The Helmer-Doctorow ‘debate’ on The Duran
I offer the link to this conversation with the Moscow-based journalist John Helmer out of a sense of obligation to this community and without enthusiasm. My encounter with Helmer was no holds barred at the beginning, more civilized as the time passed and almost cordial at the very end.
This program bears out the sense embedded in the warning: be careful what you wish for. Those who follow my work closely will know that I have often expressed regret that DEBATE went out of style some decades ago when politics became so fiercely partisan that debates descended into mud slinging. The format was then scaled back to ‘Round Tables’ which by definition do not have sharp corners. Perhaps this improved the tone of language but it came at the expense of clarity and contradiction from which rational policies can emerge.
Well, yesterday evening showed especially in the opening 20 minutes how personal attacks can prompt one side to simply walk out. That did not happen but we were close to it.
See for yourselves.
I watched the entire show and didn't get much useful from it. Mercouris is a windbag and terrible moderator. Helmer was overly aggressive and dismissive of your work and POV.
But you have a naturally slow, hesitant speaking style not ideal for debating and a very bad microphone so I could barely hear you. I'm a big fan of your work but PLEASE get a better mike and come closer to it so we can hear you. Basic technique is to fill the screen so your head is just below the top of the frame, mouth 4 inches from the mike..
As for the content, I blame Mercouris for letting the show wander all over leaving me more confused than when it started. Stick with Napolitano and Nima is my advice. But I'd honestly like a riposte from you re Helmers ideas, not just his obnoxious style.
John Helmer was thoughtful and persuasive - I don’t see at all why you found him insulting.
Thank you for your work.