The Bold Fresh Tour has teamed up two of the most popular TV hosts at Fox News: Glenn Beck and Bill O’Reilly. Each brings their own unique brand of humor and politics to the scene. Set in three segments, the show provides platforms for Beck and O’Reilly to showcase their distinct styles, yet allows them to join forces for the grand finale. I was lucky enough to witness this phenomenon in Columbus, Ohio on June 18, 2010.
Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck, with the infamous chalk, is the guest with some serious news. I found myself alternating between laughing and then gasping in shock. Along with the energy, Beck’s accusations are outrageous that the audience is measuring.
Now at first, I too found myself in the vortex of emotion that Beck creates. It is somewhat magical. he states the facts, but lightly uses his hand to handle those facts. If you get too caught up in Beck’s presentation, you’ll miss the holes.
For example, Beck points to the case that Obama is unfairly linked to George Soros through Petrobras, the Brazilian oil company. Now that the connection is suspected, Beck’s analysis falls under closer scrutiny. The $2 million loan Beck accuses Obama of giving to Petrobras was actually approved by the Export-Import Bank in the United States. /a>, whose boards of directors are pleased by none other than the volume of gold … George W. Bush. So while Beck makes some interesting points, it’s wise to approach his arguments with a bit of skepticism.
Bill O’Reilly
O’Reilly is a bit pragmatic in his approach to the show as well as to politics. O’Reilly, not so much a natural on the show as on the screen, peppered his first few words with a lot of “Umms.” However, it wasn’t long before he settled down and gave us a real O’Reilly performance. I loved seeing his sense of humor shine through as he poked fun at an MTV reporter, and his impression of James Carville is hilarious!
O’Reilly is even more focused on his views. It’s not often that I can dig up the evidence. Believe me, I tried. His trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Arizona overturning state law, and Obama’s treatment of oil spills are perfect examples. All of these are major public relations disasters that could very well cost Obama his re-election.
Grand Finale
Nowhere are the differences between Beck and O’Reilly more apparent than in the Q&A; show session limits. Beck, dressed in jeans and a “K-Mart” shirt, is comic relief and plays on people’s emotions. O’Reilly, on the other hand, plays the straight man and prides himself on logic and facts. Her more formal attire belies her gravity-defying stance.
This funny segment incorporated nothing short of hysterical. It has been a long time since I hardly laughed. I would absolutely love to see this part of the show extended, although I suspect O’Reilly will lose in a battle of wits. The nod just doesn’t play fair.
Despite these differences, Beck and O’Reilly make common points. Both agree that while this nation makes some serious mistakes, it is a noble nation at heart. He will overcome the troubles and triumphs of the times, if each of us is engaged in fighting evil. Therefore, while their analysis is often disappointing, hope is not abandoned by the audience.
Resources
Bill Me, Inc
O’Reilly Beck Bold & Recent
http://www.boldfreshtour.com/
Annenberg Public Policy
Fact Check.org
“Bogus Brazilian Oil Claim”
