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I actually did call in to a syndicated right-leaning talk show about
global warming - twice to the same show in fact several months apart.
Here's some advice I would give if you think of doing it yourself
1) Realize that the playing field is NOT AT ALL FAIR. This is like a
verbal boxing match where your opponent has been training for years. Not
only that, he is also the referee - so he can "call time-out" at any time
(by going to commercial or simply cutting you off). Both times I called
in, I eventually ended up talking to myself while he went on to
pontificate on the air. Furthermore, he most likely has a staff that can
be googling things to feed to him.
2) Listen to the show. The hosts have typical "gotcha" tricks and
debating tactics that they tend to use. Be aware of these and be ready
for them.
3) Hosts are no dummies -- they have to be intelligent and driven and
informed and driven to talk articulately for hours a day. Don't assume
that your PhD and 20 years of teaching experience will make you able to
out-talk them on the air.
4) Try to keep on topic. This was one of the lessons I learned on-air. I
wanted to "teach" the host and audience, but he wanted to score points by
finding something that he could use to show his audience that he was
better and brighter than me.