Transcript for this week’s episode of “America This Week,” in which Walter and I discuss the sudden shift in Ukraine, the specter of a new speech law in Ireland, and James Joyce’s “Araby”:
Matt Taibbi: Hello, welcome to America This Week. I’m Matt Taibbi.
Walter Kirn: And I’m Walter Kirn.
Matt Taibbi: Walter, I have improved equipment.
Walter Kirn: Not only that, you have an improved backdrop. Instead of Rolling Stone posters hanging askew on your wall, and a drum kit that makes you look like you’re an extra in Wayne’s World.
Matt Taibbi: I am an extra in Wayne’s World. That was me doing this in the movie.
Walter Kirn: Have you seen the effect of you in front of the red curtain? Have you-
Matt Taibbi: Yes.
Walter Kirn: It’s kind of iconic, Matt. It’s kind of a troll, actually. I mean-
Matt Taibbi: I dig it.
Walter Kirn: ... if there was a little star on that curtain or something, it would be better, but-
Matt Taibbi: I’ve got a neon sign coming, Walter. It’s going to get better.
Walter Kirn: You look like state media. You look like state media in a state that I would try to emigrate from.
Matt Taibbi: Yeah. I was talking to my wife last night and I was like, “It’s a little bit like strip club meets Mobutu Sese Seko or something like that,” right? It’s got a little... Or maybe Malaysia. I don’t know. What’s the country I’m going for here? I guess it would have to be a communist one, right?
Walter Kirn: Red China, dude.
Matt Taibbi: China? Yeah. China.
Walter Kirn: No, you look like a captured airman. You look like the Manchurian candidate.
Matt Taibbi: Awesome.
Walter Kirn: Yeah, if Laurence Harvey had stayed in North Korea and made broadcasts.
Matt Taibbi: Walter, you’re the kindest, gentlest, warmest man I’ve ever met. Did I get that line right? Yeah, I can’t remember. It makes me laugh every time I see it, so...
