O’Reilly said Budish changed his mind after “The O’Reilly Factor” started to investigate the story.
The Ohio Right to Life and the ACLU of Ohio had previously urged Budish to reverse his decision, according to the Dayton Daily News’ Ohio Politics Blog.
Reached by phone Friday, Trisler said the media attention from Fox and several newspapers and local TV stations had been amazing.
Fox News contributor Sarah Palin has been asked to present an award to Trisler at an Ohio Right to Life event March 5 in Columbus.
Trisler commended Budish for reversing his decision.
“I think that was a very wise move on his part,” the senior at Sidney Christian Academy said. “I don’t hold any grudges.”
Trisler, who appeared on O’Reilly’s show with her mother Sandi, will be honored Wednesday at the house.
Budish, a Beachwood Democrat, was uncomfortable with National Right to Life’s political nature.
Keary McCarthy, a spokesperson for Budish, said there had been a concern that Trisler would use the moment to advocate for her position on abortion.
“The speaker believes that it is important to avoid having political interests on either side of the aisle abuse this brief opportunity for recognition,” McCarthy had said.
O’Reilly said Budish’s move was clearly a political play.
“It seems to me that Mr. Budish didn’t want to hear the other side because he’s a pro-choice guy,” O’Reilly said.
Trisler won first place in the National Right to Life Oratory Contest in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, June 20.
O’Reilly asked Trisler to explain to Budish why his earlier decision was wrong.
“If you really want tolerance, then how come you can’t tolerate me or anyone like me who differs from you?” she said. “You said it was too controversial of a subject, but I think in that you were only saying that you didn’t agree with what I said.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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