Comparing his work as host of Martin Bashir to that of the network’s primetime stars, like Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell, Bashir’s quick to concede he’s still learning. “It’s a challenge to find a voice, but also to do it in a way that consistent to me,” he told Mediaite. “I’m really more of a listener than a shrieker.”
He may be known as a genteel listener, but that’s not to say he’s a pushover when temperatures get hot. When Bashir delivered a commentary on Sarah Palin’s on-again, off-again bus tour, suggesting the motive behind it all was money, Palin’s supporters unleashed a torrent of criticism–and a few lightly veiled threats. “It was extraordinary. I had people literally leaving messages (late at night),” he told us, describing some of calls as unsettling in their tone and content. “Extremely offensive language and saying things about me personally. They said they knew where my family lived.”
Bashir, in keeping with his character, pondered the passion behind the threats before deciding what to do. “I’m an outsider, but I can tell you it’s a privilege to work in this country. So much of America is special and exceptional. And the implication of people who were (calling) was that because I was criticizing a quasi-politician, I was criticizing the country…that I was in some way implying comtempt or disrespect for this nation.”
Bashir made the decision to respond by going on his program and showing viewers his green card. “I am, in fact, a legal, permanent resident of the United States,” he said, holding the green card in his hand. “And I’m well on my way to becoming a citizen of this great country.”
It was a unique moment and a revealing one. It also put an end to the phone calls. “It was something. To be perfectly honest, it silenced everybody.” And for Bashir, it was not a moment manufactured for television–but a response that came from his heart. “I’m not someone who hates this country. I’ve grown to love this nation.”
I don't think that it is too much of a stretch to say that there is little doubt that Martin Bashir loves this country MUCH more than Sarah Palin ever could.
Sarah Palin is a spoiled little girl who uses the language of the patriot to manipulate people into supporting her, and lining her pockets with cash. Bashir is a man who was born elsewhere and was drawn to this country by the freedoms that many of its people take for granted.
His awesome smackdown of the Palin-bots almost makes me wish I had a green card to wave around when they come after me.
