How is critizing Falwell's comments equivalent to attaching Falwell's freedom of speech? Did he call for Falwell to be muzzled? Did he call for Falwell's right to speak to be taken away? No, so Cronkite didn't attack Falwell's freedom of speech, he critized the content of Falwell's speech, which is entirely proper.
Where was Cronkite’s wrath when a professor in New Mexico lamented that the whole Pentagon was not destroyed or the elementary school teacher who lamented to the students that the President was not killed?
Cronkite's criticism of Falwell and of anyone else stands alone. It's validity doesn't stand or fall on who else he may or may not have critized. If you have to criticize everyone to criticize anyone, then no one would be able to criticize anyone.
And, practically, comments (if they were actually made, and not some urban legend) such as are described have limited circulation, and haven't got nearly the impact as Jerry Falwell speaking on a national form such as the "700 Club". Thus, his comments are worthy of more note.
If atheist Cronkite knew anything, then he would know that the Islamicists expressly disavow that they are worshiping the same god. Why should we not take them at their word? They are clearly worshiping Satan. But as an atheist, it's unlikely Cronkite has studied religious teachings close enough to know the difference...until now anyways as he poses the rhetorical question. And on whose side conclude to be abominable? The Christian? So Cronkite is more sympathetic to the 'poor' Osama Bin Ladens of the world and their Religion of Peace. TM. Typical communist cadre member.