The Daily Show's Jon Stewart and Fox News's Bill O'Reilly faced off last night over whether or not it was a big deal for the White House to invite rapper Common to perform at a poetry event last week.
In one corner, Stewart said the controversy was trumped up by Fox News. In the other, O'Reilly said it was appropriate for Fox News and others to be upset. Both accused the other of quibbling over petty points.
It was inappropriate, O'Reilly said, for an artist who had written songs “sympathizing with two cop killers” to be invited to the White House; Stewart countered that Common believes the people in question are innocent. But, O'Reilly said, when the president already has “a history of associating with dubious people” like Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Bill Ayers, adding a rapper who sings about cop killers isn't a good idea. [Vote now: Should rapper Common have been invited to the White House?]
Stewart pointed to other artists—Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan—who have written controversial lyrics and have also been to the White House. “There is a selective outrage machine here at Fox that pettifogs only when it suits the narrative that suits them,” Stewart said. “You have to be consistent if you're outraged.”
Both pundits made important—and entertaining—points during the friendly debate, but who won the back and forth?
What do you think? Did Jon Stewart or Bill O'Reilly win the debate over rapper Common? Take the poll and post your thoughts below.
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Reader Comments Read all comments (4)
John Wayne of NM 10:52PM May 17, 2011
junior of DC 8:21PM May 17, 2011
Bill Hedges of MO 4:48PM May 17, 2011