Lies, Politics and Democracy: Mark Sanford (interview) | FRONTLINE

Mark Sanford served as U.S. Representative for South Carolina from 1995 to 2001 and from 2013 to 2019, and as governor of South Carolina from 2003 to 2011. He is the author of "Two Roads Diverged: A Second Chance for the Republican Party, the Conservative Movement, the Nation ― and Ourselves."

The following interview was conducted by the Kirk Documentary Group’s Mike Wiser for FRONTLINE on May 24, 2022. It has been edited for clarity and length.

#Frontline #Interview #MarkSanford

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CHAPTERS:
Trump’s Rise in the Republican Party - 0:00:00
Ted Cruz and Donald Trump - 0:04:56
What Trump Offered Voters - 0:13:19
The Democratic Response - 0:18:24
The Republican Response to Trump’s Early Presidency - 0:20:02
Trump and Charlottesville - 0:31:26
Exile from the Republican Party - 0:39:44
Trump and McCarthy - 0:44:47
The 2020 Election - 0:45:35
Jan. 6 and the Aftermath - 1:03:42
Liz Cheney and the Future of the Republican Party - 1:12:11

[teevistevens]

its refreshing to hear someone talk politics with detached frankness.

[marilynhoward]

I might not agree with his policies but I do see a man who learnt a lesson the hard way and became a better man.

[DeeWeber]

Thank you, Mr. Sanford. You gave America a gift by being open.

[mags]

I’m from England and I didn’t know who this man was until I googled him. How refreshing to hear a voice of reason after all this time of listening to the lunatic fringe of the Republican party.

[seguelawrencedoering]

Mark Sanford is spot on with every answer he shares. Shame so many public servants are self serving.

[troubledsole]

These full-length interviews are fantastic. Every single adult American should listen to them and reflect deeply.

[surfjett]

I’m, for the most part, a Democrat, but I would vote for Mark Sanford for president… without hesitation. Honesty, ethics, truth, justice, self-respect, protection of our democracy, concern for citizens, ….these are the qualities we need in a leader. The opposite is what we got from trump. Please, people, help rid this country of any politicians like trump. Vote !

[sandy-mrgj]

I have a new respect for Mark Sanford. Eloquently spoken views. Thumbs up. I'm sure his family is proud of him because I sure am.

[janiekcarney]

This is why we need term limits. No one should be a lifetime member.

[lindachancellor]

Thank you Mr. Sandford for standing firm for honesty and our checks and balances. We are all shaking our heads and wondering what happen to integrity. I still scratch my head. You speak what I believe about our democracy and that is what makes this country great. If we hang onto our democracy we will survive it is time for both parties to really make a commitment to the country and not a political party or to power or their own idea of what this country should be. We are not free if we bow to a king or a dictatorship.

[cerealeater]

It's so refreshing to hear a question being asked to a republican and he answers the question without filibustering and falling into right wing conspiracy talking points This interview with a republican is a rare type. My blood pressure isn't rising listening to this guy.

[LADYMONA]

This is what a decent human being as a politician looks like.

[lindadeal]

Thank you Frontline, great reporting and you are not afraid of controversy and always push the question of what is truth?

[brianmarek]

Thank you Mr Sanford, I respect you, thx for telling the truth.

[Mary-kltk]

Thank you PBS for yet another great Frontline. Every single American needs to tune in to these interviews. Especially the MAGA crowd. Every interview hits the nail on the head regarding the horrors of the prior administration. We can not let DJT anywhere near the WH again!!

[crash]

He’s not a fool…he’s got integrity and ultimately did not sell his soul to the devil. I have much respect for Sanford. If only the rest of the party would follow his example.

[jameskantor]

It is good to hear a Republican say the issue of Donald Trump.

[gregparrott]

Wow! Another great Frontline interview I knew little of Mark Sanford prior to this interview, but I am duly impressed with his eloquence and perspective
Frontline has created several series of interviews on trump, democracy, Putin, and more. All of them are and will remain as priceless historical treasures. Hearing key figures speak, in their own words, emphasis, expressions and intonations, unedited, provides far more context than any textual transcription could possibly offer.

[rhondah]

If republican voters were tired of stagnant wages, they needed to look back to their hero Ronald Reagan. It was Reagan and his group of republicans who went around busting workers unions, creating the Right to Work laws that gave employers the right to fire without cause and workers had no union to speak for them there or in Congress. The failed economic policy of trickle down where the government provided huge tax breaks to the wealthy who just kept it and hoarded it, grew their own wealth while the workers saw benefits taken away and salaries not move for decades and the cost of maintaining a middle-class standard of living simply died away. Republican philosophy is that the country is better when the wealthy run things and the worker just serves the wealthy. The Democratic philosophy is that the country is better when the middle-class flourishes and the government serves all of the people including taking care of the poor, elderly, veterans and invests in education and the health of the entire population.

[jeffreyhoward]

This guy is an authentic conservative republican.