Behind the Bastards Part Two: The Ballad of Wally George
Oct 14, 2021
In this engaging conversation, Tom Reimann, co-founder of the Gamefully Unemployed Podcast Network, dives into the provocative career of Wally George. They explore George's confrontational style and its impact on media, discussing his legacy in the context of modern right-wing rhetoric. The duo reflects on George's personal journey from a stutterer to a sensationalist talk show host, and examines the toxic atmosphere he created during the Reagan era. There’s humor, insight, and a critical look at how his approach resonates with today's divisive media landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Desk Flip
- In 1983, Wally George provoked pacifist Blaze Bonpane into flipping his desk on live TV.
- This incident, widely televised, boosted George's notoriety and foreshadowed the rise of confrontational TV.
Cynicism vs. Conviction
- Wally George viewed the desk-flipping incident as an opportunity to create more sensational TV.
- This cynical approach to media marked a shift from earlier figures like Joe Pyne, who held genuine, albeit controversial, beliefs.
Homophobic Interview
- Wally George interviewed Larry Rice, a gay rights activist, and attacked him with homophobic slurs and misinformation about AIDS.
- The audience joined in, creating a hostile environment reminiscent of a "lynch mob."