Very true about the rest of the world being better educated and informed. Sadly, what she refers to as intellectual conversation is probably just as shallow. Muddy waters appearing deep to shallow people.
Considering the horrid quality of 98% of the news media, being "informed" is not always a good thing. Having principles and integrity is a lot more important actually. Despite a national media that only wants to talk about drunk drivers, crackheads, bank robbers, and mothers who leave their kids to bake in a hot car, the average person in America is decent, hard-working, and intelligent.
I disagree.
Many Europeans think they know all about America and Americans but their "knowledge" is seriously tainted by the likes of the BBC and others.
Having your facts wrong is substantially more dangerous than not having your facts at all.
Most Americans know little about Europe because Europe has little if any impact on their lives. Quite the opposite is true for the Europeans. There's a reason for that.