The feud: Largely manufactured. Colbert's TV persona on The Colbert Report is clearly an homage to the blustery bombast of The O'Reilly Factor — he even calls O'Reilly "Papa Bear." The two agreed to appear on each other's show in January 2007 in a good-natured mock debate.
Chance at reconciliation: We have no doubt that Colbert is mocking O'Reilly; that's clear to anyone. But as O'Reilly said, imitation is the clearest form of flattery. These two won't be fast friends, but it's a symbiotic relationship; good for everyone.
He Said/He Said:
"If you imitate someone, you owe them a royalty check. If you emulate them, you don't. There's a big difference. Check your lawyer.
— Stephen Colbert, Jan. 18, 2007
[Colbert] owes his whole life to me, and I'm happy to give it up for him.
— Bill O'Reilly, Jan. 18, 2007