Award-winning film maker Michael Moore appeared on The Rachel Maddow Show on Thursday where he alleged that Fox News pundits Glenn Beck and Bill O’Reilly had called for violence against him in the past.
Discussing the recent Lauren Valle incident (the Ron Paul protestor who had her head stomped on by a Tea Party supporter) Moore was reflecting on how political violence can be nurtured by careless talk.
In May of 2005, Moore told Maddow, Beck said: "Let me just tell you what I’m thinking. I’m thinking about killing Michael Moore, and I’m wondering if I could kill him myself, or if I would need to hire somebody to do it."
Moore added that O’Reilly’s comments were slightly less incendiary when he told a guest that he "was against the death penalty, but not for Michael Moore."
Moore admitted that both comments were made over five years ago, though understandably, they left an enduring mark.
Moore added that in todays massively partisan political atmosphere, pundits in the public eye have a special responsibility not to incite violence against their political opponents.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.BigDaddy | Nov 03, 2010, 09:51 PM EDT
Mahoney...you are a prisoner of your ideology. Because we disagree, I must be all the things the talking heads tell you I am. I'm no fan of Obama but I'm wise enough to see that a black man isn't getting elected in the USA unless he is forced to clean up after Duhbya. How dumb are those who voted Republican yesterday? After Duhbya screwed the US, the GOP refused to help clean up his mess. You and your ilk voted against the Dems because they couldn't overcome the inertia of the GOP. Bush stayed out of the way because he was a liability to the GOP. I'll bet you will stand in line to buy Duhbya's book; the one where he tells the true believers he was against going to war with Iraq. LOL You are right about one thing. I wouldn't mind living in a nation where intelligence is more chic than ignorance. My guess is that you are not as ignorant as many; you just say stupid things for pay. And if you didn't know that the GOP pays people to go around the 'Net and attack people who speak out against them, you may be ignorant after all.
maloney | Nov 03, 2010, 07:15 PM EDT
bigda...granted, greed has long controlled politics in America. It's much easier to combat greed than entrenched marxism. As I'm sure your aware, America is finally starting to wake up to the problems facing it & possibly for the first time, is actually doing something about it. I see your an avid fan of obama & therefore understand well, America is becoming more uncomfortable by the day for him, you & the rest of your ilk. Bush stayed out of the frey while obama, his dominate other half & slick willie clinton spent millions traveling the country, over & over( Ohio 13 times) & were still crushed like the maggots they are. Won't be long & England or Ireland or Aussieland possibly Africa will be looking pretty good to ya. Have a nice trip chucklehead.
BigDaddy | Nov 03, 2010, 01:01 PM EDT
Mahoney...What happened yesterday was handing the reins back to the people who drove the cart into the ditch. Turn off Fox and read a book dimwit. Both parties are owned by corporate America and only you and those like you think differently. America tells nations around the world to confront their pasts else they cannot move past them. Meanwhile Duhbya is throwing out the first pitch at the World Series and buttheads are screming USA! USA! What else needs to be said about people such as you?
maloney | Nov 02, 2010, 08:57 PM EDT
bigdaddy..A trip to the VA may be in order. Just a wee bit shell shocked ya are. Today is the first step in reclaiming the country from the train wreck calling it's self the democrat party.
Searlit | Nov 02, 2010, 05:17 PM EDT
I live in America, too. I've been seeing our rights taken away by politicians who claim to be protecting us from big government while they lobby to get every last cent from the government to fund their companies which then turn into monopolies, then multinational corporations. It's time for shared responsibility, if we're going to save our country. We are all in this together. Why can't we appreciate that and work together to go forward, making our country a leader that other countries want to follow.
hollabackgurl | Nov 02, 2010, 01:37 PM EDT
I live in America too and I've never seen so many turkeys vote for Thanksgiving. You don't make an effective protest by falling on your own sword. But that's what we're looking at today, isn't it?
BigDaddy | Nov 02, 2010, 12:25 PM EDT
I often wonder how many posters here live in the USA. After reading some of these replies, it appears many do. It saddens me to think I put myself in harm's way to defend liberty only to watch (or read)that so many Americans have so little intelligence. There is no grass roots "Tea Party"; it is the creation of oilmen named Koch. It is no more a popular movement with genuine causes than Fox News is genuine news. They are simply the creations of rich white men to give stupid white people something to rail against. Watching the lemmings go over the cliff is no consolation to those of us who will be subject to the delusions of those who are grateful slaves to their corporate masters.
ubjesus | Nov 01, 2010, 07:39 PM EDT
That's Rand Paul not Ron Paul.Please get your facts straight,there is a huge difference.
maloney | Nov 01, 2010, 06:38 PM EDT
seano..barney frank & mikey moore want you to come back to the 3 way.
seanomelbourne | Nov 01, 2010, 06:13 PM EDT
How you tea baggers love the constitution when it suits you and deny to anyone who disagrees with you
russm535il | Nov 01, 2010, 02:08 PM EDT
Michael Moore is an idiot an America hater and a socialist - I believe that he would be happiest living in Cuba. Hey Mike do us all a favor and move there ! Russ DeJulio Pittsburgh,PA
Searlit | Nov 01, 2010, 12:25 PM EDT
That is so good IronMountainMovies! :)
Buffalobrave | Nov 01, 2010, 10:35 AM EDT
O'Reilly may have been joking but there are enough 'nut-cases' here in America to take him seriously. And there are some with an IQ no higher than an ameba that would do the deed!
IronMountainMovies | Nov 01, 2010, 09:58 AM EDT
There are two Dolphins swimming around in an aquarium in California that have a higher intelligence level than that of Mr. O Reilly and Mr. Beck combined. 'Tea Party! Oh yes! Let's have a Tea Party! I do love Tea Parties....' cried the Mad Hatter.
maloney | Nov 01, 2010, 09:26 AM EDT
tiller the X baby killer.
bogsidebunny | Nov 01, 2010, 02:22 AM EDT
Fatso, Commie stooge Moore, who is almost as rich as Bill Gates (who actually worked hard to earn his money), is an out and out obese liar. I saw the "threat" turd-ball Moore said Mr O'Reilly made. Moore took it entirely out of context!
2BorNot2B | Nov 01, 2010, 01:09 AM EDT
To diannarae: So you're a Mo and you don't believe in violence? That's rich! Why don't you tell that the people who were massacred under Brigham Young's orders in the Mountain Meadows Massacre? What about Brigham's own killer boy Porter Rockwell? What about the masonic endowment ceremony where the participants swear not to reveal the temple's secret ceremonies (too late!), under penalty of death, while doing the sign of throat slashing? -- Do us a favor, get off Beck's back -who does not know or care whether you exist or not- and tell us a more believable fable, will you!
mayoman | Oct 31, 2010, 11:30 PM EDT
I wonder what the family of the late Dr. Tiller, the abortionist that was murdered in his church by a "pro-life" zealot, think of Bill O'Reilly's constant drumbeat of criticism against the doctor prior to his murder? Or was Mr. O'Reilly's hateful diatribes just in jest as well?
terrypat | Oct 31, 2010, 11:12 PM EDT
To etig1130: I pay for groceries 3 times a month and I make a car payment once a month along with my house payment. These are things of value. So is freedom and I pay for that too. If they need more, they'll let me know. And that is how it works. The neocons really think that they can get something for nothing. I suppose they still believe in Santa and the Tooth Ferry.
rcrdskpr@aol.com | Oct 31, 2010, 10:21 PM EDT
moore is an opportunist that takes advantage of the left wing. he has been making a fortune for the last 25 yrs. if he believed what he has spouted, he would have donated a fortune to the poor. ask the liberals how much they have "redistributed" their wealth.
etig1130 | Oct 31, 2010, 09:17 PM EDT
To "seanomelbourne" and "terrypat": Keep drinking the Koolaid and keep paying the taxes y our liberal friends are heaping on you...someday they're going to run out of money and you and the rest of them will be sorry...but by then, it'll be too late...
willieboy | Oct 31, 2010, 08:18 PM EDT
Both Maddow and Moore belong in a landfill. what garbage...
maloney | Oct 31, 2010, 07:40 PM EDT
Both comments said in jest were 5 plus years ago. Libs reach desperation point as elections near.
seanomelbourne | Oct 31, 2010, 06:39 PM EDT
Beck is a reformed drunk/drug addict, his lack of grey matter is symptomatic of his crazy behavior. Pinhead O'reilly and his Fox stable of middle of the road fascists are responsible for the death of Dr.Tiller. Why not stir the base(how low can you get)to kill Moore.
terrypat | Oct 31, 2010, 05:10 PM EDT
Typical conservative actions. They bully, threaten and then laugh when their victims complain. bill orielly is a thug. glenbeck is an idiot. Is this the best you neocons can cough up, regurgitated vomit?
maloney | Oct 31, 2010, 04:51 PM EDT
If there is violence it will be on obama's head after his, "punish your enemies" orders he gave to illegal mexicans. The liberal gene is in high gear on this article. moore is the worst of the worst. To the gun comment, if you don't like guns, stay in Ireland or go back to Ireland. If all people were armed the world would be more polite & civil. The Tea Party is not a party, it is like minded people from all parties who want the socialist taken out of the govt. & a return to the constitution.
gregwb57 | Oct 31, 2010, 03:48 PM EDT
Moore is nothing more than a blowhard, A big fat one at that(although his picture looks like he lost some fat) who is running his suck for nothing more than money. I am a supporter of the Tea Party and I also think the idiot who put his foot on that girls head should be arreasted for assult! I also think there is more to that story that the liberal media isent showing, like why was she tackled in the first place! Greg
judiron | Oct 31, 2010, 02:51 PM EDT
Hog wash
norinalundy | Oct 31, 2010, 01:27 PM EDT
O'Reilly and Beck are idiots of the first kind. Michael Moore, whether you agree or not, is the only person that will face the bigger issues of guns in the hands of morons, health care in the USA, and the corrupt politics of the Bush administration. Political violence has no place in the American credo - we all have the right to our positions, but we do not have the right to threaten anyone with the death penalty or just killing a person because they don't agree.
redwood1957 | Oct 31, 2010, 01:21 PM EDT
Wrong Her head was not stomped on. A foot was put on her neck toward shoulder area (with more then needed force) by a security person and another person after it happened said enough and it stopped.This person was not there to support Ran Paul not Ron, she also has a past at this type action. The security person must have gone to Obama security school with Rahm Emanuel.
patrick1945 | Oct 31, 2010, 12:53 PM EDT
Moore just go back to making movies that Hollywood Loves and the people hate.
jdi2269 | Oct 31, 2010, 12:35 PM EDT
CATHY, WHY DO YOU WRITE THIS CRAP??? MICHAEL IS A NOTHING AND SEEKING PUBLICITY. HE USES INCOMPETENT INEXPERIENCED WRITERS SUCH AS YOU! WISE UP!!!!
patconrey | Oct 31, 2010, 11:47 AM EDT
A few thoughts especially DennisQ' comments. First, I don't think the Stompper at the Paul rally did not fit the old gray pensioner mold. Second, the work or starve attitude should be familiar to these of Irish blood. Remember those folks that sent food from Ireland to England while the Irish starved! The work or starve worked well in evicting those lazy Irish knocking down their homes. Let them eat grass! One silver lining is the increased population of Irish American that came here as a result of the British "CARE" for their Irish serfs when that little problem with the potato arose mid 19th century. However, we must also remember how we were welcomed with open arms and such signs of greetings "Help wanted - NO IRISH NEED APPLY"
killowen | Oct 31, 2010, 11:32 AM EDT
Totally agree - the terror toners are building to a major event. Pinheads supremos smirker Beck, the O and hannity boyos who provide the q & As. Funny but its like watching a train wreck each time they appear anywhere.
FastEddy | Oct 31, 2010, 11:29 AM EDT
Never underestimate the stupidity of the intelligencia. Moore is less. Its not about Moore, never has been, never will be. M. Hayes should find someone more worthy of this ink and electrons.
ciarrai | Oct 31, 2010, 11:18 AM EDT
Where's the FCC to discipline this maggot, Beck. Talk about getting something from nothing. Beck was a weak radio personality and all of a sudden he's the darling of these silly haters. He isn't a pimple on Moore's ars. And wouldn't I love to give Beck a slap. I guess I'm not alone: he is heavily into bodyguards. He starts trouble and hides. He's a girly boy.
Searlit | Oct 31, 2010, 10:50 AM EDT
Say what you will, Michael Moore is one of the only people willing to face the Goliath of Multi-national Corporations trying to control money, the media, health-care, pharmaceuticals, and our food. Count me on the side of mankind against the corporations.
ballyhip | Oct 31, 2010, 10:09 AM EDT
Post by DennisQ: Not so sure that they are all that old. They are the face of the Party (Are they a party?) because they have the time for it. Their messages, as contradictory and uninformed as they are, are being consumed by millions in the States.
diannerae | Oct 31, 2010, 09:52 AM EDT
I am ashamed to see what Glen Beck said. He is a Mormon and we don't believe in violence. We would just ban his movies if we were trying to make a point. Glen Beck has always been an embarassment to me so I never watch his show. I find it too upsetting. Apologies to Michael Moore.
Teresa265 | Oct 31, 2010, 09:06 AM EDT
I agree with DennisQ and he said it the best.
maloney | Oct 31, 2010, 08:39 AM EDT
If there ever was a candidate in need of a good arse kicking it's moore.
DennisQ | Oct 31, 2010, 05:58 AM EDT
It's generally safe to incite the Tea Party people to violence because they're mostly old pensioners or soon-to-be old pensioners. They're harmless. The real danger of calls to violence will come if the recession drags on much longer and young able-bodied people are left without recourse. As the song goes, "Too much of nothing makes a man mean . . . "
Right wing rhetoric is inappropriate. They talk about people who won't work to support themselves. But the ongoing reality is the number of people who can't find work - which is already huge, and is growing.
If we're facing the possibility of a permanent underclass, we'll certainly have to tone down the rhetoric. There's a lot of unfounded optimism about economic recovery. The jobs that left may not be coming back for many years.
The Conservatives in England are seriously considering scaling back government, especially public welfare programs. That's very dangerous talk, and they don't seem to appreciate the consequences of work or starve when there's no work.
seagreen | Oct 31, 2010, 12:19 AM EDT
Nice to hear that all of you north american irish have chinned yourself on the curbstone. But I suppose this goes along with " having arrived " which I assume means that you will never have any medical,financial,or other problems in your old age, or lose your job due to outsourcing or downsizing. Thats nice, wish I could be in your position
irishottawa | Oct 30, 2010, 11:41 PM EDT
Does anyone really take Michael Moore seriously?
maloney | Oct 30, 2010, 09:51 PM EDT
plastic..you don't have enough faith in people. There will always be good, bad & crazy, deal with it & go on.
Monsoonman | Oct 30, 2010, 09:27 PM EDT
Anyone with an IQ above room temperature would know that Bill O'Reilly was jesting.
McNabb1966 | Oct 30, 2010, 08:34 PM EDT
LMAO @ Michael Moore... Lying and crying at the same time. Wow, is he talented... /s
plasticpaddy | Oct 30, 2010, 03:50 PM EDT
I don't like Michael Moore wither he's a media hound, I just think that whipping people into a frenzy is not the way to actively protest against those you don't like. Before long someone will take their words, even if meant in jest, and act on them. I don't care what political ideology or affiliations you have. Joking about these kinds of things is just too dangerous.
Celtica43 | Oct 30, 2010, 03:22 PM EDT
Moore is a liar at best.
semperfidelis | Oct 30, 2010, 01:02 PM EDT
Yes really, more frenzy from the left, although I should have added the word hysterical as well. Obviously worried that big brother will have a much harder time taking from the productive to give to the generationally unproductive in the near future.Just observe things with an open mind and eyes. Monsoonman and maloney, well said; and plasticpaddy I give you this, at least your consistent in your remarks, some value in that, though misguided.
Monsoonman | Oct 30, 2010, 12:39 PM EDT
O'Reilly said it as a joke. Only a dunce would take it seriously...Or someone looking to take it the wrong way. Michael Moore is suffering from the sin of gluttony.
maloney | Oct 30, 2010, 11:32 AM EDT
Mikey moore thinks way to much of himself as all liberals do. Glenn & Bill could care less about this fat, stupid slob. This lard arse poor excuse for a human being is the poster child of the democrat party.
plasticpaddy | Oct 30, 2010, 11:30 AM EDT
"The most worked up and frenzied crowd is on the left not the right" Really? the problem is that the hodge podge of crazies in the tea party are likely to act upon this and not take it as 'tongue in cheek'.
semperfidelis | Oct 30, 2010, 11:09 AM EDT
As if the political atmosphere has become massively partisan just over the last 2 years. All you lefties love to dish it out but you sure hate taking it. Also, I doubt if 90% of you who constantly rail against the tea party even know what they advocate. The most worked up and frenzied crowd is on the left not the right. Lastly, what O'Reilly said about Moore was said tongue in cheek, get a sense of humor; and by the looks of his slovenly self, Moore has spent a lifetime doing violence to himself by unhealthy eating habits and lazy lack of exercise.
plasticpaddy | Oct 30, 2010, 10:12 AM EDT
It is only a matter of time before blood is, albeit indirectly, on their hands with all the crazed right-wing tea-partiers they are working into a frenzy.