Dave Rubin: Why I'm Still a Liberal | DIRECT MESSAGE | Rubin Report

Dave Rubin of The Rubin Report explains the difference between a classical liberal and a libertarian.

The Direct Message segments of the Rubin Report are a chance for Dave Rubin to directly address current events, political news and the topics of the day. Whether it’s encouraging critical thinking, defending free speech, or fending off political correctness, it’s only by having calm rational conversations about these issues that can help de-escalate the political polarization and help heal our democracy. To hear what Dave has to say on these and a variety of other topics watch this playlist:

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Looking for smart and honest conversations about current events, political news and the culture war? Want to increase your critical thinking by listening to different perspectives on a variety of topics? If so, then you’re in the right place because on The Rubin Report Dave Rubin engages the ideas of some of society's most interesting thought leaders, authors, politicians and comedians. The Rubin Report is the largest talk show about free speech and big ideas on YouTube.
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All art on the set are original works by Caylin Rose Janet.

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[sbbu]

Defending classical liberal values has become a conservative position

[thatonedude]

Just make it easier on yourself and just go "fuck political labels". Saves time and ends the argument fairly easily and allows you to be an individual.

[VernalScott]

Forget labels. Value good ideas, period!

[yanggang]

I disagree that being a Liberal Progressive or Social Liberal is somehow synonymous with the PC, tumblr-feminist, SJW culture. I consider myself a Social Liberal because, while I defend individual liberties in pretty much any social or political context, I see more nuance with economic issues, and generally support some form of social safety net. I also see areas where individual rights might unfairly infringe on other people's rights (or the right of the collective), and I think it can be useful to try and mitigate this.

I consider myself progressive because I'm pretty much the opposite of conservative. The conservative instinct is to resist change and preserve the status quo; progressives more readily welcome change and criticize the status quo.

But these things don't imply that I believe Christian bakers must be forced to bake cakes for gay weddings, or that every straight, white, male is a homophobic, racist, misogynist. I can support progressive policies while also recognizing that other people might disagree with me.

[iAmTheSquidThing]

I've recently heard people say that a classical liberal is the same as a conservative. Which it isn't. Because classical liberals are liberal on personal and social issues, as well as on economics.

I've also heard people say that a libertarian is the same as an anarchist. Which it isn't. Because libertarians generally believe in a small government that runs a justice system, defence force, and not much else. Whereas anarchists believe in no government at all.

[DelayInBlockProductions]

Dave, if you ever ran for president, you would appeal to so many people. I'm conservative, but I respect your views as a tried-and-true liberal. You've proven yourself as an honest guy just looking for open conversation… Not yelling, not pandering, just honest discussion. And I really appreciate that. Thank you for doing what you do and giving me hope for true liberalism in America. Hopefully, with people like you spreading positive thought like this, a few generations from now - this country could be saved.

[Tactical]

Pro choice falls apart because it's genetically not her body.

[kant]

I think these labels are kinda pointless in the first place. Every issue should be taken on its own merits. Does it help to consider what different perspectives are and what a liberal or libertarian ideology would say about the issues sure? You should consider everything but they're only part of what informs your final decision. The idea that one ideology is always the best option all the time is just silly and causes lots of pointless arguments. Especially in the real world where you can't make all your assumptions. You end up with thinking 'only if we did everything this way this would be the best choice'. So, we should do it then? NO. It's not like that.

[joshuafischlin]

Dave is at the forefront of the New Center.... lets hope his ideas take root. Keep building bridges!

[KnightOfResignation]

While we're at raising awareness for classical liberalism, we should also mention social liberalism, which should not be misconstrued with progressivism either. Being a social liberal typically means you belive in things like socialized health care, education, as well as some limited form of redistribution of wealth. It does not typically include the identity politics of modern progressives. I personally believe it to be the most consistent form of liberalism, as it truely aims to maximize effective freedom and equality, for which economic freedom is just as important as freedom of personal choices.

[PhillipCummingsUSA]

What's the difference between classical liberal and libertarian? Nothing, one just wants to be a hipster.

[requiemforamerica]

I've decided to take back the "label" of "liberal" as well - so good for you Dave.

[simonh]

The transition has been from classical liberalism through social liberalism on to progressivism (regressivism). I'm still a social liberal, but all the political parties have moved away, so I'm essentially in limbo with no representation any more.

[SPL-]

Please have Peter Schiff or Tom Woods on. Thanks!

[JustCantGetRight]

Thank you Dave. Drawing the line between liberal and progressive is something that has been needed.

[themetalone]

Classical Liberal: noun; a person who is right leaning, but is so used to the liberal label that they refuse to let it go.

[vonneely]

Left + Liberal = Democrat
Right + Conservative = Republican
Right + Liberal = Libertarian
Left + Conservative = Marxist

Not complicated. Problem is that most Americans can't separate these because the two party system wants citizens to think that only options exist.

Simply put, Left means putting the group first while Right put the individual first. Liberal means less rules & Conservative means more rules.

I know a lot of Repunlicans have been duped into thinking that their party desires less government, but that's actually a Libertarian value. "Small government" doesn't tell you what you can't smoke, do with your uterus or stick up your arse, after all.

Back in Lincoln's time Republicans were what is now considered Libertarians. The shift happened after the civil rights movement in the 60s, when Republicans allied themselves with Christian fundamentalists & started ramming the Bible down everyone's throats.

Meanwhile, looking back at FDR and all the government programs to build the nation & focus on the welfare of the poor & middle class (at thr expense of the rich) we see what many today now consider Marxist values (Go figure, the country mosy opposed to Marxism actually made it work).

Anyway, point being that Left does not automatically mean Liberal nor does Right automatically mean Conservative. Again, that's an artificial restriction created by the American two party system to prevent anyone from realizing that the other two combinations could be valid options as well.

[WillandTony]

Dave,
Can you please interview people about things other than the whole free
left? It's getting a bit boring now.
Thanks

[majorramseyk]

A woman can do what she wants to her body, if she wants to abort her body then that's her choice. But it sounds to me like she wants to abort someone else's body.

[Linkous]

How do classical liberals feel about government involvement in the economy? It's obvious that they're *socially* libertarian, but do they generally lean libertarian economically, or are they more economically progressive?

I ask because I tend to be socially libertarian, but also economically progressive (progressive taxes, universal healthcare, etc). I'm trying to determine if I can accurately call myself a "classical liberal".