C-Span Host Steve Scully Listens Patiently As Three Callers Go On Racist Rants

C-SPAN political editor and Sunday morning call-in host Steve Scully is widely respected among the political media for his fair and “evenhanded” approach to politics. And that evenhandedness was on clear display Thursday as Scully hosted a call-in to discuss the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Civil Rights Act — and three callers embarked on tirades against black people.

Scully barely batted an eye as one caller, “Thomas” from Maryland,” told him that “the blacks have brought on most of their present-day problems themselves.”

In fact, the C-SPAN personality didn’t even need to ask how “the blacks” had supposedly brought on their own problems. The caller was already teed up with an answer.

“They insult white people!” said the caller. “I heard it right on your own show, I heard some black call Karl Rove a ‘white boy.’ And I don’t think that’s right. They’re attacking white people in the big cities and we’re supposed to put up with that kind of stuff and like them and say, ‘Well, come into our neighborhood.’ And how about the discussion of the black crime that goes on in this country?”

Scully then asked the caller if he had ever experienced discrimination.

“Yes, because I am of Irish descent I have felt it,” said “Thomas.”

None of this caused Scully, whose own surname would seem to indicate that he too is of Irish descent, to so much as alter his neutral facial expression.

The following caller identified himself as over 80 years old and from Ohio, and made an argument in favor of “white pride,” again provoking no visible reaction from the poker-faced host.

“No country has ever created more things for the betterment of mankind’s living than the caucasian race that came from Europe and I’m sick and tired — as an octogenarian — hearing all this bad-mouthing of white people,” said the Ohio caller. “It’s time for white men to start standing up because there’s all kinds of groups for other races. And I think it’s time for white pride…. No country in the world has produced what the white man has produced for every culture and race in America.”

Finally, Scully remained stoic as one more caller offered his opinion on the subject of race relations in America.

“The white man has done more for the black man in this country,” said the caller, “Terry” from North Carolina. “I think the black man owes the white man a thank you.”

Steve Scully wrapped up that conversation with the succinct comment, “OK, Terry from North Carolina.” Watch video of Steve Scully in action during the three callers’ rants, above.