Charles Sykes: How the Right Lost its Mind 

I am listening to this in 2022. I wish the Republicans would acknowledge the problem and dump Trump.

Videos like this should be on mainstream TV! Everything that Mr Sykes was talking about has come true only worse!

'How the Right Lost Its Mind' is a good title. And now we are all screwed.

3 years later...this man was spot on his knowledge of Trump and that he was never going to change. "Well he started it". Wish I knew that then, I could have shared it at a family reunion, me the only one laughing...and believing.

This man discovered all the conservatives he respected for twenty years turned out to be unprincipled grifters.

I'm sure I disagree with Sykes on a number of issues, but damn is it refreshing to listen to an even-keeled Conservative. Maybe one day the party will purge itself of sycophants, lobbyists and conspiracy theorists. one can dream.

Evangelicals "flipping" was the LEAST surprising thing in the world, to me. I smelled their hypocrisy from the womb.

I'm still shaking my head asking, "How did this happen?" Wish you had been listened to by Republicans. Look at what he's done to the Party. Look at what he's done to the country. Above all, how did all of those Republicans allow their moral compasses to be suppressed?

Very true, there is something deeply WRONG in this country when we the people will elect someone like trump as president, great talk.

I was a moderate but leaning liberal so I watched reasonable conservatives become tea baggers, but after Palin, I became much more militant and anti-Trump. I don't think the GOP will recover, ever. Glad I lived thru Eisenhower, Kennedy, etc.I agree that the scary thing about Trump is that he has destroyed the respect for truth. Trump supporters say they "don't care that Trump is lying" no matter what!"

Small translation problem: in this context "religious liberty" means the permitting of right-wing pseudo-Christians to discriminate at will against the racial, sexual, or other, group of their choice.

The best thing he said is the Republican party has become the loudmouth drunk at the end of the bar.

Oh my...what an excellent interview. Given the last 4 years, I had given up on the premise that any conservative would ever demonstrate common sense, intellect and civility. This man is a wonderful, refreshing example of integrity. Please keep articulating your message✌🏼

13:20 ff re Buckley, I don't share his view of him as an intellectual. Buckley displayed his deeply patrician biases, in a debate with James Baldwin, showed a great lack of compassion, if not outright ignorance. And re Krauthammer, he was one of those go-it-alone chickenhawks suggesting the US should not worry about getting allies as it went after one or another of the several post 9/11 targets. Also, Reagan, locking up Air Traffic Controllers, and then firing all of them because they wanted better equipment (some still had WWII era sets) and better working conditions. So now, all of a sudden, he's saying the conservatives in the Republican party were all about civility? Oh, and Karl Rove, Newt Gingrich?

One thing that gives me hope is that the younger generations do know how to spot fake news and they haven't been brainwashed by conservative radio and FOX.

Evangelicals: Character matters only if you are a non-republican.

Thank you. It is so refreshing to listen to such reasonable dialogue on these very important issues. We can only hope that reason will return to those lost minds.

Real Conservatives. An endangered species to say the least.

This was three years ago. They have gone wayyyyy deeper into the looney world.

"What happened to the party of Reagan?" Seriously? Reagan happened. The party of McCarthy got someone with limited TV success and little to no qualifications into the white house to say the right lines and do the oligarchs' and "Christian" right's bidding. Trump is not an aberration, but rather a logical consequence of Reagan. And all because his predecessor had the audacity to talk sense about energy consumption.

Really enjoyed this. I am not a conservative but this is the best analysis of the reason for the rise of Trump and the decline of the Republican Party I have listened to.

When he said he approved of Neil Gorsuch, I wanted to ask him if he also approved of Mitch McConnell blocking Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland for a year. And then talk about democratic institutions and the Constitution.

Yeah, I knew that he was unfit when there first started to be noises about him running. I, like most liberals and progressives, thought that he had no chance of winning. His win was both a tremendous shock and a deep disappointment.

40 minutes in and still haven’t heard the “f” word - fascism. The movement of the GOP was not to lose its mind, but to move into a specifically American form of fascism.

It is fascinating to listen to an intelligent person on the opposite side of the equation. I am a life long Democrat. Yet, by listening to those on the right, I can make an adjustment on my way of thinking. Trump is a bully. He uses his boorishness to get his own way whether it involves women or ideology or leaders of other countries. Trump has built a base that has no clue as to History, Politics, diplomacy, budgets, or anything else needed to run a country. I am pretty sure Trump has not idea about what it takes to be president of the most powerful nation in the world. Hillary Clinton was treated to Donald Trump's bullying during the elections. Even though she won the popular vote, she lost the electoral vote. Trump used that to batter his opponent, along with the well loved outgoing president, Barack Obama. He has demonized the Democratic party and just to make sure his base continues to follow his rhetoric he also demonized all of the news media as well. They trust no one to give them the truth other than Donald Trump. So how do you ever open the eyes of those on Trump's base when they have so drank the Kool aid there is no way to talk to them.

"Is there anything trump could that would alienate the party?" I've just watched him have policeman national guard teargas a peaceful demo, for a photo opportunity. Hi from Britain

This should go mainstream TV. Every American needs to see this.

Hes starting to see what the Republican Party really is...what we on the left have seen for a long time

4 years later and wow was he right!

It is so refreshing to listen to a republican who isn't a frothing at the mouth nutbar. I have hope for murica again but it seems Mr. Sykes has a long way to go to restore sanity.

It's very interesting to see this interview four years on. Mr. Sykes had it right.

The southern strategy was the start of undoing to the right. They have only further embraced (and exploited) the low-brow yee-haw set which now made them the party of the very top and very bottom.

Even Melania said, "he's not going to change, so I don't try to change him". She said it in an interview. She should know, she's been dating him since she was 15.

Thank you for speaking out aloud what today continues to be a very relevant true: Republican Party destroyed itself with Donald Trump.

Mr. Sykes articulately, and calmly asserts what he thinks a 'true' conservative's values are (or should be), and while I don't necessarily agree with them all, I do not viscerally disagree, with any of them. They are, for the most part, reasonable, thoughtful, and not threatening to my own values as a liberal. When I was young, (60's-70's) the republican/conservatives that I knew, were nothing like what one sees today. They are about as far apart in their values as a communist is from a capitalist. If more men were like Sykes, I might even vote for them at the polls. It could happen.........

I'll be damned, a conservative that I like: Thank You Mr. Sykes for making sense. If Donald Trump had half your intelligence, the USA would be in far better shape.

I can’t believe this was so long ago. He saw it all and it’s gotten so bad. Hopefully it changes At least he can admit he contributed to turning Americans against the media. Which has hurt out country more than anything.

Charlie Sykes and the Republicans made this bed, over the course of 20 years. Now we all have to sleep in it.

Conservative generally means opposed to change. Conserve the status quo. When you look at the state of the world, only a madman or someone incredibly short-sightedly selfish could want to keep things the same.

I was life long democrat. In May 20176, I changed my registration to No Party Preference. I ended up voting for Hilary, only because I did not want Trump to win. I thought Trump was unfit to be president. Had I had opportunity, I would vote for John Kasich or Rand Paul, moderate republicans. Now I watch Apprentice. White House Edition. On occasion I enjoy listening to people like Charles Sykes or Thomas Frank. I think republic is in trouble, but then similar thing happened in Roman Empire just before it collapsed. I believe, that while our attention is on Russia and Putin, it is China that is steadily eating our lunch and will become the next world superpower.

Aside from my own reason for wanting to know and see-what the other side is up to-I've grown to like Charles Sykes style of discussing topics of interest-for one overriding reason-Mr. Sykes is not your typical political conservative that is either bombastic or some kind of "shock Jock," when speaking on the issues usually eluded by many other conservatives and attribute fault to those on the left. I like his way of expressing his own beliefs and gives an impression-he would be willing to hear and engage in a civil dialogue of exchanging ideas-that may result in reaching a consensus of importance to both sides. The same can be said of disagreeing on certain topics, and yet, still being civil and willing to cede on points of persuasive point of view. A most interesting interview and has been quite insightful.

I’d like to Thank You. It’s so reassuring to hear from a rational, intelligent American Adult, irregardless of Political lean. I appreciate your regard for Our Democracy.

The party of Reagan is when this idiocy all started

I really appreciate this. Thank you, Charlie! I feel a bit less lonely. Not less terrified, but l really appreciate your voice.

Great interview! Thank you Mr sykes.

It's asked right off what happened to the party of Reagan. We've had decades of Reagan economics shoved down our throats. Even Democrat presidents practiced it. In all this time jobs, security, education, and wealth accumulation have stagnated or fallen for the middle & working classes. Poverty on average shows little change since the 70s. The American dream is growing further away. If Reaganomics worked would so many of the people, especially those in these classes gave elected Obama who offered hope and change then when he failed to provide it Trump who offered to bring back secure jobs in fields these voters already know and have experience in? No, if Reaganomics worked they would have elected another Bush or Clinton. The working people deserve more than a trickle. We deserve real opportunity for growth.

Mr. Sykes prediction almost 3 years ago was damn RIGHT!!!

Some of them never had a mind too lose, although I do salute principled conservatives like the Mr Sykes, the Cheneys and Mona Charen. I would give anything to bring back that Republican Party.

So now after you've seen exactly how trump did proceed thru his only 1 term, can you imagine if he gets another chance, or even if he has any input into any other candidate that will carry on his agenda.

"an intellectual Renaissance of conservative thought"??? Ha-ha! Conservative "thought" is like promoting "greed is good", irresponsibility to society is good, and the philosophy of Ebenezer Scrooge is a high point in conservative philosophy.

Sykes had a right wing talk show for years and contributed to this problem

Over three years later, and we're still in this strange place.

Sykes showed his underlying tribal views with the discussion on gerrymandering in Wisconsin and using the excuse that we separate ourselves. It’s pretty simple, require districting to have limits on the aspect ratio.

It's a bit of a relief to see that there still exist conservatives who are at least marginally serious, rational and decent. Good luck, Charles Sykes! Still I strongly object to Sykes giving the "Evangelical" "Christians" credit for wanting religious freedom. They don't. What they call "religious freedom" has nothing religious about it and it is only the freedom to be an active bigot.

If conservatism "believe" in the law.....they better start SHOWING IT

That's my 5th or 6th Commonwealth Club talk I heard the last half year. Everyone took me a step nearer in understanding your political situation. Thank you for the possibility to follow your evenings in europe. And for me it's just now just in time!

+Commonwealth Club - Thanks for the great interview and topic. You should have Frum and Sykes in dialogue if possible.

After posting two comments below, would simply summarize with this; many who identify as conservative, and as such boxed into voting along GOP-party lines, are uncomfortable with the ultra-right take-over of the GOP. The forced adherence of non-compromise in any legislation, the forceable pressure of being "either you're with us or you're against us" (Thank you, Bush II), and the fracturing of Congress in working across the aisle because of these extremists...it will take at least 2-3 presidential cycles in order to break down the divides forced on Congress and constituents by the Tea Party / Freedom Caucus ideology. Our Constitution was not built on ANY one-party rule - ironically, those wishing to force such into current gov.t presume to represent the Constitution. Would be funny, if not so threatening to our very democracy.

70+ year olds' with that mindset generally don't change. Potus is old, ignorant and steeped in the racism of his upbringing. He is not and cannot be a deep thinker. Unfortunately he represents a large segment of the U.S. populace by a third who relate to him.

Three years later this is even more so. Many years ago I would have in my barn a radio for the benefit of the animals. I chose this station because it was 24 hour talk radio and my reason for playing WGY was to dissuade wild animals from taking up residence. Thinking back, i remember a couple of shows that were known for conspiracy theorizing-----a name for simply lying---and pushing it on us. I'm rambling.

Mr Charles Sykes's words have been prophetic. Looking back his diagnosis and prognosis have been fairly accurate.

And, 5 !! years later...this guy is still SO right. he saw it all.

don't forget the horrid moscow mitch and the crime cover upper BARR !!

For my Christian brothers and sisters, if you ride with the Devil, where do you think you will end up?

Thanks Mr. Sikes.

The world would be in a much more dangerous place without people of your Insight! Keep it up!

Good talk but he and many other conservatives are being VERY disingenuous when they talk about the party not being full of racists or they are simply "fringe" groups.

This was in 2017...and it says it all about what is going on now in 2019

"I'll fess up...we contributed to this..", there's no going back from this, when Trump is no longer in office the Republican party will not be going back to the way it was. All those drunks at the end of the bar are NOT going away. I just don't see the GOP having a viable candidate for years to come.

I would love to hear an interview/conversation with Mr, Sykes today 2-14-22... Oh what we have had to go thru since this 2017 chat. God help us.

Awesome! Thank you for your frankness!!

A fundamental reason for the oft cited binary choice view has been the Presidential Debate Commission. There were, in 2016, three candidates on all 50 states' ballots. The Libertarian ticket was headed by two term (Republican ) Governor Gary Johnson and his running mate was former Massachusetts Governor, William Weld. It is unlikely that the Libertarian ticket would win but the inclusion of another viable candidate might have given voters more policy and less bombast. Johnson made the case that the debates should include all candidates with a mathematical opportunity to win. I agree with him on that point. Excellent discussion, by the way.

This is the kind of Republican I really respect.

"What might push him over the edge?" He started 'over the edge.'

"conservatism" : resistance to progress and change, literally.

So weird, and I say this as a staunch liberal, Sykes is and gives the perfect example of how interaction and discussion between conservatives (I am excluding RepubliQAnons) and liberals could/should be. Currently, there is almost no person in Congress with a (R) behind its name worthy being labeled conservative. The label Republican is by now a sure sign that that person is most likely a fascist nut case of epic proportions. Sad, because the country needs responsible, decent, and reasonable conservatives.

Wow, this has aged pretty well. Someone asked if there was anything Trump could do to lose the Right Wing media.... Apparently it never occurred to him to say, "Attempt a violent coup." Becuase Trump totally did that. And the Right Wing media is still with him.

It's really quite simple. The Reagan style conservatives forgot that alongside all those liberties they espouse, comes a whole bunch of responsibilities. Alongside all those freedoms comes corresponding duties - to your neighbours, your community and your country as a whole. When they forgot that aspect of how a society works, they laid the groundwork for tyranny.

No one has yet been able to adequately explain the Trump phenomenon. I've never seen anything like it. It's difficult to understand the unquestioning loyalty and devotion people can have to one individual. No matter what Trump was found guilty of, it seems to have no effect on his cult-like following. Some people have said, it's not so much about loyalty to Trump, it's about the conservative agenda he represents. I think it's something beyond that.

Amen ! What he said! Straight forward talk.

Knowing an understanding what happened, ahhhh but Charlie gives you a lot of hard thinking points with honest perspectives'

Mr Charles Sykes thank you so much for your input I have so much respect for you and the way you summed up the twice Impeached One term Idiot That's no longer occupying the Big House In Washington. Thanks Mr Sykes for speaking TRUTH!

I like this man, articulate and 🤓

I like Charlie Sykes, but his naivete is startling. The Republican Party stopped being the "Party of Lincoln" decades ago, and even Ronald Reagan was a racist. He doesn't seem to be aware of the true nature of the GOP even at it's best.

Interesting perspective. Curious what a William F. Buckley would have to say about the state of things in 2020.

If this man has always been this true. Then mostly keep up your good intentions for we'll meet again in the here after I do hope the best for you Sir.

Mr Sykes you are so right on the profile of Donald Trump you are drawing in this conversation. I applaud you. Thank you.

When people realize that their ideas and way of life isn't really their own; it will be too late. This is the story of this election, president, and the people who elected him. The hate that this president has brought on POC, other religious views, and humanity is horrific. This guy is awesome. He needs to run for president.

2020, after the election of Joe Biden, this is still interesting.

He nailed this. Bravo!!

Hearing again at kitchenwork. Yes: it's the best analysis of the Trump phenomenon so long! Respect!

Sykes is, in a way, refreshing and in another way infuriating.

I LOVE Charlie!

Excellent.

Thanks for today's guest. I hate with a passion D. T.

The “alternative truths” bubble I agree has been the scariest and most dangerous constructions by the alt-right and less-scrupulous right-wing hubs or news sites. I say construction because I believe it has been a targeted and planned effort by those in the far-right that understand that one of the USA’s worst shortcomings as a country and as a homogenous community (one of the few situations where we can be described as “homogenous”) is our sorely lacking public school practice of teaching to the lowest common denominator and giving too many reasons to excuse a lack of teaching the practice of thinking critically about one’s environment. One can understand at the point they realize this that a large majority of our beloved country is populated by people who cannot problem-solve or determine for themselves that never looking at or listening to different viewpoints than the one that makes them feel good is a very bad and corrosive thing for our society. Add to this problem the fact that few people have kept very good personal skills due to the fact that most of us are almost always staring at a monitor, phone or other media and not interacting with the environment around them and you get a country of socially-retarded and ill-informed people. (I am not using the word retarded as a reference to mental deficiency; but as a comment on our eroding collective social skills).

Boy, looking at this a year later, amazing Dr. Who.

Getting scarier.. 😱😱✨️✨️😱😱

Wow! What an eye opener!

Brilliantly prophetic. Best I've ever heard