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January 27, 2025 • 1hr 6min
#895 - Piers Morgan - Trump, Elon Musk & The Future Of The West
Modern Wisdom
Piers Morgan, renowned journalist and broadcaster, discusses various topics ranging from current political landscapes to media evolution and social issues. The conversation provides insights into both US and UK politics, the changing nature of media consumption, and broader societal trends.
#895 - Piers Morgan - Trump, Elon Musk & The Future Of The West
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Key Takeaways
- Political Shifts: The distinction between left and right is breaking down, with figures like Ana Kasparian and Bernie Sanders collaborating with or complimenting Elon Musk
- Media Evolution: Traditional linear TV is declining while platforms like YouTube are seeing massive growth, especially among younger audiences
- Social Media Impact: Social media platforms are having concerning effects on young people's mental health, with Piers supporting Australia's ban on social media for under-16s
- Political Leadership: There's a perceived decline in the quality of political leadership in the UK, with mediocre politicians replacing previously brilliant minds
- Cancel Culture: According to Piers, cancel culture is declining, evidenced by Trump's success and changing public attitudes
Introduction
Piers Morgan, renowned journalist and broadcaster, discusses various topics ranging from current political landscapes to media evolution and social issues. The conversation provides insights into both US and UK politics, the changing nature of media consumption, and broader societal trends.
Topics Discussed
Hunter Biden Pardon and Political Implications (0:00)
The discussion begins with analysis of Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter Biden:
- Timing and Hypocrisy: Piers criticizes Biden's decision after repeatedly claiming he wouldn't pardon his son
- Political Impact: Suggests this will damage Biden's legacy and credibility
- "I think he'll go down as one of the worst presidents," states Morgan
- Comparison to Trump: Notes that if Trump had pardoned Hunter, it could have been a unifying move
The Rise of "Broligarchy" in Politics (1:54)
Discussion of the emergence of strong male figures in politics and public life:
- Key Figures: Includes RFK Jr., Elon Musk, Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, Joe Rogan
- Appeal to Young Men: These figures resonate with young men feeling lost in current society
- Cultural Shift: Represents a pushback against the perceived weakness celebration in modern culture
- Jordan Peterson Connection: Similar messaging about male pride and responsibility
Cancel Culture and Wokeness (6:43)
Analysis of the current state of cancel culture and progressive politics:
- Decline of Cancel Culture: Morgan suggests cancel culture is dying, citing Trump's success
- Original Wokeness: Acknowledges positive origins in 1960s social justice movements
- Current Issues: Criticizes modern manifestations as becoming fascistic in nature
- "When wokism originally began back in the 60s in America... it was just a clarion call for people to be more aware of social and racial injustice," explains Morgan
Media Evolution and YouTube Success (27:18)
Discussion of the changing media landscape:
- Traditional vs. Digital: Linear TV audiences declining while YouTube viewership grows
- Audience Demographics: Average cable news viewer is 70 years old
- Personal Experience: Morgan's success transitioning to YouTube with 3.5 million subscribers
- Content Strategy: Focus on balanced debates with smart participants from all sides
UK Political Landscape (40:18)
Analysis of current UK political situation:
- Leadership Quality: Decline in caliber of politicians compared to previous generations
- Public Services: Struggling with increased demands and immigration pressures
- Immigration Debate: Shift in acceptable discourse around immigration numbers
- Reform Party: Potential for significant political realignment with Nigel Farage
Social Media Impact on Youth (1:02:14)
Discussion of social media's effects on young people:
- Mental Health: Increased anxiety and depression since 2010
- Content Exposure: Young people seeing traumatic content without proper filters
- Regulation: Support for Australia's under-16 social media ban
- Protection Needs: Argument for protecting developing minds from unregulated content
Personal Philosophy on Success and Failure (56:41)
Morgan shares his approach to handling setbacks:
- Mental Strength: Emphasizes importance of resilience
- Perspective: Uses "count to 10" technique to regulate emotions
- Recovery Strategy: Advocates taking time off after setbacks
- "Success is going from failure to failure with no discernible loss of enthusiasm," quotes Morgan from Churchill
Conclusion
The conversation provides valuable insights into current political and social trends, media evolution, and personal resilience. Morgan's experience spanning traditional and new media offers unique perspectives on these changes. His views on social media regulation and political developments suggest significant shifts in how society approaches these issues going forward.
The discussion highlights several key themes: the evolution of political discourse, the changing media landscape, the impact of social media on society, and the importance of resilience in facing challenges. Morgan's transition from traditional media to digital success demonstrates the broader shifts occurring in information consumption and public discourse.