I'm a Total Wanker, and Yet, I'm on Television

Glenn Beck, proving once again that he's a complete twit that shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a television camera:

On the November 14 edition of his CNN Headline News program, Glenn Beck interviewed Rep.-elect Keith Ellison (D-MN), who became the first Muslim ever elected to Congress on November 7, and asked Ellison if he could "have five minutes here where we're just politically incorrect and I play the cards up on the table." After Ellison agreed, Beck said: "I have been nervous about this interview with you, because what I feel like saying is, 'Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies.' " Beck added: "I'm not accusing you of being an enemy, but that's the way I feel, and I think a lot of Americans will feel that way."

To his credit, Ellison didn't simply call Beck a racist ass and walk off the set (I'm sure he knew what was coming, since Beck prefaced his comment with a stammering "I sure love Muslims!" softening statement); he gave a very intelligent response, when he could have replied, "Glenn, you are a cheerleader for the Bush administration, who lied us into a war and has created more terrorists daily than I've had hot dinners. Why don't you prove to me that you aren't working with our enemies? You douchebag."

ELLISON: Well, let me tell you, the people of the Fifth Congressional District know that I have a deep love and affection for my country. There's no one who is more patriotic than I am. And so, you know, I don't need to -- need to prove my patriotic stripes.

BECK: I understand that. And I'm not asking you to. I'm wondering if you see that. You come from a district that is heavily immigrant with Somalians. And I think it's wonderful, honestly, I think it is really a good sign that you are a -- you could be an icon to show Europe, this is the way you integrate into a country. I think the Somalians coming out and voting is a very good thing. With that --

Yes, you are asking him to. You just did. Prefacing it with "what I feel like saying is" doesn't change the fact that you asked an American Congressman to prove he's not a terrorist because of his religion. Ass.

I'm still amazed that CNN is still spending money putting this sputtering, embarrassing blowhard on camera. "Prove you're not a terrorist." Christ.

Seriously, how do I get his job? Apparently, you don't need to know your ass from a hole in the ground to get on television these days.

Update: Heh. Thank you, David.

(Tip 'o the Energy Dome to Crooks & Liars. What ever happened to Baby Cross-post?)