I think that people like Arnett, Natalie Maines (of the Dixie Chicks), and Michael Moore say the ridiculous things they say, not because they're bold and intrepid, but because they think there will be no consequences. And they think there will be no consequences because they think nearly everyone agrees with them. Michael Moore has said as much many times.
They have no idea just how far out on the fringes they are. They are surrounded by hundreds of people who all think/speak/write anti-war, anti-Bush diatribes for a living and they begin to think that only a tiny few small minded people must support the war in Iraq. They are quintessentially out of touch liberals.
See post #88.