Sorry, just to be clear: it's obvious that this is the position he is taking, but the substance of his reasoning, argument or rationale is lacking. The distinct

Sorry, just to be clear: it's obvious that this is the position he is taking, but the substance of his reasoning, argument or rationale is lacking. The distinction between the two contrasting positions we're discussing, which are both compatible with the text you highlighted, is what is unclear. It doesn't matter who he is: the idea he's advancing is fundamentally an anti-intellectual one. It would be an anti-intellectual idea even if it came out of Einstein's mouth. Edit in response to edit: sorry if my comments give the appearance of anger, that is sincerely not my intended tone. I am admittedly very passionate about the issue of anti-intellectualism in society.