Bill O'Reilly tells Letterman he's thrilled Ted Cruz has jumped in the 2016 race

Bill O&#039;Reilly and David Letterman talk 2016

(Image credit: Late Show)

On Tuesday night's Late Show, David Letterman asked guest Bill O'Reilly about the emerging 2016 presidential race, starting with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). "I like him — he adds some well-needed candor to the ceremonies," O'Reilly said. "I just like the fact that he's in, and he's going to stir it up. You know, he's gonna call people pinheads, maybe throw things at them. I like all that." Cruz is "certainly an unapologetic conservative, traditional man," O'Reilly added. But "extreme? I don't think he's Barry Goldwater, he wants to nuke people — he's not in that range."

Well, what about Hillary Clinton? Letterman asked. Might Democrats look for someone with a little less "political wear" for 2016. No, O'Reilly said. Clinton's only potential stumbling block would be if House Republicans called her to testify under oath about her email situation. "That is a real danger to her," he added. "She has the nomination, unless it's derailed by something beyond her control." Republicans will pick Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker or Jeb Bush, O'Reilly said, "but believe me, Hillary Clinton is going to be tough to beat. And Republicans better get on it if they want to win it." Watch more of O'Reilly's self-assured prognostications below. —Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.