Earlier this morning, NewsBusters publisher and Media Research Center (MRC) president Brent Bozell sat down with C-SPAN's Libby Casey for an interview on "Washington Journal."
Among other topics, Bozell addressed media coverage of the Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona) shooting.
"Where's the harm in having this discussion about civil discourse?" Casey asked Bozell.
"I think it's a very good discussion, don't get me wrong.... But don't tie it to what happened [in Arizona]," Bozell answered. "Don't say it's because Sarah Palin and the crosshairs [on her PAC's targeted midterm race map]."
For the excerpt, check out the video embedded below the page break or click here for .
"When you use words like that, 'liberal sickos' and language that has its own punch to it, are you adding to the negativity in [political] dialogue?" Casey asked Bozell, referring to a recent press release critical of media coverage.
"I'm going to respond when someone in the press suggests that I'm responsible for this, that the movement I believe in is responsible," Bozell countered.
The NewsBusters publisher agreed that political discourse has deteriorated "on both sides," before sharing a story about his friendship with Sam Donaldson, a liberal journalist whom he personally respects but with whom he has many political disagreements.
"Always professional, never personal," Bozell recalled Donaldson's motto regarding political debate. "If we can all remember that... then that resolves everything."
