In a part of the country where Michele Bachmann is considered (by some) to be a defender of the American "way" and where whole milk is considered (by most) a spice, Leonard's talk with Pat Cooper has been an enjoyable cocktail of vinegar, onion and halitosis.

Pat Cooper does have a right to his anger. However, does he need to keep using the media to express it? Pat Cooper for years has been the one to publically mock his family and make excuses for his actions. It's one thing to do it as part of his comedy act but as part of an interview....... it is just classless. If you truly listen, Pat Cooper has been the one casting judgment. Maybe he is the one who should get off the “insane judgment wagon" as you call it and finally accept responsibility for HIS part in it all.

To Ag from NJ...maybe you need to listen to that part again, and perhaps read a book his son wrote about his relationship with his father called "Dear Pat Cooper". I don't care what anyone says, the interview was so abrasive,and it seems like his shtick IS from his personal life! And as I said, at 80 something, you'd think a person would have mellowed by then!

does it occur to anyone that some people's kids are so alienated from a spouse that "abandoning" is the default imposed choice. and maybe, he had more than a little to do with it,but i ask, whose interest and benefit is served by casting him as the bad guy. even people within a family, have distorted perception. how you all stand at a distance, and assume a posture of moral rectitude, is beyond me. if, there is, genuine anger there,does he, not unlike, any other human, have a right to it ? he did exist, before he got married and had children,did he not. so lets assume, that we can't ever fully know what happened back then, could you then, try and be reasoned,and get off the insane judgement wagon.

As the saying goes.. "Many a truth is said in jest". Sorry to say it isn't all his "schtick".
Pat Cooper really is angry at the world. No matter what the situation you still don't abandon your children.

very easy to denigrate someone,when you don't know their personal situation. he may very well, have been in an impossible marital situation.
as for the "anger" don't you see it's his schtick.
geez...............

I have to say that after many yrs of being a fan of Pat, this interview completly turned me off. Why at 80 something is he still so angry? I thought after that many yrs of being on this earth you've learned lessons and tend to mellow out a bit. And the bit about his family was attrocious! He admitted to the world that he just up and left his family, but then said he was rite around the corner trying to justify it? Sorry Pat, u lost my respect! Maybe its time to grow up at 80!

lenny my father grew up with Pat Copper on the streets he mentioned.Jellybeans my father says of Pat that he was a gentleman and would let the younger kids use his club for events.my father also mentioned he wasn't a wiseguy just a funny guy in a candy store.

The title of Paul Simon's song describes it best....Still Crazy After All These Years! Sadly, Pat Cooper remains the same angry man he was his entire life. He is still making excuses for his inability to be a father to his bilogical children and for deserting his family.Once again he relentlessly professes his perceived life's persecutions. If you want the real story read his son's book Dear Pat Cooper, that is the only one that tells the truth.

It was refreshing to hear someone who is so free that he doesn't need to hold anything back. After all the stilted showbiz "interviews" filled with answers that have been rehearsed with publicists, Pat Cooper was a real breath of fresh air.

Re: Pat Cooper. Too bad you just couldn't draw him out....

Among the torrent of pebbles, there were a lot of pearls. "Comedians used to be like jazz musicians." Cooper himself spouts sheets of words, like Coltrane blew sheets of notes.

NIce to think that if I make it to 82, I will be able to say anything. Cooper seems liberated by not having to care.

I guess some of your listeners found Mr. Cooper too unlike a "typical Lopate guest".

--Paul J. Bosco
Manhattan

Who on earth was that man? I understand he's a comedian. I heard no evidence of that in this interview.

That was excruciating....

The person who booked him should be docked a day's pay.

Lenny's crack about Pat's daughter set me off searching for what that meant.

Here's an old Howard Stern interview with Pat and Pat's kids calling in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVPeDCR3jy0

I'm so stressed out listening to him, too! I can't stand the sound of his voice anymore! I had to turn it off!!!!

Bippity boppity boop! And a bada bing! Heez a hyuman been! Don't trow me a bone, gimme a part I can sink my teet inta.

Wow...I'm going to need a nap after this! Leonard...thanks for one of the most unique interviews I have heard in a while. Love him or hate him, Pat Cooper has lived one heck of life.

What an ass.

Where's the funny??? What the hell? Does this guy go around this angry and nonsensical every day? I can hear the spittle from his mouth flying in the studio!

Get ready Leonard, this guy is going to drop dead of a heart attack any minute!

oh come on everyone! it's a different style. be open. i think it's ok

How dare you have Pat Cooper! (just kidding) Poor Leonard. Hang in!

Pat was always unbearable when he was on Howard Stern, and he still is.

This dude is a crack up.
(Surprising he has so many enemies in show business...)

Hey, Lenny, tell the Jerry Lewis story!

Where was Pat born and what is that accent? Brooklyn?

He's considered a comedian?!? Uhm, I don't get it...

Mr.Cooper sounds a tiny bit hysterical and strident. It's hard to hear the content through the shouting.

What an abrasive jerk...another example of an idiot who sez everything that pops into his head.

This is one of the most bat**** things I have ever heard. BTW, what is wrong with eating macaroni? ;)

Pat is funny, but exhausting.

WTF!!!????

What an abrasive jerk...another example of an idiot who sez everything that pops into his head.

I've met Pat Cooper and he's an even angrier jerk in person than he is on radio. This is not an act.

Good grief. Is he as scary in person as he is over the air?

LoL have ALWAYS loved ya, but: angry much, Pat?? Lenny, you should put him on with the delightful Jerry Lewis. But stand back.

Thank God for the mute button.

HOLD ON, Leonard!!!!

HILARIOUS. Keeping it real, huh? Love it.

Ack. He's stressing me out just listening to him!