Lead
Bill O’Reilly could be the factor who in his own right may become the pivotal political commentator and major influence for the eventual outcome of Election 2012.
MJB’s Take
If Election 2012 seems to be full of surprises, it’s because Mitt Romney just does not have the juice he needs, and the momentum he should have by now, to win.
As presidential timber, Mitt would appear to have it all.
Wealth, looks, education, business success, political success and two earned Harvard degrees to die for: Law and Business Administration. One would think he would have blown past his challengers in the GOP primaries, and then with the aid, comfort and support of Old School Harvard Alumni, be positioned to crush Barack Obama in the General Election.
But, for whatever reasons, Mitt seems to be lagging.
That must be a great disappointment to old school, Blue Blood Harvard alumni money which for the most part is still the real capital base of America. When the rubber meets the road, that money has more affinity for Mitt, a ’75 Harvard graduate, than it does for Barack, a ’91 Harvard graduate.
That 16 year Harvard graduation gap easily can be translated into the hundreds of millions of dollars of political money pouring into the coffers of SUPER PACS, those unrestricted funds for the aggregation and unlimited influence of corporate money, massed the old fashioned way, by folks like Old School Harvard Alumni Blue Bloods. SUPER PACS generally should favor Mitt, not Barack.
Now enter Bill O’Reilly.
The O’Reilly Factor, FOX NEWS, is one of MJB’s must watch talk shows. Almost without a peer and competition, it has emerged as one of the most influential talk TV shows in mainstream political media. It’s host, Bill O’Reilly is one of the best political talk hosts in media. And, he is one of the best educated media personalities in the business: B. A. in History-Marist College; M. S. in Broadcast Journalism-Boston College; and, MPA in Public Administration, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard.
There lies the key-Bill is a Harvard alumnus. He has the mystical and magical Harvard connection.
So if Election 2012 boils down to Barack, Harvard alumnus, in the Left’s Corner v. Mitt, Harvard Alumnus, in the Right’s Corner, the super referee will be Bill, Harvard alumnus, straight up the middle.
Bill O’Reilly’s say will be the say so with respect to the outcome of Election 2012.
That’s our opinion; what’s yours?
marcjan
Mrs. AL
January 18, 2012 at 8:25 AM
To be sure your post is intriguing. I personally don’t watch this gentleman very much. That said, given his audience rating perhaps there might be something to your analysis. I just may have to tune in occasionally to see what’s what.
marcjan
January 26, 2012 at 4:43 AM
>>mrs.al–
Thank you.
I think those connections have meaning.
Bob@CommonSenseConversation
January 18, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Two things:
First, while he is smart and well educated, no doubt, Bill O’Reilly is an uncouth pompous ass, with absolutely no manners, even beyond, far beyond, the normal journalistic arrogantness. Were it necessary in order to “get the story” it might me forgivable, but Van Sustern, Cavuto, and others prove its not.
Second, I would have expected this site to be participating in the SOPA internet blackout today. I’m disappointed.
marcjan
January 26, 2012 at 4:45 AM
>>Bob–
I am sorry to have disappointed you. I did not know about the blackout.
In any event, there is a hint of arrogance about him, but I think he’s shrewd and quite successful.
Bob@HayleStorm Interactive
January 26, 2012 at 11:51 AM
You are no doubt right about shrewd and successful…but influential? They are not necessarily connected. His success is based on the fact that he taps into a segment of viewers who enjoy watching train wrecks, much like Ann Coulter is fun to watch but I don’t think she is influential.
O’reilly’s success is a lot like the Maury Povich type shows…fun, but I wouldn’t make a decision based on the drivel that falls out of his mouth.
marcjan
February 20, 2012 at 6:02 AM
>>Bob–
And, his timing is uncanny.
He seems to tap into the issues on time, and at the right time, and as public sentiment changes, he pivots flawlessly.
Ray Dais
February 7, 2012 at 10:17 PM
this is my comments ! thx for all !
marcjan
February 20, 2012 at 6:03 AM
>>Ray Dais–
And, thank you.