CNN, aiming to disappoint.

Over at Pharyngula, PZ Meyer has further notes on tonight's Paula Zahn show. Looks like while they clenched, it may be for reasons other than we hoped.

Tonight they will revamp the story of the atheist being ostracized, then have FOUR MINUTES of a Richard Dawkins interview. Then another 3 person panel. This time it will have Niger Innis,a very conservative republican, Roland Martin, a religious leader, and Christopher Hitchens, alcoholic/Middle East Mastermind/Atheist).

What's worse, edited down Dawkins, or another Brit to rep American atheism? STILL, they can't find an American? And they pick the alcoholic one, who shows up tipsy on camera more than Paula Abdul. Still he is a surly and nasty opponent, if he can stay in his seat, oh right, they stand. But he is pugnacious and tough.

And, again, 4 minutes of Dawkins. You get such a lauded scientist and noted atheist and that's all you want? Come on!

It seems like they want to put an effort forward. But a minimum one. In four minutes Dawkins can say a lot. In 10 minutes he could give a lot of good cogent information to Zahn in an interview. But, maybe that isn't what they want tonight.


One can only hope that CNN isn't filling Hitchens' green room. But I have often wondered if that is Bill Maher's strategy with him on his own show.

It's sad that now I have trouble putting that passed CNN.

Still, I will need to see tonight (7PM Central). But I have that much less hope for the show.


CNN, lowering expectation, news cycke by news cycle.