The most telling moment in the segment was when O'Reilly asked Joan point blank if she had seen the investigative documents the state of Kansas had put together against Mr. Tiller. Joan's rather tentative response was "I have skimmed them." O'Reilly jumped all over that, stating that if Joan was going to link him to the reason Tiller was murdered, she might have -- at the very least -- read those documents thoroughly first. (I'm paraphrasing, but that was the essence of the exchange.) Anyway, anyone could easily see that Joan hadn't done her homework and she looked like she knew it, too. In fact, her credibility went out the window at that point and she never really managed to recover. Sadly, she couldn't have laid a bigger gift at O'Reilly's feet. I've got to think she now deeply regrets that her lack of preparation resulted in what amounts to coming to "a gunfight with a knife."

Unfortunately for Ms. Walsh, she only proved she wasn't ready for prime time. At least not yet. I wish her better luck next time.

For reasons I don't understand, Salon has only posted the last few minutes of the segment on their home page. But to see it in its entirety, you can go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHVMO4vYl2U

May I suggest to you and others that the best way to dispense with the Great White Male commenter is to stop engaging him. I know I have. To do otherwise really lowers the level of discourse and wastes your time. If you agree that he is simply an unfortunate, unbalanced individual, the best thing to do is ignore him. Ultimately, he'll go away. As a moderate Republican, I find him embarrassingly extreme, prejudiced, and intellectually bankrupt. Thankfully, he is not representative of level headed people whom are willing to listen and engage in civil discourse on this side of the aisle.

"Yes, civil discourse is imperative, particularly with issues like this one. Unfortunately, too many people respond provocatively -- personal attacks, demonization, stereotyping, or profanity-laced tirades do nothing to advance anyone's position."

That's the understatement of the year on this thread, my friend. I feel like I'm crawling through a mine field, probing the dirt ahead with my bayonet every inch of the way.

Again I ask -- please stay off my side. I do not endorse your brand of discourse. I do not want to high five you. I do not want to be your friend. In other words, I'm respectfully asking you to go away. I simply do not seek support from a hater.

PS: I don't always agree with Paglia. Like everyone, sometimes she can present a provocative argument and other times she is entirely off base.

As I told rbionaz im my previous post -- I used to be part of the food fight. And I've apologized for that since. Presenting opposing points of view in a civil, responsible way yields much better results, which is why I just asked Great White Male to "stay off my side." (Which is what McMurphy said to Martini during a card game in One Flew Over the Cukoos Nest). One of my favorite films ever. Hope that sets things straight:)

"Although I disagree with much of what you write, I appreciate your ability to frame an argument without resorting to stereotypes and demonization. Thanks for your contribution to responsible discourse."

Thank you so much. There was a time when I was part of the food fight myself. And I've since apologized for that. But, the truth is, it really doesn't get you anywhere. I'm trying to raise the bar with often opposing but hopefully respectful points of view. Which is something this whole country really needs to do. There are others here also engaged in that endeavor. Like Readerreader, for instance. I have also found a good friend in Faulkner, even though we come from opposite sides of the political spectrum. What really displeases me, however, is when posters call me a "troll." And For what? Presenting an opposing point of view? I mean, that's simply ridiculous. I've been posting here for over two years now! Unfortunately, even Joan has referred to me as a troll. It's just not right. I, for one, think most folks would rather engage in colorful but civil conversation than live in an echo chamber. Hope you agree. Thanks again.

Actually, my friend, unless you change your tone, I would ask you to stay off my side. Really. I have made friends with folks on the other side of aisle here at Salon. And enjoy lively, but respectful discourse with them. Not everyone is a "dimwit" as you say.

Yes, Joan, I read quite a bit. Enough to know what the word "entire" means. The video posted on the front (home) page of Salon features only the last couple of minutes of the entire O'Reilly segment. It seems like you've intentionally isolated the end because that's where O'Reilly seems to be speaking loudest and you finally manage to get in the only jabs you were able to land last night. Perhaps, in fairness, you should post the entire segment. Sound reasonable?

For those who wish to view the entire 11 minutes, you can go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHVMO4vYl2U

I am a sensible right of center Republican, and trust me, your taunting tone here on this blog is not doing folks on that side of the aisle any good. If you want to engage someone here and actually influence their opinion, you really need to take the high road in your discourse. Otherwise, it's just a childish food fight.

Actually, Joan, I guess that would be "so sad" for 98% of your readers. Cheer up, you'll always have Hardball. No shame in a minor league career. Really:)