I thought it was quite wonderful to hear these extraordinary writers talk randomly, spar over Moby Dick, agree that time goes in whatever direction the story requires.
You missed the point. People at the Times drone all day and night long. They pontificate and nag. Their non-complaining day of their week is usually Monday, when they're the happiest because they're the most miserable. It is no surprise that these dreadful personality characteristics bleed over into everything they do, including the above.
The competition here: which one jettisoned more intelligence when discussing matters political? I will only say that Amis is the most guilty of stooping. He is the one who declared war on cliche; for him, this evening was a lost battle in the war.
A competition for the least humorous and most droning voice. Amis saves himself with the seriousness of humour, but is equally simple as his co-panelists.
