Say you want about political discussion shows that grace the airwaves. Most people stick there nose up at mention of them.
Now I’ll concede they are, for the most part, shallow, uninformative and shrill…what do you expect, it’s television! I don’t pretend a 30 minute current events program has the same informative value of a 3 hour debate…that would be like comparing take-out food to a sit down, 7 course meal.
But acknowledging their flaws doesn’t diminish their entertainment value. I’d like to take a second and tip my hat to the granddaddy of them all; John McLaughlin, who just aired his 20th Anniversary show this week.
OK, I admit it…I’ve been a McLaughlin group junkie for a good part of those 20 years. In fact, the only reason I bought my 1st VCR in my 1st apartment was so I could tape his weekly program and never miss it. I thoroughly enjoy its’ fast-paced, combative theme, the predictions and the roundtable format, a formula that’s remain unchanged for the better part of 1,000 programs.
Kudo’s to you John and all your panelists, past and present, who’ve opined on issues both great and small.
It was Churchill who said, “I like it when a man smiles when he’s fighting with you”
In Seat #1[ul][li]Morton Kondrake - Common sense, insider knowledge and fair-minded, moderate views.[]Mort Zuckerman - Even though I don’t like the Daily News or that sweetheart deal you signed with Guiliani, I find you somewhat personable and enjoy the insults you shovel out[]Clarence Paige - Who’s liberal Chi-town views add some balance to the discussions[/ul]In Seat #2[ul][]Jack Germond - The type of guy I’d like to have a beer with or trade tips with over at OTB[]Tony Blakely - Like your style, hate your choice in neckties[]Arnaud DeBorghrave - Cool name, usually a pretty good handicapper[/ul]In Seat #3[ul][]Eleanor Clift - Even though I usually don’t agree with either your views or manner, you get extra points for being a Glendale Queens native.[]Robert Novack - The true Prince of Darkness. How you ever made it on TV all these years dumfounds me.[]Chris Matthews - One of the people whose voice and opinions seems to carry[/ul]In Seat #4[ul][]Fred “Buster” Barnes - I usually don’t care much for Neo-cons, but your squeaky-clean, boy next-door image comes over well[]Pat Buchanan - Either loved or hated, I have to at least praise your no-hold-barred style.Michael Barone - Grassroots conservatism packaged in an even-toned, cool-headed manner[/ul][/li]
Well that’s one viewers opinion. Good luck
Bye-Bye
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