A Question of Spine

Those of you who missed last night’s Question Time may enjoy this brief extract, courtesy of DSTPFW. On the subject of Salman Rushdie’s knighthood, Christopher Hitchens challenges Shirley Williams’ prostration in the face of intimidation and thuggery. (An act the Baroness subsequently – and dishonestly - denies.) One of Hitchens’ more charming qualities is his willingness to take on an audience that applauds Williams’ blathering and to tell that audience it should be ashamed for doing so.

Someone give Hitch his own show. Related: this and this.

Comments

[ted]

Lady Williams wasn't unreasonable. Hitchens' response was over the top, a bit inspired some "liquid courage," perhaps? Hitchens' point is not unreasonable either, but his delivery was, which made him, in my view, appear to be a drama queen rather than a man with a different perspective. Their views aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. Attaching Lady Williams, and then the audience, was just rude. Entertainment? Hitchens' own show? I think we have enough incivility in national debates, thank you very much.