[sideshowb]

Agreed on Chomsky's controversial influence on linguistics (I know a few linguists who have said this).

Also agree the point on talent in general.

In this specific case though I get the impression Chomsky is more highly regarded than most political scientists.

GP comment set the bar rather low by associating criticism of mainstream media with randoms on facebook. Regardless of whether you agree with him I think Chomsky safely exceeds that bar.