Since the Ezra & Ta-Nehisi discussion is still happening: the main point I think most are missing is that Klein is saying the role of the journalist-intellectual is to do strategic politics, whereas Coates says the role of the journalist-intellectual is to tell the truth

There are some excellent comments on this episode on YouTube:

This discussion lays bare the differences between privileged existence versus lived reality of people of color. Ezra is processing his grief for the version of America he believed existed. Ta-Nehisi is revealing the sad yet truthful reality that Ezra's version was the "American exceptionalism" myth. That's why Ezra is searching for meaning while Ta-Nehisi has moral clarity, and defined purpose.

I'm embarrassed to admit that when I went into this interview, I was initially in support of Klein's argument, but after really listening to Ta-Nehisi Coates, I've come to realize my assumption and perspective were both dangerously wrong. The best thing we could have said is a simple condemnation of political violence and a condolence to his family, but whether or not we've meant to, a lot of us have come awfully close to making Kirk something he wasn't– a saint. After talking to friends who were directly impacted by the rhetoric Kirk espoused, I also have come to realize that being in the minority in a conversation of politics and morality is better than giving up our soul for power. The tides of history are built on organizing and timing and we often don't see the fruits of our labor. Anyways, I'm sorry.

The incredible irony is Klein asking why his side has lost over the last few years when the answer is that it is precisely because of his side's lack of moral clarity and belief that Klein encapsulates in this video. Swing voters and non-voters don't vote for mainstream dems because they don't want to vote for smug, technocratic, out of touch people—people like Klein.

I'm surprised Klein can't see the fallacy he's committing here. Sure, you don't have to dump all over Kirk immediately after is death. The jump from that to "I must lie about him doing politics the right way" is wild.