Why Do Conservative Republicans Continue to Hurt Themselves?

First of all, we believe that two vibrant political parties are necessary for a strong America. Competition almost always leads to good ideas. When one party dominates, you tend to see arrogance and foolish policies creep in, and that may already be happening to the Obama administration.

According to Real Clear Politics, President Obama's job approval rating is falling faster than any modern president except for Bill Clinton. Since his inauguration, the president has lost 16 points in about six months.

Now, that should bolster Republicans, especially conservatives who dislike the president's policies. But here's the interesting deal: Many conservative Republicans are acting foolishly. Instead of concentrating on better ideas for the country, they are frenzied over the president's birth certificate, that kind of dumb stuff.

As we discussed last week, Mr. Obama loves that because it makes his opposition look irrational. Why would he ever release his birth certificate when those demanding it look unhinged?

Some conservatives also personally attacked Judge Sotomayor. That was not smart. You can disagree with the woman, but to malign her character offends many Americans, including the vital Hispanic voting bloc.

And then there's talk radio, a lifeline for many conservatives which has angered centrist Republicans like John McCain, Colin Powell and even Michael Steele, the head of the GOP. The Obama administration has attempted to brand the Republican Party as extremist, and points to the hot rhetoric on talk radio to make its case.

The truth is that President Obama's belief system is so far away from the conservative-traditional point of view that the two will never agree. However, everything the president says and does is not wrong, stupid or un-American.

If the Republican Party wants to regain power, it must come up with better programs than the Democrats do. It's that simple. Ideological rhetoric does not persuade voters. It's preaching to the choir.

Finally, the far left lost all credibility when elements of it like Rosie O'Donnell began saying America attacked itself on 9/11. The fanaticism of Michael Moore, Janeane Garofalo and Sean Penn, among others, hurt the liberal movement.

The same holds true for the far right, and the Obama people understand that. Every crazy theory, like the birth certificate deal, actually helps the president by marginalizing his most bitter opponents.

The GOP needs a uniter, not a divider. Where have I heard that before?

And that's "The Memo."

Pinheads & Patriots

Actor Kevin Costner is also a musician, and his band was playing in Canada when a big storm struck and the stage collapsed. One person was actually killed and nine others were hurt in the storm carnage, and reports say Mr. Costner himself rescued a whole bunch of people. So he is a patriot.

Click here to watch "Pinheads & Patriots"!

On the pinhead front, in between innings at the Washington Nationals games you might see a presidential race of sorts. This past weekend, the Washington mascots traveled to Pittsburgh to race against the Pierogies, and just as Teddy Roosevelt started to pull ahead, "Oliver the onion" Pierogie turned and leveled President Roosevelt. Where was the Secret Service? Obviously, Oliver is a pinhead.

— 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