In this Sept. 22, 2010 file photo, Comedy Central's Jon Stewart, left, and Bill O'Reilly tape an interview in New York. Stewart and O'Reilly, a celebrity odd couple with a history of public political feuds, tangle in a sold-out debate in Washington. The so-called "Rumble in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium" offers a jocular sideshow to the series of three more somber debates this month between President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)

O’Reilly, Stewart tangle in mock debate

The Associated Press

First Published Oct 06 2012 11:43 am • Last Updated Oct 06 2012 08:26 pm

Washington • Bill O’Reilly and Jon Stewart are tangling over the election, birth control and the "War on Christmas" in a rambunctious mock presidential debate.

The two celebrity TV hosts shot off witty retorts, over-the-top declarations and a few choice words in the so-called "Rumble in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium."

George Washington University hosted the event.

Stewart came with a mechanical pedestal he used to elevate himself in the air, making him taller than O’Reilly.

Stewart says the U.S. was born an entitlement nation, just watch an Oprah’s "favorite things" episode.

O’Reilly says income redistribution is like Robin Hood on steroids. He says Obama needs to show support for Israel by going on a double date with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In an apparent show of bipartisanship Stewart plopped himself on O’Reilly’s lap.

The celebrity odd-couple have appeared on each other’s programs since 2001, exhibiting actual respect for the other’s opposing views. This is their first head-to-head debate.

Unlike the debates between President Barack Obama and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, this one wasn’t on television but was live-streamed online, for $4.95. Half of the proceeds will go to charity.

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