Caller Defends Boris Johnson's Article To James O'Brien... Without Reading It

7 August 2018, 11:31

This listener phoned James O'Brien to back Boris Johnson's article... but when questioned, was forced to admit that he hasn't actually read it.

And instead of backing down, the caller decided to double-down on his argument. And it didn't end well for him.

Nick in Maidenhead insisted: "I don't think that Boris's motivation was to attack Muslim women. I think what he was doing was to attack the suppression of women in certain old-fashioned aspects of a particular religion."

But after one question, he was forced to admit: "I didn't actually read the article. I'm pretty sure Boris isn't a racist."

James then interrupted: "But your basis for believing that, you've just told us, is completely false. You said you didn't realise what he actually said, but you've rung in to defend it."

Nick then claimed that James's negative view of Boris Johnson was clouding his view.

James responded: "It's not prejudice, it's entirely evidence based. Give me an example of a prejudice and I'll give you the evidence to back it up."

When Nick claimed James disagreed with Boris's politics, James's response was electric: "It's not about politics. I disagree with breaking electoral law and he was very high up in an organisation which did it.

"I disagree with fascism and racism. Steve Bannon tells people they should wear the accusation of racism with pride. Boris Johnson considers him to be suitable company.

"I disagree with comparing human beings, who have committed no crime, to criminals. Or indeed to inanimate objects like letter boxes. Boris Johnson has done it.

"You've rung in to defend him and the first words that came out of your mouth was that you hadn't read the words that you rung in to defend.

"This is embarrassing for both of us now."

Watch the brilliant exchange at the top of the page.