Why Millions of Americans Vote Against Their Own Self-Interest

[@TypeAshton]

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[@Mike.Muc.3.1415]

Thanks for an important episode. Trump is the undisputed leader of the MAGA movement. MAGA is deeply and openly based on Christian nationalism. Christian nationalism is an highly dangerous and extremely toxic neo-fascist ideology. It is a fundamentalist far-right ideology, based on a strategic alliance between the far right and the fundamentalist Religious Right, aiming at establishing a US theocracy. It advocates for a society in which minority rule by white, conservative Christians is enshrined, democracy be damned. Annika Brockschmidt's Amerikas Gotteskrieger (America's Holy Warriors) (2021) is an excellent must-read on the topic.

[@alexbr550]

Full stop? The hell is that?

[@carlosandresmojicasanabria1272]

so, the Rusophobic germans said, Americans do not vote in favor, but when Biden supporting Genocide in Palestine, and do Absolutely nothing for the American People in 4 years, because Biden was obsessed only with the War in Ucraine, and nothing else. , This, for you, is bad , people vote for another person. let me laffing of you.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

@@alexbr550 she's aging herself again. Only she made me feel even older. Reagan already was raiding social security and the CIA formed out of the Nazis - so kind of ironic she's holding up Germany as some nice model (when they're relying on parasitical debt payments from the PIGS).

[@wissen5410]

correction "Why Millions of Americans Vote IN Their Own Self-Interest"

[@williamlehan4079]

I am an American, and I don’t understand Americans.

[@JohnnyCBCS]

@@williamlehan4079 really? Try understanding Germans, Americans will seem like the friendliest, most easygoing people EVER.

[@JuanDavid-bg4yz]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Positivecuriosity46]

Same…I guess I lived overseas enough to see a different perspective.

[@Thatguyjack758]

Me neither

[@BigSources]

If you don't understand over 50% of your nations population, there is probably some major things you are missing

[@lindadorman2869]

I'm an American who has lived and worked in 40 countries since 1990. Americans have been conditioned to believe in American "exceptionalism", that they deserve respect without earning it and can take advantage of others without penalty. All of the norms such as education, healthcare and religion have eroded, making them susceptible to fraud and corruption. Wealth inequality causes resentment and a lack of moral courage. Unless things change, it is all downhill from here.

[@arseniykorotchenko7894]

Oh, it seems to me as a threat behind every once successful country. How are we supposed to not fall in decay with taking things for granted and how to maintain long-term cultural adequacy? 🤔😧 Or probably there's no problem, and still stupidity-avoiding mechanisms exist, if necessary..

[@Carlos-c8e8m]

You express my feeling quite precisely.

[@impopquiz]

and yet they still voted for Trump who has a history of screwing his suppliers and vendors!! Genius!

[@alexmarvin3093]

This comment is from 2012 right

[@Cthulhus_Mum]

Americans believe their *states* are as different and important as European *countries* - which, viewed from Australia (ie outside the two places) is just effing *wild* Like, no, mate. California is different to Nevada - sure. A bit. But it’s more like the difference between Paris and Nice, not the difference between France and Germany 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@whobitmyname]

Fooling people is easy. Convincing them they've been fooled is dang near impossible.

[@peterwilkinson1975]

Yep but the only ones who are fooled are the other team lol.

[@edwinwise6751]

False equivalency . Like comparing the Nazis to the pta

[@null0-x7e]

surely you weren't fooled by anyone... surely.

[@errolchouest895]

This is a two way street.

[@PigeonLaughter01]

Yup TDS is a clear sign of this.

[@user-ix8bx6ek3t]

I'm Canadian and only recently started to pay attention to politics (2015). I've noticed one party is trying to educate the masses while another party likes their followers to be uneducated. It seems many people in America are uneducated.

[@BenSmith-jw8zy]

And the "educated" are the ideologues. Us dumb gun owners think self defense is a human right, not health care if you break in my home.

[@albertopalma1663]

You're right. Many people are kept ignorant on purpose.

[@okorochukwunonso2563]

True.

[@JanelleChristmas-w6u]

Not seems, they deliberately are. Those who are- lean right aka conservatives are being taught in their churches these days that if they vote for anyone other than those who are- lean right aka conservatives, that they are going to h**l, so there is no logic &/ convincing them otherwise. When people believe that their souls &/ afterlives are involved, there is no educating them, reasoning with them...etc; they will always vote against themselves, they will always vote for those who are- lean right aka conservatives because they believe that they are going to h**l in the afterlife if they don't. It's a great scheme, racket& scam.

[@NunyaBiznezz-q2v]

Name 3 of Harris's proposed policies, Mr. "Educated"

[@MathewSteeleAtheology]

Here's the answer for why we Americans did this: a horrible education system + a toxic combination of isolationism and exceptionalism + selfishness + greed + misinformation.

[@Sergiosa99]

So sad but thrue

[@Shihai6]

You missed out racism, misogynistic beliefs, and ignorance of the issues as being the likely reasons.

[@MathewSteeleAtheology]

@@Shihai6 All of those factors stem from stupidity and ignorance.

[@Roses-lilac]

That is a perfect summary. You sir, are the exception. You must be well travelled if I may say.

[@MathewSteeleAtheology]

@@Roses-lilac Thank you kindly. I lived in Canada for a little over a decade but have moved about 35 times inside the continental US. You?

[@scaper12123]

It's because they're kept uneducated and are taught to vote by emotion.

[@megosmarco]

This! This! This!

[@raymundogonzalez6450]

The lesser of the 2 evil theory!!!😂😂😂

[@albertopalma1663]

Right! And they are taught what to think and not how to think.

[@ChimeraLotietheBunny]

Yes

[@raymundogonzalez6450]

@scaper12123 why are uneducated? College is to expensive!

[@Priestofgoddess]

Treating politics like team sport is quite unhealthy for democracy :(

[@Singlesix6]

That's true. And it is at the core of cancel culture. You play by the team's rules or you are shunned. The Democrats and Harris ran into a buzz saw of American independent thinking. For a wide variety of reasons, each voter decided that they weren't having anymore of what the Democrats were mandating and forcing down our throats..

[@alexbass4766]

US is a Constitional Republic

[@MsGiselle05]

This! That’s what’s happening!

[@Canonfudder]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nika_riots Tale as old as time

[@burninghard]

But pretty good for business interests.

[@ericjoyner5963]

Here’s what I’ve never understood. When the party of rugged individualism has a problem, they do run to the federal government for a safety net. When a southern state has a weather event, they expect the federal government to fund them. When bank risks go poorly, they expect to be bailed out. 1) why don’t voters see that as welfare and 2) it tells me that the individualism is just a story they’ve made up in their minds, and whether they have earned or have been given something, all of it is something they “deserve.” Others however, don’t “deserve” it. This place is crazy.

[@benzo___]

interesting question, I guess one answer could be the fact that the US did not go through the complete "evolution" other western nations went through in european countries an industrial revolution took place, with it came philosophers reflecting on those changes, feudalism was replaced by capitalism and nationalism the US never had a monarchy, they never had to emancipate as a society from its own leaders, yes they fought for independence from the brits but they did not have to go through the process of internal escalation within a feudalist society where all power was concentrated onto a few wealthy while the rest of the population starved to death, these dynamics heavily influenced other nations, kings and emperors seized to exist and were replaced with forms of government that ultimately benefit the people, how and to which degree is disagreed upon but generally speaking there is consensus that the parliament somehow represents the population and fulfills their wishes and puts them into policies or law you could argue that the federal government in the US is basically seen today like the feudalist rulers were seen at the time before the industrial revolution in europe a small group of super wealthy, power hungry individuals, completely out of touch with the average person, not making policy for the population but rather for themselves all of government is seen as their way of how society runs, not as the way the people want it to be, some people are able to articulate that, others aren't, this depends on level of education and the access to resources like social capital or financial capital that is also why trump's message resonates with many average americans, they see and feel just how bad the system is and how it simply doesn't work in their favor so him tearing that system down is seen as a net positive, if you look at the sentiment at trump rallies it really does feel like the mob ready to storm the king's palace january 6 was probably the best demonstration of that, for a lot of these people this is their way of emancipating themselves from the feudalist rule of course it ignores reality, what worked for feudalist europe will not work for the modern united states, tearing apart the federal government and all its mechanisms will not replace it with a better system that - at least initially - betters the situation for those mentioned people, instead it makes way for the final version of late stage capitalism or oligarchy hope it is kind of understandable what i'm trying to say lol let me know what you think about this though

[@yujjgui5943]

Example, The same people calling poor black women "welfare queens" HAPPILY took the 2020 stimulus checks without a second thought.

[@Asharra12]

​@benzo___ I really like this point! It makes for the US thought structure. But still other countries (including line Australia) while we are accepting way too much influence from the US, we still do have a huge social safety net by comparison. And NZ next to us has an even larger one. One point though, when you look at the people storming castles to tear down the social order, what often replaced it was dictators that were arguably worse (France is a great example). So if US is on a path to tear down the social order, it makes a lot of sense that what would replace it would be a dictator.

[@Ergeniz]

@@benzo___ One problem with your analysis is that Trump has absolutely no intention of 'tearing down the system'.

[@Strongdadlifting]

100% programming

[@huskydadtokoda]

All of my family members who voted for trump nut don't like what he's doing give him excuses like 'musk did that not trump' or 'he doesn't want to do that, RFK does.' when a few weeks ago EVERYTHING they didn't like was Bidens fault even when it categorically wasn't. It's infuriating.

[@brendanobern7403]

Time to let it go.

[@huskydadtokoda]

​@@brendanobern7403 time to watch it unfold 🍿

[@gamkal7231]

Hate to say it, but their fixation often seems like a childish notion that he will make them rich like him. Which of course he promises over & over at his rallies, despite all his attempts to destroy Social Security, etc. It was in every budget he put forward last tie around.

[@huskydadtokoda]

​@@gamkal7231 I think you're correct. Even though he inherited all of his money and declared bankruptcy 7 times. Assuming that wealthy people want poor people to be wealthy as well is such a naive perspective, why would he care about a bunch of poor people when he can't even respect women or pay his employees.

[@MiracleFound]

Trump won = US lost.

[@snowman9642]

When you die, you don't know you're dead, but it's difficult for everyone around you. The same applies when you are stupid. 😅

[@john1776-h4p]

That's a good one😅

[@shermanwellons]

Spot on

[@lanmark3449]

Brilliant!

[@Titus_Vespasianus]

OUTSTANDING!!! Best I've heard yet...

[@kojoefante]

You know you’re dead cuz you know the day and moment you’re about to die ..

[@ParanormalUKNetwork]

It's not just in Germany. All of Europe pays close attention to what happens in the States. One point that I think you missed is the question of Freedom. I think that here in Europe, we have a different meaning for the word. In the States, it's "Freedom TO....xxx" , whatever that might be. In Europe, it's "Freedom FROM...xxx" And marks a significant difference in terms of mindset and outlook on life.

[@peter_meyer]

Oh, she didn't miss it. She did a whole video about it.

[@taraldomland8657]

Agree that all Europe follows. Almost feels like we should have a vote haha. Of course it’s not our country so no, but just the urge, the feeling that our future and domestic policy is decided by others

[@AC-cg4be]

True. In America, we say Americans have the freedom *to be* ignorant. The rest of the world seems to take the stance they should have freedom *from* ignorance.

[@taraldomland8657]

@@AC-cg4be America could be a bit wiser though

[@tommoore2012]

@@AC-cg4be Europeans are honestly pretty ignorant. They really aren't that much different than the American's they accuse.

[@Phoenix-J81]

I'm an American and I've never been more embarrassed. We are not all uninformed; many of us didn't want this.

[@kendavies945]

Ahhh, c'mon, around 150 million Americans voted for either a convicted felon, or a war criminal.

[@pumkineater7219]

Not enough obviously!😢

[@BakingSoda4U]

The majority wanted it and you live in a democracy. Or what? It is not a democracy any longer if it doesn't cater to you? "All of those who didn't vote the way I did are uninformed, ignorant fools". Look at you 🤡

[@olivermoore7020]

As a Brit, no one is beating us on voting against our self-interests...

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

There is _some_ making fun of your voting for Brexit, but nowhere near as much as the USA voting for Trump, yeah... My guess would be that for one, Britain is a tad less "important" on a global scale, but you're also far less... loud and arrogant...

[@olivermoore7020]

@Wolf-ln1ml I live in Sweden. Yes, generally, I would agree there is a lot more mockery and bewilderment of Trump in the US. Though I do get occasionally asked, "Why on earth did the UK do that?" (or variations thereof). My point was more that Brexit for the UK is far worse than Trump for the US. Brexit is permanent (or at least very long term), Trump could be removed in another four years.

[@guyro3373]

@@olivermoore7020We do not actually know exactly how bad Trump and his cabinet will be for the US and world-wide relationships. Remember that (at least for many), after the Brexit and before it became signed, things did not seem so bad for many in the UK…

[@etiennesharp]

Amen. Nothing like seeing a public school educated stockbroker railing against an 'elite' and folk buying it.

[@lukedogwalker]

Brexit wasn't so much a vote for something... many people who voted Leave were voting against something, as a protest. A lot of people didn't like the status quo and a lot of people were reading (and still are reading) disinformation about the EU in the right wing press and on social media (nothing changes). The EU was presented as a bad guy who was holding back the UK's prosperity. Finally, the class war perspective: most of those who consider themselves 'working class' which, ironically, includes a very large number of educated white collar workers, wanted to vote against the 'elites'. But challenge them to describe who these elites are and they struggle. They only know what Facebook told them. Brexit was the first battle of the disinformation age. But remember that each battle was a close run thing: Brexit was 48 to 52%. The last US election was almost a 50:50 split! Social media propaganda and disinformation targetted at low information voters got it over the line in both cases, but only just.

[@87morpheus11]

I can confirm that Americans live in a bubble. When I tell my coworkers that I speak to people overseas all the time they are always surprised. Whenever I say anything that's happening in the world outside of America 9 times out of 10 I'm the only one who heard it

[@odysseus2656]

AND? The best thing about "Living in America" is we do not have to give two cents about what is happening outside our country. We have everything we want, we are prosperous, we are happy and healthy...unless you live in some democrat sh!thole.

[@bluskies1000]

It's mainstream or "legacy" news which usually only discuss America. I hear a little bit. Canada, the UK, Europe generally has the same problems as us, with excessive immigration and low wages too much unemployment as we do. UK farmers are protesting a excessively bureaucratic interfering government driving them bankrupt and new inheritance tax so large their kids will have to sell the family farm to pay them. Australia has been going through a trade war with China trying to make Australia more submissive to their wishes. Partly in response Australia is building up its military. As is Europe. The Australian Hells Angels are in the news sometimes.

[@RODNEYONEIL-yi6gn]

YUP!!!! ONCE AGAIN,,, THAT'S EXACTLY HOW,,USE,, AMERICAN'S,,,GET,DOWN!!!!!! WE'RE,,, STUPID AS,,,FUCK"!!!,,, ALWAYS,, HAVE BEEN!!!! I'M DEFINITELY,, TRYING TO,,PUT I,,STOP TO IT,,, BUT,, I'M,, HAVING A,, HARD TIME, FIGURING IT OUT,,,,,

[@chrislewis3063]

We're on a whole continent. Only thing foreign matters to me is western European political trends because I know that's what they want here too.

[@odysseus2656]

@@chrislewis3063 Only the fraction of Americans that live along our coasts, the rest of us Americans never go to Europe, never meet Europeans and really do not care what they are up to. Europeans ONLY know that small fraction of Americans, but they are quick to lecture us without even knowing how 80% of Americans live. It would be like traveling the Mediterranean coast and the Baltic coast and then claiming you know all about Europe and Europeans.

[@abadanr]

Because Americans have been taught that selfishness = freedom

[@StewNWT]

100% Imagine asking an American to be mildly inconvenienced to benefit anyone else

[@judsongaiden9878]

Left-Hand Path

[@meistlazer]

I do like the idea of a more socialist society. However, in real life, the only thing I've seen is corruption. We give millions and millions to the government and our roads are still bad, our public education still bad, our health is terrible, our public transit is bad, each month mor and more homeless. That's why I rather the government to be smaller, i don't wan to give them my money anymore. I rather give that money to someone/charity/business/etc I actually trus

[@SeasideDetective2]

As well as the belief that being different from everyone else somehow makes us superior.

[@PolarBear9733]

THIS+ very low education to zero education in things like civics and history + wanting to kick down anyone who is different (even slightly)

[@DonaldMark-ne7se]

America is currently plagued by the hydra-headed evil duo of inflation and recession. The worst part about this recession is that consumers are racking up credit card debt. In December alone, credit card debt went up 36% while rates have doubled in a year. Inflation is so high that consumers are literally taking debt for basic life necessities. Collapse has indeed begun..

[@kevinmarten]

The truth is that people are finally waking up to the fact that our systems are breaking down in thousands of different ways all around us. Personally, the financial market seems like the only way to go with a long-term horizon . But if you don't have that time, it's a tough market out and thus you should consider financial advisory.

[@JacquelinePerrira]

A lot of folks downplay the role of advisors until being burnt by their own emotions. I remember couple summers back, after my lengthy divorce, I needed a good boost to help my business stay afloat, hence I researched for licensed advisors and came across someone of utmost qualifications. She's helped grow my reserve notwithstanding inflation, from $275k to $850k.

[@Jamessmith-12]

Mind if I ask you to recommend this particular coach you using their service?

[@JacquelinePerrira]

There are a handful of experts in the field. I've experimented with a few over the past years, but I've stuck with ‘’ Carol Vivian Constable” for about five years now, and her performance has been consistently impressive. She’s quite known in her field, look-her up.

[@Jamessmith-12]

She appears to be well-educated and well-read. I ran a Google search on her name and came across her website; thank you for sharing.

[@jhchooo]

As an American who has traveled frequently, I think America is the most isolated country in the world in terms of the average person having little or no exposure to other countries, language and culture. China is a close second.

[@andrewlau9873]

I agree with you on your first comment, but not the second. BTW, I am a Chinese Canadian, born in Hong Kong, moved to Canada when I was 18, living in Canada for 52 years. I have been to US, Europe, Russia, Australia, Japan and China many times. US has been the country since WWII, they feel that there is no need to know anything except America.

[@dthomas99]

Fact check - 139mio chinese travelled overseas a year. That is approx 40% of total US population. Versus 80mio Americans travelled overseas.

[@peter_meyer]

@@dthomas99 Ok, that is equivalent to about 10% of chinese and 22% of americans.

[@ericajollymackenzie2382]

Not sure about China being a close second, I encounter many Chinese in my travels but agree with the isolationism. I leave the country frequently but it is easier and less expensive from where I am to travel elsewhere.

[@HepCatJack]

Wouldn't North Korea be first on the list ? The only country they're allowed to visit is Russia, for the purpose of being cannon fodder in Ukraine.

[@jeffm9770]

As an American, the answer to your first question is that at least half of us are dumb as a bag of rocks.

[@ToxicCatt-y7c]

A lot of Trumps voters are from states that rank the lowest in education so, yeah.

[@JohnJourdan88]

Yep you personally definitely are

[@clawmachinez26]

A little less than half, actually. They’re the ones who voted for the lady with an 86 IQ.

[@Ocker3]

*Uneducated enough to act like rocks. A lot of people Do vote their conservative ideology (which, hilariously, they're Born believing in...), but a lot of people also vote that way because of tribalism and being unable to notice the Con.

[@MLGWafer]

that's disrespectful to the rocks ;(

[@alessandrocerioli2151]

I am old enough to remember when Dick Cheney was considered a sort of Satan, now seeing him as a moderate democrat gives me chills...

[@matt3024]

That happens all the time people thought that about Reagan too and the Republicans invested endless funds and elevating him to this godly position in history. Much of Reagan's achievements are exaggerated and because big money controlled the media at the time before we had internet they were able to pull it off. Cheney is still a thug but his daughter who is just as much a warmonger is he ever was has redeemed him due to her I will admit brave stand against the Republican party. But any of the nation who was alive at the time do remember and still understand that Dick Cheney is a slug.

[@mikeguilmette776]

He's neither. He's a neocon who has always dreamed of the U.S. and Russia going to war. He knew Trump wouldn't do that, but if he could trick Harris into making his daughter the Secretary of Defense, he would get his wish.

[@Caprikel-ov2od]

The only thing that changed is that the pro-war party became the democrats, hence why the pro-war psychopath switched to being a democrat.

[@golagiswatchingyou2966]

it's not that he's a moderate democrat, it's that the democrates closer alline with the warmongering side of the regime.

[@frankvee]

Dick Cheney is not a moderate Democrat. He has just seen enough of Trump to know he’s an reckless a$$hole who will not twice about undermining Democracy. In other words, Cheney didn’t vote FOR Kamala, he voted AGAINST Trump.

[@RyanBridges774]

At the end of George Washington’s presidency in his Farewell Address, he warned the young United States not to use political parties because it would bring us apart. We didn’t listen.

[@ReskatorDZ]

"Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires." (с) John Steinbeck

[@MarcelVolker]

The biggest trick that the likes of Trump and Musk play is that they keep the poor poor, while selling them the illusion that, by working hard in three underpaid jobs, one day they, too, might become billionaires.

[@hanzo2001]

Socialism never took anywhere because it doesn't work and where it has been tried, it has failed miserably and left everyone in misery, except the party in power guiding the "proletariat" to their new slave lives. Where growth is possible and hard work is rewarded, socialism will always have an impossibly steep hill to climb

[@bluebird3281]

@#$% Steinbeck and worldwide socialism

[@johnshelton1141]

It never took root in America, because it doesn't work, and is unjust and immoral.

[@jonschlottig9584]

Or maybe because Socialism fails miserably everywhere it is tried: see Norway for a real time example. How are things in the UK? 😂😂😂 y'all are too simple minded.

[@arthurmorgan332]

“If you can convince the lowest Republican he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you.” ― Lyndon B. Johnson

[@LadyHeathersLair]

Did LBJ really say that?

[@TygerTyger911]

Close, but what he actually said was, "If you can convince the lowest white man..."

[@TygerTyger911]

@@LadyHeathersLair “If you can convince the lowest *_white man_* he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you.”

[@jamesp3902]

@@LadyHeathersLair Lyndon B. Johnson said it back when the voters he referenced were Democrats.

[@ramonabrown8590]

Very well said Trump said he loves the uneducated

[@christophergarcia2844]

As an American, I always find it funny that other Americans act like this country was successful on its own and that we basically came into existence on our own without a handout. All the while forgetting that the reason the country even exists is because of handouts! We borrowed heavily from France to the point where it f*cked their economy, as well as from the Dutch Republic and from Spain. Sure you can argue that the money was eventually paid back, but you have to remember that the U.S. at the time was a backwater country with almost no international credit.

[@jiggerypokery2962]

"Barrowed" a little bit of land from the Native Americans too.

[@craigrussell7542]

"Borrowed" a lot of free labor from enslaved people too.

[@blkmagi]

"borrowed" a lot of free labor from kidnapped Africans too

[@caseyimiller]

And to hear of the countries’ debt when growing up as a kid was crazy. How China could just ask for a state like Cali as debt collection. Our country is so broke(n)

[@christophergarcia2844]

@caseyimiller wait what?? I never heard that before!

[@ballooneyjr4294]

I’m an immigrant in America, I’m Latina and came here when I was 6 years old. My own family voted for Trump, they are also Latinos. It’s the news, the propaganda. For people that do not understand the nuisances of politics and American history, it is very easy to lie to them and scare them. At least I hope that’s what it is because the alternative that they are aware and just choosing to support him either way is worse.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Having lived on both sides of the Pond (in US and Canada as well as in UK, Germany, E Africa), the "self interest" idea varied dramatically between the US and every other democracy. Self-interest often comes down to perceived rights. In the US the rights to DO things are paramount. Elsewhere, the rights to NOT be threatened are far more important, so social, communal safety is accented rather than individual freedoms.

[@eksbocks9438]

I've seen it too. American culture does a lot to protect people who have "Main character syndrome." But the people who are affected aren't given much sympathy. "If you haven't succeeded in life. It must mean you haven't worked hard enough."

[@jamespppyacek342]

This is key. This should be pointed out by Dems every chance hey get.

[@randyg22152]

@@t.a.k.palfrey3882 speaking of the right not to be threatened, the massive surge in illegal immigration during the Biden administration, and the resulting rise in violent crime over the past four years, was a big election issue in the U.S., as only the Trump campaign had a plan to do something about it.

[@lohikarhu734]

"If you haven't succeeded in life. It must mean you haven't worked hard enough." I had a friend who had very much that attitude... Until he came down with a brain cancer; he saw all of the people at the clinic, and at chemo, and, no matter how successful, how tough, how hard they had worked, sitting in the waiting rooms, everyone against their own foe, all taking chemo, or desperate surgeries.... Doesn't matter who you *think you are*, you're all in a fight for your life. And, at least in Canada, you don't have to be rich, or lose your house, to be able to be in the fight.

[@paulsmythe7620]

@@eksbocks9438 Over half the population doesn't have the brain power to succeed even if they work hard. What's to be done with them?

[@SteveKitchens-gd4yg]

Many people would rather suffer than admit being wrong.

[@Deborah-u5k]

@@SteveKitchens-gd4yg I was born in America and have lived in Hong Kong for several decades and many Hong kongers would rather die than admit that they're wrong! This is no joke! They're my clients so I love to admit when I've made a mistake! It's like rubbing it in their being especially thin skinned and obsessed with loss of face! They're extremely tedious to say the least!

[@HealthyPlanet]

Yeah, that ol fear of death is the culprit.

[@americafirst3562]

​@@HealthyPlanet yup they are called Europeans

[@jimako6]

Stupid people don't know any better

[@paulaguenon1660]

True.

[@nostrilnick]

Two large parts of that puzzle are 1) the tidal waves of propaganda coming from our billionaire-owned media, and 2) an America that is largely bereft of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills, especially when it comes to all things political.

[@drewgon13]

1. This applies to both sides. 2. “The opposition dumb-dumbs are uneducated yokels who make blind decisions based on tribalism! So unlike me and my well thought out decisions about the minutiae of every political decision and picking the lesser of two evils. I still picked the tribal color I always vote for, but I did so intelligently!” America isn’t dumb, you are just blind to the fact that people can find reasonable arguments for beliefs that don’t align with yours.

[@whophd]

Number 2 feels like a decades-long project, which you can detect early signs of when the metric system was rejected - education was held back despite sending people to the moon. The smartest people I know, and the dumbest people I know … yes, a quote from Douglas Adams.

[@GrumpyVeteran374]

That's why the deep red states governors and legislators are creating school voucher programs and draining funds from public school systems. Keep Americans dumb, limit critical thinking and force religion on all. When the only thing you spend time reading is Facebook memes you just fall in line and do what you're told.

[@GrumpyVeteran374]

If you don't know, Universities in red states are pushing out liberal leadership and staff and hiring in religious zealots with weaker credentials.

[@BigSources]

That's weird considering that everywhere you look besides social media is completly bashing trump. It's like every corporation hates him and a majority of the people like him. Literally all of youtube talks about how bad trump is. If you wouldn't have any critical thinking skills, wouldn't you just go with what those guys are saying? Also "tidal wave of propaganda" is literally what the democrats where doing. They pretended biden was fine for 4 years straight and some people still believe that... They are throwing out all kinds of proofably wrong allegations, wouldn't somebody with no critical thinking skills believe those allegations?

[@WhoIsGoLDENRaTi0]

Propaganda and class division. It's really that simple

[@JosephEustaquio-c9n]

It’s because we’re idiots. Too proud to admit when we’ve been duped. We double down and even triple down on our stupidity!

[@Dapper_Dean]

most accurate comment on this post.

[@lenmenard]

yep

[@artboymoy]

America is a fearful, hateful place. Well, at least half the people are because that's how we got here.

[@HappyDude1]

I wanted to ask, but i didn't want to offend anyone 😚 but I was thinking they've already seen trump at work and it was a disaster. So I assumed that they would never again vote for him. And my dad said, oh yes, they will. And I said, no way, don't be daft! they're not that stupid. Well ......

[@AA-hg5fk]

Don't worry, you're not the only ones, doubling down on moronic policies happens the world over.

[@SyntheticFuture]

"Seemingly"? People working 80 hours a week, 10 days of vacation, literally dying on the job and STILL not being able to afford to live a luxurious life? I think you can drop the "seemingly".

[@NatalieSelene]

I work 36 hours a week as a nurse in the US. I get a bit over 6 weeks paid time off a year to use as I wish. I make 145K a year working 3 days a week on a bachelors degree that cost me 60K. I have 10 years of experience and my student loans are paid off. My health insurance costs me $70 a month and covers basically everything. I've never seen a shooting in my entire life and although it's unfortunately a topic I am numb to, it isn't something that really consumes my thoughts as the media would have people believe. I'm a regular American and I'm here to say that life here is actually pretty good. That doesn't mean we can't improve, but one could argue every country in the world has room for improvement. I didn't vote for Trump and never will. I think a lot of us in the states are just fatigued politically right now, but outside of the talking heads and insane political shit, life here is pretty calm and routine. I feel like I make a shit-ton of money and am barely at work. No real complaints for now minus Trump getting elected.

[@dave83104]

@@NatalieSelenethank you for being a nurse and making the world a healthier place. You’re very lucky to have such low healthcare insurance monthly costs! My company offers a couple choices and tends to push employees to choose high deductible, the other option costs over $1k a month for 80/20 coverage 😮. That being said, I’m very proud and happy to live in USA 🇺🇸 ✌️

[@albertopalma1663]

@@NatalieSelene Thank you for the job you do helping the ill, but not everybody is a nurse in the U.S. There are teachers who are underpaid for the work they do in the classroom and at home grading papers and taking care of their families, and after 10 years they're still paying their student loan and paying rent because they can't afford to pay the closing costs of buying a house.

[@NatalieSelene]

@@albertopalma1663 the thing is, people have a choice on what careers they choose and which degrees they get. Teaching k-12 is notorious for being a low paying career. No one is forcing anyone to get a teaching degree, so when someone chooses that career, they already know it does not pay well. The vacation time though is pretty rad. I happened to pick a career that pays and has all the benefits that I wanted. The thing about the US that always gets neglected is that you can literally choose to do anything. You can completely customize your life in a way that isn't possible in socialized countries. The teaching degree cost the same as the nursing degree, but doesn't come with the same return on investment. This doesn't mean that the whole country sucks, it means that being a teacher sucks. If teachers want higher pay, they need to advocate for themselves and honestly, they are not even doing good jobs and haven't been for 25 years. Do you know how they teach children to read? They use a system called 3 cueing where one of the options children can use to "decode" words they do not know is literally by guessing based on the context of the rest of the sentence. They can't even be bothered teaching phonics. There are plenty of jobs in the US that are high paying, offer ample vacation time and great benefits, people just have to think their career choices through a bit better. The people that choose teaching and bitch about the pay could literally change that, they just don't.

[@thisissteeev]

You get 10 days of vacation?!? I had to be at my job for a year before getting 5 days and over the past year I've been forced to use them on days that we were shut down, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten paid.

[@alphasigmaohioskibidi]

“we aren’t out of touch with the peoples interests, its the peoples interests that are out of touch with us!”

[@TheRavensOmen]

Sounds like a "quote" from the deep-state democrats.

[@jansix4287]

People are stupid.

[@gerogyzurkov2259]

@@alphasigmaohioskibidi That's like all groups point each other. What lines are drawn at that point.

[@Chux01]

You do realize you just contradict the first parth of your statement with the second part of your statement right?

[@greyborg3846]

I saw someone say "If republicans were turkeys, they would vote for Thanksgiving."

[@crazy_socialist]

Here in America, one party is doing their best to keep people uneducated on important political info. The ones I've seen online are unaware of their own parties agenda, and the party has just blocked all the government sites containing content they dislike. I believe filtering the media was the first thing they did.

[@ejaypozo84]

You also need to include the fact that much of the American memory of America was after WW 2 and the economic gains that this country experienced. Yeah during this period people could buy a home and had a great quality of life.

[@TheLavachild]

The reason why the lowest income bracket favors welfare is they are receiving it. The reason the bracket just above the lowest is against welfare is they either earn too much to qualify or they have experienced the way welfare is structured. It isn't designed to phase out gently as you improve your financial situation. It cuts you off the moment you make ONE dollar too much and thus, that one additional dollar costs you hundreds of dollars in aid. You are likely to slip right back down into dependency. This is no accident, but by design.

[@1tzyb1tzel]

Yeah. That's a good design tho.

[@anniealexander9616]

The middle class is against it because we see it being abused.

[@TheLavachild]

@1tzyb1tzel if your goal is to trap people depending on the government, ya.

[@chiquita683]

You can tell shes a liberal trying to cope

[@KnucklesWTD]

@@anniealexander9616Yet they don’t seem to care about the 1% of the population that controls 50% of the wealth.

[@juliashunda5037]

I grew up in Germany. I’ve lived in the US for a long time now. And one thing I will NEVER understand is the concept of „sick days“. Do Americans CHOOSE how long they are sick? And when? What is this? So the first time I got sick here: „are you sure you are ill enough to see a doctor?“ WHAT???

[@dmkuchins6646]

A lot of us do not even have sick days!!!!

[@JohnDorian-j7x]

What don't you understand about "sick days"?

[@marctestarossa]

@@JohnDorian-j7xhere in Germany you obviously get paid by your employer when you cant go to work because of your health. Up to 6 weeks straight. After that you get 60 % of your wages paid by your health insurance. So you don’t lose your income when you‘re sick or need to go to hospital. I don’t know how the regulations are in the US, but I beliebe there‘s nobody paying for your sick days.

[@shy404usernotfound]

Ummm.....What? You literally would just call into work and say you're sick. That's it. No questions asked. So idk wtf you're talking about. Sincerely -an actual American 🙄

[@Stefiiiz]

​​​@@JohnDorian-j7x I'm not the OP but I'm Polish and I can tell you (even though it's already explained in the original comment) since I feel the same way about this concept: the limited amount of "sick days" is bizzarre because health is not a matter of choice and people shouldn't be forced to "power through" a sickness still going to work (and spreading it among coworkers), i.e., sacrifice their health for the profit of the company. And it's bad enough for seasonal sickness like flu, but what about more serious stuff, requiring hospitalisstion? You basically get punished by the employer for suffering from something serious, and possibly even lose your job (which usually makes you lose the"benefit" of health insurance, so you end up not only jobless, but also in debt). And I know what many of you are thinking: "Why should the employer pay someone who isn't working?". The thing is, usually it's not the employer who pays, it's the insurer. And you do pay quite a lot of money for your insurance, don't you? For us it's the universal health insurance, but since you seem to be afraid of this basic commodity so much, I can't see why shouldn't the commercial insurer have that in their basic offer. Like, being sick is not something you choose because you're lazy, it's something that happens to you without your will. Isn't that what the insurance is for? I swear, your work "culture" is incomprehensable to me (and to most of the world, really).

[@jackkilman8726]

If voting actually made a difference, we wouldn't be allowed to do it. Voting exists to give us the illusion of choice. All the big politicians are owned by the same big money interests, regardless of party.

[@capribreezee]

There are only 2 classes, rich and poor

[@RenzoTx]

💯

[@Ocker3]

Unions and voting are what the rich use to placate the workers, and they've been gutting unions for years. They forget that Unions were a compromise because their factories used to burn down at night...

[@armskaap]

garyseconomics made a great video about this. The people can pay politicians like $150000 a year. The rich can pay them millions. Who do you think their allegiance lies with?

[@Ranlac_the_Black]

Somebody said poor Americans doesn’t consider themselves poor, but temporarily inconvenienced millionaires.

[@larsg.2492]

That's why most of them are so vehemently against workers' rights and unions. Because they dream of some day being the boss and doing all the exploitin'.

[@dervideominister]

yeah, it's called the American dream! Similar to the State Lottery in "1984", a propaganda tool used by the Elites to distract and control the Proles. A very few winners, offering false hope while keeping the population docile and focused on illusions of wealth. And if people don't believe in it anymore, the given answer is, that it is because of "socialist missteps", so they cut even more hearth care and welfare programs...... the perfect lie! Very similar to the islamic fanatics...... if your life is bad, you are not religious enough, even though the fanaticism is the reason for the bad living conditions.

[@pumuckl0]

They're all millionaires, they just haven't manifested it through positive thought yet.

[@bigiron1990]

Im from America. I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about what I’m about to say but I have a feeling it’s more true than not. There is greater economic mobility in the US than anywhere else in the world. Your family might have been poor for generations here in America and all it takes is one family member to pop off to change it for ever. We are allowed to move between class if we work out how to do it. As opposed to other countries where you are more or less born into class.

[@stefanb6539]

@@bigiron1990 Sorry, to burst your bubble, but your claim about social mobility is flat out wrong. There have been smart people comparing social mobility between nations. The USA is a #27 out of 82 nations in the index, so there are a lot of plaes in the world, where hard work brings you up the ladder much quicker than in the US.. Search global social mobility index for yourself, if you don't believe me. You aren't completely horrible, but quite bad in comparison with most other developed nations.

[@spiseri]

American racism surpasses all self interest 😢

[@ramonabrown8590]

And that’s sad but true keep posting your statement well said

[@TimmyTheTinman]

The question is how do we teach Americans to not be racist, that’s the hard part, it’s difficult to defeat an idea

[@impopquiz]

and sexism.

[@BigdaddyBris]

Exactly. Everyone keeps saying, “this is a class war!”, but we will never make it to a point to address that because for many racism is the most important part

[@UlliStein]

In Germany we shouldn't look down on voters in the USA. There any so many here who make the same mistake. Sad but true.

[@lakrids-pibe]

In all of Europe.

[@theinsane4212]

@@lakrids-pibe Alas, but yeah, true.

[@peterhartwiger7235]

Du meinst das Gesindel das SPD oder Grüne wählt?

[@fabiusque4266]

its so funny how regardless of the topic, theres always that dude that just has to go for the "in germany, its even worse" route. Always. Usually an older dude who doesnt get that his generation is the one thats at fault for creating the situation we are now in.

[@mortuos557]

nah it's not worse than the US. just worse than expected...

[@georghelpenstein-michels6586]

I cannot believe that i make this statement: "Whether the brainwashing of the UdSSR with all its grave consequences is worse than the brainwashing the american people have to endure, is something that could be discussed" 40 years ago i would have laughed about a statement like that .... not anymore.

[@Ed-ig1xc]

In my opinion, the worst thing that ever happened to this country was our two-party system. We basically have two options for the President and most higher-level positions. Yes there are a few independent politicians out there, but the vast majority of politicians are either Rep of Dem. For the President we give the Dems a term or two. Don’t like where the country is headed so we give the Reps a term or two. Don’t like where the country is headed so we go back to the Dems and give them a term or two. Then we give the Reps a term or two. Basically, we go back and forth between the parties and each time we expect a different result. Isn’t that the definition of insanity. Why we keep electing people who would rather call each other names than work together is beyond me. I don’t even think these two childish parties could agree on a what shade of white to paint a closet.

[@bobloblaw10001]

Jungle primary and ranked choice voting seems to be the answer

[@Dave-for-democracy]

You are right but that is common in democratic countries. The issues with having more than two main parties is that one party can win because people divide into the two other parties. Divide to conquest. Some countries solve this issue by having two rounds elections, 2nd round decide between the 2 stronger parties.

[@728huey]

The worst thing that ever happened to our country was the near complete genocide of native Americans and the institution of slavery which gave certain groups of people (white American males) political superiority based on the color of their skin. It's the one issue that has dictated our society since the founding of our country, and it will continue to do so until we collective come to terms with our shared humanity.

[@darienford860]

Have you actually voted here? You know we have more than a 2 party system and are you complaining about term limits being too short? Im confused on what youre getting at on that part. Do you know remember why we only allow 2 terms (FDR)? This just sounds preachy it was always about disagreement thats exactly what this country along with others were built on

[@anthonybonawitz444]

Besides everything you're saying being correct the other thing that unfortunate is regardless if they say they put America first that's a lie it's (party) first America second and both sides do it in spades. Case in point like how the Republicans put an end to the border bill. Instead of trump making sure they got passed then he can run on saying look what I did before I was even president I was doing things to make it better now that I am president I'm going to continue on that. How is that not the better option especially if you're saying America first?

[@H7B2ify]

As an American I can say that I'm just so burnt out from the political scene. I'm tired to the constant heightened emotions of the past 8 years. I'm tired of how everyone lives in fear of the other now, whether it be of migrants and wokeness on the right, or of Trump himself on the left. It's just not healthy to live like this anymore. I can only hope for a major refactoring sooner rather than later, because politics being like this, where there's always vitriol and angst and tribalism, it's just not sustainable

[@lakrids-pibe]

I agree. It's exhausting. I blame social media in part. Social media is built to amplify controversy and arguments - it's all engangement. It gvenerates more clicks and ad views. And this media landscape can be exploited to spread misinformation and culture war nonsense. The 45th president (and future 47th) spend eight years accusing Barack Obama of not being born in the United States. An easily disproved claim. Obviously nonsense. But the facts don't matter. The truth doesn't matter. It's about the feeling, the vibe, the meme, the audacity to say what he thinks and stick to his version, even in the face og criticism from all the "elite" of experts. A lot of people connected with that vibe. They like hearing it. Me, I'm more inclined to think the experts are worth listening to. But that leaves me in a different reality to those people.

[@pumuckl0]

I left the US 12 years ago, and now I just see the politics as kind of a lost cause under the current system. Unless the system changes I think both parties are bad for the country. The trend is down regardless of who gets in office. I hope that changes.

[@stanleyshannon4408]

It's all by design. Humans are easy to manipulate unfortunately.

[@ChristiaanHW]

If they keep you busy and anxious with those small things you won't have the time and energy to demand real change. Like stopping the school/mass shootings (something that's only a problem in the US) the mass homelessness, the lack of worker rights, the bad food safety/quality or the for profit healthcare. It's seems like it's all by design. Keep the common people fighting amongst eachother, so they don't notice hiw they all get shafted by their overlords (the rich and/or powerful)

[@johanswede8200]

Stockholm, Sweden, here. Seems like the democrats know they need to change big time...All you guys need now is a massive Trump "fuck-up"...That hugely embarrasses his voters...Trump is never far away from "stupid". But, your old constitution and 2-party system might make significant changes impossible. Being a huge country doesn't help either. Looking at the US from afar...it looks almost comical❤❤❤

[@AdamxApple94]

My litmus test for really talking about political things with people is how much they know or want to know about other countries politics, it’s such a world changer.

[@danityvanityinsanity]

You hit the nail on the head on why lower income U.S. voters vote against their best interests. Very intelligent, insightful, and perceptive! Subscribed.😃

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

I think the problem with US politics is that there is only 2 parties. No other party/view point has a chance. Especially with the money required to fund a political campaign.

[@workinprogress3609]

We have more than two parties. The problem is that the media and the two parties are controlled by the elitists. The people are brainwashed that a person from any other party is "unelectable" and the media doesn't give any other parties any air time. The American vote is an illusion.

[@2011tbr]

But theres not 2 parties, theres more, they just dont have the same financial backing but could if they developed the following, but its like a mom and pop shop vs a corporation

[@churblefurbles]

@@2011tbr Lmao, I wonder if they would dare to talk about the only party, "the israel lobby".

[@longiusaescius2537]

@churblefurbles never would

[@billwalsh388]

It is definitely a problem. That's where the tribalism comes from.

[@watch_kitty]

Hey guys, American here. I sincerely apologize for our mass stupidity and the misfortunes that are bound to come to the world. Take note, unity is the best weapon against fascism so the EU, Commonwealth, and other unions need to keep together and stay strong!

[@abiliv-lf9tz]

As a non American I hope you all find eachother and take care of eachother We dont need yall self pitying or becoming hateful and burnt out unfortunately theres still a long way to go I wish all of yall luck Its not your fault Goodluck America 🇺🇲

[@CandiceMMartinez]

Please move to Europe. They have lots of White socialists so you'll love it there!

[@BenSmith-jw8zy]

Yea an unelected superstate that usurps laws IS FASCISM if you didnt know....The EU is Hitlers wet dream. And the guy Junker in charge of it is RICH as FUCK from NAZI money.

[@NunyaBiznezz-q2v]

As an American, I apologize for nothing about this election and my refusal cancels out OP's.

[@TheWebberLegacy]

We've seen this drift away of American values and European values for a while now, and I hope this second Trump term is wake up call enough to get European nations to see that America might not be the stalwart ally we thought they were. I just hope it isn't too late

[@gregoryfromcali]

Built by ourselves? Much built by slavery. Conquered the frontier? My people were already here & living happily. Thanks for the video!

[@Iwannaps5]

I’m an American, and I still cannot wrap my head around why people continue to vote republican and against their own interests. Cognitive dissonance is the theme of MAGA. Please Europe, help us.

[@conniethepisces9201]

As an American I’m embarrassed I’ll never forgive people for putting him back in office without any guard rails.

[@NunyaBiznezz-q2v]

We have guard rails, it's called the separation of powers and it's a built-in part of our government infrastructure. Take an American civics course already, leftists. Your ignorance is appalling.

[@TheTruthseeker1231]

Since the USA has only two parties (significant parties) The two party system forces us to pick one of two. This seems to be completely missed by the commentator.

[@aadje1456]

I guess you missed the section about tribalism

[@Sergiosa99]

No One should be able to Force you to only have two parties

[@oscarvanschijndel4989]

Netherlands here. The big thing with us is "coalition government". Our nation has 20 political parties, four of them being part of the coalition. So if you disagree with the government's policy, you have 16 alternatives to choose from; from small to big, from left to right. Not one, like in the US. Instead of "bias", I would use the word "grudge" (NL: rancune). A lot of Americans were disappointed with the current "blue" government policy, so they voted "red", regardless what this choice would mean to them in the end. Main thing is not voting for someone, but voting against the enemy. 17:50 valid point. And that 4% coverage outside the US? War Russia/Ukraine, war Israel/Gaza/Lebanon, Chinese Uyghur suppression, Islamic terrorism, natural disaster all over the world. Seems to me everything is done to illustrate that the world outside the US is hell on Earth and to frame that the US is the best place to be.

[@cyclone8974]

You still end up with one coalition vs another coalition. You have the illusion of choice.

[@peterkoller3761]

the problem is: our democracy allows us only to vote for a party, not for or against suggested solutions to specific questions/problems.

[@dervideominister]

@@cyclone8974 of course - that is democracy! Compromises, balanced solutions, and considering different interests-this is how the diverse opinions within a society can be respected. Not one group forcing its interests on all others with all its might, as seen in the USA...

[@cyclone8974]

​@@dervideominister I think you are just upset that we do actually have choice not just European variations of the Democrat party.

[@wncjan]

@@peterkoller3761 That would be difficult if not impossible with maybe 100s of individual issues to vote about.

[@solracer66]

One uniquely American issue is that many Americans are willing to sacrifice their own well being if that ensures that people they deem "unworthy", usually the poor, immigrants and people of color, don't get a piece of the pie. Europeans realize that the old adage "A rising tide lifts all boats" is true while Americans think that life is a zero-sum game and that if someone else gets something it must have come out of their pocket.

[@goldenhorseshoemediadistri6097]

As a Canadian I have observed that Americans typically think people fall into two categories. 1) Americans, or 2) People who want to be Americans. The said part is that nothing could be farther from the truth.

[@Indie_Index]

American here and I desperately want to leave this country it’s awful

[@TheGovernor-vw9cf]

@@Indie_IndexI’m American and want to live in Russia Serbia Belarus. Because they are not in the eu nato. And to USA lapdogs.

[@ReyOfLight]

Indeed, I'm grateful every day that I'm not American and don't live in USA! (I'm Swedish, living in Sweden) I visited USA once for a week, in 2003, because I won the trip to go meet a celebrity (USA has never really been on my radar as a place to visit by choice), that one week stay in USA was interesting, but it was enough for me and I feel no desire to visit again! I'll stick to countries with proper gun regulations, functional education system, easily available and affordable healthcare and at least some standards when it comes to food, and USA has none of those things

[@TheGovernor-vw9cf]

@ Russia has also these thing also. But you choose the usa over Russia.

[@kendavies945]

@@TheGovernor-vw9cf Yeah, well, Putin, Stalin, you know, just another psycho nation.

[@JeiBeeBee]

For me, the really important question is how it comes that the majority of voters demonstrated a total lack of moral integrity and voted for a person who was condemned twice by juries of his peers, once for sexual assault and another time for fraud.

[@notgiven3114]

You're oblivious to the nature of the big political struggle going on.

[@JeiBeeBee]

@@notgiven3114 I AM aware of "... the nature of the big political struggle going on ...". We're arguing in different scopes. I referred to the individual voter and his/her lack of moral integrity. And I have a few ideas myself; some related to the degree of instruction of at least a large swath of those voters, and how they consume "media".

[@tonystark8757]

You see, Republicans don't see it as "Condemned justly by a rigorous court process for multiple felonies." Republicans see it as "Rigged Kangaroo courts try to silence and smear political opponents with dubious or made up charges." Would you tell someone they lack moral integrity if they hate Kangaroo courts? Of course not. There's probably some case out there already that you know was handled unjustly, and would condemn. If you think they're wrong, then they're wrong about whether the court was a Kangaroo court, not that they have some "total lack of moral integrity." And Trump supporters know this dynamic well, they're used to people talking like this. Every time someone condemns them like this, for a "total lack of moral integrity" for actions that *they* would do in flipped circumstances, they just go further right. Rhetoric like this is why Trump voters won. Edit: KZbin has eaten three of my attempts to reply past this. Ugh. All I'll say is don't call Conservatives immoral brainwashed idiots for doubting the system, especially when Biden just pardoned his son on those exact same grounds. That kind of rhetoric was what drove conservatives so far up the wall they initially elected Trump at all, they even called Romney practically the Mustache man.

[@JeiBeeBee]

@@tonystark8757 I understand your argument, but that doesn't provide an argument for accepting their behaviour. It's pointless, because you can always and in any context come up with an "example" of a "Kangoroo court" that suits your argument, especially if you look for a suited "Kangoroo court" example on Social or the US Mainstream Media (like Fox and Newsmax). That's where instruction kicks in, which, potentially, drives your capacity of using your brain and be critical and not to believe anything as it were god-given - what Trumps tries to convey: the saviour of the US and the world. Here, just a few additional examples that seem factual to me: "grab'em by the p..y" - he shutting down his "university" - he comparing himself to Jesus - and, and , and ...

[@tonystark8757]

@@JeiBeeBee Here's the problem, we could accept everything you just said, and that changes nothing because the same can be said of the Left. Heck, Biden has already begun doing just that by pardoning Hunter for any crime he could have committed between 2014-2024, all with the excuse that Trump and his party will try to pursue Hunter with fraudulent cases and kangaroo courts. Some folks would say to that "Oh but he has actual reason to think that," but that would be intellectually dishonest, and continue to not address the actual points being made on these specific cases. The left has complained about kangaroo courts before too, and they will do so a lot before Trump is out. This new idea floating around that not trusting the courts is just a product of right-wing brainwashing and lack of critical thinking is just dishonest. So set aside these vast claims of "Lack of moral integrity and critical thinking," because that kind of rhetoric towards the right is how Trump got elected in 2016 and in 2024. Conservatives got tired of every single right wing candidate for the past half a century getting called Hitler no matter how milktoast, even Romney, and getting called a bunch of redneck idiots for decades. So they picked somebody who they thought would punch back. The solution for what the left can do to stop this rise of Trumpism then is to actually engage with the other side and stop calling everybody stupid or Hitler, not to double down and call them Hitler harder.

[@AntonioMendoza-r3o]

I am an American living overseas. I miss my homeland and its beauty, but not other Americans.

[@eksbocks9438]

Same here. It's difficult to take-in the beauty. Because of it.

[@CandiceMMartinez]

Stay there

[@rickstarry3091]

​@@CandiceMMartinez bot

[@AntonioMendoza-r3o]

I rest my case. 😊

[@NunyaBiznezz-q2v]

That's nice but we don't miss you.

[@sweaterweather2817]

This made me realize that the same is happening in Europe (or at least in The Netherlands). We suddenly have this extreme idea of left and right, us against them kind of thinking in our politics. The extremist politicians have been trying to narrow everything down to just two choices to get votes. We as a people must stand together and realize we have many opinions in common and we do not only have two options. I’m definitely going to speak out about this next time the subject comes up to create some awareness.

[@oliver_twistor]

The same is happening here in Sweden. I'm a member of the Center Party, as the name implies is smack in the middle of the left-right spectrum. I consider myself as a social liberal, with a very liberal stance on social issues, and a slight center-right view on economic issues. But to be a centrist or a liberal means being attacked from two sides. I often get called a socialist by right-wingers and a neocon by leftists, while I'm actually neither. I think most people in reality is roughly in the center politically, but they might believe they're more left or right than they are. One of my friends who have all their life voted for the formerly communist, now socialist Left Party, until I suggested to them that they sounded more like a right-leaning liberal than a socialist. Lo and behold, he read up on some parties and started voting for the Liberals, who are right-leaning liberals.

[@majortom8047]

Well, it's oddly not just an American habit to vote against your own interests. As someone who travels constantly, and who lives and works in world-wide countries, I see that a large segment of humanity constantly votes against it own self-interests. This has led some to believe that humans are not very intelligent. That could very well be true.

[@atherosclerosisheo3379]

That arrogance is why the left lost. Yall just claim anyone not voting what you think must be stupid.

[@LordSiravant]

Human nature is inherently stupid, selfish, short-sighted, and mean. Americans are not unique or special.

[@charlesjulien5079]

Excellent piece. As an American who has lived in Germany for almost all of the last 40 years, I couldn’t agree more. Thank you.

[@bobaldo2339]

It's one thing to "vote against your own self-interest" and another to vote for a psychopath out of spite.

[@ToxicCatt-y7c]

The fact that a lot of people voted for trump just to make a bunch of anonymous strangers on the internet angry is really telling…live in a world where everyone has the mental maturity of a 5 year old.

[@MorningDew85]

@@ToxicCatt-y7cI wish more people understood this point, a lot of his supporters just wanted to own the libs, and that’s it

[@TitusCastiglione1503]

Which psychopath?

[@bobaldo2339]

@@TitusCastiglione1503 The one running for president. Glad I could help!

[@TitusCastiglione1503]

@@bobaldo2339 lol If you say so.

[@GamesareJoy]

As an american, the reason I do not participate in these conversations HERE is because people fight, and there is no way to deescalate once somebody feels their identedy has been encroached upon. Once I stepped back from politics and just tried to have normal conversations I realized how messed things had gotten... I have activley been against our political system and refuse to partake because of how people respond to you picking the 'other' side you make an enemy of %50 of your own nation! Its deplorable. 'We the people' 😅😑

[@jsmacks11]

Few reasons. If something only slightly inconvenience one group, but drastically inconvenience another group, many people will vote to be slightly inconvenienced if it really hurts another group. Its kind of the equivalent of turning off the AC to get rid of an unwanted guest. Other times many things might not hurt a group who votes for something at the time and they might feel they don't need certain benefit. Other times people might be too stupid to realize something is hurting them as they are more concerned with how something hurts another group. These people might get the most defensive when confronted about it.

[@evulclown]

12:33 This is one of the biggest problems with America. Due to the country not existing that long, your "national myth" of origin is literally within heavily recorded history... Other countries have a mix of thar be dragons shenanigans and whatever. Americans scream freedom when the country was built on denying freedom and exploitation. Even the "we did it by ourselves" idea, you were a colony provided the land and protection as a benefit to flourish then rebelled after a tax rise lower than England to help pay to protect you with a navy that still cost more and the plucky American militia pushed out the tyrannical red coats through cunning and tenacity all by yourselves. Except you won only via substantial Spanish and French help. But freeeeedooom then subjugated more native land and had slaves do the hard work. It's this delusional contradictory and hypocritical bubble of denial on how you were and what you built yourself from that doesn't match the buzzwords you scream and think represent a very well documented history none of you seem to know. Education is the largest issue and Religion not being restrained. You should also have filled trenches with the bulk of Confederates after the war, they literally continued plotting and agitating after their defeat ant now you have MAGA.

[@DragonbornCanid]

THANK. YOU.

[@saulziyech9710]

Me as an African watching this even though it says "for Europeans"👀

[@ADM.II.]

Same.

[@Ida-baby]

😂😂😂😂lol me too

[@ninjaweretiger4273]

Same but I’m in Canada. 🇨🇦 The amount that the USA is cut off from the world is crazy.

[@CandiceMMartinez]

Europe thinks the USA cares what they think.

[@Mike_2501]

There’s a significant divide between rural and urban voters. People who are exposed to different ideas, cultures, backgrounds, etc. tend to lean more liberal and have more empathy for others. People who live isolated from diverse communities wind up having very conservative views about politics and the world. America has a lot of rural land. Even though these people make up the minority of the population, they have an outsized influence when it comes to voting, thanks to insane gerrymandering and the electoral college. I know plenty of Americans who are painfully aware that we’re the laughing stock of the world, that everyone thinks we’re a bunch of morons, and that things are better in other countries. Trump won with 77 million votes. That’s about 23% of the total population. It’s easy to assume because Trump won that all Americans voted for him and that he represents all Americans. Less than 1/4 of Americans voted for him. Our political system is broken.

[@Haffmatthew]

You said that better than I could have hoped to. I’ve often pondered about what you wrote regarding how the environment a person lives in eventually and subtly shapes their political beliefs. The urban dweller lives their life in real time with endlessly diverse communities and so they become less fearful of the “other” and see the benefits from living in an area with all sorts of folks. The rural person likely knows the same groups of people from childhood to adulthood. They’re less likely to have been exposed to folks who speak different languages, have different colored skin, practice different faith traditions. I think by nature they individual will see the world in a much smaller and more local way. I’ve lived in both urban and rural settings and they both have their pros and cons, but the people in the rural areas do tend to be generally fearful of any “other” in terms of it jeopardizing the culture they fear is at risk. Finally, I too am one of the Americans who is awkwardly aware of our image as a nation to the rest of the world. I imagine we appear arrogant and ignorant of other nations cultures, shamefully self obsessed and grandiose, unhealthy and convenience-obsessed, among many others. I wouldn’t be able to disagree with any of those when I consider our short, loud, and exploitative past as a country. Sadly, I fear alot of our fellow Americans lack the ability to acknowledge and comprehend how we would find ourselves if we were from some other smaller country.

[@roberttompkins9510]

Not to mention the election. Was stolen by the right

[@keybraker]

You have missed the point about USAns. The system is what makes them vote this way. Unfortunately it is just a bad implementation of democracy. Even on the surface if you think about it, it is a winner takes all vote, so 50% of people in the current election will not get their voice heard.

[@Nitz-domino_pe]

That’s just one position in the government. There are so many other positions that you can vote/ choose at the local, state, and federal level. Just because your choice for president did not win, does not mean you lost.

[@beyourself9162]

+1 the voting system is anachronistic…. way too old.

[@snakedogman]

That is just false. There are many layers to US democracy. The presidency, the house of representatives, the senate, the supreme court and the rest of the judiciary, and then all the states have a relatively high level of autonomy from the federal government with their own state governments. But in any democracy, yes governments are formed by the majority. That doesn't mean that other voices don't get heard, but not everyone can have their way at the same time. And just because Trump this time won all, doesn't mean that's always the case. Many times one party will have the presidency and one but not both houses (especially after midterms) or have to deal with a supreme court that leans the other way.

[@AGerm332]

That is only the public opinion. In reality the winner takes all could ne designed in a way that someone with 1% of the vote can form the government, if everyone else just gets 0,5% of the vote. Or in reality, you can become US president with just 20% of the vote if you know how to exploit the electoral college....

[@rdmctague]

And look who was elected, the person saying he will remove federal oversight and return it to the states. I think American voters are expressing their desires clearly, I may not entirely agree with their choices but it's not confusing if you're paying attention. It's obvious that huge swathes of this country experience no benefit from the federal government and want it's impact on their lives further diminished.

[@ProckGnosis]

Gut gemacht and fairly spot on analysis. As an American who has lived in Europe almost half my adult life, I can say Americans are significantly lazier and less informed about the politicians and parties they say they do and don't support. Aligning with one party just makes it easier than critically thinking about issues or positions a politician might have...that requires work! Having been back in the US right before the recent election, I was dumbfounded by the responses I got from people who "just couldn't support Harris" but couldn't adequately clarify why. They were "scared" or "horrified" of the prospect, but could explain no further than that. No specifics on Harris' policies, her stated positions, her prior performance, etc. That would have required effort to understand, and it was effort they just didn't care to invest.

[@charlesdalmas6534]

Oh, please. Let's call it what it really is. She's Black and a woman. That's what they're afraid of.

[@bryanmachin2152]

I think a lot of these people are unconscious authoritarians and sexists. They unconsciously or semi-consciously identity with forceful male voices, and unconsciously or semi-consciously can't take almost any woman (or her voice) seriously. And even if they were aware that this is what they do, they would never want to admit to it.

[@JohnnyCBCS]

@@ProckGnosis Harris never had any policies or any clue for that matter. And if you’re going to unload crap on Americans, why don’t you also look at Germany and its complete political debacle lately? Or the "society" that’s virtually nonexistent these days, Americans are the friendliest people in history compared to Germans.

[@Tavat]

Bingo.

[@bryanmachin2152]

@@Tavat But if they actually read about what is about to happen, then they would be informed AND horrified. Look at the nutjobs who are taking over all of these different government agencies, and listen to what they want to do. How hard is that to be informed about?

[@janfreitag5017]

What I always find quiet amusing is that you have to put in perspective what "right" and "left" is in the USA compared with Germany. In Germany, the democrats, who are called "left" in the US, would be in large numbers the CDU (our middle right wing party) with some "inspirations" from the SPD (our middle left wing party). The Republicans at the moment would be AfD ( our extrem right and, at least in parts, nationalistic, party - which is currently und observation of the Verfassungsschutz (mostly the equivalent of "Homeland Security" ). So from our perspective you have the choice between a moderate right wing party and a extrem and nationalistic party. Once you realize that it is quiet funny when US americans argue between "left" and "right", at least for someone from Germany.

[@franciscouderq1100]

Yup Bernie Sanders would be Center Left in France

[@alexmarvin3093]

edits the comment but forgets to correct quiet to quite*

[@Carlo_von_Habsburg]

Bernie sanders is a social democrat, so Center left yes. In America the political leanings are shifted so far to the right because of engrained Cold War anti socialist propaganda.

[@oliver_twistor]

Yeah, I constantly try to explain this even to my fellow Swedes. Many Swedes who are conservative thinks they must support Republicans. I argue that the entire parliament (except Sweden Democrats) would fit neatlly within the Democratic Party. Obama would probably be a Moderate, Biden would be a Christian Democrat. Bernie Sanders would fit right in the social democrats, which despite Americans telling me otherwise is not a far-left party, but a center left one (or right, if one would consider their recent stance on immigration).

[@pxrayx]

President Lyndon B. Johnson once said, "If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."

[@OrionSebastian]

damn.

[@chinonsomichael9839]

You just hate white people

[@elvenrights2428]

I think that cultural differences play a role in how Americans vote compared to how, Germans for example, vote. But some kind of tribalism is present in at least some European countries too. 2,5 years ago citizens of my country voted against their own interest (against even income tax reform which would increase their net salaries and purchase power) just because previous government which encted this income tax reform, wasn't "their". New government cancelled part of the income tax reform enacted by previous government and so, we are paying higher income tax due to this decision now.

[@snuffeldjuret]

he german mind cant comprehend the idea of loving your country :P

[@kylej4258]

@@snuffeldjuret germany is a shadow of it's former self, I don't even think it should be called germany anymore it died a long time ago

[@AnmEEE-e6g]

​@@kylej4258 1918

[@notgiven3114]

Your example is simplistic. Why don't you consider the fact that having government fund some things (like highways, law enforcement, courts, defence, etc.) is more practical and more financially efficient than is leaving it to private citizens? Lowering taxes doesn't lower the costs of such things. It would increase the costs of them to the public. The thing to focus on is control of the government. If we weren't paying the costs resulting from government corruption, and the government's expansion into areas that it's not legally permitted to expand into, taxes could be dramatically lowered.

[@iVo42928f]

The situation in the US that you paint sounds like the reverse of what happened in the Netherlands after WW2, the phenomenon of 'pillarization' (verzuiling in Dutch). The Catholics, Protestants, Socialists, and Liberals mostly had their own schools, shops, (sports) associations etc and barely saw people from other 'pillars'. This made people vote consistently for the same party, and young voters often voted in line with their upbringing. Nowadays the separation of these groups is far less and I'd say pillarization is mostly no more. The Biblebelt and a part of the Turkish/Muslim community are probably the most pillarized and inward parts of our society now, and their characteristic parties hold 3 seats out of 150 each.

[@estherbosbach377]

Liberals won.

[@qmaniac3539]

German here who is just sitting in a hotel room in California jet lagged at 4am. Last time I visited the US was 2017 and before that on various business trips many times. Now, after 7 years of abstinence I am here again and I have to admit that I was shoked when I arrived yesterday at the airport and was driving to the hotel. Everything is so torn down - all the highways and interstates are covered in trash, the concrete on the streets is broken and so bad, we would have a million construction sites in Germany, the tap water is smelling heavily chlorined and so on. Additionally everything got so much more expensive that for a low-income family it must be really tough. And although I know of the "American Exceptionalism" as explained in the video, I simply don't understand how such living conditions are not challenged by more Americans. And I am talking about southern California, one of the wealthiest parts of the US. For the first time, I kind of understand why people voted for someone who gives the simple answers and tells everyone that things will get better the easy way. Although I doubt that American democracy is strong enough to withstand him a second term and in a completely unhinged state of mind. I truely hope that I am wrong, but I am afraid that this will not get any better.

[@freekvarossieau9666]

You saw 16 years of Democratic rule in SoCal. The last 4 years just accelerated the decline.

[@LexGoyle]

That's Democrat rule in California. It was better under Republican leadership. I don't regret leaving.

[@Dapper_Dean]

well you have to know the fact, that other states send their homeless in California and they'll gladly accept the offer. Since California takes care of its citizens. They have a better rate of survival here, than majority of states. The weather is not bad either. The other states also demonizes their homeless population, which is not very christian of them.

[@JaNouWatIkVind]

Danke. Wertvoll.

[@jameseverett9037]

Democrats have been running California into the ground for over a decade. Not at all suprised at what you saw. You've yet to see the homeless encampments along the street, no doubt. Thank democrats.

[@Diggi1027]

Knowing why the police and our school systems were developed in the first place will help with these questions. Definitely weren’t designed to instill critical thinking at all.

[@99thObsidian]

As a college educated Geographer and local government IT analyst, this video has been the best explanation of US presidential elections I've seen. The polls were and will continue to be wrong because most of the voters ARE in denial of their bias to tribal affiliation. We are way more motivated by who's better or worse than us than what is right or wrong.

[@NunyaBiznezz-q2v]

All "tribes" of Americans were suffering under this god awful economy, how convenient none of you leftist fart huffers are capable of recognizing that fact.

[@BobbyKearan]

You missed one big thing about the "independent voter" part - we have been shoved into a 2 party system, so, yes, people will vote one or the other mostly. We don't have a viable third party nor a system that will allow a viable third party. The system is broken, but it is all we have.

[@brittneynorman3840]

How about you guys strengthen the 3rd party people stop going for Dems or now MAGA

[@adamperdue3178]

Your 1 vote isn't ever going to change the outcome of the election, so don't hold onto it thinking that you need to vote for the lessor evil. They're going to win or lose without your vote, so vote for who you WANT to win. I vote 3rd party every time, and my vote never would have been the deciding vote anyways, so it's not like anything was made worse by me not voting against the greater evil. Plus since the person who you vote for always loses, if the person who won turns out to be awful, you get to be smug about it to annoy your friends (use this power sparingly)

[@impossiblygeo]

⁠@@brittneynorman3840 did you just not read op’s comment?? no matter how much funding and support the average american gives a third party candidate, they will not win. the two major parties have billionaires backing them. no amount of donations from the public will be able to compare to the financial support of big businesses. in the end, third party votes end up as wasted ballots.

[@nelsonj.tagapulot9384]

Poorly educated Americans.

[@paulelledge8977]

For those that are curious, they dont vote against their self interests. They are telling you their self interests are things like racism and power even more than what many people think their top self interets should be. Unfortunately, this is too uncomfortable for many so we tap dance around it.

[@chromaticfrog7407]

Most americans also have the literacy of 6th grade students, so…

[@Why-D]

When I was in the army in a mission abroad, I occasionally talked in the evening with another soldier from my federal state, who usually voted for the other big party in Germany. And even, when we both had different parties we usually voted for, we agreed on most things, that were important for Germany and even on most decisions, by the one or other party in the federal or state government, if they were good or bad. And even, when we disagrred on some topic, that was no issue and we were still good comrades.

[@d.f.9064]

Now imagine if one of you didn't believe in reality, listened to low IQ scammers who perfected propaganda aimed at emotions instead of intellect, and were voting to end what Germany stood for.

[@patrickderp1044]

trying to ban AFD is not camraderie

[@eksbocks9438]

That's the difference. There's not a lot of judgement or bullying. For having a different opinion on something.

[@justTyping]

Because we have some more parties they also have some points multiple parties agree on. In the USA they separate each other more and more, which makes it much harder to have a calm discussion. Two party system is an issue.

[@xziaah6j63kx9]

such a calm logical people. no wonder you dont have extermists at all. oh wait. you have AFD. ultra MAGA-like neonazi party.

[@sadunlap]

Thank you for connecting the dots to racism. The Civil Rights acts of the 1960s triggered a backlash with consequences we continue to live with now. Michael Moore once characterized the election of Ronald Reagan as the time the American middle class launched a vicious attack on itself. For many Republican voters (maybe all?) if a given government program benefits anyone they consider undeserving then it has to go -- even if it obviously benefits them as well.

[@juniorgrant5495]

You nailed it. Many Republicans prefer a situation where the other gets nothing even if they also lose vs a situation where the other gains along with them. Historically, many of them in essence chose a poor version of whiteness once it meant blacks would also be poor, rather than a situation where Blacks would gain along with them. Now their morbid fear is immigrants improving their life. They rather lose along with immigrants than see any other them succeed.

[@kirsten_305]

The GOP is a hateful violent spiteful bunch

[@Haxerous]

There's two things that identify a classic "working class" or "middle class" American. 1) They all seem to think that they are millionaires/billionaires in waiting. 2) They don't want someone else to benefit and they think they can do better even if they don't receive the same benefits.

[@realvuldin]

This analysis seems to focus on Americans being overwhelmingly partisan. But this masks the reality of a (broken, massively flawed) two-party system: many people are just voting for the "lesser of two evils". And one or the other is seen so unbelievably bad that you ignore anything negative about the other side for as long as it takes to cast your ballot. Is it partisan to not truly be for either of the two parties, but be staunchly against one of them? If so, then yes I'm 100% partisan. But I don't think this definition fits what is being described in this video (and what many assume it means).

[@LexGoyle]

Not to mention our Democrat party has swung so far left it cannot honestly be called Liberal anymore.

[@aliens566]

It's only a "lesser of two evils" mentality among a small splice of the population. Mainstream media propaganda will continue to perpetuate this narrative because it's overwhelmingly partisan.

[@grabe15]

⁠@@LexGoylewhat makes you say they are swinging far left? Just asking out of curiosity

[@tonystark8757]

@@grabe15 www.investors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/extremes.jpg Pew Research.

[@StewNWT]

Not even close. Democrats would be considered centre right anywhere else in the world

[@bobsacamano7653]

Policies are vastly different between Republicans and Democrats.

[@VincentPope-hy3qb]

Republicans have no policies. This is why we are here. They have Mtg. L Boebert, and the like.😮. America has become brain 🧠 dead.

[@spencera1129]

Oh yea? Which ones lol

[@Warbum492]

@@spencera1129 lol dummy

[@ridemywheelie]

​@@spencera1129childhood sex change surgeries and hormones for one.

[@Lumi_Lumi13]

@@spencera1129 I don't see the democrats trying to strip away bodily autonomy from everyone with a uterus. Repubicvnts did that. Democrats aren't trying to strip away rights, protections, freedoms & liberties from the LGBTQ+ community. But republicvnts have & are. I don't hear democrats talking about abolishing the right to same sex, or interfaith, or mixed race marriages but republicvnts are. I don't hear democrats denying climate change but I DO hear republicvnts denying it. Need I go on?

[@elowin1691]

Frankly Europeans vote against their own self interest all the time too

[@Dapper_Dean]

depends on which country. UK certainly does sometimes. Especially with the Brexit debacle.

[@infrared337]

Which? There is about 44 recognized countries on the continent.

[@arjen8469]

@@infrared337 In the Netherlands we now have a ruling government that is actually the worst combination to fix our biggest problem, the housing crisis. Making cost of living insanely high in the Netherlands,

[@GaboH-h7s]

Most of all Germans haha

[@harryniedecken5321]

The Europeans don't even get to vote on the leaders of the EU at all.

[@William-Waite]

One aspect that I find particularly fascinating-and that I think deserves more attention-is the role of the media and the collective short-term memory of Americans. The rapid pace of news cycles often means that major events and controversies quickly fade from public consciousness. When stories are replaced almost immediately by the next big headline, most Americans lose the opportunity to deeply process and reflect on the long-term implications of political actions or decisions. This, combined with the overwhelming volume of information, can lead to superficial engagement with political issues and make voters more susceptible to sensationalism or identity-driven choices. Has anyone else noticed this pattern?

[@northernouthouse]

How do I fight my own biases? I actively seek bloggers that are outside my home country like you. I'm interested in seeing how others view the world. I listen to people who live in UK, Germany, Korea, China, Australia, etc and compare it to North American views. It keeps me grounded. I would encourage others to do the same.

[@JaNouWatIkVind]

I check Fox news every now and then to see how they cover a particular issue.

[@northernouthouse]

@JaNouWatIkVind the vast majority of people who aren't based in the US has a negative view of Trump. That's about 7.7 billion to 0.3 billion in America (and even half of them didn't vote for him). Americans would do better to venture outside of fox news.

[@abiliv-lf9tz]

Seems like you got tha covered already Idk it we could ever fully stop our own biases so basically the best you could probably do is be curious?

[@sk8erbyern]

lmao ironic comment. Dude the news from the UK, Germany, Korea and Australia are all just parroting the same US propaganda you are trying to escape. You should honestly start by realizing that Europeans are also quite ignorant about the world. I am from the middle east and honestly speaking I am kinda sad that the only language I know (aside from my mother tongue) is English because there is nothing reliable written in that god forsaken language on the internet, even if it exists they are insanely filtered by the search engines.

[@zacharythomas8617]

Europe has a lot of opinions on America.

[@frmcf]

Yes, and especially on the US. It is so present in Europe due to its massive cultural output, and military and economic influence, that many Europeans feel a connection to it and even a stake in it.

[@lakrids-pibe]

It's not bad to have an international perspective. USA is the world's richest country, dominating the world economically, culturally, militarily... it has a huge political influence on Europe. The same culture war nonsense is happening here in Europe. We SHOULD pay attention.

[@larsg.2492]

Because it's a car crash you can't look away from. Leads to a lot of water cooler moments and facepalming... Like the others said, the US is big enough to disrupt world trade on it's own. And a lot of far right groups in other countries are too eager to adopt the same culture war ralking points that make US citizens such an easy mark for grifters. And don't forget, there is the fear Trump could flip to Putin's side at any moment, like he did in the past, forcing the middle and western European countries into a war for survival.

[@fabiusque4266]

Thats true, but mostly due to the fact that the US is so huge and tries to influence the rest of the world as much as they can. What happens there WILL affect the rest of the world and especially the EU, so of cause they will be interested in what happens in the US. If the US would not try to force its opinions onto everyone elese, no on would care about a country that is a third wolrd country in quite a few areas but refuses to acknowledge that there might be other countries that are better at something.

[@longiusaescius2537]

@lakrids-pibe have you tried remigration?

[@HostageWithAGun]

Because neither political party represent most of our interests, both are on the right side of the spectrum.

[@FrankSavona-l3w]

Democrats center now were more left in the past.

[@HostageWithAGun]

@@FrankSavona-l3w That might be true before Clinton. I'm an older millenial, and my beliefs were never represented by Dems for the entirety of my adult life.

[@marcruffet9970]

Agreed, very insightful and well-presented. I subscribed immediately! While you touched on it, the disastrous impact of social media, particularly over the last decade, seems to be a major factor in distorting people’s sense of reality and limiting their ability to understand that compromise and unity are often key to progress. Thanks for the great video and greetings from Switzerland! 🇨🇭🇺🇸🇩🇪

[@emma-gf5ql]

Americans have been taught to hate their neighbors or that the world hates them. This is not true, we are all humans, we suffer the same pains, we love the same way. Stop hating each other and do something about that. In the end only love prevails.

[@ToxicCatt-y7c]

Something I also blame propaganda and the internet for.

[@RichardDelinsky]

Democrats believe that the repubs want the LGBTQ un-alived, and the bible is a text of religious persecution. And 2/3rds of us identify as Christians. "Americans", by this definition, aren't exactly wrong to feel that way.

[@leahcook1659]

When a large portion of one party believes that actual demons are running around, and base their policies on that idea... I'm not sure how anyone can just "switch to republican".

[@Coconut-219]

Gaslighting is why you keep losing to a populist.

[@justincain2702]

@@Coconut-219 You can recognize the failings of the democratic party while also recognizing the existence of insane religious zealots in the GOP.

[@MorningDew85]

@@Coconut-219gaslighting? Do you know how many times I’ve been called a “demoncrat” a lot of his ilk view him as a messiah

[@OrionSebastian]

@@Coconut-219youre telling me right wingers dont gaslight? miss me with that "what is a woman" bs

[@oliverbecker7568]

As good as your video and a lot of your points are, "social gold standard" is definitely not a phrase I would ever attach to the USA.

[@thevinyltruffle]

When bigotry and hate are more important than your own family.

[@twestgard2]

The largest voting bloc in America is those who are eligible but abstain. This is regularly at least 50% during presidential elections, and routinely 80% in off-year elections, sometimes 90%. In other words, what most voters consider their best option is despair and abandonment of a system in which all available candidates are simply tools for oligarchs.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

Yeah Biden is the only candidate in nearly a century to get more votes than the number of people that didn’t vote. That was likely due to Covid. Everybody was home and in many states, there was automatic mail-in ballots for that election season that didn’t continue. Made it easier to vote and the situation was dire with a pandemic raging. They voted out the incumbent out of rage for the situation. Now we’re back in “normal times” and they just decided to go back to not showing up.

[@snuffeldjuret]

no, not that many

[@MaxPower-11]

No, these figures are not correct. Approximately one third of the US voting-age population doesn’t vote in presidential elections, not ‘greater than 50%’. Also, the stupid electoral college system in America makes it a disincentive for many voters to vote for president because of the winner takes it all aspect of the system. If you live in a state that is highly likely to vote for say candidate A and you support candidate B then going out to vote for president is a complete waste of time since _all_ of your state’s votes (including yours for candidate B) are going to go to candidate A. Also, Gerrymandering, which is a typical occurrence in the US system also frequently discourages voters who vote for candidates for the the US House of Representatives (i.e., the lower house of the US Congress).

[@Sarcasmarkus]

His numbers might not be exact but the sentiment is apt

[@damackabet.4611]

@@MaxPower-11 its also if you already know your state is voting the way you want, you dont have to bother to show up. So it kinda cancels out. those who dont bother because their candidate cant win, and those who dont bother because their candidate will win their state already by a wide margin.

[@chrishenderson1262]

Great video, but I have to say there was a very big omission. In my opinion, a clear root cause of this phenomenon is pervasive misinformation combined with a populace nurtured to lack critical thinking skills. In fact, I'd say that intersection is even a contributing factor for the vast majority of the other causes you described in the video.

[@Haffmatthew]

As an American, I totally agree with your comment. I see both major political parties relentlessly manipulating their constituents into always feeling like we’re on the verge of collapse or calamity. I also see this phenomenon of social issues being blown out of proportion and portrayed as evidence of conspiratorial mayhem. I love my country. It is my home. It’s all I’ve ever known. But that said, I also have a deep distaste for the ignorances of the masses and how marginalized groups are often villainized to promote the politics of certain parties. Who’s to say what’s the cause of it all; as I suspect a lot of it is so multifaceted that it’s hard to lay blame on specific people or policies. I only hope we can endure and find a path towards a more unified global cooperation while also remaining committed to preserving each others and our own cultures.

[@malitze]

"That flashes their virtue signalling symbols..." is a really great way to put it

[@ZypherDecipher]

why don't people want equality? I don't understand how someone can look at another human being and think "oh it's fine that this person gets harassed for no good reason and their life can be threatened by laws being put in place", like what? how much copium are these people on?

[@wakkablockablaw6025]

I think you might have commented on the wrong video.

[@ZypherDecipher]

​@@wakkablockablaw6025 Ah yeah, I didn't communicate my train of thought very well, which is not uncommon for me lol But for context I was thinking about how some people voted for Trump despite being apart of minorities that Trump is heavily against, which is in fact against their best interests. And then thinking about that had me thinking about why people would even vote for a guy who is so against their fellow citizens, it's just kinda baffling to me how some people just don't seem to care about others, it's so odd

[@wakkablockablaw6025]

@ZypherDecipher I'm baffled that you think Trump is against minorities.

[@ZypherDecipher]

@@wakkablockablaw6025 ... I suppose you haven't been paying much attention if that is what you really think

[@SublethalCat]

@@wakkablockablaw6025 His comments on the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio say otherwise... Trump claimed that they were stealing people's pets even though the mayor of the city, chief of police, and the governor of the state had previously stated that these claims were false. The dude just straight up hates non-Americans

[@natezimmerman4438]

THANK YOU for not trying to assume “self interest.”

[@franciscotoro9454]

I think it would be useful to clarify that in the USA there is no such thing as right and left parties. Both are right, only one is way more to the right of right than the other, but neither would qualify for even a centrist label. Most of their policies are very similar. The USA is one of the most politically conservative countries in the world, and could be grouped with Russia, the middle east kingdoms and some east European nations. The only thing left in the USA are some street turns and location of one of the arms on the body of people.

[@Kaaxe]

by now Trump has racked up many hundreds of reasons for me to distrust/despise him. Hell he was infamous long long before he got into politics and has been a silver spoon bully and habitual liar for seemingly most of his life. The presidency is just another opportunity for him to scrape together money as we've seen COUNTLESS examples of already. A lot of his behavior is looked at as despicable, laughable and infantile by most of the western world but it seems his voters think this behavior makes him a tough guy and they admire it, apparently even thinking other world leaders do too

[@FrankSavona-l3w]

He’s such a grifter. He’s a clown. He’s selling bibles, t-shirts, caps, watches! What next? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@alexbalboa545]

Throughout all of that you attacked his character and never the policies. As an Hispanic in America, we saw more racism on tiktok from Harris supporters after election night. We witnessed more misogyny as well and not to mention a lot of fear mongering from the left that nearly led to an attempt on someone's life nearing election night. If you wanna talk character all day we can but that leads nowhere that's why Democrats lost this election and they will keep losing from now on unless they change their way of running. So many issues in America that the Biden administration has caused and Kamala was a part of it all. It's as simple as If you can't admit we have an immigration crisis, then don't be upset when those who see it vote for who they vote for.

[@caseyimiller]

@@alexbalboa545ah yes the liberal parties all over the globe are to blame for the struggle of overcoming Covid, totally wouldn’t have occurred with Conservative policies

[@Kaaxe]

@@alexbalboa545 stop watching fox news! They will report the polar opposite of what every other news source in the western world says and that isnt magically a good thing! But yes it's clear by now that the winning strategy is to lie and contradict oneself at every opportunity and that one should suggest things like nuking the bad weather, injecting disinfectant, ignore pandemics and claim it will go away like magic, claim windmills cause cancer, claim you are a genius and expert at everything, lie about blatant things we can see with our eyes like crowd sizes, reject losses and claim fraud and cause insurrections then later claim its fine and peaceful, constantly compliment dictators who are literally going to war with other nations (even complimenting them BECAUSE they go to war), seek to expand the US empire (so much for fixing internal issues), reject basic facts like climate change, refer to ones own nations dead soldiers as "suckers" and "losers", have decades long history of being the biggest asshole and bully around and bankrupt numerous companies, take every opportunity to grift and ask for donations and sell random merch to his supporters, be a felon, etc. etc. etc. This man is an INCREDIBLE narcissist and displays his woefully lacking intelligence all the time and you are saying that it's irrelevant?? He wants further riches for the already cosmically rich, but I suppose if you are someone who keeps thinking trickle down economics is a thing then that's great I guess? There are other rebublicans to vote for, why pick the worst human being available. Though the party has changed a lot and the likes of John McCain are rolling in their graves at what the party has become. Trump loves to claim that the US is a laughing stock except when he's in office, well I can assure you, as will almost all other western media, that the world is laughing WHEN he is in office.