So - lets continue the public versus private fight right here on my blog.
The interview with Francis Collins is available here (http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/?lnk=v&ml_video=79238).
The interview with Craig Venter is available here (http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/?lnk=v&ml_video=82848)
I will refrain from commenting but I would like to solicit comments from others --- pretend this was a debate. Who won?
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In response to Chris G's comment I am posting pictures of Ned Flanders and Hunt Willard
Well, they really didn't cover the same material -- it would have been interesting if they had; I don't imagine Craig would be very impressed by Francis' book even if there wasn't already bad blood between them.
ReplyDeleteOh come on ... you can make a decision. It's not like Gore vs Bush covered the same material in any of their public "debates." I vote for Craig as the winner here ... mostly because Colbert makes more fun of Francis than of Craig. Craig seemed unusually stiff on the show - like someone told him back stage that it is funnier if he plays it straight.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's pretty clear that the real Colbert (as opposed to the religious right-wing character he's playing) prefers Craig. But that's pretty understandable -- Francis is sort of a life action version of Ned Flanders and that's rather creepy.
ReplyDeleteBut Craig did seem pretty stiff - your idea that it may have been just an act is interesting; I thought he was just nervous.
Oh my god that's it - Ned Flanders.
ReplyDeleteCan you really compare an interview carried out in a plastic manger scene to one carried out at your average card table? The Collins interview was much more entertaining, and I think it was longer also.
ReplyDeleteI just watched both videos. Craig was not his usual. I agree, a bit stiff and appeared unconfortable. He didn't do a good job at explaining what he was about. Francis Collins on the other hand appeared a bit more relaxed, he definitively "believe" in what he says! I have to give him the win (while I disagree with him on this one).
ReplyDeleteBy the way, definitively Ned Flanders!! Thanks Jonathan B. I won't be able to get this out of my mind when I meet with him later in April!
Oh I know they are not totally comparable in the style or length of the interview. But it is still fun to compare
ReplyDeleteNo way -- everyone knows that Hunt Willard at Duke is the true Ned Flanders of genomics. Jon, I suggest you do a side-by-side picture for everyone, and they will see the truth.
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought the same thing for both interviews, which was "why does anyone agree to go on this show???"
Well, I will try to get the pictures.
ReplyDeleteBut why go on the show? Because all publicity is good apparently.