The O'Reilly Factor
A daily summary of segments aired on The O'Reilly Factor. A preview of the evening's rundown is posted before the show airs each weeknight.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
The Factor Rundown
Talking Points Memo & Top Story
Impact Segment
Unresolved Problems Segment
Factor Follow Up Segment
Personal Story Segment
Back of Book Segment
Factor Mail
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Cracking down on security leaks
Guest: Rich Lowry, National Review

"If the USA fights the war on terror the way the committed left wants to fight it, we might as well surrender right now. The anti-Bush crew, led by the New York Times and the ACLU, wants civilian trials for terrorists, no coerced interrogation, and on and on. The Times and other committed left media believe the Bush administration, not the terrorists, is the primary danger to this country. While most Americans are outraged that the Times and other papers would 'out' top secret anti-terror programs, the anti-Bush media is closing ranks, saying the administration doesn't deserve the nation's trust. There is no question that a critical mass has been reached. According to one source, thousands of people have cancelled subscriptions to the New York Times. I don't want to see the editor and publisher of the Times prosecuted because the case is going to be too weak. Far better is for the Bush administration to go after the leakers, and in the process put the anti-Bush media on trial in the court of public opinion. There comes a time when Americans must take a side, and that time is now. Who do you trust to protect you against terrorists - the Bush administration or the committed left media backed by anonymous leakers. You make the call."

Fox News Video: FoxNews.com

The Factor was joined by Rich Lowry of the conservative National Review, who argued that the New York Times must pay a price for damaging national security. "There should be something immediate, tangible, and real that affects the Times. There should be two steps - revoke their press credentials and go after the leakers. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales could open an investigation tomorrow - let's see that happen." The Factor questioned the effectiveness of Lowry's prescription. "If you revoke their credentials you create sympathy for them. It would be far better for the President to get serious about the leaks, but the Bush administration has never been a confrontational crew."
Exposing programs, helping terrorists?
Guest: Author Michael Scheuer

How much do terrorists benefit when the media expose secret government programs? Former CIA terrorism analyst Michael Scheuer claimed that such reports harm America's ability to get international cooperation. "The bank story and the eavesdropping story don't hurt in terms of letting the terrorists know what we're doing. But what is hurt drastically is the ability of the CIA and the NSA to work with foreign intelligence services because we can not keep a secret." Scheuer denounced the newspapers that have printed classified information. "There's more journalistic responsibility at my daughter's middle school newspaper than there is at the New York Times or Washington Post. Our media elites have not portrayed to the American people the danger we are facing and the smartness of our enemies. Only fools would argue that there is no need for secrets or clandestine operations."
Underage abortions & parental notifications
Guest: Attorney Brian Hurley

An Ohio judge has ordered Planned Parenthood to turn over all its records of underage girls who have undergone abortions. Attorney Brian Hurley is representing the family of a 14-year old girl who went to Planned Parenthood for an abortion after being impregnated by a 21-year old. "Planned Parenthood has a duty," Hurley explained, "to inform law enforcement if they suspect sexual abuse. In this case the 21-year old soccer coach came to the abortion clinic with the girl, said they were brother and sister, and paid for the abortion. They should have suspected that something was wrong." The Factor added that this case could have far-reaching ramifications. "You're going to try to expose Planned Parenthood by showing how many underage abortions they perform. This is a huge case, and it could go to the Supreme Court."
Jon Benet Ramsey's mother dies
Guest: Investigative reporter Jeffrey Scott Shapiro

Patsy Ramsey, whose 6-year old daughter JonBenet was murdered in 1996, died of cancer last week at age 49. Investigative reporter Jeffrey Scott Shapiro explained that Patsy remains the prime suspect in her daughter's death. "Most investigators feel the evidence in this case does not point toward an intruder. No one has ever felt that John Ramsey was involved, and the focus of this investigation was always on Patsy. But it's the strangest case I've ever come across, and there is some conflicting evidence." The Factor predicted the case will remain a mystery. "It's almost inconceivable that a mother would do this. It's never going to be solved, and there is no one investigating it now with any urgency."
Rush Limbaugh under attack?
Guest: Attorney Michelle Suskauer

Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh was detained at the Palm Beach airport when customs officials found a container of Viagra in his bag. The Factor accused law enforcement officials of having a vendetta. "It looks like Palm Beach authorities are out to ruin Limbaugh. Authorities don't usually check the shaving kits of people flying on private planes. This story was leaked to the press almost immediately, and that is flat-out wrong. This is a political persecution and it is malicious." Defense attorney Jayne Weintraub agreed that Limbaugh is being singled out. "This was a case of humiliation - it's embarrass him on page 1, then correct later on page 30. This clearly violated his right to privacy." On the other side, attorney Michelle Suskauer said authorities did the right thing. "He came in on a private plane from the Dominican Republic and so he has to go through customs like everyone. Let's say they knew it was Rush Limbaugh and they knew about his problems with prescription drugs - why wouldn't they search his little medicine bag? This man is not above the law."
Freedom of speech & the Dixie Chicks
Guest: Tamara Coniff, Billboard Magazine

The Dixie Chicks may be paying a steep price for their anti-Bush comments. While their latest album has sold relatively well, a concert tour has been marked by slow sales and cancelled performances. Billboard magazine's Tamara Coniff analyzed the lack of fan interest. "They turned their back on their country audience and the backlash is being felt. If country fans are not supporting the Dixie Chicks and if they aren't getting radio play, no one is going to see their shows. The concert sales have been especially low in the southern states." The Factor theorized that lead singer Natalie Maines' comments cost the group millions of dollars. "42 concert dates have been postponed or abandoned, and that is a catastrophe for them. The Dixie Chicks have freedom of speech, but their mouthing off has hurt them in the marketplace."
Viewers sound off
Factor Words of the Day
Many of you sent e-mails about The Factor's prediction that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's border policy may cost him the election. Some excerpts:

Gordon Matthews, Orange, CA: "Bill, you are dead wrong about Arnold losing the upcoming election. It is ridiculous to blame him for the problems on the border."

Maureen Casey, Guatemala: "As a Californian living down here, I agree with you, Bill. Arnold will lose because there is deep outrage over the illegal immigration chaos."

Sheila Severson, Orange County, CA: "Bill, you are wrong! We don't see our state as being in chaos. Not one single person I know has mentioned Arnold not sending more troops to the border."

Terry Wilson, Escondido, CA: "I voted for Arnold last time but will not this time. The border is the number one issue in this state."

Jim Vita, Chino Hills, CA: "Don't put the hex on Arnold, Bill. What's our alternative - socialist Phil Angelides?"