The questions that Heather’s college students are asking about, such as the function of the electoral college, is what I learned in grade and high school in the 1960’s and 70’s. That these are college students asking these questions illustrates the abysmal failure of our basic educational system. We need a well educated electorate to avoid making all the horrible choices that have been made over the past decades. Our government is a reflection of us and right now looking into that mirror I am horrified. This problem will take generations to correct if we start now the urgency is upon us and I don’t see necessary actions being taken.
This was such an important and informative interview. We can do our part by sharing it, and share Heather Cox Richardson name. We need to save democracy. VOTE BLUE!!!
Even in the 1980's we were still going through the Constitution line by line and were thoroughly tested on it. I think we spent no less than 12 weeks on this. In college was where we found out how a bill becomes law was far more complex than how we learned before or on Schoolhouse Rock :)
In addition, we need to update that constitution. I get it. The conservatives think the founders went up a mountain and talked to god and god wrote out the US constitution on three tablets of stone... but that's not reality. it was designed to be a living adaptable document. The US was a tiny little potential country at that time. What.. Louisiana Purchase was in 1803. California did not exist as a state in the Union. People were still more attached to state and didn't have this idea of a grander superstructure that we call the United States of America. Is that the case now? Are Americans so attached to Virginia that they would automatically side with Virginia if we had a re-enactment of that Civil War? I'm betting the answer is a hell no. Florida man might answer the call but a bunch of Virginians are going to say "No and I'm going to kill you traitors". Why? Because we aren't that little country that was just forming. We're Americans. The electoral college served its purpose back then but we are not a collection of states bound by a EU style council. And even the states don't make sense when we are considering the election of a president. I mean, the role of President has vastly changed into a more powerful position. Even the Federal government has changed. I look with disturbed feelings when these Presidents, of either party, use executive orders to get things done. That is a step too monarchial if you catch my drift. In addition, we should consider that the main document was a "first public version" much like MS-Dos was a public version. How many of us use MS-Dos and know those keyboard commands. Don't most people have Windows post 95 with the GUI? Do people even have floppy drives? That document must be updated to become useful and relevant for our generation and for future generations. It is not written in stone. There are some things in it that need to be adapted such as removing that electoral college and making modifications to the Senate and Congress (we already did something with that to limit seats) so that they are more responsive to the populations and more representative to the US as a whole. we need some form of guideline to ensure that a Tuberville can't harm the US military appointments because he's a religious whack job who should never have been elected and given the ability to obstruct and harm our military operational capacity..especially with Ukraine and the middle east situation. I would also mention that the red states may have started the idea of not wanting to pay taxes that go to some NYC black welfare queen... but I too don't want my taxes going to subsidize some useless hick who hates me. Our structure doesn't incentivize states to be productive. They just get on the welfare line and take money from states like California. How long does California have to subsidize these states that elect senators and congresspeople that harm Californians? How long do we have to pay for a FEMA that only pays red states but never seems to be around when Hurricane Sandy hits the oldest part of America or when wildfires on Federal grounds burn and impact California. Why am I constantly sending money to Florida? Let florida sink already or pay the appropriate amount back to me.. (yeah.. Hurricane Sandy is a sore spot for me. All those years, I was happy to be help my fellow Americans. but when we got hit with that frankenstorm, those losers showed how UnAmerican they are. They can go to hell.) I'd also like some form of voter responsibility. Let's face it. Conservatives are mentally ill. They constantly play these social culture wars that harm a lot of people. Or as I say.. that maternal mortality rate didn't get that high without a little help. why aren't voters held financially responsible for the harm they cause by electing unfit people to office? Why aren't voters (or poltiicians or judges) held liable for flouting the common consensus and expert advice and then, killing people. The republicans killed people during Covid. they didn't need guns. they just needed to tell their mentally ill conservative base that covid was a hoax or something. And I definitely don't think that I should pay for Trump's reckless spending. Why shouldn't the republican voters pay for that? They voted for him. They broke it. They buy it. Fair's fair. And yes, I stand by my words. Conservatives are mentally ill. ask them any questions and at the bottom, it's just conspiracy theory land. They are not humane people. They are not sane people. A pet rock would die under their care.. Their failures are easily measured via basic metrics such as maternal mortality rate or infant mortality rate. The test results came in and conservatives are failures and it's because they're ... mentally ill. I mean.. alternative facts? pizzagate/ vaccines will kill you 1 year from now? magic god sends tornados because of gay marriage? Can we just admit they're not sane and work to protect all the vulnerable people from these savage animals?
Although I agree that basic functions and purpose of government should be taught in school (all levels) there is a problem. Our two main political parties clearly have views of what government is for that don't align. When we teach about the purpose of government (it should have one, right?) do we just give a laundry list and include contradictory ideas? 1. Our government's role is to protect the property rights of rich landed white men (thanks founding fathers). 2. Government should protect the rights of all citizens and promote the general welfare. (thanks the evolution of political thought into the 20th century). 3. Government's function is to support a particular politician in his quest to become a dictator, because, don't you know - he knows best. Anything a citizen does to elevate an individual to dictator, should be lawful. In other words all the activities I call the Jan 6th attempted insurrection, must be considered acceptable and legal. I think Civics is gone because the factions could not agree about how to express the basics to US students. We clearly cannot agree on the most basic ideas, such as freedom, or the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I have so much to say. I will abstain. I will applaud Heather Cox-Richardson for telling Katie right to her face that the media has become a part of the problem. No real fault of their own. They are in uncharted waters, but Katie got a little too defensive. There is room for change. Change for the better. I’m so tired.
When I say it’s through no fault of their own, my meaning is two-fold. No one could have seen trump Coming down the line, but we’ve also seen news organizations struggle with leadership and mission statement. Everyone is struggling with how to handle trump and his crazy supporters. As hard as it is to live with, trump supporters are Americans too. No matter who you are, this is a struggle. Newscasters are trying their best, for the most part. Of course, fox is a whole other situation. Not included.
Without free press, there is NO democracy. Agreement of FACTS is today's issue. After that a peaceful conversation can be started. People don't articulate WHY they are devoted to Trump OR the Republican Party.
@patticriss2238 I'm glad Heather Cox Richardson called out the media not doing its job. So it's up to us to do it's job. Share this interview with as many ppl as you can. 💙
What a brilliant conversation. Heather Cox is our most articulate historian. Katie, you did an excellent interview...keeping the talk on course. Thank you.
TOTALLY AGREE - BIDEN has experience unparalleled... THIS shud be highlighted and he shud be celebrated for this!! And of course we wud be in a SHOCKING position if Trump's insurrection had been successful - global politics is very much authoritarianism verses democracy!! It is blatant if u listen to Putin's rhetoric against 'the West'... and the identity of his tentacles.... Trump is the 'perfect' Putin dummy...
She is someone who really gets it. Most people don't. However, it would be nice to see her promoting Ranked Choice Voting, which is the key to bringing about a true multi party political system where you need to form coalitions with other parties to get things done instead of everyone either being in your party or the dreaded, evil, other party. It is part of The American Anti-Corruption Act.
@@BryantPPNot sure if Katie so much changed the subject, or just deflected it. "I'm gonna throw that back to you" (the failure of the MSM to talk about the Biden administration's accomplishments, instead of the neverending tRump sh!t-show for ratings)...I really wanted an honest answer out of the "journalist" on that point.
Heather Cox Richardson does a very effective job at providing clear, sensible, fact-based information that supports my passion and concerns for our Nation. Her writing is not tied to corporations or political camps, it is true and researched. We need this model to be adopted by major news organizations. Thank you Heather for substantial oxygen that enables our Democracy thrive!!!!!
I agree with Dr. Richardson --- millions of people seek intelligent, informed, historic context on the topics of the day. Dr. Richardson's newsletter audience underscores this reality.
Totally agree. Would never have thought that American democracy could and might fall. Growing up in Ireland with our history of the troubles, ( recognising that bad stuff happens) then living most of my adult life in the US, loving it, felt very secure in my rights and feeling safe in that. I could not believe that rational people took a chance on a chancer like Trump. And I watched in horror as he bulldozed his way to the Whitehouse as I’m screaming the emperor has no clothes. ! They gambled on democracy as a lark it felt like. It left me wondering if people who had never lived under tyranny had no clue what was at stake.
Exactly. Horrified by how many people were so cavalier in risking our democracy for their own agenda. It's not all explained by stupidly but I don't get it at all.
Many people have no clue. Most people are tuned out for different reasons, but mostly they are ignorant of history, ours and in other countries. It is so terrifying!
You need to understand that the alternative was Hillary Clinton, who not only promoted the TPP many of us were against (as was Trump - he took us out of it his first day of office, probably the only thing he did that was good.) but who also won by cheating Bernie Sanders with election fraud - something that would probably gotten her impeached and removed from office within a few months.
@@janiebuck2938 And, surprisingly that we have so many bigots and racists within our society. That really blew me away. The hate and violence too. Mind boggling.
I Love the Wisdom of the Old. Long Live Joe Biden. Thank you Heather Cox Richardson for the sharing of your knowledge and conversation with the superb Katie Couric about saving our Democracy.
My Dad was in the Army my education wasn't great. Most of my education was in the south. When I was in Alabama I was told that the Civil War was about states right As I got older I began to understand the truth of our country.
I agree with her. The media is going for drama and not the things that are good in this administration. People I believe in the United States have become more self-centered as well.
You’re joking right?! The msm consistently props up this wretched administration. Please elaborate on all the “good” they’ve done! Name ONE thing! One!
Heather is one of the best voices in the country right now, encouraging engagement in our current political situation. I appreciate her so much. And I am thankful to those who pushed back on Katie about the Biden age thing. The reason his age comes up all the time, and not Donald Trump's, is because of the media! Sure, the American people discuss it but if the guy is doing the job and is the nominee, what is the point other than sowing doubt? Do better. There's so much more to discuss than the guy's obvious age.
I found the discussion about who the historian is reaching vs. Katie’s comments about a bifurcated media is an important point. I love this type of discussion, and I presume most viewers are here because this resonates with them, but what good does that really do? The problem is that to a large extent you’re “preaching to the choir”, just as Fox “News” is preaching to its loyal congregation. The two sides are talking past each other. The key is, how can you reach more moderate, open-minded folks who don’t start out agreeing with you and actually persuade them to see things differently and CHANGE some minds. What we really need in order to preserve democracy is to accomplish rational, objective debate.
Heather Cox Richardson has a channel here on RU-vid of her name. She has a fantastic 17 part history of the Republican Party on her YT channel that's fantastic.
keep your expansion continuing Big Tent, please! Katie, thank you for your fine mind, warmth, and interview mastery. Heather Cox Richardson, could you run for President? This. This! is intelligence at the helm!
Polls?......What polls? I'm 65 and have voted in 3 states throughout my voting years and never once have I ever been asked my opinion by one of these political "polls". Thank you Heather and Katie.😢
I was asked by a pollster in Kentucky about the governor's race and the questions were worded in a way to elicit responses against Andy Beshear. I called the pollster out on those questions, reamed her out on the questions being written on false data, clued her in on the falsehood,and did not give her the answers she wanted.
@@2009kygal - Yeah, the last time I got polled, way back in the old days when I still had a land line, it was definitely a push poll and I told the pollster so and also refused to participate. I don't believe any of these polls any more. Remember the red wave? The media wants a horserace and will do whatever it can to bring it about. Or at least pretend that's what is happening.
Polls is a word that the donor owned media outlets use to control narratives, public opinion, and drive their sheep herding rhetoric. If you watch and listen to the media, you must remember that the media is 99.99% owned and operated by the donor owners. They push their narrative, not the truth. Nothing in the media can be construed as being the truth. NOTHING. This Cox is just another political rift profiteer, making a living on spreading the faux partisan difference tire fires. The GOP, Democratic, No Labels, and Libertarian parties are all owned and operated by the donor owners. We must stop voting for our own death at these robber baron owned parties.
I get asked all the time to do polls , but the polls are just from one side or other and then many of the national polls just get a conglomerate or those polls , so when right wing voters are obsessively doing on line polls and democrats are quietly waiting to vote , there is the difference …
Thankyou, Ladies! I’m 86, and very interested in what you have to say. When you say. ‘None of us knows when the end is coming’ how right you are! Joe knows it, for sure, and is making such good use of his time
Grateful that before I face the morning's news, Prof. Cox Richardson's late night post is there to make sense of it all - and provide an ounce of hope.
It's frightening to have several GOP men who are holding up there idea of gov. blocking things that should have moved forward without an issue like that military raises!!! How can ONE person un Congress have that kind of power???😵💫😱
Katie and Heather, Please have that discussion about the media! So many people want “Cronkite” style news reporting that I can’t believe it’s not possible. Let’s make it happen ( and make it women-run).
Send today's 'journalists' to Walter Cronkite School...HE would have called it out. "...and that's the way it is." HE reported facts whether people 'liked' it or not. That's why he was the most trusted. There's no 'other side' or compromise to fascism. ✊🇺🇸🗽⚖💙🌊💯🤟
Thanks for the talk! I disagree about one thing. People will not realize what good Biden has done to the country when roads a bridges are built and fixed. We have seen already that the republican governors who voted against Biden BBB plan, they take credit for it when its finally finished. As Heather implied, journalist has to do better!!!
I really disliked Katie's insinuation with that point. Many of us are not stupid and know what's going on without actually experiencing it. Ditto - journalists must do better.
I totally agree BBB was never passed:( because of Manchin and sinema. I do think biden should have fought harder for it! You are right the inferstructure bills reward won't be seen until its built! The media sucks at laying out all of bidens accomplishments!
As a Civic leader, I PERSONALLY have first hand experienced, THAT EXTREME PROBLEMS DRAW OUT INVOLVEMENT! Then a certain percentage go dormant afterwards, while a much smaller percentage stay more involved. Little by little............
Heather has so much knowledge...this History is so helpful in understanding how we've gotten here...2024 is going to be a crucial election for the future of the United States...
Quit throwing flowers at the status quo political rift profiteer. She is nothing more than a Michael Moore in a dress. She is all about the continuance of voting for the donor owned GOP, Democratic, No Labels, and Libertarian parties. She is just another book writing speech touring political conflict profiteer. She has ZERO answers. If she was a real Progressive she would be all over advocating us all to stop voting for donor owned GOP, Democratic, No Labels, and Libertarian parties. This status quo profiteering woman is just following in the foot steps of Chris Hedges. These people make me sick. They talk about problems we are painfully aware of all day every day. Talk Talk Talk Talk. No Action. The action we must take is turning our backs to the donor owned GOP, Democratic, No Labels, and Libertarian parties. We must unite and muster united under one party roof that has ZERO donor money in it. That party is the Green Party. I hope to see you there. Wish that we could kick the donors to the gutter in one hand, and defecate in the other hand and see which one fills up first.
Wonderful conversation between two smart women! Loved the question about Joe Biden and HCR's answer on his age. I so very much agree. His wisdom and knowledge is so valuable. We are so fortunate to have him.
I'm senior to Joe Biden, and to those who badmouth his age...unless you've been there, you have no clue!" As a historian, HCR has dwelled in the ages and should have a much better grasp of the advantages of age. If Beau Biden, his eldest son, hadn't succumbed to brain cancer during the Obama Administration, Joe Biden would've been a shoo-in to succeed Obama and the US would never have known the foibles of Trumpism.
I'm late to this conversation. But I am a big fan of Heather, and her newsletter. I do exactly that, start my day with coffee and a read of her newsletter. She is simply fabulous. I love the context she brings with her recounting of history, and how it relates to our current times. She cuts right to the key points and does not mince words. I trust her commentary and know I am getting facts and not propaganda. It's rare today. She truly wants us to understand and does not have a particular agenda but to give us the big picture as she so astutely states in this video; Thanks to both for a great discussion!!
Two of my absolutely favorite women! Katie, your glasses are wildly distracting. Lots of glare. 😁 Excited to listen to this discussion! Thank you both, and thank you, Big Tent!
_Heather Cox Richardson_ is very reminiscent of _Governor Ann Richards of Texas,_ and I never thought I'd see the likes of her again, but she lives and breathes! - j q t -
It is pedantic to ask this question when you have a small majority congress seeking to legalize anti-women, anti-LGBTQ, anti-Indigenous, anti-Black legislation while coordinating illegal acts to delegitimize voting. Solid interview. Please call your situation for what it is, authoritarian and oppressive.
I completely agree that Biden’s age is an ASSET. Looking at the international scene currently, we’re going to need real wisdom, strength, & finesse. Biden has got that.
@@ExploringCabinsandMines what? You think DT would be a sober & effective leader in the midst of 2 volatile wars? Now that would be a joke. He’s too busy worrying about “electric boats” sinking because that’s what working Americans are concerned about. 🙄 Now, THAT was a joke. Sarcasm really.
"Christofascism" ... Professor Richardson cites an important existential threat to our democracy ... we must stand, unite and defend our DEMOCRACY NOW!
Heather Cox Richardson, ON FIRE! Kudos, Heather! - You articulated the evolution of American Bastardized Conservatism, just as eloquently as OUR FINEST CANADIAN "ARTICULATORS" would have done! kudos et Salut, Madame!
Just listening to the voice of intellect and reason made me feel better for the moment. We have a long road to hoe. Buckle up everyone, our Democracy is on the line. Our beautiful way of life. It's the reason everyone longs to come to America. Wake up and don't let it be lost.
I like Heather's emphasis on the amount of time we have between now and election time for Democrats to stand up for what is the greatest good for the greatest number, and not to focus upon nervousness over polls
All I can say is Thank you, for an intellectual discussion! Sound bites will never teach us what we need to know to save and better American democracy.
Prior to 2000, we had the luxury of not really having to worry about our government going off the rails. Now, we all have to strap in and pay attention.
RU-vid host TONS of crap. But I appreciate the platform. It allows great conversations to be assessable to all :) I am so happy to see these ladies together. I grew up watching KC, and have enormous respect for her. Heather is pheromonal!!! We should all listen to what she saysl . Thank you both for sharing this conversation with the us :)
HEATHER COX RICHARDSON! What a GEM 💎 of a Lady to have on the ,"Political Beat" America, this day! - I AM CANADIAN & 🇨🇦 🍁 ACCORDINGLY, I do not watch, am not familiar with, and DO NOT MUCH CARE ABOUT@, KATIE COURIC. Equally, because "The Lady from Maine" is FROM MAINE!, and HARVARD, and A BRILLIANT HISTORIAN! - yeah, she's damn nearly CANADIAN 😎 and AS SUCH, is WEDDED to our CANADIAN FUNDAMENTAL BEDROCK!, of PEACE,!ORDER!,and GOOD GOVERNMENT...,AND!,..FAIRNESS!! FAIRNESS!! - COLONRL JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN, of the 20th MAINE!, and PROFESSOR of ENGLISH LITERARURE and RHETORIC!at BEAUDOIN COLLEGE in MAINE! - ( and incidentally, the MAN! who WON THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG at LITTLE ROUNDTOP! - yeah, an honorary CANADIAN! snd so is MADAM RICHARDSON! I must say, HEATHER leaves the "crusty Old War Horse 🐎 🤔 KATIE COURIC, in a pile of disheveled conservative shambles mess! Salut, Madam Richardson!
In 1984, I was warned by my History teacher that somehow foresaw that decades away we would end up with a far-right populist authoritarian that would try and destroy democracy. (He was a "regular" republican of the day, approving of but a bit skeptical of Reagan) The same year I recall the news media doing specials on Donald Trump as a gilded brilliant maverick who was "shaking things up." There was even a song by The Cars with the same title popular at the time. Reagonomics was in full swing and was ruining the blue collar jobs especially in places that were not unionized. I always wondered what that teacher saw and tonight Heather Cox Richardson provided some good clues! It goes back to the mid-1960s. Brilliant interview Katie Couric!
What about the fact that sooo many people I know who have always been Republicans are changing from being registered as Republicans to being registered as Independents? Does that decrease the number of Republicans to the group of radical Republicans who willingly join in on a poll. Does that make the radicals a larger group, therefore, looking like the "whole" Republican party thinks as they do?
Every person who is so involved with your programs on your watch every day is amazing. All of you make a bullseye everyday and growing. I would like to be a part to what you are doing. Blessings to all of you. Take it out keep it coming
Great interview!!! Heather Cox Richardson is so brilliant. She's helped me through the "trump age decline" by seeing the patterns. Her perspective is so grounded. Katie your audio is so much better than it's been in the past. Your voice is lovely now that it doesn't sound tinny.
I live in NC and yes, we are politically doomed. I have used up so much oxygen since the 2020 election that it's a wonder I am still breathing. All it has done is alienate family and people who I have been friends with for years. We must keep voting blue 💙 until it does matter! I don't see anything changing here until trump is gone. For good. My neighbor just came by yesterday. He had on a Tshirt that said "Extreme MAGA" on it. People in NC are not known for watching people like Heather or anything but the spin doctors on mainstream media like Fox. Lots of "country boy" people living here who just like to agree with their own family and friends simply because they bond over like-mindedness in anything, but especially politics. Or beer. Or guns. My family moved here in 1966, and I certainly have seen so many changes since then in many things. But the extremism in politics and how people living here relate (don't relate is a better term) is frightening. I think it is due to the rise in social media (Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, etc.) and the huge growth in media outlets (especially like Fox) who are more interested in having a huge number of viewers than in broadcasting actual news. We are, indeed, living in dangerous and frightening times. I fear for the future generations, and for our democracy, if we don't get ourselves better educated and vote in the best interest of our own selves and stop making voting a popularity contest.
I have alienated several people and the relationship changes has been difficult, I understand. I remind myself those people and I have a different moral compass.
Great conversation between two very wise women! I do think the strengthening of female voices in this present moment will make a strong difference in strengthen ing our democracy and we're not going to lose it!
Yes, we do need more good women in government & all leadership roles. But it's a bit much to say women will solve it all. Are you aware of "Women for trump"? There are smart women, and others not so. Just as men. Just as children. It's better to support "smart people, both women and men" -- rather than the unhelpful "women v. men" thinking.
Thank you so much and for putting all of this in a way everyone can understand. It is an important moment for our country and I hope with more voices people will understand what is at stake. 🙏👏👏👏❤️
Fabulous discussion... Thank you Katie and Heather... Hopefully Americans who have been asleep at the wheel who voted for Orange Head see how dangerous this fool is now ... And will vote for Democracy going forward... Thank you for this meeting.. Do it again...
Katie, your point about getting back into the middle of the country and talking to people is well taken. The middle of the country has changed a lot in the past 15 years. I think a lot of people there are very willing and able to see themselves as part of a larger world. The internet and modern technology especially in farming combined with the understanding of nature and the need to adapt to changing climate and ways of doing business are front and center in those communities.
