Slate talks about the influence of TV sports shows on sports reporting. I generally agree, though I don’t think ESPN is to blame in particular (disclosure: I work for ESPN.com’s technology group). It’s a sign of the times. Don’t you think you can make the same argument about the writers who make regular appearances on CNN or Fox News or MSNBC? Robert Novak comes on Crossfire many days a week. That show is no better than Around the Horn in terms of discussion. I think at the end of the day, there’s little interest in resolving arguments and more interest in winning them. Which is fine in some situations, say sports or a debate. When we’re talking about what’s the right thing to do with social security, though, I’d rather talk to someone I disagree with who’s interested in coming up with solutions, not more rhetoric.