On Monday’s The O’Reilly Factor on FNC, during the show’s regular "Reality Check" segment, host Bill O’Reilly highlighted the double standard exhibited by President Barack Obama and other prominent Democrats in the way they reacted so strongly to former Republican Senator Trent Lott’s praise of former Senator Strom Thurmond at his birthday celebration in 2002, and the President's recent more forgiving words about Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s "Negro dialect" remark. O’Reilly quoted Obama’s unforgiving statement from 2002 regarding Lott, and then showed his recent statement giving Reid a pass. The FNC host also showed quotes of Democratic Senators Mary Landrieu and Debbie Stabenow from the Lott episode and noted their current unwillingness to comment on Reid.
Below is a transcript of the relevant portion of the Monday, January 11, The O’Reilly Factor on FNC:
BILL O'REILLY: "Check" two, a tale of three politicians. Back in 2002, when Senator Trent Lott praised segregationist Strom Thurmond, Barack Obama said this: Quote, "The Republican Party itself has to drive out Trent Lott. They have to stand up and say, 'This is not the person we want representing our party'."
But on the Harry Reid deal, the President says, quote, "I accepted Harry's apology without question. I've seen the passionate leadership he's shown on issues of social justice, and I know what's in his heart."
Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu on Lott, quote, "I can tell you if a Democratic leader said such a thing, they would not be allowed to keep their position." Oh, yes? Well, we contacted Senator Landrieu today. So far, she won't comment.
And Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow on Lott, quote, "Those kinds of comments have no place in our society." But Senator Stabenow also has no comment on Senator Reid – at least so far. Just thought you'd like to know.
