Standing Up to Progressive Infighting: My Experience Challenging TYT Critics

General Discussion
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Hey TYT family - Like many of you, I’ve noticed the wave of attacks from other progressive media channels targeting TYT. It’s been frustrating to watch, especially since TYT continues fighting for core progressive values while working to build effective coalitions, such as the work through Operation Hope.

I’ve had some extra time lately (more to avoid having to think about a family member dying), so I’ve been engaging with these critics in the comments sections - both on YouTube and BlueSky. I’ve been pointing out how they mischaracterize TYT’s pragmatic approach to achieving progressive goals as some kind of ideological shift. When they criticize TYT’s strategy of open discussion and finding common ground on specific issues, I highlight how this approach is about building broader support to actually win elections and enact progressive policies - not compromising our values.

What’s really stood out to me is the hypocrisy. These channels claim to champion progressive causes while spending their energy attacking other progressives instead of focusing on the real opposition to progressive change. I’ve started calling this out directly.

I know it can be disheartening to see this kind of infighting in progressive spaces. But I believe it’s important to challenge these narratives and stand up for the work TYT is doing to build genuine progressive power.

Anyone else been dealing with this? Would love to hear your experiences and strategies for addressing these critics constructively

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I observed the first attack on youtube and posted about it on another forum topic. After that, I have started to tune it out. The prog channels attacking Cenk are doing so out of desperation since their relevance has fallen off a cliff with a Trump win, while Cenk has remained highly relevant because he called it. You can tell when it’s an attempt to grab relevance if the youtube thumbnail has a screaming accusatory title -clickbait!

The only thing I am not crazy about is when Cenk dialogs with MAGA politicos who are clearly manipulating MAGAs, all for the end game of extraordinary capital concentration (examples: Musk, Don Jr…) I would rather he stick to the objective reporting. If he wants to act as a player in a new political alliance (maybe Sanders’ one, if he does it??), I think he should step aside from reporting and focus on doing that…

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts, patrie. I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I share your frustration with the sensationalism that has crept into some progressive channels. The clickbait culture—those over-the-top thumbnails and headlines—often feels more focused on grabbing attention than fostering meaningful conversations. TYT’s staying power, even during turbulent political times, reflects their commitment to substance over spectacle.

Your concerns about Cenk engaging with MAGA figures are valid—it’s definitely a tricky balance. How do we create space for dialogue without compromising core progressive principles? From what I see, TYT’s approach is about challenging the establishment and fostering real change. Cenk’s “Three Rules of the Internet”—to unite where possible, fight when necessary, and always stay true to our values—capture this balance well.

When Cenk advocates for alliances on issues like cutting Pentagon spending or pardoning whistleblowers, it’s not about endorsing figures like Musk or Don Jr. It’s about finding common ground on critical issues to push progress forward. These coalitions are tactical, not an endorsement of bad actors, and aim to build momentum for systemic change.

That said, I agree with you—it’s crucial for TYT to maintain its credibility as an independent voice. If they lean too far into playing a political role, they’ll need to prioritize transparency and protect their journalistic integrity.

What do you think TYT could do to navigate these spaces more effectively? Are there specific approaches you’d like to see them take to strike the right balance while staying true to their mission? I’d love to hear your thoughts so we can explore how to support TYT and the values that bring us together.

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Something that a lot of people seem to forget is that we will NEVER agree 100% if we did then we would just be no better than the MAGAts. Here is a good video I found yesterday about how the Political Spectrum is perceived and how it really is:

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By talking with lower level MAGAs who don’t have an obvious self-serving economic incentive for ascribing to their philosophy. I would say that Musk, Don Jr., Trump, and many others in his cabinet who make more than $250,000 (pick your number…) a year are “conflicted out”. They don’t care about the welfare of the working class; they care about fostering the blackhole of capital formation for them and a very small group of their cronies.

You start negotiating with people who are acting in bad faith, you become an actor in bad faith.

You would want to talk to MAGAs who have drunk the Kool Aid; not the ones fake-sipping it and winking to each other…

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This video has been popping up in my feed! I will take your endorsement into consideration. :slight_smile:

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From an outside perspective, the word progressive seems to be in a cult of its own (to a certain % of the masses) and at this point if you dont loyally follow every rule then your not apart of it and just like how justifiably people want to ignore idiot magas, they do it out of principle back to us. Im pretty sure TYT has mentioned this, but if you name all the policies per say of a populist agenda but dont label it as such, alot of magas agree and it goes vise versa. Obviously Cenk is pushing for human progression and going on a certain channel doesnt change that, but just the name “progressive” seems to have a certain set of guidelines and negative stereotypes that just make people get instantly defensive in either direction. I know its not a very viable/realistic option with your 2 party system but if somehow Cenk could create a whole new party name when going on these other shows it might change the critical feedback idk.

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I’m really glad you brought this up! I try to look away but YouTube is very interested in showing me who’s criticizing Cenk and Ana. The saddest part is the way they are acting like other TYT hosts and guests should “abandon ship”. They want us all to believe John and Francesca, for example, are done with TYT. It’s so stressful.

A lot of what I’ve seen online isn’t mixed either. I kept hoping to read a defense or disagreement… I tried a couple of times but I’ve only recently rejoined this part of social media and I wasn’t great at it the first time around. Two things have struck me. First, I don’t see Cenk’s “optimism’’ as all that different to Bernie trying to work with what he’s got. There seems to be this bizarre desire to hold Cenk to standards that they aren’t holding others too. And some of the criticism of Ana seems sexist and coming from progressive voices, who seem more inclined towards wisdom, hurts my heart. At first, I wondered if some of the critics simply felt betrayed but I’ve lost patience. The enthusiasm of what seem like a pile-on is unnerving. That leads me to my second observation. Are they really spending hours watching everything Cenk and Ana are doing? I can’t watch every interview they do on top of watching the main show. I can’t even remember the last time I saw a whole show. I catch what I can and I’m not seeing the problem. So, to imply that I just haven’t seen the right clips to prove their point… ugh! Seriously?! If I have too look that hard, perhaps the problem isn’t that big.

I’ve seen progressives act like the establishment, blaming Cenk for criticizing the left too much and blaming TYT for a depressed vote. I mean, what?! Do they even realize they sound like the establishment did when Bernie was challenging HRC? I get that emotions are high and that a lot of us are just flat out angry. But come on! How can they claim that Ana needs to process her politics away from the camera and then, proceed to spread this stuff?

I think Cenk and Ana are trying their best. Their style really helps me. They cover a lot in a shorter amount of time than other progressive outlets. They encourage you to visit other sources too. They get that we can’t all be immersed in the news and do their best to inform and empower during the time they have our attention. I value that a lot. I have not watched their interviews and frankly, I don’t have the energy to do so. But I do not see the harm in sharing their view with different audiences. Did we not want HRC to visit cities she was not popular in?

Sometimes, we need to meet people where they are and I’m highly impressed Ana and Cenk have the strength to do that. The left infighting scares me, to be honest. What does our future hold if those “on our side” need perfect accord in order to proceed? I want this last election to be a wake-up call. I see flickers of hope but my goodness… what is happening?!

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Yeah, totally. The on-air sniping and misrepresentation is extremely frustrating, and also heartbreaking. I’ve been a supporter of both TYT and MR for many years, and although they may disagree on tactics or on certain issues, at their core I know they are political allies, and should be standing together now more than ever. All left-leaning media needs to be united if we’re going to have a chance of standing up against another Trump administration. If this infighting continues, it can only lead to disaster.

Now, I’m all in favor of reaching out to try and win over right-leaning voters; maybe it will work and we can get more support for these issues that are important to everyone. But I think it’s even more important right now that we reach out and unify the left. If progressive media can’t present their messages without fighting each other, what hope do progressive groups across the country have of working together, and winning? What progressive policies will we get passed while their biggest public supporters are busy tearing each other down?

I get that these media companies are technically business competitors and that might be a part of this, and part of it probably started as genuine disagreement that graduated into insults being tossed, accusations of bad-faith acting and shifting ideology for profit and so on that are hard to come back from, but for the sake of the country everybody is going to need to suck it up, and sit down and talk.

That’s why, at this point, I propose that there should be a Progressive Media Summit. A place and time for all (and I do mean all, whether you want to call them max left, populist left, liberal, fringe left, establishment left, lefty left… as long as they support progressive policies!) - all progressive public voices across the country to get together and talk this out. Address their differences and either settle them, or at least try and come to an on-air ceasefire. Figure out the areas where they most agree, and come up with plans for how they can best work together and achieve them. Make each other stronger and help build up each other’s audiences! Basically, follow Cenk’s 3 rules for the internet, which I have to believe work just as well, if not better, in person.

I think this summit needs to happen right away, and furthermore, I think we (“we” meaning TYT and its supporters) should be the ones to make the proposal to the others. If not us, who will? Yeah, I know, conventional wisdom says that the left is never united, and never will be. And yes, people are complicated and aren’t going to agree 100% of the time. But conservatives are people too, and CPAC happens every year. We can do this.

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Hi Maggie. Yes, it has been impossible not to see the attacks being piled one upon the other. The ones I have seen fall into different categories:

Smaller platforms seeking to build their numbers by attacking a larger platform: They spin wild stories about the reasons for TYT’s “right pivot”, and use misleading headlines to make it look like Francesca, John, etc. have turned against TYT. Clicking on their videos, I find that the clips they are sharing are really those of hosts talking in general terms, not even necessarily about TYT. Their desperation is clownish. They are not worth engaging with, imo.

Grifters: I have never respected them in the first place. They have been attacking TYT for years, and are just using this as an opportunity to do more attacking. Talking with them is useless, except to clown them. They are not acting on principle, and have no interest in honest discussion.

Real progressives who I think are acting out of fear: We talked about them in Wednesday’s town hall. The division that has been growing for years has made these people fearful any engagement with the other side. Unlike the first 2 groups, I feel these guys are worthy of engaging with. My suggestion is to listen to their concerns, then have a calm, rational discussion about the possibilities for making progress on our goals, while being understanding of their fears. Remember, they have been burned by fake progressives before. But reminding them of TYT’s history of honesty and consistency, coupled with our message about the future, is a good place to start.

Mondale. I love the brother, but he should have had a discussion with Cenk and Ana before making those bombastic statements on Ben Dixon’s podcast. What seems to have pushed him over the edge was Ana’s comments on Glen Beck’s show. I said on Wednesday that I felt that interview was ill-advised, but Mondale’s reaction was over-the-top. What I noticed, however, is that every platform sharing that clip only shows a particular portion, in which Ana talks about “individuals” whose devotion to certain principles she equates with religious zealotry and authoritarianism. Mondale states “She’s talking about us! About the left!” when in fact, she is only talking about some people on the left.

I hope they can talk and work it out, but if not, too bad. TYT has been attacked before, and even more ruthlessly than what is happening now. We survive, we move forward, we thrive.

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I think Cenk recognizes who the bad faith actors are. He tends to go on these podcasts in an attempt to reach their audiences. As for Musk & Co., the goal seems to be getting them on the record as being supportive of these populist principles, then calling attention to their failures. At that point, it is up to MAGA to hold them accountable. But I agree that it is tricky, and that there are some hosts he should avoid altogether.

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Thanks for sharing the video. Excellent viewing. I’d not heard of this content creator or the referenced books. I needed that soul-balm!

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Thanks for this thoughtful discussion—it’s clear we’re all grappling with how to address the challenges TYT and the progressive movement face, especially in the shadow of rising fascism. Here’s what I believe we need to focus on:

The Bigger Picture: Fighting Fascism Together

The far right is organized, ruthless, and intent on dismantling democracy. Infighting weakens us at a time when unity is essential. While constructive criticism is valuable, attacking one another only serves authoritarian interests. Instead, let’s prioritize building bridges and focusing on our shared goals.

These are understandably emotional times, and the fear many feel about the rise of fascism is valid. But turning on each other only weakens our ability to fight back. A unified front is our best chance to push back effectively.

There will inevitably be resistance from the far right, even among their own ranks. This makes it crucial to keep the door open for those who are questioning their alliances or are willing to join the fight for a more just and equitable society. TYT’s willingness to engage across divides is an example of how we can invite more people to join this cause, even if they don’t align with every aspect of the progressive platform.

TYT’s Pragmatic Approach

TYT’s decision to engage with conservatives isn’t about legitimizing harmful ideas—it’s about challenging contradictions and finding common ground on critical issues. Fascism thrives on division, and TYT’s approach works to counter this by fostering dialogue that advances progressive priorities. While difficult, this strategy is a crucial part of the larger fight.

Action Plan for TYT Supporters
1. Counter Misinformation: Address bad-faith attacks while engaging skeptics with empathy and facts. Highlight TYT’s record of progress and transparency.
2. Amplify TYT’s Achievements: Focus on their work advocating for Medicare for All, reducing Pentagon spending, and exposing corporate corruption.
3. Promote Unity: Advocate for initiatives like @doctord’s Progressive Media Summit to foster collaboration and reduce division.
4. Stay Focused on the Real Threat: The far right is the true opposition. Progress requires coalition-building, even if it’s imperfect.

Progress doesn’t require unanimous agreement; it requires a shared purpose. TYT has consistently recognized the stakes, and it’s up to us to support their work while keeping our eyes on the larger fight against fascism.

How can we continue strengthening this message and building progressive power? Let’s brainstorm together.

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I started a new post for the summit: A Progressive Media Summit: Should Ope Hope Take the Lead?

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Also:

Let’s collaborate on a YT playlist of progressive media critiques and discussions. Add videos to analyze narratives and strategize responses. Share takeaways or suggest links here. Let’s focus on clarifying the conversation and strengthening progressive efforts.

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I like what you’re proposing but I worry that we’re trying to stand on wobbly legs. If we “push” people to be pragmatic before they’ve completed their journey, emotional or otherwise, it may bite us harder later. I think a “leave the light on” approach may be better. I’m not wary of the differing policies or approaches. I’m worried about the hidden egos, the people who refuse to question themselves, convinced their way is right and would dig in for fear of “being wrong”. Some of the current critics may come around without ever realizing they actually changed their minds. But if they are confronted too soon, by the person they are blaming, they could rev up…

None of us have escaped America’s influence but I’m wary of the progressive who believes they have or that they’ve put it behind them. I believe anyone could fall prey to the media’s seduction/brainwashing and I worry that current progressives could be lured to establishment BS. For instance, I recently learned of Medias Touch media and I’m wary but some I trust more seem to trust them. I guess what I’m saying is that these times feel desperate and in desperation, people are vulnerable. Yet, if yours is not the voice they want to hear, you gotta just let them know they can come to you if/when they want to.

The last thing I want is the illusion of unity that falls apart at a crucial time because old grievances were repressed instead of being resolved.

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I liked this playlist idea when I saw The Market Exit thumbnail, thinking that was setting a tone. I got excited about seeing other videos that speak more generally about the progressive goals, hurdles, etc. But now it looks to include videos I’ve deliberately skipped on my own. I’m not sure how valuable perusing those would be. All I can say is I can’t help with that type of analysis. It’s too time and energy consuming with very little reward. Like I said before, it hurts my heart. I support your efforts though. Like with Cenk and Ana, I admire you for doing what I most definitely cannot.

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Eons ago now, an acquaintance observed my discussion with a man whose life perspective on most issues was the antithesis of mine. Afterward, she confronted me, genuinely puzzled and slightly perturbed I had modulated my comments throughout that exchange: ‘You’re such a strident champion of women’s rights, why did you engage so patiently in conversation with that male chauvinist pig?’ ‘Because he shares my world and acts on those sexist beliefs; and I wanted him to hear me.’ In other words, if good faith motivates TYT’s detractors, then this kerfuffle simply distills down to individual preferences as to the optimum balance between strategy vs. belief likely to achieve the desired change.

As for ‘strategies to deal with critics,’ well, again, assuming their good faith, I regularly post comments emphasizing that consistency would enhance their credibility, and recommend that they ‘name names’ of some of the other prominent ‘Progressives’ mimicking TYT’s purported shift away from Progressivism, like Sen. Sanders, or Rep. Khanna, or Charlemagne the God…

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Hey everyone—thank you for your thoughtful responses. The criticism TYT is facing right now reflects deeper challenges within progressive media—challenges that go beyond individual disagreements to how we engage as a movement. I wanted to share a concept I’ve been reflecting on: performative regulation.

1. TYT’s Pragmatic Approach
TYT’s engagement with ideological opponents reflects strategic coalition-building, not compromise. As some of you noted, it’s about finding common ground on issues like cutting military spending or pardoning whistleblowers, while staying true to progressive principles. This approach opens doors that binary thinking often slams shut.

2. When Critique Becomes Policing
Much of the criticism aimed at TYT mirrors performative regulation, where ideological purity tests and audience policing stifle meaningful conversation. Instead of fostering accountability, it can prioritize “looking right” over engaging honestly. Examples include:

  • Gatekeeping: Accusations of “selling out” that discourage nuanced discussions.
  • Identity Policing: TYT’s outreach to populist conservatives framed as betrayal, even on shared goals.

This raises an important question: How can we hold creators accountable while encouraging honest engagement instead of echo chambers or conformity?

3. Strengthening Progressive Media
@doctord’s idea for a Progressive Media Summit is a great way to address these tensions constructively. A forum for progressive voices to navigate disagreements and amplify shared goals could turn this moment into an opportunity. For it to succeed, though, we need to confront purity policing head-on.

4. Lessons from Right-Wing Media
Right-wing media thrives on long-term investment and strong infrastructure. Progressive media, by contrast, is underfunded and fragmented, weakening our ability to counter dominant narratives. Supporting platforms like TYT and building more robust networks is crucial to shifting the balance of influence.

What We Can Do

  1. Engage in Good Faith: Focus on calling in legitimate concerns, as @chrisneedshope suggested with the “leave the light on” approach.
  2. Disrupt Performative Regulation: Normalize disagreement, embrace complexity, and reject ideological policing.
  3. Support a Media Summit: Unite progressive voices to reduce fragmentation and amplify shared goals.

Moving Forward Together

TYT—and progressive media—thrives when we challenge ourselves while staying rooted in shared values. Let’s avoid the traps of perfectionism and binary thinking, which limit collaboration. By fostering honest dialogue and action, we can strengthen this movement and achieve real progress.

How do we balance critique with collaboration? And how do we disrupt performative regulation to make more room for growth?

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Everything you talk about here that we can do is basically what we TYT Moderators attempt to do. We get more people complaining that we do not ban people in the live chats that disagree with us than we do if we time-out or kick somebody for personally insulting a fellow viewer. What we(The Mods) have been told is that we are to allow the disagreements as long as they do not go against the TYT Core Values. For me that means just do not start the personal attacks on other viewers/members and all is good and maybe we will even convince a “right winger” to see things our way

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