In case you didn't see it last night, David Letterman had Bill O'Reilly on. The money quote, which is probably already being repeated all over the 'net, came when Dave said to him, "I have the feeling that 60% of what you say is crap."
Even though I feel that's about the right percentage, I couldn't help feel a twinge of sorry for O'Reilly…though I also think he's smart enough to have known he was going to get clobbered. It's just about impossible to beat a guy like Letterman when he has home court advantage.
The question I wish someone would put to Dave is, "Why do you have someone on your show if you think 60% of what they say is crap? Why give such a person a forum? Just so you can insult him to his face?" It's not like Bill O'Reilly doesn't have a place to express his opinions. I can understand booking such a guest to engage in a real debate but Dave wasn't primed for that. O'Reilly trotted out the story he keeps telling about how a school in Wisconsin wouldn't allow students to sing the real lyrics to "Silent Night" and Dave was unprepared to point out that what occurred there didn't happen the way O'Reilly keeps reporting it.
I hear people say they've given up watching Letterman because he strikes them as cranky and grouchy. I don't always agree…but then there are nights like last night. O'Reilly spouted his usual nonsense. Letterman insulted him. The studio audience cheered Dave. The home audience decided to see who Jay had on. Television doesn't always have to be pleasant and happy but if you're going to have friction, make it be about something.