Noam Chomsky: 'Trump is the defender stabbing you in the back' - BBC Newsnight

The philosopher speaks to Newsnight on the eve of the 2018 US mid-terms.

Mr Chomsky tells Emily Maitlis that President Donald Trump's "rhetorical excesses" were undertaken to show "I'm really your defender ... I'm working for you, I'm gonna protect you... while quietly I'm stabbing you in the back constantly".

The November elections will decide who controls Congress, but have also been seen as a referendum on Mr Trump.

Newsnight is the BBC's flagship news and current affairs TV programme - with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.

[michaelnelson]

I have been learning from Dr. Chomsky since 1988 right after I left the Army. He has been my inspiration and teacher all these many years, and I know I'm a better person for it.

[sarahlianabusharar]

Finally ! BBC brings the actual living greatest intellectual alive who speaks truth. Only truth and doesn’t hold any punches.thank you

[barbarac]

She needs to let Chomsky answer the question before she interrupts him to ask another.

[robertcombs]

Chomsky; the most brilliant Man alive....

[sailenkatel]

I interviewed Professor Chomsky a few years ago. While we spoke mostly on Linguistics I can't help but marvel at the erudition and the simplicity of this genius.

[P.rusticus]

As I once heard stated, "he is our Modern Day Socrates."

[glennm]

Everyone knows Noam's answers are long winded. Could this interviewer shut up and let him speak?

[alysfreeman]

One of the wisest men alive today. Listen to him.

[stephendavies]

One of the great free thinkers of the world always a pleasure to listen to him.

[theicyridge]

How does anyone listen to Jordan Peterson when they could have Chomsky ?

[tomwebster]

Could the commentator PLEASE let Noam finish the

[percivalsweetwater]

Thank you, BBC. Here in the US, Noam Chomsky is essentially banned from PBS and NPR.

[martinobrien]

A VERY WISE MAN, UNLIKE THE PRESIDENT .

[jackaljade]

For anyone who's watching the video and reading the comments lauding Chomsky, and can't understand why people are saying what they are... Unfortunately, Chomsky has become old and his mind isn't as fast as it used to be, that's clear to see... To really understand why people in the comments regard him so highly, read his books or watch some of his old videos, which you'll find plentiful right here on YouTube.

[Atif_Ph.D._Kate_Bush_Fan_Club]

I’m Glad to see the Beeb giving the Professor some airtime.

[Beery]

I saw him speak a few years ago in Massachusetts. People call him the greatest intellectual of our time, and that is not hyperbole. The man is a genius (and not just in linguistics), and he's one of the very few who is able to cut through the propaganda and BS to see the world as it really is.

[nicholaskouyoumdjian]

What, the BBC interviewing Noam Chomsky. Can't believe it!

[MrMLHoganjr]

"Noam Chomsky, Philospher?" That's a new one. He's a linguistics professor.

[trainsofvancouver]

BBC Presenters: When you have one of the greatest living academics on your programmes, please let them finish their thoughts before jumping on their last few words.

[jackaljade]

A true heavy weight, old school intellectual... Not like these faux supposed intellectuals we have today, like Jordan Peterson, Ben Shapiro, and Sam Harris.