Taking a spin at the wheel of the Hugh Hewitt Show last night was a rollicking good ride. I shared the studio in the first hour with The Big Trunk (Scott Johnson) from Power Line, James Lileks , and Mitch 'Marconi' Berg from Shot In The Dark.
Despite my passionate pleading that we devote all three hours to throwing down on Hugh, we carried on for the most part with the normal show schedule. Wednesday's usual lead off hitter Mark Steyn was unavailable which was disappointing to all of us, in particular James. We did have Steven Hayward on to discuss his new book on Jimmy Carter, and the incomparable Claudia Rosett, who wasn't on a cell phone in the back of a cab for a change. With four hosts in the studio and the guests only on for one segment, it was tough to get a word in edgewise. So I was perfectly content to sit back and let my esteemed colleagues let fly with the questions.
In the second hour Ed from Captain's Quarters took my place at the round table, and I relaxed in the luxurious Patriot Green Room while listening to the broadcast. The facilities are first class with a fully stocked bar, hors d'oeuvres table, leather recliners, a bank of flat screen TVs, and even a vintage 1984 Tempest video arcade game (Mitch insisted on it). And the full time massage therapist on call ain't bad either. Take it from me, Inga's got hands of gold. My only complaint? No Skittlebrau. Sure, they had a bag of Skittles and a six pack, but it just wasn't the same. My rider specifically calls for Skittlebrau and not having it available could have thrown me off my game. Fortunately I am a professional and was able to overcome it. But don't think you've heard the last of this one Jay Larson.
James headed home after the second hour (I think he's got a kid) and I was back in the saddle with Ed, Mitch, and Scott. The third hour was fun and fast paced. At least it was in the studio. We spoke with noted lefty blogger Matthew Yglesias, and engaged in what Scott aptly described as "inside blogball" conversation with him over his recent dust up with Charles Johnson from Little Green Footballs. It may not have been a topic of interest for 90% of Hugh's audience, but it did spur us into a wider discussion on the notion of Islam as a "religion of peace" and stirred things up a bit. Which ain't a bad thing.
John Podhoretz appeared as a guest as well, and he is shaping up to be one of Hugh's best regulars. After John we only had one segment left, and a couple of phone calls later we were done. It was amazing how fast the hour went by. Time does indeed fly when you're having fun.
And it was a helluva lot of fun. Working with Generalissimo Duane was a pleasure. He is a true radio professional and knows his craft well. He also has a tremendous sense of humor and, as often happens on our Saturday show, many of the best lines and much of the best conversation took place off the air during breaks. Best of all Duane played his own bumps, not the musical flotsam and jetsam that Hugh usually subjects his listeners to. Thank you Generalissimo.
Thanks also to Joe Hanson, local producer extraordinaire, to Patrick Campion and Jay Larson from the Patriot who allowed us to use the studio, and to my fellow Northern Alliance brethren, especially Mitch who did a stellar job guiding us through the rocky shoals of radio once again. And thanks to the listeners and callers (BTW where were the Monkeys?) who put up with us for two days. Those of you who live in the Twin Cities area and can't get enough of the Northern Alliance Radio Network should seek counseling immediately. And then tune in to AM-1280 The Patriot on Saturdays from noon until three.
I suppose I should thank the big guy who made it all possible as well. Thanks God.
Oh, you mean Hugh? Well, okay. Thanks Hugh for allowing us to host your show in spite of the risks and peril involved. You can now rest easy again. Here are your keys back Dad. Thanks for letting us drive. That scratch in the passenger side door was already there remember?
By the way...
...when are you going out of town again?
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