Its clear that O'Reilly perceived Rush to be wounded when he announced his hearing problems last summer. O'Reilly figured Rush was on the way out. But a funny thing happened on the way to the studio - the cochclear implant worked. Regardless, O'Reilly will find out that he is going to stretch himself too thin and will last about a year and two at the most with both a radio and television show.
Also, I think that Drudge should have been offended that O'Reilly came on his show and lied to him and his audience. The news that the execs are paying for this show to be a success and that many local talents are being fired or bumped will create animosity towards O'Reilly as well.
If I had a choice between ORotten and nothing on the radio, I'd choose nothing. Quiet can be nice. ORotten can only be annoying.