JoshuaJSlone said:
But that's what those shows are built on.
That may very well be...but I don't watch them, so how would I know? Point taken, however.
Sergenth:
I didn't see the show, only read the transcript in this topic, so much of what you described (in terms of his physical aspect during the appearance) is lost on me. Yes, obviously I felt many of Carlson's comments to be quite out of line as well, but I felt that Stewart initiated the ill-will based on the exchange I read. Like I said, maybe the hypocrisy of them trying to call him out on his softball questions for politcians when they are anything but a tool of legitimate debate and analysis themselves just set him off and compelled him to point out their failings in that regard. I dunno. Also, as I mentioned earlier, if there is a known climate of hostility on the show, or an environment where it's "he who shouts loudest gets heard" (which apparently there is judging by everyone's comments), then that obviously mitigates my criticism.
Question for Loki: Can you give an example of how he might have more civilly made his point on Crossfire? And even then, can you make the contention that you could come off that collected without complete premeditation and under the pressure the hosts put on him? I'll agree that Stewart came off more irate than usually, but I consider it forgivable because he is infact human. And because he is human, he does not function on intellect alone and has emotions to contend with.
Put simply, it's easier for you to criticize his demeanor because you are an outside observer who fails to make any attempt at empathy.
Yes, that's it-- I am a heartless man devoid of empathy. You've figured me out. Man, you guys are relentless; I guess it must seem as if I'm tearing down one of your sacred cows or something, when in fact that could not be further from the truth. I made my comments based on a transcipt and without prior knowledge of the format or climate of the show. If you want to jump on me for that, then that's your prerogative. But contrary to what you might think, I
am entitled to my opinion, and that opinion holds across the board for everyone of every political persuasion. I just did not think that such a tack was productive or proper. Certain things have since been pointed out to me which obviously color my feelings on the matter, and I have been very forthright in admitting as much; if you want me to just say "ok, you're all right-- it was totally proper that he behaved in such a manner" then you'll be waiting a
very long time. Like I said, these other factors make his conduct more reasonable-- it does not make it
totally reasonable imo.
Sorry if it disturbs you that people have different opinions as to what constitutes proper social conduct, regardless of circumstance (except in extreme cases, obviously, of which I did not
necessarily feel this to be one, despite the fact that these extenuating circumstances DO, in fact, change my perception of what transpired to a great degree). As for the particulars of the "Crossfire" environment, like I said, I've never watched it (I've watched maybe 20 minutes of it here and there over the course of my life while channel surfing-- not nearly long enough to form a grounded, settled opinion as to its merits or lack thereof).
