I think that the composition of a list of people 'holding obviously false beliefs' depends in large part on who is making the list.

Agreed.

For example, I was expecting James D. Watson to be on the list.

Disagree.

His comments where mostly accurate as far as sloppy human statements go. However he was foolish to agree to the interaction without properly testing his social skills and compiling a full list of taboos one must never touch when talking to seemingly benign and amicable journalists (subset of humans, the ones that are still alive aren't always benign).

Others may disagree.

Which is why you have chosen an excellent example. You, Dan Moore, must be the pride of [subject hometown here]!