[Vinomori]

Meaning is the difference that it makes. If it makes no difference, it has no meaning. Sullivan is making a difference. Talbot is not. Talbot gets that on an intuitive level, but not intellectually. So he lashes out at the difference-maker.

[BillF]

So he lashes out at the difference-maker.

Well put.

I should have added that he gratuitously attacks Sullivan for being a Brit, a xenophobic attack. As if being a Brit disqualifies Sullivan from criticizing others.

Many of the most patriotic Americans are immigrants. They know from living elsewhere how great the U.S. is.