"Reverend Jesse Jackson was caught on tape making some negative comments about Senator Obama's recent support for faith-based charities. Jackson accused Obama of 'talking down to black people,' and said he wanted to 'cut his n _ _ _ _ off.' I have no idea why Jackson framed his comments that way. Unlike what Jackson himself often does, Talking Points is not going to speculate about his motivation. You heard them, you can decide. I will say that Senator Obama's support for faith-based charities doesn't seem to have any condescending quality to it. We would like Jackson to explain his comments, but he would not appear this evening. He did reiterate his 'wide, deep and unequivocal' support for Senator Obama's campaign."

For more on the controversy, The Factor welcomed radio talk show host Warren Ballantine and columnist Clarence Page. "Jackson doesn't deny that his words were hurtful," Page said. "I talked with him and he says he's not opposed to faith-based programs, but his ideology says you don't rely just on faith-based programs to solve problems." Ballantine downplayed the significance of Jackson's comments. "I don't think it's that big of a deal. It would have been more damaging coming from Reverend Sharpton because we're at the point in black leadership where the torch has been passed to Reverend Sharpton. I think Reverend Jackson just misspoke on a hot microphone and he has supported Senator Obama." The Factor revealed that Jackson made additional comments that were not aired. "We held back some of this conversation because we didn't feel it had any relevance to the conversation this evening. We are not out to get Jesse Jackson and we are not out to make him look bad. If we were, we would have used what we had, which is more damaging than what you have heard."

News Link: Video: Jesse Jackson caught trashing Obama

Senator Obama allowed his daughters, age 7 and 10, to speak with the syndicated TV program "Access Hollywood." Obama has since expressed his regret and said he "won't be doing it again." The Factor was joined by presidential historian Doug Brinkley, who questioned Obama's decision to showcase his children. "I think it was a mistake," Brinkley said, "to do it on 'Access Hollywood.' It kind of allows the tabloids and paparazzi to say, 'well if you're going to put your kids out front and center, we can follow them.' So I think Obama recognizes that it probably was a mistake. On the other hand, they're desperate to appeal to middle Americans who watch a program like that. It has a tinge of exploitation to it." The Factor contended that Obama may gain politically because the interview "came across as charming."

News Link: Video: Obama regrets family TV show appearance

Some left-wing blogs are incensed at Barack Obama's shift toward the center on various issues. Political analyst Dick Morris entered the No Spin Zone and reassured leftists about a prospective Obama administration. "A lot of people are wondering which is the real Obama," Morris said. "I believe he will govern to the left, whether he likes it or not. You just have to look at the Congress - there will be an overwhelming Democratic majority. He's going to be forced to go to the left." The Factor pointed out that governing from the left won't be much of a stretch. "He's the most liberal senator, and you're not forcing him out of his milieu."

News Link: Morris op-ed: Dems will force Obama to govern from left

12-year-old Brooke Bennett was buried in Vermont Wednesday; her uncle Michael Jacques, who was convicted of a prior rape, is suspected of killing Brooke. In contrast to Vermont's notoriously lenient policies toward child abusers, Louisiana is chemically castrating some sex offenders. The Factor spoke about crime and punishment with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. "The law we just passed," Jindal said, "says on the first offense a judge can order castration, and on a second offense it's mandatory. And we still have mandatory life imprisonment for the monsters who rape our children, and they have to serve the full sentence." The Factor praised Jindal and other Louisiana officials for their vigilance. "Louisiana is the toughest in the nation and Vermont is the most lenient in the nation."

News Link: Louisiana Gov signs chemical castration bill for sex offenders

Dennis Miller began his observations with Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Iraq. "He's going to have to change his name to 'Iraq' Obama," Miller quipped, "because he's got to be a little embarrassed by all this. I know we're not supposed to say he flip-flops, he's going to have to write his policy papers on Iraq on an Etch-a-Sketch. Even Chubby Checker didn't need this much wiggle room." Miller also commented on his friendship with actor Tom Hanks, who is raising money for returning veterans. "Hanks is one of the most decent men I've ever known. We disagree on some things, but he does the right thing about affairs of the heart, and this Welcome Back Veterans organization matters to him. These are our heroes and we have to welcome them back and treat them as such."

News Link: Video: Tom Hanks thanks the troops

A new novel, excerpted on a far-left web site, portrays Laura Bush as an extremely promiscuous woman. Internet expert Amanda Carpenter provided more background on the story. "This novelist has a book coming out," Carpenter said, "that is a fictionalized account of the First Lady's life. Part of the way she's selling it is by leaking salacious excerpts to an on-line magazine. I was shocked that someone would do something like this." Carpenter also reported on two Georgia teens who flipped an 8-month old baby through the air and put it on YouTube. "One of them has been charged with a felony for cruelty to children, and the person who videotaped it is expected to be arrested on similar charges."

News Link: Book to smear First Lady's sex life

Wednesday's Patriots: TV hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, who promoted an unusual race for women wearing high heels. Their "High Heel-A-Thon" raised money for the March of Dimes. And the Pinhead: Reigning Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto, the latest beauty queen to be embarrassed by posing for racy photos. Nominate a Pinhead or a Patriot by sending an email to pnp@billoreilly.com.

News Link: Regis and Kelly host high heel race

News Link: Miss Washington embarrassed by crude photos

A sampling of your recent e-mails:

Liviu Blumenthal, New York, NY: "That 12-year-old girl was murdered because the Vermont judge let the killer off probation. I am appalled."

Kent Wright, Middlebury, VT: "Some of us in this state are fed up with our lawmakers. I plan on making my voice heard."

Dick Fischel, Estes Park, CO: "Bill, you have reported on the lax situation in Vermont for a long time. Now I will no longer buy products from that state."

Carol Trendle, Columbia, MO: "My family will no longer travel to Vermont."