They were defending their own pride. O'Reilly said it as a joke, and Stewart said he took it as a joke. If a show that's main defence is that it's scheduled next to Crank Yankers can't take a joke, what does that say about them? They were being the dicks that they made everyone else out to be.

whomod said: I generally don't like it when people decide to play by the rules against people who don't play by the rules.
It tends to put you immediately at a disadvantage and IMO is a sign of true weakness.
This is true both in politics and on the internet."

Our Friendly Neighborhood Ray-man said: "no, the doctor's right. besides, he has seniority."