For those of you who are listening to Thom Hartmann...

[The Witch]

I'm wondering if you have the same feeling I do recently. I just sent him this letter:

Thom:

I am a longtime listener who has long enjoyed your debates with the conservatives on your program. But, and I say this with all the respect I can possibly muster (and it is considerable), I think you did your guest and yourself a disservice this afternoon by trying to pick a fight where there wasn't one. To use a grammatical term, this fellow's book seemed to be more or less descriptive rather than prescriptive. He was documenting a trend he saw, not passing judgment on it, and you kept trying to tell him he should be denying it. He brings up a valid point in noting that if democracy is the will of the people, and the people are mostly religious, then how can you keep religion out of democracy? There is an answer to this - the idea that you often bring up, that we are a constitutionally *limited* democracy - but I felt that you were somewhat unable to come up with that. I felt a little like I was listening to Don Quixote, launching his attacks at windmills. The professor was not trying to fight you.

To tell the truth, I've noticed something about your interviews with conservatives of late. You never used to use the phrase "You people," and now you use it almost every day. You go into interviews these days with your mind made up that everyone is the same kind of conservative, rather than what you used to do - listening to them, letting them make their point, and then calmly and rationally shooting it down. Might I suggest that you return to this method? It was extremely engaging and made for really good radio. Maybe you're more frustrated with conservatives these days, but that's no reason to abandon the calm approach that drew me (and, I assume, listeners like me) in the process.

I remain a huge fan,

Jen in D.C.

Thoughts? I really tried to be respectful because I love Thom's show so much...

[orwell]

1. Nice letter...

...I too think Thom is one of the best shows on the Progressive side not only because of his well researched knowledge but his ability to engage the other side. I have heard the same things lately, his voice growing more impatient and shrill.

Many do not understand that it is very effective in a discussion to not only disagree respectfully on points of contention, but to also find common ground in order to engage your opponent. It is very disarming in a discussion to agree on minor points while laying the groundwork to win the major ones. It is a winning debate strategy that catches many off guard. You can sometimes get your opponent to make your central point for you without realizing it.

[renate]

2. I didn't hear the interview you're writing about, but your letter seems perfectly nice

He's such an excellent host, but he's only human; maybe he's trying a little too hard now that his show is on AAR nationwide. (Or maybe he's just totally fed up with "those people" and sees reactionary thinking where there is none. :shrug: )

I think someone as intelligent as he is would welcome constructive criticism, which is the kind you gave. Well done!

[The Witch]

12. I think you're right...

I want him to know I think he's still an excellent host and I wish HE would take the Imus slot (not that I don't love Mama, but...) But I was wondering if anyone else had the same opinion I did about his recent programs.

[tech3149]

3. I have to agree with you.

I've been a fan of Thoms since 2003 and his conservative debates lately have been painful. I don't know if it's burnout, frustration, or distraction by all the other things he does.

You're note was respectful and made the point well. I'm sure he'll reflect on it.

[valerief]

4. I'm glad he's attacking those who echo the "religion in govt" noise.

It should be squelched whenever possible. Just the presumption that "the people are mostly religious" is a falsehood perpetuated by the media whores who shill for their corporate masters.

[FormerDittoHead]

5. I agree and think he should trim the bit to maybe twice a week; be more selective...

The case above, and in other cases, I agree, Thom can be a bit pedantic. I don't mind his grouping conservatives, but I DO wish he would keep these interviews to the most radical wackos out there, like those kooks from the "Ayn Rand Institute"...

I also think he does a wee bit too much reading on the air, like when he goes on quoting Jefferson paragraph after paragraph. Just because Jefferson is so often cited by conservatives doesn't mean we have to follow what Jefferson wrote in any case. To point out how conservatives have perverted history, however, one doesn't need to restrict themselves to Jefferson.

[Mme. Defarge]

6. Good letter!

I, too, am, for the most part, a Hartmann fan -- I've learned a lot from him. However, it's almost as if he has two very different personalities, and when he goes off on a subject he switches to an attack dog. He flips from the realm of the rational and respectful to the realm of taboos and sacred cows. It's a real turn-off for me.

[Flarney]

7. there is also this perspective...

Many times the conservatives that come on his show back off from their more extreme views that they publish on their websites and literature in order to make their views more "liberal-friendly" while they are on Thom‘s show. I'm sure that drives Thom crazy because he's trying to hold them accountable for their full positions, not just the version of their views they present on his show.

He has seemed a little more aggressive lately, though, I agree.

Edit: In all fairness, I have to say that I try my best to emulate Thom's calm and collected style of debate, but inside I get pretty pissed off trying to explain why it's a bad thing to ship millions of jobs overseas, etc....sometimes I just get amazed that I actually have to acknowledge the other side of what should be non-debates.

[porque no]

8. If the majority wanted slavery, is it OK?

Majority rules, MINORITY RIGHTS. Derrr. Hartman was right, again. the letter writer is a troll.

[porque no]

9. Ooops. that was your letter?

Sorry, you're not a troll.

[MikeDuffy]

10. Because he might not read your letter for one reason or another,

why not call him on the air and ask him about it? I realize you would prefer to have a long private conversation about it with him (as that might be the most persuasive approach). Recognize that if others agree with you, some are likely to call and back your message.

BTW, what day did he interview the author and/or do you remember the author's name or the title of his book?

One other minor point: is Thom one of the hosts who doesn't like people to read on the air because he says it makes for bad radio? In any case of course he does that often (especially when he doesn't have the person's own audio). (Myself, I really don't mind when the quotes by whomever are especially relevant and to the point.)

[The Witch]

11. I have to work. No time to call.

Anyway I just wanted to let him know how I felt and I was curious as to whether other DUers who listened to him felt the same as I.