[Nogbad]

It is entirely possible that at the time of the interview,
O'Reilly didn't know about the plans.

I believe that is called the Clinton defense:

"I didn't know anything about this until I read about it in the papers."

[rintense]

No, it's called giving the benefit of the doubt. Drudge and O'Reilly are both questionable in my book, and each would defame the other.