Acerbic McCain Disses Doocy (Peter)

Steve sanguine: Ainsley anguished. This Wednesday morn, Fox & Friends fans eagerly awaited co-anchor Steve Doocy‘s reaction to his son, FNC correspondent Peter Doocy, being dissed by a perturbed, irascible, supercilious Senator John McCain after being queried as to whether his relationship with President Trump was frayed to the point that he was not to support anything that the President came to him and asked for.

Introducing the segment regarding the heated exchange between his son and the fiery Senator, Steve said, “John McCain is the man who torpedoed the Affordable Care Act fix in the Senate. So, that’s a good question regarding the relationship with the President. And, a young correspondent I happen to know asked the Senator about it and I don’t think he liked the question.”*

Immediately thereafter, in the vid that ran, Peter asked, “Has your relationship with the President frayed to the point that you are not going to support anything that he comes to you and asks for?”

Menacingly, McCain acerbically retorted, “Why would you say something that stupid? Why would you ask something that dumb? Huh?…You mean that I’m going somehow to behave in a way that I’m going to block everything because of a personal disagreement. That’s a dumb question!” Then, he turned and walked away in a huff.

After the clip, Steve declared, “Is it a fair question? Clearly, John McCain has not been a reliable “yes” vote for the Trump train. And, so going forward what’s he going do? As the President said, he would like to have John McCain’s vote but he doesn’t.”

Interjecting, co-host Brian Kilmeade stated, “McCain had a speech after getting a Freedom Award where he was very negative about the President.” Explaining, he mentioned McCain’s allusion to the President’s policies as “half-baked nationalism.”  But, defending McCain, he said, “But, he seemed to, at least, give a vote for the moving forward on the budget resolution, to discuss the budget: That will be later this week.”

In answer, co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt responded, “Well, they’ve been going back and forward, Senator McCain and the President.” Pointing to Steve, Ainsley exclaimed, “And, for him to talk to your son who I feel like is my family, I didn’t like that! But, I understand, I know he’s going through a lot so God bless him: But, I didn’t like that exchange! Looking intently at Steve, a sympathetic Ainsley asked, “How did you feel as his dad?”

Deflecting, Steve answered, “It’s, it’s a good question. And, you know what, it’s the sound bite we ran.”

As Solomon once said, “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Well played, Steve–and Peter.

*Fox & Friends – 10/18/17 (@ 7:08 ET).

 

 

 

Abby, Pete, & Clayton: F&FW’s “New Team”?

Clayton: “It’s great to have the band back together again.” Yes, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host returned Sunday as he had said: And F&FW seemed bound and determined to asservate that Clayton still held his seat on the curvy couch after Carpe Diem‘s article “Piro: This is My First Day.” In fact, co-anchors Abby Huntsman, Pete Hegseth, and Clayton Morris himself appeared to emphasize that, yes, Clayton–and Pete–were on F&FW‘s new team with its new queen Abby: Ergo, Todd Piro who declared “This is my first day” and introduced himself to F&F fans and F&F co-hosts with a June 14th segment (including bio vid) entitled ““Welcome to the F&F Family, Todd Piro!” was not replacing Clayton–at least, not yet.

As the opening began, Abby remarked, “And, welcome back to the to both of you! It’s so fun to have you two back!” In reply, Clayton declared, “It’s great to have the band back together again.” In response, Abby exclaimed, “It is!” Chiming in, Pete animatedly added, “Indeed! In the new studio, first time in the new studio, too.”

Turning to Abby, Clayton said, “And, you had that big announcement.” [Abby and hubs Jeff Livingston’s June 17 proclamation that she is preggers for the first time–a girl due around Thanksgiving (vid)]. Abby playfully retorted, “That you missed, Clayton!” Slightly defensively, Clayton answered, “I already knew it: I was privy to that.” Then, he jested, “And, I’ve gained an extra two pounds.”

Laughing and pointing to Clayton, Abby joked, “We’re growing together, Pete!”

Putting an exclamation on the apparent point of the opening segment, Pete responded, “We’re all growing together….And, this show is growing together as well.”

Welcome aboard, Pete! It’s about time FNC says it–officially!

[Author’s aside: As to Pete’s inclusion, supra, nota bene, FNC as it is wont to do with its new F&FW co-anchors still has not announced Pete Hegseth’s ascension to the F&FW curvy couch from contributor status.]

 

 

 

 

Piro: “This Is My First Day”

Morris: “See you next [sic] Sunday on the show.” Fox & Friends fans seemed a bit confused yesterday and today as to whether new hire Todd Piro, an erstwhile NBC Connecticut host was replacing Clayton Morris on Fox & Friends Weekend. Wednesday, Todd was welcomed to the Fox & Friends family as its “newest member” by F&F co-anchors, Steve Doocy, Abby Huntsman, and Brian Kilmeade.

In the segment, supra, entitled, “Welcome to the F&F Family, Todd Piro!, Todd introduced himself with a video showing him revisiting his hometown of Verona, New Jersey; visiting a life-long friend (from kindergarten); touring his high school where he played in the VHS Maroon and White marching band; and presiding over a family dinner where his mom said, “You always liked an audience” and his lovely, spunky wife saucily added, “I think she’s politely saying, ‘You like attention.'”

Strangely, no one explained what Todd’s new role would be: Ergo, it was only natural that F&F fans would wonder whose role he may be taking. Friday, he did his first diner interview at the Cozy Corner in Miami Springs, Florida, for F&F: Afterwards, new newsreader Philly lovely, adventure-seeking Jillian Mele (fun F&F intro vid) who recently replaced Heather Nauert (now State Department spokesperson) gushed: “I’m so excited for him! He got here about a week after I did.” Saturday and Sunday, Todd guest hosted on Fox & Friends Weekend, causing viewers to wonder if Clayton was leaving the show: Saturday it was mentioned several times that Todd was filling in for Clayton at but on Sunday it was not.

So, it is not surprising that F&F and F&FW fans want to know who Todd will be replacing–or if he is merely a new addition. Naturally, one might think that Todd might be the latest co-host of F&FW replacing Clayton to completely clean the slate of the old team consisting of the beloved three-time co-host Alisyn Camerota, fun family guy Dave Briggs, and tech geek Clayton to start anew with Abby as the queen of the weekend curvy couch with former VA candidate Pete Hegseth and the new guy Todd as her “bookend” guys.

For F&FW fans who happen to follow Clayton on Twitter, on Saturday, he Tweeted, “Off to Reheboth Beach/Bethany Beach Delaware for the week. See ya next Sunday on the show.”

Re Clayton’s return next Sunday, it is likely. But, nota bene, sometimes, F&FW vacations seem to be an adumbration of the future.

 

Eric Bolling: I Admit This!

“I watch them in the morning: I’m a very faithful viewer [of Mika and Joe]!” Sorry, Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade, Fox News The Five co-host Eric Bolling is cheating on you in the early morn–and he is doing it with MSNBC’s Morning Joe‘s Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough!

The Five co-host Eric Bolling let the cat out of the bag on Outnumbered as the “One Lucky Guy” today when he was discussing Mika’s emotional response to President Trump’s claim that former President Obama spied on him during a segment moderated by The Five co-anchor Meghan McCain. Airing a vid of Mika tearfully exclaiming, “I don’t know how anybody can defend this President even if it’s their job….[T]his is not funny! This is really bad! Just for the record, we’re all really nervous! So, if people out there feel nervous, we do, too!”*

Turning to her right, Meghan said, “Eric, I’m going to go to you first. I just want to make reference to the fact that Mika and Joe were present at Mar-a-Lago on New Year’s, hanging out with President Trump a mere less than two months ago–didn’t seem too nervous and freaked out then.”

In response, Eric concurred, “That’s right! And, they were also, ah, allegedly at one of the primaries in the Trumps’ hotel room as well.”  Coming clean, Eric stammered, “So, they, they, I admit this: I watch them in the morning. I’m a very faithful viewer!”

A “very faithful viewer” of Mika and Joe! Guess Eric needs to go to Father Jonathan Morris for confession when he lights his next candle. Hopefully, he will not only be forgiven by Father Jon but also by his colleagues, Ainsley, Steve, and Brian. Time to repent for “your sin” of being unfaithful, Eric!

*Outnumbered – 03/07/17 (@ 12:51 p.m. ET).

Ainsley Dissed by “Nerd”

Earhardt: “Are we chopped liver?” Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhart had some shade thrown her way by Nerdtears.com founder Kevin McCarthy Friday.

At the end of his segment entitled “Golden Globes Predictions,” Kevin remarked, “[Co-anchor] Steve [Doocy], I’m coming to New York: We’re watching Deadpool together sometime! We’re watching Deadpool together sometime!

Seemingly offended at Kevin’s slight to her, Ainsley stammered, “Oh! What, wha!” Pointing to herself and to her co-host Brian Kilmeade, she exclaimed, “Are we chopped liver?”

Not wanting to be drawn into that drama, Brian dismissively waved his hand downward and laughed, “I saw it already: I can’t watch it again!

In response, Kevin chuckled heartily.

Chagrined, Ainsley sighed, “I’ll just have to watch it by myself, I guess.”

Uncomfortably, Kevin chuckled again: But, in a rather abbreviated fashion.

To this viewer, Kevin’s response seemed somewhat strange. Usually, he is quite sycophantic and solicitous towards the F&F co-hosts: But, he seemed a bit reluctant to assuage a slighted Ainsley Friday. Perchance, Kevin is feeling a mite too much like F&F family for Ainsley’s taste.

*Fox & Friends – 01/06/17 (@ 7:56 a.m. ET).

 

Janice Dean Finally Quits “Shacking Up”!

“A Fox & Friends Welcome!” If the Fox & Friends viewers were aroused by the sexy “Dance Machine” a/k/a as the “Weather Machine, Janice Dean, this past Monday morn, they could be forgiven for being rightly confused–as if they were still drinking the potent nectar of the Green Goddess on Bourbon Street in the early hours of Lundi Gras. Perhaps, confusingly to this addled audience, F&F co-anchors Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmeade, and Ainsley Earhardt were warmly welcoming their long-time colleague Janice  to the F&F crew with a marvelous montage of vid clips of some of her finest moments on F&F (kissing her FDNY fire-fighter hubby Sean Newman, bathing her son Matthew in a five-gallon bucket, cuddling with Aerosmith rocker Steve Tyler in a photo, etc.).

Yes, Janice is a fun girl: And, she has finally quit “shacking up” with her F&F (and F&F First) Friends!

Welcome, Janice: Or, as Axyl Rose sings, “Welcome to the Jungle”!

[Author’s note: The Brooke Shields doppelganger has been with the F&F crew and fans for thirteen years: And, now it is official.]

Klutzy Klotz: Comely Molina’s Replacement?

Socks rocks? Not necessarily. Fox 5 Atlanta meteorologist Adam Klotz made his somewhat clumsy debut today on Fox & Friends First and Fox & Friends this morning. Actually, the Warsaw, Indiana, lad is likeable enough but F&F fans could tell that he definitely had the neophyte jitters as he hit the national stage.

Following in the footsteps of sexy Maria Molina surely was more than a tad daunting. Ergo, he played the role of the sycophant by not showing the fig but showing the socks. Sporting neon orange NASA socks, he reminded one of a former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, namely Dave Briggs, who loved colorful and wacky socks as a wardrobe accessory: Ingratiatingly, he doled similarly colorful socks out to Fox & Friends First co-host Clayton Morris and Fox & Friends co-anchors Ainsley Earhardt, Steve Doocy, and Brian Kilmeade. Poor F&FF co-host Heather Childers was left out–perhaps, to her relief.

Both F&FF and F&F ran “getting-to-know” Adam Klotz segments with photos aplenty: Adam was seen as an intrepid skydiver and a fearless participant in the Running of the Bulls. And, his softer side was captured in a photo taken of him and his dog Piper sleeping side-by-side by his gorgeous girlfriend.

Adam was somewhat shaky Tuesday morn: But, he seemed more than willing to try. And, all of the hype by F&FF and F&F appeared to show that Shine wanted him to succeed. And, his lady Bianca Robles and his pup Piper certainly did–and they seemed to think that he did as they feted him with a bottle of white wine apparently delivered to him in his hotel room.

According to Adam, he will be back all week. Good luck, Adam: Break a leg!

F&F: “Abby Huntsman: Co-host ‘Fox & Friends Weekend'”

Wow! Apparently, FNC proclaimed Abby Huntsman the new queen of the Fox & Friends Weekend on the curvy couch on the sly. In a segment celebrating twenty years of Fox News, Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade were juxtaposed in mirror image on that very curvy couch with Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Clayton Morris, oft-of-late guest co-host Abby Huntsman,  and F&FW co-host Tucker Carlson. N.B. Steve and Clayton are the senior co-hosts on their respective shows; Brian and Tucker the juniors on theirs; and Ainsley and, apparently, now Abby are the new hires.

Eagle-eyed Johnny Dollar of famed Johnny Dollar’s Place apparently noticed Abby’s seeming elevation from fill-in F&FW co-host to regular F&FW co-host as well. In his “Friday Links and Open Thread” section, he penned, “F&F co-hosts” with a clip of the aforementioned segment. One of his posters, Sparty, noted, “Abby Huntsman was just on F&F with Tucker and Clayton and crawl said she was F&FW co-host….” And, indeed it did: The chyron read, “Abby Huntsman[:] Cohost ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.'”

However, Fox & Friends Weekend‘s Facebook page and Fox & Friends insider: Fox & Friends Weekend only list Clayton Morris and Tucker Carlson as co-hosts. Furthermore, both Abby’s Twitter page and her Facebook page make no mention of her possible new status. To boot, Abby’s FNC bio does not reflect it.

Was Abby crowned without the ceremony? The author tends to think she was. But, he awaits the official proclamation of Abby’s reign.

F&F: “F**king” Gaffe

Smiley apologizes. Talk show host Tavis Smiley had some Fox & Friends fans frowning this early morn. In a segment where Smiley touted his new co-authored book, Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson’s Last Day, he said, “I was a fan of Michael like most of us: And, the day that Michael died, I was just gobsmacked because I had already purchased my tickets, my concert tickets, my plane ticket, hotel reservations to go to London to go to the old [inaudible] to see his final concert. I was ready to go!”* Elaborating, he remarked, “And, I wanted to know as a fan ‘what happened from the moment you said you were going to come back, “this is it, one more time,” sixteen weeks later, you’re dead. My ultimate question is ‘Why are you f**king’–you know, pardon the phrase–‘why are gone so soon?'”

Co-anchors Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt and guest co-host Pete Hegseth simply ignored his obscenity. Concluding the interview, Steve shook Smiley’s hand saying, “Tavis, always a pleasure!” Some fans, especially parents, of young children, may have heartily disagreed. But, at least, Smiley did apologize for his gaffe: Unfortunately, Steve, Ainsley, and Pete did not. Oops!

*Fox & Friends – 06/24/16 (@ 8:29 am. ET).

Nauert’s Naked Frolic

Naughty Heather confesses. Fox & Friends news reader Heather Nauert really heated things up for her viewers today on the F&F plaza: she revealed that she had once pulled a Lady Godiva in a Volkswagen bug–with the top down for all to see. And, she did not seem to mind that Peeping Tom.

During a “Top Adventure Vehicles for  the Summer” segment [vid], the F&F co-hosts (Ainsley Earhardt, Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmeade) and Heather helped showcase the vehicles with auto expert Mike Caudill on the patio. When Heather’s turn arrived, she sat at the wheel of a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune, exclaiming, “Come on over! Wooh!” As he walked over to jump in, he said, “This is a throwback vehicle: This takes us back, right?” Apparently, it did indeed.

Before Caudill could even close the door, Heather saucily asked, “Ah! Can I tell you the last memory of this car?” Before he could answer, Heather racily revealed, “I lost on a dare to my best friend who had this car and I had to ride in it naked! Hiding her head in her hands in mock shame and then looking up with a sexy smile, Heather giggled, “With the top down!” Turning to an allured Caudill, Heather risquely continued, “And, we pulled up next to my Latin teacher.” Then, she laughed robustly–as if she were a ribald German barmaid serving up copious drafts with verboten views.

Trying to compose himself, Caudill did not reply instantly to Heather’s siren song: Rather, he simply continued, saying, “So, this is a Volkswagen Beetle Dune.” Chuckling, Heather replied, “You’re like ‘anyway’!” Finally, responding, Caudill exclaimed, “I know. I’m like she just said that she’d go naked in this thing!…How do I transition off that?”

Transition? Hmm. Lady Godiva rode on her steed: Likewise, Lady Heather rides in her Beetle! Look out, boys: Here she comes!

*Fox & Friends – 05/04/16 (@ 7:54 a.m. ET).

Ainsley Approves Attack on Reagan?

Earhardt: “You kinda have to find a little humor in some sad things that happen in life.”  Actually, Ainsley, you don’t, especially when that humor is at the expense of the victims themselves, including those victims of dementia such as President Reagan.

Last Thursday (April 30), Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt signaled her approval of Will Ferrell’s starring in and producing a comedic movie that purportedly would mock the now deceased former President Ronald Reagan in his final term as President as being addled by dementia although evidence suggests otherwise according to Reagan’s White House physicians (New Yorker). Ironically, Friday, after fallout from Reagan’s family and other Alzheimer’s victim advocates, the besieged flagging actor Ferrell announced through a spokesman that he would “not [be] pursing this project.”

Introducing F&F co-anchor Steve Doocey‘s man-on-the-street-interview segment (subtitled “A Laughing Matter? Will Ferrell to Star in Comedy about Reagan”), co-host Brian Kilmeade sarcastically said, “So, we told you earlier that Will Ferrell’s going to be producing and will be starring in a movie as Ronald Reagan….And, it’s going to be a comedy, Steve: And, it’s going to be a comedy because it’s so funny that Ronald Reagan lost his memory!”

As the segment concluded, Ainsley remarked, “Steve, I just think a lot of people will go see it because they like Will Ferrell: I think they expect it to be funny. Shaking her head “no” as if she did not believe a word that she was saying, she added, “And, you kinda have to find a little humor in some sad things that happen in life.”

But, Ainsley, that “little humor” should never be at the expense of the victim. And, if so, the heartless comedian becomes the real joke.

F&FW Mystery: Where Was Clayton?

Tucker Carlson: “It must be a little confusing.” Yes, it was! Yesterday, Fox & Friends co-anchor Brian Kilmeade took the usual seat of regular F&FW co-host Clayton Morris without any explanation as to where Clayton was. Today, F&F co-anchor Steve Doocy took his screen-left, usual place on the curvy couch as F&FW co-host Tucker Carlson abdicated his alpha male spot for Steve.

Saturday, it was interesting to watch as Brian tried to awkwardly deflect the “elephant in the room” with humor.* As the show began to “Kung Fu Fighting” with martial artists practicing on the patio, Tucker simply greeted his guest co-anchor with a “good morning” by name, and Brian jested, “Good morning! That was Krav Maga: And, that is a [sic] elite form of what seems to me to be mixed martial arts. It’s a way to be lethal by the end of this five-to-seven hour show.” In the second hour,  when F&FW co-anchor Anna Kooiman proclaimed “Brian Kilmeade in the house today,” he joked, “Yeah, I’m privileged to be here, especially, on National Picnic Day.” As the third hour began, no mention was made of Brian’s taking Clayton’s usual spot on the curvy couch or Clayton’s absence: Rather, they seamless discussed anew Kray Maga after opening to its practitioners jousting on the veranda without need for Brian’s comedy. When the final hour arrived, Anna again introduced Brian, saying, “Everybody, Brian Kilmeade’s in the house today!” Smiling, Brian chuckled, “I had no idea this was four hours!” Subsequently, he joshed that he had come in on his solar private plan. Look away, F&FW fan: No diversion here.

Today, was another day: But, no acknowledgement of Clayton as the other male Fox & Friends weekday co-anchor Steve Doocy took his usual place on the curvy couch, relegating Tucker to Clayton’s beta male position on the right of the screen for the day.** However, today Steve did what Brian did not do, try to explain his presence albeit without revealing the reason for Clayton’s absence.

As the show started today, Steve declared, “Just saying right now, it is not Monday! People are going to being emailing shortly, What are you doing in?” Chiming in, Tucker said, “It must be a little confusing.” Turning to Tucker, Steve responded, “A little confusing to some people and you, in particular, Tucker, because I, you are often on this spot here.” Sounding less than convincing, Tucker answered, “It is one of those little tricks we like to play on Sunday morning just in case you’re hungover”: Even less so, Steve replied, “That’s right. But this is the Sunday before a bunch of big elections, primaries on Tuesday, and so I came in because I needed some OT.”

In the second hour today, Tucker welcomed Steve, exclaiming, “By the way, it is so great to see you! It’s not even a weekday, and you have take time from your busy schedule to come here.” Looking at Steve, Anna exclaimed, “Yes! Thank you for that!” Shrugging his shoulders, Steve answered, “There’s a lot going on!” Once again, less than convincingly, he added, “I, you know, there’s so much going on in politics, you want to be here as much as possible to tell the folks about what’s going on.”

Opening the third and final hours, Steve’s strange appearance on Sunday was not noted nor Clayton’s odd absence explained. An uncharacteristically uncomfortable Brian Saturday and seemingly spinning Steve today make Clayton’s absence all the more mysterious.

Yes, Tucker, it is “a little confusing.” And, Steve, there does seem to be “a lot going on” but not with politics–at least, today. Brian and Steve, it was great to see you both on the curvy couch this weekend: But, where was Clayton?

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 04/23/16.

**Fox & Friends Weekend – 04/24/16.

Ainsley Pleads for Kidney

Earhardt: “My mom needs a kidney….She’s O-negative if you want to give a kidney.” Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt got emotional after the final hour opening which included a tease about someone who was “donating to a [total] stranger” his kidney. Ainsley exclaimed, “That’s amazing! My mom needs a kidney. She’s on the list.”

Turning to Ainsley, co-host Steve Doocy queried, “She does?” Ainsley answered, “She does. She has diabetes type-1.” Appearing to tear up as she looked into the camera, Ainsley raised both of her hands toward her audience, pleading, “She’s O-negative if you want to give a kidney.”

Elaborating, Ainsley continued, saying, “I’m not a match. I know.” Looking sympathetically at Ainsley, Steve replied, “That’s hard.” Closing her eyes at the thought and trying to reassure herself, Ainsley responded, “But, it’s okay; she will get one; she’s on the list; and it will be okay.”

Ainsley, the author hopes that your mom gets her life-saving kidney–perhaps, from one of your F&F fans. And, dear reader, if you have a matching blood type and wish to donate to Ainsley mom, you can contact Ainsley at https://twitter.com/ainsleyearhardt. [To meet Ainsley’s mom, check out this F&F video.]

Smitten Ainsley Sexes It Up

For People Magazine’s “Sexiest Vet.” Yesterday, Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt was very demure for her fans but she finally showed some skin for her hunky guest, veterinarian Dr. Evan Antin. Yes, that South Carolina Southern belle was clearly smitten.

As Ainsley opened the show in the first hour, she tugged repeatedly at the hem of her dress–four times (a double tug, for good measure), to be exact–to make sure that it virtually hugged her knees. And, she demurely did so for almost the entirety of the show until she interviewed her beefcake eye candy [vid]: Then, she gladly bared her gorgeous gams for Dr. Antin, chyronned “‘Sexiest Vet Alive’: People Magazine Picks Out Hot Doctor.” No pulling down of the hem then: Perhaps, even a flirty hike!

The irony is that it was really no big deal. The Ainsley of old was never one shy of flaunting her sexy stems: But, when she joined F&F as its official co-anchor, she said that she could not fill very family-friendly Elisabeth Hasselbeck‘s shoes but she certainly seemed to try her best to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor who platonically deemed her co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade “brothers.” Likewise, Ainsley has seemed to try to tamp down the sexual tension that characterized F&F with “Foxes” E. D. Hill and Gretchen Carlson (not to mention guest co-hosts like Kiran Chetry, Alisyn Camerota, and Anna Kooiman) and their co-anchors Steve and Brian (who famously once swatted Aly’s lovely derriere).

For the reader who whines that Fox & Friends is strictly “NEWS,” s/he should remember that it is not. As the current senior executive vice president of FNC Bill Shine apprised the NYT, F&F “falls under the network’s entertainment umbrella and does not pretend to be straight news.” To whit, F&F is edutainment: Get the news with a fun, flirty twist to start your morn!

 

Ainsley’s Dream: F&F Finally

A month later: Too banal for breakfast or just right? Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt has definitely paid her FNC dues: As Glamour.com chronicles, Ainsley did overnight shifts on weekends; updates on the hour on weekday shows, e.g., Hannity; a short-lived stint as co-anchor of Fox & Friends Weekend; and, most recently, co-anchor of Fox & Friends First. And, finally, Ainsley landed her dream job, co-host of Fox & Friends.

But, now, Ainsley has to show her mettle: She has to prove that she has what it takes to successfully co-host cable news morning champ Fox & Friends. Previously, Ainz failed to do so when she co-anchored F&F Weekend with fellow tyros Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs: As faithful FNC viewers may well remember, former F&FW co-host and FNC utility player Alisyn Camerota had to return to the show to right the F&FW listing ship and to show the boys the ropes. After her subsequent stint as co-host of Fox & Friends First, hopefully, Ainsley has learned what tack to take: If she falters this time, at least,  she has seasoned veterans Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on whom to fall back.

Even though Ainsley may not be the sharpest knife in the F&F drawer, she does seem to be one of the sweetest seasonings in the cupboard. Lately, the Southern belle has seemed to almost ape [split infinitive intended] her predecessor counterpart Northerner Elisabeth Hasselbeck. A little too saccharine for the author’s taste–not too mention a mite too modest post her brief Fox & Friends Weekend gig: But, she does seem to have the best of intentions to make Ailes proud and her viewers happy.

Sex it up, Ainsley! Don’t let the boys be the main reason that your viewers tune in in the morning. That’s never a good thing!

Ainsley: F&F’s New Queen

Ainsley Earhardt’s reign begins! Today, Ainsley finally achieved her dream of becoming queen of the curvy couch. On Leap Day 1016, she took the leap from Fox & Friends First co-host to the new co-anchor of Fox & Friends, i.e., the “Fox” in Fox & Friends.

As the show began, co-anchor Steve Doocy announced, “Today, we’re all a part of the “A Team” as in Ainsley because today it’s official: Ainsley Earhardt is the new host of Fox & Friends. Exchanging kisses, Steve exclaimed, “Welcome aboard!” Turning to co-anchor Brian Kilmeade, he remarked, “Come on and give her a kiss”: Subsequently, Ainsley and Brian embraced with kisses on the cheek. Beaming, Ainsley declared, “It’s wonderful to be here!”

As the segment ended, Steve remarked, “Alright, so today starts the Ainsley Earhardt Era here on Fox & Friends.” Introducing a montage of Ainsley’s past work [vid] as Fox & Friends fill-in, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, Fox & Friends First co-anchor, and FNC reporter, Steve said, “We have put together a package to remind you that you have been watching her on American television right here on Fox for a very long. Watch!” After producers ran it, Brian queried, “Alright, so you are going to stick around?”

Smiling, Ainsley answered, “I’m going to stick around for a long time if you’ll have me.”

Brian responded, “Absolutely!”

Chiming in Steve exclaimed, “That’s great! Welcome aboard!”

Welcome aboard indeed, Ainsley: You’ve earned it!

Kilmeade Comforts Kooiman

Brian: “[Fox & Friends] wouldn’t be the same without you.” As F&F concluded this morning, co-anchor Steve Doocy announced, “Well, we want to officially welcome our friend Ainsley Earhardt to the curvy couch.” Chiming in, co-host Brian Kilmeade declared, “Yep, Ainsley…will be starting February 29th: She’ll join us every morning as co-host of Fox & Friends.”

Turning to guest co-host Anna Kooiman (who appeared to have a real shot at becoming the new queen on the F&F curvy couch after Elisabeth Hasselbeck‘s departure), Brian gave solace to the blond beauty, aptly remarking, “And, Anna, of course, you’re all over Fox & Friends: It wouldn’t be the same without you!” As Steve looked on with a kindly smile, Anna appreciatively answered, “Thank you so much!”

Well played, Brian. Anna, you are indeed wonderful in the center seat on the F&F curvy couch–whether you are there on the weekday or the weekend!

Ainsley: F&F’s New Fox

Earhardt: “I am…thrilled to join Steve and Brian on the curvy couch.”  Fox & Friends viewers were tipped off early this morning that changes were afoot by regular F&F fill-in co-host, Anna Kooiman: As the show began today with her in the center seat (with Tucker Carlson and Pete Hegseth), she  cryptically remarked, “Good morning! We’re all visiting the couch this morning!” (After Elisabeth Hasselbeck left the F&F curvy couch, Anna has usually greeted her F&F viewers with her name as if she might be the future queen of the weekday curvy couch).

According to a press release today by FNC, Ainsley Earhardt has been named the new co-anchor of Fox & Friends and she will make her debut as the official co-host on Leap Day, 2016 (February 29). FNC Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes declared, “Ainsley’s relentless work ethic, congeniality, and enthusiasm for connecting with our viewers…are extremely refreshing. She’s a superb team player and an excellent on-air host.” As for Ainsley, she declared, “I am grateful for this opportunity and am thrilled to join Steve [Doocy] and Brian [Kilmeade] on the curvy couch to deliver Americans their morning news.”

It has been a remarkable ride for Ainsley in her Fox & Friends odyssey.

Ainsley made her debut on Fox & Friends Weekend as a guest co-host in February 2008. On February 28, 2008 (almost 8 years to the date of her future debut as queen of the F&F curvy couch), Ainsley apprised the author that she was just filling in and that FNC would announce changes when they were final: Even though the lovely got into hot water initially with FNC brass for being honest and straightforward with this viewer in various missives, the chastened Southern belle did finally take the reins at F&F Weekend with fellow newbie co-hosts, Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris by her side. But Ainsley’s tenure was short-lived as her callow boys needed a surer hand to guide the F&FW ship, namely, Alisyn Camerota (who had sailed those waters before as F&FW co-anchor).

But, Ainsley has stayed the course: And, she has always been there when Ailes needed her. Ainz has been a cheerful and ready fill-in co-host for Fox & Friends weekday, and she has happily served as Fox & Friends First co-anchor with Heather Childers. She has paid her dues, and Ailes has now rewarded her.

And, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Ainsley’s predecessor hardily approves: She Tweeted, “Congratulations to my #SisterInChrist & #SweetFriend @ainsleyearhardt on the @foxandfriends news!! This #CBO can’t wait to see you shine!”

Congratulations, Ainsley!!

H/t: Motownman, Chris Ariens, and Johnny Dollar (J$P).

Steve Doocy: “Please laugh!”

Jeb Bush: “Please Clap!” This morning, Fox & Friends seemed to signal the end of the Jeb Bush candidacy to be the Presidential standard barrier for the GOP. Not that “JEB!” necessarily needed the hint.

Today, F&F seemed to indicate Bush 3 was toast–as if anyone else needed to know, too. At the bottom of the first F&F hour, producers aired a segment of “The Tonight Show” Jimmy Fallon ridiculing Bush scion “JEB!” as someone who “still knows how to work a crowd.”* In the painful snippet, Jeb said, “I think the next President needs to be a lot quieter but send a signal that we’re prepared to act in the national security interests of this country: To get back in the business of creating a more peaceful world. Please clap!”

After Fallon bowled over in laughter in the clip after the Bush bumble, he derisively remarked, “For the love of God, can I get a, like an awkward cough, anything, a nod? Can you move? Come on!”

When the camera returned to co-host Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade and co-host Sandra Smith, Steve deadpanned, “Boy, that was funny! Please laugh!”

Ducking his head sheepishly, Brian replied, “Right!” Chiming in, Sandra exclaimed, “Uncomfortable!” Coming to the defense of the brother of his sometimes golfing buddy, 43, Brian stammered, “Well, look! In some polls, he’s as high as uh, uh second place in New Hampshire.”

Incredulous, Steve retorted, “Really? What polls?”

Smiling unconvincingly, Brian replied, “He’s coming up!”

Chiding Steve for his frankness, a smiling Sandra chided, “Now! Now!”

Poor JEB! When his only defense is from Kilmeade, a “W” acolyte a la former White House press secretary Dana Perino of The Five, things are not looking up for the Bush dynasty. Or, the GOP establishment.

“Please clap!,” or, “please laugh”! That’s the divide of the GOP–and the FNC.

*Fox & Friends – 02/04/16 (@ 6:32 a.m. ET).

 

Anna: “I’m Happy for the Opportunity”

Kilmeade: “You’re doing great!” Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Anna Kooiman does double duty and the Fox & Friends weekday boys seem to like it. Today, Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy opened the show, remarking, “Brian [Kilmeade], you know, you and I took off over the weekend, and she’s still here!”

Grinning Puckishly as ever, Brian replied, “It’s unbelievable!”

Smiling sweetly, Steve replied, “Anna has worked about twenty straight days. God bless her!”

Flattered, a chagrined Anna chuckled, “No, it hasn’t been that long! I’m happy for the opportunity! Thanks for having me on the couch!”

Aptly, Brian answered, “Yeah, you’re doing great!”

Indeed, Anna has been doing great as the “girl in the middle” on the F&F curvy couch as of late: And, she seems to be ready to take the reins without any real competition.

But, if Anna does take Elisabeth Hasselbeck‘s erstwhile spot on the F&F curvy couch, the obvious question is who will replace the vivacious blond beauty in the F&FW center seat.

Since Anna is reigning on both the F&F and F&FW curvy couches rather than having subs, e.g., Nicole Petallides, Kimberly Guilfoyle, etc., help her out, one begins to wonder if the FNC suits are waiting for F&F First co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt to return from maternity leave and to retake her old spot on the F&F Weekend curvy couch to ease the transition for Anna from the weekend to the weekday.

Between opinionated alpha male Tucker Carlson and peevish beta male Clayton Morris, Ainsley just might be that next sweet Southern belle that can continue to make F&FW work.