John Rothmann Finally Got It Right on Friday Night; Ukraine-Russia Topic on KGO; Saturday Schmooze

I RIP, yes I do. Even John Rothmann on KGO, for whom I've been pretty much supportive.

He was spot on last (Friday) night. One of his best shows. The talk, of course was the escalating crisis in Ukraine. It was two hours of very good analysis, a noticeable lack of lecturing (on Rothmann's part) and excellent callers.

I've never questioned Rothmann's expertise on politics and international affairs. He is in his element when it comes to what's taking place in Ukraine as Russia seems intent on its military purge of Kiev, the capital, and all parts of the country. Rothmann is at his best when he talks history and how it relates to the war taking place now, particularly Putin's activity. It's excellent and it's pointed.

My issues with John (and I've been hard, yes, I have, no regrets) is when he gets overly sanctimonius and lecturing, especially to callers whom he disagrees with. For a guy who has made his name on being fair to both sides, he is remarkably impatient with some callers who make their case. I happen to agree with Rothmann, for the most part, not just on this crisis, but politics in general. But when he gets frustrated, tight, angry with certain callers, he has a tendency to be a real bloated, almost bitter guy. It's not flattering and it can be downright rude, especially when Rothmann barks out, "sir, excuse me, sir, excuse me," a shouting vortex. Again, it's not becomming and Rothmann, lately, is all that and then some.

Part of my make-up is that I'm honest, even to those I regard as solid performers. Maybe I attack but I attack everyone, myself included. I'm hard on others, especially those I view as "appointment radio"--like a Rothmann on KGO. That doesn't mean I have to love him nonstop, 24/7. I've made fun of some of his personal habits of telling us all how many people he knows/knew. And he probably knows 'em all, I just don't have to like it; it's annoying and it reeks of arrogance and ego. Sorry, it's just me.

I'm also wary of people who constantly re-hash Trump and labor on and on and on...something Rothmann does almost every day and it's tiresome. Rothmann says because Trump is an ex-president his word means something, therefore, a justification for him (Rothmann) bringing his name up. Bull. Because Donald Trump doesn't give a damn about presidential decorum --why then should Rothmann, or maybe you all, for that matter? That's another topic.

I've teased Rothmann for showing faux, fake, outrage indignity. When you repeatedly shout "it's appalling" and you constantly rant your "outrage" every five minutes, it loses its effect. It deflates your own argument and trivializes it to the max. And when you tell certain people it sounds great, for radio and shtick purposes, it becomes tedious, predictable and tiresome. That's an element to Rothmann's repertoire that I don't enjoy and so, I call him out. He's not perfect, neither am I. Again, it's just me. But I'm consistent.

Last night was enjoyable radio. It was helped by very interesting callers and Rothmann's back and forth was devoid of some of my major irritants. It was a good exchange and remarkably listenable. The calls (and information they put forth) were downright extraordinary at times. A guy, whose visited Ukraine and seemed to know how Putin works, made excellent, salient points. Rothmann let him talk. KGO sounded like the old KGO and Rothmann was in his element. Yeah, there's no place he'd rather be. For a change, that was good.