Wow! I can't believe I've found a video of C.H. that doesn't have a comment about how much someone misses him and how the world was better with him in it! In other news, I really miss Christopher Hitchens. The world was a far better place with him in it.
Sadly, I’ve just discovered Hitchens in recent months. I’m thankful there are so many videos available on UA-cam. I think he should be required reading in our schools. Listening to him is an absolute treat.
Me too! I can't believe I didn't know about him for my first 57 years. So glad there are hours of him preserved for posterity. I predict he will be taught in school, but probably not in this generation.
These 80s interviews, he was young, dazzling and brilliant. He was also a compassionate person, sometimes forgotten due to his strong beliefs and views on a number of high profile subjects.
I’ve binge-watched Christopher Hitchens in the last 4 months. I was aware of him because of his books. Was fortunate to attend a debate he had with a Christian minister held at a community college in Ellisville, Mississippi. That was several decades ago. Wish he were still with us.
First time I saw Hitchens handing out slaps was when he did an analysis on *punk rock* what was weird was the fact that he looked like a kid but sounded like a middle aged intellectual RIP Hitch the legend
@@Bestline7 Unfortunately not it was good few years ago that I stumbled across it, I do know that it was on UA-cam, Hitchens was one of a couple of guests on a show but I can't even remember what show. Considering I'm English, it's much more likely to have been an English show with political leanings but that doesn't really narrow it down. A search on Google and UA-cam reveals nothing but that's no surprise because the *Punk* piece was an aside to something else entirely. You will just have to hope you come across it.
I post as a, now, former Roman Catholic priest who entered the seminary at 29 in 1996 with NO access to this man, or the wider internet, ordained in 2002, finally leaving in 2018. I left "in good standing", if ever leaving can be thought of in such terms. (Here I personally mean that I did not "bugger" any children; however, I did find out that my "spouse", the Church, had, and continued to cover it all up.) So, I chose to "simply" leave. (I am now happily with a lady of similar age from Ukraine: a Medical Doctor now in the United States where I am from. New York, more specifically.) Please hope the best for me. I feel like a man without a country.
Although im not alligned with hitchens fundamental beliefs, this man is a gem. Absolutely refreshing and always learn something. Wish more people started to de-polarize themselves from the political state over the last few elections. Branch out. Investigate events yourself before the various modern/tradional media sources paint a picture for you. Come to your own conclusions, even for a while. Just to exercise that area of the mind we seem to have collectively atrophied. Anyone who reads this, enjoy the video and have a beautiful day 😊
Oh to be able to listen to the thoughts and opinions of such well educated, intellectually advanced and honest people today. TV news and commentary illiterates how we as a civilization go backwards just as fast as we can go forward.
CH mentions his disdain for TV debate shows that are " occasions for the chairman to show off usually". And that was in 1987. Nearly all shows on TV, regardless of type, are like this now. Even the weather report is all about the presenter now. However, CSpan do this well, to be fair, and the presenter here really does an excellent job, super professional, knowlegable, conducts a great flow and not about him at all. CH has a great "clubland" point on the McLaughlin Group and the choreography of debate programmes.
He was truly one of a kind. A unique character with so much depth of analysis, knowledge, insight and....so charismatic. Of course a woman can see this.
Jeez, that last female caller was a piece of work. I'm sure she felt plenty smart with her "plays on words." And did she not notice them holding up USA Today? Sounded like she spent more time fuming than paying attention to what was said, because I certainly didn't hear Hitchens open with any smears. Makes you wonder why she thought he was married to someone else, though, where did she get that info?
When you're English watching an American show featuring Hitchens and caller rings in and says *"...do you know Waterlooville?..."* which is just down the road for me.
Remember folks; this is 1987, pre fauxnews of its founding in 1995-6! Feast on! P. S. I had forgotten that I first found Hitchens at “The Nation” back in the day!
The valium thing... It's not unusual at all for someone taking benzos to be high strung. Hamilton Morris was just talking about that on Monday nights show. About how meth users are always tired, benzo addicts are always anxious, opiate users are always in pain. Ones body will find homeostasis to regulate your drug use. I'm surprised Hitch seemed kind of naive about that.
Several callers suggested how likely it was that movers and shakers were using uppers and downers. It was an admitted blindspot for Hitchens. He assumed other creative intellectuals, including the rich and powerful, tended to use only alcohol, his own vice. Other users were just partiers, or whacked out druggies.
This clip has 1987 in the title presumably suggesting this was aired that year however when talking about The Nation magazine Hitch states that it was started by 'a group of abolishionists in 1865' he then follows it up by saying that makes the magazine nearly 121 years old.... I suspect this clip was filmed at some point in 1986
👍. Yes when real men didn’t hide their beautiful facial features with those disgusting ‘face diapers with attached mucus catchers’, (beards and mustaches). Clean shaven has always been and will always be better looking and more sanitary.! Down with the glorified slovenliness and laziness of today!
You are correct, of course. And it may seem disheartening. But I think the conclusion we can reach from that realization is that current times are not unprecedented, and we have a path forward(in politics I mean).
Ironic that this 1987 was the year the FCC removed the "objectivity in media" rule...the "media objectivity" or watered-down view that Christopher so riles in this piece. Opened the door to the rise of Rush Limbaugh and so on...
@@donkoltz1 To the contrary, I made no such claim. Rather Hitch would likely say that your comment made your bias obvious betraying your naiveté, while retorting "don't put words in my mouth". My observation was limited to note that Limbaugh was the most visible (and audible), if not the first, to capitalize on the change in policy. Obviously, many followed on both sides of the political spectrum.
He is remembered with great regard. He wasn't perfect, like with many historical "prophets", but extrapolate the best of the message. There are always people of the time who are vilified by speaking 'sense'. Be good. Try.
It's funny seeing this because, 35 years on, it's even more a roleplaying exercise by an established repertory company, as he put it, for each network. There's far less mock disagreement. Jon Stewart pretty much put an end to Crossfire and The McLaughlin Group died with Mr. McLaughlin. But cable news remains an oxymoron. It's simply part of the entertainment industry delivering the illusion of informing the non-serious souls who'd prefer not to read.
His dinner parties were almost famous in DC for going long into the night with conversation, cocktails and cigarettes. CH loved his Johnny Walker Black.
@michael gaynor C'mon now..that's a totally different thing..Dont sweat it but the bottom line is smoking on live TV shows had largely ended by this time.
@@milart12 CH continued to smoke on air when interviewed by Brian Lamb on CSPAN...1993 I think. CH was given wide latitude on CSPAN, both expanding on answers to questions and comments...and smoking. CH was fascinating.
Watching in 2020 when Elliot Abrams has been thoroughly rehabilitated and invited back in by the Trump administration to give his fucking opinion on foreign policy.
I have noticed, with nearly every interview spanning decades, this ubiquitous cough he has. On one interview, he coughed so badly, he was forced to take a moment to acknowledge it, referring to it as part of a cold. While it might’ve been his cigarette habit I rather think it was the early stages of his esophageal cancer which, eventually, killed him. Or both.
Take A Moment Relax and Enjoy a genius at play 2024 and nothing has changed 😮 You would have enjoyed Trump 😂 Thx Zeus ✔️ No god's seen or heard in my foxhole for 46 years, I am a veteran of the RAF. PTSD is my constant devil 😈 Keep Talking Stay Safe and Stay Free 41:57
Wow! I can't believe I've found a video of C.H. that doesn't have a comment about how much someone misses him and how the world was better with him in it! In other news, I really miss Christopher Hitchens. The world was a far better place with him in it.
💯x💯
Pretty much most of his biggest takes haven't aged well
So yu poison this one with that sentimental drivel also? It’s sappy and tiresome…say something intelligent or say nothing
I’m certain Hitch would sympathize with my position
@@uscbro69 Well said. Just kidding; you're an idiot. 😆👌
Sadly, I’ve just discovered Hitchens in recent months. I’m thankful there are so many videos available on UA-cam. I think he should be required reading in our schools. Listening to him is an absolute treat.
Me too! I can't believe I didn't know about him for my first 57 years. So glad there are hours of him preserved for posterity. I predict he will be taught in school, but probably not in this generation.
Hey that just means that you have a lot to look forward to reading and listening to.
These 80s interviews, he was young, dazzling and brilliant. He was also a compassionate person, sometimes forgotten due to his strong beliefs and views on a number of high profile subjects.
Heroic rhetor
He was fantastic 🤩
@@bethh.9647
Exactly - so rare!
Hitchens on form as always, and C-SPAN remains the best channel in the US.
That flicker of a smile when he butchered Portsmouth. Classic Hitch.
19:00(don't mind me,just for when I want to watch it again)
@@nickweems24ko
I’ve binge-watched Christopher Hitchens in the last 4 months. I was aware of him because of his books. Was fortunate to attend a debate he had with a Christian minister held at a community college in Ellisville, Mississippi. That was several decades ago. Wish he were still with us.
I miss him, and I never even met him. I imagine he'd be pissing everyone off today, and would love every minute.
So many people claiming he would be against Trump or against Biden. He would eloquently roast them both for days.
@@donkoltz1 exactly
I met him once. It did not change my life. He was entertaining, though.
It's a laugh to drink with his ghost! He would have wanted that- and to eviscerate my slurred points.
Nice to see such a congenial relationship between Hitchens and the colony of pixels interviewing him.
This comment literally made me LOL
this has aged like a fine wine lol (your comment)
😂
These were the best days of TV journalism a form that has long since left this planet.
How cool was this guy..smart, sharp, eloquent.
An important voice he was.
"Dare to think for yourself " he said.
And did.
Imagine what he'd say about today's media
This is just incredible. Hitchens was Hitchslapping for way longer than most people realize.
First time I saw Hitchens handing out slaps was when he did an analysis on *punk rock* what was weird was the fact that he looked like a kid but sounded like a middle aged intellectual RIP Hitch the legend
@@kingsman428 that would be interesting to watch. Do you have a video link to that analysis?
@@Bestline7 Unfortunately not it was good few years ago that I stumbled across it, I do know that it was on UA-cam, Hitchens was one of a couple of guests on a show but I can't even remember what show. Considering I'm English, it's much more likely to have been an English show with political leanings but that doesn't really narrow it down. A search on Google and UA-cam reveals nothing but that's no surprise because the *Punk* piece was an aside to something else entirely. You will just have to hope you come across it.
Wow. We've gotten even dumber since 1987. This is alarming.
Yes. Back then people seemingly knew that the expression was 'I could NOT care less'. Wonderful. 44:55
Alarming, yes. But not surprising if you’ve been paying attention.
Welcome to the entertainment superhighway
Correct. It's horrifying.
iqs are falling
I post as a, now, former Roman Catholic priest who entered the seminary at 29 in 1996 with NO access to this man, or the wider internet, ordained in 2002, finally leaving in 2018. I left "in good standing", if ever leaving can be thought of in such terms. (Here I personally mean that I did not "bugger" any children; however, I did find out that my "spouse", the Church, had, and continued to cover it all up.) So, I chose to "simply" leave. (I am now happily with a lady of similar age from Ukraine: a Medical Doctor now in the United States where I am from. New York, more specifically.) Please hope the best for me. I feel like a man without a country.
Christopher's such a powerhouse.
Love Hitchens' face when the host pronounces his home town as "Ports-mowth"
how is it supposed to be pronounced?
Bucketheadhead ports mth
Zack Sleeps It really depends where in the UK you from
Haywood Jackson "Ports-mowth" is correct...
mitch p Except it isn't
People need to remember what Christopher is saying now, more than ever
Spot on description of the Sunday morning gabfests, MTP, This Week, Face the Nation, etc.
Although im not alligned with hitchens fundamental beliefs, this man is a gem. Absolutely refreshing and always learn something. Wish more people started to de-polarize themselves from the political state over the last few elections. Branch out.
Investigate events yourself before the various modern/tradional media sources paint a picture for you. Come to your own conclusions, even for a while.
Just to exercise that area of the mind we seem to have collectively atrophied. Anyone who reads this, enjoy the video and have a beautiful day 😊
Saddens me that I was watching Police Academy instead of this. But, then, I was 12.
It should never sadden you that you watched Police Academy.
Well this is about 11 years before I was born.
Same, but I was 8 haha
I was 20
I'd like to have seen Hitchens converse with Hightower.
Thanks for uploading. :)
Excellent, right, Max Rhodes. I gave up watching TV because there was nothing really like this.
I’d love to hear Christopher’s take on current affairs in the early 2020s. Although I’m mildly happy for him that he’s not here to witness this
Still so relevant in 2021
True. It's heartening, to some extent. I mean we got from where they are to the relative bliss of the 90's, perhaps it means we have a way forward.
Hahaha "Ports-Mouth" Loved to see him laugh at that
Oh to be able to listen to the thoughts and opinions of such well educated, intellectually advanced and honest people today. TV news and commentary illiterates how we as a civilization go backwards just as fast as we can go forward.
👍
the "League of Women....'s..... Flower Arranging...." oh Chris
this kid looks so excited to be hosting his own hour
+David Venegas Hitchens is great but I don't think this kid existed to interview him.
+Wizmut He did a good job.
@@lsobrien Searched him online, he moved on to insurance business after cspan
Timely
"ports-mouth"
CH mentions his disdain for TV debate shows that are " occasions for the chairman to show off usually". And that was in 1987. Nearly all shows on TV, regardless of type, are like this now. Even the weather report is all about the presenter now. However, CSpan do this well, to be fair, and the presenter here really does an excellent job, super professional, knowlegable, conducts a great flow and not about him at all. CH has a great "clubland" point on the McLaughlin Group and the choreography of debate programmes.
👍
Hitchens is too good!!!
He was truly one of a kind. A unique character with so much depth of analysis, knowledge, insight and....so charismatic. Of course a woman can see this.
@@bethh.9647👍
👍
"New Jersey is gone..."
RIP New Jersey
absolutely gorgeous man
The voice, the wit, the erudition. A tremendous man
He nailed that wretched Novak.
“I don’t really get out of bed for less than two grand.” 😂😂
Jeez, that last female caller was a piece of work. I'm sure she felt plenty smart with her "plays on words." And did she not notice them holding up USA Today? Sounded like she spent more time fuming than paying attention to what was said, because I certainly didn't hear Hitchens open with any smears. Makes you wonder why she thought he was married to someone else, though, where did she get that info?
She was probably drunk, thinking of biting quips while preparing her third vodka Martini of the morning
comanchio1976 Was this show broadcast in the mornings?
Sloth from The Goonies r/whoosh
knew the chaps uncle, go old Mr. Hitchens.
When you're English watching an American show featuring Hitchens and caller rings in and says *"...do you know Waterlooville?..."* which is just down the road for me.
lol at hitchens laughing at 33 min 54sec :D " I carry my maiden name Thatcher" xDD
Wow, Biden was running in 1988? And Donald Rumsfeld? It really is a business, politics is.
wow he was indeed the whole package
Love how he smokes and drinks to fuel his rapier wit
Hitchens reaction to Ports-Mouth-Shire England 19:02
55:04 He is amused by the "Mr Bitchens" comment. It is hilarious 😅
Remember folks; this is 1987, pre fauxnews of its founding in 1995-6! Feast on!
P. S. I had forgotten that I first found Hitchens at “The Nation” back in the day!
That was great. Does it still go down like this on C-Span? I am not a US citizen
Yep. It's the only remaining long form tv show left and not by accident.
The valium thing... It's not unusual at all for someone taking benzos to be high strung. Hamilton Morris was just talking about that on Monday nights show. About how meth users are always tired, benzo addicts are always anxious, opiate users are always in pain. Ones body will find homeostasis to regulate your drug use. I'm surprised Hitch seemed kind of naive about that.
Several callers suggested how likely it was that movers and shakers were using uppers and downers. It was an admitted blindspot for Hitchens. He assumed other creative intellectuals, including the rich and powerful, tended to use only alcohol, his own vice. Other users were just partiers, or whacked out druggies.
42:26 - I’ve never seen a clip where Hitchens is SO struggling to suppress his laughter!
This clip has 1987 in the title presumably suggesting this was aired that year however when talking about The Nation magazine Hitch states that it was started by 'a group of abolishionists in 1865' he then follows it up by saying that makes the magazine nearly 121 years old.... I suspect this clip was filmed at some point in 1986
They talk about a piece Hitchens wrote titled "Blabscam" . Just checked it is published in March 1987 issue of Harper's magazine
Who invited the tinnitus noise? Snapped me right out of the discussion.
I miss hitch 😭
"Have a nice day"
I have to say.. I've never seen a sexier man ever! He opened my eyes and will be dearly missed!
👍. Yes when real men didn’t hide their beautiful facial features with those disgusting ‘face diapers with attached mucus catchers’, (beards and mustaches). Clean shaven has always been and will always be better looking and more sanitary.!
Down with the glorified slovenliness and laziness of today!
Almost every point discussed in this video can be extrapolated and applied to contemporary American politics.
You are correct, of course. And it may seem disheartening. But I think the conclusion we can reach from that realization is that current times are not unprecedented, and we have a path forward(in politics I mean).
Ironic that this 1987 was the year the FCC removed the "objectivity in media" rule...the "media objectivity" or watered-down view that Christopher so riles in this piece. Opened the door to the rise of Rush Limbaugh and so on...
If you think only one side of the political spectrum is guilty of that I think Hitch would say you're at best, naive.
@@donkoltz1 To the contrary, I made no such claim. Rather Hitch would likely say that your comment made your bias obvious betraying your naiveté, while retorting "don't put words in my mouth". My observation was limited to note that Limbaugh was the most visible (and audible), if not the first, to capitalize on the change in policy. Obviously, many followed on both sides of the political spectrum.
Dat fro.
***** Dude it's a figure of speech, a colloquialism, fuck m8 don't take things so literally.
That's not how you say "mate"
The guests are all literate and ask good questions!
He is remembered with great regard. He wasn't perfect, like with many historical "prophets", but extrapolate the best of the message. There are always people of the time who are vilified by speaking 'sense'. Be good. Try.
👍😇🙏
thanks for upload. vote for me ill escalate the war
You would have been an excellent President other than that, LyndonJohnson.
That hum is driving me nuts
It's got me so close
It's funny seeing this because, 35 years on, it's even more a roleplaying exercise by an established repertory company, as he put it, for each network. There's far less mock disagreement. Jon Stewart pretty much put an end to Crossfire and The McLaughlin Group died with Mr. McLaughlin. But cable news remains an oxymoron. It's simply part of the entertainment industry delivering the illusion of informing the non-serious souls who'd prefer not to read.
Agreed. Well written 👍
Who is the host? Thanks
Carl Rutan
Funny how it’s only gotten infinitely worse
"What a horrible career. I gather it's soon to be over. I certainly hope so."
Hitchens looks exhausted here. Check out those crows feet.
he seems to look that way on all the morning shows he went on
Matthew A I've heard him mention he wasn't an early riser
His dinner parties were almost famous in DC for going long into the night with conversation, cocktails and cigarettes. CH loved his Johnny Walker Black.
What was wrong with his eyes? He looks like he was on a 5-month bender. Years later he looked much better.
I suspect he was working much harder in those days, and didn't have the comfort of a well-established reputation.
He was alwasy on a bender. Really drinking and smoking like a train so he akways looked rough like this...
Called out your Fox's CNN's and the lot in the 80s for things they do to this day
It’s actually gotten worse Hitch.
34:03 Didn't think that u could still take a drag on a cigarette at this time..1987??
You still can. See Dave Chappelle
@@kenigma79 Haha You're right...Saw him in a small club a few years ago and he did smoke during his act
glitches out about ~@31:00
19:52 Wow, didn't know you could smoke so openly on TV in 1987
@michael gaynor Why?
@michael gaynor Yes but this is on TV...If you can find a clip of someone smoking on TV after this let me know.
@michael gaynor C'mon now..that's a totally different thing..Dont sweat it but the bottom line is smoking on live TV shows had largely ended by this time.
@michael gaynor What? Ur missing the point but I dont really have time for this
@@milart12 CH continued to smoke on air when interviewed by Brian Lamb on CSPAN...1993 I think. CH was given wide latitude on CSPAN, both expanding on answers to questions and comments...and smoking. CH was fascinating.
Watching in 2020 when Elliot Abrams has been thoroughly rehabilitated and invited back in by the Trump administration to give his fucking opinion on foreign policy.
He's a baby!
Ad hominem
Who?
@@borninvincible👍
Whats up with his eyes?
He's got bags under his bags I imagine. He partied as hard as he worked.
it's his ability to handle drink.
2many sips
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🥰🤣🤣🥰🤣🤣🤣
😀🙏😇👍
I have noticed, with nearly every interview spanning decades, this ubiquitous cough he has. On one interview, he coughed so badly, he was forced to take a moment to acknowledge it, referring to it as part of a cold. While it might’ve been his cigarette habit I rather think it was the early stages of his esophageal cancer which, eventually, killed him. Or both.
Anyone who looks in the mirror and sees this face, and continues the same lifestyle, is kind of on a suicide mission.
Note to tokers........valium is better than ganja........fucking bonzo.
Michael Dukakis
2023: So much for the tolerant left
1987: Mr "Bitch"ens, this is the COMPASSIONATE LEFT (55:24)
Christopher Hitchens with a bad perm.
Haha so much hair!
Holy fing eyebags
@saxongreen78
All that and he’s still incredibly sexy!🙏🤷🏼♀️
Take A Moment Relax and Enjoy a genius at play
2024 and nothing has changed 😮
You would have enjoyed Trump 😂
Thx Zeus ✔️
No god's seen or heard in my foxhole for 46 years, I am a veteran of the RAF. PTSD is my constant devil 😈
Keep Talking
Stay Safe and Stay Free 41:57