Ali Velshi: Just when you think Trump can't make his Qatari plane controversy worse, he does - The Last Word - MSNBC

[Rhiannon12866]

MSNBC's Ali Velshi shares Donald Trump's latest explanation for his attempts to get a $400 million plane from Qatar despite bipartisan condemnation after Trump spent his visit in the Middle East showing adoration for the region's authoritarian leaders. - Aired on 05/16/2025.

[dchill]

1. I feel so greasy and filthy.

Trump, revealed.

Again

[Skittles]

4. so SICK of that fascist FREAK embarrassing America EVERY FUCKING DAY!!!!!

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ReRe]

2. Hooooooly Moley, Mother of God.

[FadedMullet]

3. Ali Velshi uses the term "Liberal Democracy" to describe our country. Cool. I hope it can stay that way because....

.......I just googled what it means and it sounds good to me, especially since this was generated by AI which, ostensibly looked at many current sources.

Liberal democracy is a system of government that combines democratic principles with liberal values, emphasizing individual rights and freedoms, as well as the rule of law and the separation of powers. It's a form of representative democracy where citizens elect representatives who govern on their behalf, and where the power of the government is limited by a constitution and a system of checks and balances.
Key elements of liberal democracy include:

Free and fair elections:
.

Citizens have the right to vote for their representatives, and elections are conducted fairly and transparently.
Rule of law:
.
Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law.
Protection of civil rights and liberties:
.
Fundamental rights like freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the press are protected.
Separation of powers:
.
Power is divided among different branches of government (e.g., legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent tyranny.
Checks and balances:
.
Each branch of government has the power to limit the power of the other branches.
Individual rights and freedoms:
.
The government is limited in its ability to interfere with individuals' lives, property, and beliefs.
Universal suffrage:
.
All adult citizens have the right to vote, regardless of their background.
Market economy:
.
Liberal democracies generally support economic freedom and private property.

Liberal democracy is often contrasted with illiberal democracy, where elections may be manipulated or rigged, and where individual rights and freedoms are not adequately protected.

[Hekate]

5. I think the term goes back to our founding, actually. To be "liberal" was to be generous...

Back in the 1700s to be “liberal” was to have an open mind. To be “liberal” was to accept others whose beliefs & opinions were different from one’s own.

And of course a “democracy” was understood to not be ruled by a hereditary king, but by the common consent of the people.

I hope we can return to and live up to these ideals as well.

Ali Velshi — is a friend of ours.

[FadedMullet]

6. Nice. Thanks for the response. Sounds like our 19th Century forebears were "woke" in what I take to be....

.......the original use of the term, before the repubs turned it into something else.