You Poor Atheist!': Fiery Hannity on 'War on Christmas' Panel

An intense debate over the so-called "War on Christmas" broke out Friday night between American Atheists President David Silverman and television host Sean Hannity.

Image source: American Atheists

Hannity accused Silverman's atheist activist group, which recently erected a billboard in New York City's Times Square that asked "Who needs Christ during Christmas?" of wanting "to poke people in the eye."

"No, the intention is to raise awareness of the fact that Christmas is better without the religion," Silverman responded, before Hannity quickly added that "Christmas isn't Christmas without the religion."

They also went on to debate ESPN's recent ban -- and reversal -- on a Catholic hospital's commercial and the removal of a nativity at Shaw Air Force Base.

Debate intensified as the segment progressed.

"Are you really that offended? Does it really bother you if somebody says Merry Christmas? Do you really feel like you have to cross out Christ?" Hannity asked.

Silverman replied, "It's about spreading the word that religion is not necessary and is in fact a negative force in the world."

Speaking over one another, Hannity asking whether Silverman is truly offended by a nativity's presence on public land, and Silverman said he is, indeed, offended by what he sees as government favoritism of Christianity.

"Oh, you poor victim. You poor innocent victim. You poor atheist!" Hannity said sarcastically.

Watch it below:

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Featured image via American Atheists

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