Kerry said he'd appear on "The O'Reilly Factor"

[Rose Siding]

O'Reilly Hopes for Interview With Kerry

NEW YORK - After John Kerry (news - web sites) pronounced himself a fan of Bill O'Reilly, the Fox News Channel host is hoping that will translate into a pre-election interview.

"I like Bill O'Reilly," the Democratic presidential candidate told TV Guide. "I think he does a terrific job. I think he's got a very good show."

Kerry said he'd "love to" appear on "The O'Reilly Factor" and would ask his schedulers about it.

O'Reilly, who interviewed President Bush (news - web sites) for telecasts last week on the top-rated cable news program, told The Associated Press he'd been trying for about two months to book Kerry. (Kerry said he was unaware of any invitation.)
..........
"This would be a huge event for John Kerry, huge," O'Reilly said Thursday. "What other media forum would attract as much attention from him? Is there one?"

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=494&ncid=696&e=6&u=/ap/20041007/ap_en_tv/tv_kerry_o_reilly

[helpisontheway]

1. No way I would go on his show

Kerry is better than I am. I would not have a thing to do with the Fox News network. They will go out of their way through lighting, editing,etc to make him look bad.

[WilliamPitt]

2. "What other media forum would attract as much attention from him?"

Three prime time debates, douche. 66 million viewers the first time. Take your 2 market share and cram it with walnuts.

That having been said, Kerry should do the show.

[Bongo Prophet]

The thing I like best about O'Reilly

is his modesty.

[David Zephyr]

58. Well, I'm Not So Sure You Are Right.

I saw this shit coming two weeks ago BEFORE it ever was even a "concept". I knew by O'Reilly's sudden change in demeanor.

You may be right William Pitt and I hope you are, but I believe you are dead wrong on this.

Here's what I wrote two weeks ago:

---------------------------------------------------

Bill O'Reilly Is Trying to Lure John Kerry Into an Interview on Fox

Posted by David Zephyr on September 24, 2004


Bill O'Reilly has indicated over and over how highly thinks of George Bush and how much he despises Kerry.

This is a lure to trap Kerry into an interview with him which would be an edited disaster for Kerry.

Kerry's campaign needs to keep Kerry being Kerry and on the campaign trail.

John Kerry will interview with George W. Bush to three national audiences, the sizes of which, Bill O'Reilly can only dream of during the debates.

Fuck O'Reilly and his transparent pimping for Roger Ailes.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=862538#862557

-----------------------------------------

[Cha]

60. o'lliely better not do any of his infamous

editing!

[Bush was AWOL]

3. Talked about this last night on here. No he should not go on the show

O'Reilly is NOT to be trusted.

[blm]

12. kerry could be surrounded by O'Reilly, Rush and Hannity and still win

the night.

If you haven't figured that out by now, well.....you should.

[candy]

24. Kerry is smart enough not to get snookered by The Mouth

Should be fun to watch!

[WI_DEM]

4. I like Kerry's moxy

and if it doesn't bother him to do it, why not? I think he can handle that shmuck.

[LisaM]

5. I think he's calling O'Reilly's bluff

Good for Kerry. I mean, O'Reilly lies about everything, so if he has said he's been trying to contact Kerry for two months and Kerry says he's unaware of an invitation, whom do you believe?

[blm]

6. heheh..........smart cookie is our Kerry. 'nuff said.....

let's not feed any other perception about this move.

[russian33]

7. I don't mind him going on the show, but must he say that..

...O'Reilly does a terrific job? Come on Senator, have you watched his show?

[Cha]

61. Maybe Kerry is softening him up

for the kill?

[GiovanniC]

69. Playing to O'Reilly's Massive Ego

[Cha]

71. Yeah, two can play at this

game!

[cheshire]

8. O'Really isn't a smart man, Kerry will take him to task. It is air time

that we are always crying is biased.

[benito]

9. hmmm

I wouldn't do it. Bill needs ratings because his show is really starting to suck.

If Kerry would agree to do it, He should just show up one day, unannounced. Very little "prep time" for Bill, plus Faux wouldn't be able to drum it up for weeks.

[Out the Parasites]

15. couple things...I agree with your strategy and

Bill doesn't even mention John Stewart...hee hee hee

Plus, I think Kerry should show up after Nov. 3...when he's elected president.

[Radical Activist]

10. He's a fan? WTF?

O'Liely should not be given the respect of a real journalist or treated like the host of a legitimate show.

[benburch]

27. Imagine the position this puts Splotchy in?

You have Kerry coming on your show.

He's already told people that his is a fan of yours.

He says you do a great show.

He's gonna be the next President and you know it.

Do you;

a) Try to destroy him, knowing that this will make you look ungrateful, and ensure that the Next President will never agree to appear on your show once elected.

b) Throw softballs and hope nobody on the Right notices.

c) Brownnose your way into his graces.

I'm betting on B or C.

[Radical Activist]

40. I think its sad that he's being given more credibility by

having Kerry on the show. No doubt O'Reilly will go easy on him in order to look fair for a change. That just means we have to keep putting up with O'Reilly longer into the future.

[emulatorloo]

48. great analysis - n/t

[gcomeau]

11. A fond daydream...

O'Reilly trying to shout down Kerry and Kerry shutting him down COLD.

-Grant

[benito]

14. On second thought

O'liely might tell Kerry to SHUT UP, or something!

It's hard work...

[rndmprsn]

13. My gut reflex says no...

but...that said i think it would show courage on kerry's part, but i know o'reily would take cheap shots.

i'm not sure how many of o'reilly's viewers are "switchable" anyhow?

[sonicx]

16. i think he should. but AFTER the debates

bush did it before and had his whole lead wiped out from his crap performance. If Kerry somehow loses the 3rd debate(LOL), he'll have some media outlets to make it up in. Or if he wins them, he'll have media outlets to keep building his lead.

oh, and just to be clear: the only reason to do this show is for the ratings.

[AnIndependentTexan]

23. after today I would love to see him go on it

Just to see the freeper meltdown from it

[olddem43]

17. I would follow whatever advice Carville has on this.

He would be better able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

[TheDonkey]

18. Kerry should do it, but only if he needs to. Let's see how the debates go

if he drops after the debates, do it.
If not to hell with O'Liely and go on Franken's show.

[MNEyeDoc]

19. With all...due...respect to Bill O'Reilly...

Kerry would have him for lunch. Bill would try to twist JFK's words to corner him, but I think JFK would be able to cooly defend and disarm Bill's attacks IF he didn't let himself get sucked into Bill's game of playing defense. I think the smartest move Kerry could make would be to go on the show...there MAY still be some people with a brain watching FOX that would recognize sincerity, INTEGRITY and honesty.

[requiem99]

22. O'Reilly isn't DUE any respect.

[LittleClarkie]

28. They'd tune in to see O'Reilly have him for lunch

and maybe some of them would come away with respect for Kerry, if their minds are open enough.

It seems that Fox watchers watch little else. This would be a way of reaching them where they are.

Plus, I wouldn't worry too much about the "I'm a fan" comment. O'Reilly did Kerry the service of calling him a true patriot, and suggesting that his mind was still open to listening to Kerry. Kerry was returning the kind words, I believe. That's all.

Plus a smart man pays attention to what the other side is saying about you so you can answer it.

Courting the Conservative vote? Hey, it could happen. He's much more moderate than Bush and Co. try to paint him. Even my Bush-supporting boss thinks so. Nothing wrong with being left, but let's put Kerry where he belongs on the spectrum. He's also less partisan than people like Dole try to paint him.

[requiem99]

20. Nope, its all part of the big game.

Kerry isn't stupid enough to go on that show, but giving the appearance that he is willing to is all it takes. He can say that the busy campaigning of the final weeks of the election aren't allowing him the time to do it. Hey, thats what I would do. No fucking way I'd go on that prick's show.

[Lefty48197]

21. Should Kerry wear hip waders?

Or will big yellow boots be enough?

[alteredstate]

25. Ugh.

OReilly is a misinformed megalomaniac. I wonder if O'Reilly will show Kerry the same respect he showed Dubya.

[AmerDem]

26. Once Murdoch gives word

O'Rielly will get the point to destroy Kerry or get his balls clamped in a vise and go broke!

[txindy]

29. No, don't do it

It's not worth it. O'Reilly is such a walking ego. He wants to make himself look good and he doesn't care who he has to destroy to do it. It's not worth the time, trouble, or risk.

[tomfodw]

30. Not until Fox fires Carl Cameron

Why give those filthy lying bastards any assistance while the guy they assigned to cover your campaign gets away with making up utter bullshit about you?

That said, I have no doubt Kerry will eat O'Reilly up and spit out the bones - elegantly and politely.

But Fox has to reassign Carl Cameron first.

[Bleacher Creature]

31. It would be a GREAT move

I'm 100% serious.

First off, Kerry could handle anything that's thrown his way. I don't doubt that for even a second. Remember, he's dealt with war, cancer and defeat. I think he can handle O'Really.

Second, it reinforces the fact that the man is fearless -- and honestly, even O'Really will appreciate that.

Look, John Kerry was not my first choice during the primaries, but he has grown on me SO INCREDIBLY much during the past few months. We have a great candidate people, and he is the real deal -- so don't worry about him.

[AuntPatsy]

32. Absolutely NOT, Oreily is in need of viewers to attract more sales

for his again, new book, he doesn't deserve the free publicity this would entail..

Kerry is doing fine getting his word out, Oreily is just not worth his time and energy that he needs to clean up this pathetic mess this administration has heaped on our poor shores....

He has no time to waste, Oreily is nothing but a waste...

[TrueAmerican]

33. Conditions

1. O'Reilly comes to him. It's taped at a neutral site of Kerry's choosing. Something stately and homely.

2. O'Reilly does not edit the tape without the permision of the Kerry campaign.

3. The Kerry campaign is able to tape the show to ensure no monkey business.

4. oTHER??? ANYONE?

[Hot Water]

34. No.

Absolutely not. There are no votes that would go to Kerry watching that show.

Michael Moore was on there and twisted him up like a box of Christmas lites. But all they did was brag about how effective O'Reilly was.

Let that tree dweller keep interviewing elephantoids.

[goodboy]

35. Kerry should never stoop down to his level. nt

[IronLionZion]

36. NO, but there are much better shows to go on

Is he trying to reach out to conservatives or something? Why would any intelligent person go on O'Liely?

[Bossy Monkey]

37. Of course he should do it; he loses nothing from it

O'Reilly's audience is entirely Republican. All he needs to do is show up, speak intelligently, look presidential, and not knuckle under to Mr ShutUp's bullying. He probably won't win many votes, but he'll show them that he isn't the devil, isn't a wild-eyed tax-and-spend baby-killer, and that they shouldn't be afraid of him winning. This blunts the must-vote-to-keep-this-guy-from-winning impulse they're going to start feeling as the polls go more and more towards Kerry. Sort of along the lines of Clinton saying "Hold your nose and vote for me." Completely brilliant in my opinion, and a win-win only situation.

[chrislrob]

52. I'd like to start by saying that I'm not screaming.

The enemy can use what we say anywhere to anyone to hurt us. My problem isn't that he's not going to win many votes by going on O'Reilly. It's that he is not going to win ANY votes! THOSE are not "undecided" people that watch that show!

This is about as smart as Bush going on the O'Franken Factor!

Does anyone truly think O'Reilly will pass up the opportunity to clown Kerry?

All I can say is that when O'Reilly sets your presidential candidate up with a question, refuses to listen to his answer, shouts him down, tells him to shut up, orders his microphone to be turned off, and spends the remainder of the interview time trashing him, well don't come crying to me!

Not that you would...

But you KNOW what I mean!

Somebody stop 'em!

O'Reilly!?!

[Xenus Sister]

38. "I like Bill O'Reilly"??? "I think he does a terrific job"?????? Oh fuck.

It's one thing to appear on the show. It's another to give it legitmacy by talk like that. If he really believes that..., I will self-censor myself as to not say anything negative about Mr. Kerry or my shattered hopes that he'll battle the right-wing once he gets into office.

Fuck.

[Rose Siding]

41. Kerry must not have seen the Jeremy Glick interview

I didn't like those quotes either.

[polpilot]

43. You left out, "I think he has a very good show." Maybe O'Reilly will give

him his autograph!!!....That would be swell!!!

[JPace]

39. I think Kerry will do it if he thinks it is politically advantageous....

I also think he would handle O'Reilly with easy
elegance and grace.
What I do not like is that in a way it is giving
approval to the Fox Network and that turns me off.
Still I trust Kerry to do what is best for us.

[Renew Deal]

42. O'Rielly has plenty of ego

Probably more ego than ratings and certainly more than brains.

[treading_water]

44. Kerry is fearless.

I love that John Kerry is so fearless. His rallies are open to everyone. He takes questions from dissenters. He's taking on large corporations and the media. He tells the truth. He is truly going to be the people's president, imho.

Beard the lion in his den. Excellent! Personally, I think Bill O'Reilly will lay down and purr like a pussy cat for John.

Here is a link to an article on Slate that talks about taming the beast, er, Bill.

http://www.slate.com/id/2107110

[Jack_Dawson]

57. I Agree - He's not going to take O'Reilly's shit

[Rosco T.]

45. Kerry should make one condition..... THE SHOW MUST BE LIVE

no O'Liely editing...

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Eric J in MN]

64. I agree. nt

nt

[Dob Bole]

46. Bono was able to tame him...

so I think Kerry should be able to handle his show.

What we still don't know is...is Kerry as progressive as Bono?

[Kerryforanewamerica]

47. If Kerry can ever

Make this a great interview he can make an impression on the otherwise brainless fox watchers.

[newyawker99]

73. Hi Kerryforanewamerica!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[chrislrob]

49. I think this is a HORRIBLE idea...

talk about a momentum killer! Why on earth would you go on O'Reilly's show? It is TOTALLY hostile territory! This is a show where the host told the son of a 9/11 victim to shut up!

If he goes that route, Kerry will either have to get in the mud with him or get steamrollered by him! But maybe he thinks he can handle it since he was so "stentorian" today!

Bah!

Look, if Carville wants to call me on the phone and tell me why this is a good idea for someone who is AHEAD in the polls, I'm listening. Until then, this is so stupid that it makes my head hurt.

How will the KE campaign have Kerry demonstrate its genius next? By wearing an "Abortion is murder" button?

By having Kerry unveiling his new reaparations plan?

Somebody stop 'em!

Goddamit!! O'Reilly?! O'Reilly?!

[rocktivity]

50. Down, Bill!

Kerry has also said that Bush is a master debater, LOL!

:headbang:
rocknation

[Wind Dancer]

51. I understand it's politically smart on Kerry's part

but.................
we must stop giving time and credibility to these lying pundits like O'Reilly, Hannity and all of the cable stations who continue to produce fluff news and distortions. I wish every single democrat or independent would refuse to appear or acknowledge these people as journalists. Edward R. Murrow was a journalist, these clowns are government owned talking points.

[rot0r_head]

53. Goddamnit, John...

that is, without question, the worst idea he's yet come up with. I hope he's joking.

If Kerry did appear there could be only two possible outcomes: O'Reilly hammers Repube talking points ad nauseum until Kerry becomes annoyed (in which case, FAUX reports he's "frustrated and reactionary") or Kerry pulls his "usual" where he gives 10 minute responses to simple questions, only partially answering them (in which case, FAUX reports that he's "weak and wishy-washy"). It's lose-lose.

This makes me pine for Dr. Dean. He would take absolutely ZERO bullshit from that bloated windbag.

[Xenus Sister]

54. WILL SOMEONE PLEASE SEND JOHN KERRY...

copies of "Outfoxed," "Blinded By The Right," "The Republican Noise Machine" and "Lies, and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them" immediately!

Is John Kerry REALLY so out of it that he doesn't know what's going on over there? It's one thing to take 'em on head-on, but to encourage viewers by calling the O'Reilly show a good thing?

I feel so betrayed. I feel like I just got slapped in the face. I can't imagine how Al Franken and yeah, Jeremy Glick, must feel.

[Bleacher Creature]

66. Does anyone really see O'Reilly

. . . telling Kerry to shut up?

[0007]

55. That would be like kissing a rattlesnake

Please Mr. Kerry stay away from this psychopathic liar.

[David Zephyr]

56. On September 24th, I Warned Here That O'Reilly Was "Luring" Kerry.

I knew this was why O'Reilly was being so "nice". Here's what I wrote on September 24th:

-------------
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=862538#862557


Bill O'Reilly Is Trying to Lure John Kerry Into an Interview on Fox


Bill O'Reilly has indicated over and over how highly thinks of George Bush and how much he despises Kerry.

This is a lure to trap Kerry into an interview with him which would be an edited disaster for Kerry.

Kerry's campaign needs to keep Kerry being Kerry and on the campaign trail.

John Kerry will interview with George W. Bush to three national audiences, the sizes of which, Bill O'Reilly can only dream of during the debates.

Fuck O'Reilly and his transparent pimping for Roger Ailes.

[secular_warrior]

59. Dems will only get respect when they stand up to illegitimate news

Nobody but partisan Repubs watches FOX anyway, so it's not like we need them.

Dems will only get respect when they stand up to the right wing media, instead of hoping the bully who beats them up every day will be their friend.

[Eric J in MN]

63. Kerry should only agree to do a live broadcast, not to

a tape O'Reilly can edit.

[Generator]

65. Kerry's just yanking O'Lielly's chain

That's my take. Also a a great way with diplomacy. I love the guy, really, now we will see if we have a spot in the schedule. Why, golly my schedule is full.

[liberal N proud]

67. I hope the first time Orealy cuts him off he gets up and walks out on him

That would be soooo great!

[Roland99]

68. YES! Kerry SHOULD do it but with ONE Condition!

It should be LIVE.

That way, O'Really can't edit the show to twist things around.

[AmerDem]

70. read this from Media Matters!

On NBC's Today show, O'Reilly joined the terrorists-for-Kerry chorus

FOX News Channel host Bill O'Reilly joined a long line of media figures in echoing the Republican suggestion that terrorists would like to see Senator John Kerry beat President George W. Bush in the November presidential election. O'Reilly appeared as a guest on NBC's Today show ostensibly to tout his new book aimed at children and teenagers, The O'Reilly Factor for Kids: A Survival Guide for America's Families (HarperEntertainment, September 2004).

From the October 7 edition of NBC's Today show:

O'REILLY: f you're sitting in a cave and you're watching satellite TV, if you're watching Lauer or O'Reilly, okay, you're looking at these two guys, Edwards or Cheney, who are you more afraid of? If you're Osama and you've got a picture of Edwards and Cheney in the cave, who are you more afraid of? So it works to his advantage -- Cheney's.

As Media Matters for America has noted, there is a conspicuous lack of evidence to support O'Reilly's suggestion; however, there is some evidence suggesting precisely the opposite: that terrorists would prefer four more years of the Bush administration. Nonetheless, conservative members of the media have echoed prominent Republicans -- including President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) -- who have said or suggested that terrorists prefer Kerry.

http://mediamatters.org/items/200410070002

[Gloria]

72. Kerry has been on O'Reilly before...in 2003 at least once, maybe twice

that I can recall. This is the Kerry that I was very enthusiastic about when I saw him in action at that point. O'Reilly was a pussycat. Kerry had great dignity and spoke with directness. O'Reilly simply folded his ego up and put it away!

I got the feeling he had some respect for Kerry...or at least was smart enough to know he shouldn't try to mess around with him...