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).

Rude Beckel Unrepentant

Cursing & Boorish Bob: “I’m going to continue to say Comrade Trump!” Yes, The Five co-host Bob Beckel continues to show his ass to The Five fans. He certainly learned little from his liberal, articulate, and debonair successor/predecessor The Five co-host Juan Williams who exhibited real respect and class even with those with whom he disagreed.

Unsurprising, Bob had to be bleeped once in the show as his brilliant, beautiful co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle raised her hand toward her face in disgust and disbelief that Beckel was up to his old tricks again.

But, Beckel was not done. As the show ended with its “One More Thing” segment, Beckel barked, “Alright, I’m going to change my “One More Thing” here, and I’ve been yelled at already by the producer (apparently, for his bleeped expletive).”* Condescendingly to his The Five viewers, he commented, “Let me explain something about The Five. I’ve been here at the beginning and then took a sabbatical. But, this has always been an opinion show.” Looking into the camera at his detractors, Beckel retorted, “For those of you who have inundated me with how if I would get off this show, it would get a lot better. I understand that: It’s fine. I can handle that.”

Continuing his rant, Beckel bellowed, “But, let me explain something to you: If you want to go and find something that is all one way, you can go to another network. Don’t come here because I’m going to continue to say, ‘Comrade Trump’!” Interrupting Beckel as the show concluded, co-anchor Greg Gutfeld aptly shouted, “Bob, gotta go!”

And, unless Bob changes his stripes, maybe, he will once again.

[Author’s aside: Beckel’s abrasive reply to The Five fans may have also been a less than a subtle shot at the author’s Carpe Diem article entitled “Bob Beckel: Comrade Trump.”]

*The Five – 02/22/17 (@ 5:59 p.m. ET).

Bob Beckel: “Comrade Trump”

Showing his backside once again. Bring back Juan! Five co-host Bob Beckel once again showed his uncivil side by referring to the President of the United States as Comrade Trump during a discussion of POTUS’ pick of Lt. General H. R. McMaster as national security advisor. Proclaiming the general a “real hero during the Desert War,” he then acerbically remarked, “He’s known as a fiscal hawk; I mean, he wants to spend a lot of money as does Comrade Trump.”* Chastening her disrespectful colleague, co-anchor Dana Perino exclaimed, “Bob!” Echoing Dana’s reproof, co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle chided, “Bob!” Turning to Bob, co-anchor Eric Bolling upbraided him, saying, “Can we just, can we stop with Comrade Trump? Can we do it?” Responding in an unusually surly fashion, Bob answered, “No! No! No!”

Requesting a soupcon of civility, Eric asked, “Can we just, just for right now? Can we do it?” For the man who saved his life (from choking), he replied, “For right now? Okay, for you I’ll do it for right now.” Optimistically, Eric responded, “Let’s try it one show at a time!” Unfortunately, being truthful, Bob answered, “Well, I won’t commit to that! I said it to this question.”

Bring back co-anchor Juan Williams! If Bob will not be respectful to the President of the United States of America and derides him as Comrade Trump on an FNC opinion/news show, perhaps, he should leave The Five again or get some common comity. Liberal, civil, brilliant Juan Williams can always easily fill that chair with real class.

*The Five – 02/20/16 (@ 5:03 p.m. ET).

POTUS: F&F “Most Honest Morning Show”

CNN “Very Fake News”! President Trump finally gave CNN reporter Jim Acosta a question–in fact, quite a few at his presser this afternoon: And, POTUS did not hold back in his answers to George Clooney’s wannabe doppelganger. Before giving Jim his series of queries (in answer to an earlier question), POTUS remarked, “I’m not okay when [a story] is fake: I mean I watch CNN. It’s so much anger and hatred, and just the hatred: I don’t watch it anymore….” When President Trump finally called on Jim, Jim remarked, “Thank you very much. And, just for the record, we don’t hate you. I don’t hate you.” POTUS acerbically replied, “Okay. Well…ask [CEO honcho] Jeff Zucker how he got his job, okay!”

In a subsequent query, Jim asked, “If the information coming from those leaks is real, then how can the stories be fake?” President Trump retorted, “The reporting is fake!” Elaborating, POTUS said, “I’ve been involved with this stuff all my life: But, I’m involved so I know when you are telling the truth and when you’re not. I just see many, many untruthful things. And, I’ll tell you what else I see: I see tone! You know the word ‘tone’: The tone is such hatred!”

Seeming to contrast FNC’s Fox & Friends with CNN’s New Day, President Trump continued, “The tone is such hatred! I watched this morning a couple of the network[s]. And, I have to say, ‘Fox & Friends in the morning, they’re very honorable people’…not because they’re good ’cause they hit me also when I do something wrong. But, they have the most honest morning show! That’s all I can say: It’s the most honest!”

Unfortunately, President Trump seems to have a point.  In their apparent running feud with POTUS in tandem with CNN proper and their boss Zucker, co-hosts Chris Cuomo and Alisyn Camerota seem to have not quite recovered from their shock that not only did The Donald actually run, win the GOP primary, and win in convincing fashion but also he is doing what he promised to do to “Make America Great Again.” And, the anti-Trump vibe seems to run through the show each and every morning without even any pretense of objectivity.

The author has faithfully watched CNN’s New Day ever since it’s inception as American Morning with Kiran Chetry and John Roberts. Furthermore, he has been a fan of Alisyn Camerota since her days with Kiran on Fox & Friends Weekend. Ergo, he harbors no animus toward Aly (or Chris): But, the New Day co-anchors do need to pull themselves out of their funk and to start to cover President Trump and the news fairly for their faithful viewers.

A new New Day is sorely needed!

[Author’s aside: The subtitle is derived from POTUS’ response to Jim’s final query with regard to CNN being called “fake news”: President Trump announced, “I’m changing it from ‘fake news,’ though–‘very fake news'”!]

NYT Journo Calls FLOTUS a Hooker: Melania Responds!

Doesn’t wait for POTUS. The First Lady of the United States  gave supermodel Emily Ratajowski kudos this evening for coming to her defense earlier today: This morning, Ratajowski revealed that a New York Times journo had called Melania “a hooker” at a New York Fashion Week event and, subsequently, called his misogynistic remark “slut shaming” and “disgusting sexist bullsh*t.”

Showing her appreciation to the Blurred Lines beauty this evening, FLOTUS Tweeted, “Applause to all women around the world who speak up, stand up and support other women! @emrata #PowerOfEveryWoman #PowerOfTheFirstLady.”

In a Tweet of his own earlier, re the aforementioned controversy, the author asked, “@POTUS‘s response?” Apparently, none needed from the President: The First Lady could take care of herself just fine. I.e., #PowerOfEveryWoman #PowerOfTheFirstLady.

NYT Journo Calls FLOTUS “Hooker”

No blurred lines! Sexy supermodel Emily Ratajowski outed a seemingly misogynist male New York Times journalist who shamefully called First Lady of the United States Melania Trump a “hooker,” according to Mediaite. In a Tweet this Monday morning, the Blurred Lines video star revealed, Tweeting (1, 2), “Sat next to a journalist from the NYT last night who told me ‘Melania is a hooker. Whatever your politics it’s crucial to call this out for what it is: slut shaming. I don’t care about her nudes or sexual history and no one should.”

And, the chagrined New York Times editors agreed. According to Politico, the crude NYT reporter who disgustingly referred to Melania Trump as “a hooker” to Emily Ratajowski at a New York Fashion Week event was reprimanded. Further, Politico reported that an NYT spokesperson responded to it, saying, “At a party last night, a Times reporter…referred to an unfounded rumor regarding Melania Trump: The comment was not intended to be public, but it was nonetheless completely inappropriate and should not have occurred. Editors have talked to the reporter in question about the lapse.”

The least the Old Gray Lady could do. And, probably, the most that she would do for a maligning of Melania–Trump.

 

 

Trump’s Inauguration: Bushes Boycott, Too? [Updated]

George H.W. & Barbara hospitalized & fifty Dem Reps boycott The Donald’s big day. January 20 appears to be the day of reckoning for the GOP and the Democratic establishment–not to mention the media elites.

When the author first read that 41 was hospitalized, he wondered whether it was a convenient way for all of the Bushes including W. and the visibly vanquished JEB! to not attend the inauguration of the “hated” Donald J. Trump. After all, the heads of the GOP establishment might covet cover for their absence from the Trump inauguration. When Bush’s wife and W. and Jeb’s mother Barbara was also hospitalized, all of the Bushes had an assuredly colorable cause to not show up for the big event. In all fairness, they probably did all feel truly ill that this upstart who did not fully appreciate–nay, scorned what they had contributed to the GOP–had assumed the mantle of the Presidency.

Interestingly, Trump’s Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton are scheduled to be in attendance: Of course, they have not yet completely ceded their party to President Obama and his followers. However, reportedly, over fifty Democratic U.S. Representatives have decided to boycott POETUS’s inauguration to send out a clear message that Trump should not be embraced as the new President.

As to the mainstream media, it appears rather transparent that Trump is not their candidate of choice. CNN and Buzzfeed seem to make it abundantly clear that they are more than happy to report on the “garbage document,” as Bob Woodward deemed it, than celebrate the next President’s induction.

Perchance, the author is wrong: But, there seems to be a confluence of the coastal powers-that-be that is not quite ready to recognize that the American people have the ultimate say. Flyover country has spoken: But, the GOP, Democratic, and media Establishment elites appear decidedly deaf to their voice. After January 20 noon, they will not be.

[Update: President George W. Bush confirms that he and Laura will be at President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration–and will be standing in for his dad George Bush the Elder and his mom Barbara. Link: https://www.facebook.com/georgewbush/photos/a.123745001001234.7885.114546728587728/1395740907134964/?type=3&theater%5D

Julie Roginsky: Blows Trump Away?

Re-Tweets graphic of apparent Trump “glory hole” for his base, citing her article that snarked at The Donald for not confronting Mexican Prez Nieto on paying for the wall all the while ignoring that her fave declined her invitation to even meet with him. Obviously, the Outnumbered co-host, Dem strategist, and FNC contributor is going to spin, snipe, and snark at the Presidential standard bearer of the GOP. But, it was a bit cheeky at best to re-Tweet an apparent “glory hole” of The Donald “blowing” his base on the immigration issue.

Julie is smart. Taking it to the gutter is one thing: But, taking it to the restroom–and the seeming “glory hole” is a whole other matter. Guess Trump is a bigger threat than the left wants to admit.

Melania Nude: America’s Carla Bruni?

The “First Hottie”! And what’s wrong with that? For two days straight (NSFW Sunday pics, Monday photos), the New York Post has posted pics of the GOP nominee Donald Trump‘s gorgeous former model wife Melania in her birthday suit (obscured by the usual censoring graphics). Like Jackie O. (a seemingly sexy naturalist–at least at the pool), she is fabulously beautiful and exudes a certain sensuality that would captivate the American public.

Aptly, Trump adviser Jason Miller declared, “Nothing to be embarrassed about with the pictures–she’s a beautiful woman.” The Donald himself said, “Melania was one of the most successful models and she did many photo shoots, including for covers and major magazines.

Yes, the photos might be a mite racy of the beautiful Godiva in the nude–by herself and in the embrace of another lovely lady. But, Melania’s detractors should understand that she was modeling for a French gents’ mag. The photog remarked, “I think it is important to show the beauty and freedom of the woman, and I am very proud of these pictures because they celebrate Melania’s beauty. And Melania’s proud hubs The Donald remarks, “Melania was one of the most successful models, and she did many photo shoots, including for covers and major magazines. This was a picture taken for a European magazine….In Europe, pictures like this are very fashionable and common.”

The comely Melania is veritably a Venus. And, if her hubby succeeds, she may be America’s version of France’s former fine first lady Carla Bruni (NSFW pics).

Cuomo Calls Trump ” Our Racist”?

“But, he’s my bigot!” New Day co-host Chris Cuomo appeared to “tar and feather” the presumptive GOP standard bearer Donald Trump with the epithets of “racist” and “bigot.” As former First Lady Hillary Clinton laid claim to be the almost certain Democratic Presidential nominee, Mario Cuomo’s youngest son appeared rather ready and willing to try to begin the process of taking Hillary’s Republican opponent out.

Yes, Chris has indicated that his mom loves and admires Trump (whose family appears to have been Cuomo friends–or, at least, congenial neighborhood acquaintances): But, today, Chris seemed to go out of his way to vilify The Donald today. In a tease, before interviewing moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, he remarked, “What he says may be racist: But, he’s our racist! Is that a winning proposition for the GOP? When we come back, we have a Republican Senator to make the case!”

When New Day returned from commercial break, Chris interviewed Senator Collins who praised her former colleague, the erstwhile New York Senator Clinton, and declared that she has “a good relationship with her.” Beginning his colloquy, Chris queried whether Senator Collins could get over Trump’s remarks as to “this [Latino] judge [who is presiding over the Trump University lawsuit] and that’s one on a list of many statements like that that have come out of Trump.” In answer, Senator Collins said that she would like to be able to endorse Trump; that he should apologize to the judge and to the American people; that he should start acting more Presidential; and that he should articulate clearly what a Trump Presidency would look like. In reply, Chris asked, “So Senator, what do you say to a Republican or a Republican colleague whose proposition is ‘What do you want me to do? Is he bigoted? You know, it seems a lot of these statements fits squarely under the category of “yes” but he’s my bigot.”

If the reader wonders what the Senator said in response, she demurred and declared that she was struggling to support Trump: But, perhaps, the more salient fact was that Chris seemed to call Trump a racist and a bigot–or, at least, lay the groundwork for that attack for future reference. If so, it tarnishes New Day which should be a forum for an open discussion of the issues and the Presidential candidates. After all, viewers want a “fair and balanced” perspective of the news: And, they should get it on New Day.

“Racist” and “bigot” are rather inflammatory monikers! Dial it back a bit, Chris: And, let the New Day viewers decide.

Did Tucker Say “Fuc*” on F&FW?

Carlson: “Fuc*, it doesn’t matter.” Sunday, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Tucker Carlson appeared to have had enough of the Trump “haters” when it came to The Donald’s right to speak. In a segment pertaining to anti-Trump protesters trying to shut down Trump’s speech in Arizona, Tucker went on a tirade:

He said, “So, if the point of this is this is a not a big deal, I, I respectfully disagree: I think it is a big deal….It’s chaotic, it’s crazy. And, one way to slow it down would be for leaders on both sides, Republicans and Democrats, to say, ‘You can’t use force: That’s off the table.” I’m sorry there’s a huge difference between peaceful legitimate protest and mob violence. And, it’s crossing the line, and Republicans have blamed Trump for this; [and] Democrats are blaming Trump for this. Fuc*! It doesn’t matter what he says: He has a right to say it. Period.”

When Tucker said, “Fuc*!,” it appeared that producers hit the bleep button to mute the “k,” at least.

“Fuc*” on F&F Weekend? Not necessarily the worst exclamation that Tucker has ever uttered. But, he might be regretting this one on Palm Sunday.

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 03/20/16 (@ 8:06 a.m. ET).

Megyn Kelly: Trump Target?

Janice Dean: “This obsession with @megynkelly is disturbing and not presidential. Please stop. @realDonaldTrump.” Thus, came FNC meteorologist Janice Dean to the defense of her colleague and friend Megyn Kelly, host of FNC’s prime-time The Kelly File. Janice was not amused in the least with The Donald’s Tweet, saying, “Highly overrated & crazy @megynkelly is always complaining about Trump and yet she devotes her shows to me. Focus on others Megyn!”

As long-time Carpe Diem readers know, Janice and Megyn are FNC faves of the author: That said, Trump is a strange cat. Republican front runner Donald J. Trump has an eerie, incisive sense of what the populace apparently wants to be said and/or to to be done. And, Trump is the Energizer Bunny of the GOP base. And, he does not give a tinker’s damn what JAG/Senator Lindsey Graham, failed GOP standard bearer Mitt Romney, or even what W. thinks. And, he sure as heck does not care a whit what an FNC anchor opines. He is just that way: If in doubt, ask his bud Bill O’Reilly.

The Donald is a force to be reckoned with. He is a street fighter: In other words, when you hit him, he is going to hit you back HARD–repeatedly. He does not care what race, gender, etc. that you are. He is going to take you out if he perceives that you are a threat–or even if you just took the first shot.

Hopefully, Trump will dial it back a bit: But, Megyn will have to do the same. Hopefully, a little rapprochement is in the offing. If not, it will make for good TV–and good ratings.

Aly Oops: Trump’s “Book of Corinthians” Blooper

The Donald isn’t the only one stumbling over “Second Corinthians.” On New Day this morning, co-host Alisyn Camerota had a faux pas herself re II Corinthians as she smiled at GOP front runner Donald J. Trump’s false step at Liberty University yesterday (when he called Second Corinthians “Two Corinthians” to the merriment of the devout students). Reading the headline news as the third hour began, Aly declared, “Donald Trump looking for some redemption after a slip on the campaign trail: He stumbled while citing the Book of Corinthians at the evangelical Liberty University and now he is seeking to right the ship, courting more religious voters at three events in Iowa.”

Ironically, as Aly tweaked The Donald for his lack of Biblical knowledge, she seemed to display her own as she referred to “the Book of Corinthians” for, at least, the second time this morning. As most seasoned evangelicals should know, “the Book of Corinthians” is nonexistent: Rather, there are two distinct books, i.e., First Corinthians and Second Corinthians. In all fairness to Aly, she was probably just reading the teleprompter: However, if she were well versed in the Scripture (pardon the pun), she probably should have noticed her mistake the second time. The irony of Aly’s miscitation was rather amusing.

Nevertheless, if evangelical Christians are true to form, the lovely Aly and the dapper Donald will probably be forgiven posthaste. As to referring to Corinthians in the future–or, at least, their leather–perhaps, that should be left to the inimitable Ricardo Montalban.

“Spewing” Gregg Jarrett: No Trump Fan

Jarrett: Trump a liar–and a bad student. FNC honcho Roger Ailes’ “erstwhile errant anchor” Gregg Jarrett continued his quixotic assault on The Donald today as guest co-host on America’s Newsroom. Approximately, two months ago, he accused Trump of being a liar: Today, he inanely assailed him as a poor grammarian. As any politico knows, when one hits Trump, you may get hit back–hard.

After a segment subtitled “Trump Warns Clinton ‘Be Careful’ with Sexism Accusation” which featured Trump’s Tweet, saying, “Hillary, when you complain about “a penchant for sexism,” who are you referring to. I have great respect for women. BE CAREFUL,” Gregg snarked, “Have you noticed when Donald Trump Tweets he makes grammatical mistakes? He ended the sentence with a preposition: “Who are you referring to”? It should be ‘to whom are you referring?'”

As he began his pedantic critique, supra, a smiling Abby Huntsman laughed, “I don’t know where this is going, Gregg!” After he finished his ill-considered jab at Trump, Abby explained, “You know Tweets are weird: You know, they’re short. I’m not defending his Tweets at all.”

Not pleased with Abby’s sympathetic response, Gregg curtly queried, “Okay to make grammatical mistakes?”

Abby replied, “But, usually, he’s due. I think people like that though. That’s kind of his appeal: He doesn’t care; he doesn’t care how he sounds; he doesn’t care what he Tweets.”

In response, Gregg stammered, “Maybe, he was asleep in grade school: I don’t kn0w.”

Greg, Abby may be the  newbie on the FNC scene and a fabulously gorgeous gal but make no mistake–she is no dummy. She knows the ropes in both the studio and in politics, and, perhaps, you could learn a thing or two from her, i.e., the meaning of FNC’s famed “fair and balanced” ethic from her.

Or, you could retake that ethics course in journo school–that you may have fallen “asleep” in. Oops! Sorry, Gregg, about ending my sentence in a–gasp–preposition.

*America’s Newsroom – 12/24/15 (@ 9:45 a.m. ET).

Elisabeth’s Tearful Farewell

Hasselbeck: “This hurts!” Today, Fox & Friends co-anchor Elisabeth Hasselbeck said  a painful goodbye to her co-hosts, Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade; the F&F crew; and her fans after a mere two plus years on the curvy couch. The three hours of F&F today were replete with homages to Elisabeth from the likes of Judge Andrew Napolitano, Governor Chris Christie, and GOP front runner Donald Trump. And, Elisabeth was effusive in her praise for, of course, the boss Roger Ailes, for her co-hosts Steve and Brian, and seemingly for every Tom, Dick, and Harry who works for F&F. It was vintage Elisabeth: sweet, cloying so, and seemingly sincere.

The author wishes her well in her position as CBO, i.e., Chief Breakfast Officer, of the Hasselbeck household. Speaking of which, it seems odd, in retrospect, that her own family, hubby Tim and the kids, seemed to have taken a backseat to her work family of Steve, Brian, newsreader Heather Nauert, meteorologist Maria Molina, and the F&F crew today. The faithful F&F fan might have hoped to hear not only her fond farewells to her F&F fam (and fans) today but also a dear, sweet welcome back to full-time work as Hasselbeck CBO from her eagerly awaiting hubs and kiddos–on screen or even on the phone this morn. Alas, it was not to be.

Elisabeth, even though you initially seemed to the author to be an odd choice to follow the footsteps of E.D. Hill and Gretchen Carlson, you have earned your place on the curvy couch–as a sister to Steve and Brian rather than the sexy siren to her couch mates. Much success in the future, Elisabeth!

[Author’s aside: The subtitle, infra, is a quote from Elisabeth re her departure in the final moments of the first F&F segment this morning. F&F – 12/22/15 (@ 6:10 a.m. ET).]

FNC Host: Trump Spewing Lies

Will The Donald take it lying down? On this Thanksgiving afternoon, FNC honcho Roger Ailes must be having indigestion: His latest Fox News anchor to tangle with GOP Presidential front runner Donald Trump, Happening Now co-host Gregg Jarrett, deemed Trump a liar.

First, there was the Megyn “affair”: Now, there is the Jarrett jeer.

In the first GOP debate (in August), FNC anchor Megyn Kelly, co-moderated the first Republican Presidential debate and took what was perceived by The Donald as a cheap shot re the purported “war on women.” Ever The Donald, he robustly defended himself, declaring that he was often not politically correct: Subsequently, he acerbically asserted, “And, frankly, what I say, and oftentimes it’s fun, it’s kidding, we have a good time: What I say, is what I say. And, honestly, Megyn, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’ve been very nice to you although I could probably, maybe not be, based on the way you’ve treated me but I wouldn’t do that.” [Vid clip of the exchange.]

And, then the war was on–until Trump and FNC chief Roger Ailes appeared to call a truce with a few  seeming “violations.” However, it did not last long when The Donald took a subsequent shot at Kelly in a Tweet, calling her “a lightweight” and “overrated”: Apparently, Ailes was not amused, and The Donald’s appearance on the “O’Reilly Factor was cancelled. No shrinking violet, Trump hit back with a boycott of Fox News. Ailes apparently relented to the ratings magnet when The Donald returned to the O’Reilly Factor, and Trump has been regularly booked ever since on Fox News shows.

Today, Ailes’ erstwhile errant anchor,  Happening Now co-host Gregg Jarrett, ignited a probable feud again by deeming Trump a liar. In a segment subtitled “Trump’s Chances of Winning WH” with Democratic strategist and pollster Jessica Tarlov (Senior Strategist of Schoen Consulting) and Kevin McCullough (a radio host nationally syndicated),  Jarrett, with a twinkle in his eye, remarked, “Donald Trump has been spewing canards.”* When Tarlov guffawed, “That’s such a polite way of saying it,” Jarrett chuckled, “That, that essentially means lies. But, I was trying to be nice.” He added, “Um, and, just in the past week, I mean, one after another, after another.”

Looking at his notes with his reading glasses in his hand, Jarrett continued, “He said, I saw thousands and thousands of people in New Jersey cheering the 9/11 attacks when the Towers fell.” Chuckling, he declared, “Officials in the state say that’s not true [and that] there’s no proof of that: Politifact gave it a ‘pants-on-fire’ rating.” Subsequently, Jarrett challenged Trump’s assertions as to the percentage of whites killed by blacks, citing the F.B.I., and the number of Syrian refugees that the President intends to brings into the U.S.

In conclusion, Jarrett jeered, “And, the Washington Post, in summarizing all of these things he’s saying, said quote, ‘Trump has lied so many times about so many things during the past week, it’s difficult to keep track of all of them.'” As Tarlov began to answer, Jarrett asked, “But, is he ever going to be held accountable for this stuff?”

Trump a liar? Doubtlessly, The Donald will respond. And, Gregg may not be as lucky as Megyn.

*Happening Now – 10/26/15 (@ 1:26 p.m. ET).

FNC: Fairly Unbalanced?

Megyn vs. The Donald: There’s no such thing as bad publicity. If one truly believes that gals and guys are equal, they have to embrace the warrior women a la the Army Ranger School graduates: Ergo, when Kelly Files anchor Megyn Kelly takes on Donald Trump she should be prepared for war.

As Carpe Diem readers know, the author is a true fan of Megyn Kelly: Also, the author is an admirer of Trump since reading his book “Trump: The Art of the Deal.” The author finds it amusing that FNC’s CEO and Chairman Roger Ailes would be calling for The Donald to issue an apology for “an unprovoked attack” calling Megyn a “bimbo.”

Megyn is a “big girl” now. She does not need any white knight to save her: She is no damsel in distress. And, every FNC Twitterer that whines about how Trump is treating their nighttime queen makes Megyn look weak and feeble. Their “noble efforts” simply say she is not tough enough for the real world of politics: I.e., our queen can not go to battle or to war against the big boys.

Megyn can fight. And, so can “The Donald.” Let them fight: And, let them both get better ratings!

Cuomo Whacks Trump

Chris: The Donald’s “disposition, dyspepsia, and demagoguery.” If one watches New Day, s/he can tell immediately that ND co-host Chris Cuomo is no fan of the Celebrity Apprentice star and real estate magnate. In fact, the Cuomo scion evinces utter disdain for the leading GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Introducing a segment re surging Democratic insurgent Prez aspirant Bernie Sanders this morning, Chris facetiously queries, “Is Bernie Sanders the Democrat’s Donald Trump?” Taking a gratuitous shot at The Donald, he snarked, “No, not in disposition, dyspepsia, and demagoguery: But is he tapping into the passion of his party?”

Will Trump hit back at Mario’s boy? Tune in. It should be fun!

* New Day – 07/20/15 (8:33 a.m. ET).

Perino Goes Pe-loco?

Dana accuses her Five co-host Eric Bolling of shady ethics? In a made-for-TV moment yesterday, FNC Five co-host Dana Perino became unhinged as she attacked her co-host Eric Bolling over his defense of the latest entrant to the GOP presidential race, Donald Trump. The caustic exchange left Dana glowering into the camera and a non-too-amused Eric shaking his head at her.

Dana, W’s self-professed number one fan, may just have to recuse herself from the Five for the duration of the election if she is not too careful. The former White House press secretary of President George W. Bush, apparently, can not brook the thought of any unconventional Republican standing in the way of W’s little brother Jeb!‘s ascension to the throne. Approximately, two weeks ago, she was proclaiming that Jeb! basher Senator Rand Paul had “jumped the shark” and appeared gleeful to shiv this libertarian rival on the O’Reilly Factor: Today, she was happy to wield the mace to go at Eric and, by extension, Jeb!’s lastest critic, The Donald.

Actually, it was humorous in a schadenfreude fashion. In the “A block” yesterday [FNC vid], Dana seemed genuinely outraged that co-anchor Kimberly Guilfoyle and Eric would take the flamboyant billionaire seriously, especially, as to his saying he would build a southern border wall and make Mexico pay it.

In her “A block” segment, Kimberly said that Trump was adopting the “Walmart/Kmart approach” by getting the U.S. to “charge everybody for everything” to “make a profit in America”: Chiming in, Eric endorsed The Donald’s take on getting tough on Mexico (among other countries) and said that he was making the other candidates think. In response, Dana was aghast: Haltingly, she sputtered, “I don’t know what to say.”

Derisively, Dana remarked, “I understand…[that]…it feels good to hear that a President of the United States is going to bring back all of our jobs from China and Japan [but] it is so divorced from reality. As Eric turned toward her, she seemingly took a shot at him, saying, “I think you got to take this more seriously: At least, I do! And, I, I’m surprised at some of the people who actually think that some of this would work, especially, given that their other positions are that, for example, executive actions are not something that we should have; we should not have an imperial Presidency.”

Subsequently, co-hosts Greg Gutfeld and Juan Williams gave their takes, respectively, reducing Trump to an exemplar of hubris and showmanship. When Eric came to Trump’s defense, Juan rejoined, “If you’re a serious Republican, do you think that you are helped with him by having him on the same stage with you?” Eric exclaimed, “Yes! No, no: I don’t think you’re helped personally but I think the America people are helped because now they have to address some of the things that Donald Trump addresses that these guys [other candidates] don’t want to talk about.”

Jumping in, Dana scornfully asked, “[D]o you actually think that…the moderator [in a GOP debate] should say, ‘Mr. Rubio, Trump says that he is going to bring back all of the jobs from China: How do you respond?’ And, like all of the candidates are supposed to respond to that!” Then she snarked, “How actually is Donald Trump’s [sic] going to bring all of the jobs from China!”

Subsequently, turning to Eric, Dana acerbically queried, “How would you answer…’how you would bring all the jobs back from China?'” Eric replied, “First of all, I don’t that Donald ever said that he would bring back all of the jobs from China: But, he, he certainly would bring back some of the jobs from China.”

Outraged at Eric’s impertinence, Dana shouted, “He said it in his speech yesterday!” Accusatorily, she stuttered, “no, th, th, that, covering up for him is actually wrong! And, I understand that you have a deal that you’re trying to work on with him. I saw the Twitter last night! I just don’t see how that’s how any other journalist would be pandering.”

Incredulous, Eric replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Pointing her finger at Eric, Dana riposted, “Well, you said that you’ve been trying to close the deal for years to be on Celebrity Apprentice!”

As Greg cackled in the background, Eric replied, “Oh, my god, Dana!…I have been friendly with Donald Trump for fifteen years!” Scowling, Dana answered, “You’re the one who was shouting it from the rooftop yesterday!” Agitated all the more, Eric asked, “Are you actually saying that you are going to accuse me of saying that Donald Trump has some good ideas that are resonating with America because I want to be on Celebrity Apprentice?  Please tell me that’s not the case!”

Glowering at Eric, Dana barked, “I am saying that!”

In reply, Eric snapped, “I will tell you unequivocally that is not the case! I can’t be on Celebrity Apprentice anyway: I’m a host at Fox News. I’m not allowed to!…Seven years ago, Donald Trump came to Fox and said, Hey! Can he be on it? And, the boss said, ‘no he can’t!'”

Defending Eric’s honor, Kimberly chimed in saying, “He did ask!”

Still enraged at Dana’s slight, Eric exclaimed, “By the way, by the way, Dana, Dana, Dana, I have way more ethics…than to use this platform which I love!” When Kimberly tried to wrap her segment to end the acrimony, Eric sharply answered, “Stop!” Finishing his point, he said, “I love dearly this Five: I do! I was here from day one, and I hope to be day last!”

Caustically, Dana interrupted, “Oh, guess what! So was I!”

Ending the segment, Kimberly exclaimed, “I’ve had enough! Go to your rooms!”

Clearly ticked, Eric uttered, “Wow!”

As the final shot ended, an angry Dana glowered anew and a miffed Eric shook his head.

Calling into question Eric’s ethics, Dana? Wow! President George W. Bush, this is not your dad’s “kinder and gentler” FNC.

[Author’s aside: After the Five yesterday, Trump Tweeted, “Dear @kimguilfoyle, Thank you so much for your nice words today on @TheFive. Will not be forgotten!” The author has a feeling that Dana’s words may not be forgotten either.]

Gretchen’s New Gig: The Real Story

Flowers for Carlson: Nerd Tears and Casey Close. Last week, Gretchen Carlson finally brought her own show, The Real Story, to her FNC fans. Slotted in what was once the final hour of America Live, Gretchen seems to have salvaged and revamped Megyn Kelly‘s sloping desk; to have “stolen” her all-femme “Power Panel,” and to have adopted the AL feel–perhaps, hoping that Megyn’s magic will rub off on her.

Fox News certainly hopes so. In the premiere of her program, Gretchen ceremoniously received the blessing of FNC fave The Donald who predicted that she would “have great success.”* (Adventitiously or not, Trump also trumpeted in her Fox & Friends successor Elisabeth Hasselbeck in her Fox & Friends debut.)

However, Gretch will have to do more than mimic Megyn and hobnob with the high and mighty to make her show a success: she will also have to prove that she learned well her Minnesota parents’ purported lessons of “core values and humility.”** She will have to eschew the solipsism that she too oft displayed on Fox & Friends, e.g., when she haughtily heralded her resume of being the high school valedictorian, the Stanford alum, and the first Miss America that was a classical violinist. Even though comedian Jon Stewart and her Connecticut blue blood friends may approve of such hubris, FNC’s much maligned “flyover” audience do not.

Gretchen’s Real Story needs to be about the Everyman/Everywoman who watches Fox News. Not Gretchen. If she remembers that simple truth, her intended audience will remember her and tune in—again and again.

[Author’s aside: Re the subtitle, Nerd Tears critic Kevin McCarthy gave Gretchen flowers on her last day on Fox & Friends and hubby Casey Close did likewise Friday on the last day (of her first week) on The Real Story.]

*The Real Story – 09/30/13 (@ 2:11 p.m. ET).

**Ibid at @ 2:01 p.m. ET.