I have only been interested in politics for short period of time – the last 6 years or so. I’m not sure where it all started. I wasn’t particularly political in college. I never really concerned myself with liberal bias on campus or unfair speech codes and such. I sure as heck never participated in an affirmative action cookie sale (controversial genius). It was sometime around the end of the Clinton years that I really discovered my conservative roots.
For most people, being a political junkie means following the days topics in the paper or on line and cussing to yourself when you see something that jumps out as - well, cuss worthy. Few of us have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion with others who do not share our political viewpoint (political correctness put an end to that several years ago – hard to debate someone when you are always “offending” them). To some extent, the blogsphere has created such a forum for debate, but even then, most blog comments are in support of that blog’s overall theme and you are still left lacking for true give and take.
I, on the other hand, have had an amazing opportunity these past few years to not only engage in discussion and debate with others, but to broaden my horizons in a way I never thought possible. I’m talking about the P1 Wild Ass Circus on The Ticket (1310 AM in Dallas). Those reading this blog will be familiar with the show – no need to rehash the unique format that made the show a success. What started out as a couple of random “co-host” appearances on the show turned into one of the best experiences I have had.
Some of the highlights include: spending a day with Jose Canseco (after spending a day and a half on the road with Richard, Turley, Devin and Joe Michael), damn near getting Jose to cry after Turley planted a sweetheart of a question in my ear, interviewing noted liberal Al Franken (and getting into an argument with him over national employment numbers), interviewing Jose again after his book came out and discussing the steroid scandal, debating first amendment issue with Bruce the pornographer, interviewing Tommy Chong, winning the first ever WAC award for Best P1 Celebrity Interview (I would like to thank my parents, the academy….), and so many others, which I’m sure will come back to me over time.
So, what does this have to do with politics? Easy – this show gave me an opportunity to discuss politics with those who did not share my view - in some cases, with those who despised my view. And not just with those in studio, but also with people who would call in when we touched on a particularly hot topic (of which there were plenty leading up to the last Presidential election). I mention all this because, as of September 30, 2005, The Ticket has decided to cancel the P1 Wild Ass Circus. And for that, I am saddened.
I have no other radio experience to compare this to, but I can’t imagine any harder working duo than Richard and Turley. There is no doubt they will find another home for this show - if not this show, then something else. There is too much talent to waste by not having these guys work the radio waves. So, I’m not really sad for these two. I am sad for the metroplex. We are losing the one true format that helped revitalize the Great American Debate. You don’t get that kind of give and take with regular talk radio shows. You certainly don’t get the diversity of opinion you got from The Circus. And you wont find Al Franken or Rush Limbaugh giving near equal time to opposing opinions like Richard did (Note: that is NEAR equal. I still had lots more to say to Franken!!!).
I don’t know why the show was canceled – I assume it was a ratings issue, but I have my doubts on that. I just know that the metroplex is losing something special.
To all those who I have shared the mic with over the last couple of years, and to Richard “Big Dick” Hunter – Thank you! It was an awesome ride.
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