Riz Khan - Gore Vidal - 12 Nov 08

[theGhoulman]

Vidalophiles??? No. We are not. But hey, sure. ;p Some of us have actually read his fuggin' books jackass. Weird interview. We at least get to see Vidal's George W. Bush impression at the end. Always funny. lol

[trollfinger]

@ScottishNonBeliever

I always think that Riz Khan plays that song on a keyboard before his show.

[Cabronosidad]

Like Chomsky he takes the narrative to a whole new level. Terrific interview, & I liked the way Riz Khan had the wit not to interrupt him like many interviewers do. He just needs to be fed a question then be left to rant. Thanks for an entertaining upload!

[MrTruthAddict]

This guy is awesome

Long live Vidal

[dominus316]

extraordinarily POMPOUS! Useless writer, even more useless as a critic, has to live with the fact that he is simply the most ORDINARY author who has to publish his stupid face at every available opportunity, because he could only dream of writing like Fitzgerald and Hemingway.

[adoll000]

@dominus316 yes we should all strive to be alcoholics and suicides

[LicoriceLain]

@adoll000 There is more to who they were than that, but dom's attitude toward Gore Vidal is.. *drum roll* pompous.

[MrTruthAddict]

@dominus316 Ah shut up idiot.

[FungusMossGnosis]

Ha, I'm reading 'Romulus' now!

[mrbrandon71]

LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE GOrE VIDAL! Intellect, avante garde, and just does not give a fuck anymore! FABULOUS!

[TakeNoGuff]

I just finished Gore Vidal's "Perpetual War For Perpertual Peace." Great book, as is "Dreaming War". This man is a breath of fresh air!! Thanks for posting.

[Strefanash]

I wonder if Mr Vidal still thinks so after nearly two years.

Obama is an empty suit, merely Bush's third term, a little more stylish than Dubya but still a contemptible nonentity,

NOT because he is black but because of what he has done- refusing to prosecute Bush for war crimes, starting war crimes of his own, not reinstating habeas corpus etc etc etc

[KevinMurphy01]

I've never heard such brilliantly acidic wit coupled with the theatrical poetry of Mr. Vidal's tongue. I wish he could live forever!

[devourerofbabies]

I love his impressions

[Cabronosidad]

I wonder if Bill O'Reilly has ever interviewed him.....

[devourerofbabies]

@Cabronosidad I think O'Reilly has enough of a sense of self-preservation to abstain.

[filestreet]

Comments talking about Al Gore in a video about Gore Vidal is super confusing.

[PhilosopherSY]

I note with interest that the infinitely wise Gore Vidal keeps evading the "S" word whenever he's quried about an alternative economic model. Why? Twice now I've seen him do this (see for instance the video called "The Glare of History" ). How very puzzling. He hasn't shrinked from advancing his radicalism before. In any event, a superlatve thinker and an even better writer. A kiss upon his heart!

[trollfinger]

I'm going through his book "messiah" again. It's brilliant.

[austin0031]

It's always hard to make predictions on what would have happened. We can just look at Gore's record and make our best guesses. He has been for the neo-liberalism of the WTO, I find it plausible that he could have gone into Afghanistan. But he condemned Bush's invasion of Iraq and his global warming work implies that he might not have walked out of Kyoto. So based on his record I find it plausible that his victory in 2000 would not have given us the most reactionary regime we've ever had.

[austin0031]

Since we don't have runoff elections here a vote in 2000 in Florida for the best candidate turned out only to help the worst.

Aside from that I agree with the rest of what you said. It's incredibly sickening!

[mengutimur]

America has been imperialist ever since they started the war with Spain in the 19th century.

[austin0031]

Actually, you're being a bit too generous. When I look at a map from 1776, most of the land that would become future states was yet to be conquered. George Washington was just as much an imperialist as any of his predecessors.

[Bolenderable]

@austin0031 I agree. This point is the one odd lacuna in Vidal. I'm sure he's mentioned it somewhere, but not enough.

[austin0031]

@Bolenderable Sometimes in interviews, Gore seems a bit too deferential to the "Founding Fathers", but in his historical novels he is spot on.

[urdu034]

"Piltdown lady from Alaska" --great. that tag has embedded itself in my brain.

I don't think we are broke enough to enact true change. I'm not optimistic.

[blingwave]

oh nos, america lost the olympics bid....it must be because the rest of the world was convinced by Gore Vidal's genius prediction that the U.S. would be run by a military dictatorship very soonz1!!! Us Americanz is to stoopid to hold olympics.....the left is always so prescient, I can't wait for Gore's prediction to come truez.

[bigbossman999]

yeah americans are the ones who are "stoopid".

[alexlee7773]

I'm a wartime president!

[robjirasama]

LMFAO this is one of the greatest American men to have lived after HD Thoreau...

[mik99D]

"The 'Piltdown Lady of Alaska' " Don't you just love him?

[PaineLover]

Palin is a "crashing bore". Yep. You betcha, AL

[JohnandStace74]

blah

[hopaloop]

A Brilliant Man,pity all of Americas brain cells are packed into such few heads. The American dream is over,the alarm clock has been ringing too long. Wake Up, have a cup of coffee if you must and start sorting your shit out as it's ruining the entire globe. Your flag no long has any kudos, however the potential of the majority of the people is second to none. Good Luck on your mission, the world needs you to be succesful.

[wblakesx]

bush, from a phony election, to ENRON, to stupidity act on the war (oh yes, usa pants down, waving it's ass for the bombers, sweet!), Brownie playing pocket pool with New Orleans, and ass a parting shot of his bush ass he hands us a Arther Anderson economy and laughs it all off, at singing and dancing , at parties in his "honor". One gets more sense out of walls than defenders of the rightwing fantasy of superiority and their mastery of criminal, clinical and, psychology. fm

[walkdaddy6]

I always enjoy listening to that genius of a man!

[seans10]

"I'm a war-time president! I'm a war-time president!" Vidal did a good Reagan too.

[mrtwang32]

Ain't no one around to replace this guy!

[fredkhambatta]

thats really bad news!

[mik99D]

Christopher Hitchens? Maybe. Except that CH doesn't write novels. I have read all of Vidal's political essays and I have read all of Hitchen's books. There is a meeting in CH's 'Love poverty and war' where he echoes GV's 'Veiw from the diner's club' in some simulacra. Two books I would recommend. However I don't think Hitch could write anything like 'Live from Golgotha'- my favourite GV Novel.

[bigbossman999]

and yet hes probably still smarter than you

[photek1944]

seems to me like he's making more sense than 99% of americans...

[mrtwang32]

Not here he hasn't. Vidal takes his time and manages to be far-ranging and right-on-the-money at once. Refreshing to see a TV presentation that allows more than a three-second soundbyte.

[TonyLearner]

I suppose I could use flowery and safe language to defend Gore Vidal from the demeaning and unfounded commentaries of the Far Right, but I won't. Kiss Vidal's ass and while you're at it bring him a glass of water -- with ice. There is no sillier fuck on Earth than a fake Republican who thumps the Bible and meantime solicits sex in bathroom stalls while simultaneously deriding a truly brilliant social thinker like Gore Vidal.

[jsijason]

Hear hear!

And don't forget thumping the bible while bombing and invading other countries and denying people civil liberties.

[whitfield2000]

Oh, dear. Mr. Vidal is doddery here. Glad to have been exposed as a child to his recurring face-offs with Mr. Buckley.

[TheLibertyChannel]

Gore Vidal, the pro-Wall Street elitist creep. Just like his protegee Barankster Obama.

Watch the Obama Deception.

[unkelb0b]

He's funny, he's wickedly smart and he's our national treasure.

peace.

[invincibleironman3]

@unkelb0b , could you have imagined this guy on the hill? Congress wouldve been in stitches!...Hilarious! He is a national treasure!!! Very astute, well read and scathingly on the mark with his commentary.

[bamadawgsc]

Gore is funny as hell.

[ratbasket]

Good one. You could write for like 'King of queens' or some shit.

[Mrhotsax]

Gore Vidal is a peter puffing faggot waiting for the Nephlim to take him across the River Styx to his eternal home in Hell.

Yes America has lost its way, the Christian moral foundation of our nation has been hijacked by the scum of humanity; i.e. Gore Vidal.

When William F. Buckley wanted to kick his ass in 1968, its a shame he didn't follow through and knock is dick sucking teeth out of his faggot head.

Why not volunteer to hold his queer hand on judgment day or STFU!

[ratbasket]

Good argument. Were you philosophy major?

[Mrhotsax]

No, a reality major!

[van1976]

Romans 14

1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

4Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the man who has doubts is condemned.

[van1976]

To be clear it, this goes out to "Mrhotsax".

[torturechamber14]

i volunteer!!!

[torturechamber14]

YES FUCKING PLEASE!!!

[leonheartmm]

well, until that time, why dont you just shut the fuck up? the nephilim had enough hardship in bringing a non existant flood into the history books, and who the FUCK reads the book of enoch anymore. ur right, we havent seen anything yet, we wait and wait and WAIT, for the goddamn relegious prophecies to happen, guess yahweh and jesus are too busy jacking off to porn to bring about the rapture.

[pablodmdp]

but... jesus doesn't exist.

[svdvr]

moral foundation

knock is dick sucking teeth out of his faggot head.

Why not volunteer to hold his queer hand on judgment day or STFU!

Yeah, go die.

[arcieantonio]

I just hope all Americans listen to him, but if not then I will say we all have a problem.

[sundanceandskye]

just over 4,000 views compared to 4 million views of some drunken idiot showing her breasts....it says it all about this soceity...dumb down ? What do you think?

[solodarity]

Does anyone know that play he was talking about?

[Liviatrivia1948]

It's called "Romulus" original author Friedrich Durrenmatt. You can find it on Amazon.

[TJS2154]

Gore Vidal the last voice of Freedom in this country, and President Bush should have been placed in a mental hospital. Ad astra per aspera.

[robtran]

"The Piltdown lady from Alaska"

Priceless.

[dojufitz]

love his impression of Bush.....

[MGibsonian]

A country who lost the ways of the founding fathers is correct. I wish we were a better country at least without a military complex out there killing people in other countries. I want to fight against my own government.

[Alfrunk]

Because the founding fathers didn't wage wars? Or kill people? What an illiterate jackass you are. How do you think you will fight the govt w/ out a gun?

[MGibsonian]

You can fight the government by non-support, civil disobedience, and non-violent protest.

[peymaania]

I love what Gore Vidal says about Sarah Palin and her very square teeth...I'd like to see her take a bite out of Bill Clinton's Ass...provided that Hillary is watching of course!

[tocqueville01]

gore vidal is an extremist. his views are not reasoned.

his understanding of economics is pathetic; and his analysis of geopolitics is even worse.

america is not bankrupt. her ability to tap funds through bonds markets is the strongest in the west. therefore, she will be able to continue to fight in iraq and afghanistan for the mdeium-long term.

moreover, us human capital is one of the highest in the world. this will ensure the US remains the world's leading economy.

[DFORCE1969]

tocqueville01 you are so full of merde c'est incroyable;america's empire is finished;bankrupt;financially,­morally and politcally

[MissMousy60]

I thoroughly enjoy listening to this brilliant man speak.

[MercuryShining]

What a smart, witty man. Insightful, hilarious, clever, and sharp as a whip!

[HumanStrategy]

OMG Vidal was so hilarious in this interview lol

[chin075]

Gore Vidal is a brilliant mind, and what a mordant wit! This man is a titan, a huge intellectual asset to America.

[thehbss]

Yes, a man whose views are based on research and thinking. In Gore's case - actually living alonside some of the very people he comments on.

Because his views are reasoned, one does not have to agree with him. just to enjoy his company or media appearances gladdens the heart.

There seems to be so few able public speakers free of prejudice and willing to speak out for us.

If only Blair and Bush had given some reasoned thought... maybe the invasion of Iraq may never have happened...???

[kbddd]

Thanks for posting this. Wonderful discussion.

[Guedingen]

'The runt of the family' - will surely sum up his presidency. Many thanks.

[ballaamir]

"dominatrix", "men in white", "wild boar"... This guy gets it so RIGHT, I wish I could sit down with him by a fireplace and simply jus tlisten to all he has to say. Man I love history when it's given by those that often witness it!

[ballaamir]

Very good guest!! A man whom speaks with a wisdom that only an elder gentleman with many years and histories behind him could. It's a shame that westren society does not give their elders the level of reverence and respect that other cultures do. This is why we have no oral tradition in this society but rather rely on the few to tell us how & what to interpret of history/events.

[dankeewolnir4042]

joke about Mark? possible but Obama didnt back it up like that when he was confronted on it by mcain.

[Shaft2009]

Gore Vidal is one the most penetrating minds we have, I am happy to see him in good spirit as funny and witty as he always is. His book on Lincoln so out in your face historical account, he has received the most criticism and admiration for it. His accurately depicting Pres Lincoln has the potential to change history, as we know it.

His characterization of Gov Palin is by far out in front than many I have heard characterized her. OMG, his crack on Pres GWB is even funnier.

Thanks Riz Khan

[PSmithFortyTwo]

Jose el Plomero "the friend of the Piltdown Lady from Alaska." :-)

[antonbantoncanton]

Wow! he is still an icredible man at 83 and so funny. I wish more Americans would think his way because America has gone way extreme too the right during Bush's reign. I agree with Vidal when he says Bush had far too many haters in his administration.

[psyops1618]

Funny man

[afrircans1970]

"Pompous ass" is being kind. This is NOT a cultural icon. He is a self-serving elitist. He has little to say that is relevant anymore. Treating someone as an equal is tough. Vidal will never treat "the man on the street", or the "man or woman of colour" as an equal.

Sanctimonious Limousine liberal, who under his facade, is a bigot! Listen closely to his con....it's all bigoted garbage.

[Serge808]

vidaL, Y DO U INSIST ON PERPETUATING THE IDEOLOGY THAT THE us PRESIDENTS ARE THE ONES ACTUALLY MAKING THE DECISIONS!!!

[dankeewolnir4042]

i was thinkin that too, very smart and well educated/spoken man...funny too but not entirely correct

[PSmithFortyTwo]

Its TV. We only get sound-bites. He IS that good in sound-bites AND his articles are MUCH better, with no i undotted or t uncrossed for detail. See Timothy McVeigh for level of detail. This guy misses nothing.

[Serge808]

vidal forgot to take his medicine this morning

[tarnopol]

Vidal is pure gold. Hilarious and insightful. And "incite-"ful, too.

[NWKBricks1]

"I'm a wartime president! I'm a wartime president!"

Gore Vidal never disappoints. Very good interview. Thanks AJE.

[ubuibiok]

*****

[TECHKLEC]

He's a very interesting individual with a long history in the public spotlight. I remember him goig at it with, of all peole, William F. Buckley during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

[peymaania]

In that same debate William FugButtley called Gore Vidal...what was the exact term he used? Queer? Faggot? Sissy? Pansy? Obviously resorting to childish name calling.

It's too bad FugButtley (a term I coined) for that Preposterous Phony lived as long as he did.

[TECHKLEC]

Yes, exactly. That debate put them both in the public spotlight.

[anyusmoon1]

Pompous ass!

[AlexFate101]

TY - I really enjoyed that.

Alex :-)

[biggerflexible]

The really sad thing about the Bush dynasty is that the family wanted JEB Bush to become president not George.

[bar730]

Such a pompous ass....His vanity is his weakness.He reveals so much with his arrogance.Having said that,it would be wise to analyze his words.

[biggerflexible]

yawn

[publicgood]

11:40, haha

[BLESSEDone333]

is this moron still alive ... wow too bad

[jamie6747]

ha ha hello i seen your comment it was funny

[swankrecords]

Gore is the man!

[arbide2]

Gore Vidal is such a funny guy but I am surprised that even he has been sucked in by Barack Obama´s charm instead of his politics.

[ProjectDystopia]

Oh and you were suckered by John McCain and Sarah Palin's charms.....hmmmm interesting

[arbide2]

First of all, where did I claim that I think highly of McCain & Palin?

Secondly, I am a black male who does not live in the US which maybe has something to do with why I can see straight through Obama.

Thirdly, if I had been an American citizen I would have voted for Ralph Nader or Cynthia McKinney. An Arab and a black women respectively who are both light years ahead and in a whole other dimension politically than Obama.

[austin0031]

Unfortunately, with the Electoral College a vote for Nader or McKinney could have served to put an angry war criminal and an imbecilic moron in the White House. In 2000, Nader's campaign in Florida only served to give us the most reactionary regime we've ever had. Regrettably the only viable choice progressives have is a choice for the lessor of two evils and by definition, choosing the lessor of two evils means choosing less evil. I see nothing inherently wrong with choosing less evil.

[jndala]

simpletons like you have been waiting for this big wake up call from your magic monkey guy in the sky for arguably two thousand years now. Disaster may be just around the corner, as you put it, but it will be a secular disaster brought about by you ignorant, bible thumping, moralizing, segregative, divisive theological twits, not by an imaginary bronze age character who lives in the sky. Your insistence on vilifying Gore Vidal's sexuality does nothing more than illustrate your own stupidity.

[starstuff]

@jndala  What an amusing point of view. Your racism is so dated and self destructive.

[YouKnowIAmRight]

@jndala yes yes and yes again..........