Hitchens Vs. Alterman Debate Part 2/6 'Is Hitchens Wrong About Everything?'

Christopher Hitchens makes his Bloggingheads debut in an entertaining, ego-intensive debate with Eric Alterman.

At the onset, Alterman explains that he was asked to choose a topic for the affair and decided upon: "Why Christopher has been wrong about virtually everything he's said and done since he became a conservative."

Hitchens responds, "Though It's a high price to pay, since the subject is how wrong I am, at least the subject is me, so that's something I guess."

The two discuss the Iraq war, liberalism, and Hitchens' support for Ralph Nader in 2000.

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[ChildeRolandofGilead]

Because he didn't ENTER Iraq through territory Hussein didn't control. He spent a significant period of time in Baghdad before he went north.

The whole argument that Hussein was ignorant of Zarqawi's presence and actions is predicated on the idea that Zarqawi slipped unnoticed into the world's second most intense police state, set up terrorist training camps, then just happened to start assassinating Saddam's enemies in Kurdistan, with Saddam Hussein not knowing a thing about it.

Riiight.

[roac7777]

No one is wrong about everything, unless they are completely ignorant. That is a charge you cannot put on Chris Hitchens.

[ItsameAlex]

@johneamer

can you point out the reasons ast why you don't buy his argument and think he's wrong?

[drfoxcourt]

It bothers me that Alterman states that the first purpose of the US Government is to protect the US government. The first purpose should be to protect the US Citizenry, not the government.

That said, The US has no reason to invade Iraq UNLESS there is a clear threat from Iraq on the US Citizenry without International approval for such action. I think they should have had that approval, but they didn't have it.

[writersblock26]

@Hopeful71 Me, too.

[vindician]

Why are supposed to believe anything any of the Clintons have said about anything?

Hitchens misses the point. No matter the atrocities and defiance of Hussein, the US political leaders had no right to invade. Not because of international law, but of their obligation to protect the interest of the American people. No one has ever tried to argue that it was in the interest of the American people to invade Iraq, and that is the ONLY thing that matters. Hitchens should know that, Jefferson did.

[moneymakerps]

The fact that Iraq turned into a clusterfuck after the regime was overthrown does not invalidate his argument for military action. He has never been "proven" wrong on this point. Most people are just not used to hearing such an erudite justification of the invasion. I would argue because so often his arguments sail over the head of people who hear them, they are summarily dismissed by people who are at a loss to refute his argument.

[attemptingtobehumble]

If anyone is interesting in the real reason for Hussein being ousted from power they need to read, A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm. These wars are for Israel.

[johneamer]

@Hopeful71 Well put, it is a weak spot. Perhaps because of vanity but I am not sure as to why.

[Hopeful71]

I ALWAYS get so embarrassed when Hitchens defends his stance on Iraq. He was wrong, he has been proven wrong on Iraq time & time again, and discredits his name & his strong record or intellectualism by refusing to concede this mistake.

Its just humiliating to watch.

[Ematched]

Alterman needs to learn how to either 1) use a refrigerator to cool his drinks, or 2) use a plastic fucking cup. There are few things more irritating than ice cubs rattling in a glass mere inches from a microphone. A little sense of self, sir.

[roac7777]

@boxingaddict25 No doubt, Im sure Hitch would not indulge in such pedantry.