Gretchen Out: Bitter?

Sues Roger Ailes: Her “lawyers…say Ailes is the ‘Bill Cosby of media.'” Wow! Former Fox & Friends co-host and anchor of The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, Gretchen Carlson, is apparently not amused that her tenure is over: Reportedly, she is suing FNC honcho Roger Ailes for sexual harassment after her contract was not renewed.

According to the Daily Mail, Gretchen said that Ailes asked her to “turn around so he could view her posterior.” Furthermore, the NYT reported that Gretchen alleged that Ailes had eyed her in his office and called her sexy and “explicitly asked [her] in his office for a sexual relationship.”

In response, Gretchen’s former female FNC colleagues pushed back. “On the Record” anchor Greta van Susteren said that she has “‘absolutely never’ seen …Ailes act inappropriately toward women” and described Gretchen as “a very unhappy employee that lost her job” according to The Wrap. According to the same publication, hitting Gretchen even harder, “Justice with Judge Jeanine” anchor Jeanine Pirro declared, “I know know the man. I have been in a room with him. He has never said or done anything [inappropriate].”: Taking aim at her former FNC colleague, Jeanine added that the lawsuit was “absurd” and remarked, “I don’t know that she, the plaintiff [Gretchen], even has a friend in that building.” On a softer note FBN anchor Maria Bartiromo said, “It’s not in keeping with what I know, and my experience at Fox” according to Variety. Morever, The Five co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle chimed in (according to TVNewser), “Total disbelief. I’ve known Roger Ailes for 15 years and I have been treated with the utmost professionalism and respect: He’s been a fantastic mentor in television for me.” To boot, in her HuffPo article, former Fox & Friends First co-anchor Kiran Chetry, who had a self-proclaimed “parting [that] was ugly and public,” defended Ailes, saying, “Over the years at Fox, I met with Roger Ailes one-on-one many times and never once did Roger ever make me feel uncomfortable or put forth any sexual advances.”

According to the Hollywood Report, Ailes hit back hard at Gretchen, saying:

“Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network’s decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. Ironically, Fox News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11-year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously.”

Gretchen and her fellow femme fatale predecessor co-hosts on Fox & Friends have always been sexually empowered since the fun, flirty, racy, E. D. Hill made her debut in 1998: And, for those that embrace it, that is modern liberated feminism, women unashamed of their potent power of feminine pulchritude and seduction and are not afraid to embrace it. E.g., Gretchen seemed to tout this “new” feminism in her somewhat tempting “twerking” and awkward aping of “scandalous” Miley Cyrus on F&F. Also, naughty Fetchin’ Gretchen had her sultry take on sharing her momcave with Chris Wallace, nipple clips, and licked thighs on F&F (02/04/11). Not to mention Gretchen’s saucy flirtation with Chris Wallace when the Fox News Sunday host  exclaimed, “Let me just say…I was thinking how to clean this up. Gretchen, when you were wearing that cowboy hat and smoking that cigar you looked fetching.” (In response, Gretchen, re-enacted and accentuated her sultry cowboy/cigar look for Chris to which he responded, Oh, Mama! You should take that home for your husband tonight.”) Maybe, Ailes was having fun with that vibe from Gretchen–if in fact he said what he purportedly said.

Nevertheless, a woman or a man’s employment, advancement, etc. should never be predicated on her/his employer’s reaction to their employee’s sexual power. Nor, should the employee ever be subject to his/her unwanted advances.

Wallace Repentant? “Happy” if Paul Wins

Bushie no more? Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace seemed to distance himself from his GOP establishment colleagues, e.g., Karl Rove, Dana Perino, etc. today. After pontificating yesterday on FNC’s “Your World with Neil Cavuto” that a Ron Paul victory would “discredit the Iowa caucuses,” Wallace chose a decidedly different tack this morning when Happening Now co-host Jon Scott asked him what a Paul win would mean in Iowa. With his sails more neatly trimmed, Wallace responded, “I don’t mean in any way to denigrate Ron Paul….I fully understand why his…millions of supporters across the country but thousands here in Iowa are so supportive of him.”*

Elaborating, he continued, “But, I think it is fair to say [that] he is a long shot for the Republican nomination. And, to the degree that people look at these States and say, ‘Are they picking a President?,” if they were to pick Paul, I think a lot of the–and, maybe, we’re not so smart–but a lot of the smart guys in the media and in the Republican party would say, ‘Well, that’s kind of an aberration.” Apparently, repentant, he added, “Now, it may be that Ron Paul proves us wrong, and I’d be happy if he did because it would be a very exciting race.”

Chris Wallace: fair and balanced? Trying.

*Happening Now – 12/15/11 (@ 12:11 a.m. ET)

Chastened Clayton: Toxic Cheerleader?

U-S-A! U-S-A! Mo’ nuke plants on your way! Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Clayton Morris seemingly echoed that ominous cheer as Japanese nuclear reactors threatened to melt down both Saturday and Sunday. Happily, co-host Alisyn Camerota checked him Saturday and Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace chastened him Sunday for his quick and cavalier advocacy of an unthinking embrace of America’s nuclear industry.

Throughout the show Saturday, F&FW producers seemed to downplay the potential dire threats of the inadequately cooled nuclear reactors in Japan. Then, in the final segment, Heritage Foundation fellow for nuclear energy Jack Spencer appeared poised to perform the coup de grace as he assured his F&FW audience that the “Japanese authorities seem to be keeping this under control” and that “human health and safety has [sic] rarely, if ever, been affected–certainly, not in the case of Western nuclear power plants.”* Disconcertingly, Spencer laughed, “The one time that it, that there really was real impact was Chernobyl.” After then asserting the obvious, i.e., that the situation “absolutely has to be stabilized,” he blithely concluded, “I predict that once this is all said and done, we’re once again gonna see the inherent robustness of nuclear energy and that even when subjected to these sorts of stresses that it’s able to be maintained, the safety of that over time.”

When the segment ended, Clayton thanked Spencer for his expertise. After he had done so, Aly interjected, “It’s so interesting what Jack [Spencer] left us with because, obviously, there was momentum building for more nuclear energy here.” Nodding his head, co-anchor Dave Briggs concurred, “Yeah.” Arching his eyebrows, Clayton derisively declared, “And, there still is!” Uncowed by his risible remark, Aly retorted, “Well, you don’t know! I mean, if after this, people will be so scared.” Somewhat indignantly, Clayton countered, “Well, you don’t stop multi-billion dollar projects that have been being [sic] built for years–fifteen years–right now, so.” Interposing, Dave portentously proclaimed, “Perhaps, we will dive into that debate tomorrow.”

And, “tomorrow,” they did indeed engage again. As the weekly Fox News Sunday promo segment with anchor Chris Wallace began, Aly asked, “It seems as though the nuclear power argument was just gaining some momentum. I mean, after decades of it being a bad word, suddenly, people were revisiting it. How does this change that dialogue now?”** Confidently, Chris answered, “Oh, I got to think it’s a total game changer. And, you’re exactly right, Alisyn, because, obviously, Republicans have been pushing nuclear power for some time…[and] the President and Democrats were on board the idea of nuclear power as safe, green energy, no carbon, greenhouse gas emissions. Of course, we’re seeing now in Japan something a whole lot more dangerous than carbon emissions–radiation….Remember, after Three Mile Island, we had about a thirty-year moratorium on the building on any new nuclear power plants in this country….This could be another thirty-year hold.”

Not exactly pleased with his colleague Chris’s answer, Clayton contended, “Yeah, major concerns, of course, about, about the radiation poisoning there although we’ve been hearing reports this morning that, maybe, it’s been overblown. And, after all, it survived a 9.0 magnitude….So, here is a plant that survived not only a 9.0 earthquake, it’s a forty-year-old reactor….And, it survived a tsunami. And, at this point, only 160 people have been treated for radiation and only three have been sickened.” Finally, he concluded, “So, that’s a pretty good track record.”

Shaking his head, Chris countered, “I think you’re jumping the gun there, guys. I mean, first, of all, I wouldn’t say [that] it survived anything, given the fact that we’ve already had an explosion at one of the reactors. There’s the possibility of meltdowns at another one of the reactors. And, I think this is a still a very active situation: so, I wouldn’t say anything about a good track record at this point. I think the situation at two nuclear power plants and multiple reactors at both is very much in play.”

Recanting abruptly, a chastened Clayton answered, “Well, I’m saying that, and we had Jack Spencer on the show from the Heritage Foundation and a nuclear expert who [sic] those were his words this morning. Not to jump the gun and no concern. Certainly, not OUR words.”

Or, certainly, not ALY’s words.

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 03/12/11 (@ 9:58 a.m. ET)

**Fox & Friends Weekend – 03/13/11 (@ 8:14 a.m. ET)

Naughty Gretchen: Fetchin’?

Carlson’s momcave, nipple clips, and licked thighs: waking up Fox & Friends her way. Last week F&F co-host Gretchen Carlson salaciously coquetted anew with Fox News Sunday co-anchor Chris Wallace (during his usual Friday promo), assuring a chagrined but appreciative Chris that he was always welcome in her momcave. Yesterday, Gretchen saucily jested with Larry the Cable Guy about his nipple clip, saying that she would be thinking of him [wearing them] during the Super Bowl half-time.

Today, Gretchen teased her fans with an Animal Planet Puppy Bowl VII  segment promo before a break, carnally cooing, “It’s not every morning that I have somebody licking my thighs, mmhm–and my ankles.”* When a crew member whistled with Dionysian delight, ” Gretchen feigned indignation and pointed to the potential shelter adoptee, harrumphing, “It’s a puppy! Okay?” Then, as Gretchen concluded her upcoming previews, a tarty Gretchen laughed, “I’m just trying to wake everyone up. Okay! You’re awake now, aren’t you?”

Cute puppies and Gretchen: fetchin’ for Fox & Friends.

*Fox & Friends – 02/04/11 – (@ 7:27 a.m. ET)

Update: Vid of Gretchen’s racy promo, supra (via Chicaboomer).

Chris: Childish Aly?

Wallace, still chafing at Camerota for her “sleeping on the couch” question? Last Sunday before Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace’s promo for his program on Fox & Friends Weekend, producers played a short clip of Chris “hitting on” country music singer Kellie Pickler and her racy response the previous Friday. Afterwards, F&FW co-host Alisyn Camerota queried, “Let’s bring in Chris Wallace right now to find out if he has been sleeping on the couch since that time. Chris, what did Mrs. Wallace have to say?” Even though Chris seemed to welcome the opportunity to apprise the audience that he was not in trouble with his wife Lorraine, he may not have been amused by Aly’s choice of words.

Today, as Chris did his FNS preview on F&F (with co-anchor, Brian Kilmeade, and guest hosts, Alisyn Camerota and Eric Bolling), Chris seemed to take a snipe at Aly instead of his usual target F&F co-anchor Brian Kilmeade. After Brian had briefly introduced Chris for his FNS preview, Chris acerbically joked, “You know, I have to say, watching the three of  you this morning, the idea that any network would put a show on in which Brian Kilmeade is the grownup is kind of…just asking for trouble right there.”

Surprised, a smiling Eric Bolling, host of the upcoming prime time FBN program, Money Rocks, who appeared to be Chris’ collateral damage, softly uttered, “Wow!” Deftly and adroitly, Aly answered, “Oh, we resemble that remark, Chris.” Happy to have someone else take the brunt of Chris’ barbs, Brian riantly exclaimed, “I actually think it’s the first time someone else has been dissed by Chris Wallace with me on the couch. And, you guys actually took it worse!”

Perhaps, Aly has learned her lesson to be not too impertinent to Mr. Wallace. Or, maybe, next time she will simply display a little more cleavage a la Kellie Pickner last Friday. Or, as Gretchen suggests, don one of those sexy cowboy hats that Chris likes.

Remember, Aly: to paraphrase Hank Williams, Jr., a country girl can survive.

Aly: “Sleeping on the Couch,” Chris?

Or, in a real “Pickle(r)” with Mrs. Wallace? When Fox News Sunday Chris Wallace appeared on Fox & Friends Weekend today to tout his program, he first had to account for his  “latest ‘Wallace wandering'” to co-hosts Dave Briggs, Alisyn Camerota, and Eric Bolling. Introducing the segment, Dave declared, “We want to remind you about a little incident that took place on Friday on Fox & Friends…between Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace and…Kellie Pickler. Take a look.” [F&F producers then aired a clip of Chris flirtatiously asking Kellie if she even knew who he was and Kellie coquettishly responding that she did indeed and had a poster of him above her bed.” (N.B. The link, supra, also includes footage beyond the rather abbreviated F&F clip, i.e., Brian’s jest to Kellie, asking her to offer her “services” to Chris.)]

After the vid ran, Aly remarked, “Let’s bring in Chris Wallace right now to find out if he has been sleeping on the couch since that time. Chris, what did Mrs. Wallace have to say?” Even though he had said Friday that he was “gonna pay a heavy price for this,” Chris answered, “No, Lorraine was watching and she laughed at it, especially, when we both found out that Kellie Pickler is, in fact, precisely two days older than my youngest daughter. So.” Commiserating, Aly enjoined, “I hate when that happens.”

Less sympathetic, Dave, looking up as if in fixed amorous adoration of a lusty pinup, nettled, “But, that Chris Wallace poster on her [Kellie’s] ceiling must have been quite an image for your wife.” Then, perhaps, sensing that Chris (with a cocked head and slight smile) seemed less than amused, Dave quickly added, “But, we won’t dwell on that!” Parrying Dave’s initial barb, Chris self-deprecatingly riposted, “That must have been quite an image for Kellie Pickler!” When Eric subsequently asked Chris if Mrs. Wallace had Chris’ poster on her ceiling as well, Chris wisely concluded his comments, saying, “No. She has Chris Wallace right next to her.”

Luckily, for Chris, Mrs. Wallace continues her charitable approach to such amorous meanderings.

Chris’ “Cowgirl” Fantasy?

Palin, now Pickler: Gretchen jealous? After Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson excited him almost two years ago with her black cowboy hat and Kinky Friedman cigar, Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace seems to have fallen prey to that “wanton” country girl fantasy. First, there was Gretchen; second, there was Sarah Palin; and, yesterday, it was country star Kellie Pickler. Mediaite deemed the latest instance “creepy” but it just seemed like the latest “Wallace wandering” to the author.

With regard to Gretchen, as long-time Fox & Friends fans may remember, Chris, in a similar FNS promo for his show on July 25, 2008, was so taken with Gretchen in her cowgirl getup, supra, that he flirted, ““Let me just say…I was thinking how to clean this up. Gretchen when you were wearing that cowboy hat and smoking that cigar you looked very fetching!” Subsequently, when she teased him with a seductive pose, he panted, “Oh! Mama! You should take that home for your husband tonight.” The sexual tension was such that F&F co-anchor Brian Kilmeade interjected, “Hey, Chris! Is there a shower in that studio?”

[Apparently, Chris got in trouble with the wife, Mrs. Wallace over that episode. Approximately, three months later, during a FNS promo on Halloween Day, Gretchen teased Chris about liking “cowboy hats and cigars.” Chris replied, “We can’t keep talking about that, Gretchen: Mrs. Wallace is no longer amused at that conversation.”]

With regard to former Alaskan governor and famed outdoorswoman Sarah Palin, Chris bawdily bantered about her with FBN anchor Imus before his February 7, 2010 FNS interview with her. When Imus asked, “When you interview her, will she be sitting on your lap?, Chris randily responded, “One can only hope.” Consequently, Chris got grief from women such as noted journalist, Cokie Roberts. (Whether he did from Mrs. Wallace is not known.

Yesterday, during his promo for FNS on Fox & Friends, Chris turned his amorous ardor toward country singer Kellie Pickler, the former American Idol contestant, kicking off F&F’s “All American Summer” concert series. After, apparently, seeing the blond beauty Pickler perform throughout the earlier 2 1/2 hours of the show in her bosom-baring red top and hip-hugging blue jeans, a seemingly smitten Chris could not wait to talk about her. After F&F co-host Brian Kilmeade introduced Chris’ segment (citing the BP oil disaster and the President’s tough times), Chris began, “Yeah. Listen, before we get to that, I’m just curious. Has Kellie Pickler been asking about me?”*

As Gretchen chuckled heartily, Brian answered, “Yes. Yes, she has. And, I think it’s kind of odd because I’m sitting right there, and all I hear is Chris Wallace this, Chris Wallace that.” Chris replied, “You know, just, just tell her that I’m a big fan of hers, too. And, you know, who knows?” Incredulous, a grinning Brain echoed, “Who knows?” Aptly, F&F co-host Gretchen interjected, “Wow! I know that you are a fan of cowboy hats so that, that would make sense.” Brian jested, “She going to be singing in about ten minutes for Chris Wallace.” Before talking about the BP oil spill, Chris enthusiastically added, “Yeah. Maybe, she’ll do one of those torch songs about her unrequited love for me.” In response, Gretchen’s eyes immediately widened and her mouth suddenly shut while a surprised Brian simply smiled.

Later, during Chris’ segment, Brian began a question (about whether purported White House offers of positions for certain candidates to drop out of  Senate races portended a “burgeoning scandal”), stating, “If I wanted to get Chris Wallace out of that job and put myself in it, I’d have to get you another attractive job to actually lure you out and open up that spot.” With thoughts of Pickler still prancing in his head, Chris riantly replied, “Oh. I thought when you said you were going to offer me an attractive job to leave this, I thought it was going to be interviewing Kellie Pickler in six minutes.”

As Chris’ segment concluded, Brian ribaldly remarked, “The fact of the matter is, I do want your job, and I am willing to make an offer to you. Kellie Pickler, are you out there? Will you do me a favor, and offer your services to Chris Wallace?” As a blushing Pickler appeared on a trisected screen, a chagrined Chris grimaced and shut his eyes, and Gretchen screamed, “What! What! Excuse me!” Offering Brian diaphanous cover at best, Steve interjected, “Musical services. Musical services.” As Gretchen sat with mouth agape, a goatishly grinning Brian continued, “Would you say ‘hello’ to Chris Wallace?”

As Gretchen punched Brian in the shoulder for his puckish impertinence, a coy Kelli Pickler cooed, “Hello, Chris. How are ya?” Then, as the trio of co-hosts disappeared from the screen, close-ups of Pickler and Chris emerged. Almost like a bashful schoolboy, Chris answered, “Well, I’m just great, Kellie. I must say, I’m better right now.” Chuckling, Pickler coquettishly replied, “Me, too.”

After telling Pickler that he was a big fan of American Idol and saw her “with sushi and all of that stuff” when she was on the show, he queried, “Do you have the faintest idea who I am?” Less than convincingly, Pickler teased, “Oh, yeah. Absolutely! I have your poster hanging above my bed.” As a smiling Pickler looked back at her amused band members, Chris, tugged at his lapels and proudly proclaimed, “Well. Okay, Kelly! There we go!”

Perhaps, a mite jealous, Gretchen questioned, “Chris, is Mrs. Wallace watching?” Before he responded, Pickler interjected, “My apologies to your wife.” Then, Chris replied, “Unfortunately, I think she is. And, I’m gonna pay a heavy price for this.”

Perhaps, not, Chris. Mrs. Wallace has seemed rather charitable thus far.

*Fox & Friends – 06/04/10 (@8:31 a.m. ET)

Kilmeade: A Comedic Ringer

Thanks to Fox & Friends co-anchor Gretchen Carlson’s query today, co-host Brian Kilmeade’s “secret” is out. Long-time fans of the most popular cable morning news show have long been regaled by Brian who rarely, if ever, fails to amuse his audience: whether he is embarrassing Gretchen, piquing Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace, or slapping Alisyn Camerota’s derriere, the Massapequa man-child generally coaxes a smile from even the most incorrigible curmudgeon. However, the author (and, perhaps, others) did not realize that the sports guy is a comedic ringer.

During an interview today of Chinese comic Joe Wong (who has a Ph.D. in biochemistry) by the F&F co-hosts, the truth was revealed. In the preface to a question to Wong, Brian riantly remarked, “We have a very similar background ’cause I also have a biochemistry degree I don’t use.” As Wong laughed, Gretchen turned to Brian and ingenuously queried, “Actually, you were a stand-up comedian: weren’t you?” Apparently, not willing to let his viewers in on that info, Brian evasively jested, “Uh, I was a biochemist.”

Actually, Gretchen was right. According to Brian’s Web site, he “has seven years of experience as a stand-up comedian.” Apparently, that is not counting his time at FNC.

Keep up the funny business, Brian. But, remember, the bar is now raised!

Jarrett’s Recall Fails

America’s Newsroom guest host Gregg Jarrett must have misread his cheat sheets again.* Apparently, the attorney-turned-journo does not yet realize that Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter, the former Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, is no longer a Republican. (Specter, still a Senate Judiciary Committee member, became a Democrat almost a year ago.) As Jarrett presided over a segment on the Senate confirmation of a future replacement for the retiring Justice John Paul Stephens, he correctly noted that the “political landscape…has changed dramatically” since Justice Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed in August of 2009.** However, he disdainfully added, “Arlen Specter hauled off about ten days ago and threatened to filibuster–which, by the way, has never happened with a Supreme Court nominee.”

Apparently, Jarrett was not listening closely to his colleague Chris Wallace’s Fox News Sunday program April 4. When Wallace interviewed Democrat Specter and Republican Arizona Senator Jon Kyle, it was Kyle who indicated that Republicans were ready to filibuster if the Supreme Court appointee was overly ideological. However, Specter did say, “I think the gridlock in the Senate might well produce a filibuster, which would tie up the Senate [with the] Supreme Court nominee: I think if a year passes there’s a much better chance we could come to a consensus.”

*According to the author’s recollection, Jarrett made the same erroneous assertion last week in a similar segment.

**America’s Newsroom – 04/12/10 (9:47 a.m. ET)

Wallace: Morning Joe Blow

Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace hit back hard at Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough today in an interview with Megyn Kelly on America Live. Responding to Scarborough’s claim that Wallace “roll[ed] his eyes, embarrassed” after the Palin interview to signal to his friends that “yes, I know [that] she is not a serious thinker,” Wallace asserted, “‘No’ is the quick answer to that.”* Then, scornfully, he added, “Secondly, let me just say that Joe Scarborough lives out where the trolleys don’t run at night.”

Eager to pummel Scarborough further, Wallace continued, “The last time I heard of somebody getting that kind of a secret message, it was Son of Sam hearing from a Labrador retriever that he should go out and shoot people….I think that Morning Joe definitely needs to switch to decaf.” Later, in the interview when Megyn asked whether he was offended by Scarborough comment, Wallace snidely stated, “I’m offended that people watch him on MSNBC.”

For Wallace, apparently, there is little love left for that former Fox News contributor.

*America Live – 02/11/10 (@2:36 p.m. ET).

Update: Cf. Mediaite‘s vid of segment including footage of Wallace’s “eye roll” and Scarborough’s analysis.

Wallace “Explains” Imus Jest

about Sarah Palin to an uncomfortable Gretchen Carlson. As Fox & Friends co-anchor Brian Kilmeade observed, Chris Wallace’s promo for Fox News Sunday on F&F Friday”was as awkward as ever.” After Chris previewed his show which includes the first FNS interview of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, co-host Steve Doocy asked Wallace about his controversial comment on Imus Thursday. Steve remarked, “Chris…normally during our time together, it is Brian that asks the embarrassing question of you. However, I saw online that you said…yesterday when queried whether or not you would do the interview with Sarah Palin on your lap, you said [that] you hope so.”*

Before Wallace could respond, co-host Gretchen Carlson, aghast, exclaimed, “What!” Steve replied, “It’s true.” Wallace retorted, “No, no…What happened was [that] I was on Imus, which was my first mistake, and he said to me at the end, just kidding around, ‘So when you do the interview with her, will she be sitting on your lap?’ And I said, ‘One could hope.’…I thought it was funny at the time.”

Clearly, not amused, Gretchen shook her hand and queried, “Why would he ask such an inane question?” Steve interjected, “I think it was a great question!” As Wallace laughed and both Brian and Steve smiled, a rather outraged Gretchen queried, “Do you ask that of a man?” Wallace stuttered, “Would he have asked me of a man?” With palms upraised, an incredulous Gretchen responded, “Yeah. [Whether a man] would sit on your lap.”

Wallace riposted, “I don’t know. Let me ask you a question. Would you do an interview with Brad Pitt, you sitting on his lap, Gretchen?” “Absolutely not. I find nothing hot about Brad Pitt.” Wallace persisted, “Oh, okay. Oh, and, how ’bout Brian Kilmeade if you sat on his lap?” Rubbing her upper lip uncomfortably and, apparently, trying to skirt the question about her and her colleague, Gretchen replied, “Who?”

Meanwhile, Brian, shaking his head and looking down, only somewhat facetiously interposed, “Hey, let me just say this. Chris Wallace, that as I pointed out–Gretchen, very good move saying, ‘Who?’–Chris, we’re a news show. I don’t know about this lap thing. We got facts, people need to get information, [and] I don’t need the color and stuff. So, this whole thing about socializing and the behind-the-scenes stuff, it has no place.” Under his breath, Steve muttered, “Oh. Wow.” Wallace sarcastically responded, “What, what the heck happened to you? Have the drugs [unintelligble] finally, Brian?

From his off-set Ft. Lauderdale perch, a salty Brian asked, “By the way, what are you [Wallace] wearing?” Trying to bring that topic to a quick close, Steve interjected, “He’s wearing his Chris Wallace outfit.” However, the producers, apparently, were not quite ready to do so and began to play Austin Powers-like theme music. Playing along, Wallace jested, “Are you talking about now or for the interview with Sarah Palin?” Before Brian could respond, Steve interjected, “Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!”

Then, as Steve concluded the promo, Wallace declared, “Get me outta here!” “Me, too!” cried Gretchen. Smiling Brian added, “Yeah. That was as awkward as ever. I’ll miss Chris.”

Wallace is certainly not apologizing for his Imus comment. Will Sarah Palin respond to him tomorrow? If so, will she be as outraged as Gretchen with the ribald banter?

Fox & Friends (02/05/10) – @8:36 a.m. ET

Specter’s Sexism: Wallace Amused

First, Salon.com’s Joan Walsh: now, Tea Party’s Michele Bachmann. Are women being the butts of politician’s sexist remarks still “funny” to Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace? Seemingly, so. In his promo for his show on Fox & Friends, Chris immediately sided with Democratic Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter who condescendingly told Republican Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann to “don’t interrupt me” and to “act like a lady” (Wedneday on Dom Giordano’s Radio Show).

Apparently, Wallace was so amused that he began his segment, jesting, “I want to make this clear right from the start: Brian, I’m going to treat you like a lady, and I expect you to act like one.”* F&F co-anchor Brian Kilmeade replied, “I just hope you treat me a little bit better than Arlen Specter treated Congressman Michele Bachman….Was that the angriest you have heard him?” Wallace answered, “No….You know, he’s cantankerous and that’s just part of his personality. But, again, I’m treating you like a lady: act like a lady, Brian.”

Meanwhile, grimacing agitatedly and clearly unamused, co-host Gretchen Carlson exclaimed, “Hey, but, come on, Chris! Yeah, but there’s a difference between being cantankerous and being sexist.” She continued, “Do you think that he would do that same exact behavior to you: he would use a derogatory term like “act like a gentleman,” Chris. Dismissively, Chris smirked, “He’s never said to me, ‘Act like a lady,’ but he’s stuck it to me a couple of times. Yeah.” As the boys on the curvy couch chuckled, Gretchen insisted, “You know what I’m getting at.”

Then, for the audience’s benefit, Gretchen had the producers air the actual audio of Specter lecturing Bachmann on a proper lady’s role. When the recording had run, Brian asked, “That’s going to come back to haunt him. Don’t you think, Chris?” Chris responded, “I got to say, I find it kinda funny.”

For some, it might seem “kinda funny” since it came at conservative Bachmann’s expense. However, they may well remember that Wallace found “pretty funny” a similar remark about liberal Joan Walsh, Salon.com’s  editor in chief, by Dick Armey less than a year ago (January 28, 2009) on Mike Gallagher’s radio show. In that instance, when Gallagher asked Wallace about feminists being very angry that Armey had said, “I’m glad you [Joan Walsh] couldn’t be my wife,” Wallace replied, “It’s pretty funny actually.” (For the full import, Armey’s full quote was “I’m so damn glad that you can never be my wife because I surely wouldn’t have to listen to that prattle from you every day.”)

Sexism still funny in 2010? Yow!

*Fox & Friends (01/22/10) – @8:34 a.m. ET

“Wallace vs. Kilmeade” Again?

Or, “Wager Weasel” agrees to “Captain Underpants” new challenge? Chris Wallace, Fox News Sunday anchor, received a somewhat strange intro as he promoted his show on Fox & Friends today. As the segment began, F&F aired a David Letterman’s Late Show “Word of the Week”: When the montage of news persons saying “underpants” ended, co-anchor Steve Doocy jested, “And, there’s Captain Underpants now. Good morning to you, Chris Wallace.”

Seemingly, still imbued with the holiday spirit (or spirits), Wallace replied, “I just want to say…a belated Happy New Year to all of you….My New Year’s resolution is that I’m going to treat Brian [Kilmeade] better this year.” When co-hosts Gretchen Carlson and Steve scoffed and Brian smiled disbelievingly, Wallace declared, “There will be no snide remarks from me. I will treat him with respect. Brian, I don’t think I have before, and I just want to tell you, ‘I, here’s well to you.'” Steve smirked, “Bro? It’s a bromance.”

Then, Gretchen interjected, “Let me try to make you ruin your resolution in five seconds. Brian calls the underwear bomber the crotch bomber.” Wallace deadpanned, “He’s an idiot.” As the F&F co-hosts, including Brian, roared with laughter, all appeared right in the F&F universe again.

After Wallace’s subsequent preview of his show, Steve asked, “Well, before you leave, would you like to say one last thing to Brian and try to turn over that new leaf?” Brian interposed, “Make it simple. Doesn’t have to be lengthy.” Wallace jokingly retorted, “Just stay away from me, Buddy! The restraining order is still in effect: it didn’t end at the end of 2009.” Then in reference to a challenge that he had made last April, Wallace added, “I’m still looking forward to the dunking contest, Brian!”

In response, Brian asserted, “Chris, we will do that dunking contest at a world’s fair, or a hometown fair, at a state fair near you. We’ll pick a state, and we’ll show up.” Wallace answered, “Maryland. Maryland State Fair.” Brian concurred, “Alright.”

Don’t hold your breath, Fox & Friends viewer. Last April 25, Wallace challenged Brian to a county fair dunking duel (in which each of them would get three throws to submerge the other): Brian accepted the terms but with a change in venue to the F&F veranda. The chances of them doing it this year? Perhaps, as great as that of Brian honoring a wager.

F&FW: Poor Taste or Carelessness?

“Pop! Pop!” Fox & Friends Weekend terrorist sound effects or “technical difficulties”? I.e., was someone in poor taste simulating the firecracker noise that alerted Delta 253 passengers of a Christmas Day terrorist act intended to down their plane, or was it merely carelessness that allowed an open mike at a terrible time?

When F&FW co-anchor Dave Briggs introduced the “Connecting the Dots” interview with Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace, no extraneous noises were heard.* However, as Chris answered Dave’s first question whether it was time for the President to connect the dots (to prevent further terrorist attempts like the aforementioned Christmas Day terrorist attempt), one loud pop rang out and another later. Subsequently, similar sounds reverberated throughout the segment.

Was it, perhaps, the carelessness of an inattentive co-host or producer who forgot to mute a microphone? It very well may have been: Fox & Friends certainly has its open-mike moments. A notable example for long-time F&FW fans, would be Dave’s off-camera toilet flush. A lesser one for today’s viewers was all of the strange sounds echoing throughout FNC correspondent Catherine Herridge’s “Northwest Bomb Attempt” segment.**

However, if it were intentional, poor taste would be a charitable characterization indeed.

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 12/27/09 (@ 8:15 a.m.)
**Fox & Friends Weekend – 12/27/09 (@ 9:42 a.m.)

F&F: Doonesbury Dudes

Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy have made the funny papers! Today, during his promo for his Fox News Sunday show on Fox & Friends, Chris Wallace alluded to this distinction when he commended F&F co-anchor Brian for his “shout-out” from Doonsebury. For F&F fans who may have missed Wallace’s oblique reference, Garry Trudeau has spoofed F&F’s coverage of the Tiger Woods saga this week. In so doing, he “featured” Brian Monday through Thursday, and mentioned Steve today. (Links: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.)

The author is surprised that co-host Gretchen Carlson has not yet been given a starring role in the progressive comic strip. Perhaps, Keith Olbermann’s “Second Worst Person in the World” and Jon Stewart’s dumbing-herself-down dame will make her grand entrance next week.

Williams: Wallace “Wacky”?

Fairly balanced? Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace may have abided being called to account by former Prez Bill Clinton (for allegedly being a Fox shill doing a conservative hit job on Clinton). However, he was somewhat more sensitive when Fox’s very own, i.e., Juan Williams, took him to task on the public option.

During FNS’s segment on Obamacare, Wallace declared, “Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi [is] keeping hope alive for a government-run health insurance as a central feature of health care reform,” He further asserted, “It seems like it was only a week ago that everybody in this town said that the public option was dead. Turning to the panel, he asked, “[W]hat happened?”

When Williams’ time came, he sharply stated, “First of all, let me say, the premise of this question is just wacky.” After he and fellow panelist Bill Kristol subsequently debated the matter at length, Wallace declared, “Enough! Enough!” and added, “I’m tired of asking my wacky question.” As the segment concluded, he thanked the panel: Then, seemingly, still smarting somewhat, he glanced at Williams, threw up his hands, and said, “Sorry I asked a wacky question.”*

*FNC (Fox News Sunday) – 10/25/09 (12:55 p.m. ET)

Aly to Dave: Feel It!

Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Alisyn Camerota may have somewhat hidden her love from her fans and followers today. However, she certainly did not toward her co-host Dave Briggs. As for her fans, she treated them to some eye candy with her sexy, short red dress but she simply sent a single Tweet (no Tweetbacks) and merely commented once on her blog (ten minutes before the end of the show). However, as for Dave, her love seemed a mite more manifest.

One such instance occurred during F&FW’s “Snuggie Time for Wallace” segment (wherein Chris Wallace donned a Snuggie from the F&FW crew). As Dave began to introduce the story, he suddenly stopped, moved closer to Aly, and said, “Uh, I guess my mike is off.” More than helpful, Aly jutted her bosom mike out towards Dave and coquettishly cooed, “Speak into my chest.”  [A loud whistle from her delighted floor crew ensued.]

Another such example occurred later in the program after Aly did a story on shopping for vintage clothing at New York’s City Opera Thrift Store. As that segment concluded, Aly modeled her designer dress for her appreciative colleagues, Dave and co-anchor Clayton Morris. Then when the previews of the upcoming blocks ran, Dave was heard saying, “It’s good.” For the audience’s benefit, Aly amusedly remarked, “Dave’s fondling my fabric.”

After the promos ran, the trio reappeared on air just before going to commercial.  Clayton asked, “What fabric is this? Is it burlap?” as he repeatedly touched her dress. Meanwhile, Dave, not quite as comfortable as Clayton, kept his distance for the time being. However, quite interested, Dave asked, “What is vintage?” Aly racily patted her derriere and saucily replied, “Feel it!”

The Bristol Bay Babe seems to always be able to keep her boys’ rapt attention.

Gretch: Prejean, “Whatever!”

Rowrr! Today Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson’s bared her claws at her Wednesday replacement, Miss California Carrie Prejean.* Gretch got her dander up when Chris Wallace, during his weekly promo for Fox News Sunday, made his usual barb at F&F co-anchor Brian Kilmeade: Chris teased, “Brian, I never saw a more revolting sight than the way you were salivating over Carrie Prej–Is it Prejean (pre-gene) or Prejean (pre-john)? Rolling her eyes dismissively, Gretchen cattily sniped, “Whatever!” Then she agitatedly added, “Yeah, I saw that, too.”

The 1989 Miss America must have also seen the Donald Trump interview with Brian, Carrie, and Steve Doocy.** In it, he said, ““Roger Ailes is a great genius, and I have a feeling that you’re going to see her [Carrie Prejean] a lot on Fox.” More pointedly, Trump remarked, “Congratulations, Carrie: great job! The three of you look very, very good together!” When Carrie Prejean readily responded, “We do look good together!,” Gretchen’s ears must have perked up all the more.

Future F&F catfight for the curvy couch?

*F&F (05/29/09) – 8:37 a.m. ET

**https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/prejean-we-do-look-good-together/

Aly’s Inner Goddess

A dowdy Aly still delivers! Filling in this morning, Aly wore what appeared to have been absent co-anchor Gretchen Carlson’s royal blue snuggy as if to snuff out any testosterone-driven ardor for another future anchor coup. Yet, Aly’s inner goddess would not be denied today.

Stripped of a most potent weapon, Aly still dominated the center seat on the curvy couch. First, she proved her patent parity with her male F&F co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade while exhibiting a ready rapport with the boys. Secondly, she  gamely goaded and gored guests, e.g., Chris Wallace, with an impressive impunity and a self-assured irreverence. Finally, she embraced her Fox & Friends fans with her her usual sensuality and zesty zaniness.

A-l-y: A Lotta Yin!

“Soft Ball” Wallace vs. “Wager Weasel” Kilmeade

Who is all wet, or, who will be all wet? In his promo to his show Fox News Sunday, Chris Wallace dared friendly antagonist Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade to a Dunking Booth duel at a country fair: He proposed that he get three balls to dunk Brian in the water and that then Brian would get his turn to do likewise. Brian accepted the challenge and upped the ante: He suggested a change in venue, i.e., the F&F veranda, where people could bet on the outcome. Chris replied, “I think that’s actually a great idea.”

Co-host Gretchen Carlson inadvertently provided Wallace his contest moniker, “Soft Ball,” when she asked about his throwing arm. Chris laughed and retold a personal “scarring experience” of when he tried out to be a pitcher in sixth grade: He said that he threw the ball so softly that the opposing batter “took four steps waiting for the ball to get there” and “then he hit it about 500 feet (nobody had ever hit a ball as far as he hit that ball).” He described it as “the beginning and end of [his] pitching career.”

As to Brian’s nom de plume, he earned that when he weaseled out of his playoff football bet with Clayton Morris earlier this year.* After rescuing Gretchen from her lost wager to Clayton** (when his Eagles beat her Vikings) by doubling down (both Brian and Gretchen would sing the Eagle war anthem while Eagle jerseys if the Eagles felled the Giants), Brian squirreled out of his obligations. He had Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell sign a memo purporting to absolve Brian and Gretch of their debts.

Chris, wise move to add the “me first” caveat!

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/briggs-brian-welcher/

**https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/clayton-loses-tutu-gretchen-gains-jersey/