[Kasept]

You need me to clarify 'taking an edge conventionally'? The term is meant to suggest that Levine may well be doing the kinds of things you suggested in terms of taking liberties within the confines of the rules.

As to what I try to do 'in racing', my first instincts are journalistic having been brought through my training early on as a newspaperman. But I will say that the radio show is designed to be entertainment first and foremost. As such, I try to deliver the news and hard factual elements of the game without turning it into an inquisition.

The show is designed to celebrate and promote the game as opposed to work to expose its' most seemly elements and act as an agent provocateur for change. I trust the ability of a good portion of the game's leadership charged with making the necessary adjustments in the industry. I encourage it as best I can, and don't believe I am in a position to act as the arbitor of who is good/bad or right/wrong in every circumstance. I try to bring the facts forward by providing access to as many people in the game as I can reach and let the fan/listener decide for themselves.

Personally, it's not necessarily relevant whether I care for Rick Dutrow, Steve Asmussen, Jess Jackson, etc., or not... But fans want to hear from them when appropriate, and I feel I have an obligation to be in position to bring them to the listeners. I can't do it if they refuse to come on the show.

Andy Serling and I had this discussion last year. If the show tends to make me come off more as Mike Douglas than Mike Wallace, I can live with that...