Categories: Opinion and Editorial

REVIEW: “The O’Reilly Factor”

Sure, I am a Christian and yes, due to my faith, I sometimes lean to the conservative viewpoint on some issues, but I generally detest being stereotyped, not only by more liberal people, but by those from the so-called “right” as well. I particularly don’t like anyone thinking that I should automatically like or support every news show hosted by a conservative host. I am pretty much my own person, when it comes to politics and I think there are good things and bad things in both parties, so I usually am not a fan of anyone who is too dogmatic in their views.

That brings me to “The O’Reilly Factor”, the Fox News commentary show hosted by the controversial Bill O’Reilly and aired weeknights at 8 p.m. EST. What produces the controversy is not so much the subjects he chooses to focus on, but his attitude. There are a number of things I actually agree with O’Reilly on, but some where I am standing in the opposite camp.

My main problem is the arrogance in which he delivers his opinions. He is particularly condescending to his guests and unwilling to give those with opposing views a chance to even finish what they have to say. I, as a member of the television audience, may not agree with a particular guest, but I do want to know what he/she thinks. O’Reilly often poses questions to people.during the “Factor”and then, while they are in mid-sentence, interrupts to insert his own exalted answer to the issue, like the obnoxious know-it-all boy we all knew back in high-school civics class.

Does he address pertinent concerns? Truthfully, yes. Sometimes, his tendency towards over-talking people works to advantage, especially if someone is equally intolerable or simply being ridiculous, but I am often turned off by the way he blatantly dismisses even those who offer intelligent opposition. His interviews are more like interrogations.

What grates on my nerves worst of all is his insistence that he possesses a quick, easy answer to some societal ill. For example, whenever an African-American person is on to discuss a topic regarding problems in the black community, O’Reilly, almost without exception, interrupts them to inform them that the way to “straighten up” their community is to simply follow his quick-fix solution. He won’t even listen to their protests about the reality of racism in American society and cuts off their remarks if they attempt to disagree. This is only one example of how the self-important Mr. O’Reilly talks down to those who choose to be on his program.

His nastiness is, I suppose, what brings viewers back and why his ratings are among the highest. People either love or hate Bill O’Reilly and I have seldom spoken to anyone who can remain middle-of-the-road in regards to their feelings about him.

In spite of my own like/loathe angst about “The O’Reilly Factor”, I must admit that it is certainly never boring. The host is very much the king of his domain..

Tune in to it occasionally, if you are someone who enjoys watching shows that inflame you to the point of hollering back at the television set.