Who Should Bernie Voters Support Now? Robert Reich vs. Chris Hedges on Tackling the Neoliberal Order

democracynow.org - The day after Senator Bernie Sanders spoke at the Democratic National Convention and urged his supporters to work to ensure his former rival wins the presidential race, we host a debate between Clinton supporter Robert Reich, who served as labor secretary under President Clinton, and Chris Hedges, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who backs Sanders.
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[@youssefmoharram5025]

Whose watching in 2020 thinking what a shame it is we didn't listen to Chris Hedges?

[@kathleenhillock9366]

The covid put the frosting on the cake. If we don't make it happen now, we are absolutely totally screwed.

[@dany8822]

I’ve been watching Hedges’ talks from years back. The guy is a damn prophet-he’s been right so many times! He’s also said US has 20 yrs tops before it collapses, and I believe it. Time to prepare. :(

[@Patrick-ig4nd]

I am. Hedges is completely correct in his observations of the corporate control of the American political system.

[@8Pointbuck]

@@dany8822 John Adams was way ahead of Hedges ...and democrats/socialists think themselves well read. “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. It is in vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious, or less avaricious than aristocracy or monarchy. It is not true, in fact, and nowhere appears in history. Those passions are the same in all men, under all forms of simple government, and when unchecked, produce the same effects of fraud, violence, and cruelty.” (John Adams) Our original compact (constitution) has been altered by the progressive coup under Woodrow Wilson. Now it's voting machines in charge of who becomes the next puppet. Everything we suffer from started in 1913. Hedges is way behind the curve. Reich is a Rhodes elitist white racist slave owner of an unwitting society.

[@ashleelara]

same dude. with a lot more critcal eyes for robert reich for espousing hilary and not paying attention to chris hedges for the underlying power that exist beyond the white

[@shawnmc6561]

I like this Chris Hedges. How come i've never heard of him? Oh yeah, that's right! The establishment doesn't want me to know who he is.

[@BonRain8734]

Gee...maybe it has something to do with where YOUR attention has been placed. I've been listening to Chris Hedges for YEARS! But it's always easier to blame something or someone else for our own failure to inform ourselves...right? ;-)

[@stuartspence9921]

arawshi, where you place your attention is the direct result of your upbringing, nationality, and education. Don't ever think that you're somehow special. The moment you think you're above this crap is the moment you become an idiot.

[@xbluebells]

Check Chris Hedges out at Truthdig! He is a national treasure!

[@shawnmc6561]

+Sarandib22 thank you.

[@williamschnabl7228]

Ernst Hemingway came came to his defense?

[@the81kid]

I like Robert Reich a lot, and I understand his position. But Chris Hedges has it right here.

[@raffy_rodriguez]

Chris had me at "we have no time left". He's right, it's time to stop playing paddy-cakes with the 2-party system. Our circumstances compel us to reject it in it's entirety because our lives literally depend on it.

[@chamboyette853]

I agree with you on all counts.

[@justgivemethetruth]

Hedges relies on these very strict but impractical moral absolutes to undercut all action by the Left ... he is a tool of the establishment to enervate the opposition. Hedges is really the absolute worst and most deadly kind of virus against change and the life force.

[@giveus-libertyortoxinsdnc-2011]

the81kid..... yes.... and RR does blatent sounding 'mistaken' reframing attempt for what CHedges clearly means in saying "political wilderness" -- at least by 11:00 still rambling on the fear stuff.... FEAR Dem DNC DemGOP.... Jesus, only if looking at past year's DNC (and, use of Bernie to get at the populations that more than dislike / are onto not buying the cheerleading type coronation fear based / vote systems fraud etc installment of yet another Clinton regime crap Bush regime appeasing and what was Obama largely continuance and not near what is needed).. even just what had taken place in last year would be enough to exile most of the DemGOP elitists and fear monger teams, if we were strong / not largely sedated and gutted republic. Hedges is right on what the needs are when speaking of "structural" (Though im not sure why he brought up TedCruz)

[@giveus-libertyortoxinsdnc-2011]

+GiveUS-Liberty OrGiveUs-Pizza RR, you say "practical" what kind of practice is practical that fully ignores and incrementally guts m9re and more chances for healthy and true democracy / healthy lives in usa and overseas. RR, come on.... You know hrClinton is somwhere between Bush and Cheney (and half the time can manage her prescription drugs well enough to sound like she care's.... ya, a bit of the Bill type charm facade and co-opt what big data tells her to espouse to, to get away with murders while being corporate colonial war monger and ecological bastard.

[@berkeleysightings]

Watching this in 2020 after Bernie dropped out early and endorsed Biden, this hits so much harder than it did back then

[@interesting7906]

Sanders has finally been unmasked for what he always was a DNC operative, a false flag and a fraud.

[@chioma3100]

@@interesting7906 No. I believe history will look back more kindly on Sanders as we are now looking at Nader for 2000. I kick myself for being ignorant of so many things. It is about waking people up. My Boomer mom calls the protests riots. I have been trying to explain to her what is going on and to get her to open her eyes to our reality. Her social security is lessened either under Biden or Trump. She's a California resident just as I am and our votes can support a 3rd party. If you are going to get less under either, use your vote to support funding for a 3rd party. I would vote 3rd even in a swing state. No more kicking the can down the road. George Floyd's death sparked the people's movement--more progressives in Congress, socialism not a dirty word, ball players striking for human rights. If Sanders had actually run 3rd party, more would've sat back and waited for him to make progress when he has said all along that real change happens from the bottom up.

[@interesting7906]

@@chioma3100 Worst possible comparison. Nader has walked the walk, Sanders just wants to be a DNC operative and a player. It has played the same game since McGovern candidacy in the 90's, that of a sheepdog to herd the left to the democratic party only to get their ideal butchered and made into hamburgers by the machine.

[@chioma3100]

@@interesting7906 My point is that it will take an uprising of the people for real change. Imagine if Bernie had won. Gridlock from both sides. No Med4All. Now there are numerous possibilities because it has gotten so bad for so many. People can't just tune out.

[@interesting7906]

​@@chioma3100 You lost me there...you want M4A but you elect the candidate that doesn't want it or support it just to avoid the gridlock? DO you think that if Biden is elected there will be no gridlock? LOL

[@Larvemannenz001]

"You can't build a movement in a political system where money has replaced the vote."

[@andynull8869]

We have always been a plutocracy not a democracy. Ol boy habit die hard....It would require revolution which the slaves in America need motivation aka collective suffering. This is the decline without education and transparency nothing will change. Liberals did very little on this front. I say let it rot... No Gods No Masters

[@garolstipock]

I could listen to these two fellows all day. Chris Hedges, a fearless man for a fear-filled time. I love how he will not shine a light up your pooter and try to sell you sunshine. He articulates so well the truth of the lives so many struggle to live day to day, most especially those that are in the process of the struggle to live day to day. The number of those seem to grow all the while what I see on the news is how great we are doing economically.

[@nolaboyneworleans4life464]

if your a Wall Street con man life and the economy is great.

[@wsegen]

"you're" .....sorry:)

[@Robusti09]

Democrats should lay out a constructive&job creating plan to speed up the process of transforming the energy production to sustainable/clean energy production. Also lay out a real plan for rebuilding infra. That would win many of Sanders supporters as many of them are sincere&intelligent. It is actually very easy to prove that we have changed the climate already(added 40% co2 since pre-industrial) There is for ex. no debate, if we have GG-gasses in atmosphere(co2 is the second largest contributor to that after water vapor and the total effect is 33C. Also co2 contributes roughly 10-20% to this phenomena), Gulf-Stream is stalled about South-Englands lattitude, North Poles ice melting is record high, methane is bursting from Alaska&Siberia&Arctic Ocean, resent draughts in Amazon, corals are near to experience huge collapse and also the whole ecosystem in the oceans(land also) is in tremendous risk to collapse. Just overturn republicans claims about climate change clearly and loudly. Paul Beckwith from University of Ottawa is very clear explaining matters concerning climate change. I"d invite Him to talk/debate climate change. He can see links between different matters very clearly and thus can explain&argue clearly also. Do not use this "science guy" Bill Nye, as he focuses on wrong things like 97% of scientist agree etc. Just deal with the reality. USA could be a leading force in greentech with so many skilled engineers and scientist and that would turn in to jobs relatively soon. Greentech is growing with exponential rates. would be stupid&dangerous not to try speed up that more. After seeing Tim Kaines speech in senate March 10, 2014 about climate change, am pretty sure that Clinton as a realistic candidate is better than Trump for the whole world. Clinton should also promise Sanders a place in cabinet and apologize Him for the unfair that her campaign has made.

[@twochordcool]

Democrats don't plan on doing anything or demanding anything that will ask for big money or big sacrifices from the wealthy or corporations - which means they won't do a fucking thing until they are forced to - they want Hillary in to maintain the status quo for as long as they can keep it going.

[@mhikl4484]

I wasn't terrible pleased with Mr Hedges' early thoughts on Bernie. But Bernie seems to have jumped sides so maybe Chris was right all along. Maybe Bernie hasn't jumped sides. Maybe he has another card up his sleeve. Can he still toss his hat into the ring and run as an independent, or is that card dead in the water. Could he still jump in with Jill. Other wise, I can never give the man a serious listen, ever again. Hillary will do nothing. So Trump is the best bet. He can do no worse than Husband Clinton did and Obama failed to do. Maybe the empire's expiry date has arrived. Let who ever is the next President, haul out his or her violin, and play while the fires roar.

[@nevadataylor]

Chris Hedges nailed it, capitalism is at the root cause of our economic discourse!

[@tommystizzle6560]

Thats not what he said. Unregulated capitalism yes, but you are oversimplifying the problems.

[@rebelsnappingturtle5097]

Greed

[@Nine-Signs]

@@tommystizzle6560 I assure you, Chris is most ardently anti capitalist. As was Einstein, for good reason it would seem, and no matter how you "regulate" it, the fact will remain that no amount of solar panels, wind turbines, electric cars, green new deal growth agendas, no new REGULATIONS nor any new taxes, and no technology today, nor any coming down the road, will ever be able to allow a perpetual growth consumption based socioeconomic belief system such as capitalism, to outrun the immutable physics, of our finite world, of which it has been in breach of for the last 30 years straight, growing worse every day. So you can either cling on to your belief in capitalism and watch the world burn due to your ignorance, or be a more enlightened person and rail against it but still watch the world burn due to the ignorance of others. Only one of them allows for a clear conscience on your death bed.

[@Nine-Signs]

@@rebelsnappingturtle5097 Greed is incentivised and rewarded. Altruism, vocation, mutual respect, and co-operation, all the things a mother naturally teaches a child, are not. welcome to capitalism.

[@scholarwork6060]

Not capitalism, monopoly capitalism and the oligarchy

[@fieldlab4]

A phenomenal debate. Hedges is taking no prisoners . Required viewing.

[@fieldlab4]

hedges for president

[@fieldlab4]

Potemkin villages. Wow.

[@fieldlab4]

money replaced the vote...

[@notrombones5041]

This is the real deal. No FoxNooz BS-fluff. 2 Smart guys going at it, pretty respectfully, IMO. Note: These 2 target each other's IDEAS. No ad hominem bs. We need more debates like this. Makes me damn proud of the "Librul Media". Go Democracy Now!!

[@nidurnevets]

Hedges just states the problem over and over again. But what is his answer? Reich says he agrees with him on the problems, but where do we go from here as the election is very soon. When FDR became president during the Great Depression, he didn't know if his solutions would work at all, but he knew that things had to be tried immediately. Just talking over and over again about what is wrong with this country would have gotten us no where. An imperfect action is better than no action, just talk.

[@RyanFreid]

Chris Hedge's commentary is pretty amazing to listen to four years into the future.

[@BoogieDownProduction]

Agreed. Although, one thing Reich was right about is the dangers of Trump. Military in cities, just ruled reporters dont have protection in portland against being arrested by police. Trumps talk about the election being rigged, mobilizing right wing nut jobs, list goes on and on.

[@BoogieDownProduction]

@SamuraiKage1 I like the thought but I dont think it matches up with reality. If they really wanted to win they would be campaigning on something popular like M4A. Biden doesnt. Corp dems are fine with losing, they prefer power but if they lose, they still get low taxes and then they get to fundraise against Trump for 4 more years. For 4 more years they can pretend everything is Trump fault (it is but they arent stopping him).

[@dashriprock8596]

Chris is on fire today. I love this guy.

[@Qingeaton]

All people I respect. Hedges is always spot on, Robert works the edge within the system, we need that too. The hosts are one of the few sources for news that is not from the "approved media" Thank you all.

[@TheJSmithBA]

Hardly, Robert Reich is a idiot Keynesian, socialist economist. He favors socialist policies to close the income and wealth gap that Keynesianism, which he also supports, brought to an extreme level in the USA. Really, he is a sad excuse for an economist, an intellectual, basically anything to do with having a brain. He should be given absolutely zero consideration when determining who to vote for.

[@Beadbud5000]

I wholeheartedly agree! Both!

[@Qingeaton]

Thanks for stating an opinion as if it were a fact. Seems to be a trend here on youtube.

[@fieldlab4]

+TheJsmith BA you forgot to mention your alternative.

[@inforesearchpro]

momo So what exactly do you mean by that?  What are the issues you are referring to?

[@theprofessorfate6184]

As usual, Hedges crushes the Reich, the Billarybot.

[@Zaccheus4]

Hedges point is truly idiotic. He's literally saying let's end neoliberalism, because it's so harmful, by replacing it with protofacism which is 40 times worse. Goddamnit Bernie or busters you need to grow up.

[@theprofessorfate6184]

Zaccheus4 So what do you propose? More Billary? LOL

[@theprofessorfate6184]

KimJongBill No, he can't. He was too busy agreeing with Reich and not listening to Hedges.

[@criticalthinking5077]

+Zaccheus4 That is not what Hedges is saying at all. Bernie-or-Busters don't need to grow up because what they're fighting for is something every independent thinking adult wants.

[@theprofessorfate6184]

Critical Thinking "growing up" to him is maintaining status quo.

[@masonch06]

Mr. Reich, no matter what happens in this election, if the petroleum industry is not stopped cold right now, there is no future.

[@liamj2363]

And if Trump gets to appoint up to 3 supreme court justices you'll never get through any meaningful climate change legislation ever again.

[@greenpeace4246]

+Liam J As if Clinton who is wearing a million dollar fossil fuel jacket would too make any adequate change for the climate. She said she's against the TPP while she was the champion for it when she was still the Secretary of State. I think it's high time for ppl to wake and smell the coffee. Clinton is a corporate puppet who would never bring any positive changes for the ppl wholeheartedly.

[@markkilian1859]

I drive a semi truck for a living and some states like NY have laws against idling trucks. Funny how it's illegal to leave a baby or a pet in a hot vehicle but the guy who delivers your shit has to die from heat stroke. Go fuck yourself I am idling my truck right now and I feel comfortable as shit. Turn off your A/C at night so YOU don't contribute to emissions

[@bodaddly]

That's why we need electric semi's.

[@georgejones3375]

+Mark Kilian Stay cool pal. I hear you. We all need to realize this transition will take time. We need to get homes and business independent first as we get passenger cars and bikes. Our trucks will take time as the battery power to carry the load haven't been developed yet.

[@mshakespearek]

And now 5 years later, Chris H was right- Its so scary

[@4tech69]

I'm a fan of Robert Reich but cheerleading HRC as a good or great president is a losing propagation. Trump is a menace. HRC is a menace. The two party system is a menace.

[@charliechaplin7959]

4tech69 Hillary was shit but shit sure looks good right now. She would have been pressured from the left to get re elected. Trump is pressured by nazis.

[@mattheww797]

@@charliechaplin7959 What are you talking about?! Trump has saved this country and ushered in a new society. He was appointed by a higher power to lead America to greatness

[@charliechaplin7959]

Okay Matt. And when did you join the nazi party?

[@cliffgaither]

@@charliechaplin7959 *_::_* *_Good Point -- NOW !_* *_But what to do when facing THE SH@T we knew of clinton back then ?!_*

[@Frankincensedjb123]

And you're an ill informed idiot

[@paulcruickshank2105]

I'm not American, but Hillary scares me a lot more than Trump... I can't believe Americans want to vote for either of them

[@garolstipock]

Crazy right! Out of 330,000,000 souls our choices are these two. Whew. . .

[@paulcruickshank2105]

gurney85 American elections take so long and cost so much, for what, to scape the bottom of the barrel. It boggles the mind lol

[@jemalmcquiller9113]

The ONLY Reason Donald Trump scares you is because you have been brainwashed by THE Global main street media. Wake up sir

[@paulcruickshank2105]

Jemal McQuiller trump doesn't scare me... Hillary does

[@BTiffney71]

I agree, Hillary is much more dangerous. Trump knows nothing about politics and won't get anything done. Hillary knows very well how to work the system, she has influence and she's above the law. Adding the power of the US president to that would be a recipe for disaster.

[@Rootcauses451]

What Chris is saying that the bus was without breaks for the longest time and the only way you can save yourself is to jump, you are going to get hurt but will have better odds than plunging off the cliff inside of the bus.

[@itsolivier]

well said you cant go with the the larger of two evils because you want to save a bankrupt establishment, theyve proven they are limitlessness corrupt.

[@Shove72]

That's it in a nutshell.

[@benzjim]

if it were between trump and clinton, I probably would vote trump, as I think this country can stand 4 years of trump, but 4 years of clinton, we would have a dictator. and I believe that

[@modemmark421]

A Trump win will be Hillary's decision; it is Hillary's choice, and HERS alone. Bernie Sanders said "It is incumbent upon [Hillary Clinton]" to EARN (!!!) the votes of the American citizens. Bernie Sanders Supporters make up nearly half of the Dem electorate, and a majority of the Independent voters. It is up to Hillary to demonstrate that SHE wishes to represent Us Middle Class and Working Class Americans (not just her Corporate handlers and Big money donors) by pushing policy, in writing, that will benefit the Working Class and Middle Class of America. SHE can demonstrate this by pushing; No Fracking, No TPP, No TTIP, etc., and YES Tuition Free College, YES Net Neutrality, YES Whistle Blower Protection, YES Election Oversight/Reform, YES Single Payer Med, YES to Bernie Sanders' Agenda, THAT is what WE want from Hillary for Our Votes!!! Once she demonstratively acknowledges this, we will all support HER, and we will watch her like Hawks. Otherwise; no. Why should we vote for someone who has no interest in representing Us??? If Hillary does not want our votes, then Jill Stein does. It is Hillary's choice.

[@slagatta]

In different ways, that's what they're both saying.

[@the4thhorseman840]

Chris tells it like it is. It's awesome and depressing at the same time.

[@joshrj7]

As a conservative, my admiration for Chris Hedges is quite unlike anything. Left or right, we need more voices like him.

[@L98fiero]

I'm not a conservative but I agree, I too admire Chris Hedges and left or right, we need more voices like him.

[@ATX691]

I love Chris Hedges. His voice is an important one in modern America. Robert Reich strikes me as a coward.

[@Zeuts85]

It's not cowardice. It's wisdom. He wants the same things we all do, but he was right--we made no progress during the Trump era. We just became more divided and polarized. If we'd have had 4 years of a tepid, corporate sellout like Clinton it would have given the left more time to organize instead of fighting to reclaim lost ground.

[@JamieNixx]

Reich is definitely a coward. My god, he was labor secretary during nafta, & to think he didn’t have a say in it would be naive. By the way, you never make progress inside of the Democratic Party. It only comes from the outside. It’s been that way all throughout history.

[@BenjiIrby]

GO CHRIS HEDGES GO! Who is this man? I love him!

[@uptoit100]

You can see him On Contact, his new program on RT.com which can also be found on youtube. He interviewed Richard Wolfe in his last segment. You will see some great discussions there.

[@dennisburke6735]

So Hillary Clinton more Austerity, higher taxes, less jobs, destroy education, lower wages. Donald Trump no big money political influence, higher wages, more jobs, rebuild America, more education, better relations with other countries. Give me a break, who's being stupid!

[@randyrand1401]

A smart man.

[@johnhandcock3242]

I like Reich, but he is absolutely wrong here. He is essentially saying we should kick the can down the road, and hope things get better. But that won't work, at least not for the foreseeable future. In 20 years, sure, maybe it could happen, but that's too long to wait.

[@uptoit100]

John Handcock Reich is a gadfly. I don't see what there is to like about him. I find him detestable. He represents all the things that make me want to puke. It's not the whole story but there is a lot to what Denise Burke says.

[@poohORpoe]

Chris Hedges is brilliant.

[@hategreed1]

Not only brilliant, but self-sacrificing, heroic, perhaps the world's greatest father (his love for his children is the motivation in all of his heroism) and far far better than the average American bear. Hedges has the stuff that hundreds of millions of us need, and without it, we face a very grim future of enslavement, impoverishment, and incarceration (because we are excess population and labor no longer needed).

[@lucyplasencia5093]

Chris Hedges for President!!!

[@Nekura2000]

Robert doesn't get it. If Hillary wants to win the presidency, she needs to win over the people who currently don't want to vote for her. When Robert says vote for her to avoid having Donald win, it's a statement that says, Hillary doesn't have to win over our votes. I might have to vote for Hillary in the end, if I can't see Jill on the Idaho ballot or she's unlikely to win a good portion of the country. But I won't be voting out of fear, but because of a lack of options.

[@MardukGKoB]

Jill isn't on the ballot in Idaho yet - you can help! www.jill2016.com/idaho_ballot_access

[@greysilverback3924]

I like Robert,But I agree with your statement.

[@virginiajaworski9993]

Why not just vote for Trump?

[@zwergie256]

+Ad C And everyone needs to sign the petition to get Jill into the debates. Anyone can sign: www.jill2016.com/openthedebatespetition

[@Nekura2000]

I think I may have signed twice now, but hopefully they find such a thing as a sign of something being really important. But I agree, letting the elite know what we want will help.

[@brucevilla7490]

It looks now like Hedges was right on the money.

[@ijoey44]

How prophetic this debate turned out to be.

[@ladamyre1]

Reich just lost the respect I used to have for him. He will not open his eyes and see the truth that Chris and others have seen, that the system is completely broken and that there is no chance to reform the system from within. There is no other alternative now but revolution. The only question is this: Will it be a peaceful or violent revolution? "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." - John F. Kennedy

[@nash984954]

Hear, hear “Nothing is as frustrating as arguing with someone who knows what he's/she's talking about.”-Sam Ewing

[@ladamyre1]

***** Sychophant is what I used to think he was. That's a kind interpretation and he gained my respect when he endorsed Bernie Sanders because I thought he (and Bernie) had been in revolt against the establishment, that a peaceful revolution was in the works. But they both have shown what they really are. Either they are foolish, wide-eyed, and naive sychophants of a DNC they think they can somehow reform or they are shills for a ruling oligarchy, and were never in any real revolution. They were engaged in a propaganda exercise designed to fool yet another generation (of Democrats) into thinking their vote matters.

[@SmashtheCmachine]

Violent. Not to encourage it (although at this point, I want to see it), but it's clear democrats haven't learned their lesson.

[@westsidegranny6100]

Bernie and/ or Elizbeth will prevewwas obviously threatho nt a revolution. Tied. He is too smart to back HILL isen time for change. Listen to Chris. Not the guy

[@Shelora]

You were right three years ago. And now for the peaceful revolution. Bernie is healthier now than he was five years ago.

[@81tystacks]

I'm with u Chris, you were spot on with your analysis of this political climate in which we find ourselves.

[@war2bird]

Chris Hedges makes it plain. Respect !

[@reubenvalles917]

Wow, Mr Chris Hedges absolutely nails it here! He is right on almost all counts!

[@ritamariekelley6943]

Thank You, Chris Hedges, for expressing genuine anger over unthinkable injustice.

[@Hecate2011]

I absolutely 100% agree with Hedges as to what Sanders should have done, and that is walk away from the Democratic party and run as an independent. Now, he's lost all momentum and devastated most of his supporters. Just sad.

[@imperialdragon4203]

👍

[@TMIDiva]

Sanders really isn't a Democrat. He's a Socialist. They're different breeds of cat. He got traction by being considered a Demo. That traction crashed and burned....but it was compelling while it lasted and I hope that he stays in the public arena. We need guys like him and not just as president.

[@rebel3442]

Bernie would not have gotten the indie off the ground without people knowing who he was, just think about how few people had even heard of him (myself being one of the few that had followed Bernie and his idea's for many years ) before running in the democratic primary. If we are serious about making a viable 3rd party for 2020 we need to start organizing now. It takes time to get people to accept the policies that they already agree with after the constant pounding of the main st media propaganda drum ringing in their ears day after day. We have to convince people to vote for their own self interests.

[@Hecate2011]

I think he's actually a "real," certainly left of centre, Democrat. A real one. An actual progressive liberal human. He has socialist ideas and they are good ones. As opposed to the Neo Liberals who talk the talk, but absolutely do not walk the walk.

[@damnndanniel9790]

yea but what is walking the walk? are you really ready to die for this? im sorry but it does not seem like a peaceful solution is near. this is what im scared of in bernie supporters. you wont be outside when the battles really need to be won. when it could kill you or your family.

[@tschak909]

What Hedges is saying, are things that must be done now. What Reich is saying, are things that should have been done, a decade ago.

[@randyrapaport2806]

Reich’s influence has little reach-he’s useless.

[@Shelora]

Fox in the Snow Whaaaaat?

[@squatch545]

Never Hillary !!!!

[@hategreed1]

NEVER TRUMP, NEVER HILLARY.

[@retyfuller4641]

What did the REPS or DEMS do for American PPL in the LAST 30 years! THEY destroyed the Middle Class !

[@inforesearchpro]

The dems only starting destroying the middleclass when Bill became president, the GOP has been rigging the system for over 100 years. Polish up on some history and you will understand.

[@proshot1]

I have polished up on history and find the facts don't support your claim. Labor unions use to force Dems to support people. LBJ may have support the poor but he spent much more on war contractors. You can't find a Dem that didn't support banksters.

[@nidurnevets]

In an ideal world maybe. But one of them will be president in our system of government

[@AgentRafa]

Chris Hedges nails it. Brutal honesty.

[@LiberaLib]

not buying what reich's selling here.

[@boristabareag3598]

The first 5 minutes of Chris Hedges should be memorized by any conscious person not only in USA, but in any country today. Truths as solid as rock.

[@nolaboyneworleans4life464]

I agree with Chris. Sanders should have ran third party.

[@GrandmaCathy]

100%!!

[@andynull8869]

but he didn't now look at where he is....The system can't be reformed....It is up to the people now and unconventional ways.

[@theoriginalcttheoriginalct6938]

The force is strong in Chris Hedges. I really appreciate his passion and am very much frustrated by the nonsense as well.

[@loonatic1011]

Gotta love Chris Hedges

[@Marxist2]

Hedges, you rule. Everything you say is unfortunately correct. Love your wisdom.

[@Erik-py4jm]

I'm voting Stein, I will never vote for Hillary, would have loved to vote for Bernie.

[@L98fiero]

So, after Biden was elected, Bernie and _all_ the 'progressive' Democrats sold out on *everything* they campaigned on, would you still vote for him or them? Watch the AOC meetings where she and her 'security' shut down all criticism of he sell outs.

[@raffy_rodriguez]

This debate needs to continue. This should have been a full hour.

[@peacefreedom4930]

Thank you Chris Hedges! You spoke nothing but the truth. You were spot on.

[@kameelfarag1981]

I agree with Chris about something I also said more than 3 months ago, that Sanders should run as independent. I am republican who moved to become democrat to support Sanders, and now I am deeply disappointed. I disagree with Reich to vote for a dishonest person.

[@YaoEspirito]

Hedges is a spigot of truth and righteousness. I love how, as he speaks, he opens the spigot wider and wider, funneling outrage.

[@patpowers9210]

I'm only halfway through this debate, and already it's absolutely the best discussion I've heard on the the neoliberal problem ever. Kudoes to Democracy Now! Frankly, I've been leaning towards voting Hillary, but Hedges has made some powerful points.

[@theferalprogressive1160]

I agree with you Pat. I was Bernie or Bust and was going to write in Bernie. Then I moved toward Jill Stein. And now, I'm more torn than ever. I despise Hillary's policies or lack of real policy changes. I am furious at her inability to reach out to us Sanders supporters and even more furious at her incredible FU to us by appointing DWS as her "honorary" chairperson of her campaign! That's equivalent of publicly endorsing her collusion with the DNC and the media to try to destroy Sanders. How is that winning my support? I am disgusted by the Clinton surrogates and supporters actions against Sanders supporters on the Internet, at the NV convention, in the media and at the national convention. I don't want to vote for her just as an FU right back at her. But I know Riech is correct. I don't want to harm this country and destroy this movement by giving any chances to Trump. She still has time to win my vote. I'm anxiously waiting for her to at least try.

[@sues6847]

the dnc filled Bernie's delegate seats by paying $50 per day on a craigslist add. Does that sound like a party that you can support? If you are ok with millions of American voices being disenfranchised go ahead and vote for Hillary. I won't.

[@michaelbacks2973]

I think she still takes checks to give you a speech (ugg). She won't get mine. It's either Gary Johnson or Jill Stein, but I know they are wasted and wont accomplish anything. 2020 is going to be a roller coaster, if we make it. And that kinda says it all, I'd NEVER vote for Trump and do understand it would be (only) slightly better under Clinton, but the continual slide into feudalism is what is going to occur under Clinton. Yes, she would appoint better SCOTUS than Trump, but her VP is atrocious. I would like to believe in Reich's view of the future, but Hedges isn't wrong either, and his awareness is more inline with David Brin's book, The Transparent Society, prescient.

[@inforesearchpro]

We can't risk the GOP for 4 to 8 years, the nail will be permanently in our coffin. game over.

[@patpowers9210]

The Feral Progressive Well the only way I can think of to justify a Hillary vote is to build a strong third party to challenge the Democrats in 2018 and 2020. We need to spend the next four years with our thumbs in the eyes of DNC centrists, win or lose. This will almost certainly result in a Republican victory in 2020, but maybe by then we'll have enough seats in the Court to keep the Republic intact while we either take over or displace the Democratic Party. Because you can bet your sweaty balls that the Dems will be singing the same song to progressives NEXT election as well ... and the next one, and the next one, until we break the cycle.

[@litesp]

I really respect Dr. Reich, and I think his fears about Trump are warranted, but his support for Hillary is a tragic but not unexpected mistake.

[@charliechaplin7959]

litesp no it wasn't.

[@mxferro]

I agree..i too respect and listen to Richard...but his repeated backing and endorsement of that bitch HILLARY is REALLY getting old..he needs to stop being so cautious and reach out past the democrats and ignore HILLARY.

[@jon-snow-GOT]

@@charliechaplin7959 yup he worked in Bill's administration and was hoping for a job from Hilary

[@shayanshokrgozar]

Great to see Chris Hedges. A true source of inspiration and one of my favorite authors. Thank you for your comments about Ralph Nader, he is definitely a hero.

[@sloanranger6117]

Sorry, Mr. Reich - you've lost me now. I know truth when it speaks & it seems to be coming from Mr. Hedges. We are sick unto nausea of 'strategic' voting - that's what got us into our present position... is it not?

[@dustin8420]

It's odd that this never showed up in my subscriptions... awesome debate. Chris hedges gets my respect.

[@SuperSm68]

What a smart man, articulate and incisive! Chris Hedges is the kind of person who should be in politics.

[@uptoit100]

Politics is too low for Chris Hedges, especially nowadays.

[@charleslawson1788]

Chris Hedges is the man! I know he was a field reporter for the NYT for like 8 years and a graduate from the ivy league on his way to seminary.

[@davidhutchinson6377]

I respect them all. Dr. Reich, Chris Hedges, Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.

[@moto2kx2]

How refreshing it is! To hear the Truth no matter how disturbing those truths are. Thankyou Chris!

[@dolcedolente]

Hedges is ON FIRE! Love this guy!

[@john-hill]

I want my money back Bernie.. You lying now

[@ronaldriddick]

This was a great debate!!! Keep doing this Democracy Now!! Chris Hedges is great!!

[@thomasbrooch8697]

NO FEAR, fear has kept us chained for decades. End the duopoly, vote Stein don't fall inline!!!!

[@kinetix8564]

Reich and Hedges had a great debate! Definitely great points from Reich, but I personally support Chris Hedges.

[@lisamariebarker6816]

chris hedges radiates a very powerful energy! Love and Light world!

[@tedged]

Hedges is one of my favorite people in the world. I admire and respect him. I genuinely love him.

[@winstonsmith-ministryoftru1609]

I am trying to like this video 1000 times. Chris Hedges FTW!

[@bradkirsch368]

Voting for the lesser evil is voting for evil. I've held my nose and voted Democratic for 30 years. NO MORE. I'm voting Jill Stein.

[@jimhemphill2841]

If it was Hitler vs Hillary, would you vote Green lol

[@murraymadness4674]

There should have a been a 'write-in' campaign for Bernie in 2016 AND in 2020. Reich was right about the dangers of Trump.

[@channalmath8628]

Hedges has his "not happy" face on listening to Reich, which is different from his resting "fire-and-brimstone" face.

[@ArtKrishnamurti]

We need part 2 of this convo ASAP

[@dany8822]

I’d say the protesting in the streets is part 2 of this discussion! I think Hedges, as is so often the case, turned out spot on. I voted for HRC in 2016 out of brain conditioning and fear and have regretted it every day since.

[@arimagoo4687]

2 very candid and very informed people! Thanks for posting this interview!

[@YiannisPho]

Chris Hedges offers one of the most insightful and true analyses I have heard for a long time.

[@Praylak]

Hedges, you just unloose him, he'll open a blind man's eyes. A great man.

[@josephtudino5985]

Can we have a rematch of this for 2020?

[@TheUltimateRage]

Sorry Robert Reich, but you just lost me as a fan. Chris Hedges, however, has just GAINED a new follower! I will NOT tolerate any of this "Fear Trump" bullshit!

[@antshiva]

Avid Bernie supporter, now listening to Trump Videos, where does he actually state that he is racist?

[@init4fun]

I love Hedges.

[@Ben-vf8jv]

This debate should have been allowed to go on for hours.

[@jthegenius]

This is still relevant!!

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

"I've known Hillary for 50 years, I supported Bernie" lol.

[@jamesthomas1244]

This was an exceptional discussion. I would love to see more of these two together. Thank you.

[@jayjenkins8631]

well said Hedges Bravo

[@nutcheck3]

This debate was so substantive. I'm a committed buster, but I so happy to hear this. I wish the corporate media would even entertain such ideas.

[@farmboycarl]

I could listen to the truth all day, and no one states it better than Chris Hedges. The last 6 minutes of this debate is exhilarating.

[@jltorres6320]

Chris is so well read and has so much depth. He didn't look engaged at all with Reich. Reich was just repeating the same, tired arguments Chris pointed out at the beginning.

[@MT-sh5mf]

Chris Hedges was right! B. had to walk away and run as an independent. Yes, I also, as B. supporter, and still, even more, as millions felt was be traded for not running as an independent.

[@AdrianBroadnax]

Bringing feelings and fallacies into a debate against Chris Hedges is absolutely insane. Robert Reich's butt is going to sting for years after this spanking.

[@Malakabousti]

America is it's own menace. Reich is banging his head against his capitalist wall. What a malaka! Greetings from Fresno Adrian

[@AdrianBroadnax]

Alex Papadopoulos Good to hear from you, fihlos!

[@murphyjanitorial]

Chris Hedges makes clear sense of this mess.

[@ivanfloresvazquez7490]

"Someone who will set back the progressive movement decades if not more", well, it's been four years and the progressive movement seems stronger than ever in recent history, so Robert Reich was very wrong there, I'd say.

[@DrJoshGuitar]

Stronger than ever? Then why is Joe Biden the nominee for the Democrats?? Bernie should have walked away from the Democrats and started "The Progressive Party", but he didn't and we are NOT better off after having Trump for 4 years. Reich was correct.

[@ivanfloresvazquez7490]

@@DrJoshGuitar Because the DNC and the progressive movement are two separate entities, with very little in common other than Bernie, AOC, etc., simp for the DNC and are too scared to get away from it, but regardless, they managed to make medicare for all, green new deal, etc., very popoular policies, even for republicans. It's just that both republicans and democrats have become too tribalistic to support the policies they want; instead, they support "their team"

[@manuelf1181]

If more people voted for Stein the Green Party would have had more influence on this upcoming election. But the majority decided to vote for the pieces shit that was fed to them.

[@stevenwilliams9359]

It's now Election of 2020, America's choice of US Presidency: Option A)The Angry-Orange Monster!!! Option B) False Hope -Obama- Biden!

[@chioma3100]

Same outcome. Biden isn't polling as high as Clinton in 2016 in swing states.

[@izzaduck8896]

Perhaps you should say "ONLY hope Biden" IF you want to continue living in a democratic republic in 2021. The two party system is outdated as is the electoral college. But lasting change doesn't occur overnight. Reform happens one step at a time. Secure freedom and democracy this year and keep PUSHING for CHANGE...

[@lilithgrrrl]

Chris Hedges still as prescient as ever 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I like Robert Reich and I think his heart is in the right place, but Chris is prophetic

[@jessicaparker8655]

"I'm going to continue to beat my head against the wall, as I have done for 40 years" says Reich. If that is not the best reason I've heard to vote for Stein now, I don't know what is.

[@jriesmeyer]

Well, HRC said she didn't need Bernie supporters votes, so this one is staying home.

[@jriesmeyer]

+Kat Gandee Jill won't get anywhere, will be crushed much easier than Bernie was. She's on 23 state ballots, right there is where Celery will stop her or even reverse those state ballots somehow, she'll resort to anything it takes. I'll still vote for down ticket candidates, but leaving the president box blank. I don't think it matters, this scam election has been rigged, fixed, from start to finish. I'll go as far as saying we see the police being armed with military equipment because there's a not so peaceful protest coming.

[@xavierpalin3616]

+Jennifer Claypoole Miller not trying to be rude but if you feel the way you feel about hillary or trump and think jill stein has no chance why not just vote for jill anyways and at least use your vote to tell the establishment you will not take their duopoly party system any longer rather than not participate in voting and remain unheard. You already lost if you don't even vote because that's what they want you to do

[@Carobmoth]

It's nice to hear a discussion with people who seem honest. Reich is not pretending to be thrilled at supporting Clinton, and Hedges is not pretending that Trump is not dangerous. I feel like I came away from this interview more informed, and less frightened. Corporate news frightens me with all the clips of Trump looking like Mousellini(sp?) and all the Clinton supporters being mean to the Sanders crowd.

[@billdingsite5]

I wonder if Robert Reich watches this now and thinks, what was I smoking to spout such BS. Bernie killed his progressive movement.

[@carolinecorman1716]

2020 and what has changed?

[@bryanhitchcock7662]

Hedges is a beast. Be afraid, he sees you.

[@u238willy]

WOW! 2nd time Bernie gets beat by Corp. Dems and this video is GREAT after ANOTHER 4 years...

[@ArchLingAdvNolan]

Vote Green. Jill Stein 2016. And Chris Hedges VP!!!

[@osamahkiwan85]

15:25 I really wish Bernie Sanders in this 2020 campaigned as a third party instead of being dictated by the corrupt DNC.

[@J2016-z3x]

The Corrupt DNC.?? Bernie the Communist Wanna Bring Even Worse than We already Have in America with the CORRUPT DEMOCRATS. Democracy DOESN’T MEAN DEMOCRATS. Morons...

[@Franz19970]

Looking back Bernie really missed his place in history. If he would have ran, it would have changed the political landscape. Even if he lost, would have forced the Democrats left or created a viable 3rd party for 2020

[@zeperoon]

Please continue this conversation with Hedges and Reich by inviting them back to debate!

[@madtown99980]

Reich was absolutely owned by Hedges on this show

[@denislavg]

What we do right now? Very simple - throw killery out and choose Bernie Sanders. If you really love America § the humanity, the earth

[@denislavg]

Bernie is not brave enough to break the rules. Trump is a conman, hillary - a conwaman. Choosing between gonorrhea and syphilis...

[@sinshoe5870]

+Kevin C You cannot have free markets in capitalism. Capitalism requires the owners to steal a portion of the fruits of the workers labor. overtime this creates wealth inequality which is linked to power inequality. the capitalist then seek the state due to their monopoly on the use of force to skew the markets in their favor through bogus regulations, trade deals, subsidies, and tax breaks for the big business which the smaller and entrepreneurial businesses cannot get. If you really want to liberate and give power to the people and have free markets which sustain themselves, you have to push for libertarian socialism. Only a democratically owned and operated industry will ensure people have a say about the place where they spend most of their adult lives. Both the government and corporations work in collusion with eachother and are oppressive to the people. any concentration of wealth and power is a threat to liberty.

[@greenpeace4246]

I agree about throwing Killary out, but putting Bernie back is never gonna be the same anymore. The truth is Sanders never wanted a real revolution. He's just like Robert Reich who seemingly understand how destructive the democrat is but does not have the courage to lead the revolution to the right way. He betrayed his supporters by telling them to vote against their interest and continued playing the lesser of two evil dead end card. I would not vote for him even if he got magically become the presumptive nominee instead of Clinton. I would vote for Stein any day for sticking with her true progressive principle and have a clear understanding of the real democracy should be heading. Bernie increased the awareness of the ppl but he could not lead the revolution. This job now is left in the hands of the ppl.

[@PoliticalEconomy101]

True dat

[@Qingeaton]

Yeah, "what he said". That is the difference between a real free market, and the one that has been sold to us by those who benefit from the model.

[@elizabethfaraone]

I’m 57 years old. When I was 18, I knew we were living in an oligarchy and at the age of 4, I understood patriarchy and brutal, killer racism. I have always usually voted for the lesser of two evils. Yes, Clinton destroyed welfare and amped up mass incarceration and I was furious. Now look at what Trump did to those children at the border. I predicted that. At the same time, I have often felt despondent throughout my life, being keenly aware of the victims of US policy. Most Americans are selfish AND a lot are not allowed to vote. A third party can not win the Presidency yet. I was happy to see so many people support Bernie. We’ve come a long way baby. But we’re so damn slow that we might destroy this beautiful planet before we evolve. I understand Chris Hedges sense of urgency. Imagine how much better the world would be if Americans had voted for Angela Davis when she ran for President. I voted for her.

[@theinterfaithshepherd9075]

This is the type of show that America really needs. This is the most honest debate I've seen in a long time. Thank you Democracy Now! Please keep it up! Please make it clear how we can support you and your show???

[@jamesbergin8363]

watched Chris hedges speaking outside belmarsh prison in support of julian Assange he was superb can't praise him high enough, go Chris go,a man of truth and dignity, greatest respect and love Chris. James Bergin airdrie Scotland UK. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍💐🙏💐🙏💐🙏👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌷