What about when the debate isn't on Dobbs' show? I've seen Dobbs be both a jerk and a gentleman on his show. But my concern isn't how he and Joe Blow interact on the show. My primary commentary isn't entirely with regard to his behavior on his own show, but rather the way we discuss issues, especially the ones Dobbs goes on about. I am more concerned with discrediting him in the rest of the media and in everyday conversation. Spitzer's response in the media should not have been to call Dobbs a hate monger but actually stick to addressing the merits of the "rights of citizens" position. Spitzer was on American Morning and had an excellent platform for making Dobbs look like an idiot. But he didn't take advantage of it. Instead he weakened his own position by trying to dismiss Dobbs as a racist.
exactly. I've seen Dobbs completely disagree with someone but still let them talk and even both parties having a chuckle about it all. But the opposting view also had a coherent and reasonable argument. Name finger pointing and accusations to a persons character. maybe spitzer doesnt have a well thought out and reasonable argument though
But the problem Dobbs has here is the same as T_J and others here. Once you act like a raving lunatic, people stop taking you seriously. T_J could come into a debate with serious points, but no one here is going to listen because he so often posts nonsense that he's just not worth discussing anything with. Dobbs goes on these bizarre tirades accusing people who disagree with him of being unpatriotic or stupid or other such things - so no one really finds it worth discussing anything, regardless of the merits of his viewpoint that might be underneath.
Here's an example of what I am talking about. A few weeks ago, Dobbs went off on public figures saying the whole American flag lapel pin is stupid. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/09/dobbs.Oct10/ His language is absurd - it's a freaking lapel pin - and he says things like: Sen. Barack Obama put away his lapel flag pin. The senator says instead of a flag pin, his words will be a testament to his patriotism. I don't know what's wrong with the senator or why he can find any discomfort at all, but that's his right as an American. But any politician of any political party who believes their words can be an adequate substitute for the symbolic power of the American flag is sadly arrogant and horribly mistaken. It's a rant on Obama saying that he'd rather be judged by his words & actions than wearing a pin. How do you have a rational discussion when he has these kinds of crazed responses to things?
