WGN TV Host, Penn Jillette Clash Over 'Atheist Holiday'

By Jon Graef in News on Nov 9, 2013 8:30PM

To promote his new book, Every Day Is An Atheist Holiday, iconic magician, comedian, TV host and racontour Penn Jillette appeared on WGN-TV for a discussion. After an introduction, WGN host Robin Baumgarten pushed him a bit about whether the title of his book is angry. In short, Jillette didn't back down, which is such an usual characteristic from the former host of "Bullshit."

Not to tip our own sympathies, but Baumgarten gives a pitifully wishy-washy answer when Jillette defends the premise and intentions of his book: "It just makes it seem like people celebrating a regular holiday isn't cool, doesn't it?" Baumgarten said. (As if a solemn, dignified Ramadan is Baumgarten's idea of Chicago's hippest hang?).

Jillette then proceeds to advocate a cheerful, even downright romantic, take on life: "Every day is a day that we're full of life. We're with our families, we see sunrises, sunsets. We eat, we breathe, we have art. It's a total, total celebration of every single day. Calling someone who loves every day of their life angry seems a little bit odd."

Since when did Penn Jillette turn into Stuart Smiley? This is actually kind of awesome, because Jillette can be gruff and abrasive at times. (Which, admittedly, are also the same qualities that make him compelling as a performer.)

On the other hand, as Steve Rhodes points out:

Penn is playing it a little coy; his book title is not without subtle antagonization, implying that atheists don't need holidays based on myths to celebrate life (and that they celebrate life every day, not just on artificially proscribed days).

In a follow-up segment, Robin Baumgarten says, "I really didn't mean anything. I don't know how that got [ugly]." That's the problem right there. If Baumgarten meant something, then she might actually have asked a question with some actual...well, meaning.

Watch the segments here: