18 Jul 11
If you think of yourself as a liberal or socialist or broadly of the left, who do you regard as the most persuasive right-winger in the public sphere, and why?
If you think of yourself as a conservative or libertarian or broadly of the right, who do you regard as the most persuasive left-winger in the public sphere, and why?
(It could be a writer or academic or philosopher, as well as a politician).
18 Jul 11
2 edits
Originally posted by TeinosukeThis should be a short thread.
If you think of yourself as a liberal or socialist or broadly of the left, who do you regard as the most persuasive right-winger in the public sphere, and why?
If you think of yourself as a conservative or libertarian or broadly of the right, who do you regard as the most persuasive left-winger in the public sphere, and why?
(It could be a writer or academic or philosopher, as well as a politician).
😛
I'll save everyone a little bit of time.
Those on the "left/right" are all a bunch of morons!!!
18 Jul 11
I'm a Liberal. As a right wing entity I would say Fox "news" is the most persuassive public figure - by far and for obvious reason.
As an individual I would say Bill O'Reilly. He's engaging, charismatic and he does a great job hiding the fact that he's a right wing shill.
18 Jul 11
1 edit
Originally posted by TeinosukeGeorge Will writes some good stuff and seems to be pretty consistent ideologically.
If you think of yourself as a liberal or socialist or broadly of the left, who do you regard as the most persuasive right-winger in the public sphere, and why?
If you think of yourself as a conservative or libertarian or broadly of the right, who do you regard as the most persuasive left-winger in the public sphere, and why?
(It could be a writer or academic or philosopher, as well as a politician).
18 Jul 11
2 edits
Originally posted by USArmyParatrooperI think you may have misunderstood what I meant by "persuasive". I meant, which figures on the right you find to advance convincing or plausible arguments. So Fox News persuades a lot of people, but presumably (since you don't find its arguments convincing or plausible) is not "persuasive" to you.
I'm a Liberal. As a right wing entity I would say Fox "news" is the most persuassive public figure - by far and for obvious reason.
As an individual I would say Bill O'Reilly. He's engaging, charismatic and he does a great job hiding the fact that he's a right wing shill.
What I'm really looking for are conservatives that unsettle the convictions of avowed liberals, and vice versa. So these would be people who advance an argument you oppose politically with the convincing support of relevant statistics, historical background, legal knowledge, etc.
18 Jul 11
Originally posted by no1marauderOh, I'm glad you nominated Will; I was going to do so myself. His erudition and rigour are indeed impressive. His column was syndicated in the Japan Times when I lived in Tokyo, and I always looked forward to it, even though it often infuriated me.
George Will writes some good stuff and seems to be pretty consistent ideologically.
18 Jul 11
Originally posted by no1marauderI used to see Will on PBS/Newshour/Sam & Cokie [or whatever] a lot when I was living in Japan (NHK broadcast it in the afternoons) and he was worth listening to for sure. Not so sure about Sam & Cokie though. Jim Lehrer's Newshour had plenty of interesting guests. I'm talking the 90s here. Don't know what's going on with those particular folks now.
George Will writes some good stuff and seems to be pretty consistent ideologically.
18 Jul 11
1 edit
Originally posted by TeinosukeIn that case I would say Ron Christie. He's intelligent, articulate and a fierce debater. Why the right hasn't propelled him up to be a top spokesperson is beyond me. He's miles above idiot nutjobs like Palin, Bachmann, Limbaugh and Beck.
I think you may have misunderstood what I meant by "persuasive". I meant, which figures on the right you find to advance convincing or plausible arguments. So Fox News persuades a lot of people, but presumably (since you don't find its arguments convincing or plausible) is not "persuasive" to you.
What I'm really looking for are conservatives that unset ...[text shortened]... he convincing support of relevant statistics, historical background, legal knowledge, etc.
18 Jul 11
Originally posted by USArmyParatrooperHeh.
In that case I would say Ron Christie. He's intelligent, articulate and a fierce debater. Why the right hasn't propelled him up to be a top spokesperson is beyond me. He's miles above idiot nutjobs like Palin, Bachmann, Limbaugh and Beck.
Tell that to DailyKos
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/10/25/261841/-Is-Ron-Christie-the-most-embarrasing-black-GOP-spokesman-ever
18 Jul 11
Originally posted by sh76I thought about it for a while, but I'm not easily impressed. Perhaps Jon Stewart fits the bill best, although he is not particularly intelligent (compared to myself).
Then pick someone who you think is wrong but intelligent and persuasive; like Milton Friedman, only more alive.