Sanjay Gupta: Kisses Up to Anderson Cooper?

Making up for “diss” on Fox & Friends? Less than a week ago, CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta was asked by F&F co-host Brian Kilmeade whether he would rather “hang out with Anderson Cooper or Wolf Blitzer.” Without a hint of hesitation as to his choice of CNN colleagues, Gupta exclaimed, “Wolfman every single time!” When Brian mischievously persisted, “A lot better [than Anderson Cooper]?, a smiling Sanjay answered, “A lot.”

Apparently, today Sanjay felt that he needed to make up for his “diss” of Anderson, host of his eponymous program, Anderson Cooper 360. Sanjay Tweeted, “Check out the picture of my parents and their new favorite son, @andersoncooper twitpic.com/8zOkpg.” Included was a link to a photo of a smiling Anderson posing with Sanjay’s beautiful mom and Sanjay’s handsome dad.

However, the anchor of the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer was nowhere in sight. Perhaps, the Wolfman was simply “hanging out” with Sanjay on the other side of the lens. Nevertheless, nice move, Sanjay!

Kiran Chetry: Thank GBTV It’s Friday!

Nepalese “bombshell”: Guys, check me out on Glenn Beck TV. Former CNN anchor Kiran Chetry appeared to take a decidedly rightward tack last night after hobnobbing with President Bill Clinton and CNN bigwigs at Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s book bash only the night before. To her Twitter followers and Facebook friends, the usually capitalization-conscious Kiran excitedly Tweeted, “guys! just wanted to let you know that i am thrilled to accept invite from my good friends @gbtv to guest host @realnewsgbtv this Friday. check it out.” [sic]

For recent fans of Kiran who have known her only as a former CNN anchor (2007–2011 American Morning) or as a two-time special E! correspondent (2012)*, her decision to host Real News on GBTV [Glenn Beck TV] may come as a distinct surprise. E.g., one Twitter follower wrote, “I am a HUGE fan of yours…. But I could never watch and support that program. Even to see you! Sorry :(.” However, long-time admirers of Kiran also remember her almost seven-year tenure at Fox News as a correspondent and an anchor (Fox & Friends Weekend and Fox & Friends First) before her abrupt departure to CNN (after her FNC negotiations soured).

Now, that Kiran is, apparently, looking for a steady gig again, she may have found a sympathetic ear in her former colleague Glenn Beck who was seemingly ushered himself out of the FNC fold. Whenever the author observed Kiran interview Beck on American Morning when he was an HLN Glenn Beck show host, she seemed to treat the controversial conservative with respect. Ergo, perhaps, they do share some real rapport.

Regardless, Kiran is nimble on her feet. Perchance, she will land that much deserved “very special opportunity” soon. So, check her out.

[Author’s aside: Kiran will be on Real News from the Blaze at 7:00 a.m. ET. Apparently, viewers will have to subscribe to GBTV.com to view the episode live or later on video at @$10/month or @$100/year. For those not so inclined, a 14-day free trial is offered.]

* Kiran first appeared as an E! special correspondent on the red carpet on January 26 at the NYC premiere of Broadway show “Smash.” Cf. Carpe Diem‘s “Kiran Chetry Returns–to E!” (with vid and screen caps links.) She also did a hit on E! News on February 8. E! News @ 02/08/12 (@ 7:35 a.m. ET)

“Wolf”! F&F Embraces CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Co-host Brian Kilmeade: “He finally found himself on the right network!“ Fox & Friends gave CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta a very warm reception as he touted his brand new book, Monday Mornings.* In turn, Sanjay did not mention FNC’s rival CNN by name but he did open up to Brian and his co-anchors Eric Bolling and Gretchen Carlson with notable frankness about his favorite CNN colleague.

When Eric introduced Sanjay’s segment, he dubbed him “one of America’s top docs.” Subsequently, Brian elaborated that Sanjay was a “practicing physician at Emory University Hospital and author of the brand new novel Monday Mornings.”Then, a smiling Brian exclaimed, “And, he finally found himself on the right network!” In response, a smiling Dr. Sanjay chuckled heartily. Thereafter, he discussed his book with an eager audience of co-hosts.

As the interview of Sanjay began to conclude, Brian mischievously queried, “Can I ask you one question? You can duck this question if you want. But, if you had a choice between hanging out with Anderson Cooper or Wolf Blitzer (both top CNN anchors), who would you choose? Without a scintilla of hesitation, a grinning Gupta replied, “Wolfman every single time!”

Egging him on, Brian asked, “Much better than Anderson Cooper?” Beginning to hedge a tad, Sanjay said, “Well, not much better but Wolf’s a….” Before Sanjay could finish, Brian interposed, “A lot better? Smiling, Sanjay conceded, “A lot.”

Interjecting, a surprised Gretchen exclaimed, “Wow! I like, you didn’t take the Fifth on that question! Sanjay responded, “Well, I like to answer the questions, not duck.”  Meanwhile, a beaming Brian softly chorused, “He doesn’t duck!” Admiringly, Gretchen added, “Wow! Good for you!”

Unrepentant, Sanjay exclaimed, “Wolfman’s great!”

Then, as Sanjay’s segment concluded, Gretchen wished him continued success and promo’d his book once more. Grateful for his enthusiastic embrace by his FNC competitors, Sanjay earnestly exclaimed, “Thanks for having me! Appreciate it, guys!”

CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta: A future FNC “Medical A-Team” leader?

[Author’s aside: For American Morning fans during the John Roberts/Kiran Chetry era, F&F provided a redux almost: before erstwhile AM contributor Sanjay’s segment, his “bromance” buddy, whilom AM co-host John Roberts, appeared approximately thirty minutes earlier (as now an FNC senior national correspondent).** Had Sanjay brought along another certain friend who attended his big book bash last night, it really would have been AM revisited. That friend? Quondam AM co-anchor Kiran Chetry–ironically, a former Fox & Friends co-anchor.]

*Fox & Friends – 03/14/12 (@ 8:36 a.m. ET)

**Fox & Friends – 03/14/12 (@ 8:02 a.m. ET)

Update: Video of Sanjay’s segment via TVNewser.

Breastfeeding Benefits: Sanjay’s “Bloody” Banner

Yuck: American Morning’s graphic graphics. In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, AM co-hosts Christine Romans, Ali Velshi, and Carol Costello interviewed CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta about the benefits of breastfeeding this morning. Unfortunately, the CNN graphics department made it almost impossible for this AM viewer to concentrate on Sanjay’s sage advice. As the distinguished doctor explained the advantages of nursing to both mother and child, directly behind him was a pulsating bloody banner of his name and title (Sanja Gupta MD).

Reminding the author of a barbershop pole with its red, white, and blue colors, Sanjay’s graphic (atop a white background) had his name in black lettering to one side with his title in blue on the other separated by a bright red line. Fine and good. But, as Sanjay spoke, images of barbarous bloodletting were evoked as  splotches of bright red blood seemed to flow up and down the banner repeatedly throughout his segment.

Breastfeeding benefits: what “bloody” benefits, Sanjay?

American Morning – 08/04/11 (@ 8:52 a.m. ET)

Sanjay: “Loutelious [T. J.] Holmes”

T.M.I. for T.J.? On American Morning yesterday, CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta may have disclosed a bit too much information for the comfort of his colleague and his patient, AM co-host T.J. Holmes. I.e, Sanjay revealed T.J.’s rather unusual first name.

During a segment on strokes with T.J. and co-anchor Kiran Chetry, Sanjay had T.J. demonstrate for the AM audience the technique F.A.S.T. (an acronym for face, arms, speech, and time) used to evaluate a possible stroke victim.* When Sanjay got to the element speech, he mischievously said, “So, for example, T.J., you’d say your full name, and I’d make sure you’re not slurring your words or anything.” After T.J. responded, “T.J. Holmes,” a smiling Sanjay said, “Loutelious, Loutelious Holmes, right?”

Grinning, T.J. countered, “T.J., T.J. Holmes. Yes.” Cocking his heading in mock concern, Sanjay replied, “I don’t know, T J.” Somewhat chagrined, T.J. answered, “I think I’m okay.” Teasing, Sanjay retorted, “I’m not sure you’re saying you’re real name. I’m a little concerned now. [I need to] check you out when I get up there.” As Sanjay smiled from ear to ear, T.J. laughed heartily. Then, as Kiran tried to the next question, saying, “He’s fine: it’s these other,” Sanjay got in one last puckish prick at T.J., interjecting, “Loutelious!

Subsequently, as the segment concluded, T.J. declared, “I think I have an appointment with you this weekend, Doctor.” Jesting, Sanjay replied, “As usual. Keep it this time.” Subsequently, Kiran turned to T.J. and queried, “He’s your doctor?” Nodding, T.J. affirmed, “He is my doctor.”

Of course, today, T.J. may well be reviewing his medical release agreement with the good doctor.

*American Morning – 01/10/11 (@ 8:16 a.m.)

Kiran’s Marathon Man?

Sir Lancelot: Buff biking beefcake. American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry seems to have caught the Lance Armstrong bug today from her co-anchor John Roberts and her CNN colleague Dr. Sanjay Gupta today. After a segment where the seven-time Tour de France champ gave biking tips to his bromancer Sanjay and Sanjay’s “Fit Nation” team (of AM viewers training for the New York City triathlon this year), John remarked, “I want to borrow his [Armstrong’s] legs just for one day just to see what it’s like: just to see if it would make spin class any easier.”* Kiran replied, “You need his legs and his lungs: you need his lung capacity, too.”

After John conceded, “Well, that’s true. Okay, so both. Legs and lungs, alright,” Kiran racily replied, “He wants your legs and your lungs, Lance, but for reasons.” Before Kiran could continue, John interjected, “Wait a second. Don’t be twisting what I said.” Laughing, Kiran risquely concluded, “But for different reasons than most women do.”

Kiran, time for hubby Chris to get back on his exercise bike again?

* American Morning – 05/11/10 (@8:56 a.m. ET)

Roberts: Green with Envy?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! American Morning co-host John Roberts was definitely feeling the green of the day–or, at least, the M&M green. Whether it was the contagion of the purportedly philandering “greens” giant Tiger Woods or the beguilement of his gorgeous green-clad colleague Kiran Chetry, John appeared all revved up and ready to roar.

After airing a story about Woods’ return to golf next month at the Masters (while reportedly still in sex addiction therapy), John looked at Kiran and wistfully declared, “So, here’s a prediction. Alright? I’m going to go out on a limb here. By the end of this year, he’s going to be bigger than ever.”* Raising her eyebrows skeptically, Kiran, a married mother of two, replied, “We’ll see what happens.” John, a recently divorced father of two persisted, “It’s the perfect spot for redemption as well, you know?…If he does well, if he finishes in the top five, he’ll be golden: if he wins, man, that’s just going to blow wide open.” In a silent response, Kiran turned to the audience with a seemingly forced smile and her shoulders slightly shook repeatedly as if in dismissive laughter.

Later, during CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s segment dubbed “Heartbreaking Stock Stress,” Kiran asked how to best manage such stress. When Sanjay answered that prayer/meditation, “happy” time for one’s self, sex, and laughter, Kiran, with a slightly suggestive lilt, responded, “Some good advice! There you go. Sanjay, thanks so much.”** Chuckling, John remarked, “Some great advice!” Grinning broadly, Kiran naughtily queried, “You like meditating, huh?” Still looking straight ahead, John facetiously retorted, “Yeah. And, yoga.”

Watch out, Kyra, your old boy appears ready to party!

*American Morning – 03/17/10 (@6:43 a.m. ET)

**American Morning – 03/17/10 (@7:57 a.m. ET)

Chetrylicious: Too Delicious?

Apparently, American Morning co-anchor Kiran Chetry once again just looked too good for her guest co-host T. J. Holmes. As AM began this morning, a beaming T.J. Holmes turned his gaze upon the Nepalese lovely clad in her sharp black dress with a plunging neckline. Seeming to sense the effect of her allure, she smiled back at him with a twinkle in her eye and simply said, “Hi!” before welcoming the viewer. T.J. looked ahead, chuckled, and seemed to steal a brief glance before he introduced himself to the audience.

Unfortunately for T.J. and the AM viewer, EP Jamie Kraft seemed to take note. Around fifteen minutes into the program, Kiran began a Haitian survivor story with AM chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta by phone: however, as Sanjay finished answering her question and his report, Kiran had left the set and T.J., sitting all alone at the desk, thanked Sanjay before going to commercial. When the show resumed after the ad break, Kiran had reappeared but her decolletage had disappeared. Apparently, Kraft had Kiran put on a top underneath her dress to cloak her beauty more.

Jamie, Jamie. Not the best way to boost ratings. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with being too delicious–especially, if you’re Chetrylicious.

John & Sanjay: 1 A.M. “Bromance”

For some men, the answer to getting old is a younger beau: For others, it might be a younger bro. Today, American Morning co-anchor John Roberts seemed to opt or, rather, re-opt for the latter. I.e., a renewed bromance from July.

AM’s “silver fox” feeling old? Apparently, so. After misreading a headline news story, John groused, “You know, from this distance, sometimes, an “8” looks an awful lot like a “3”: when guest co-host Alina Cho tried to imply kindly that it might be his contacts, John declared, “Telling you. This getting old thing? Hate it!” Later, after mistakenly saying that Lady Gaga was DirecTV’s ad gal, he admitted that he had trouble telling Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera apart (even though he re-affirmed his “unique fascination” with Lady Gaga).

When the subsequent post-break segment with Dr. Sanjay Gupta began to “The Remedy,” a still smarting John exclaimed, “Him, I know. Jason Mraz….Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, I’m still having a problem.” Before Sanjay started his report entitled “Americans May Live Longer,” he looked at John and advised, “You need to get more sleep.” When Sanjay had concluded his story, John joked, “And, he [Gupta], is chastising me for not getting sleep. We were emailing each other at one o’clock in the morning.”

Dismissively, Sanjay stated, “That’s right. Yeah, it was about work stuff. Yeah.” Turning to Alina and then pointing to Sanjay, John smiling queried, “Notice how he qualifies it by saying, ‘It was about work stuff.'” Blushing, Sanjay looked down and chuckled. Grinning puckishly, John continued, “He’s always trying to downplay the bromance here.” As they all shared a lavish laugh, an abashed Sanjay struck his forehead with his papers and incredulously asked, “Back to that again?”

Sanjay, apparently, what’s old is new again!

John: “You’re a Stud, Sanjay!”

John’s “mancrush”? This morning, having noted CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta’s upcoming fortieth birthday during “Checking Sanjay’s Mailbag,” American Morning co-anchor John Roberts ” showed some  “bro” love. Looking and pointing directly at Sanjay for emphasis, with a deeper and more resonant voice, a smiling John slowly said, “Let me just tell you, doc, you’re not getting older, you’re just getting better looking every day.”  Copying John’s body language, Sanjay abashedly answered, “Thank you, sir: I appreciate it….You look great, too.” Beaming broadly, John replied, “You’re a stud, Sanjay! You’re a stud!”

As the segment ended, AM co-host Carol Costello pertly proclaimed, “You have a mancrush.” John reponded, “No, no. It’s a.” Before he could finish, Sanjay interjected, “It’s a bromance.” Concurring, John echoed, “It’s a bromance.”

Note well, viewer: Not a “mancrush” but a “bromance.”

AM – 07/16/09 (8:59 a.m. ET)