Hidden Forces podcast host Demetri Kofinas interviews former US Senator and Governor Bob Kerrey, discussing his life experiences, the evolution of American politics, the impact of social media, the wealth divide, and the 9/11 commission. Kerrey shares insights on the cultural and political transformations of America, the role of media in shaping the political landscape, and the rise of populism on both sides of the spectrum.
👨🏫 **Kerrey's Life and Career:** The conversation begins with Kerrey's personal experiences, including his upbringing in the 1950s and 1960s, his service in Vietnam, and the life-altering injury that shaped his path towards public service as Governor and later Senator of Nebraska. Kerrey's narrative offers a unique perspective on the changing American society over the decades, highlighting the cultural and political shifts he witnessed firsthand.
🌐 **American Politics in Transformation:** Kerrey and Kofinas delve into the transformation of American politics, discussing the impact of social media on the political landscape and the emergence of new challenges for governing and elections. They explore the role of media in shaping public opinion and the rise of populism on both the left and the right, analyzing its implications for the future of American politics.
💰 **The Widening Wealth Divide:** The conversation addresses the growing wealth divide in the United States, exploring the role of the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath in exacerbating this disparity. Kerrey and Kofinas discuss the consequences of this economic divide for American society and the challenges it presents for policymakers.
🚨 **9/11 Commission and Saudi Arabia:** The podcast dives into Kerrey's experience on the 9/11 commission, examining the role of the Saudi government in the September 11th attacks. Kerrey shares his insights on the commission's findings and the ongoing debate surrounding Saudi Arabia's involvement. The discussion raises critical questions about accountability and the role of foreign governments in global security.
In Episode 72 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with former US Senator and Governor from the great state of Nebraska, Bob Kerrey. Senator Kerrey currently serves as Managing Director at Allen & Company. He is also Executive Chairman of the Minerva Institute for Research and Scholarship. Senator Kerrey also served as one of the ten members of the 9/11 commission, tasked with investigating the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.
In this conversation, Senator Kerrey shares stories of his experience growing up in 1950's and early 1960’s America, his service in Vietnam, and the life-altering injury that sent him down a path of service, first as Nebraska’s governor and later, as its senator. We discuss both the cultural, as well as the political transformations that have overtaken American society throughout the course of his life, as well as how the media and social media have altered the political landscape and introduced new challenges to governing and elections that are altogether new. We discuss the tremendous wealth divide currently present in the country, the role of the 2008 crisis and its aftermath in furthering that divide, and the emergence of populism, both on the left and on the right, as a powerful new force that is shaping American politics in ways that we are only just begging to appreciate.
We also discuss Senator Kerrey’s work on the 9/11 commission, the role that the Saudi government played in orchestrating the September 11th attacks, as well as Demetri’s questions about why the Bush administration and the media refused to hold the Kingdom accountable for its involvement. This part of the conversation can be accessed as part of our premium subscription, available through the episode page on our website.
Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas
Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou
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