I saw that interview and really dont think he got "pwned" but I do think Hitchens comes off as a elitist snob as usual who sounded more learned.
Not that I don't doubt Mr Hitchens expertise on American history but he picks and chooses his facts during that discussion and it's a bummer Blackwell wasn't totally informed about those facts and had any good quality responses that counter his argument from Thomas Jefferson himself.
c'est la vie
Hitchens in a drunk and an obnoxious jerk, but it's difficult to question his intellect or debate skills. There aren't a lot of people that come off looking great when going one-on-one with Hitchens.
I must say that I was amused several weeks ago when Hitchens and some rapper almost came to blows on the Bill Maher show.