In addition to Fox News’ big win at 10pmET on Thursday, two hours earlier saw big numbers as well.

The first part of Bill O’Reilly‘s interview with Sen. Barack Obama was the second highest-rated O’Reilly Factor ever, with 6,644,000 total viewers.

The higest rated program, 3/19/03, was the lead-in to President Bush’s address to the nation about going to war with Iraq.

On his site, O’Reilly writes about the, “self-confident, determined and driven,” Democratic nominee and how the interview went.

“After going mano-a-mano with Obama on television, I am also persuaded that he is a sincere guy — that he wants the best for all Americans,” writes O’Reilly. “He’s an ideologue, but not a blind one. He understands that his story is incredible, and, I have come to believe, he is grateful to the American system for allowing it happen.”

Outside the Fox Experience Thursday night, passers-by watch Bill O’Reilly’s interview with Sen. Barack Obama.