Jolie RobersonO'Reilly vs Colbert: Papa Bear meets Afraid of Bears
January 20th 2007 01:45
Many claimed that it was to be the match-up of the century - Bill O'Reilly and Stephen Colbert going head to head. Was it so? Not really, but it certainly was entertaining.
Bill O'Reilly is a political commentator for the Fox News Channel. His programme, the O'Reilly Factor, is one of the highest rated cable news shows in the USA. O'Reilly claims to be independent, but his critics label him a conservative pundit. He is best known for his confrontational approach and the often heated disagreements he has with his guests.
Stephen Colbert is the host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report. His character is an amalgamation of several different commentators, but his biggest influence is undoubtedly O'Reilly. His show spoofs the format and many of the segments of the O'Reilly Factor. Colbert's character often praises O'Reilly, even referring to him as Papa Bear.
On Thursday night the two personalities traded appearances on each others' shows. Having read a lot of comments about how O'Reilly was ripped to shreds, I was curious to see both interviews. I have to say, I think those comments were extremely inaccurate. Of course Colbert got a few good jabs in at O'Reilly, but I think he handled himself really well. Both interviews had a fairly playful air to them, and O'Reilly even managed to get Colbert's audience laughing a few times.
I think that a lot of people were seeing what they wanted to see in the interviews. O'Reilly elicits a level of hatred from many that I find just phenomenal. This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I really don't mind O'Reilly. I don't always agree with his views, but I don't think he is the personification of pure evil as many do.
Anyway, both interviews are below, courtesy of YouTube. I'd love to hear your thoughts as to if either was the victor in the O'Reilly vs Colbert showdown.
EDIT- If you're having trouble hearing the second video, click here for a louder, albeit shorter, version.
Bill O'Reilly is a political commentator for the Fox News Channel. His programme, the O'Reilly Factor, is one of the highest rated cable news shows in the USA. O'Reilly claims to be independent, but his critics label him a conservative pundit. He is best known for his confrontational approach and the often heated disagreements he has with his guests.
Stephen Colbert is the host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report. His character is an amalgamation of several different commentators, but his biggest influence is undoubtedly O'Reilly. His show spoofs the format and many of the segments of the O'Reilly Factor. Colbert's character often praises O'Reilly, even referring to him as Papa Bear.
On Thursday night the two personalities traded appearances on each others' shows. Having read a lot of comments about how O'Reilly was ripped to shreds, I was curious to see both interviews. I have to say, I think those comments were extremely inaccurate. Of course Colbert got a few good jabs in at O'Reilly, but I think he handled himself really well. Both interviews had a fairly playful air to them, and O'Reilly even managed to get Colbert's audience laughing a few times.
I think that a lot of people were seeing what they wanted to see in the interviews. O'Reilly elicits a level of hatred from many that I find just phenomenal. This is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I really don't mind O'Reilly. I don't always agree with his views, but I don't think he is the personification of pure evil as many do.
Anyway, both interviews are below, courtesy of YouTube. I'd love to hear your thoughts as to if either was the victor in the O'Reilly vs Colbert showdown.
EDIT- If you're having trouble hearing the second video, click here for a louder, albeit shorter, version.
| 86 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Comment by Manjula
Of course, both of them are really good so it was nice to see them matching wits
Who was the winner? hmmmm.....that's a hard one . I just think Stephen Colbert is funnier and I enjoy a good laugh so I have to say it was him (though I admit to it being a biased opinion
Comment by Nina
Comment by Optomistic Opportunism
Bohemian Hiphop
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
He is out to show the world that faux-conservatives are beginning to populate the earth. I'm talking people in their early 20's who vote conservative as they don't understand the balance of politics.
Not knowing the difference between left and right wing views, you can find - in Australia - struggling artists and the underemployed voting for someone who is in fact persecuting them.
It would all make sense if O'Reilly persecuted Colbert in the process of the interview. One day...
Comment by Nina
Comment by Optomistic Opportunism
Bohemian Hiphop
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
I don't see why it being a minority should discourage people from seeing it that way.
If one is left wing, they should seek a party which reflects their values.
What's the word, oligopoly?
Comment by Nina
From my experience with people who are truly left wing, they do vote for a party that reflects their views; as do those on the right. It's a more difficult issue for those who don't fall completely into either category.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Thanks for the clip, have to agree that it was all pretty tame...
Im a conservative radical and Colbert makes me laugh and O reily makes me cry.
The reason is simple, one is played for laughs, the other takes it self seriousiously...O' Reily ofcourse is the comedy...
As for political affiliation i see little difference between the two parties anymore except of course that one is pro war and the other is against it..in Oz and the US...
Comment by Nina
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Nina