The Age of Civility
Ann Althouse posted clips from a 1960's interview between Woody Allen and Billy Graham. The two men couldn't be more diametrically opposed in many of their views regarding life, religion and morality, yet the interview (recorded during one of Allen's Talk-Show episodes) is warm, witty and respectful on both sides.
You can tell that both of these men have very strong personalities and even stronger convictions, yet not one unkind word was uttered, no bombs were thrown, no condescending sneers or self-righteous indignation. Hell, the audience was even polite -- laughing and cheering when either man said something clever.
One of the many comments left at Althouse sums up the interview nicely: "Both men come off very well. Charming, funny, and enjoying each other's company. That was more fun than anything I've ever seen Letterman, Stewart, Colbert, or Maher do. It really is possible to disagree without being a jerk."
Amen to that. I could actually start to watch talk-shows and news analysis shows again if people learned to stop shouting at, and/or insulting, everyone who disagrees with their point of view.