Mr. Bush unofficially kicks off his re-election campaign Tuesday evening and his challenger could be anyone. "Talking Points" believes Howard Dean (search) is finished. And indeed, here's what I said last November.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
O'REILLY: "Talking Points" believes Dean can raise all of the money he wants, have all of the labor union he wants backing him up. All the far left advocates can go out and hold his signs all day long. But in the end, Howard Dean's positions will be exposed. And the folks will see it. And I don't believe he will be the Democratic candidate for president.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
All right, that was last November. My assessment was made because from the very beginning, Dean was one strange guy. He was disrespectful when he didn't have to be, surrounded himself with far left fanatics, and exhibited bizarre behavior like this scene last night in Iowa.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOWARD DEAN (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Not only are we going to New Hampshire, Tom Harkin, we're going to South Carolina, and Oklahoma, and Arizona, and North Dakota, and New Mexico. We're going to California, and Texas, and New York. And we're going to South Dakota and Oregon and Washington and Michigan. And then we're going to Washington, D.C. to take back the White House!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Wow. Now, most Americans respect passion, but not immaturity. Dean is simply immature. And while he could stage a comeback, I doubt it.
Now congratulations to John Kerry and John Edwards. Both senators ran very smart campaigns in Iowa. And you have to give Kerry extra credit. The man's a fighter. He was on the ropes and didn't fold.
Edwards has always been straight with us. He's a likable and open candidate with the folks. He has a future. I'd also like to salute Richard Gephardt, who dropped out today for his patriotism and service to the country.
It is absolutely necessary that Americans hold strong beliefs and support politicians whom they think will help the country. It is absolutely unnecessary to attack those with whom you disagree and to try to personally injury them.
From the beginning, Howard Dean never understood that. He surrounded himself with character assassins, was disrespectful to the office of the presidency, and generally behaved badly. Even the committed liberal voters of Iowa saw this clearly and Dean got what he deserved.
And that's The Memo.
The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day
As you know, we're encouraging everyday Americans to get involved in the political process, and one man took our advice in Iowa. He confronted Howard Dean about his avoidance of “The Factor.” Roll it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOWARD DEAN, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Thank you very much for coming.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. Dean, will you go on O'Reilly?
DEAN: I appreciate it. What?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Will you go on O'Reilly?
DEAN: No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why?
DEAN: Because all he does is shout at his guests.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You won't go on.
DEAN: He just likes to scream and yell.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: After you afraid of him, Governor?
DEAN: No.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
All right. All I do is yell and scream. You know, this is ridiculous, of course. Well, maybe on Dean's part. But we like the guy who challenged him.
By the way, here's a message to General Wesley Clark from me. Now, if you see the general, you can pass it on.
You've been dodging us, General, and, if you think playing patty-cake over there with CNN is going to get you anywhere, it isn't. You need to convince independent-minded Americans that you have the right stuff to be president. Fielding softball questions is not going to get that done. Just looking out for you, General. And pass it on if you see him.
That guy was great, wasn't he?
--You can watch Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points Memo and "Most Ridiculous Item" weeknights at 8 & 11p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com
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