Charles Blow is a CNN contributor, NYT columnist, and african american with a booming voice.  He is NOT kind in his assessment of 45.  He doesnt suffer fools wisely; particularly 45 supporters and their pretzel-ing attempts at justifying everything/whatever he does; generally plays by the rules, if there are any - will let 45 defenders talk without interrupting and will not allow them to interrupt/filibuster him, which seems to key strategy in their playbook on talking heads shows.   This of course makes him persona non grata among 45ers.  Personally, he reminds me a bit of James Baldwin.  Not sure about the birds of a feather remark, maybe start with they're both black? (LOL)