Suddenly change

During the Fox News Channel's 6/23 O'Reilly Factor, one segment dealt with the enduring racism in some parts of American society.

As is usual on cable news, pro-wrestling-type entertainment spectacle was the goal, not serious, substantive dialogue. Exchanges were fiery. Contributor/author Kirsten Powers at one point challenged the titular host: "How many black friends do you have, Bill?"

Of course, it wasn't all that long ago that the "Some of my best friends are" line was considered a bigot's excuse, and was roundly derided.

When did that change?