Colin's Last Stand, Episode 11: Marine Le Pen, Donald Trump, and the "Far Right" Lie

Love the video! I find it confusing that nobody distinguishes between (or even mentions) a social and economic left/right spectrum anymore... To me that is a good way to reconcile these differences but I still agree that people use these terms to unfairly label candidates. I don't think the media alone is responsible for that fact as people digest and respond to binary characterization so our own tribalism has fed this beast.

Cockthatslaps

Couldn't help myself ;)

Tristan

I appreciate that brother. One topic I would like you to think about "The Special Relationship" is it a one sided relationship? When did it develop? WW2? Thatcher and Reagan? Why does British media/politicians make such a fuss about it? Do American people appreciate it at all? Do American Presidents pay lip service to it? Thanks brother

Ian Andrews

Totally agree. Regardless of the area, I think the word is certainly being misused. Just another example of people turning to name calling when they don't have something intelligent to say. Their hearts may be in the right place, but let's find the correct way to call a spade a spade.

I see what you did there.

Colin Moriarty

Sure! But as I explained to another person above, while the spectrum might shift with weight in one direction or the other, it doesn't change the established definition of words.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! I can't wait for the elections to start again so I can do just that. I wish I started this channel during the run-up to 2016! LOL.

Colin Moriarty

The "difference" in the spectrum depending on where you are was a common piece of feedback I received, and while I understand it, I don't completely agree. Left has a definition. Right has a definition. Now, if the claim is that French is more left wing, and therefore that moves the center leftward, then that's a valid point of view. But it doesn't change the definition of left wing, or centrist, or, in this case, far right.

Colin Moriarty

No, thank you! Glad you found the video useful.

Colin Moriarty

That's what I'm saying!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I don't watch much TV, so I didn't realize the French election was seldom being covered.

Colin Moriarty

I'm doing my best to make this channel about more than just the US.

Colin Moriarty

There is a party in Australia called the sex party... so I guess that's something to get behind?

Tristan

Very very true, friend! It most certainly doesn't explain the Trump phenomenon. I guess I was just thinking of it specicifically in the European sense. It most definitely does not make sense for the US. I almost feel as if the media (which certainly leans left) considers anything that is not "progressive" is far right. I am by no means am a Trump fan, quite liberal actually, but I think the word that is more accurate would potentially be "reactionary" candidates. Thoughts?

Bobby mate, that makes sense for Europe but it doesn't make sense for the Trump phenomenon. Donald Trump for all intense purposes is a Manhattan Liberal who wants to build a wall. So naturally he's far right..... wait what??!! Unfortuanalty these labels get applied by the media which tends to lean more left than they do right.

Tom Koch

Great episode, Colin! My one piece of input/question would be, do you believe the characterization of Le Pen as "far right" and Macron as a "centrist" have anything to do with the fact that politics are just more Liberal in Europe? I always remember being taught that when you see "Conservative" in Europe it basically means US "Democrat" and if you see "Liberal" in Europe we would think they are borderline "Socialists"? Just some food for thought!

Excellent video Colin. I think the information that you can find really shines a light on people. Would you ever consider doing political profiles? Especially for people in the spot light during elections etc. I think if we shared them, those videos could really cut through all the lambasting and rubbish clogging up people's news feeds.

Cayne McIver

I think what you consider being far-right vs someone else thinks is far-right is completely different. I'm very strong democratic socialist but if you and I sat down to talk you would probably think I'm a very far-left/communist kind of guy :P Regarding anti-death penalty & Donalds Gay-flag, I don't think that has anything to do with right-or-left. Its more like, progressive human vs old fashioned. That doesn't really reflect a persons intentions or political view. She might hold some "left-wing" ideas but Naa... She is a far-right woman with bad intentions i think.. We have a similar party in Sweden gaining ground for the last years. The leader kicked some of the foolish party-members after doing crazy things in public/media - thus "normalizing" his party. So, kicking her racist-dad out from the party just make sense. so I'm not gonna cut her slack for that :P But yea, politics is weird. You're right, we have to re-define us and what "camps" we belong too. Or even better - get rid of this non-stop-obsession in categorizing us all the time. "american, italian - black, white - muslim, chirstian"... Why does it matter so much to us? :P

Rune Shimotsuji Storm

Thought this one was really funny. Your explanation of the political spectrum being more like a circle than a line altered my paradigm a little bit and made me think differently about it than I had before, so thanks.

Caleb Greer

Imagine a world where everyone took a position on an issue after carefully researching it and did not make up their mind based on the sports team (political party) of their choice. God, what we could accomplish. I loath the concept of the political spectrum. It only serves to further divide people. The world is more complex than a binary catch all system.

Eric Iverson

Great video. Shocked I couldn't find much live cable coverage of the election as it was happening. Had to go to YouTube for decent coverage. I should really cancel cable... but sports ...

Colin; politics abroad and definitely in Europe are so different. Right and Left in America is so different than right and left elsewhere. Pro big government isn't a left ideal in Europe, it's a politicians ideal! Anyway great episode, I love it when you stretch your wings and look outside of America.

Ian Andrews

TR!

Colin Moriarty

Well, everyone lies to get elected. Nothing new there, I suppose. Thank you for watching!

Colin Moriarty

I'm always going to have an American perspective. I'm American. That said, videos like these are an attempt to educate myself, and also let foreign fans know that I'm not ignoring them. (Plus, it's an interesting topic.)

Colin Moriarty

I won't object to naming it after me. Thus, we are Moriartyists that believe in Moriartyism.

Colin Moriarty

I had no idea, whatsoever, that that was the case. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

Colin Moriarty

The right is absolutely more under siege right now, but sure, people take things from the left out of context, too. It's politics. Doesn't mean it's right.

Colin Moriarty

I'm gonna do a hypothetical platform video, I think, but not any time soon. Wanna do that video with someone in particular...

Colin Moriarty

Everything is out of whack.

Colin Moriarty

It would take some work, but it would be something to investigate. It might be more interesting to track the evolution of current parties, e.g. the history of the GOP, Democrats, et cetera. Thank you for your support!

Colin Moriarty

Hope you enjoy it!

Colin Moriarty

I'm excited to get going in there. I just want something simple, that I can turn on, and just sit and record. I also have to respect that it's going to be a third my office and a third a spare bedroom, too. LOL.

Colin Moriarty

Let's bring back the Bull Moose Party!

Khalil Sadi

Truly excellent Colin 😃. Just one point I'd make being from the UK and therefore living with the BREXIT farce. Most candidates these days appear to run on a platform completely removed from their actual beliefs and motives. During BREXIT we were told that millions of pounds would come back to us from the EU for the NHS, that was a lie. We were told that immigration would be reduced. That was a lie. More and more political candidates seem to be using centrist and moderate policies to win at the polls and then completely reverse it when elected. Donald Trump ran on the platform of healthcare for everyone but just last week took it away from millions. This sort of behaviour leads to people like Le Pen being considered far right, not because of her election manifesto but the fact alot of people take where she comes from, ie. anti islam etc and assume that she is merely adopting moderate policies to make her seem more centrist and therefore electable. Just me 2 cents anyway...

BurpleMan

Colin comes with an American approach of what right and left wings are. It doesn't not translate to Europeans view where social liberties have been in places long before USA, such as gay mariage, slaves, healthcare etc... So yes LePen is far right when you see her in the eyes of a French. And same as when Colin mention Macron as a socialist. The point of view is important, but Colin always had a problem woth socialism and he seem to can't wrap around the fact that it doesn't mean let's all end up like Venezuela now. Its more about healthcare and education. Ps I'm Canadian.

GrisWold Diablo

After watching this latest episode I agree with what you said, Colin, about needing to redefine the political system and come up with a real solid third party option. So I again put in my recommendation that we create the 'Moriarty Party'. I will happily help start a local chapter here where I live in Tucson, AZ with anyone else interested in coming together to talk about what we could do differently and start taking some positive action.

Chris Canfield

"Indeed, the terms 'left' and 'right rank among the worst of France’s exports. Their inspiration wasn’t ideology, but a seating chart. Supporters of the monarchy sat on the right in the General Assembly while radicals, revolutionaries, republicans, and other foes and critics of the Ancien Régime sat on the left. Thus, champions of free markets and limited government were every bit as 'leftist' as the Jacobin totalitarians who would usher in the Reign of Terror. To this day, a 'liberal in France is closer to what many call a 'right-winger' in America, at least on economic issues."

Jeremy Meyer

Eye opening video. I have referred to Le Pen as far right too. Does this happen much the other way round? I have seen a few politicians who believe in some form of socialism instantly branded as communists on Twitter. The "fascist" card is definitely more common place though.

What does the 2020 3rd party platform look like, when it comes to the voters top 12 policy issues?

Jeremy Meyer

The right looks "far right" when the left is this far left of the gravitational center.

Jeremy Meyer

Yeah, I too wasn't aware that Le Pen had those more Left stands on the topics mentioned. It is unfortunate that so much spin is put on this shit via the media. I hope the best for the French people and as an American, I am proud to be an ally of theirs on the global stage. I hope the election results work out for them in the long run.

I think the history of past political parties would be a good and insightful topic. Personally, I don't know anything about the Whigs. I think maybe looking at other 3rd parties throughout time would allow people to start thinking about what policies they would want to see in a modern 3rd party. Good work on the show though, I liked the more light hearted funny clips added in the beginning. It reminded me of the parts of Colin I love that have been keeping me tuned into your work the last couple of years. Keep it up.

Can't wait to be off work this evening and watch! Sounds like an interesting piece as always Colin.

Josh in Tampa

Excited to see the new studio!

Samuel

I myself was guilty of referring to Le Pen as far right just because I had heard it so much and just assumed that it was the case. Thanks for the insight Colin.