[@Happy2BUp]

@@kelperdudeplease you’re comprehension is questionable at best.

[@mikebrigs1218]

TRUMP!!!!2024!!!!!

[@b9bot148]

I really appreciate you for speaking out Mr. Burns. We need to all vote blue at every level of government.

[@wjack4728]

Ken Burns is a true patriot!

[@JennySimonArt]

I lifted my right hand and became a proud American over a decade ago. I cannot express how grateful I am to this country and stand for the democracy and the freedom that I always admired this country for. ❤️

[@byronbarbour862]

Morning Joe is really touching me this morning. I listen every day, but today I feel differently because of the message. We are all here as human beings before anything else.

[@IDEAWORLDWIDEINC]

Thank you Ken Burns for having the courage to state the obvious facts.

[@kooale]

With an eloquence that very few of us possess.

[@lyrapsi]

Memorial day reminds me that a lot of people in history have died over the vanities of a very few men

[@alfredgeorge3186]

Without President Joe Biden....our friend Ken Burns would not have been able to speak his eloquent words. Thank You President Biden...🇺🇸

[@billolsen4360]

You're lying and you know it.

[@dharma404_]

Citizenship: "If you don't see the beauty in that..." ...then you don't understand what America is, And if you don't want to try to see the beauty in that, Then maybe you don't need to be here.

[@chunter3882]

America doesn't want a Dictator. Not even for 1 day. Vote Biden!!

[@letsRegulateSociopaths]

One day can last a lifetime in the mind of a psychopath

[@andrewjones7126]

He will be a dictator for life, then his sons will inherit the neo monarchy

[@tw2102]

The Supreme Court ruled against Biden on student loan debt relief, he said he was going to do it anyway. Now, $100 billion plus later, he did it. What do you call that? He is answering only to himself, no accountability.

[@tammyscott3706]

@chunter3882: You're delusional! Biden: EV MANDATES (forcing Americans to do something), tried to mandate the Vax, wants our kitchen appliances, and wants to lock up his political opponent!!! You are a 🐑 if you believe President Trump was or will be a dictator! Biden will cheat again to stay in power so once again tell me who the dictator is!!!! FJB! Trump 2024! ❤️

[@tareewoods2434]

​@@letsRegulateSociopathsWith tRump, it would go on til he dies. He loves controlling people, no matter how hateful or hurtful he has to be.

[@sharonmiliam3416]

Thank You ! We Are All Americans !

[@BurkBernard]

Some are Russians.

[@markcosenza3274]

​@BurkBernard Biden family took millions from Russian Oligarchs. We have the receipts. 😂😂

[@josephjones825]

Some are Demo😘🇨🇳crats

[@markcosenza3274]

@@BurkBernard Putin endorsed Biden.

[@mikebrigs1218]

@@BurkBernard Some are ignorant. like most liberals.

[@laurabartoletti6412]

🇺🇲🦅💙 "Fired up , Ready to go" vote for Joe ! Re-elect President Joe Biden 2024 🗽⚖️💙🇺🇲 🔊 Remember 01-06-21 and Roe v Wade in November VOTE BLUE 2024

[@Northcountry1926]

Stay Strong 🇺🇸🫡

[@dilsadmeraler]

How clearly he explained the difference between patriotism and nationalism. I wish we could explain this to trump supporters I am an immigrant and I feel patriotic about America just because of the idea which is beautiful We all need to understand his supporters are neglected by economic system that has been lead by republicans over years and they don’t believe the system anymore

[@leom2991]

I am an immigrant and served this country and became an American .... I am voting for Donald Trump .

[@robinebling6278]

Cd djt would get it. He doesn’t want to get it. He’s all about himself.

[@philwilliams8328]

It couldn't be more clearer in Ken Burns deliverance. Our precious Democracy is at stake and can be saved come this November. *VOTE BLUE* to save America and our Democracy. 💙💙💙

[@rickfry6031]

In the 1990s, shortly before George HW Bush gave up his membership to the NRA, I also gave up mine. My resignation from the NRA coincided with Wayne LaPierre’s presidency. I saw him as trouble back then my voter registration card read non-partisan as an independent in a Commonwealth. Again in the 1990s I saw the direction of both parties and decided to go Democrat. I am now a Democrat who has voted in the past for many Republicans. I doubt I will ever vote for a Republican again. I’ve known Democrats who vote for Republicans, but I don’t think I’ve ever met a Republican who has ever voted for Democrat. Am I wrong?

[@rachelk4805]

You are not wrong, lately. Democrats care about policy, Republicans care about identity. I think that's why.

[@jalabi99]

_"I’ve known Democrats who vote for Republicans, but I don’t think I’ve ever met a Republican who has ever voted for Democrat. Am I wrong?"_ The late General Colin Powell was a Republican who voted for Pres. Obama, if I recall correctly.

[@Richard-od7yd]

Vote Blue or America's Through 🇺🇸🫡

[@phampton16]

Absolutely totally agree 🇺🇸💙

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Open Borders for ALL!!!

[@JohnGalt1960]

Voting Red across the board. No Compromise!

@@JohnGalt1960 You are a puppet for sure. Get your head out of your backside and see the light.

[@hectorchannel3230]

I was born and lived in Mexico up to my 30's and emigrated to USA, in 2012 I received my Naturalization becoming an U.S. Citizen and I took the oath. On January 6th, 2021, I felt shame for what happened in the Capitol, that riot should never have happened.

[@JP-JustSayin]

There is no real choice. The threat is existential. We've looked into the abyss. Do we jump now, or do we step back?

[@somkit9102]

I'm going to vote Democrat up and down the ballot. I'll decide on the Democrat, but no Republican will get a vote from me.

[@mr.e432]

Which institutions would support a dictatorship? Which branch of the military?

[@JP-JustSayin]

@@mr.e432 SCOTUS and the House. And the cops are militarized enough for their purposes.

[@regalbeauty]

Problem is that the people who really need to hear this are not sitting around watching commencement addresses…

[@somkit9102]

True. They are busy watching cars drive around in circles.

[@RadCenter]

But they might see a clip if you posted it on Facebook.

[@jcharles1324]

They don't even know what commencement means

[@niechellejeffery7246]

Ken Burns is a national treasure ❤

[@billolsen4360]

if you think tools are a national treasure

[@petewilliam4295]

the strength of America is the diversity that imbues its humanity with a clear vision of a better future and elects those who espouse the ideal

[@GordonPavilion]

Vote for Joe, Not the Psycho

[@bethanyhealy4989]

Joe caused the mess at the border. So no I can't vote for that.

[@DerrickW30]

Well he is correct, there is only one choice. One candidate is trying to jail his opponent and bypass the Supreme Court. We know who that is.

[@MartinJ-t7y]

If the Pope and Ken Burns don't like Donald Trump , that's good enough for me to vote against him.

[@kelperdude]

That marianne woman?

[@Massmommamess]

@@Michael-z5t3hstop the lies that's all you ever do is lie, lie, lie!

[@utopianna]

The full Commencement speech may be found on KZbin Brandeis U titled "Ken Burns, H’24 delivered the keynote address to the 2024 undergraduate class during the 73rd Commencement Exercises" The excerpt shown by MSNBC is at 13 min in. and merits a listen to the full 21 minutes.

[@jalabi99]

Thanks @utopianna - I'm glad I followed your advice to go and watch the entire speech. It provides a huge amount of context for the snippet shown here. It deserves to be watched in full.

[@raulescandon4485]

Thank you, Mr. Burns, for so concisely, wisely, and eloquently expressing the danger Trump poses to America.

[@davidvelasquez6811]

My family has been here for over 3000 years. This is my ancestral homeland.

[@denniswinters3096]

The simplest I've ever heard it put is that patriotism is putting your country before yourself; nationalism is putting your country before other countries.

[@LeftWingNationalist]

I'm a Left Wing Nationalist. I'm voting Green Party.

[@DavidFredrick-lm6pq]

Your lying..

[@DavidFredrick-lm6pq]

If your left you love freedom. There no other choice . Not voting for Biden, is voting against freedom.

[@Tom-lc1mu]

Existential Crossroads, very powerful. FDJT. Vote for Democracy!

[@swimminginthoughts]

I agree! FDJT! Free Donald J Trump! Do like Biden says and vote "freedom over democracy"!

[@josephjones825]

😂 No.

[@muddywater4505]

Said the European.

[@mr.e432]

Which institution would support a dictatorship?

[@mytruecrimelibrary]

​@@swimminginthoughtsTrump's legal problems are entirely self inflicted.

[@OneHungLee]

Thank you Ken Burns. America has been warned; let’s hope they take his advice.

[@kurttuchscherer7706]

Joe kind of touched on the issue. When I was in school and you asked a second or third grade kid what he wanted to be when he grew up, the answer was a policeman, or astronaut,or doctor. Now you ask that question and the answer is rapper, or influencer, or billionaire. The difference between role models then and now is expansive.

[@larindanomikos]

You apparently haven't asked any kids. They're smarter than you are.

[@christopheroliver148]

Sad state of affairs that those aspirations these days are so vapid. I think I wanted as a young child to be a doctor. I wound up in high school becoming infatuated with computer programming, and that's where I stuck. Funny that I detest much of computer tech these days.

[@DS_P8]

Worse than that, an entire generation has now grown up under the cloud of Trumpism where lying, cheating, and stealing are the openly displayed characteristics of a leader.

[@rachelk4805]

Kids see their parents, who are police officers, doctors, nurses, and teachers. Their parents don't get paid enough for them to have all of their needs covered, they endure abuse on the job, and they can't quit because they have no power in this economy. I am grown, but I want to be an influencer too! 😆 At least they have money, they can take off when they need to, they can work from home...

[@kurttuchscherer7706]

@@rachelk4805 you are exactly my point. What exactly are you teaching your children. That it is a greater importance to obtain money and fame?

[@Degee5585]

"What he's (trump) good at is destroying things. He's the undisputed world champion of that." - Tucker Carlson

[@DebWyndham]

SO TRUE, SQEAKY

[@Anubis-hm7ro]

Well said.

[@GloriaWaslyn]

Wonderful

[@George-2115]

Ken Burns. A true national treasure, at a point when we really need to remember the treasure we can still preserve.

[@rickrose5377]

Thank you, Ken. You've always been a national treasure.

[@chrissaris6869]

Well spoken, Mr Scarborough.

[@debbiedean3165]

Ken Burns thank you, your words so articulate and piercing, coming from the breadth of knowledge of our history and integrity, thank you ❤️ I pray that people listen. 🙏✝️

[@offthegridgreco]

The Democracy will survive. Majority rules. Acceptance is essential.

[@rachelb6153]

MAGA doesn't accept they are not the majority and will scream rigged, stolen election ,etc etc

[@Northcountry1926]

FDJT

[@jamesmcbeth4463]

I won't F DJT, but I will vote against him.

[@bigverybadtom]

@@jamesmcbeth4463 I will voter for him. We need to get rid of the senile disaster and have a real President!

[@nenaenriquez3480]

WE THE PEOPLE 🇺🇸 VOTE 🫂 VOTE 💙

[@EricAdamsonMI]

NOT TRUMP is a most meaningful choice.

[@markcosenza3274]

I feel your pain. Biden's dementia and poll numbers aren't improving!😂😂

[@brendansparks1511]

@@markcosenza3274 tRumPutin troll.

[@EricAdamsonMI]

@@markcosenza3274Zero percent chance of jail time is the big plus. Oh, and waiting till there's a toilet under your butt before sending "bombs away" is a skill that Donny Doozy has evidently failed to master.

[@msmerc86]

@markcosenza3274, your cult leader is the one with dementia, not our President. Neurological experts interviewed here on KZbin agree that Biden is showing normal signs of aging. Like it or not, Dumpy will die from dementia. We can see him declining by the day. Biden will outlive him.

[@markcosenza3274]

@@EricAdamsonMI Cry harder!

[@VinnieKumar-i6o]

Ken Burns 100% true n we hope America votes n do not stay home, 2024 president election very important. good versus evil. GOD BLESS AMERICA ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Jmsa-dsf]

Thank you you said it all extremely eloquently thank you all I believe in America!

[@gin394ify]

Ken Burns...thank you for reminding us just how fragile our democracy really is. Great speech 👏👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿💙🇺🇲

[@togglebutton3312]

How am I supposed to shake the hand of a neighbor who flies a flag that says " make people cry" ?

[@JJLom777]

Sorry. That sucks. (If you happen upon my longer comment on this thread. I actually put something about this sort of behavior, too.)

[@jcharles1324]

This is why dump is a danger to the world. All he knows is hate and division. And the same BS he spouts since 2015, on repeat. BORING.

[@lindaSmith6588]

I have been afraid to talk politics in the past. This year, I crave it. Respectfully. Right now we are canvassing Democrats. Temperature check on the base. But, i look forward the influnce canvassing.

[@josephjones825]

You're on the same stuff they inject Biden with...

[@kelperdude]

No one wants joe.

[@mr.e432]

You never said which institutions would actually support a coup or a dictator taking over. So which ones?

[@lindaSmith6588]

@@kelperdude many,many people want President Biden. I know I am out talking to voters

[@lindaSmith6588]

@@mr.e432 when Republicans are asked "will you accept the results of the elections," NONE have answered Yes. They evade.

[@mellodeed8550]

All of this, so well stated!! We are All Americans!!!

[@suzanneparchman1814]

When I grew up kids got teary eyed singing patriotic songs.

[@alfredgeorge3186]

That happened in my church this past Sunday. The final hymn was "God Bless America"....the entire congregation joined in....as I looked about the church, people were crying. It goes to the very soul...

[@DH-gk8vh]

Thank you, thank you Ken, for so eloquently putting in words what has been apparent to me for some time now. I'm fearful but still hold out hope that the delusion will end and reality will become apparent. We have no choice if we wish to protect our country and maintain our way of life. I love my country. I have family that goes way back, fought wars for our freedom. I've have been overseas and kissed the literal ground when I came home, my home, The USA 🇺🇸. Not only would we lose our freedom to a dictator but risk losing our country completely to another invading country. If this happens our lives and freedoms will be lost. Possibly irrevocably. This is the greatest risk our country has ever faced. To be taken over, from the inside.

[@JJLom777]

I don't actually think it's gotten to the worst it's ever faced, yet. But, it could happen.

[@fabiancortes6255]

Amen

[@tonim001]

Thank you for calling out “tribalism”

[@garybranigan1928]

Powerfully said.

[@aureliecormier1]

Joe & Mika, WOW...what an impactful discussion you had this am. Loved what you had to say with so much compassion and in a reflective way...certainly got me thinking! As always, you have the best, smartest and high quality guests!! Most Grateful to see News presented this way which I find helps with a discussion to how we help our country to heal! An Americans, we need to Heal! Many thanks to Ken Burns and Jon Meacham this am! :)

[@JJLom777]

I genuinely can't tell if you're being sarcastic or mean what you're saying here. Sorry.

[@ambroseavery5229]

I heard the whole 20+ min. speech, & all of the advice, & positive, inspirational, enlightening virtues that Burns spoke so eloquently about, are the exact opposite of TFG’s nasty, demeanor, persona, & character. He is absolutely correct: “There is no “choice” this November!

[@evansquilt]

Thanks, Binnacle, for completely missing the point: that Trump is a clear and present danger to our country.

[@petervannote4217]

Brilliant artist, brilliant human being, brilliant patriot, brilliant citizen of this great country!

[@brucewalters8635]

BRAVO!!!!!!!

[@janna1878]

His entire speech is a masterful treasure!

[@Steve-kp9wy]

Ken Burns makes honest and truthful movies that teach anybody. Hes a Great American

[@mariselafarias1746]

Amén 🙏🏽

[@sterlinghousewashpressurew9594]

When Ken Burns speaks. Its time to listen carefully

[@UnDaoDu]

Powerful

[@chaserandazzo3738]

Bravo! Articulately communicated! Grateful!

[@jayc6175]

Beautifully said by Ken Burns. We need to focus on what unites us as Americans, rather than what divides us! We are all different and that's what makes our country special. Ask yourself which candidate speaks for you and which candidate only speaks for themselves. The comparison couldn't be more stark in this election!

[@johnk4437]

Vote blue this November Biden-Harris . Let's hope DJ T goes to prison! 🇺🇲💙

[@keepingit8797]

🤣🤡 I'll be voting against the clowns trying to jail their political rival! 👍💯🇺🇸

[@brendansparks1511]

@@keepingit8797 tRumPutin troll using multiple usernames.

[@johnk4437]

@@keepingit8797 Donald Trump belongs in prison and that's where he's going to be. If you think Biden is behind this I feel sorry for you it's pathetic what's going on in this country is just continuous and some people even want to go to Civil War if Biden is reelected

[@barbarasolomon5962]

AMEN!!!!!