Monday night, I debated Jeff Fecke, a paid male feminist representing the Center for Independent Media, on Alan Colmes syndicated radio show. For those who were out shopping Monday evening, you can listen here
It was the most oppositional interview I have ever encountered (even worse than the time I debated Karen DeCrow). Colmes wanted the interview to attack my article FOX News Alan Colmes: Who Needs Air America? My piece was written in response to Colmes truculent interview of Stephen Baskerville a couple of weeks ago. In that interview, Colmes ridiculed Baskerville with a wall of polemics to avoid any thoughtful discussion of the issues. My article merely returned the favor, leaving everyone even-steven.
On Mondays interview, Colmes did his best to make everyone think my Coulteresque piece was somehow unreasonable. He attempted to paint me as a woman-hater — the oldest feminist trick in the book — which does not work when interviewing me! He did keep me scrambling, and I did miss some great debate points (which of course came to me later). All in all, given the fact that I did not know what exactly was to be debated, it went quite well.
I believe the interview was a great success (but then I am probably slightly biased). While it might not have changed Colme’s mind yet, it certainly appeared to greatly impress the listening audience. Jeff Fecke agreed with me on several major points. It seems the he, like many male feminists, have a queasy feeling in the gut that feminism is actually bad for both men and women. Only one caller agreed with Colmes. A few others said that Colmes needs to rethink his position.
Those who heard the show are encouraged to post their vote and comments about who won the debate. Like everyone else in this movement, I am always learning things from everyone I meet.
