Introduction:
Hillary Clinton praises Reverend Forbes’s prophetic vision and his call to reclaim America through the electoral process.

Personal Motivation:
Clinton reflects on her initial resentment towards the Bush administration’s efforts to undo the progress made during the Clinton and Roosevelt eras. She emphasizes the importance of citizens’ activism and involvement in political processes.

The Awakening:
Clinton highlights the significance of individuals who are stepping forward to participate in politics for the first time, recognizing the critical juncture facing the nation. She stresses the need to educate and persuade friends, neighbors, and communities about the stakes of upcoming elections.

George Soros’s Contributions:
Clinton acknowledges George Soros’s long-standing work in promoting democracy and civil society in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. She commends Soros’s use of his resources to support civic organizations and universities, empowering people to actively engage in their communities. Clinton defends Soros’s right to express his opinions and participate in the marketplace of ideas within the American tradition.

The Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy:
Clinton acknowledges the existence of a well-funded and organized network of conservative organizations and individuals. She credits them with successfully shaping American politics over the past 50 years, resulting in the election of leaders who align with their agenda.

The Federalist Society and Judicial Appointments:
Clinton criticizes the Federalist Society’s influence in vetting and recommending judges for federal courts. She points out their belief that the Constitution was exiled with the Brown v. Board of Education decision, which established equal rights for children in education.

Countering Legitimacy Challenges:
Clinton emphasizes that efforts to reclaim America and establish competing institutions do not undermine democratic legitimacy. She believes in speaking out, fighting back, and organizing to counter challenges to democratic values and ideals.

The Importance of Civic Engagement:
Clinton stresses the need for widespread activism and involvement from citizens across the country. She calls for a multitude of voices to ensure that the election is not solely influenced by individuals with significant resources.

Ensuring Election Integrity:
Clinton advocates for legislation to implement a verified paper ballot alongside electronic voting. She highlights the example of India’s successful electronic voting process, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent election. Clinton emphasizes the importance of mobilizing poll workers and watchers to maintain the integrity of the election process.

Long-Term Impact:
Clinton concludes by stating that the work being done is not just for the upcoming election but for the long-term health of democracy.

Hillary Clinton’s Speech:
Hillary Clinton emphasizes that America’s greatness is not solely attributed to wealthy individuals but rather the contributions of average working Americans. Clinton criticizes the current administration for their shortsighted policies and lack of recognition for the importance of investing in the future. Clinton stresses the need for citizens to become more actively involved in shaping the country’s future and not just consume.

George Soros’ Speech:
Soros expresses his admiration for Hillary Clinton and her dedication to promoting democracy and open society. Soros explains that he has decided to actively engage in the electoral process due to the significance of the 2004 election. Soros describes the Bush Doctrine as a dangerous proposition that establishes two kinds of sovereignty, one for the United States and one for the rest of the world. Soros argues that the election serves as a referendum on the Bush Doctrine and its consequences, including mistrust and rage directed against the United States. Soros emphasizes the need to reject the Bush Doctrine and demonstrate that America does not stand for its policies. Soros briefly shares his background as a Hungarian Jew who escaped the Nazis and witnessed firsthand the impact of totalitarian regimes.

Early Life and Education:
At 14, Soros experienced Nazi occupation and the Holocaust. After surviving, he left Hungary and went to England. He studied at the London School of Economics and was influenced by Karl Popper’s philosophy.

Philosophy of Karl Popper:
Popper argued that fascism and communism share a belief in ultimate truth. This belief leads to closed societies where truth is imposed by force. He proposed an alternative open society that recognizes imperfect understanding.

Open Society and Reflexivity:
Soros developed the concept of reflexivity based on Popper’s ideas. He argued that perception and reality have a two-way interaction. He successfully applied this concept in financial markets, exploiting booms and busts.

Philanthropy and Legacy:
Soros established a foundation to foster the concept of open society. He contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union and supported democracy in Eastern Europe. His work continues to influence discussions on open society, democracy, and economic theories.

Ideology of Social Darwinism:
Soros describes the ideology behind the Bush administration’s foreign policy as a crude form of social Darwinism, emphasizing competition over cooperation.

Markets and Public Goods:
Soros acknowledges the benefits of markets but argues that they are limited to allocating resources among private needs. Public goods, which require cooperation, cannot be adequately provided by markets alone, leading to distortions in globalization.

Geopolitical Realism and American Supremacy:
Soros criticizes the geopolitical realism view of international relations, which prioritizes power and national interests. He argues that the United States’ dominant military power does not guarantee its ability to impose its will on the world.

Power Dynamics:
Soros offers an alternative definition of power, drawing from the children’s game “stone, scissor, and paper,” where public opinion can overcome military force.

Iraq War and False Pretenses:
Soros asserts that the Iraq War was based on false pretenses, with no connection between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda or the existence of weapons of mass destruction. He criticizes the claim that the war was fought for the benefit of the Iraqi people, given the lack of adequate troop deployment and protection of essential infrastructure.

Bush’s Policies and the Boom-Bust Theory:
Soros applied his boom-bust theory, developed for financial markets, to the Bush administration’s policies. Bubbles have a basis in reality, but misconceptions lead to unsustainable outcomes. The Bush administration applied a false ideology of social Darwinism to the reality of US power, leading to the Iraq War.

The Iraq War as a Moment of Truth:
Iraq was a test for the boom-bust process and revealed the deception of the Bush administration. Declaring war on terrorism stifled criticism and limited the essential critical process in a democracy. The pictures of torture in Abu Ghraib prison marked a moment of truth, exposing the administration’s actions.

Conversion from Victims to Perpetrators:
The war on terror, as conducted by the Bush administration, resulted in more innocent casualties than the original terrorist attacks. The American public realized they had been misled and turned against the administration, leading to the bust phase.

Bush Administration’s Disengagement Plan:
The administration planned to disengage from Iraq to reduce casualties, willing to abandon other objectives. Transferring sovereignty, holding elections, and withdrawing troops might reduce attacks but set the stage for civil war among factions.

Impact on America’s Standing:
The involvement in Iraq was a disaster, diminishing US military power and harming its global standing.

Need for an Alternative Vision:
Soros believes a change of regime will occur, rejecting the Bush doctrine. An alternative vision is necessary to reestablish America’s position in the world.

United States as a Leader:
The United States holds a position of leadership as the world’s dominant economic power. This leadership comes with a unique obligation to improve the global order and address the shortcomings of globalization.

Cooperative Efforts:
The United States cannot impose its will on the world and must recognize the need for cooperation. Cooperative efforts require U.S. participation and leadership.

Correcting Deficiencies:
The U.S. must change its attitude and work towards correcting the deficiencies in the global order. This includes improving security arrangements and addressing the challenge of rogue states.

Dealing with Difficult Regimes:
The U.S. must develop better methods of intervening when necessary, especially in cases of repressive regimes, rogue states, or failed states. This intervention should be done in cooperation with others, recognizing the increasing interdependence of the world.

Interdependence and Security:
The U.S. cannot turn away from the world due to its increasing interdependence. Events in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan have significant implications for U.S. security and prosperity.

Collective Action:
The U.S. cannot act alone in addressing global challenges. Cooperative efforts with other nations are essential for effective intervention and improving the global order.