Depressing debate with 20 nazis - Mehdi Hasan

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S-WJN3L5eo

“I Think You Can Say I’m a Fascist”: Mehdi Hasan vs the American Far-Right

By the time you hear a man say “Whites are Native Americans” (nazi at 5:19) or another proudly declare “I think you can say I’m a fascist” (nazi at 26:24), the debate is already long gone. What Mehdi Hasan walked into was not a panel, not even a forum — it was a showcase of ideological decay and moral rot in broad daylight.

In a recent episode of Surrounded, Hasan stood — almost entirely alone — against 20 far-right Americans, many of whom were either openly fascist or teetering dangerously close. His goal? To argue three basic truths:

  1. Donald Trump is pro-crime.

  2. Donald Trump is defying the Constitution.

  3. Immigrants are good for America.

The results were harrowing.

1. Trump Is Pro-Crime

Hasan methodically cited example after example of Trump pardoning violent criminals — including those who “stomped on police officers' heads” (nazi at 2:06) or “tased a cop in the neck causing a heart attack” (nazi at 2:23). Instead of moral reckoning, he was met with derision, denial, or outright celebration.

When confronted, one participant replied:

“Sure. Because you know what? We're changing the definition of what crime is.” (nazi at 4:23)

Another shrugged off police assaults:

“That's your definition of crime.” (nazi at 8:16)

They weren’t hiding. They weren’t embarrassed. They were proud.

2. Trump Is Defying the Constitution

Hasan’s second claim outlined how Trump has trampled the First, Fourth, Fifth, and 14th Amendments — attacking the press, threatening reporters, and even deporting American citizens without due process.

One young man responded bluntly:

“Quite frankly, if Trump is anti-constitution — good.” (nazi at 23:04)
“I don't believe in democracy.” (nazi at 23:59)

When pressed on what he envisioned instead:

“We could hold a vote… and then no more votes afterwards.” (nazi at 25:27)

That silence you feel isn’t disbelief — it’s mourning.

3. Immigrants Are Good for America

Hasan, an immigrant himself, defended migration with facts: immigrants contribute more in taxes than they take in benefits, start more businesses, and will boost GDP by $9 trillion in a decade, according to the bipartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Yet, from the crowd came chilling denials:

“Immigrants are not Americans.” (nazi at 45:09)
“Demographic replacement, mass migration... it's actually a nightmare.” (nazi at 34:03)

Some even said they “don't like the First Amendment” (nazi at 31:52), unless it supports their speech. Others insisted that only “the founding stock” — white Americans — matter (nazi at 36:10).

A Nation Adrift

This wasn’t a debate. It was an autopsy.

The ease with which fascist ideology now slips into casual conversation — cheered, unchallenged, sometimes even applauded — reveals a country not on the brink but already drifting in dangerous waters. It reminds me of Apartheid South Africa's casual racism around the barbecue. It's disgusting and leads only to genocide and war.

Mehdi Hasan’s patience, clarity, and moral steadiness deserve praise. But more importantly, this event should serve as a warning. When “I don’t debate fascists” becomes the only sane response (Hasan, multiple points), we should ask: what the hell happened to America?

UPDATE: at least one nazi got fired as a result of his remarks. Yay. link

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