"A new Gallup poll says Americans believe rising energy prices are the third most important issue in the country behind Iraq and immigration. And a brand new Fox News poll says President Bush's approval rating is down to 33%, fourteen points lower than this time last year. There's no question that Americans are getting hurt at the gas pump, and the leader of the country will always take a hit when that happens. But the oil situation is largely out of the president's control. Right now the only force that can drive oil prices down is us, we the people. If folks cut back on driving by just 3 percent, gas prices would tumble. Talking Points has suggested a symbolic protest of not buying any gas on Sundays, and I am not buying Exxon-Mobil ever again because of its $700 million payout over the past thirteen years to former CEO Lee Raymond. So let's all rally here. The American oil companies are not looking out for us, so let's fight back. The Factor boycott of France hurt that country greatly - a cutback in gas consumption in the USA would immediately scorch the oil companies. We are being hosed here, and the oil fat cats are lapping up the dollars. Enough is enough! Buy less gas, please."

Fox News Video: FoxNews.com

Guest: Monika Johnson-Hostler, North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Two Duke lacrosse players are under arrest for raping a 27-year old stripper, and some advocacy groups have apparently concluded the young men are guilty. Monika Johnson-Hostler explained her organization's position. "I think that woman was raped in that house on that night. My role in sexual assault is to support a woman who comes forward to say she was sexually assaulted." The Factor commended Johnson-Hostler and her group for helping assault victims, but cautioned her against rushing to judgment in this case. "You have to have some faith in the judicial system. You have two young men who must be given the presumption of innocence, and I don't think you and your organization are doing that. If every American took your position there would be anarchy."

Guest: Tony Snow, Fox News Radio

Fox News anchor Tony Snow is reportedly a leading candidate to replace Scott McClellan as White House spokesman. Snow joined The Factor and laid out the job's plusses and minuses. "The White House spokesman is a pi�ata, there's a massive cut in pay, and there are no guarantees after you get out of the White House. The upside is that for someone like me, you become part of something that is very rare, which is the inner White House circle where you get to make decisions. It's a meaty, substantive job." The Factor predicted Snow will be the next White House Press Secretary. "You are going to get the job, in my opinion. You are the best man for the job at this point in history." Compliments aside, The Factor felt obligated to take a playful dig at his FNC colleague. "The president's approval rating is 33% - if you get this job it's going down to 15%."

Guest: Fox News contributor Dick Morris

With some retired generals and others calling for Defense Secretary Rumseld's scalp, Fox News analyst Dick Morris contended that Rumsfeld has become a political liability. "The president needs more options in this war," Morris asserted, "but Rumsfeld is obviously not giving the president any options here. Iraq is taking over Bush's whole presidency, and I hope he can broaden his focus." Morris advised President Bush to concentrate on other issues, especially high gasoline prices. "This could rescue his presidency. He should get up there and say we'll quintuple our production of ethanol-based cars, increase nuclear production, and rally the country."

Guest: DEA Agent Lee Paige & attorney Ward Meythaler

While giving a classroom lesson on gun safety, Lee Paige of the Drug Enforcement Agency accidentally shot himself in the leg. Video of the incident has circulated on the Internet, and Paige is now suing his employer for releasing the tape. He recalled what happened that day in Florida. "I strap a gun on every day, and I made a mistake - I inadvertently left the magazine in the weapon. My own kids were in the front row and I would never do anything to put anyone in danger." Paige's lawyer Ward Meythaler explained why a lawsuit is warranted. "The DEA took the footage after the incident, but then someone sent this out and it got leaked to the Internet. Mr. Paige has been seriously injured and we're trying to clear his name." The Factor praised Paige for his work, but questioned the wisdom of suing. "We know you're a patriot, and you've put your life on the line for your country. But you might rethink the lawsuit."

Guest: Geraldo Rivera

Geraldo Rivera joined The Factor with the latest on Duke lacrosse players Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty, both charged with rape. Rivera reported that at least one of the young men seems to have a firm alibi. "There is exculpatory evidence in the case of Seligmann - ATM receipts and the testimony of a cab driver." But Rivera maintained that a heinous crime occurred that night. "A sex assault did happen, and this was an 'animal house' situation. You had a bunch of big guys and who knows how stoned the victim was? She may have had a problem identifying who did it." The Factor agreed that the prosecution faces an uphill battle. "It's going to be very hard to convict because of the state of the victim. It looks like she was intoxicated, although we don't know how she got that way."

Guest: Kathie Lee Gifford

Former talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford is supporting new legislation to create a national database identifying people who have abused or neglected children. "It gives law enforcement a tool that they need," she told The Factor. "This also helps parents enormously. I'm angry that every single day in our country four children die from sexual abuse or neglect. This is our national shame. The bill passed six weeks ago in the House, but it's being held up in the Senate." The Factor urged viewers to get behind the effort en masse. "I want everyone to call and write their senators right now and say we need this bill."

Your e-mails dealt with various topics covered on The Factor. Some excerpts:

Linda Costanzo, Jamestown, NY: "Mr. O'Reilly, would you please stop referring to the victim in the Duke case as a 'stripper.' Victim or woman is fine."

George de Luna, New York, NY: "To have a convicted sex offender, who has served his sentence, put on a public list is grossly unfair to him. They should have a chance to get on with their lives."

Tim Beyer, Sedalia, MO: "Better that it is a more dangerous world for baby rapers, than a more dangerous world for children. These predators should live with shame always or better yet, be put in prison for life."

Barbara Kibben, Ellenton, FL: "My husband and I actually laughed out loud when we saw a commercial for CNN during The Factor."