Finding Signal Against the Noise | Piers Morgan | EP 469

Coming up (0s)

• Piers Morgan shares his opinion that Donald Trump is funny, stating that he has known Trump for a long time and finds him genuinely humorous.
• Morgan recounts a conversation with Trump where they discussed Theresa May's new career as a speaker.
• Trump expressed amusement and disbelief at the fact that May is being paid £140,000 per speech, stating that he would pay that amount to avoid listening to her speak.

Intro (35s)

• The video features an interview with Piers Morgan, who has transitioned from traditional media to the online space with his successful YouTube channel, "Piers Morgan Uncensored."
• The interview delves into Morgan's career trajectory, his views on meritocracy as exemplified by shows like "Britain's Got Talent," and his evolving approach to journalism, emphasizing curiosity, open-mindedness, and the importance of listening.
• The conversation also touches upon the recent British political landscape, including the election of Kier Starmer as the new leader of the Labour Party.

“the most interesting phase of my entire career” (2m52s)

• Piers Morgan believes the most interesting phase of his career has been the last few months, specifically his transition to online platforms like YouTube. He notes that while his traditional television shows garnered a large audience, his YouTube channel saw a significantly larger viewership, reaching 10 million viewers compared to 100,000 on television.
• Morgan observes a shift in viewing habits, particularly among younger audiences, who are increasingly turning to online platforms like YouTube for their video content. He cites a study revealing that 10% of American television viewers now watch everything on their Smart TVs through the YouTube app.
• Morgan compares his transition to online platforms to Justin Bieber's rise to fame through YouTube, suggesting that he is adapting to a new, more streamlined and global way of engaging with audiences. He believes this approach is more effective and engaging than traditional television formats.

How a real journalist approaches the world, work ethic, and success (5m38s)

• Piers Morgan believes that his success in various fields, from journalism to television, can be attributed to the skills he developed as a young journalist.
• He identifies curiosity, judgment, and an interest in people and talent as key characteristics of a journalist.
• Morgan emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and answers, which he sees as a common thread running through all his endeavors.

“America’s Got Talent,” Simon Cowell (6m43s)

• Piers Morgan explains that Simon Cowell hired him for "America's Got Talent" because he saw in Morgan the same qualities he possessed: judgmental, opinionated, and a keen eye for talent. Morgan believes his journalistic background, which involved identifying newsworthy individuals and trends, translated well to judging talent on a stage.
• Morgan emphasizes that while he lacked experience in the specific skills showcased by the contestants, he was adept at discerning which acts would resonate with a mass audience. He attributes this ability to his journalistic instincts, honed over years of experience.
• Morgan admires Simon Cowell's ability to be both sentimental and judgmental, seeing this as a reflection of his genuine desire to see talented individuals succeed. He believes Cowell's judgmental nature stems from his discerning ability to identify true talent, which inevitably means some less talented individuals will not rise to the top. Morgan also notes that Cowell has become more empathetic and less judgmental since becoming a father, drawing a parallel to Sir Alex Ferguson's observation that athletes' risk-taking and fearlessness tend to diminish after starting families.

The capacity for discernment and mentorship (10m43s)

• The text discusses the importance of discernment and mentorship in the context of talent shows. Piers Morgan highlights the masculine element of developmental facilitation, which he sees as being similar to mentorship and encouragement. He uses Simon Cowell as an example, noting Cowell's genuine interest in facilitating the careers of talented individuals.
• Morgan emphasizes the need for judges to be right a significant portion of the time. He recounts a conversation with Cowell where Cowell advised him that judges must be right at least 80% of the time to maintain audience engagement. This advice emphasizes the importance of considering the audience's perspective and ensuring that judgments are not simply based on personal opinions.
• The text suggests that empathy is crucial for effective judging. Morgan argues that judges need to consider the audience's perspective and show empathy towards certain acts. This implies that judging should not be solely about criticism but also about understanding and supporting the performers.

Susan Boyle (12m47s)

• The chapter discusses Susan Boyle, a contestant on a talent show who became a global superstar. Despite initial skepticism, Boyle's talent was undeniable, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
• The chapter highlights the contrast between Boyle's humble beginnings and her meteoric rise to fame, emphasizing the transformative power of talent shows.
• The chapter also touches on the importance of protecting individuals like Boyle, who are often unprepared for the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with sudden fame.

The use of false prejudice to defend politicians from criticism (16m23s)

• Piers Morgan argues that the idea of meritocracy is under attack, citing a US congressman who claimed that critics of Biden's performance are "ablest." He believes this argument equates any criticism of Biden's cognitive abilities to racism, which he finds absurd.
• Morgan criticizes the use of "false prejudice" to silence criticism of politicians, specifically mentioning the claim that any criticism of Kamala Harris is inherently racist. He argues that this tactic is used to stifle honest debate and censor legitimate criticism.
• Morgan believes that this tactic is a way for people to assert unearned moral superiority and that it is ultimately insincere. He suggests that the real reason for the criticism of Harris is her perceived incompetence, not her race or gender.

The “black square” — surface-level activism versus substantive efforts (18m38s)

• Piers Morgan criticizes the "black square" trend on Instagram as a superficial form of activism, arguing that it represents "virtue signaling" rather than genuine efforts to address racial injustice.
• He recounts his experience of being criticized for not participating in the trend, despite having spent the morning discussing the George Floyd murder on his show and expressing empathy for the Black Lives Matter movement.
• Morgan contrasts the fleeting nature of the "black square" with his own commitment to ongoing dialogue and debate about racial justice, suggesting that his actions have a more lasting impact on influencing public opinion.

The most misunderstood commandment (20m50s)

• Piers Morgan discusses the third commandment, "Thou shalt not use the Lord's name in vain," which he believes is often misunderstood. He argues that it's not simply about swearing or cursing, but rather about claiming divine virtue for personal gain.
• He draws a parallel to the Pharisees in the Gospels, who used their piety for self-aggrandizement, highlighting the hypocrisy of using religion for personal benefit.
• Morgan connects this to the concept of "virtue signaling," which he sees as a form of performative morality that often masks a deeper narcissism and a desire to identify and attack an enemy. He uses the example of the Black Square trend on social media, where people felt pressured to participate without necessarily understanding or caring about the cause.

Progress requires sacrifice (23m39s)

• Piers Morgan argues that true support for a cause requires sacrifice, whether it be time, money, resources, or reputation. He believes that simply following trends or hashtags does not constitute genuine support, as it involves no risk or commitment.
• He contrasts this with taking a stand and actively working towards change, even if it means going against the popular opinion. He emphasizes that this requires courage and a willingness to put oneself on the line.
• Morgan criticizes the "victimhood generation" for their lack of sacrifice and their focus on self-pity and seeking sympathy. He believes that this generation celebrates failure and expects recognition for it, rather than striving for success and learning from setbacks.

The non-finalist race, the double standard of the woke mind virus (25m19s)

• Piers Morgan draws a parallel between his experience in athletics and the current societal trend of celebrating failure. He highlights how he was proud to win the "non-finalist race" in school, acknowledging his lack of athletic ability but still finding success in a different context. He contrasts this with the modern tendency to celebrate mediocrity, exemplified by people boasting about passing their driving test after multiple attempts.
• Morgan criticizes the double standard of the "woke mind virus," where individuals claim to be tolerant and kind but exhibit envy and resentment towards successful individuals like Taylor Swift. He argues that this hypocrisy is evident in the online sniping and negativity directed at successful performers, despite the performers' genuine talent and ability to entertain.
• He suggests that talent shows like "America's Got Talent" and "Britain's Got Talent" provide a platform for individuals to showcase their true selves, allowing talent to rise to the top. This process of judging and celebrating talent, he argues, is a healthy and positive aspect of society.

Public feedback confirmed that proper debates reach more people than polarization (29m51s)

• Piers Morgan believes that his current online journalism venture allows for more autonomy and has led to the most interesting period of his career. He attributes this to the ability to host passionate debates between people with opposing views on important issues, such as the Israel-Hamas war and the US presidential race.
• Morgan argues that traditional media outlets often reinforce their own biases and avoid genuine debates between opposing viewpoints. He believes that his platform provides a space for open and vigorous discussion, which resonates with a global audience.
• Morgan acknowledges that his approach to hosting debates can lead to criticism and even threats, but he believes that it is essential for fostering a healthy democratic society where diverse perspectives can be heard and debated. He sees his role as a "ring master" who facilitates these discussions, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.

Social media and the regression to visceral tribalism, truth over passion (34m44s)

• Social media has led to a regression to tribalism: Piers Morgan argues that social media has caused people to revert to a primal instinct of tribalism, where they instinctively oppose those who hold different views. This has resulted in a constant barrage of shouting and anger online.
• The importance of truth over passion: Morgan emphasizes the importance of prioritizing truth and facts over passionate opinions. He believes that while it's acceptable to have strong feelings about issues, it's crucial to acknowledge and respect verifiable information, even if it contradicts one's beliefs.
• The need for respectful debate: Morgan advocates for a return to respectful debate, where people can engage in passionate discussions without resorting to personal attacks or dismissing facts. He draws a parallel to his experiences in a local pub, where people would argue passionately but ultimately respect each other's opinions. He believes that social media has exacerbated the problem of tribalism and the dismissal of facts, leading to a culture where people prioritize their feelings over truth.

The power of free speech and how it resonates (39m5s)

• Piers Morgan has noticed a significant increase in younger people expressing gratitude for his work, particularly his online presence. They appreciate his platform for diverse viewpoints and his willingness to engage with different perspectives.
• Morgan believes that this engagement is crucial for a healthy democracy, as it allows individuals to form their own opinions based on a range of ideas. He sees his work, along with that of others like Joe Rogan, as a way to restore the genuine essence of democracy.
• Morgan highlights the importance of free speech and the need for people to feel comfortable expressing their opinions, even if they are controversial. He acknowledges that figures like Donald Trump, despite their flaws, are popular because they speak their minds openly and without fear of censorship.

Trump, humor, and a lack of dictatorial tendencies (41m23s)

• Piers Morgan believes that Donald Trump's sense of humor is a key part of his appeal, despite his many flaws. He argues that Trump's humor is sharp, brutal, and reminiscent of New York real estate culture.
• Morgan describes Trump as genuinely funny and provides an anecdote about a conversation they had about Theresa May, where Trump humorously commented on her speaking fees.
• Morgan emphasizes that Trump's humor is a significant part of his persona and that understanding this aspect is crucial to understanding his appeal to certain audiences, particularly those who appreciate working-class humor.

The ability to laugh at yourself: “we’re all pretty absurd” (44m1s)

• Piers Morgan believes that the ability to laugh at oneself is crucial for strong friendships. He values friends who can take a joke and who are comfortable being mocked, as he is himself.
• He emphasizes that recognizing the absurdity of life is essential for happiness. He uses the example of the character Basil Fawlty from the comedy series "Faulty Towers" to illustrate this point. Fawlty, surrounded by eccentric characters, asks if he is the only normal person, highlighting the fact that everyone has their own quirks and eccentricities.
• Morgan believes that the ability to laugh at oneself is a disarming quality that can help build strong relationships. He finds it important to be able to take a joke at his own expense and believes that this openness makes him more approachable.

Keir Starmer and occupying the center ground (46m41s)

• Piers Morgan discusses Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister of the UK, and his political strategy. He believes Starmer is a fundamentally decent person who has risen from humble beginnings to become a successful lawyer and politician.
• Morgan acknowledges that Starmer's political views have shifted over time, moving away from the far-left stance he held during the Jeremy Corbyn era. He cites Starmer's evolving position on transgender issues as an example of this shift.
• Morgan argues that Starmer's success lies in his ability to occupy the "center ground" of British politics, a strategy employed by many successful leaders in the past. He believes Starmer has successfully brought his Labour Party closer to the center, appealing to a wider range of voters.

The state of Britain: “it’s not a Trudeau” (53m37s)

• Piers Morgan expresses concern about the state of the British healthcare system, citing an anecdote about a woman who waited 7 hours on a trolley after being diagnosed with a heart attack. He argues that this situation is indicative of a larger problem in modern Britain.
• Morgan contrasts the situation in Britain with Canada, where he believes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "woke" ideology is detrimental to the country's well-being. He criticizes Trudeau's insistence on using gender-neutral language, citing the example of Neil Armstrong's famous quote, which Trudeau would want to change to "one small step for a person, one giant leap for peoplekind."
• Morgan expresses cautious optimism about the new British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. While he acknowledges Sunak's intelligence and experience, he doubts whether Sunak will be a transformative leader who can significantly improve the country's situation.

American Democrats won’t draw any hard lines; enter: extremism (55m15s)

• Piers Morgan expresses concern about the influence of radical leftists within the Democratic Party in the US and the Liberal Party in Canada. He believes that these radicals have taken over their respective parties and are pushing for policies that prioritize equality of outcome over equality of opportunity.
• Morgan believes that the UK Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, is unlikely to follow the same path as the US Democrats and Canadian Liberals. He believes that Starmer is a pragmatist who is more focused on addressing issues like poverty and raising people up rather than pushing radical policies.
• Morgan contrasts Starmer's approach with that of Boris Johnson, who he believes was more focused on personal gain and lacked the leadership qualities needed to effectively address the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes that Johnson's "one rule for me, one rule for you" mindset ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Conservative Party.

Nigel Farage: “a treacherous little snake” (57m33s)

• Piers Morgan describes Nigel Farage as a "treacherous little snake" due to an incident where Farage sabotaged Morgan's interview with Donald Trump.
• Morgan had congratulated Farage on his own interview with Trump, but Farage, in return, shared negative quotes from Morgan about Trump with Trump's team, ultimately jeopardizing Morgan's interview.
• Morgan believes Farage is a "straw man" who makes promises he cannot keep, citing his involvement in the Brexit campaign and his recent political campaign as examples.
• Morgan concludes that he does not trust Farage and is not a fan of him.

The Reform UK movement and what it means (1h1m30s)

• The Reform UK movement, led by Nigel Farage, is gaining popularity in the UK, indicating a loss of trust in the Conservative Party, particularly among conservative voters. Farage is a skilled communicator and knows how to connect with the public, which gives him significant influence over the Conservative Party.
• The Reform UK movement's success suggests that the Conservative Party needs to shift further to the right to regain voter trust. This shift would likely involve a return to more traditional conservative policies, such as a rejection of Net Zero initiatives.
• The text compares the current Conservative Party to past leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, who were both divisive but understood the mood of the country. The current Conservative Party, however, seems to be out of touch with public sentiment, while Farage has successfully tapped into public concerns. While Farage may not have the answers to these concerns, he could be effective in reshaping the Conservative Party into a more effective political force.

Building “Uncensored” into a juggernaut (1h4m11s)

• Piers Morgan expresses his desire to expand the "Uncensored" brand beyond its current online presence. He envisions taking the show on tour, hosting live events with large audiences, and building a larger business around the "Uncensored" umbrella.
• He believes that live events will become increasingly important in the future, especially as AI technology advances and makes it harder to distinguish between real and fake content. He sees a demand for unfiltered, uncensored opinions and debates, particularly on topics that people feel ill-informed about.
• Morgan plans to continue writing books and producing crime documentaries, which he enjoys and sees as another avenue for his work. He believes that his ability to host engaging debates and interviews with diverse personalities, including serial killers, makes him uniquely positioned to build a successful live event business.

To thine own self be true, bringing back confidence in speaking your mind (1h6m31s)

• Piers Morgan emphasizes the importance of speaking one's mind and engaging in honest debate, drawing inspiration from his own experiences in debating and his admiration for Margaret Thatcher. He believes that expressing one's true thoughts, even if it leads to criticism, is essential for finding meaning in life.
• He uses the example of Mother Teresa to illustrate how even someone with a noble cause would face online criticism and trolling. He argues that having a thick skin is crucial in today's world, referencing Donald Trump's ability to withstand intense scrutiny.
• Morgan encourages authenticity and self-expression, emphasizing that being true to oneself is the most powerful weapon one can possess. He advises aspiring television presenters to be themselves, as authenticity will attract an audience. He concludes by highlighting the importance of truth and free speech, inviting viewers to continue the discussion on The Daily Wire.