"Congratulations to the U.S. Navy for running a disciplined and effective operation under very difficult circumstances. The rescue of Captain Richard Phillips should be an example to a cowardly world - Navy SEALS snipers acted quickly and efficiently, killing three pirates and capturing a fourth. Even though most sane people understand that piracy and terrorism must be confronted, the loons are weighing in. A London columnist asked, 'Did we expect starving Somalians to stand passively on their beaches?' So the piracy is all the fault of the west, of course! Al Jazeera also ran an article saying pollution is causing the pirates to kill. On the right, some bloggers are saying President Obama is encouraging piracy because he didn't act fast enough in rescuing Captain Phillips. Absurd! There are those who won't support tough action against terrorism. Today those people are quiet, but tomorrow they'll be howling again. Let's hope the Obama administration has the courage not to listen."

The Factor was joined by former SEAL Clint Bruce, who elaborated on the heroic mission off Somalia. "The pirates essentially forced the hand of the sniper team," Bruce said, "when they put Captain Phillips in a position to be threatened with lethal harm. The skill to shoot all three pirates simultaneously certainly falls within the expertise of SEAL snipers." Stratfor.com intelligence expert Scott Stewart lauded the entire operation, especially Naval commanders. "The U.S. Navy was able to control the whole situation. They were able to keep the pirates isolated and they were able to prevent the pirates from getting reinforcements from land." The Factor called it a "proud day for the Navy," adding that the United States "showed the world how it should be done."

The Factor asked Fox News analysts Juan Williams and Mary Katharine Ham what the piracy incident says about President Obama's willingness to employ force. "Don't forget that this is a guy who sent drone planes to Pakistan," Williams said. "Don't forget that this is the guy who is building up troops, so he is very willing to use American might to support American interests." Ham praised President Obama for his handling of the crisis. "He has to get credit for acting correctly in this situation, especially because about half the country was worried that he might be too squeamish about using force. I am glad to see President Obama affirming the use of deadly force." The Factor scolded the administration's most strident critics. "The far right bloggers who criticize him are absolutely wrong, the president did what he had to do."

Pollster Frank Luntz wired up thirty people and gauged their reaction to President Obama's recent overseas swing. Democrats and Republicans had different responses when the president blamed the Bush administration for lowering America's "standing in the world." "While Democrats appreciate the comparison," Luntz reported, "they would still rather know more of what he plans to do. I think he's making a big mistake when he attacks the previous eight years, he can transcend politics." After monitoring the folks, Luntz recommended that President Obama reach across the aisle. "The key for Barack Obama is whether he wants to be Ronald Reagan and bring Republicans over to the Democratic camp. If he doesn't, he'll wind up more like Jimmy Carter and the country will remain polarized."

Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. faces allegations that his supporters offered to pay former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich $5 million if he would appoint Jackson to the United States Senate. Attorney Steven Greenberg laid out the details of the story. "Some Jackson supporters knew he wanted the Senate seat," Greenberg asserted. "They went and had conversations with Blagojevich's brother, apparently offering to raise $5 million Some of the back-and-forth was captured on wiretaps, but there is no tape with Congressman Jackson on it. Over the next couple of weeks a federal grand jury will hear evidence and determine whether or not a line was crossed." The Factor reminded Greenberg that Jackson deserves the presumption of innocence. "To be fair to Congressman Jackson, he might not have known anything about this. These could have been zealots acting on his behalf."

Culture Warriors Monica Crowley and Margaret Hoover led off with the report that Pope Benedict vetoed Caroline Kennedy's appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican. "Caroline Kennedy and the entire Kennedy family," Crowley said, "are very outspoken in their pro-choice stance on abortion, and also in favor of embryonic stem cell research. So the Vatican said no, we don't accept her. Every foreign government has that option." The Factor asserted that President Obama's team should have known better, adding that "this would be like sending me to be ambassador to France." Hoover turned to Vermont, which may pass a law allowing 13-year olds to do anything they want with their cell phones, even sending explicit photos. "I don't think Vermont is insane," Hoover declared. "Basically what they're saying is that kids who have a committed and consensual relationship can do this, as long as it's just between the two of them. Should the state really be going after 13-year-olds for child pornography?"

The New York Times says it is in financial freefall because the Internet is siphoning away readers and advertisers. The Factor offered this Reality Check: "That's not the real reason, honesty is the real reason. The Times consistently lies about me and Fox News because we are far more successful than they are, and they hate it. Also, they want their readers who don't watch us to join in the hate-fest. The New York Times is on the verge of bankruptcy because it is dishonest." Meanwhile, conservative James Dobson claims traditional Americans have lost the culture war. The Factor's check: "This country goes in cycles, but traditional Americans are still in the majority, and if the progressive movement fails under President Obama, a new cycle will emerge."

Monday's Patriot: The new Obama family dog "Bo," who follows a long tradition of "first pets." And the Pinhead: The woman who risked life and limb by jumping into the polar bear pond at a German zoo.

Mike Flannery, Melbourne, FL: "Mr. O, I, too, am grateful for Colin Powell's service to the nation. But he's become a mugwump."

Sandy Glover, Anchorage, AK: "So, let me see if I have this straight. Elements at CNN and NBC say that O'Reilly and Glenn Beck are to blame for violence because they analyze the state of the union. Yet, the far left bears no responsibility for all the hatred they put out there during the Bush administration. I guess it just works one way."

Jason Tardo, Highlands, NC: "I enjoy Beck on the Factor. The good-hearted digs are funny and it is a sad commentary that the other networks have to attack you."

David Wright, Perth, Australia: "Bill, I appreciate your balanced approach to the news of the world. We have nothing like the Factor here. I can see why you have been number one for a hundred months."