Fox News host Bill O’Reilly had harsh words of criticism for those who favor a cut-and-dry mass deportation approach for illegal immigrants, calling out such notions as ridiculous and “draconian” during a recent broadcast on “The O’Reilly Factor.”
He made the comments while debating immigration policy with conservative radio host and pundit Laura Ingraham, who favors — like many others in the tea party or conservative camps — a mass, immediate deportation of those who are presently in the nation illegally, Mediaite reported.
“I do believe that if you do have mass deportations and, you know … that the Republican party would become obsolete, that you would ensure Hillary Clinton’s election in 2016 because the demographics don’t add up,” Mr. O’Reilly said, Mediaite reported.
Ms. Ingraham blasted right back, saying Mr. O’Reilly was “adopting the argument of the left.” But Mr. O’Reilly insisted: “Mass deportations would be draconian,” he said, Mediaite reported.
“If your vision were put in there,” he went on, “[the] Republican party — done.”
Mr. O’Reilly said he advocated immigration reform that’s done in “a better way … without destroying the Republican party,” Mediaite reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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