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Bill O’Reilly On Christian Candidates And The Secular Press: It Drives Them Crazy

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» 85 comments

On Thursday’s The Factor, host Bill O’Reilly looked into Rick Perry‘s recent decline in popularity. He showed a clip of Perry’s wife telling a crowd in South Carolina that her husband’s campaign had been “brutalized and eaten up and chewed up” by the press and, again, “brutalized” by his opponents… because of his faith. An interesting take given Perry is currently dealing with fallout from the fact that a pastor, Robert Jeffress, introduced him at the Values Voter Summit earlier this month by calling him a “committed follower of Christ” as opposed to Mitt Romney who, as a Mormon, belongs to a “cult.”

RELATED: Anti-Mormon Southern Baptist Leader Slams Mitt Romney’s Faith As ‘A Cult’

O’Reilly brought on radio host Laura Ingraham to discuss this further:

I think she’s right — it’s been a really tough month for him. And, as his wife, I mean, she’s probably hurting for him. And the truth, I think, about this is that, when you get in this race, as Michele Bachmann found, as, last time around, Mike Huckabee found, as Sarah Palin found when she was the vice presidential nominee, the media and, yeah, other conservatives, are going to be really hard on you. They’re going to scrutinize your record, they’re going to look at you on the stage alongside other candidates, and you’re going to have to match a standard of excellence that makes people feel reassured about your abilities beyond governing your state and beyond your record in the state that you’re in. So I don’t think it really has anything to do with his faith. I think it has everything to do with the comfort level that people want to have with Rick Perry and I think, look, by the polls, we knew that there were a lot of people who wanted Rick Perry to kind of soar from the very beginning. But he has to take himself across the finish line.

As O’Reilly sees it, however, anyone of faith is going to get “raked over the coals” by the “secular press” and the Perrys should have anticipated and been prepared for this reality. “The Christianity thing, believe me, that makes them, the New York Times people, it makes them crazy.”

Tee hee!

Watch their discussion — which also includes a look at Herman Cain — via Fox News:

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  • Anonymous

    *dog whistle*

    War on Christianity ftw!

  • The Real Royal Emperor

    I can’t begin to tell you how difficult it is to be a Christian in Amerika. The taunts. The slurs. The violence. 20th Century Amerika is tougher than 1st Century Rome! And top that off by being White and male. The sting of the whip. The burden of the yoke or oppression. No wonder there are so few Christians in Amerika. And the Christmas pogroms are only months away.

  • Anonymous

    Another fallacious argument about the supposed “war on Christianity” when no such thing exist to promote a bigger point that Christians are victimized in a 95% Christian country while completely ignoring the real facts of Islamic discrimination by the media.

    BillO should really teach a class in logical fallacies. 

  • Exgoper

    Hitchens nailed it. Religion really does poison everything.

  • Pious Jeffy

    So, Billdo,

    Where in the ten commandments sez it is ok to inject a couple of wines in to your harassment victim, preferably intravenously, and it is acceptable to drag her in the mud so nobody would believe her claims of abuse, and then soil yourself at the sight of Muslims on airplanes.

    Billdo, you as a good xtian soldier must control yourself and your lapdog Juan and face the eveeeel partisan secularists before you get assaulted by roving gangs of pink-gun totting lesbians.

  • Tim Tebow

    Irrationalism does drive us crazy. To not think about stuff and aspire to leadership is horrifying.

    Most of us don’t have the Rapture…

  • Anonymous

    Perry should take note here . Barney Frank had a good idea :

    And if Barry would rein in Moochy , think of the untold millions of taxpayer money that could be saved .

    “Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is hunting for ways to cut into the deficit and is eyeing Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s travel budget.
    The ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee told the supercommittee on deficit reduction Thursday that having Geithner fly commercial instead of using military transport could save “several million dollars a year.”

    Prohibiting Treasury officials from using military air transport, a practice begun under former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and continued by Geithner, could contribute to reining in the deficit. Each flight of this kind costs at least $150,000.

    http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/budget/187345-frank-have-geithner-fly-commercial-to-fight-deficit

  • Pious Jeffy

    Oh, SURPRISE!

    Another gNOpig spamming to go off topic!

    I suppose all gNOpigs travel on foot to save taxpayer’s money!

  • Anonymous

    Go down to Caesar’s . Tell ‘em you want the Gladiator special .
    They still have the original toga-wearing waitresses from when they opened .

  • The Real Royal Emperor

    Perhaps, you don’t understand. I don’t gamble. Never. Not even scratch off lottery tickets nor office football polls. No great moral principle. It’s just tacky and boring. And, I’m too cheap.

  • wawoo

    Let me see, Mormons are not Christians. Catholics are not Christians. So says the secular press-not. And po little Ricky is oppressed and brutalized. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

  • GlovesDonahuesAddledBrain

    I see a post about Cain and I write some idiotic thing about Solyndra.

    I see a post about Fox & Friends and I post a rambling piece of crap about Fast & Furious.

    Why can’t I stay on topic? Do I have ADD or I am I just a piece of sh*t windbag?

  • http://twitter.com/gadfly666 gadfly666

    In the imaginary world of low IQ Conservatives/Republicans/Tea Baggers that Fox News has helped create:
    - Christians are the oppressed lot.
    - Whites suffer from racism.
    - Millionaires are hurting more than the unemployed poor.
    - Pigs have wings.

  • Anonymous

    Some day O’Reilly will learn that anybody who speaks out against secularism is speaking out against the Constitution.  Then again, maybe he’s too stupid to figure it out, ever.

  • Texan

    You can’t because you aren’t. You’re a fraud.

  • Texan

    (AUDIO) Tom Exposes Who’s Really Behind the ‘Occupy Wall Street’?

    [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
    Who’s really behind the “Occupy Wall Street” movement? Tom introduces
    the audience to former SEIU official Stephen Lerner, and how Lerner has
    been encouraging and supporting the ongoing “OWS” movement…

    http://radio.foxnews.com/fox-news-talk/tom-sullivan/

  • Rex the Wonder God

    This is sarcasm, right? 

    Because, the U.S. is about tied with Turkey in being one of the most religiotic nations in the world, with less than a third of people even accepting evolution by natural selection. I mean, even our Muslim-atheist-Kenyan-Filipino halfrican president can’t end a speech without God bless America.

    By the way, I actually thought Laura Ingraham, who usually is such a tool, was quite good in her analysis  here, and that Billo was more off his rant than usual. Does he really think that Republican primary voters give a rat’s skinny behind what the NY Times thinks of Perry, even if it had gone after him for his Pray for Rain idiocy, which it really has not bothered doing anyway? I mean, if Perry wants to blame someone, he should start by looking the mirror and then if his fee-fees are still hurting he could go look how the likes of John Stewart and Stephen Colbert and the insidious YouTube show him.

  • Michelle

    If it’s true, is it still considered a “dog whistle”?

  • Michelle

    Well around 90% of American’s disagree with you.

  • proud2tbagu

    Wrong again kim jong il

  • Rex the Wonder God

    I can never figure out whether the proper etiquette is “xtian” or “xian”. I’ve been going with the latter because it seems to fit better within the Star Trek pantheon of strange space creatures.

  • Anonymous

    You are unaware that the Constitution is a secular document? Because you are a moron, that does not come as a surprise to anyone.

  • Anonymous

    Am I in the right thread? Is this one about OWS?

  • Anonymous

    Don’t ask questions you [think you] know the answers to.

  • proud2tbagu

    You can speak out against anything you want dumbass. Just like you do here 24 hrs a day.

  • Anonymous

    Don’t forget monkeys flying out of butts. 

  • Anonymous

    No, you don’t have to add that.

  • Anonymous

    I know I shouldn’t laugh at that, but I couldn’t help it.

  • Exgoper

    And 65% of Americans disagree with you about the wealthy having to pay higher taxes. So what’s your point?

  • Anonymous

    I’m thinking the majority has been wrong before.

    btw; The 90% disagree with each other as well.

    Ribbing aside, I don’t think religion poisons everything. It’s one human path that , like many human paths, has has it’s good points and bad points.

  • Roger_Fails

    Don’t expect Texan to stay on topic. If it doesn’t fit his pre-conceived narrative, he’ll just bend it to fit. After all, that’s what Faux News does.

  • Anonymous

    I’m apparently using words you don’t understand, because your response makes no sense.

  • Anonymous

    Nailed it.

  • Anonymous

    I’m somewhat entertained by the victim status believers like to claim. Religion, {Christianity in the USA} has dominated for so long , they  feel they have dibs on this nation and their beliefs should go unchallenged out of some misinterpretation of respect. Now that people are standing up and challenging them and their influence  ,suddenly they are victims.

  • Anonymous

    I’ve been clamoring for more fine Christian journalists like Mike Huckabee and Pat Robertson.  The secular press can go straight to Hell.

  • Anonymous

    i know , it’s a familiar pattern.

  • Tim Tebow

    It hurts, but here it is: we’re a stupid nation.

    Philistines to the core.

  • Anonymous

    Pat Robertson
    Doesn’t he think everyone is going to hell??

  • Anonymous

    Bend it?
    I didn’t think he was even coherent.

  • Tim Tebow

    Tax churches now!

    Get Jesus of the dole!

  • Anonymous

    Every day is Good Friday at FOXnews!

  • Anonymous

    Oh crap.
    It’s that time of year again.
    The war on Christmas.

  • The Real Royal Emperor

    Irrelevant. It’s not true. There is no war on Christmas, and every real Christian knows that.

  • Anonymous

    Hey, FOXnews:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0isvS19AGs

    Peace. Out. Homies.

  • Anonymous

    You would think that we’re already there given the bleak picture he and his ilk paint…

  • The Real Royal Emperor

    Except for Michelle-in-Utah, and she thinks Robertson is going to h-e-double hokcey sticks. She prays for it.

  • Anonymous

    90% you say?

    Have you spoken with them?

  • Anonymous

    Just Republicans are Victims.

    Most Christians just live their lives and help their fellow man.

  • Lizton

    Everybody knows Jesus Christ was a Republican. Right Bill?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Skinner/100000598231323 Brian Skinner

    As a Mormon I have one word to say to Anita Perry.   Karma!!!

  • http://mediamatters.org/ Leedog

    I think Bill O’ Reilly was subconsciously thinking about the man who stole his wife and how his family were coping with it when he stated…  ”it’s been a really tough month for him. And, as his wife, I mean, she’s probably hurting for him.”

    Well, if Bill wasn’t such an egotistical A-Hole, none of this would have happened and his marriage would be in good shape!! Though, Bill should just get over it and move on with life!!

  • Anonymous

    Well no.
    I was responding to a specific post and argument. I don’t believe it’s just republicans making it. I am aware that there are a lot of fabulous Christians out there who do great things for their fellow man, both conservative and liberal Christians.

  • Anonymous

    We’ll know what you mean.  I personally frown on “Xmas” cards.  Xtain or Xian (sounds vaguely Chinese) are jere to stay.

  • Anonymous

    Evangelicals and persecution complexes have a way of repeatedly waking up in the same bed.  Like a divorced couple.  Is it a comfort thing?

  • Anonymous

    Been skipping your meds again?

  • Anonymous

    GOD IS PUNISHING AMERICA

  • Anonymous

    I bet you believe the media is pro-Islam,right.Also that the sun revolves around the earth,right.

  • Lloyd C

    can I lick your taint?
    whoislloydc@gmail.com

  • Lloyd C

    everyone is a victim.

  • Lloyd C

    by your logic you’re a fraud

  • Lloyd C

    can I lick your taint?
    whoislloydc@gmail.com

  • Lloyd C

    of course she has. in her head.

  • Lloyd C

    he’s a cowardly pieceofshitwindbag

    and possibly a kiddie toucher

    whoislloydc@gmail.com

  • Lloyd C

    teccec just wants to know so he  can sell you more like the drugdealer that he is.

    whoislloydc@gmail.com

  • Frizzymstarbaby2

    I thouvght he was a community organizer…..frizzymstarbaby2

  • Guest

    Shall I just drink every time conservatives use a logical fallacy now?

    Okay, argumentum ad populum (appeal to popularity).

    *Drink*

  • Texan

    rent free :)

  • Texan

    fail

  • Anonymous

    ‘Herman Cain is a momentary crush…’ Laura Ingraham

    Well, enjoy it while it lasts.

    I thought he was going to win the Republican Nomination?

    …I’m crushed!

  • Tucsonense

    What a joke these 2 are. 
    Bill JUST KEEP RELIGION OUT………….All religion
    Laura Really???!!! Really. All of the things you say leave us a gasp.

  • Emilie56

    Bill should and does know better about keeping religion out but it always creeps right back in especially when he talks with Laura.   She always thinks Christians are being persecuted.  She fails to realize that Evangelicals think her an apostate for converting to Catholicism, but that’s a story for another day.  Soon we will be nearing the Xmas season and all will burst into their yearly “Christians are being persecuted in America” song.  Where in America they are persecuted I do not know and cannot figure as I stand at Rockefeller Center looking at the tree each year but apparently they are all deluded into thinking there is Christian persecution in predominately Christian America.

    There is however, a difference between our citizens requiring a President who will govern and not tout his personal faith.  That is the cornerstone of our country.  We have had many a leader, all Christian, but few have in any way brought religion into the equation as they did their job.  Many of us do not want a Perry type person who will make those who are not as religious as he is feel unworthy.  We are all Americans.  It was bad enough when George Bush prayed and then whatever idea came into his head he thought came directly from God.  Now we are in how many wars???  

    Religion is a separate subject from politics in America and the right wing doesn’t want it to be that way.  The left wing is having a great time watching this Republican turmoil because they believe it will put Obama back in office, much as he has been a real disappointment.  Romney, trying to become President for years, is now tickled pink since the minister, if I don’t choke calling him that, helped knock Perry down a bit unwittingly!

    I heard Lewis Black say what I think is oh so correct now.  To the best of my recollection he said something to the effect that he used to think one side was crazy.  Now he thinks one side psychotic and the other side a bunch of idiots.  This, if true, that leaves us, the American people, way out in the cold.  

  • Emilie56

    The media does take sides.  They work for either the right or the left stations and I do not believe otherwise.  Unfortunately the left, along with many of their good ideas, feel the need to in some way keep telling the folks that we don’t hate Islam, we just hate the Islamists who attacked us.  It makes them sound really pro-Islam.  I don’t see why I should have to convince ordinary Muslims that I don’t hate them by uttering a tonnage of verbiage on a continual basis.  The fact that we can and do all live together on the same block in peace and harmony says it all I would think.  

  • Emilie56

    Most of the time O’Reilly tries to be fair.  But he loses it when Laura is on.  When she takes over for him on weekends, etc., I will not watch the Factor.  There is nothing fair and balanced about the Factor when Laura hosts the show.  Is having her as a substitute host O’Reilly’s idea or FOX’s idea I wonder?  If it is O’Reilly’s choice then I am most disappointed.  

  • Emilie56

    If Perry wants to come up again he has to do what Obama did…..lose the preacher man and fast.  The American people will forget this in a hot second if Perry has something else other than religious griping to talk about.  We have very short term memories.  

    We have to congratulate Mr. Perry for being content with his faith, ask him to keep it to himself, believe whatever he wants to believe, and allow Mr. Romney to do the same.  Then the Christian right has to assure the rest of us that we remain a country living under separation of church and state.  Problem solved.  

    You see, some of us want to know that we have the rights to the laws of the U.S and the right wing should also know that if they don’t want women to die again having illegal abortions they had better not be shooting legal abortion doctors.  Some of us have children whose lives have been saved by the use of human stem cells which were previously sitting in a refrigerator in a tube.  The cells in the tube were not human babies with a soul.  If we have souls it was not frozen in the frig just waiting to come out and live.  I believe in God and my God would never do that to a soul.  

    The major problem with the Evangelical right is that they want to tell the rest of us how to live and they also want to tell us we are going to hell, not that they would know.  They take the Bible and twist it any way they want to, read into it anything they want to think it is saying.  Are they any different from Islamic radicals?   These are the same people whose ancestors tarred and feathered human beings and hung them from trees, doing God’s work, you know, because they knew what God wanted!  This is a scary bunch.  So I will say to the normal Evangelicals who have found peace by finding Jesus Christ, I do apologize, I am not talking about you, I am talking about the nut cases in your community.  Of course, this is exactly what the liberals are saying to the Muslims these days.  

  • Anonymous

    Laura is right about Perry. If he had ANYTHING to say about the real political, social or economical issues, he wouldn’t have imploded the way he did. Prattling about his faith is not enough!

    Every Thursday Billo seems to be in one of his paranoid/whining mode. ;)

  • Anonymous

    Poor “Christian” politicians being called out for their beliefs.

    Let´s look at their newest legislative effort to create jobs:

    In their latest assault on women’s health, this week House Republicans
    will take up HR 358, the ironically titled “Protect Life Act.” Opponents
    have rechristened the measure the “Let Women Die”
    bill because it would allow hospitals that receive federal funds to
    turn away a woman seeking an abortion in all circumstances, even if an
    abortion is necessary to save her life.

    http://thinkprogress.org/health/2011/10/12/341070/house-gop-proposes-so-called-let-women-die-bill-that-lets-hospitals-deny-life-saving-care/

  • Michaelv222

    So you are qualified to judge who is a “real Christian”? 

  • Michaelv222

    you wrote nonsense. 

  • Michaelv222

    FAIL-nonsequitor

  • Michaelv222

    Apparently you don’t know what the dole is. 

  • Zermatt2

    Tricky Rick’s wife said that it was members of her own party who were beating up her husband because of his faith. 

    What does she think of Tricky Rick’s surrogate, “Pastor” Jeffress, calling Mormonism a cult?

    Why are members of her own party beating up her husband because of his faith (not true) while not beating up on others like Bachmann and Cain who also have claimed that God told them to run?

    I wonder: if God has now told Bachmann, Cain, and Parry to run, and Rick Parry’s wife has been told by God that her husband should run, is this the same God?  Whom does he want to win?

    God told me not to vote for anyone who has revealed that God told them to run for POTUS!

  • Zermatt2

    I read this morning that Anita Parry is blaming Obama for her son losing his job at a bank.  He resigned to work for his father’s campaign.  Apparently, there are some SEC regulations which limit campaign participation and certain other activities (perhaps making investment advisements?)

    No, Ms. Parry, your son had a choice. 

    Quit playing the victim, Ms. Parry.  You conservatives are awful in this regard.

  • Zermatt2

    Bill O’Reilly refers to the “secular press,” as if a “secular press” is a bad thing.  What does he want, a religious press? 

  • Anonymous

    I think so

  • Anonymous

    FAIL. Misspelled “non sequitur.”

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