I'm am not a fan of O'Reilly. I think he manipulates his guests. He is rude and is seeking nothing other then to prove his point at the cost of truth. I'm not the only one who dislikes O'Reilly. So I was surprised when Dawkin said he would appear on The O'Reilly Show.
After watching it there are two things that came to mind:
- O'Reilly is for once almost repsectful. He still interupts Dawkins but not as frequently as usual.
- Dawkins comes across as kind, considerate and a gentleman.
I've seen O'Reilly be rude many times. If a British journalist behaved in such a manner I would refuse to watch the channel and write to the broadcasting standards commission. However this interview is in contrast relatively calm and considered.
O'Reilly takes an interesting interview stance. Knowing that Dawkins is unable to prove there is no god but he can prove with 'less' doubt that there was a man called Jesus. He hangs his argument on this fact. It's a good starting point. However Dawkins choses not to argue with him on this point. I presume Dawkins knew there was no point. Even though the existence of Jesus can be doubted and is by many Atheists to argue on this point would not help Dawkins cause. Denying Jesus would play in to the hands of O'Reilly and alienate the Fox audience, most of whom are committed Christians. Because Dawkins doesn't bite O'Reilly seems flustered. He doesn't have a Plan B.
I think Dawkins sole aim was to come across as a nice, gentle man. A man that can be talked to, can be trusted. After all Atheists are the most distrusted group in America today. By choosing to not confront O'Reilly on his terms Dawkins wins the PR battle.
