The Brian Lehrer Show Mehdi Hasan vs. the Far Right
Jul 23, 2025
Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief of Zeteo and former MSNBC host, shares insights from his fiery debate with 20 far-right conservatives. He highlights the normalization of extreme rhetoric in today's political landscape and the role of social media in shaping beliefs. The conversation also touches on Trump's controversial actions and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Hasan critiques the current NYC mayoral race, emphasizing the need for empathy in political discussions and the complexities surrounding American identity and racism.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mehdi's Debate Experience
- Mehdi Hasan participated in a debate with 20 far-right conservatives on Jubilee's platform.
- He was surprised by the extremity of views, including self-identified fascists and racist rhetoric.
Emergence of Far-Right Views
- The far-right core beliefs are emboldened by leadership rhetoric, notably from Donald Trump.
- Extreme views exist but aren't held by all right-wingers; however, they are a growing and vocal minority.
Debate Risks and Rewards
- Debates with far-right figures can unintentionally mainstream extremist views due to social media dynamics.
- Despite risks, exposing these views is necessary to acknowledge their existence and influence.
