I Am The Female Co-Host of The Young Turks, YouTube's Largest News/Politics Show, Ask Me Anything

How awesome is it to work with an American hero like me?

I know nothing about working with American heroes. On the other hand, I know a lot about working for a goofball. :)

How do I get more people to up vote this? I'd like to beat Cenk's up-votes ;)

Hey Ana! Have you ever smoked a 'splooge'? ;)

I'll never live that down, will I?

What do/did you think about the name Young Turks as an Armenian?

I don't love it because it causes a lot of confusion. But we have been clear about what the meaning is. We rebel against societal expectations. We don't believe in following the establishment. That's what it means. It has nothing to do with Turks or Armenians.

The moments I really appreciate on the show are when you and Cenk disagree on something, resulting usually in a lively and informative debate! My question for you is, do you ever feel overpowered by Cenk's opinions on things or do you feel your ideas are given equal footing on which to be presented? Btw both you and Cenk kick so much ass, ofcoooooourse I would end my question with that!

Cenk is an intimidating guy. But I love that because I've learned a lot from him. I like debating him because it makes me a better debater. For instance, if I know we're going to disagree, I come correct and bring the facts to back my argument up.

This is fun. Ask me more.

Who is the best online host in the world?

Alyona Minkovsky.

Do some of the comments on videos involving you, usually a bit demeaning upset you? As a female I would be annoyed.

It gets annoying when I do a story about something I feel passionately about, and the majority of the comments are about my "boobanies." I go out of my way to cover up so people can pay attention to what I'm saying. But I can't get too upset. I guess being told you're attractive is not the worst thing in the world. Also, I realized that there are lots of people paying attention to the message and that's what counts.

I don't have a question to ask. I just wanted to say that I really like the show and I appreciate all the work that you fine people put into it.

Thanks mister!

Do you read the comments?

Hell no.

Sometimes TYT comes across as united political party (kinda), but what are the biggest political divides amongst the TYT crew?

Often time Cenk and I disagree on social issues. For instance, when we did that story about the 10-year-old who shot and killed his neo-Nazi father, Cenk wanted him to get the maximum sentence in jail. He would be behind bars until 23. But I wanted the boy get psychological treatment instead, because I felt that he was a victim of psychological abuse and didn't really comprehend the difference between right and wrong.

Will you try a Bane impersonation on tonight's show, assuming you'll be on?

Oh geez!

Does Cenk have legs?

I constantly wonder this too, but I'm currently seeing some on Current right now.

He does. He brags about how his legs and ass are in shape. He runs for exercise. But hey, isn't this supposed to be about me?! ;)

Be honest. John totally has a thing for Lisa right?

DRAMZ!

I commend you for standing SO MANY freaking comments just referring to your breasts. In Demeaning and explicit ways.

Welcome to reddit BTW.

Thank you.

TYT: TOO STRONG!

Fuck yeah!

How much banter on TYT is spontaneous?

A lot of it. We're unscripted so a lot of our conversation is spontaneous.

when you went on msnbc..... is it all- that you thought- it would be? and how do you feel about it now? just asking.... : )

I was the cute girl who came on to talk about irrelevant stories in the last 5 minutes of the broadcast. I'm much more fulfilled doing the online show.

You are very passionate about women's rights issues and the negative messaging constantly sent to young women and girls regarding sexuality. Besides being a good role model to young women through your work on The Young Turks, are you involved in any other projects/charities that address these issues? Or, do you see yourself being more involved in the future, perhaps using your communications talents as a spokesperson? I'm a male but the passion I have seen by you on these topics leads me to think you would make a great impact.

I want to branch out and do other non-media related projects. I love the idea of working for a charity. I just need to do my research and figure out which one meets my passion.

Do you go on reddit a lot? If you do what boards?

No. But I should. I hear you guys like to party.

(Quickie) Keep it real: What is your guilty pleasure!?

It's illegal, so I can't say.

I'm just messing with you. I really like to watch The Real Housewives after working all damn day. It gives me a chance to watch stupidity and turn my brain off.

been a huge fan since 08, really support what you guys do there. my question: what was it about TyT that convinced you to take the risk in a startup and stick it out even after obtaining your masters degree?

Great question. Well, after I graduated with my journalism degree, I worked for CBS Radio and disliked the fact that the old model would result in me never amounting to anything. I was working as a production assistant and I was never given the opportunity to do more. So when TYT came along, I "jump en et." Cenk put me in front of a camera immediately, and that was what I wanted to do. Even though it was a startup, I loved that fact that he was real and honest. I loved the show immediately and was willing to take risks to watch it grow.

hey Ana, what word would you use to describe Sarah Palin?

Durp

What is the process of choosing a story to be on the show (web and current)? How many of those stories make the show (because of a good discussion or Cenk being Cenk, etc.)?

I like to cover stories that are off-beat but have an important take-away. I love to go on fark.com. That site has a great list of zanny stories of the day.

You arranged a lot of the TYT interviews, who was the strangest person you came across in doing so and why?

S.E Cupp, because she was a nobody with a ridiculous book, and now she's on national TV with ridiculous commentary. Also, Orly Taitz.

Do you ever just look at your professional life and think, "Wow, how did I get here?" I mean this from a purely positive context.

No. I look at my career and I say: "I need to do more." I love my job. But I feel like I have a long way to go in my career.

Is Jayar a cool guy or the coolest guy ever?

He is pretty cool, AND he has an adorable son.

Mac or PC?

I love my Mac. No viruses yet, and I watch a lot of porn.

Kidding. But I do love my Mac.

I have been aware of TyT for some time, but only recently have I started watching regularly. I attribute that to you, as you seem to anchor the course of the show with seriousness. What I mean is, I like Cenk, but sometimes his delivery can be boisterous or obnoxious, sometimes to the extent of cheapening his point. I really don't think I'd be watching the show if you weren't there to balance things out.

Which brings me to my question: Sometimes, you will discuss a serious issue--often regarding women's issues or sex in the media, something like that--and Cenk and company will provide silly or irreverent feedback in a "boys will be boys" vein. Does that--or the fact that you're practically the only woman on the set--ever irritate you?

Sometimes it does. But I think I deal with it appropriately. I let them have fun, and then I try to bring it back to the real issue.

What would be your idea of a perfect Democratic ticket for 2016 and why?

Alan Grayson and Russ Feingold

how do you think the republicans will adjust after yesterday's walloping? Will they take the short term gains that come with moving to the right, or will they look long term and expand their appeal (read: pander to Latinos)?

Of course they'll try to pander to minorities. But minorities are much smarter than that. The Republican party has been saying disparaging things about them for quite some time. The only way the Republican party has a chance at gaining momentum again is if they let go of their ridiculous right-wing conservative ideology. Look at the ballot initiatives that just passed. We legalized pot for recreational use in two states and legalized gay marriage in three!

Private prisons or private colleges/schools? Which one do you think is the most damaging?

Ugh. Prisons, because those fuckers actually influence our laws. I can at least warn students about for-profit colleges.

has Cenk considered running for any political position in the future?

I don't think so.

How did you find out that you have the interest to report on news/politics? And how did this lead to your current position at the young turks?

I remember being politically outspoken in high school, and I always wanted to be in media. I thought ABC's 20/20 was the best show when I was in middle school (hey, I was a kid), so I became driven to pursue journalism. I just knew from an early age, and I'm tremendously lucky for that. It usually takes people a while to figure out what they want to do.

Hey Ana big fan of the show! What you do for fun besides the show?

Eat and sleep. I also love to dance and hike.

Hey Ana!

What is the most important issue for you in Politics at the moment (if your answer is money in politics, what is the second most important issue to you?)

Have you been offered any jobs outside of TYT? Do you see your future being with TYT?

What is your favourite hobby outside of work?

Also just a side note I think it would be great if you had some international correspondents, I think the weakest part of TYT is when you talk about international issues without knowing too much about the situation in the country you're talking about. A bit too much SPECULATION.

Anyway love the show keep it up.

Hello! Of course money in politics impacts everything, but the second most important issue is health care. My mom has kidney disease and we were lucky enough to have the money to get her the treatment she needed. But I think about all the people out there who don't have the luxury, and it really gets me down. The thought of losing my mom early because she didn't have access to health care makes me livid.

Also, we plan on doing an international show. Stay tuned for that.

Do you think the US should recognize the Armenian genocide?

Yes.

Have you ever considered leaving TYT? How long do you plan on staying? You and Cenk make an amazing duo, sad will be the day when that ends.

I have considered leaving. There have been tough times where I couldn't handle the constant feedback from the audience. We get evaluated every single day. But overall I love my job so I decided to stay. I'll be here for a while.

Ana you started tyt-u and kinda now handed it off to John. What other new show would you like to start as part of tyt network?

I'm officially the host of "The Point." Check it out on youtube.com/townsquare

Hi Ana, I'm a big fan of the show and have been watching for several years now. What's your opinion of the Puerto Rican referendum calling for statehood? From what I've heard from people today it must be the second most talked about part of yesterday's election after legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington. (And for some reason people seem most concerned about the ramifications it would have on the U.S. flag.)

I'm sure the Republicans would hate that. I don't think Congress will approve it.

Ana, who did you vote for?

Jill Stein

If you could have any imaginary animal as a pet what would it be?

I don't like imaginary. I like the real deal. I wish I could have a hedgehog. They're banned as domestic pets in CA.

No questions, but I love the show. You're consistently entertaining, informed, and a joy to watch. I only just bought my TYT membership last month but it felt so great to support something of such high quality. Thanks, Ana!

Awe! Thanks :)

What has been your best experience while on The Young Turks?

Right before Christmas of 2010, Cenk called each one of us to his office individually and told us about certain things we achieved that year. Later that night we had our company holiday party at this Cuban restaurant and just celebrated our hard work together. That was very memorable for me because it was one of those moments where the sweat and tears paid off.

Why did TYT take down the video of you guys mocking Jonathan Krohn? I loved that video, made me laugh soooooooo much!

Did we take that down? I have no idea.

Have you ever thought about doing a series of Nostalgia Critic-style videos that detail all of TYT's mistakes? I don't know if you're aware, but the NC uploaded several videos entitled "The Nostalgia Critic's Biggest F*ck Ups" where he critiqued, corrected, and joked about his own errors for a laugh, and it helped a lot of people to identify with him and his sense of humour. You guys should take note of any factual mistakes, bloopers, or any occasions where you've dropped the ball big time for whatever reason and then compile them into an occasional video where you make fun of yourselves while at the same time being informative. I'm sure you don't make a lot of missteps because your team seems very well researched, but nobody's perfect, it would be awesome and refreshing to see a lighthearted video series dedicated to TYT's blunders in my opinion. :-)

Oh man, I have A LOT of material for that. I would like to do that sometime in the future.

Ana, yes, I have a question. Why are you so awesome? And do you know where the guacamole is. I want some.

In the fridge ;)

Love the show! I was just wondering if you guys consider yourselves journalists or rather commentators? I might not know the crew very well, but do you guys have actual journalists doing research, interviews, etc. or do you focus rather on commenting the news? Whatever you do, keep up the good work!

I consider myself a commentator. A journalist goes out on the field and gets the story. They're the ones who do the tough work, and I admire them for it. I think I might pursue that in the future.

What about the children?!

Yes! What about the children!!!

I feel like a great big noob for not knowing this but, how do we watch the TYT live? I know you guys have a channel on The Current, but other than that how can we?

youtube.com/tytlive

Are you still bitter with Luke Skywalker?

A little.

I thought of a better question. What do you think about religions still having tax-exemption status? I feel that everyone should pay taxes regardless; given the separation between church and state, this seems rather simple.

I don't like government subsidizing religion. So no, I don't think they should be tax exempt.

Hey ana! What was the latest story you covered or read that makes you think - 'This is why i love my job!' ?

I love the stories were Cenk and I laugh hysterically. If I throw my head back in laughter, that means I'm having the time of my life.

What was it like being on that Showtime special with The Daily Show's Larry Wilmore? Will you be on The Daily Show soon?

It was pretty damn awesome. Hopefully I'll be on other shows soon! :)

Thanks for doing this. Huge fan.

What's it like on the set with a primarily male dominated cast? And is Jimmy Dore as cool as I think he is?

I love my job, and I love the guys! Jimmy is the sweetest! He really is as cool as he seems.

Would you ever make T-Shirts, Bumperstickers, or anything like that with your "catchphrases?"

*Drams *Amaze-Balls *Get it, Get it

Am I missing others?

Probably not. That would be cray.

First of all i just wanted to say thank you so much. I started following TYT shortly after the 2008 election and ever since then I've been inspired to run for office. You guys have made the news and politics so accessible that it makes it easier for me to inform my friends and family.

My question is, is that how would I go about trying to work for TYT if I decided not to go into politics?

You can email [email protected].

Thanks for doing this Ana....

Of course! My pleasure.

Whats your favorite sound from the soundboard!? i like: "Get of! Get of! Get of!..."

O'Reilly or Bush quotes.

If you had to leave the US for some reason what country would you most like to move to and why?

I don't want to leave LA, let alone the US. But Canada seems sweet.

If you could interview any person dead or alive who would it be?

Too many to name. I would love to interview Clinton, Obama, Reagan, Mandela, Bush Jr. Thatcher... It's too hard to choose just one. I also love the Silversun Pickups and would like to interview one of them.

What is your favorite story that you guys did? Mine is Rodell. Lol

Too many to name, but Rodell is up there!

Haven't seen you on camera for TYTU in a while. Are you still involved heavily behind the camera or have your commitments to the other shows on the TYT network meant you've had to give up your project to Iadarola or some one else entirely?

I handed that show over to John because I needed to focus on many other things. I'm now hosting The Point and we're also working on an international show. John and Lisa are both doing an excellent job with the U!

Would you be excited by a possible Hillary run in 2016? If not, who would you like to see?

Definitely. Elizabeth Warren too.

Have you ever regretted anything you have said on the show? Gone too radical even for TYT?

Of course I have. I started the show when I was 20. Do you have any idea how dumb 20 year olds are? I said a lot of stupid crap. But I hope the audience can see that I've grown a lot through the years.