Obama To Appear On "O'Reilly Factor" Thursday

New York Times:

Before Senator John McCain delivers his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention on Thursday, Senator Barack Obama will make a marquee appearance of his own.

Call it counter-intuitive. He will appear on "The O'Reilly Factor" on Fox News Channel.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[Waitaminute]

I can't see why people think O'reilly is all that. He's a weak man. Didn't people see how Scott McClellen handled him? Its all about recognizing O'reilly timing and speech pattern. You interrupt his timing by interrupting him at the right times. Scott McClellen did just that. Get his gimmick down, you get him down.

[Marcee]

O'Reilly better be careful. His "big boss" likes the O.

In May, Murdoch said, "He is a rock star. It's fantastic. I love what he is saying about education. I don't think he will win Florida...­..but he will win in Ohio and the election. I am anxious to meet him. I want to see if he will walk the walk."

[mamacat]

Once more, Sen. Obama has decided to walk right into the lion's den, and to pull its whiskers.

We were told that he might fail miserably when he appeared in front of the heads of state and the throngs of Europe. Instead, he was a rock star.

Going to Saddleback seemed very risky, but he did it well. He showed everyone that he is a thinking candidate, not someone controlled by a puppet master.

This next move is fraught with danger, but if he is as good as he has been so far, he will up to the challenge. I would have suggested that he have Billo come to him, not the other way around, and also that he have an independent film crew, so he can correct any editing spins Billo uses.

Meanwhile, Sen. McCain cancelled his CNN appearance. At every turn, we are reminded why Sen. Obama is the better choice.

[OfficialA]

Bingo. McCain walks off the court against Larry King, the softest of all softballs, and Obama mans up to O'Reilly. I like it.

[SonyaInTx]

I hope O'Reilly doesn't try to yell at Obama like he did to Phil Donahue and Geraldo Rivera.

[Freesia2]

My guess is that in Bill O'Reilly's mind this is Obama rising to a challenge. It isn't. It's O'Reilly who's really going to be in the ring. Chris Wallace actually tried to behave like a journalist when he interviewed him (one of the few times I could stomach Fox) and so now Bill will have a choice to make - remind everyone of why he's a punchline or rise to the occasion. Either way, Boss Murdoch will be watching.

And so will Keith Olbermann. I can't wait to hear his take on it.

[Adrienne Williams - Huffpost Blogger]

Oh yes, our beloved Keith Olbermann, will have a front row seat.

[Freesia2]

I love that man. Some days he's all that's kept me sane during this election, Adrienne. His imitations of Bill O are always a day brightener. :-)

[robXdion]

And even Chris Wallace backed Obama into denouncing his supporters and bowing to their talking points. Obama is slick tactically, but he doesn't always perform well in these interviews.

[Freesia2]

rob - what do you mean? It's been awhile since the interview. What do you mean by denouncing and bowing to his talking points? I don't know what you're refering to.

[demfriend]

WOW speak of ironies as I am watching a show on shark attacks as I read this post! Obama is a tough ballock to be facing BillO but I think it funny to make it a date on which the cables are dancing around Mccain and his big nomination speech. I want the debates o come on now as it should be interesting at least. I should think that both GOP candidates be checked for wires before the debates just so they don't doa bush with the squak box on his belt. Remember the famous bump on his back that showed the box but no one was brave enough to go after him then? Palin must be undergoing massive amounts of briefings to shove stuff in her brain. I hope they don't get the questions before like with the Warren "thing".

[GolfingDevil05]

The only thing I worry is if it is going to be live, or taped. They should, in the words of O'Reilly, DO IT LIVE!!! (Sorry, couldn't resist). I do worry that they may chop the interview to pieces, so I challenge the O'Reilly Factor to do this without editing Obama's answers.

This could be a smart move. Obama steps on McCain's speech in a manner similar to McCain stepping on his bounce with the VP announcement, and it puts him in the living rooms of people who wouldn't normally listen to him. It takes away the notion that he doesn't have the guts to face his critics, and it could put to bed the stupidity of things like Ayers and Wright (though probably not for Sean Hannity, who is out of any other ideas right about now). Without a doubt, those questions will come, and I'm sure his answers will be well prepared. At the same time, O'Reilly could be a wild card, cutting off every answer in the middle before he gets a chance to speak.

[robXdion]

In the immortal words of Lil Jon. . . . . "Wwwhhaaat?!!!"

Clearly there's a strategy behind this we mere mortals can't see, like stealing prime time from McCain's acceptance speech??? It better be worth it. The indignant Barack we saw last Thursday better show up. None of that passive cheesing and eager to please crap.

[Masterhook]

This is a great move from Obama. Going on Fox the same night as McCain's big night. You know that Fox will play the stuff Obama over and over. This also shows that Obama is a man of his word, he said he would go on O'Reilly a bit back. People keep in mind we are winning and Obama needs to do stuff like this to change the game back showing we are on the right side.

[thisisbatcountry]

there are quite a few conservatives who are disillusioned with mccain and are on the fence about voting for him mainly because he's an adulterer and votes against social security. i think that obama going on that self-righteous blowhard's show can only be good for him in the long run, not because the people who watch o'reilly will suddenly feel compelled to vote for obama, but maybe they'll be more inclined to not vote at all. plus, whenever i ask conservatives why they don't like obama, the most commom answer is his alleged lack of experience and that he has no substance. by going on o'reilly's show he can adress those claims head-on and give those voters, who probably didn't listen to his acceptance speech, something to think about. anyone would think twice about obama if they had listened to his speech and heard that he'll cut taxes for 95% of all working families.

[liberalsrheros]

whatever, how can anyone think they could have an intelligent conversation with oreilly?

[laborgrunt]

Co-Sign

[Triangle1]

This could turn out to be one of the most interesting news stories of the week. But liberal media is so busy worrying about Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter they may completely miss it. I'm curious to see how Obama answers questions about his experience compared to Sarah's experience - not much. I also hope O'Reilly brings up the Hillary VP choice and pushes him to give a decent answer. http://mespace.wordpress.com

[indypete]

Liberal media? Is rush still beating that dead horse?

[OfficialA]

"liberal media"

LMAO. Your credibility, if you had any, is destroyed.

[usnvet1983]

Obama has guts. You gotta respect a guy like him that does the Saddleback thing and now going on with O'Rielly..­..Unlike McCain who ducks Larry King of all people. McCoward.

[starfire426]

I believe after Senator O's recent meetings with Murdach & Ailes going on the Factor is not going to be nearly as detrimental as some may imagine.

[MissDaphne]

Wow. This is a really, really smart thing to do--the mark of a confident candidate (as opposed to John McCain petulantly cancelling his appearance on Larry King Live.) BO's campaign continues, in my opinion, to have perfect pitch. And a plan, which they roll out on their schedule, not reactively.
I am lost in admiration. Go Obama/Biden!

[RepugsOut08]

The really telling thing is that Larry King is soft ball. McCain had little to worry about on Larry's show. O'Reilly's a lot riskier, and definitely shows Obama's confidence. I know who I'd want leading me into battle!