Here's where your debate falls apart because you presuppose that Moore's positions are at the far end of the political spectrum. When you go back and analyze his position about Iraq now that we have the luxury of hindsight, those stances now appear to be very Centrist or almost Libertarian. In addition, the view that our health care system is horribly broken is held by a great deal of the country.

What I believe you're falling prey to is the fact that the neo-cons so moved our political ideology to one side that the center became the far left. A good example of this happened here in the Phoenix area where a talk show host (Charles Goyette) with a very successful show on a right wing radio station and who's ideology is best described as a combination of conservative/libertarian, was ceremoniously dumped because he took an anti-Iraq War stance.

He was attacked viciously by his right wing counterparts as a liberal in sheep's clothing and a coward. The only station that would hire him was the local affiliate of Air America and his reasoned and fair assessment of world events helped make that station palatable.

It's just like how I'm certain my defense of Moore probably convinces many on here that I'm a card carrying liberal and yet that couldn't be farther from the truth. However, if I align myself with a position that is supported by most liberals, then I'm proud of the label - on that issue.

Your pigeon-holing of what you consider extremist is a bit patronizing actually and I'd love to see someone with the wit and wisdom of Michael Moore debate you on most issues of the day. My guess is he'd wipe the floor with you, not because he's right but because he's a seasoned chess player able to read more than the black and white of an issue and see into the soul and humanity of the participants.

I imagine what bothers you more about someone like him has less to do with the positions he takes but more about how successfully he is able to connect with real people and get his views heard. Sounds like some jealousy there.

Art