Bill could have turned it into a big point against Obama by refusing to do the interview on the night of the RNC, and saying that the Obama camp would only accept an interview on the night of the RNC..
Still, Bill could have been tougher.. Thing is, Bill treats the people he is interviewing nicely by default. Unless they really cross lines.
Nobody host on the right behaves like the left, trying to trip them up if they think they can(e.g. Gibson to Palin) , or refusing to interview them if they think they can't(e.g. Opera on Palin).
Bill was dying for that interview. He said to his audience, "What can I do?" referring to the fact that it was the night of the RNC, but Obama would be available on this eve only, so Billl jumped on it. Are you kidding me? There is no way Bill would have said "No. This is the night of the RNC. It would be disrespectful." He would never do that. He wanted the interview and he sort of apologized to the viewers. He just could not say no to Obama.
I think Bill said this was the only time they would accept the interview..
Not that this was the only time Barak was available.
Still, the interview could have backfired on Obama.. But it didn't.
Barack is very skilled and confident. It was strange the way each time O'Reilly pushed him, Barack tapped his leg with his hand..
He did similarly with Joe the plumber, tapping him on the shoulder..
I saw an interviewer put his hand on Springer's leg, but hold it there for a second or two. Springer said "GET YOUR HAND OFF MY LEG"!!!!!!
It would have been funny to hear Bill say that.. or something to that effect. That would have really backfired on one of them, probably would have backfired on Obama. But Bill's doesn't really play those games like the left do. It makes it an uneven playing field.
From what I understand, McCain doesn't grasp the economy at all. He might look silly talking about it. Obama managed that conversation with Bill without looking like an idiot.
Maybe Bill should have focussed on less issues. And then he'd have been able to push him more. Obama is not a details man, he understands a range of issues, and he wouldn't like to be cornered onto one issue.