Reza Aslan/ Lauren Green: FOX With the Sound Off

As Karl Rove famously said, “politics is TV with the sound off.”

In chronological order, I like how the first screenshot captures Aslan’s surprise and comprehension over what he’s in for in the FOX ambush. Of course, Green’s presentation here is pretty limited — the way  you’re only going to get a certain range from a prosecuting attorney.

What’s more interesting in the face of the disrespect is how nimble and “fresh” Aslan remains. Rather than becoming overly defensive or offensive, terse or tight, what you see below is a surprising breadth. In the mix, according to what he’s specifically hearing and trying to process or address at any one instant, you can see frustration, skepticism, amusement, surprise or curiosity … and, yes, actual attention. Moreover, though — and this is phenomenally rare to observe in these cable sound-bite sessions, even if the interviewer isn’t delivering an epic example of religious hate mongering and character assassination — what Aslan expresses is respect for the platform and remarkable earnestness. Good for Aslan.

(Full video via FOX)