I think your assessment of Dan is generous. Even in a difficult year he lacks humility to the point I would question it being a veneer. I also question his sympathies and motives. Being right seems to be his driving force, he can always then point to being good. He seeks approval from authority and loves moral indignation. That attitude doesn't go over well in peer groups when you are young. It can be an even worse look at his age. He probably could not get out of his own way when he was younger.

While I'd agree his hostility and often contemptuous disposition isn't an accident it's possible it's a result of being awkward or not well liked in almost every phase and situation in life. Ironically, he doesn't use his best gift - his intelligence - for "good." He uses that to belittle people, especially if they don't agree with him. People want to follow him but he seems like a shitty leader. It makes me question his intelligence or he is fragile and everything about him is some sort of facade? I'd feel bad for him if he didn't come off like such a condescending, colossal, assbag most of the time.

Good Luck. I hope you find peace and joy, now and in the future.

They aren't your "meat and potatoes" hosts. The Score needs a meatball guy.

I don't think so. I thought you're the Mac guy and here I am defending him from you? He's had two separate stints at 670, went out on the road at various times with him as he mentioned, is very friendly with Bernstein's partner of more than ten years, and so on. I don't think his knowledge is "superficial." I'd certainly take his opinions over what Spaulding feels she knows about someone she listens to on the radio.

He knows him better than Spaulding. Hurrah!

This isn't a situation of defense or assault. I'm not assaulting.

I'd say Dan Mc Neil has closer relationships with several of his listeners than he has with Bernstein. It's a professional relationship.