Barack Obama On "The O'Reilly Factor": Surge Has "Succeeded Beyond Our Wildest Dreams"

Barack Obama made his long-anticipated debut on Fox News' "O'Reilly Factor" Thursday night, where he talked about the Iraq war and national security.

"I think that the surge has succeeded in ways that nobody anticipated," Obama told O'Reilly in an interview taped Thursday in York, PA. "It's succeeded beyond our wildest dreams."

In the excerpt shown Thursday night, Obama also listed the United States' enemies for O'Reilly: "Al Qaeda, the Taliban, a whole host of networks that are bent on attacking America who have a distorted ideology who have perverted the faith of Islam and so we have to go after them."

In regards to a nuclear Iran, Obama said it would be "unacceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon; it would be a game changer" and he assured both O'Reilly and the Fox News audience that he "would never take military action off the table."

Watch:

More excerpts from O'Reilly's interview with Obama will air next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday on "The O'Reilly Factor."

Comments

[KayDGee]

I am disappointed that even on this website Obama's comment about the surge is quoted totally out of the context that followed. As he went on to point out in that, and in an interview this morning, there were other factors affecting the surge success. He also pointed out that the surge is being spun by Republicans as separate and distinct (as though it weren't even Iraq that we are taikng about), when it was put together as a quick fix to the original ill conceived, McCain supported initiative. And O'Reilly wanted BARACK OBAMA'S apology?? Does everyone check their brains at the door? Sound bites is a descriptive term - They bite, alright!

[DarkandStormyNight]

Yes and I would like to hear a discussion about what the surge was suppose to do -- what results did they really expect and compare that to the results. I think that is what Obama was trying to point out as O'Reilly kept interrupting him.

[mdmpo]

I thought the surge was supposed to have the Iraqi's in charge of their defense by Sept 2007. Does anyone else remember that? I just don't see how you can call on ongoing mission a "success". Didn't Bush do that with Mission Accomplished.

[Jetling]

Obama is talking to a spoiled eight year old who's had everything handed to him.

This is the attitude of all of these "pundits".

[Spesabsquemetu]

You made some great points. And you nailed it.

Sen. Obama is clearly not willing to allow the McCain Same duo, to isolate the surge from the overall initiatives, and decisions taken and made.

Neither can we forget that there are now over 4,000 dead U.S. soldiers to went into battle in good faith, trusting their government to act in the best interests of the USA.

Misleading America through tampered with NIE reports that edited out critical data that contradicted the Bush administration's position on Iraq, is not indicative of good faith, nor is the egregiously flawed decision making that allowed numerous contracts to be awarded for the production of upper body armor, that was NEVER EVEN TESTED, only for the loved ones of our American patriots to learn that over 80% of fatalities in Iraq are due to being sent into battle wearing upper body armor that FAILED to protect our beloved soldiers who were put into harms way.

[lady49]

The better interview: OBAMA ON KEITH OLBERMAN SHOW TONIGHT!!

[Feisty1960]

>>The better interview: OBAMA ON KEITH OLBERMAN SHOW TONIGHT!!

[RedBlue7]

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[RenoSage]

Palin even told us all that--IN A SPEECH WRITTEN FOR HER BY BUSH'S SPEECH WRITER.

[ritah]

Sarah Palins speak, total rhetoric. She did not discuss issues,or discuss her qualifications,

[mjc]

Just wish that once some one of the guys or gals running for any national office would say that Iran having nuclear weapons is no different than Pakistan or India or Israel or Russia OR the US having nuclear weapons. The possession of them has been a deterrent from anyone of those entities using them and no doubt would be the same for Iran. Perhaps with Iran possessing them some of their enemies would think twice or three times before using them on Iran.

[RenoSage]

Excellent point. But we trust our guys and our friends.

[JuanDimensional]

"Iran having nuclear weapons is no different than...the US having nuclear weapons."

Yes, why doesn't Barack Obama say that? Perhaps you should write him a letter. I'd love to hear the country's reaction when he delivered thoughtful and reasoned statement.

[JuanDimensional]

"Iran having nuclear weapons is no different than...the US having nuclear weapons."

Yes, why doesn't Barack Obama say that? Perhaps you should write him a letter. I'd love to hear the country's reaction when he delivered your thoughtful and reasoned statement.

[FreelanceWriter]

Juan, that deafening silence you hear are crickets chirping as mjc realizes what a truly stupid thing he just wrote for all the world to read...

[allonfla]

I know a lot of you guys really dislike Billo and for good reason. I watched the interview on the internet and did not think he was any different than any other interviewer. They all like to interrupt, they all try to get the scoop. I just wish that they would do that to McCain more often. Obama was good and as one article was titled, Obama goes on O'Reilly....No One Dies! Fox is in no way fair and balanced, their programming just caters to the less educated, working class. And that is who Obama needs to reach. Next thing you know the McCain camp will start to say Obama is too elitist to go on FOX. By the way, not dissing less educated people, but I live in New York and when I'm on the subway, I see a lot more people reading New York Daily News than I do the New York Times. Daily News is simpler to read, shorter articles, more attention grabbing headlines, it's a tabloid style paper, and less expensive. With the exception of cost, FOX is just the Daily News on TV.

[tr88]

Good interview by OReilly. Obama would have been much better served to do this 6 months ago or if someone else who interviewed him would have asked the same questions. Democrats hide behind the MSM and they need to get it thought their skulls that it hurts, not helps them. Did anyone really think the Surge wouldnt be an issue?.

He did just OK. His campaign appears defensive to me since Palin.

I think the debates are going to be problematic for Obama.

[allonfla]

How do you think they are being defensive? Obama won't be debating Palin. It is not Palin vs. Obama. He has to point out that she is lying and he has to answer questions about her. Every team has a defense.

[New Generation Mom]

I agree. For such a great orator, Obama is terrible at debates and one-on-ones. Too many "um.. uh.." and "you know".. He needs to get a debate coach. He will TANK debating McCain, who seems to grow more and more comfortable in front of the camera.

[jaslyn]

Oreilly is so full of himself, such a windbag; he's rude, and pushy and thinks he's just bigger, smarter and more important than anyone. He's a hypocrite and is mostly interested in showing what a big shot on the playground he is. Obama's class made it even more obviouse. O'Reilly just wants to show his audience how much he thinks he knows, that's his main objective, and to interrupt, and outshout his guests. Putting your guests on the defensive constantly will not help you learn more about them, but then we all know, the point of the interview is to let Bill shine, shine shine. Ugh.

[ebethgay]

I guess if Senator Obama can sit down and have a reasonably civil conversation with Bill O'Reilly, initiating diplomacy with the Iranians and the North Koreans should be a piece of cake.

[omahkohkiaayo]

First of all, O'Reilly long ago self-impeached himself with the settlement in a lawsuit against him for sexual harassment and a long history of bullying; why give this guy credibility appearing on this show.

Next, the surge has NOT worked because the objective of the surge was not simply reduction of attacks by insurgents except as a means to the real objective which was political reconciliation of contending factions AND elimination of all insurgents, not just Al Qaeda, none of which has occurrred which is why Petraeus wants to delay reductions in forces needed in Afghanistan. In fact, what has happened is that the two central elements in Iraq responsibile for lessening violence, the Iraqi Government and the Awakening Sunnis are at each other's throats with the Awakening Sunnis being targeted by Shiite forces under the control of the Iraqi Government that is on record as also wanting a firm timeline for U.s. troop withdrawals.

[research]

Obama actually made O'really think, and agree occasionally. Obama never fell for O'really's button pushing. Obama seems to know how to talk to these republicans and at least believe Obama will do an "OK" job as president. Obama does not have to win them over, he just has to reduce the fear they have of him.

[RenoSage]

I think O'Reilly is a rude bullying person who slashes and burns those with fortitude to face him.
It is to Obama's credit that he kept his cool.

[hypnotoad72]

Agreed. Obama did pause then say "um" once or twice, but what you pointed out does supersede that.

Not to mention that whole segment spells out comparative safety and keeping the Taliban down, so for all the gibber I've heard about "October surprise terrorist attack" -- just not going to happen.

O'Reilly's belief McCain wouldn't attack Iran surprised me as well.

Can't wait to see the remaining segments.

[JaneEyrez]

Maybe we should start questioning whether John McCain is who he says he is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MUY9S6iCvk

[mdmpo]

Wow!

[wanttruth]

Sen Obama did a good job. I want to see the rest of the interview!

[TakingBackTheUSA]

Anyone wonder why they felt the need to break this up into 4 segments, rather than offer an entire show to something Bill has been spewing about for a year? I'm smelling spin and falsification on the horizon.

[eden4barack08]

More ratings.

[allonfla]

Ratings! Spin how? Don't you think the O team has a copy of the full interview?

[Brillig]

But this will keep OBAMA in the news much longer...keeping the focus on the OBAMA campaign and off MCCAIN.

WIN!

[MariaHopeful]

A poster wondered whether McCain or Palin would have been able to withstand such withering questioning and came out looking so good. And may I add, looking so classy. The answer is that we'll never know. We'll never know because I have yet to see anybody, any journalist, reporter or anchor treat any politician or public servant with as little deference, as little respect as these people want to treat Obama. I watch Major Garret do the same thing; employ the same prosecutorial tone with Obama. These are bullies who seem to think that they can more flies with a quart of vinegar than they would with a drop of honey. I can't wait to see Obama with Olbermann as I know that will be a conversation between adults.

[Phasis]

Hopefully, this will be the one and only time President Obama will have to talk directly to O'Reilly. When I think of the way O'Reilly basically kissed Bush's ass in the last interview.....

Pressure O'Reilly to interview Palin.

[castlerider]

Bill O the clown is ecstatic!! That goofy smile on his face seems transcendental.
He gets to be a real journalist, for a change.
But I feel that Barrack, in his strong as steell set of convictions, actually made him look better because Barrack is such an awesome persuader for common sense and staright talk.

I get perplexed that Dems have refused to go toe to toeand nose to nose with these rightwingers that the campaign in Iraq is actually always been more an invasion and occupation then it ever was a war, but I am just so proud of our Democratic nominee; I only pray that America will be smart and vote in the man who will be one of our greatest presidents to come in a long time.

Obama/Biden 08!!!

[TheFriendlyAtheist]

What was it that Carl Sandburg said of Lincoln...that he was a man who was at the same time as hard as steel and as soft as drifting fog.