I saw bordain as a judge on Top Chef. He is an arrogant, self-absorbed SOB.
He probably just made these statements because he thinks he should be head of the Cooking channel.
Bourdain is a complicated individual.
I've followed all of his books and television shows since 2000. He's a liberal, arrogant, self-absorbed SOB, who also making scathing and to-the-point remarks about liberals and leftists, and who is frequently self-loathing and more than frequently self-effacing.
He seems to get along with just about everybody in person (particularly if the ethnic alcoholic beverage is around), despite their political views. He certainly had a good time with Ted Nugent, and Ted Nugent seemed to have a good time with him.
If I had the choice of spending one day with him sampling foreign restaurants or cooking with Paula Deen (I turn off Paul Deen within fifteen seconds), I'd pick Bourdain. But I think one day would be as much as I could handle.
And the difference between Bourdain and Deen is that Bourdain is/was a chef (CIA trained). Deen is a cook.