Bill O’Reilly and His Mob

February 20, 2008 – 1:33 pm

On February 19th, Bill O’Reilly’s radio show had a caller who brought up Michelle Obama’s recent quote about just recently being proud of her country. O’Reilly responded to the caller’s comment with his usual oratory skills, by being racist and being blind to injustices that not to long ago were imposed upon African Americans. Here is the audio.

[Via Media Matters]

5 Responses to “Bill O’Reilly and His Mob”
Sorry, but what does this have to do with the fact that in 26 years, there isn’t one thing she’s been proud of this country for?

By Vinny on Feb 20, 2008
And by the way, having listened to the audio… What’s the problem?

By Vinny on Feb 20, 2008
I thought you might respond. The post was about O’Reilly’s comment. Considering lynches happened not too long ago, I think it was very insensitive comment on his behalf. I don’t think his comments have any place in politics. Regarding the Michelle Obama’s comment, everyone has their own reality. I imagine if I was African American and I had to combat racial microaggressions and overt racism everyday, I may not be proud of the country and its direction. Therefore, I can understand her standpoint, but since she is in the political spotlight it probably could have been worded in a better fashion.

By jeremyfranklin on Feb 20, 2008
I don’t know exactly what you meant by “I thought you might respond,” but I’ll reserve judgment on that remark until I understand it better.

I’ll agree with you. O’Reilly is a jackass and he may very well be a racist too (I don’t know him personally so I can’t say) but it’s not like he said anything wrong. Can we not use the word “lynch” in conjunction with black people now?

In general, up until people started getting all hysterical about the word last year, “lynch” usually was associated with mob justice and the like. People who pulled that sort of stuff were called “lynch mobs.” It didn’t mean they were walking around with nooses lookin’ for some negroes to string up on a tree.

As for the “African American” part of your comment, whatever you say, but ask yourself… In 26 years of her life has she not had one opportunity to be proud of her country? Just think about that. Nothing brought her pride in her country until her husband was running for President.

And they say the Clintons are obsessed with power?

By Vinny on Feb 20, 2008
I know you are an avid Clinton supporter and political savvy, so that is why I thought you would respond.

My main concern is the context in which his statement was used and my opinion is also based on his past comments that have had racial undertones. O’Reilly used the term “lynching mob” which I think is a direct reference to lynches that happened to African Americans and Whites who supported African Americans. When he used the term it was as though Obama committed some horrible act by speaking her mind. I am not sure why he would say “lynch mobs” otherwise. Is it a common term that is used in everyday conversations? Not mine. Why is her reality not valid? Is dissent bad for the country? I don’t think so. I don’t think she was only talking about her husband. I think she was talking about the electorate that has been stuck in a rut of conformity and staleness.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Hillary and I was going to vote for her. I just think that in our current political climate that Obama has a better chance of getting elected and I couldn’t take another 4 years of Republicans.

By jeremyfranklin on Feb 20, 2008