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Colbert isn't the kind of person O'Reilly is ever going to be able to interview well. He's to quick witted. The best O'Reilly interviews are the people who aren't expecting to be yelled at and asked political statements vaguely phrased as questions.
Here is a hypothetical conversation showing the difference between a "spin filled" and "No Spin" interview:
Regular interview:
Anchor: You identify yourself with the progressive branch of the Democratic party? Guest: Yes, thats right. Anchor: What kind of things do you stand for? Guest: The progressive movement seeks to create a country where all people have the best possible chances for a good life. We believe this can be best accomplished by ensuring peoples right to a good education and quality health care and ensuring the protection of their jobs and civil liberties.
O'Reilly interview:
O'Reilly: Why do you secular progressives want America to loose the war on terror? Secular Progressive: Bill we don't want to loose, but we want to make sure that Americans basic freedoms are protecte- O'Reilly: Give me a break! This is the same liberal garbage the the Pelosi wing of the Democrat party throws around. You aren't concerned with civil liberties, you just want to hurt the president at the expense of our troops. Secular Progressive: Bill that couldn't be further from the truth. We support the troops, and want to bring them home. We don't support a war based on misleadin- O'Reilly: Don't give me that tired excuse, you people supported the war! The Democrats overwhelmingly supported voted to give the president the ability to wage war, and now you want to pretend that didn't happen so you can play poltics at the expense of the troops! Secular Progressive: We never supported the war, and have big problems with those congresspeople who did. But at least the Democrats have realized that we have to end the war to su- O'Reilly: Well I'm glad we agree that the Democrats haven't taken a firm stance on this issue, and that you don't support the troops. Let me ask you, do you want America to win the war? Secular Progressive: Bill, it's not a question of wanting, its a question of whats best for our- O'Reilly: Do you want America to win the war in Iraq? It's a simple question, why won't you answer it? Secular Progressive: It's not a simple question, defining victory is- O'Reilly: It is a simple question, I asked you if you wanted America to win the war in Iraq and you couldn't answer it because you don't want us to. This is the problem with you secular progressives, you're so blinded by your anti-American agenda that you refuse to support our country. I spelled this all out in my new book, Culture Warrior, which is available in our Factor store and in many fine book stores. Secular Progressive: Bill, that wasn't a fair statement at all. I, wait a second, am I being billed as a "secular progressive" on the news cast? I've been going to church all my lif- O'Reilly: That's all the time we have here folks. Remember, my new book Culture Warrior is in stores now. It makes a perfect Valentines day gift for that special someone, or a great gift to annoy that secular progressive in your life. Hannity is next with some urgent news about how the Democrats plan to raise your taxes.
I eat this stuff up. More people should watch this periodically, because MANY people are getting their talking points and argumentative strategies from O'Reilly and people like him, and if O'Reilly showcases on thing it is that people not prepared to deal with this loose arguments.
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