

On Journalism, Activism and Hope with Nicholas Kristof
May 20, 2024
Nicholas Kristof, a seasoned New York Times columnist, shares insights from his 40-plus years of covering global conflicts and human rights. He discusses the ethics of journalism and hesitates to label himself as an activist. Kristof provides a compelling perspective on the situation in Gaza, the dynamics of student protests, and how hope prevails over cynicism in today's world. He reflects on his new memoir, revealing swashbuckling adventures and the moral responsibilities of journalists in times of crisis.
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Episode notes
Challenging Nostalgia
- Nicholas Kristof argues against nostalgia by comparing the present to the challenging 1960s.
- He cites assassinations, Jim Crow, and the Vietnam War as evidence of past struggles.
Biden's Gaza Stance
- Kristof criticizes Biden's handling of the Gaza crisis, suggesting his inaction is both morally and politically unsound.
- He believes Biden's stance harms his reputation and doesn't serve Israel's security interests.
Defining Genocide
- Kristof hesitates to use the term "genocide" for Gaza due to the legal requirement of proving intent, citing the 1948 Genocide Convention.
- He prefers descriptive terms like "indiscriminate" when characterizing the situation.