Assigned entry #2/Resorting to name-calling

    Gun control is a fiercely debated topic. But if during any debate you resort to name-calling you're probably not helping your side. Such was the case when talk show host Piers Morgan said to a guest on his show "You're an unbelievably stupid man."

Piers Morgan

     Piers Morgan is a British journalist,author,television host,and talk show host. In January of 2011 he debuted as the host of Piers Morgan Tonight on CNN. The show bills itself as an interview show that is "unpredictable,lively,challenging,fun,entertaining".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1Z5dqK0aPk&feature=player_embedded
     On the episode of his show aired on December 18th 2012, Morgans' guest was Larry Pratt,who is the Executive Director for Gun Owners of America(a gun rights lobby organization). In the above clip,Morgan is asking Pratt questions but quickly becomes agitated and cannot wait for Pratt to finish responding. At 5:16 of the clip is when Morgan loses his remaining semblance of professionalism and calls his guest stupid. Morgan is still emotional later in the evening and tweets that he is "still seething".

Piers Morgan ✔ @piersmorgan

Still seething after tonight's show. Just can't understand the mentality of those who insist the only answer to #Newtown is MORE guns.

4:24 AM - 19 Dec 12

     It has been said that "He who frames the questions, wins the debate".In my view, Morgan loses on two fronts. One, because he is the host and has the chance to frame the questions but doesn't have the patience to wait for answers. And two, because he resorts to name-calling.
      I believe Morgans' frustration stemmed from his inability to examine the issue at anything other than at surface level. During the exchanges he harps on one statistic(murder rates by guns). Pratt acknowledges the numbers and attempts to put things in a larger perspective, which is what adults discussing a complex issue should do. Morgan quickly realizes he is not prepared for this debate and does not even attempt to discuss the points Pratt brings up. Morgan figuratively brought a knife to a gun fight.
      Regardless of where you fall in the debate on gun control I think this has shown a good lesson. If you have a strong opinion on something ,be prepared to discuss it rationally.