It’s been about a whole month since Bill O’Reilly picked a fight with a rapper, perhaps prompted by the fact that others have picked up the mantle. Among them is Laura Ingraham, who has been doing yeoman’s work in calling out Chris Brown for his corrosive influence on American culture. He and his friends (which he apparently has) have struck back, and in response O’Reilly extended an open invitation to Brown and 50 Cent to debate their stances.

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Ingraham is out and about promoting her book, Of Thee I Zing, much of which is dedicated to the “culture wars” and the influence that rappers have on children. Brown, of course, is a bit of a different example as his most prominent contribution to American society has been getting arrested for beating up former girlfriend Rihanna. O’Reilly admits that he has no idea what any of Chris Brown’s songs are– and there at least this author is in concert. He also reads, quite comically, one of the tweets in response to

Ingraham attacking him on Today this morning: “They mad because of the level of real people who live in this world. Not to mention their ratings probably sucked.” “Apparently, Mr. Brown does not live on this planet,” O’Reilly joked, adding to Ingraham that Brown probably “did you a favor” since his attack went out “over the internet tweeting system or whatever it’s called.

Ingraham replied that she had a problem with their “negative and depraved attitude towards women,” and explains that it was not only Brown, but 50 Cent that came out “and he slams me, and that’s find… it’s the same degrading lyrics and degrading words.” She then argues that the abusive language is a product of them being unable to but together an argument. “I’d like to see them come on the program here,” O’Reilly replied, “Mr. Brown and Mr. ‘Fiddy…’ They’re welcome anytime to come on.” O’Reilly noted that he had extended a similar invitation to Ludacris many years ago and the conversation was fruitful. “But it’s gotten worse” since then, Ingraham argued, and O’Reilly had to agree: “it’s gotten worse because it’s gotten more accepted.”

While a 50 Cent/Bill O’Reilly debate would’ve been a

ratings bonanza in 2004, one can imagine that watching O’Reilly– or anyone, really– tear Chris Brown apart, whose likability ratings are probably somewhere in between Casey Anthony and Rod Blagojevich would be a major draw.

The segment via Fox News below:
Tags: 50 Cent, Bill O'Reilly, Chris Brown, Fox News, Laura Ingraham, Rap, The O'Reilly Factor, Today