Posted on 03/12/2005 12:30:26 AM PST by txradioguy
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
When Bill O'Reilly got started with his Fox News Channel show a few years ago, he shot from the hip, called a spade a spade and generally seemed to be the kind of freewheeling, independent news guy for whom Americans had been waiting.
He built up his audience, wrote best-selling books, launched a nationally syndicated newspaper column and tried to make it as a radio talk-show host as well.
But, more and more lately, any time I turn on his show, I'm left scratching my head wondering what this man actually believes. And, more importantly, does he believe what he says?
For instance, I happened to be watching "The O'Reilly Factor" Tuesday, Feb. 1. I even wrote about it at the time because I found his illogic so stunning. In a conversation with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, O'Reilly said: "This Ward Churchill guy now – I'm – you and I disagree on this. I don't think he should be fired, but you do. Tell me why."
The next night, I heard the following during his "Talking Points Memo" – a fully scripted segment of the show – about the tenured University of Colorado professor, who, among many other offenses, characterized 9-11 victims as "little Eichmanns": "We've held him accountable for his rhetoric, but we don't want him any harm. I even said the man shouldn't be fired from his job because a country as strong as we are can tolerate even him."
But, of course, that was February.
I happened to catch him one month later, Thursday, March 3, and I could scarcely believe what I was hearing, once again in the scripted "Talking Points Memo":
Now Churchill's viewpoint is just hateful. He believes the USA is an evil country and terrorists are justified in attacking civilians. Again, in my view, Churchill's simply a traitor, a disgrace to the University of Colorado, a man to be scorned ...
... There's nothing more I can do regarding this guy Churchill. The man has defined himself and there's no doubt where he stands. Now it's up to the University of Colorado to deal with him.
Clear-thinking Americans have already rejected Churchill's hatred. And no person should confront the man in any way. Shun him. Don't insult the freedom Americans have died for by doing anything else.
The story is not about Churchill any more. It's about the people who enable him. What say you, University of Colorado?
Now, isn't Bill O'Reilly clearly calling for the firing of Ward Churchill for exactly the same offense on which he was defending his tenure the previous month?
Yes?
Don't get me wrong. I'm happy that Bill O'Reilly has come around on the Ward Churchill issue. But wasn't he, too, part of the enabling mentality that has protected this scum for the last 30 days? Where does he get off being impatient with the University of Colorado? Just a few weeks ago, O'Reilly was advising the university not to fire him. Now he's wondering why he's still working there?
Is this an isolated example of an inexplicable flip-flop?
No.
O'Reilly does it night after night. It's embarrassing. Somebody could write a book about this pathological irrationality. Somebody probably will.
Now maybe you can get away with that kind of illogic and inconsistency when you're the up-and-comer challenger on an up-and-coming challenger cable news network. But O'Reilly years ago established his show as No. 1 on the No. 1 cable news network.
Isn't it time for a higher standard?
Here's my theory on why O'Reilly does this sort of thing – and I think I'm right.
O'Reilly at first defends Churchill's teaching career at the University of Colorado because he desperately wants the flunky professor to appear on his show. When it becomes clear, in about a month, that's not going to happen, O'Reilly goes to the nuclear option.
I've seen it before. During the presidential election, O'Reilly told an incredulous nation that he didn't know for whom he was going to vote. He even blasted the righteous Swift Boat Vets. He was trying to get John Kerry on his show.
You see, it's all about guests with O'Reilly. His ideology is ratings.
Maybe the story is not about Bill O'Reilly any more. Maybe it's about the people who enable him. What say you, Fox News Network?
IMHO Bill's ego is outta control.
Bill is a poll-driven populist. He'll find a subject, take a look at public opinion on the issue, and take the prevailing majority opinion and adopt it as his own in order to boost ratings.
That helped change Bill's mind I feel sure.
But Farah IS accurate in highlighting the pattern that BO follows.
Talks nice trying to get the interview then turns on the person when they refuse to come on.
Joseph:
Bill O'Reilly is a male feminist and a fascist identity group pusher. That was obvious from the beginning and even more obvious after the scandal.
Mr. O'Reilly lost me a couple of years ago when he had an obsession with the 'White Prom' in Georgia. Yes I still watch his show from time to time but in no way am I the loyar viewer I was.
Sometimes I agree with O'Reilly, sometimes I don't. This reporter seems to be obsessing about him.
The big O nailed .
He really does play that game. And he try's to play the middle way to much. No fun to watch a waffler.
I agree. The bum has the moral compass of a wet noodle.
Suffice to say -- in a combat situation, I certainly would not want O'Reilly as my wingman! I tune everything out on Fox after Brit, in late afternoon.
As an aside--How would you like to go to bed with a good hangover and awaken in the morning with the Gretchen creature beside you in the sheets?
A dead sure way to ruin a whole year, I say!!!
"And he try's to play the middle way to much. No fun to watch a waffler."
Yeah he stirs the pot...kicks the hornet's nest what ever you wanna call it...then when the teeth are gnashing and the fur is flying...he holds his hands up leans back and tries to convince us that "hey I'm just looking out for the American people"
riiiiiiiight.
Ann handed him his hat, but the thought is what counts here. Mr. Bill doesn't appear on the screen of my television. I can play a Rush or Yes CD for an hour.... actually three hours usually, as I can't stomach Combs or Greta either anymore.
IMHO BO has always been a Lib in Conservative clothing.
He his his true nature long enough to attract an audience. When he started beating CNN nightly inthe ratings he knew his base was secure and he threw off any vvestiges of being "fair and balanced" much less conservative.
I first started to question his sincerety when he got into it with Druge over going back on his word about not going into radio.
I don't watch O'Reilly anymore. He is an arrogant egotistical ratings chaser that has NO CLEAR and CONSISTENT values. He prides himself in being a fence straddler and putting his middle finger to the wind to see what he should say if the topic is remains a hot one.
Now I simply say: Hey Bill... EACH IT !!!
This report has been brought to you by FOCK SNOOZE !!! ;-))
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O'Reilly is O'ver.
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