Noam Chomsky on Bernie Sanders and why Trump's reelection would be an 'indescribable disaster'

Bernie Sanders has dropped out of the 2020 presidential race — but that doesn't mean the movement Sanders sparked has failed, and it doesn't mean the stakes aren't still high in the race between remaining contenders President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. "This is the most crucial election in human history, literally. Another four years of Trump and we're in deep trouble," says renowned linguist and political dissident Noam Chomsky. "It's common to say now that the Sanders campaign failed. I think that's a mistake. I think it was an extraordinary success — completely shifted the arena of debate and discussion," he says, adding that the Sanders campaign also inspired a wave of grassroots activism among the Democratic party's rank-and-file that a Biden presidency could potentially be sympathetic to. "Suppose Biden is elected. I would anticipate it would be essentially a continuation of Obama — nothing very great, but at least not totally destructive."

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[mannyj]

It's pretty damn sad that they're giving Americans the choice between a sociopath/psychopath and a cognitively declining senior citizen, neither of which is capable of leading our country into the dire straits we are heading into.
Either way Mother Earth will continue to be destroyed and we may not have a future inhabitable planet for humans to survive on.
I worry most for my grandkids and their children if they should have some. I won't be around when the worst happens but I still care.
The question is, Why doesn't everyone care?

[earthman]

Bernie gets people outside of the US inspired. Such is his ability to show a reasonable future for the world as a whole.

[maxmin]

In my experience, Chomsky is very right. As an activist, there is a huge difference between a Republican who just tells you to get lost, and a Democrat who gives you a meeting. At that meeting, the Democrat tells you why they can't do what you want. At that crucial point, you offer solutions to their reservations.

Once you get the meeting, the activist switches from a protestor to a consultant (just like corporations hire outside management consultants). You come up with the solution to the problem (be it political, fiscal, or logistical), the Democrat might say "that could work." Then they adopt your policy and take credit for it.

Any real activist knows this two-step. Anyone who thinks politicians ever do anything because you 'demand' it in protest marches, that's not a real activist. The only thing the protest gets you is a meeting. But with the Republican, you never even get the meeting, you just get a FU.

[TahtahmesDiary]

As much as I love & respect him, someone like Noam can't see how for me Biden and Trump are two sides of the same coin.

[EnlightenedSavage]

He didn't drop out he suspend his campaign. Get it right.

[prometheus.]

Professor Noam talks to the world. Respect from Brazil 🇧🇷

[LoadPast]

I was pissed, and full on Bernie or bust for a few days there, but this really helped calm me down so I could think straight. Thanks Mr chomsky

[censoredforthetruth]

You can't deny the wisdom in his words. We progressives should consider this moving forward. I'll try to remain open minded. Lets hear what he has to say for himself in the general.

[ELCEV]

I am now 62 years old, in my entire voting lifetime I can not remember 1 election where we had a real choice. In the end it always came down to having to choose between two candidates that you really did not like or agree with. I thought this time it may be different with Bernie but it looks like big money and power will win again. If Trump is in for 4 more years I may sell everything and move to China where I will not be exposed to that SOB on a daily basis.

[hitreset]

Bernie Sanders will forever be known as the greatest president of the modern era who was never elected.

[MrChristopherGuest]

"At least not totally destructive." Noam Chomsky 2020 - Vote Joe Biden...lol

[gracematter]

Either candidate is an absolute disaster! This is going to be radical.

[yahspoetyahu-thepoeticword]

Noam Chomsky is one of the most brilliant political minds ever that J. Edgar Hoover couldn't stand him!

[oAvalono]

I need to get more of this guy, he's really well informed

[salvajemexihcah]

Thank you all at Democracy Now for the knowledge and everything you guys do. Please all of you be safe.
Much respect👊🏾😎.

[BetaMale]

4:50
What are you talking about?
We are already in deep trouble!

[LauServantofGod]

Noam Chomsky has always been my idol but In recent years I have disliked his acceptance of moderates like Obama, Hilary, or Biden as a last choice. I would of enjoyed his perspective on how the Democratic party will never represent true proggressive ideals with deep state players such as HRC and Nancy Pelosi. Or for example the once respected progressives such as Elizabeth Warren endorsing HRC instead of Bernie Sanders in the 2016 election? How about Elizabeth Warren running against Bernie in the 2020 election? What's wrong with our once promising party? I'll tell you what happened it has been infiltrated by people who do not side with the two party system at all. Follow the money and you will know what happened....smh

[blackoutblue]

What did a “organized effort” change about the Obama administration?

[KJSvitko]

Biden can only do as much as a newly democrat Senate will allow.
Obama was limited in what he could do by Mitch McConnell and the Republicon Senate.
You need a Democrat House, Senate and President if you want progressive policies.
If the Republicon party is swept out of office at all levels there will be much needed change.

[kendagammell]

I'm holding off until I see how the progressives are treated in the Platform and the Unity Reform Commission.
Hoping something can be salvaged. The DNC has to change. I can walk away and not vote but if there are huge concessions made I could stay.