The Weekend On One With Brendan O'Connor

EmmetSpiceland

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793818#Comment_122793818

What are the “positives” about Trump? Fear, hatred, division, lies, sexual assault?

Jizique

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793631#Comment_122793631

At least she offers a slightly different perspective to the usual guests, I am honestly surprised that she hasn't been banned from appearing asher views don't really fit the govt and NGO consensus on a great many issues

Cole

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793808#Comment_122793808

Very often the case on certain topics (depending on the guests). You might get BOC throwing in a gentle counter but no chance with Dearbhail…her politics is always very obvious on so many issues.

Anton's panel had a bit more of a balance this morning..at least tried to understand why the non nutjobs decide to vote Trump

Cole

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793844#Comment_122793844

I think the point is why voters in the US vote for him, even with all of this, so trying to get into that gives some kind of 'balance' or insight.

Hippodrome Song Owl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793818#Comment_122793818

On this show or Radio 1 in general? They've had several Republicans on various shows in recent weeks. Some Trump loon fawning over the prospect of "Bobby" (RFK Jr) being in charge of health was on either Drivetime or the 1pm news show during the week.

Cole

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793849#Comment_122793849

I thought the John McCain POW jibe would have been the end…

NIMAN

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793844#Comment_122793844

I'm not a Trump fan, but aren't debates in the media meant to be debates? That is, 2 sides arguing over something. When you have 100% of your guests anti Trump it doesn't lend itself to unbiased reporting.

NIMAN

I didn't hear those contributors, but you have to admit that they are nowhere near a 50/50 split when debating US politics. It's not unbiased reporting.

You can't just have contributions from the side you agree with all time.

Cole

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793903#Comment_122793903

But millions still vote for him. Even if I think he's unfit for office etc., etc., I still want to hear some kind of analysis as to why the non MAGA crew still opt for him, despite not really liking him. Larry Donnelly, for example, even as a Democrat and definitely not a Trump fan, gives a bit of insight. Balance in this context doesn't necessarily mean it has to be pro/against.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793849#Comment_122793849

You see, this is the problem. You do have to “both sides” it, as if you don’t listen to or debate the issues from both sides you literally dismiss one side as being stupid and not worthy of listening to. The inevitable result of not being listened to is people will entrench further into their position if they feel they’re not being heard.

Both candidates this year are absolutely awful, neither (for differing reasons) should hold an office as high as this. I say this and my politics would be Democrat. The race shouldn’t be about which is the lesser of two evils.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793976#Comment_122793976

Sure let’s not listen to Palestinian voices then, only Israeli.

That’s your logic. If you don’t like what the other side is saying just refuse to listen and engage. 🤷‍♂️

Cole

No mention of David Davin-Power this morning? I didn't really hear much of the coverage to him this week but would have expected at least a brief mention on this show.

Hippodrome Song Owl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793930#Comment_122793930

No, I hear a 50-50 split in discussions involving American contributers. Another example just now on This Week with Justin McCarthy. They have just as many Republican voices on.

Not in discussions involving Irish commentators - but I don't see how thats's realistic. Trump's views are so far outside the realms of normality for Irish society that there aren't realistically any contributers who would be pro Trump - there are often contributers who criticise the Democrats and comment on Trump's voters appeal in spite of his conduct due to Democrat failings.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793976#Comment_122793976

it’s also not a pub discussion. Honestly if they can’t provide some balance then the national broadcaster shouldn’t discuss it.

There is this thinking in Ireland they anyone who votes for Trump is a white, uneducated redneck.

I’m in the states frequently with work and I also holiday there. I have American friends and colleagues who are graduates of Ivy League universities who you would absolutely expect to be Harris voters but who are pro-Trump. It may seem inexplicable to us but that’s their reality, and choice. None of these people are stupid or uneducated. None of them are poor, or dare I say struggling in modern America. I would say 40% of them aren’t white, so it’s not a race thing.

I have one good friend who is an Asian American woman. She’s the daughter of immigrants, educated to PhD level, is liberal by any standard, lives in SF (a much derided city in a much derided state for its liberal views). You’d assume given all of that she’d be pro-Harris. She’s not. She has a daughter doing her masters in Berkeley. You’d again think she’d be pro-Harris, but she’s not.

Trump doesn’t just attract uneducated, ignorant rednecks. I know that’s hard for some to hear, but it’s the truth.

Part of the reason to “both side” it would be to try to analyse why these types of people find the Trump proposition more attractive than the Harris one.

EmmetSpiceland

It’s a healthy mix of the rich and the ignorant.

Bellbottoms

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793818#Comment_122793818

What positive things are there to say?

Bellbottoms

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122794569#Comment_122794569

Balance can sometimes be misleading. For example, some people believe that humans can thrive solely on sunlight—should this viewpoint even be given a platform? Should it be debated alongside established guidelines on obesity? Similarly, should flat Earthers be allowed to participate in climate change panels? Their beliefs are fundamentally incompatible with established climate science.

Regarding the US election, it’s important to clarify that this isn’t a debate about candidates; it’s commentary. The BOC show is a weekend magazine program, more akin to the Ray D'Arcy Show than "Prime Time." The guests are there for colorful, not their insights.

Can anyone provide examples of news programs, like "Prime Time" or other RTÉ news shows, that don’t strive for balance?

I do remember during RTEs inaugaration coverage that Joe Biden was called “a bona fide criminal” live on air by a James Conner of Republicans Overseas. Was that balance?

NIMAN

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795208#Comment_122795208

As I said, I'm not a fan.

But he has tens of millions of people prepared to vote for him. You can't dispel these people as idiots or loons.

They obviously see plenty of positives in the man.

And although I can't, I have to say, not much negative happened to me because of him the last time he was president, and if he wins again, the vast vast majority of the Irish population won't see any change in their lives.

elperello

It's the ideal Sunday morning show as it is.

That's why the listenership is growing.

Who needs some attention seeking contrarian booked to create controversy ?

Going about our day of rest it's like listening in to a conversation.

Easy to tune in equally easy to zone out if a topic doesn't appeal.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795315#Comment_122795315

That’s quite the false equivalence there, they’re not remotely the same thing and I think you’re fully aware of that.

I genuinely didn’t hear the James Conner comment, and obviously I don’t condone it. There are “lunatics” on both sides though, let’s not forget that.

The whole thing is poisonous. Biden’s (I’m not calling him a lunatic btw) slip of the tongue the other day calling Trump supporters “garbage” is illustrative of the emotion (dare I say “hate”) on both sides at the moment and the mask is slipping for many.

I’ll return to a point I made earlier though that both candidates are in my opinion wholly unsuitable for this role - for different reasons. Trump is Trump, and I’m not a fan. Harris seems to simultaneously stand for nothing and also for everything - there really is no substance there.

I’ve been reading (in The Hill) and listening to Niall Stanage (you’ll find him on Dubphy’s pod and BBC, and latterly even American News) a lot recently on the election and he’s very good on the minutiae of this election. Worth a listen even if you don’t like Dunphy.

Bellbottoms

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795433#Comment_122795433

You’ve got a good point. He does have millions of supporters. But his domestic policy is primaraly focused on issues like women’s healthcare and LGBTQI equality, which have been big topics in Ireland over the past decade. We have held two referendums and had weeks of debate on those topic. The views of the people of this country are clearly at odds with the views of Donald Trump. Why would you expect any of the panel to try and put a positive spin on him.

What exactly are you hoping for? Are you looking for someone to come on and defend Trump’s policies, which we have covered the pros and cons of in an Irish context ad nauseum over the last decade. Or would you prefer an explanation of why his supporters back him? Your posts don’t quite clarify that.

As for the idea that Trump’s election hasn’t impacted your life, that seems a bit off. His time in office had a complicated relationship with foreign affairs, particularly with Russia regarding Ukraine. Things would have certaintly turned out differently. No fresh invasion of Ukraine, meaning no energy crisis, no cost of living crisis and no Ukrainian referugess in Europe. Have you not been impacted by the energy and cost of living crisis?

Plus, his ties with hardliners in the Israeli government and moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem had significant effects too, leading to events like the October 7 attacks and increased tensions in Lebanon. If you have family in the Irish defense forces, they could definitely feel the ripple effects of these decisions.

I really don't understand what you are looking for a magazine show like the BOC show to do. Or how you expect them to cover it. Again, do you want "balance" where someone comes on and defends his policies? Or do you want someone to explain why he has so much support. Where do you want it to fit into the show? Between the Desert Island Discs knock off and this weeks mental health guru or between the headlines and this weeks TV recommendations?

Bellbottoms

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795700#Comment_122795700

It is not a false equivalence. People talk about balance. But having views from either end of a spectrum is balance. So someone talking about people giving up food and living on sunlight as a way to end the obesity along with a dietican discusing portion control etc is balance.

What is more important then balance is relevance. A helio centric diet is not a relevant way to solve obesity. So has no place in public discourse.

The Irish public have voted on a lot of issues that Trump has made main stays of his campain. I have addressed this in detail in another post. He holds very extreme views that are not supported by the majority of the Irish public as they have made clear in recent referendums.

As for the rest of your post I am a little confused. As you just taking this oppertunity to point out how "poisonous". Or are you trying to made the point that BOC magazine show should be more like the dedicated politics and news podcast that you listen to?

EDIT - Do you just want a guest to critise Harris? It does happen, a lot of Irish contributors are not happy with her policy towards Isreal and Palestine and she has rightly been called out on it.

NIMAN

So Trump is to blame for the actions of Russia, Hamas and Israel now?

And inflation and fuel prices?

Bellbottoms

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795839#Comment_122795839

I didn't say he is directly to blame for them. But has played a part in it, yes.

But since this is the radio forum and not the current affairs forum. I am more intrested in hearing what sort of balance you want in the BOC radio panel. Remembering that it is a magazine show and not a dedicated news or current affaird program.

NIMAN

Ok, but if it was partly Trumps doing, then it was also Bidens, Obamas etc.

Moving on to radio issues, I would like to hear more discussion as to why Trump, an absolute disaster of a politician, is running neck and neck with the best the Democrats can put forward, and has beat them in the past. You can't blame thick rednecks forever. As someone above pointed out, some very smart people are voting for him too. So why? The story we are continually told is that it's loons, conspiracy nuts and hillbillies who are voting for him.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795770#Comment_122795770

On the false equivalence, you’re comparing something objective with scientific research behind it versus the rather subjective issue of the competing personalities and policies of two very different election hopefuls; which is hardly the same thing. Balance is also treating both candidates the same way, something which is not happening here, and didn’t happen in the last two elections. Harris by contrast to the scrutiny placed on Trump is given a particularly free ride this side of the pond. Balance would be subjecting her to the same level of scrutiny.

No, I’m not asking for someone to criticise Harris for the sake of it, I'm asking balance in terms of make up. I’m asking for a more balanced panel, one in which all of the contributors and the host are not effectively singing from the same hymn sheet. One with differing and contrasting views, or at least one that asks the same questions (not directly obviously) of both candidates and places both them and their policies under the same scrutiny.

No, I don’t think BO’C’s show should be a politics only show. But again, if you’re going to delve into the realm at least have some balance in the make-up of the panel. As I said yesterday (I think, it may have been earlier in the week) I believe BO’C’s strength is 1:1 interviews. His moderation of panels is atrocious, but we had a different type of atrocious today in a moderator who just nodded her head and didn’t challenge any panelist’s comment. It was just an echo chamber. Whilst BO’C interjects too much, you’d have thought Brenda Power was the moderator today if you hadn’t been paying attention such was the lack of intervention from the host.

For the record, I’m not a fan or a supporter of Trump. If I had a vote it wouldn’t be going his way - that’s not an endorsement of Harris’ ability btw either and shouldn’t be read as such; again, both candidates are in my opinion awful. The man however is likely the next president of the US (as of today’s polls he’s leading) at the very least a former one. I have a large degree of discomfort with the view in this country that each and every person who historically voted for or votes for him is an idiot, a moron, a racist, all of the above, or any of the other things said about them. They’re not.

On Israel, what is her position? She doesn’t appear to have one - it’s just a parroting of Biden’s position (which seems to be let Israel do whatever they want). And this is part of the problem with her; she tries to stand for everything and yet manages it seems to stand for nothing.

Greengrass53

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795919#Comment_122795919

Oh please not more bothsiderism. Don't pretend you're impartial, you'd love Trump to win but you're afraid to say it cos your whole argument is thereby rendered moot. BTW you're going to be very disappointed next Wed morning.

Bellbottoms

"No, I’m not asking for someone to criticise Harris for the sake of it, I'm asking balance in terms of make up. I’m asking for a more balanced panel, "

Why? His views and values do not align with those of the majority of Irish people. A pro Trump panel does not represnte Irish people or Irish discourse. When Berlusconi was running in Italy. Panels were not made up with pro and anti Berlusconi supporters. People talked about his right wing views and bunga bunga parties, same with Durante and Bongbong Marcos. Death squads and shoes. No one was discusing the minutia of their socio econimic policies.

Same thing with Brexit?

Were where you when radio shows where having debates on Brexit. Certaintly not here demanding equal airtime and balance for pro Brexit views.

Also who are you going to find to join the panel?

It is a magazine show. It is not meant to be objective or provocative.

BTW you can support Trump all you want. But just understand that is not the stance taking by the majority of Irish people.

"which seems to be let Israel do whatever they want)."

You realise that is a stance, right? And it is something she is frequntly called out.

I am not really here to argue politics. If you could provide other examples of when BOCs show has not offered "Balance" that might be helpful. Please exclude all references to American Politics. We have lots of Irish politics we can talk about. Things happen here every day.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795941#Comment_122795941

What on earth are you talking about? I’ve stated I’m not a fan or supporter of his. Now I’m being taken for a liar because I called foul at the lack of balance on an Irish radio show? That’s a huge stretch.

You do know you can dislike the man be critical of how the election is being covered?

If for no reason other than this I genuinely hope he doesn’t win - he’s clearly even more pro-Israel than most US administrations. And that frankly is very worrying.

Again - I’m not a supporter of his. I’ve repeatedly stated my politics would be aligned with the Democrats.

Dick phelan

If you don't have people of different viewpoints on the panel then it's a waste of time talking about it really. A discussion where everyone agrees is pointless and boring radio

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122795995#Comment_122795995

His views don’t align so just dismiss them? Is that it?

I listen to Megyn Kelly’s (amongst others) podcast. Should I not listen because I disagree with a lot of what she says or should I listen and try to get a better understanding of the reasons why she and her guests feel the way they do? Heaven forbid I’d have an open mind and listen to an alternative viewpoint…..Kelly you may recall was humiliated by Trump in the 2016 debates. It’s been cited as a factor (but not the sole reason) she lost her then job some time later. She has more reason than most to hate the man from a personal perspective but she’s the consummate professional when discussing him.

I didn’t ask for a pro-Trump panel; I asked for an unbiased, neutral one that places the same scrutiny on both candidates. That should not be an impossible ask of a state broadcaster. I as Leo asked for scrutiny, not at attack - there is a difference. Just ask the questions and present the facts and let the audience decide for themselves.

Are you ok with the Biden administration letting Israel do whatever they want btw?

I am not supporting Trump. I’d have no issue saying it if I was btw, none at all. Saying he’s not being treated in the same way as Harris is absolutely not the same thing as supporting him - and you know that. You’re pretty much admitting that’s what’s happening yourself. Trying to conflate the two does you and your argument a disservice.

I’ve repeatedly said both candidates are undeserving and not suited to this office. How you can manage to twist that to say or imply I’m supporting Trump beggars belief. I have never once said I support him or would vote for him. Not once. I wouldn’t.

On your wider point on O’Connor’s panels they are almost always echo chambers of Dublin professionals and elites. It is extremely rare that a dissenting voice is heard or a contrary opinion to the unified voices of the panel. There was one lady on during the summer who offered a different perspective of the immigration issues in Coolock and the panel regulars were stunned almost into silence that a panellist wasn’t towing the Govt. line. It made for a much better debate of the topic. I can’t remember the exact date but I will commit to trying to find it later in the week if you bear with me.

I’m new to boards. Unfortunately I can’t go back in time and comment on Brexit debates retrospectively. Sorry about that. For what it’s worth my position on Brexit is that the British managed to cut off their own nose to spite their face, and that it do immense damage to their country (and ours) in the medium and long terms. I’m not pro-Brexit and I’m not pro-Trump - I can’t be any clearer than that.

Gen.Zhukov

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122793845#Comment_122793845

I agree - Brenda was the first to mention (on air) Roderic's infamous tweets to the 3rd world to come to Ireland for a great time, as Brendan feigned total surprise with 'And whe, whe, when was that?' - You'd think that a fella on €1560 per hour would know this fairly basic stuff eh?

Greengrass53

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796346#Comment_122796346

YYou're not a supporter but you hope he wins just to annoy people. Now there's a principled stance. You forgetting he moved embassy to Jerusalem, that was really pro Palestinian move, wasn't it!!!!

Greengrass53

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796494#Comment_122796494

Can you throw up a link to that tweet

Greengrass53

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796534#Comment_122796534

Sorry I misread your quote. Nevertheless for someone who hopes Trump won't win, you seem terribly concerned about the way the nasty media are treating him.

Bellbottoms

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796438#Comment_122796438

I think your expectations are just off for the show. It isn't a flagship current affairs show. It is a very brezzy magazine show. Not unlike Ray D'Arcy or Oliver Callans show. BOC fear of getting RTE sued again probably makes his show even more sanitised then either of those shows. You are not going to find an unbiased neutral magazine show. It is just not part of the format.

To be clear I am absolultely saying Trump is not being spoken about the same way as Harris on the show. Trumps views are mostly abhorrent to an Irish audience. But again this is not a current affairs or news program. It is not supposed to be unbiased.

I do agree with you somewhat about the make up of the panels. They tend to be the same tired friends of the show. Personally I think it is an element of the show that should be dropped.

We seem to be going around in circles here, and I am going to bed. I will let you have the final word here and disagree with you agreeably.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796534#Comment_122796534

I’ve said repeatedly I’m not a supporter.
I’ve said I hope he doesn’t win.
You think I’d like him to win so that it annoys people? I said nothing of the sort. Your attempts at misrepresenting what I’ve said are disingenuous at best, and irresponsible and insulting at worst. Are subtlety and nuance alien concepts to you? Again, you do know you can dislike the man be critical of how the election is being covered?

I’m not sure what your point on the moving of the embassy is about? I didn’t suggest Trump was pro-Palestine, quite the contrary.

I also don’t know what else I can say at this point?

I’m absolutely not pro-Trump. I absolutely hope he doesn’t win. I will take no pleasure from it if he does. Is that clear enough for you?

Gen.Zhukov

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796549#Comment_122796549

I think you may be doing a BO'C on it - 'Tweets, what tweets? I've never heard of these tweets, let's move on really quickly…'

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796566#Comment_122796566

Goodnight, thanks for being cordial and fair in our back and forth. I think we likely agree more than we disagree tbh.

I’ve taken the time to explain my position and I hope you can see from my point of view that it’s possible to both dislike the man and simultaneously think he’s not being treated in the same manner as his opponent.

I also have an issue with the thinking that anyone who votes for him is an ignorant, uneducated redneck. I’m sure some are, but to effectively paint half or so of the US population as such is patently wrong.

dulpit

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796643#Comment_122796643

There's ignorant voters. And there's self centred voters. Americans are shockingly self interested and transactional. If you are a wealthy person then trump's tax policies will make you better off, so there is that cohort too.

But it doesn't make sense to both sides it. For an Irish audience, apart from the contrarian Trump supporters who don't know what they're talking about, Trump is a bizarre oddity that cannot be properly understood.

It was said that some shows do try with Republican overseas contributors, but they're as weird as Trump himself usually.

dxhound2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796679#Comment_122796679

You are easily shocked by human nature. They didn't slaughter the natives, and then enslave millions of other foreigners by not being self interested and transactional.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796679#Comment_122796679

It absolutely makes sense to “both side” it. If you refuse to listen to and analyse the other side you’re literally not getting the whole picture. Information is king.

Most of the arguments I hear against Trump are emotive….he’s a racist, he’s a bigot, he’s this, he’s that etc.

Most of the arguments I hear for Harris are also emotive….she’s a woman, she’s black, she’s this, she’s that etc.

Heaven forbid we’d discuss either candidate based on merit. 🤷‍♂️

Also, if Trump was scrutinised more rigorously and “academically”, it might give ammunition to dismantle the myth of the man. Attacking his character isn’t exactly working.

Greengrass53

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796584#Comment_122796584

I already apologised for misrepresenting your post.i misread it. So apologies again. Still don't get your concern for media's treatment of Trump here tho.You should be delighted they're treating that thug like a pariah.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796775#Comment_122796775

Ok, well thanks for apologising for misrepresenting my post. I was replying at length to another poster when you jumped in. I only saw your post acknowledging your error after I had posted my reply.

You have however also accused me of being a Trump supporter (you also said I “love” him), of lying about it, and wanting him to win just to annoy people. Despite all of this I’ve still been courteous to you, have explained my position, and haven’t insulted you. Perhaps you should reflect on that?

Brendan Bendar

Give it a rest dude, this thread has drifted too far from its core subject to be wholesome.

I'm sure there’s a thread somewhere on American politics where folk can bang away to their hearts content about

Harris and Trump.

It’s shot it’s wad here I feel.

When is Ballsy back, this Nordie one annoys me a bit.

Bellbottoms

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796643#Comment_122796643

I think you might have better luck if you start a new thread addressing RTE panels and how they are selected. We tend to get balanced panels for CA and news. More general talking head type panels on magazine shows.

Should there be balance on all panels? How do we define balance? How are panels selected? Etc

Why do the same guests Brenda Power, Niall Breslin, Colm O'Gorman, etc keep popping up across RTE panels?

hotmail.com

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122796710#Comment_122796710

Irish analysis of US politics is absolutely dreadful and often cringey.

I think they view Democrats are just like us and Republicans are not like us.

That seems to be the Irish established view as expressed on RTE.

The devastation in Gaza under a Democratic President has been difficult for some Irish people on their perceived notions about Democrats. Harris too boasted about owning a gun and clamping down on illegal migration. All stuff that the established view seems to forget.

EmmetSpiceland

The real problem is finding a levelheaded Trump supporter willing to come on any show. The only one willing to appear are, generally, weirdos who, straight away, start parroting Trump’s proven lies. The sort of things you expect from “entertainment news” not a current affairs show.

‘The Home Show’ on Newstalk had a lad on who sold bomb shelters. When he was asked a question about politics he went “off the deep end” about stolen elections and the like.

You can’t expect to get any “balance”, or serious discussions, people like that. Seth Barrett-Tillman was a good Trump supporting commentator on with Pat Kenny awhile back but haven’t heard from him lately. Michael Graham was good too, not sure how much he supported Trump though. Haven’t heard him in a long time.

Peter Dragon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122799715#Comment_122799715

Again, you don’t need a Trump “supporter” for balance, you need someone with no outward bias, someone neutral, someone who can ask the same questions of both candidates and their suitability, policies, etc.

I’ll again refer to the rather excellent Niall Stanage on this. Listening to him you’d have no idea which side of the fence he’s on as he subjects both candidates to the same level of scrutiny. Even though he’s Northern Irish, I hadn’t heard of him before this election, he’s been on Dunphy’s podcast for the last year or so (even if you don’t like Dunphy, it’s worth listening to Stanage); and had since popped up on the BBC, Sky News, and various US channels. He frequently will dissect and deride elements of Trump’s campaign, but it’s on a significantly deeper level than “he’s racist”, “he’s a pig” etc. More of this type of analysis is needed, rather than emotive name calling.

Brendan Bendar

Let it go Peter…good lad.