www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Bill O'Reilly on Letterman 2009.03.31

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-KX8vY6LpU&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhotair.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F01%2Fvideo-oreilly-defends-limbaugh-from-letterman%2F&feature=player_embedded

I think Bill handled the interview really well, and acted like a gentleman. He refused to attack Letterman and was very gracious.

That's unusual for Bill O, but then I am a Keith fan. Bill O's treatment of Amanda Terkel seems to be the norm (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677#29868804)

I will refrain from saying what I think about Olbermann... at least during lent.

You know, I consider myself to be on the political left, outside of "life issues," and Bill O'Reilly is certainly obnoxious, but for some reason I kind of can't help but sort of like guy! He just doesn't "get my goat" like Hannity does.

Alexis

Olbermann seems to be the sharpest of the three (IN MY OPINION)and Bill O does set him self up to be knocked down. Some of Bill's posturing makes him a perfect target. I suspect people will give a pass to Bill O or Keith depending on their political leanings. All three of the named commentators (Olbermann, Hannity, or Bill O) have been known to slant facts in their favor despite protestations to the contrary on the part of supporters on either side of the fence.

FYI: Here's my interview this week with Bill O'Reilly (which was referenced on Olbermann's show Wednesday night):

http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/tvradio/42239547.html

--tim

Tim, thanks for the link. One question.. you saw my commentary. Why do you think Bill O is as able to maintain his positionin the ratings since he sometimes seems to stretch the truth (I guess they all do)? That piece he wrote in the Boston Globe, which is referenced in the link I posted, seems beyond the pale! How does he get away with making such outrageous statements?

The simple explanation is that O'Reilly tells his viewers what they want to hear. He offers comfort in a confusing and complicated world by defining things in simple terms of good guys and bad guys.

Olbermann does pretty much the same thing for his audience.

--tim

You know that makes sense. i wonder whether each audience realizes that?

I've only watched O'Reilly maybe 6 or 8 times and don't particularly care for his show but it's ok. I've heard his radio program a few times as well. I've never seen nor heard this mysterious violently rabid foaming at the mouth Bill O'Reilly. All I've ever seen is a very calm laid back guy.

So many times I've seen him described as his defining characteristic is that he throws screaming tantrums and is violent and unpredictable. From what I have seen this charge is completely and entirely unfounded.

I just felt like saying that.

And since when is David Letterman a political commentator? Seriously.