Arguing with Idiots

A recurring segment of Glenn Beck's national radio program involves question-and-answer sessions between Beck's stock character, "The Idiot," and show regulars Steve Burguiere and Pat Gray. This book is a compilation of those segments, encompassing social, political, and economic debates. Beck draws on more than 20 years of broadcast experience, giving his all in a vocal presentation that ranges from low-key to didactic to satirical. He's clearly having fun with the subject matter, and his inflections inspire both laughter and contemplation. Less expressive are Burguiere and Gray, who provide patient instructional performances in counterpoint. Abridgment yields a seamless linear progression; the print copy's scattershot approach is eliminated, with the exception of "ADD Moments," humorous asides inserted at timely intervals. A.Z.W. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine