You can’t have a political discussion in this country without talk of “bipartisanship” rearing its head… and one might think that’s a good thing. I mean, doesn’t bipartisanship mean we all get along? We share our toys and join hands and sing songs around a camp fire and get things done?

Um, yeah, not so much.

In the real world, true reach-across-the aisle politicians are as much a myth as unicorns and “I’m not gay, I’m bisexual” men.

Never has that proven more true than in the currently-unfolding debate over health-care reform. And so far, no one in the media has done a better job of clarifying the difference between what republicans say and what they mean than MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, who is increasingly becoming that formerly-trustworthy network’s lone voice of reason among the howlers (Chris Matthews) and ranters (Keith Olbermann).

So without further ado, take it away, rachel…

If heaven gets television, Walter Cronkite must be weeping about what passes for so-called news or even intelligent debate in this country. And while in the past these words would have signaled my intent to go on a Fox-bashing, O’Reilly roasting rant, my target tonight is actually — and it pains me to say this — MSNBC in general, and HARDBALL in particular.

During the 2008 election cycle, MSNBC became my go-to place for political coverage as the various programs offered seemed to be in touch with my political leanings, which are obviously to the left.

But with the elections over, MSNBC has taken an increasingly nasty turn toward the same guest-blasting, name-calling, intelligence-insulting blather than can be found on Fox News. The clip below — in which HARDBALL guest host Lawrence O’Donnel shouts at, talks over and eventually slanders Republican Congressman John Culberson of Texas.

It would be disturbing enough to think that this is what political discourse had devolved into, but what is particularly bothersome  is the fact that for weeks now, MSNBC has relentlessly covered the outbreaks of disruptive behavior occuring at town hall meetings across the country. The network’s hosts have taken a superior tone in talking down to both those who have disrupted the meetings and, more specifically, the Fox News hosts whom they accuse of causing the tone and tenure of debate in this country to become damn-near riotous.

Hypocritical much, MSNBC?

For months, Keith Olbermann used COUNTDOWN to bash the journalistic integrity of THE O’REILLY FACTOR’s host, accusing him of ambushing, attacking and generally disrespecting guests (all of which O’Reilly regularly does). But doesn’t MSNBC lose the ability to sit atop a high horse if it continues to allow its own hosts to mimic the antics of those it spends so much time taking to task?

More importantly, if the newsmen who are responsible for informing the public and the politicians elected to represent us allow their conversations to devolve into shouting matches, how, exactly, does that help the people of this country make informed decisions? For that matter, how does it do anything but bring down the national intelligence level, not to mention muddy the already murky waters of political discourse?

MSNBC has dubbed itself “The Place For Politics.” If tonight’s episode of HARDBALL was an indication of the level of integrity and intelligence we can expect in the future, they might want to consider rebranding themselves as “The Place For Obfuscation.”

If you’re going to talk the talk, you’d best be prepared to walk the walk. But if, like Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity, you’re going to make a mockery of serious issues or, worse, make promises you have no intention of keeping, it’s time for us to stop listening to what you have to say.

Last week, during an interview with Charles Grodin, Hannity — who insists that waterboarding is not torture — declared almost glibly that he would willingly undergo the process, which is basically a simulated drowning. Further pressed by Grodin — and realizing he might well have gotten in over his head, so to speak — Hannity then sputtered, “I’ll do it for charity… I’ll do it for the troops’ families.”

Shortly thereafter, MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann offered to pony up $1,000 for every second that Hannity lasted while being waterboarded. Further, the host of Countdown said that he would double the total donation when, after being waterboarded, Hannity admitted to fearing for his life and conceded that the “enhanced interrogation technique” is, in fact, torture.

Of course, Hannity has completely ignored the offer, which has been repeated by Olbermann and covered by other news outlets since first it was put forth. 

Hannity recently declared that “journalism is dead in America but for Fox and talk radio and Matt Drudge.” Tthis is somewhat ironic coming from a man whose website features “Hannidate,” a “place where people of like conservative minds can come together to meet,” which seems to fall somewhat outside the scope of “journalism.” But in any case, if Hannity wanted to prove himself a true practitioner of the trade — or even a “political commentator” worth his salt — he needs to accept Olbermann’s challenge. 

Of course, that’s not about to happen.

 I make no bones about the fact that I watch Hannity and his fellow Fox bloviators for amusement and as a way of remaining up-to-date on those I consider my ideological enemies. And while I’ll defend to the death Hannity’s right to say anything he pleases, it’s also my right to try and convince others that as a public commentator, he should be held accountable for his words. So until Hannity either admits to being a coward, concedes waterboarding is torture or actually undergoes the process, it’s time for him to shut up… and us to tune out. Because there’s no point in listening to the words of a man who doesn’t have the courage of his supposed convictions.