After having been deceived, lied to, and manipulated into reading a teleprompter script of outrageous statements, conservative Republican Joe Walsh responds to prankster and producer Sacha Baron Cohen in a CNN interview with Michael Smerconish on 14 July 2018.
Here are some selected statements about Cohen by Joe Walsh made during the interview:
“He’s a funny guy, and what he did to me was funny, and I’ll probably end up looking pretty stupid but that’s okay… we’ll probably all have a good laugh tomorrow night… I’ll probably laugh at myself.”
Over the years, Walsh has made some controversial and disturbing political statements. So, it’s easy to find some of his past comments and positions offensive or disturbing. Those who do not align with him politically will no doubt view him as an adversary. In this extended interview he comes across as someone with a sense of humor who is easy going and holds no grudges against those who criticize him.
This video is shared as part of our Leadership Series of videos and articles that portray positive values and virtues. Even if a person completely disagrees with Walsh’s political views, we can all agree that the manner in which Walsh handles this particular incident is exemplary. At a time when people are getting defensive and lashing out at critics, calling for people who express differing views to be put in prison, it’s refreshing to see someone dial down the rhetoric of retaliation. Additionally, a skillset that we all need to develop is the ability to see good in those we may disagree with.