First time I've ever seen Leo Laporte lose his cool

[greggh]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsV-lgnAjps

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/06/ouch/

[Patrick]

Wow somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed yesterday. I think it's a valid question to ask if it was a freebie. Too many "tech journalists" are wined and dined by the likes of M$ and Apple and give glowing reviews and constantly gush about products that are rammed down consumers throats. Go read zdnet for an example of what I'm talking about. As for Leo, he needs to grow a thicker skin. All he had to do was say "yes the phone was a freebie". End of story.

[Claudio]

I'm quite shocked myself to see him lose his cool and even curse the guy out! But truly, it does seem like it hit a nerve. And if it hits a nerve, then there might be some truth to it. I wonder if many people are calling him out on the fact that he does seem to gush about a particular product before it's released. I do remember him talking up the G1, and then months later he said how much he hated it, especially during the Apple event where they touted the upcoming 3.0 firmware for the iPhone. He said he didn't find fault with Android, just the HTC phone itself. Still, I don't remember him being so negative during the release. Let's see what he says about the Pre once the 3.0 firmware and rumored iPhone is out.

[diazamet]

To be fair to Leo, he has said many times in the past that he doesn't accept freebies from companies and that all review products are returned. I don't think he was overboard, it wasn't like he was screaming and shouting.

[jturning]

That was a tantrum. He cursed, cut everyone off, and dropped the phone on the desk. Usually Leo is unflappable, so maybe he has something going on in his private life. Myself, I've thought that Leo has been getting out there lately. I can't listen to TWIT unless Dvorak is on. Leo has also been letting out his personal political views and liberal leanings, which I don't see much point for on a technology show. Here's hoping that Leo gets a reality check and gets back to what used to make him so great, good general knowledge and appreciation for all tech without so much bias.

Bugz

[Claudio]

That was a tantrum. He cursed, cut everyone off, and dropped the phone on the desk. Usually Leo is unflappable, so maybe he has something going on in his private life. Myself, I've thought that Leo has been getting out there lately. I can't listen to TWIT unless Dvorak is on. Leo has also been letting out his personal political views and liberal leanings, which I don't see much point for on a technology show. Here's hoping that Leo gets a reality check and gets back to what used to make him so great, good general knowledge and appreciation for all tech without so much bias.

Bugz

Agreed. Very well put.

[Chess]

I actually thought it was pretty funny and in a way I am glad Leo called out Mike Arrington. Mike is kind of a blowhard.

[Claudio]

Listening to TWiT today, you can tell that Leo is taking the whole thing lightly at this point. He kept joking around saying "Screw you!" to Calacanis and others in the panel at certain moments. He's definitely trying to downplay it by being lighthearted about it.

Though I have to admit, my favorite mashup was when Keyboard Cat came to save the day!

[Claudio]

Mike Arrington's response, along with a reply from Leo:
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/06/ouch/