"Just How Stupid Are We?" author Rick Shenkman on The Alcove

[Truthseaker001]

If you want to get down to the main reasons that the American public is uninformed, I see two. One, we have been working longer hours for less money for the past 30 years, meaning we don't have as much time to discuss anything meaningful with each other, even if it were on our minds. Two, the media is owned by those who prefer us to be as ignorant as possible so that we are easier to manipulate. When you get off work, you need comedy to make your life bearable, so watch the news, it's a joke!

[CobinRain]

Talking about teaching civics in high school here reminded me of a friend, a Berliner, who got a scholarship to spend his senior year at an American high school. He told me that his civics class consisted of the teacher telling the kids why the American political system was perfect, best in the world etc. One day in class my friend asked: "isnt it dangerous for the president to have so much power?" All looked horrified including the teacher.And he was called "Wolfie the commie" ever after.

[Celestron137]

Kudos to Rick Shenkman!!!

Please do more interviews and have a page in Facebook.

[firepaw2010]

they never how other countries voters are alos uninformed. i'm not saying they are as uninformed, but it is not just a problem in america and i would rather live somewhere in america then a communist country like china

[akbar1515]

THANK GOD I AM NOT AMERERICAN

[JanMelet]

With people like Rick Shenkman there is still hope for America.

[vivalaresistanc]

Republicans are pretty stupid. Fox News spreading it out are an increasing rate.

[Truthseaker001]

@vivalaresistanc How completely true. I saw the report where they proved that viewers of Fox news knew LESS than people who watched no news at all! For that to be true, Fox has GOT to be teaching falsehoods.

[punchthedog]

The right to vote should not be automatically given to people just because they turn 18 and register. There should be an exam. I'm not suggesting you should need a political science doctorate to vote, just a small test to show that you know what you are voting on. Maybe something like the citizenship exam. This would deter morons from voting and go some way to ensuring that decisions are left to those better informed. I don't want people that believe in Noah's ark having any say in my future.

[Truthseaker001]

@punchthedog Yeah, and while we're at it, let us bar anyone who doesn't look like you and share your taste in beer from voting too. Oh yeah, none of those women need to vote either, and how about those poor people? And people who don't own land? Hell, why not just limit it to about 30% of the country, maybe the rich white guys just like back in the good old days.

[punchthedog]

Just because I advocate a method of weeding out the imbeciles from the electorate does not mean I want some sort of 18th century class system. Look at it this way: Everyone has the right to get a driving licence, provided they demonstrate a degree of competence behind the wheel. Surely you would not advocate letting anyone drive without any instruction or test. Simpletons, lunatics, even the blind? If you want to see just how stupid the electorate can be, examine the case of Alvin Greene in 2008

[Sylvanas17]

I like the host :D

[ABscorpio1982]

The interviewer did an awesome job. he asked all the right questions and didn't interrupt, unlike some of the other ones interviewing Rick Shenkman. Kudos to him. And of course, kudos to the author!

[dharmaatdawn]

im sorry for too many posts but he says well yes we werent founded as democracy (shock) but its because democracy never lasts Really?

I thought it was Madison one of the" major framer of constitution who emphasized how the system should be designed in the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to quote" to protect the minorityof the opulent from the majority"- that the primary goal of the government. " He denounced this design himself later in his life. bc "minor. of opulent" repressed everyo else

[dharmaatdawn]

the journalist tried politly to oped the door maybe for real discussion not just talking points. I actually enjoy it he was so polite yet persistent coming back to the point:) he could have been a great diplomat

[dharmaatdawn]

hahhahah this is a democracy funny. only most americans were so depoliticised and not by the culture or the schools but by a systematic propaganda. Come on its kind of funny it never gets addressed. the host asks polite questions they more "liberal" questions then questions from CNN but its only a part of a question not a whole one

[dharmaatdawn]

Apparantly Bush and Co not only fooled the 'ignoramus' ppl but congress too.

we are talking about Congress not just american ppl. I dont remember much of political or intellectual dissent in attacking Iraq. Honest much mr. Shenkman.

But he moves away rather swiftly from this point jumping onto something much easier to tuckle the demonstration against Iraq war in other contries and how americans didnt quite understand what it was about

[dharmaatdawn]

i feel its intellectually dishonest to sit there and make a point of surprise and take as an evidence of american people ignorance that most people on the eve of Iraq war believed that Saddam Hussein was behind 9/11.

Really if hes surprised by that maybe hes not leaving in America

[SuperPhdiva]

I find it rather disgusting when I try to have discussions with people on the pressing issues of the day, i'm met the deer in headlights look. However, if I was to ask about basketball wives, sex, or the latest misogynistic rap song, id get an overwhelming response. People are not rewarded for learning and researching therefore its viewed as a waste of time. I see it all the time. And those that don't know their history are DOOMED to repeat it. Thus the same mockery of politics repeatedly.

[SuperPhdiva]

I find it rather disgusting when I try to have discussions with people on the pressing issues of the day, i'm met the deer in headlights look. However, if I was to ask about basketball wives, sex, or the latest misogynistic rap song, id get an overwhelming response. People are not rewarded for learning and researching therefore its viewed as a waste of time. I see it all the time. And those that don't know their history are DOOMED to repeat it. Thus the same mockery of politics repeatedly.

[RunLiberty]

Ron Paul 2012

End the Fed

End the Wars

[Tgogators]

Steve Martin look alike

[2porangi]

Sad thing is the ignorant people are not looking at this interview, they would,nt look at it for one second, for Rick to get that sort of ordinance he needs to become a sitcom star or a top sports person, I mean are the paparazzi chasing him up the street. I don,t think so. History has shown that the masses are there to be manipulated like mushrooms. The biggest threat to the manipulators are the politically aware.

[djempek]

It's like that all over the world, you would be naive to think that this is something only the USA deals with. Only because the USA is such a wealthy/rich country, people think that the average person in the USA should be smarter/wiser/wellinformed. That is simply not the case and will never be the case. There are stupid/unwise/ignorent/uninfor­med people all over the world and they will always be around us no matter what we do.

[ManofManyPasswords]

The problem definitely isn't in the educational system, it is absolutely cultural.

[akbar1515]

attention all amricans,

thank you mr Rick Shenkman

[1844Freddy]

It isn't in the interest of corporate capitalism to have an informed, intelligent populace. So the media and the so-called educational institutions work together to make sure there isn't one. Expecting things to work differently would be silly.

[cypress1337]

This is true i think. Let's attack a random country because its good for our economy and unemployment :/

[arzoyan]

Capitalism is the historic evolution of private property relationship of alienation,exploitation and suffering of humanity in a modality of commodity production for abstract process of capital accumulation and concentration . A system of wage slavery in a employment system of suppression and dehumanistion. We need to transcend this false limits to our creative cooperative energies for a moneyless,classless,stateless communities of humanity expressing our energies in freedom of being.

[theilluminatedman]

@johnrosnyder It's not racist whatsoever, you are just not paying attention. Clearly, people are not created equal. Would you say that someone with an IQ of 75 is equal in intelligence to someone who has an IQ of 170? Of course not, it would make no sense and some part of you must recognize this. There is no reference to race here, just as there was no reference to race in Rick's conversation. The point of the DoI was not to say that everyone is equal in ability or intelligence, just that

[theilluminatedman]

everyone is equal in God's eyes and under the law as outlined in other documents.

Perhaps you find it elitist to say Americans are stupid -- big deal. Perhaps your feelings would be spared if it was said that they are misinformed or blind to the world? Any way you say it, it doesn't change the facts: Americans are astoundingly ignorant about what's happening in their government and about the rest of the world. Also, Rick clearly states that he doesn't believe Americans are stupid.

[wf1356]

one thing is apparent...our hairstyles are stupid

[jesseshulman]

Whoever watches Ta Nehisi Coates' "More Thug-Life Chronicles" and Howard Stern's "Sal in Harlem" can't deny that there is a problem in America that we all would do well to fix.

[terencestormy]

i dont blame politics but in fact americans are stupid and easy to pursuade

[arzoyan]

The economic anarchy of capitalist society as it exists today is, in my opinion

the real source of evil. Albert Einstein 1949

[shaicapone]

@arzoyan Hey where did you get this quote, that is an amazing quote!

[RunLiberty]

@arzoyan anarchy of capitalism? More like government/politically connected

theft Ron Paul 2012 for President

[arzoyan]

@RunLiberty To be led is to be lied to. Havent you learnt anything from recent political history? No one with best intention can take care of the needs and well being of working majority within the confine and limits of PROFIT SYSTEM. Blinded by leader worship is abdicating our collective conscious democratic participation for SHARING THE EARTH IN COOPERATION.

[taesheren]

@arzoyan But what you just said is all about politics. The politics control the economics. So to change the economics you have to change the politics. If you don't understand that, you have a long way to go.

[arzoyan]

@taesheren We need to change the totality of a political-economy that is all about Minority control and exploitation of the immense humanity, I agree with you.

[Assaultpredator]

@arzoyan

Yet you believe that the profit motive is inherently wrong or evil?

And other people are brainwashed? The problem is our government is set up to be controlled and for the people of this country, but that population needs to be well informed and actually CARE.

Most Americans don't either care enough or think they can make a difference. Or they're just willfully ignorant and it's sad.

Our society has become so lax and a world of convenience that people want to stay in their bubble.

[arzoyan]

@Assaultpredator For the ruling elite to control and dominate the immense humanity they use ideological manipulation,religion,educatio­n system,nationalism,racism etc, to divide to rule and rule to gain. We need to share the Earth in cooperation for our common needs and well being .

[TheGoldeneagle666]

@arzoyan a man

[Harryhicy]

Americans arent really that smart

[57chevyardis]

you are full of shit

[andriusandrau]

It's pretty easy to tell where Iraq is. Just need to remember where Mesopotamia was.

[AndreLeCoz]

How about they just make it illegal not to vote? they do it in australia

[allstargoplay]

Well . . . You could say that knowing geography alone is not worth much.

[Godweeps4iraq]

Giving a voting right to an ignorant person who can be fooled and used by a handful of wealthy bastards (may they all rot in hell) to hijack the political power of the country and use it to their advantage so they can get wealthier and keep slaving the masses, is like putting a gun in the hands of a 2 year old baby who would not only be a threat to himself but also to others as well.

[Godweeps4iraq]

LMAO!!!!!! and you want to model Iraq's democracy after yours? I would rather live in a dictatorship that offers basic human rights, then to live in a democracy that is decided by majority jackass voters.

Maybe they should give voters a test on current domestic and foreign political affairs. If they fail, then no voting for them, or 25% vote only.

[cjcscuba1984]

Funny how he almost screwed up the geographical location of Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan; he tried to restate what he knows to be true but his explanation still came out poorly. Ah the luxuries of being human! Nevertheless, what he is saying is troubling good interview!

[peymaania]

What do you mean but the Luxuries of being Human here? Please be precise

in your explanation.

[cjcscuba1984]

Well, we are all human and all make errors--we are not perfect. I'm not sure how that related to my thought process concerning the subject of this interview... it was three months ago when I watched it.

[Bullman808]

very good and interesting interview

[ypsidixit]

I liked the way in which the interviewee was given as much time as he wished to answer Mr. Molaro's questions. Not just snippets and soundbites sandwiched between commercials.

[hendhawks]

GO OBAMA!!!

[smegweevil]

Very important look at the problem of stupidity. 20,000 views of this video and millions of views of mindless "entertainment." Is the answer education? Inspiration?

[blblbzzo]

RICK Shenkman has identified the crux of the problem of the failing of democracy in The States AND offered the SOLUTION! Learn Civics, Teach Civics. Start now!

Great Interview.

[jesuistahmid]

1. No

2. Yes and No... babylon was the ancient name for baghdad (capital of iraq)

[thekingsound]

Two questions:

1. Are democracy and capitalism the same thing?

2. Is it true or false that Iraq was called Babylon in the bible?

[hzuhairy]

1. No

2. Yes and No... babylon was the ancient name for baghdad (capital of iraq)

[pIIttsss]

si lla los as leido copia y pega esto en 5 videos mas o tu madre morirá en 3 dias, hacedlo por fabor mi a mi amigo le paso, yo lo e hecho pa que no me pase, por fabor acedme caso. esto es una maldicioooooon

[vnRock]

The host had many great questions. Rick is great as always.

[afrosaxxon]

Speaking from the UK, we have similar issues with a preponderance of 'reality' TV and lack of knowledge about our electoral system and government ... most people don't know we don't even have a written constitution - just a 'codified' one - we are a 'constitutional democracy' but hardly anyone knows what that means and how much we lose out to clever politicos, lobbyists etc.

[starfruitmango]

I think it is a problem with American media. They seem to focus on things that don't even matter like Miley Cyrus' new scandal or something stupid like that.

The country is blinded by a media that doesn't report on real issues, or even tell the truth for that matter. It is all biased or completely wrong information. American culture is more concerned celebrities that their own politics. And when people get worked up about politics, its because a candidate is black.

[felixq78]

He's being very kind. What he really means is "the American people are really stupid" he just hasn't the heart to hold up the mirror.

[yoshig888]

i agree with the points that this man is making in regards to the fact that america is for the most part an uninformed voter......... but at the same time i think he avoids the fact the this state of affairs IS actually by design of powerful people.  Its like a Mr. burns and homer simpson scenerio. Mr. Burns wants his employees to be ignorant and poor so there is no threat of him losing his wealth and power- homer is even used by mr burns and blushes at the opportunity. americans are pawns.

[jorinde85]

I love that Molaro gives people the time to talk, unlike tv interviews where they have 5 minutes before commercials start again. He also asks really good questions, an excellent listener.

[aliakazhotmailcom]

btw, if anyone is interested the real reason US government inavaded iraq was because saddam hussein refused to accept american dollars as payment for providing oil to them as other oil countries did so to US it was like waging a war on US dollar which could be threatening to their economy so they made up bs about weapons of mass destruction n went to war.well, US government is printing 2billion dollars every single day to pay for their debts and oil which cant go on 4ever so it all gonna end bad

[aliakazhotmailcom]

even bush said terrorists from afghanistan attacked on 9/11 not Iraq people!! if americans were so lazy to know even that, then its scary.

[GUITARMAN1st]

This guy, Shenkman, is dumber than a brick! Why, well, he doesn't know the difference between a "Constitutional 'Republic'", which is what our Founding Fathers gave us, and a damned "Democracy", which is just another word for "Communism"!!!

[pulinap]

The answer is simple - THE ARROGANCE.

It is unrealistic to believe that people are stupid in a technologically advanced country like USA where majority have access to unrestricted information via internet. But the question is would the people use the internet for self aggrandizement in terms of knowledge. I doubt it very much. Why? Because they live in USA!!!!! - 'The greatest country in the world' ,therefore there's no need to know about the rest of the world.

[dalebsorry]

What is it with foreigners and the "arrogance" argument? Get it straight: It's not "arrogance", it's it's intellectual laziness compounded by misplaced priority. I know plenty of politico-dummies, (as a U.S. citizen I'm surrounded by them). Most here are resistant of being informed of politics because it's perceived as very boring. Who wants to watch the debates when the world series is on? That sorta thing.

[pulinap]

Intellectual laziness is just a lame excuse to coverup the arrogance.

Isn't it arrogant to topple 50 foreign governments since the WWII under the guise of fighting commis/terrosists where most of those governments were democratically elected. The list goes on mate.

If you just listen to what other Non-white people say about USA, you will get my idea. If people think knowledge is boring, there is fundamentally something wrong with the system.

[dalebsorry]

ahh, the true light of day shows itself. Just another garden-variety anti-american. You guys need some new fucking material, man. 50 governments? The hell you say! Man I know I've done some wild shit in my time, but I don't recall knocking any governments over. I pitched a parking ticket in the trash once when I was in Montreal and really pissed off the cop who wrote it. I sure hope I didn't topple Canada in doing so. Oh and my parents were babies during WWII. It wasn't me man, I swear.

[RyRyVids]

Dale google confessions of an economic hitman and watch the video.

[nilbud]

@dalebsorry You live off the blood of the victims and you don't think it's your problem. You're a stupid indoctrinated imbecile.

[dalebsorry]

For you to hold a U.S. citizen my age responsible for anything prior to 1972, makes about as much sense as me to call you a criminal because Australia began as a penal colony. I wasn't even eligible to vote until 1990 and I've never voted republican in my life. So explain to me again, how I am responsible for Iraq, Afghanistan, Desert Storm, Vietnam, & South American coups? I'm really curious to hear this one. Maybe you can just find a hobby that doesn't involve hating foreigners?

[dsmfishgal]

He's not hating on us, Dale. We are an arrogant nation and need to come to grips with this. It's not about inferiority and superiority or any other abstractions we obsess over in Western culture - the truth is we're doing ourselves and the world a great disservice by not taking the time to educate ourselves and one another. That's not finger-pointing, it's reality.

Criticism does not always equal hate, friend.

And our age doesn't alleviate us from responsibility in working toward change.

[EmeraldAxe2]

Then they don't deserve democracy.

[ColeLite]

Examining the extremism of Obama's churh is superficial?!?!? Is this writer Jewish or what!

[JeffBeck13]

is he drinking "chubby" lol? 20:45

[mclovin1617]

At 4 minutes in that conversation he exposes that he as well cannot locate iraq on a map, or needs to think for a bit before knowing.

[cutegual]

i like your eyes markMolar!

I agree with your Guess!

[LijamGerrie]

Imagine McCain selecting his vice presidential candidate with out ever meeting her or knowing enough about her, while any job applicant on this nation is required to fill out application or present a resume with detailed work experience, references and had to go through at least one interview? If a Senator who have been 40 years in American political helm could careless to find out about his vice manager, ordinary Joe is way too busy raising families & paying bills to even care about politics.

[B4itz2Late]

This guy rocks! I don't think I would fall asleep in his class... Hey, i think I'm gonna rush out and buy this book in LARGE QUANTITIES... Would make a wonderful gift for my friends and relatives and classmates, and me, and...

[RockTheVote08]

One thing "dr.chaffee" said I really agree with:"I treasure examples in YouTube that show that substance can also be entertaining." It seems to me that the YouTube audience often reflects today's society in that folks are more interested in being ENTERTAINED than in appreciating something that is meaningful - something that has substance. It's sad to see how Americans are being manipulated by the MSM. Our country has so many challenges and yet many would rather talk about "lipstick on a pig."

[mTanze]

(^continued) The only problem i see is information over-satuation, but its all about choosing wisely and keeping what you learn organized. Eventually, i think there is hope

[dsmfishgal]

I agree. Hence why I don't subscribe to cable television and force myself instead to research online or to read books. Saves all those brain cells for enrichment that otherwise would be lulled into a lethargic state while staring at endless commercials and asinine crap parading as 'entertainment.'

Turn off your televisions. Many shows worth watching can be ordered on DVD if you feel so inclined, so what's the excuse?

Maybe if people cared half as much about civics as they do sports...

[dalebsorry]

You're a knee-jerk, self-loathing moron. That's ok, I hear American self-loathing is fashionable this season. At least you're in style. Go you. "Turn off your televisions"...ahh, at least we're not being rhetorical...oh wait. What would the point of "turning off televisions" be? What if a person subscribes to cable, but only so they can watch Ukranian TV (I actually know such a person)? Television is only bad if it's American, right?

*Yawn*

You're so predictable, you're boring. NEXT!

[dsmfishgal]

Way to exemplify what Rick Shenkman is talking about.

It's "boring" to suggest that the media isn't helping matters and that Americans view an inordinate amount of useless television programs instead of devoting our time to more constructive forms of recreation? Okay.

The problem isn't that television is American, it's that it much of its programming is mindless and useless. Do you realize how few of us actually read books anymore?

[dalebsorry]

Haha, jesus christ you're clueless. Whiney, knee-jerk Idiots like you make me embarrassed to call myself liberal. I could count the hours of televsion I watch per week on one hand with fingers to spare, but the idea that "TV makes you dumb" is a retarded, politically correct myth. Your brain makes no distinction between what it reads and what it sees. It has been scientifically proven that society is getting more cognitively demanding, not less.

[dalebsorry]

"Mindless and useless"? Watch a 1950's episode of Perry Mason vs. any episode of Law & Order or Twilight Zone vs. Lost. Television is no less artistic than cinema, but it's not as politically correct to say that "movies rot your brain". You've got your little soap-box you like to climb on, and if that makes you feel special and morally superior to the rest of us dumb Americans, well, whatever works I guess.

[dsmfishgal]

It's not about moral superiority.  It was simply a suggestion that we take more responsibility for where we're getting our information. I never knocked television as a whole but do feel MUCH of the programming is useless (i.e. - Fox News, Jerry Springer, Dr. Phil, daytime soap operas, etc.). We have a choice to use our time more wisely.

And I never claimed to be a liberal btw.

[glendonovan]

Touchy!

[mTanze]

hmmm fascinating. among the interesting points made in this interview, i think its very sad that it is STILL implied that the media organizations are running the show when it comes to popular opinion, when the most open, powerful, and free source of information is right in front of you: the INTERNET! you can download podcasts to inform you on news, read web pages dedicated to the stuff, voice opinions in forums, watch video on things occuring in the world (thanks youtube!)etc.

[drchaffee]

I treasure examples in YouTube that show that substance can also be entertaining. There is so much thinking to be done beyond the superficial media soundbites. Take a transcript from a news show, strip off the commercials, the sports, the weather, the self-advertising ... what's left? Just enough to make 'em tune in tomorrow and feel informed. Thanks for the post.

[Punkrockidiot2]

You could be a Christian gnostic punk rocker in america if you wish. IN north Korea you cant be a punk rocker. haha

[Punkrockidiot2]

The American constitution was very important to the founding fathers for a reason.

[Plutonwolf]

And just to pile on a bit, why do we adore speakers that wink at us, speakers who aw shucks and golly gee like some character from a Judy Garland movie? What happened to the days when we expected our leaders to deliver ringing speeches filled with grand visions and deep understandings of complex ideas?

If Lincoln tried to deliver the Gettysburgh Address today, he would be soundly dismissed as a overly cerebral elitetist and laughed out of town.

[smathewspots]

What do you think of the idea that democracy was originally modeled very closely after the existing government of the American Indian tribal systems?

[ronrutherford]

I think it's, frankly, a dumb idea considering the concepts for Democracy were discovered in parts of the world long before they knew of American Indians and their tribal system. Perhaps are you suggesting that certain parts of the American government were inspired by the tribal systems that scatted the land before massive European migration? I don't see any evidence to suggest that, but would be very interested if you have any essays, vids, or books to point to that discuss it. Cheers.

[franskank]

The Ancient Greeks invented Democracy.

The American constitution is based on the the writings of a British philosopher (can't remember which one off the top of my head.)

[achtungbaby845]

Could someone tell me where I could get the same tie as Shenkman??? Looks good to me! :)

[brtloughlin]

Awesome! Some nice, justified criticism of the American voters! These 08 elections could be the illustration of a Shakespearan tragedy is the US elect McCain-Palin. PLEASE REACT AMERICA!!!

PS: Mark Molaro is a brilliant interviewer...

[7865garagesale]

Remingtonstil7345 - you take the word from me!!! Really had a great time watching this new episode of the ALCOVE.

[remingtonstil7345]

Great topic, great academic, great host, great shows! Excellent!

[practicalmagic9]

what would help our kids: teaching children to THINK and REASON as well as to have a command of the english language and of course, to read, first! this in a nutshell is what our children should learn to do (and compute). learning is not about teaching them facts as much as them learning to think, ask questions, reason,form ideas, etc.not just memorize dates etc for a test.

[practicalmagic9]

his 1/3,1/3,1/3 statistic reminds me of something i learned in american history:the revolutionary war was only wanted by 1/3 of the population. another third were patriotic to england, and another third were nuetral. interesting.

[DFORCE1969]

Rick shenkman is very amusing when his enthusiasm gets the better of him;Like greg palast on cocaine.

[gworthey]

Odd... sometimes Rick talks like a thoughtful professor, and every now and then--often in the middle of a sentence--he starts shouting. It's weird because he doesn't just raise his voice, but he actually changes his voice. Sounds like a carnival barker. Poor Mark just starts talking quietly and waits for the shouting to stop.

[practicalmagic9]

i think if i recall correctly oratory is something most of us must train ourselves to do 'correctly'. modulating your voice to be pleasant to the hearer.not pandering, so much, as if you want your point to be heard you do not assault the listener or make them strain to hear you.our president could have saved himself many critics simply by knowing how to speak well. (not that what he had to say was any less shocking, constitutionally speaking.)peace.

[practicalmagic9]

i also suspect it is his microphone,the sound person needed to watch his volume. but again,it has more to do with him modulating his voice better.

[gworthey]

pm9, your choice of words sounds like you're trying to be witty/retortful, but I really don't know what you're trying to say.

[dugfriendly]

And one still hears our (American) "news" commentators claiming the (American) people are too smart to fall for misleading claims of the political campaigns.

[Causeiambetta]

extremely well done interview and great conversation. one of my favorite alcove pieces.

[flipflapflopfloop]

Fascinating conversation! Really love the questions that were asked -- GREAT show.

[californication9021]

Mr. Shenkman's work is a challenge for the American nation to face some issues and their idiosyncratic paradoxes such as democracy under the Bush administration -i.e no undemocratic democracy. Thanks to this well-done interview, more people should hopefully understand the need to be proactive in politics and mobilize the nation against another terrible administration.

[EsotericWhore]

This entire thing is bogus! This is under the assumption that we actually vote! WE DON'T VOTE! Look it up!

[jesstollal]

"How stupid are they"??? That's what the Americans will have to show with these new coming elections in November. If they vote for the McPain ticket....then, there's nothing we can do for them to be redeemed from their infinite idiocy! VOTE FOR OBAMA 08!!!!!

[RyRyVids]

Good interview. You asked some good questions Mark, and the subject mater was timely. It's time for the US to wake up and accept their civic responsibility in being properly informed. Thank You to everyone involved, keep up the good work.