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O'Reilly: "CNN has now entered the dark side with Media Matters"

September 25, 2007 4:15 pm ET
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During the September 25 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Fox News host Bill O'Reilly advised listeners to tune in to his Fox News program for "a great segment tonight" on how "CNN has now entered the dark side with Media Matters." O'Reilly further claimed that CNN "will use the far-left assassins," and "will prop them up." Later in the broadcast, O'Reilly referred to "another attack on me by another far-left, loony, smear website that CNN picked up."

On the September 24 edition of CNN's Out in the Open, host Rick Sanchez and CNN contributor Roland Martin discussed O'Reilly's recent statement -- documented by Media Matters for America -- that he was surprised "there was no difference between Sylvia's restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City ... even though [Sylvia's is] run by blacks." Sanchez stated that, during an "animated" phone conversation, O'Reilly denied any "racial intent" in his comments and described the story as "a hatchet job by Media Matters."

On his September 25 program, O'Reilly also said of CNN: "[T]his is so dishonest, it's so ridiculous and you know CNN -- I have never said anything bad about them. I made fun of [host] Larry King a little bit but, you know, in an affectionate way, 'cause they've usually been pretty good." In fact, as Media Matters noted, on the June 12 edition of his Fox News television program, O'Reilly attacked CNN for its coverage of the Iraq war, asserting: "In my opinion, CNN and especially MSNBC delight in showing Iraqi violence because they want Americans to think badly of President Bush." On his radio program the same day, O'Reilly said: "I'm taking an argument that CNN and MSNBC are actually helping the terrorists by reporting useless explosions."

From the September 25 broadcast of Westwood One's The Radio Factor with Bill O'Reilly:

O'REILLY: The kooks, the loons have a louder voice in this country right now than the 80 percent of Americans who know what's going on, and the reason is the Internet -- the mainstream media sympathizing and using the far-left loons, OK, to crash and burn any opposition. See, the real savvy people like [PBS journalist] Bill Moyers and [HDNet host] Dan Rather, you know, the real committed leftists, they don't want to get their hands dirty. They don't.

CNN -- we have a great segment tonight. You gotta watch it 'cause CNN has now entered the dark side with Media Matters, but CNN doesn't want to get its hands dirty. It will use the far-left assassins. It will prop them up. It will give them credibility. And that's why this [Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad was so disconcerting, because no far-left loon wanted this guy to come over here.

[...]

O'REILLY: A lot of discussion tonight because our lead story is another attack on me by another far-left, loony, smear website that CNN picked up and you're going to want to see this. It is unbelievably absurd. But I got to tell you, when Mother Teresa gets attacked, then I have to put it in perspective. OK, that, you know -- and once in a while I feel sorry for myself, I have to admit it. I try not to. I say, look, this is so dishonest, it's so ridiculous and you know CNN -- I have never said anything bad about them.

I made fun of Larry King a little bit but, you know, in an affectionate way, 'cause they've usually been pretty good. I mean, NBC News is the worst. But now they're so desperate for ratings and they're doing so poorly that they have now jumped into this far-left, defamation Internet world, and it is -- we're going to answer it. We are going to answer it.

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    • Author by johnny_nyc8351 (September 25, 2007 4:22 pm ET)
         

      The "dark side"?

      Can't you stop putting your foot in your mouth Bill?

      Jon Stewart ought to have a field day with this comment.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by therick (September 25, 2007 5:04 pm ET)
           

        That is just too funny.  Now I'm sure some right winger will tell us what he meant to say, then sugar coat it the way they always do.

        Report Abuse
      • Author by snoopy (September 25, 2007 5:32 pm ET)
           

        Between this and the restaurant, Jon's gonna have enough material for the rest of the week!

        Report Abuse
      • Author by What Happened to Gannon (September 25, 2007 10:17 pm ET)
           

        "Media Matters, I Am Your Father. This Is CNN."

        Sorry, I couldn't resist...: )

        Report Abuse
    • Author by archfiend (September 25, 2007 4:24 pm ET)
         

      Those "far-left assasins" sure know their business. They make up stuff and pretend that Bill said it --

      What? You mean they quote him verbatim?

      Oh, well, they must take him out of context and only quote a few choice words --

      What? You mean they actually post the whole quote, with a full-context transcript? AND video or audio recordings?

      They're even more diabolical than I thought!

      Report Abuse
    • Author by sundog (September 25, 2007 4:25 pm ET)
         

      This is so deadly ironic. How many decades now has the far-right used 'entertainers' like Limbaugh to hack out their positions that they can then distance themselves from? He has got to be kidding. Of course it's even worse than the left just catching up with the right's sleazy tactics. Because this wasn't sleazy. Media Matters reprinted his own words. The most offensive thing about this 'dark side' was that he was quoted accurately.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by princeofwheels (September 25, 2007 4:26 pm ET)
         

      Bill, Media Matters did not make this up. You said it. Finally, for once, be a man, and admit it. Also, on the man thing, why not advise your viewers to come to this website tomorrow and see how the Darth Vaders  that run MMFA, twist you own words which are direct quotes from you? Show your viewers that you and only you speak the truth.

      Bill, if you can do this, I will never say a bad word about your mis-information ever again. And your readers will DECIDE for themselves. If they still have that ability.

      Good Luck Tonite...and I'll meet you for dinner..you DECIDE where.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by archfiend (September 25, 2007 4:26 pm ET)
         

      "The kooks, the loons have a louder voice in this country right now than the 80 percent of Americans who know what's going on, and the reason is the Internet -- the mainstream media sympathizing and using the far-left loons, OK, to crash and burn any opposition. See, the real savvy people like [PBS journalist] Bill Moyers and [HDNet host] Dan Rather, you know, the real committed leftists, they don't want to get their hands dirty. They don't."

      Good thing Bill doesn't do personal attacks. Otherwise this could get ugly.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by wethepeople (September 25, 2007 4:27 pm ET)
         

      -"- we're going to answer it. We are going to answer it. "

       The man is stark raving mad. It's truly astounding to try and ponder is he really this calculating or delusional? How many pseudo attacks can his listeners or viewers absorb? WOW! How will he possibly spin his own racism and own statements? He can only play to ignorance and racists himself. I do hope that audience is shrinking.

      Calling David Duke.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by therick (September 25, 2007 5:09 pm ET)
           

        Next he'll say; 'I was just testing the folks to see if they would speak out against my blatant racism.  It was a test for a new pole on our website.'  [Yeah, that's the ticket]

         

        Report Abuse
    • Author by Blackacre (September 25, 2007 4:30 pm ET)
         

      So "80% of Americans who know what's going on" don't use the Internet?  What is this liar talking about now?  

      If MMFA has "defamed" him about his own Sylvia's comments, he should be able to point out the false statements.  Otherwise, he's lying again.   

      Report Abuse
    • Author by Pithaughn (September 25, 2007 4:35 pm ET)
         

      One can only hope that CNN will be refering to MMFA, DailyKos etc. more often so that thier community will improve.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by Sueelldd (September 25, 2007 4:44 pm ET)
         

      Guess we will have to watch O'Reilly tonight to see what he says. As for CNN , please.  I though O'Reilly had a beef with MSNBC?

      Report Abuse
    • Author by Sueelldd (September 25, 2007 4:46 pm ET)
         

      I wonder what Al Sharpton thinks about this, why is he not out front and center like he was with Imus?

      Report Abuse
      • Author by Sueelldd (September 25, 2007 4:55 pm ET)
           

        http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070925/ap_en_ot/tv_o_reilly_sylvia_s_2

        Sharpton said he was taken aback that anyone would be surprised at how blacks acted at Sylvia's and will ask O'Reilly on "The O'Reilly Factor" Wednesday to explain what he meant. Nothing O'Reilly said at the dinner was offensive, said Sharpton spokeswoman Rachel Noerdlinger

        Guess we will find out Wed, my feeling is Sharpton will support Bill O. There is some sort of mutual respect that the two seem to have.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by therick (September 25, 2007 5:11 pm ET)
             

          Yeah, Sharptan owes BO dinner.

          Report Abuse
        • Author by tommy (September 25, 2007 5:21 pm ET)
             

          Sue,

          If Sharpton's spokeswoman is quoted accurately  and Sharpton finds nothing offensive in what O'Reilly says, then that just seals it for me -  Sharpton is a major phony. 

          If anyone other than his "buddy" said the same things that Bill said, he'd be all over them, all over any show that would have him to denounce it.

          Will see what Al says. 

          Report Abuse
          • Author by spintronic (September 25, 2007 5:33 pm ET)
               

            Tommy, I thought Sharpton, Jackson et al were already phonies in your eyes.. 

            Report Abuse
          • Author by perdix (September 25, 2007 6:40 pm ET)
               

            It actually said:

            Nothing O'Reilly said at the dinner was offensive, said Sharpton spokeswoman Rachel Noerdlinger.

            I don't think even O'Reilly's dumb enough to say something racially offensive while dining in Harlem. But he may prove me wrong - who knows?

            Report Abuse
            • Author by tommy (September 25, 2007 6:47 pm ET)
                 

              Yep Perdix, Pearl already set me straight on how I was reading it, which was admittedly wrong. I stand corrected and will wait for Al's take on the whole thing.

              Report Abuse
        • Author by pearlene_scott1602 (September 25, 2007 6:06 pm ET)
             

          Sharpton said he was taken aback that anyone would be surprised at how blacks acted at Sylvia's and will ask O'Reilly on "The O'Reilly Factor" Wednesday to explain what he meant. Nothing O'Reilly said at the dinner was offensive, said Sharpton spokeswoman Rachel Noerdlinger

          IMO Rev. Sharpton is saying that Bill did not make any offensive comments regarding the restaurant while he was dining with him. When relating his (Bill) dining experience to his audience he felt very comfortable making the racists statements that he did. I don't think for one single minute that Shartpon will defend Bills' comment and will be extremely surprised if he does.

          Report Abuse
          • Author by tommy (September 25, 2007 6:18 pm ET)
               

            Good point Pearl, will see what Al's response to the whole diatribe of Bill's is.

            Report Abuse
    • Author by isit2009yet (September 25, 2007 4:54 pm ET)
         

      Hey, I'm a card carrying member of the "far-left, defamation Internet world"

      Report Abuse
    • Author by mefirst (September 25, 2007 4:55 pm ET)
         

      mother teresa got "attacked"?  no, her letters and diary were quoted.   maybe bill can have ann coulter on his show.   with those little buns on the side of her head like princess leah.  

      Report Abuse
    • Author by pete592 (September 25, 2007 5:58 pm ET)
         

      IMO, this proves one of two things...

      Bill has people constantly monitoring the media so he can pounce on any mention of his name,

      -OR-

      MMFA tipped him off to CNN's shenanigans.

      If the latter is the case, I believe thanks are in order. 

      Report Abuse
    • Author by DaisyDeadhead (September 25, 2007 6:07 pm ET)
         

      I guess yall are pretty proud now, huh?  :)

      Report Abuse
    • Author by spud1 (September 25, 2007 6:15 pm ET)
         

      I've heard that there are blackowned car dealerships, and that they sell cars - and offer credit - just like the white owned ones do. C'mon now - you know that they aren't selling "cars" but are pimpin' the sh*t out of stuff and selling it off for more profit!

      Wait. No wait - they're not smart enough for that. Only whites know how about CAPITALISM and how to exploit a market. Look at the sub prime market for crying out loud.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by princeofwheels (September 25, 2007 6:24 pm ET)
         

      At least Bill's ratings for tonite will include some verminish-gay-nazi-scumbags from MMFA.  Reurns at 11:00  but the Daily Show is on at that time. I'd rather watch Mark Cuban dancing than O'Reilly dancing.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by kromecom48 (September 25, 2007 6:24 pm ET)
         

      Hello Kettle, Pot here . . . YOU ARE SO BLACK!

      Report Abuse
      • Author by pete592 (September 25, 2007 6:44 pm ET)
           

        And I couldn't get over the fact that there is no difference between a black pot and the stainless steel pot that I use at home.  I mean, it boils water exactly the same as my stainless steel one, even though it's black.

        Report Abuse
    • Author by unhipcat (September 25, 2007 6:26 pm ET)
         

      Mother Teresa got attacked?? Figures we wouldn't hear anything about it on far-left, loony, smear websites.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by mefirst (September 26, 2007 6:56 am ET)
           

        o'reilly said she got attacked.  she didn't.  

        Report Abuse
      • Author by open_mind (September 26, 2007 10:06 am ET)
           

        Yeah, I have no idea what O'Reilly is even referring to there.  I think it is safe to say that Mother Teresa is a bigger hero to the left than she is to the right.

        Report Abuse
    • Author by FNC Liberal (September 25, 2007 7:07 pm ET)
         

      You're just mad Bill because you were caught "with your pants down again." You are a PR nightmare at Fox News. If anyone has a dark side, it's you Bill.

      You, and that other neocon fool Sean, have disgraced Fox News Channel. Because of both of you-Shine and Ailes-Fox News Channel has become the laughing stock of News Corporation and all news organizations.

      It's becme embarrassing to be associated with this organization.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by FNC Liberal (September 25, 2007 7:17 pm ET)
         

      "bcme"=become.

      Let me add that Rev. Al Sharpton will not criticize Fox News for fear of not being invited back on the show. His media appearance on Fox News is more important than fighting for truth and justice. 

      Have you noticed that he doesn't criticize Fox News for its lack of diversity at the station? Sharpton is a disgrace to black people and an opportunist.

      Sharpton's so-called friendship with Sean is an insult. I wouldn't want this vile, conservative vermin's friendship for all the oil in the middle east.

       

      Report Abuse
      • Author by RINO Hunter (September 25, 2007 9:29 pm ET)
           

        "Sharpton's so-called friendship with Sean is an insult. I wouldn't want this vile, conservative vermin's friendship for all the oil in the middle east"

        Of course. Because liberals and conservatives can never be friends. We just have to view the other side as bad people and hate them. If they have different political views than us they must be bad. You can never put politics aside and become friends with someone. Of course, that would just be ridiculous.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by therick (September 25, 2007 10:35 pm ET)
             

          Rino, why do you do that?  Why put word in anothers mouth?  I'm one of the biggest Left Liberal regulars on this site, and it so happens that I regularly play poker with 5 great guys who all happen to be Republicans.  Yes, we're good friends who do a lot of things together.

          At times we drive each other nuts, but there's no one there who wouldn't walk through fire for any one of the others.  But, our one mutually agreed upon rule--no citing Rush, or anyone from Fox.  4 of these 5 understand that Rush and Fox are a bunch of lying sacks of s--t, and hate the way they are ruining their party.

          The 1 who follows Rush/Fox like a lamb, has always been the most cowardly, worrysome of the bunch.  He still believes Saddam hid his WMD and masterminded 9/11.  He's forbidden to talk politics without proper citation, because I regularly tear him apart.  He bought me lunch yesterday. (it was his turn)

          Report Abuse
    • Author by redking75687 (September 25, 2007 7:27 pm ET)
         

      Do that old back-peddle fast there, Billo. You got caught and you know it! Don't blame us!

      Report Abuse
    • Author by cpinva (September 25, 2007 9:09 pm ET)
         

      yeah, those rat bastards used o'reilly's own words against him! don't you just hate when that happens?

      what a bloviating twit he is.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by netsez00565 (September 25, 2007 9:51 pm ET)
         

      O'Reilly's comments were taken out of context.  He said that due to stereotypes of black culture in movies, music, videos and other media, that he was surprised the stereotypes were wrong.  He then denounced racism and said it stems from ignorance.  Black columnist Juan Williams, that actually was on the radio show when the comments were made, defended O'Reilly.  But I guess you all know more than Juan does.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by solon (September 26, 2007 11:48 am ET)
           

        No they werent. No matter what he said about black stereotypes before he then ENGAGED in them. THAT isnt taken out of context unless he was being satirical. IF he was saying that its all because of the media or movies he has these racist views then went on to talk about his racist views then he is acting the victim when he isnt. I have been exposed to the same culture Billy has. IF I said something like that I would hope someone would slap me upside the head.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by netsez00565 (September 26, 2007 3:15 pm ET)
             

          The reason why he feels like a victim is because if someone else had made that statement in the middle of a 3 hour conversation AGAINST racism they would have been applauded for overcoming their bias.  Instead that comment is being harped on and the rest of the discussion was downplayed.

          CNN even wondered if this was a "Don Imus moment" .What O'Reilly said is so far removed from "nappy headed ho" that comparing the two comments IS unfair.

          Report Abuse
    • Author by shevyshavon5837 (September 25, 2007 11:13 pm ET)
         

      O'Reilly says "He calls it as He sees it" He calls a spade a spade.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by wvhart6757 (September 25, 2007 11:14 pm ET)
         

          Look, the guy did a nice show on the evils of racism. This, I'm saying, and then, of course, he mucks it up by saying something so tone-deaf and idiotic that even he has to know so. But, does he just simply apologize and move on (no pun intended). No. HE BLAMES THE MESSENGER. Typical, so frigging typical.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by shrimpate (September 26, 2007 12:25 am ET)
         

      Such a whiner. His fans get what, some sort of entertainment from this? Get a life, Billo.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by rotbimer9435 (September 26, 2007 8:51 pm ET)
         

      Maybe if the whole radio spot were listened to instead of just an edited portion, people would hear that no offence need be taken.  Bill O'Reilly did nothing wrong here.  It's the usual wishful thinking on the part of you fools that this is all perpetrated on.  Try again.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by wvhart6757 (September 28, 2007 11:55 am ET)
           

           Of course, he did something wrong/said something insensitive. He was SURPRISED that black people (I guess he objects to the term African-American) were able to act in a civilized manner (plausible, I guess, from a fellow who so cosistently focuses his energy on rappers). Look, I tried to be fair on this one. The guy did try and do a productive show on the irrationality of racism. But he blew it with that statement. Of course, all he had to do was apologize/make the correction and move on. He didn't, though. He went ballistic, instead. Bill O'Reilly, ladies and gentlemen.

        Report Abuse

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