There were no questions about North Korea, which surprised me. That is a very dangerous situation. Instead, Iran and health care dominated the floor, with FOX News White House correspondent Major Garrett having the most spirited exchange with the president:
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAJOR GARRETT, FOX NEWS: In your opening remarks, sir, you said about Iran that you were appalled and outraged. What took you so long?
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: As soon as violence broke out, in fact, in anticipation of potential violence, we were very clear in saying that violence was unacceptable, that that was not how governments operate with respect to their people.
GARRETT: Are Iranian diplomats still welcome at the embassy on the Fourth of July, sir?
OBAMA: Well, I think, as you're aware, Major, we don't have formal diplomatic relations with Iran. I think that we have said that if Iran chooses a path that abides by international norms and principles, then we are interested in healing some of the wounds of 30 years in terms of U.S.-Iranian relations. But that is a choice that the Iranians are going to have to make.
GARRETT: But the offer still stands?
OBAMA: That's a choice the Iranians are going to have to make.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
It's obvious the president wouldn't answer Major's question about are the Fourth of July festivities still on, and I don't know why he wouldn't answer the question. As for his initial reaction to Iran, as we've stated, Mr. Obama was wise to be cautious, as Iran can ramp up the violence in Iraq and Afghanistan any time it wants.
And then there is the chaotic health care situation, which could crash because of the high cost.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: While we are in the process of dealing with the cost issue, I think it's also wise policy and the right thing to do to start providing coverage for people who don't have health insurance or are underinsured, are paying a lot of money for high deductibles.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Well, that sounds charitable, but who's going to pay for the entitlements? The government's deeply in debt, as everybody knows. More debt could be disastrous. President Obama still, still cannot articulate how he'll pay for the trillions with a T needed for government-subsidized health care. And what about the unintended consequences?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Wouldn't it drive private insurance out of business?
OBAMA: Why would it drive private insurance out of business? If private insurers say that the marketplace provides the best quality health care, if they tell us that they're offering a good deal, then why is it that the government, which they say can't run anything, suddenly is going to drive them out of business? That's not logical.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Well, there's very little logical in the health care debate. It seems to me the president should be driving tort reform, bringing down insurance costs for doctors who are now terrified of being sued and they've got to pay this astronomical bill to the insurance companies.
It also seems to me that government-issued health insurance could be effective, but only if the folks pay something for it. Looking at the numbers, free health care could very well drive the USA into bankruptcy, much like what's happening in California.
So, Mr. Obama's health care vision is cloudy, to say the least. Of course, I could be wrong.
And that's "The Memo."
Pinheads & Patriots
In California, it is sea lions gone wild. Morning rush hour drivers in Oakland came across this wandering baby sea lion, who apparently left local waters and made its way into traffic, perhaps trying to hitch a ride to San Francisco. The police officers, who nicknamed the pup Fruitvale — we're not sure why — finally corralled the feisty creature after many attempts. Well the cops, for being patient and getting the sea lion safe, are patriots.
On the pinhead front, ladies and gentlemen, Lady Gaga.
Click here to see Lady Gaga's explosive performance at the MuchMusic Video Awards in Canada!
Somebody's going to get electrocuted. Pinhead? You make the call.
— You can catch Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" and "Pinheads & Patriots" weeknights at 8 and 11 p.m. ET on the FOX News Channel and any time on foxnews.com/oreilly. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com