Hillary Clinton made her first ever appearance on the O'Reilly Factor on Wednesday, a confrontational but mostly friendly exchange that was -- kudos to Bill -- the most issue-oriented (if right-leaning) major interview with a presidential candidate in recent memory.
One of the more heated policy discussions came over taxes. O'Reilly demanded to know how much Clinton was going to "take out of my wallet," and when she listed a series of proposals to aid middle class families, O'Reilly interjected. "I'm not middle class, I'm a rich guy." Clinton responded (in an awkward moment), "Rich people, God bless us. We deserve all the opportunities to make sure our country and our blessings continue until the next generation."
Soon after, O'Reilly claimed Clinton's agenda had a "socialist component" because she would "take from the wealthy and...give to the less affluent. That's socialism." Clinton offered, "Teddy Roosevelt, was Teddy Roosevelt a socialist?"
O'Reilly: "Somewhat."
Later, O'Reilly told Clinton, "You're a more polarizing personality [than Obama]. You're like I am -- and I hate to say that, with all due respect. But you are! Obama's perceived as the nice guy." Clinton took it in stride, insisting that "you've got to be tough" to face the insurance and drug companies.
Finally, O'Reilly asked, "Are you surprised that Fox News has been fairer to you than NBC News, and a lot of the other liberal news networks?" Clinton dodged the question despite O'Reilly's repeated efforts.
O'REILLY: Final question, are you surprised -- and you gotta to tell me the truth here. You're looking me in the eyes, so I'm gonna believe you. Are you surprised that Fox News has been fairer to you than NBC News, and a lot of the other liberal news networks? Are you surprised?
CLINTON: I wouldn't expect anything less than a fair and balanced coverage of my campaign.
O'REILLY: I know you're being a little -- but really, aren't you surprised?
CLINTON: Look, I am not a pundit or a commentator. I will leave that to you.
O'REILLY: But they hammer you every single...
CLINTON: You know, that comes with the territory.
O'REILLY: I know, but aren't you surprised?
CLINTON: I'm running for the toughest job in the world. And it goes with the territory.