Friday, September 12, 2008
On The O'Reilly Factor...
Segment Summaries
All content taken from The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News Channel. Each weeknight by 6 PM EST a preview of that evening's show will be posted and then updated with additional information the following weekday by noon EST.
Talking Points Memo
Sarah Palin vs. Charles Gibson
"Governor Palin's debut with ABC News was a mixed bag. She seemed tense - who wouldn't be - and she booted a few questions. But she also made some good points. The governor's best moment was when she expressed her support for Ukraine and Georgia. Her weakest answer concerned the 'Bush Doctrine.' When I heard that question from Charlie Gibson, I thought the 'Bush Doctrine' was the president's belief that encouraging democracy is the ultimate solution to marginalizing terrorism. But Gibson put forth that the 'Bush Doctrine' is the use of military action to prevent anticipated attacks. The record shows there is no precise definition of the 'Bush Doctrine,' so if I were asked about the doctrine I would have been confused, too. Overall, I thought Charlie did his job, but there was a 'gotcha' element to the interview. All in all, Sarah Palin did not injure herself in the interview; she lives to chat another day."
Top Story
Latest on Hurricane Ike
The Factor asked AccuWeather.Com's Joe Bastardi for an update on Hurricane Ike. "This is a monster heading right for Galveston Bay," Bastardi declared. "Because it is such a wide storm, with a large area of 80 - 100 miles per hour winds, this is going to be the most costly hurricane in Texas history." Geraldo Rivera also reported live from Galveston "The danger will come tonight," Rivera said, "when you have the storm coming ashore at the same time as high tide. There is already considerable damage all along this sea wall, and this road will be totally inundated. We are all going to take refuge in the upper floors of a hotel."
Impact Segment
Karl Rove's analysis of the Obama interview
The Factor was joined by political strategist Karl Rove, who critiqued Sarah Palin's interview on ABC. Rove began with Palin's apparent confusion about the "Bush Doctrine." "The problem is," Rove explained, "that there actually four different versions of the 'Bush Doctrine,' so this was a 'gotcha' question. But I think she did well. At times Gibson came across as a little condescending, which probably won some people to her side." Rove also applauded Barack Obama for finally venturing into the No Spin Zone. "Any time a Democrat comes on Fox, particularly on the 'big dog' programs, it does them good. The view that the network has a monolithic kind of viewer is ridiculous, and I thought it was smart of Obama to avail himself of the opportunity."
Factor Follow Up Segment
Independent voters react to Obama interview
The Factor welcomed pollster Frank Luntz, who analyzed independent voters as they watched the O'Reilly-Obama interview. "They didn't feel he was sufficiently prepared," Luntz reported. "In much of the interview he was halting and they would have liked him to be more forthcoming in his responses." Luntz also suggested that Senator Obama is far better on his feet, literally. "Barack Obama is more effective when he is standing. He's more articulate and smoother in his presentation. When you sit him down, he tries to choose his words so carefully that he has a problem bringing them out. For Obama's campaign, they have to hope that he'll be standing in the debates."
Unresolved Problems Segment
Why does much of the Muslim world hate us?
On Thursday's anniversary of the terror attacks on America, there were no memorial services for the victims of 9/11 in the Muslim world. The Factor was joined by author Jim Sciutto, who elaborated on Muslim dislike of the West. "Average people on the street," Sciutto said, "voice the opinion that Islam is under assault by America. People in that part of the world see Israel as a tool of America and they look at us as cutting corners on principles. They have great admiration for the American system, but today they see America as standing in the way of progress." The Factor pointed out that many Muslims harbor a long-standing hatred of Israel. "Barack Obama says he's going to make the USA's image in the Middle East better. I say that's nearly impossible as long as the USA is the main benefactor of Israel. I don't know if we're ever going to solve this in our lifetimes."
Personal Story Segment
Entertainment world mocks Sarah Palin
Comedians and entertainers are ridiculing Sarah Palin, frequently taking aim at her large family and religion. Fox News anchor E.D. Hill, herself the mother or stepmother of eight, expressed her disgust at the trend. "I get ticked at this," Hill declared. "If you choose to have a large family, people look at you like you have a third eye in the middle of your forehead. It's her choice and it's also her choice to work. People who choose to do what she's doing need all the help they can get, they don't need people making fun of them." But Democratic strategist Maria Cardona countered that comics also mock other politicians. "I don't think it's fair to criticize Letterman or Leno because that's their job. They're equal opportunity mockers, they make fun of everyone. But I do agree that Democrats should not be saying she's not qualified because of the family she has. I think that is sexist."
Back of Book Segment
Update on Hurricane Ike
Finally, with Hurricane Ike bearing down toward Texas, Fox News correspondent Steve Harrigan gave an update from Galveston. "The wind doesn't yet compare to Katrina," Harrigan reported, "but the waves are impressive. This island of Galveston is starting to disappear, so we could wake up this morning and see no more island. When we drove in here today, we heard forecasters saying if you go to Galveston you face 'certain death' if you try to ride it out. That's what we're up against." The Factor urged Harrigan and other reporters to consider their own safety. "I'm afraid you'll be standing there to get that dramatic shot when the surge of water comes. When you see Geraldo getting out of there, you get out of there too."
Pinheads and Patriots
Generous celebrities & Pamela Anderson
Friday's Patriots: Oprah Winfrey, Mel Gibson, Paul Newman, Herb Alpert and Barbra Streisand, all named the most generous celebrities in America by People Magazine. And the Pinhead: Actress Pamela Anderson, who suggested that Sarah Palin perform an obscene act. Nominate a Pinhead or a Patriot by sending an email to pnp@billoreilly.com.
Factor Mail
Viewers sound off
A sampling of your recent e-mails:

Dennis Eaves, Berkeley Lake, GA: "Mr. O'Reilly, I live to watch you and Dennis Miller. I know I am ill."

Frank Davis, San Antonio, TX: "Bill, your serious interview was reduced to a late-night talk show after your basketball challenge to Obama. We expect more from you."

Chris McBurney, New York, NY: "I've never seen a more disrespectful interview with a presidential candidate."

Justin Bierschwale, Junction, TX: "Bill, I thought you would take it easy on Obama but you administered the best interview I've ever seen."

Alejandra Ochoa, Houston, TX: "Bill, it was a pleasure listening to both of you. Intelligence is so underrated these days."