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'”!]

CNN’s Mommy Kyra Disses FNC “Super Sperm” Daddy?

Phillips: “I love my husband [FNC’s John Roberts] but this man got me pregnant!” On Wednesday, CNN anchor Kyra Phillips appeared on Fox & Friends with her adoring “hubby” FNC correspondent John Roberts to hawk her new book The Whole Life Fertility Plan. On Friday, Kyra ditched her “boyfriend” JD on her own network CNN’s morning show, New Day, to appear with the man who she credited with getting her gravid.

On Wednesday (vid), Kyra played to the Fox News audience and curvy couch co-anchors Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Steve Doocy, and Brian Kilmeade at the start of her segment, declaring, “You know, I’ve been trying to get on Fox for about ten years: And, as soon as I said, ‘I’m writing about my husband’s super sperm,’ bam, I was booked!” Explaining how she finally came to the decision to get pregnant, she disclosed that she had basically come to her wits end as a woman “approaching forty” who “was going through this horrible divorce,” who “had lost everything” in her home after a pipe burst upstairs,’ and who, while sitting on her stoop thought, ‘Oh, my god…this, this is it; I don’t have a family; [and] I don’t have children.” Gushing over her adoring “hubby,” she declared, “And, thank goodness, I met this wonderful man! After a period of time…he was open to going to fertility.”

On Friday, Kyra had a whole new sales pitch to plug her book to the ND curvy divan viewers and ND (and former FNC anchor Alisyn Camerota): Ditch her lover, and hook up with the doctor who made it all possible.* As she began the segment, Kyra iterated her F&F spiel saying, “I had spent my whole life working on my career, and then all of a sudden, there I was in Iraq covering the war: I was going through a horrible divorce; I came home–my house had flooded because a pipe burst upstairs; I had nothing; and I was sitting on my porch thinking, ‘Oh, my god, it’s never going to happen; and I had a huge anxiety attack.” Pointing to her fertility doctor and co-author of her book, Kyra exclaimed, “And, so, thank god for Jamie!” Giggling, she bawdily declared, “I like to say, ‘I love my husband but this man got me pregnant!”

Kyra’s Canuck “super sperm” JD was F&F “Friendly” Wednesday: But, on New Day, he was NSFW!

*New Day – 01/31/15 (@ 8:48 a.m. ET).

[Author’s aside: The author refers to John as “hubby” and “boyfriend” interchangeably, supra, because his marital relationship with Kyra seems uncertain: In a Huffington Post interview (05/25/11), he said, “There’s no plan for a wedding. I call her my wife, she refers to me as her husband….at our age, fiancee just doesn’t sound right.”]

Slurring Kyra: I’m Married to a Robertson

Phillips confused or revealing hubby John Roberts‘ real surname? CNN correspondent Kyra Phillips had an “oops” moment during her New Day report this morning as she shared her taped interview of Duck Dynasty stars, Willie and Korie Robertson.* In the clip, Kyra began the confab, shamelessly trying to ingratiate herself with the Robertsons: She declared, “Alright, so I might as well just break the ice and let ya’ll know we have a lot in common.** Aptly, a surprised Korie queried, “Oh, really?”

As Korie and Willie looked on in bemusement, a slightly slurring Kyra answered, “Oh, yeah! Now I know my way awound [sic] a weapon or two but I’m married to a Robertson [italics added for emphasis]. Appearing perplexed but nodding their heads in unison, as any civil Southerner might, Willie “aahed” and Korie softly replied, “Oh, wow.”

Eagerly, Kyra exclaimed, “So, are we family?” Turning toward Willie for his take, Korie tersely answered, “Probably.” Hoping to end the awkwardness, Willie jested, “I know he’s not kin to me because he hasn’t asked me for money!”

Here’s to you, Mrs. Robertson: Confused or revealing, you do make CNN fun!

*New Day – 03/26/14 (@ 8:33 a.m. ET).

**Kyra Phillips vid – 03/26/14 (00:17/05:30).

[Author’s aside: N.B. Whether Kyra and John (FNC’s senior national correspondent) have actually tied the knot or simply deem themselves married seems to be an open question.]

BP “To The Couch” Walk: New Day Stupid?

Polluting America’s Gulf: Polluting CNN’s airwaves? Lampooning themselves unintentionally a la a Saturday Night Live spoof, CNN New Day co-hosts Chris Cuomo, Kate Bolduan, and Michaela Pereira made a mockery of themselves and their show today anew with their diurnal “To The Couch!” walk sponsored by BP in the penultimate block of ND. After Kate announced that they would be making their odd amble to ND‘s version of F&F‘s “curvy couch” for John Berman‘s “Award of the Day” segment, an actual ad sponsored by BP began to air in a split screen alongside with Chris, Kate, and Michaela strolling to the sofa.

It was embarrassing and absurd. When the author saw this inanity of a crass commercial during ND itself for the first time a while back, he thought it was a lame joke or, perhaps, a jejune jab at F&F‘s famed “curvy couch.” But, it was not to be: It was actually a legitimate commercial. Yikes! It was especially jarring since CNN’s American Morning (an earlier ED iteration) co-hosts Kiran Chetry and John Roberts had covered the 2010 BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico with exceptional reportage and sincere sensitivity.

Whenever this viewer watches Chris, Kate, and Michaela stroll to ND‘s “curvy couch” as the ad voice-over proclaims the merits of BP, he remembers the pollution from that oil company spill that savaged the Gulf of Mexico, its marine life, and the economic livelihoods of so many Gulf states natives. And, those images now spill over onto a seemingly much too cavalier New Day itself.

Scrub well with Dawn, ED, and start a whole new dawn!

Oops! Michaela Pereira’s Number Revealed!

Smart watch: dumb reporter? Today, New Day news anchor Michaela Pereira fell victim to the “eye of the camera”–and a CNN colleague’s naivete. In a segment on Samsung’s soon-to-be-released smartwatch, business correspondent Zain Asher gave Michaela and her New Day co-hosts Kate Bolduan and Chris Cuomo a revealing demonstration of what the smartwatch can do. After taking a photo of Kate and Chris, Zain called Michaela: when she did, the camera’s eye closed in on the face of the watch clearly showing Michaela’s phone number [(3**) 2**-***2] for approximately three seconds.*

When Michaela’s number appeared on the screen, Chris slyly interjected, “Why does Michaela have a 1-900 number?” Playing along with his futile attempt at legerdemaine, Michaela smiled suggestively and rolled her eyes racily. Then, when her phone began to ring, Michaela exclaimed, “Oh, there’s a phone call for me! I wonder who that could be!”

After today, that phone call could be from any of Michaela’s New Day fans. But, poor Zain should not feel too bad: she’s not the first one on CNN’s premier morning show to make that mistake. When John Roberts co-anchored American Morning (a New Day precursor), the veteran newscaster called Kiran Chetry on air with his cell phone and similarly displayed Kiran’s number for the world to see. Consequently, Kiran had to change her number: And, doubtlessly, so shall Michaela.

Smile, Michaela! It’s time for the “good stuff.” Time for your free upgrade!

*Early Day – 09/05/15 (@ 8:41 a.m. ET)

[Author’s aside: Obviously, Carpe Diem did not publish Michaela’s full phone number for privacy purposes.]

Soledad’s Fall: CNN’s Spring?

Zucker’s “Morning in America”: O’Brien toast–again. Starting Point anchor Soledad O’Brien has been iced again as the face of CNN’s dawn according to the New York Times. Throwing cold water on Soledad’s vain hopes to finally prevail in the cable news morning ratings wars, CNN’s new chief Jeff Zucker finally cried, “No mas.”

As long-time CNN viewers may know, Soledad and Miles O’Brien co-hosted American Morning from 2003 to 2007 and were replaced by Kiran Chetry and John Roberts to revitalize flagging ratings. Over four years later (July 15, 2011), Soledad ominously returned to the show to substitute for Kiran for her first absence after AM announced Kiran’s own imminent departure from the still ratings-challenged show. Subsequently, when the ill-fated AM folded at the end of the year, Soledad was given a second chance to redeem herself and the CNN brass in the new year with Starting Point in the 7-9 a.m. ET hours. Unfortunately, for Soledad, she failed to seize the opportunity and sunk the show to even lower depths.

Yesterday, the New York Times reported that Zucker was pulling the plug on Soledad and that she would leave Starting Point this spring. According to the old Gray Lady, Zucker had “decided even before he started the job in January that he wanted to replace…[her program]…with a brand new one.” As to Soledad’s future, it added that she would create a new production company and “continue to supply documentaries to CNN on a nonexclusive basis.”

Putting a positive spin on her departure to the Hollywood Reporter, Soledad said, “I will not miss getting up that early, I cannot lie, not for a minute.” Defending her show itself, she declared, “We had a staff  of people–we never were fully staffed–where we were able to in spite of not getting a lot of support really make our show relevant. To do that, that was pretty tremendous.”

Soledad’s fall: CNN’s spring. It will be morning in Zucker’s America again soon.

Kyra’s “Cannuck Hubby”: Robert’s Ring Ruse?”

Special Reports with JD: Ring on, ring off! Yesterday, FNC Special Report with Bret Baier guest anchor John Roberts decided to doff his seemingly connubial band for, at least, the third time this week.* Only about six months ago, Roberts was proudly donning his seemingly marital ring as he hosted Special Report (soon after his long-time flame HLN anchor Kyra Phillips had claimed to have a Cannuck husband): As a result the author assumed that Roberts had finally tied the knot with Phillips after proposing to her over two years earlier on bended knee.

But, maybe, not. According to HuffPo (in 2011), Roberts revealed that he did not “call Phillips is fiancee and they[had] no plans to get married soon” in “spite of the couple’s ‘engagement.'” In that same interview, Roberts remarked, “There’s no plan for a wedding. I call her my wife, she refers to me as her husband.” Holding out hope for the future, Roberts added, “Do I expect that at some point we’ll get married? Yes, it’s just that we’ve both been so busy working and preparing for our babies that we haven’t found time.”

Perhaps, the two lovers still haven’t found the time–after all. Stay tuned, John and Kyra fans.

*Special Report with Bret Baier – 12/07/12 (@ 6:34 a.m. ET); Happening Now – 12/04/12 (@ 9:37 a.m. ET); and Studio B with Shepard Smith – 12/03/12 (@ 3:41 p.m. ET).

CNN’s Rob Marciano Moves On, Too (to ET)

“[S]ad…but very pumped.” Today, CNN meteorologist Rob Marciano announced that he is leaving Ted Turner’s erstwhile crown jewel for greener pastures. In a Facebook post this afternoon, he said, “Definitely sad to be leaving my CNN family in January, but very pumped for the new gig co-hosting Entertainment Tonight with @NancyOdell. Wow!”

The former ivory Adonis of American Morning follows his fellow colleagues, ebony twin T. J. Holmes (BET), “voice of god” John Roberts (FNC), and AM Aphrodite Kiran Chetry (TBA) into the CNN sunset. For whilom AM fans, who still appreciate a fresh, irreverent perspective, Rob seems to be the last one waving the proverbial flag on the new CNN morning shows, Early Start and Starting Point. And, now he, too, is heading for the exit.

A sad day for Rob. And, his CNN fans. Not to mention, poor Zoraida Sambolin who is losing her “Senor Dreamy.”

Kiran: “Not the Whole Story by Any Means”

Inquisitr snark : It appears Kiran Chetry is still waiting for that “special opportunity.” Foxy former CNN American Morning co-anchor Kiran Chetry seemed more than a mite miffed yesterday at little known Inquisitr.com author Nathan Francis who penned a strangely-timed, snippy piece entitled, “Kiran Chetry Still Waiting for Her Big Return to Television.” In a Tweet to her Twitter followers, Kiran linked to Francis’ story that claimed that she had not left CNN on “exactly amicable” terms and that derided her subsequent work, declaring, “Not the whole story by any means.”

Indeed. In Francis’ article almost two months after the one year anniversary of Kiran’s tearful namaskaar to CNN for a “very special opportunity,” Francis alleged that she had left on not “exactly amicable terms,” inanely citing her infamous on-air “scolding” by her then co-host John Roberts. Perhaps, the new writer at Inquitr forgot–if he ever knew–that it was Roberts who left AM shortly thereafter, and Kiran stayed on to be an anchor of CNN EVP Ken Jautz’s “right ‘American family.'”

Furthermore, Francis took his bizarre broadsides to Kiran and her work after CNN on E! News as a special correspondent and a GBTV guest anchor. Re Kiran in her red carpet reportage of the New York City premier of Smash, he sniped, ” [A] former Fox News reporter [who] found her way back onto television in January.”As to her engaging GBTV gig, he caviled, “[B]arely warrant[ing] a mention on Media Bistro…leaving fans who wanted to see her return to television disappointed.” Caustically, he concluded, “It appears Kiran Chetry is still waiting for that ‘special opportunity.'”

Actually, as the author noted over two months ago in Carpe Diem‘s “Kiran: A Year Later,” Kiran has seized her “very special opportunity” on a profoundly personal level. And, it is her faithful fans who are “still waiting for that ‘special opportunity'” for her professionally. As to Francis’ froth, as Oscar Wilde once said, “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”

Kyra Phillips: I Have a Canuck Husband

John Roberts: “At some point.” Apparently, that point has arrived for CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips and FNC senior correspondent John Roberts. Even though Kyra recently claimed that she had a Canadian hubby on CNNN, her long-time fiance belied that assertion by eschewing any connubial band. However, Kyra’s “J.D.” decided to don it Monday when he guest-hosted on Special Report with Bret Baier.

Over two years ago, Kyra and John became engaged in grand fashion at Greenbrier Resort on the greens at the 18th hole (bended-knee proposal, champagne, and Tom Watson’s pin-flag congratulations). However, approximately ten months later, with their twins almost due, John seemed to cast doubt on any future nuptials in an interview with HuffPo: He remarked that there was “no plan for a wedding” but that he did expect that he and Kyra to get married “at some point.” Monday, John seemed to signal that “point” has come and Kyra does now indeed have her Canuck hubby as he dutifully wore his wedding band on Special Report.

Congratulations, Kyra and John!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update: Video of Sanjay’s segment via TVNewser.

Three Divas on a Divan

“Tense” American Morning? AM co-anchor Christine Romans and guest co-host Alina Cho welcomed CNN correspondent Soledad O’Brien to their angular divan Friday.* Catfight? No, but they did have a lovefest over a 2012 Olympic boxing hopeful segment entitled, “Latino in America: “In Her Corner.”

As AM fans watched the trio discuss five-time national champ Mexican American Marlen Esparza‘s quest to win a gold, they saw AM‘s past, present, and, possible future in front of their very eyes. First, as to the past, Soledad had co-hosted the show with Miles O’Brien until the duo was dumped in favor of Kiran Chetry and John Roberts. Second, now that John and Kiran themselves have departed, Christine temporarily co-anchors (alongside Ali Velshi and Carol Costello) and Alina occasionally fills in. Finally, as to the future, Soledad has been referred to as the imminent host of the second show in a new CNN “AM,” i.e., one that incorporates AM: Wake Up Call and the first hour of AM and another that consists of the last two hours of the current AM.

With the current iteration of American Morning seemingly toast and the new “AM” about to begin, CNN viewers can hope for a more flavorful fare in the morning. Since fan fave Kiran Chetry inexplicably left the show in late July, AM has stopped serving its rather spicy stew of salient stories in favor of a more insipid hash of prosaic presentations. Hopefully, a new chef, i.e., Soledad, can confect a tastier breakfast for future “AM” viewers.

AM viewers can only hope.

*American Morning – 09/23/11 (@ 8:51 a.m. ET)

Kyra Crashes Kiran’s Namaskaar

Kyra: “Alright, I’m gonna break it up here!” And, so she did. Yesterday American Morning co-anchor Kiran Chetry bid her audience a teary goodbye at the end of the show. Before segueing to CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips, Kiran announced, “I’m not gonna cry. But, I just want to tell you guys–as some of you know, today is gonna be my last day here at CNN. It’s gonna be my last day at America Morning.”

With her co-hosts Christine Romans and Ali Velshi seated beside her on the new divan, Kiran declared, “Before I leave, I just wanted to thank everyone, all of you out there for letting me into your living rooms each morning for the past nearly five years. I’ve enjoyed it.” Pointing to Aly and Christine, she continued, “I feel very lucky to have been able to work with wonderful, kind, dedicated people here at CNN.”

As she spoke, the camera briefly showed attentive AM staffers standing nearby: Reaching out to them literally, Kiran remarked, “Look at my buddies. Oh, can we take that shot again, please?” As the cameraman consequently panned back to include not only the staffers but also the floor crew, Kiran commented, “These people come in before midnight day after day after day. We work hard to get it right: But, through it all we have always found a way to laugh and enjoy our work.”

Then, addressing her AM audience again, Kiran tearfully concluded, “So, I’m terrible at goodbyes. I’m not going to say, ‘goodbye.’ I’m gonna say, ‘See you soon.'” Turning toward Christine and Ali, she said, “And, to both of you, it’s been a pleasure.” Then after kissing Christine and Ali au revoir, Kiran waved to the audience, saying, “Thanks, guys!”

Then, just as Kiran softly began to conclude her final namaskaar to her AM fans and then to toss to CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips, Kyra gauchely interrupted. Brassily, she declared, “Alright, I, I’m gonna break it up.” Gracefully, Kiran softly and simultaneously continued, “And, I promise to keep in touch. CNN Newsroom with Kyra Phillips starts now.”

True to her ill-timed promise, Kyra declared, “We’re gonna go back to that shot, Kiran, of Petey [AM floor director].”  As Kiran laughed uncomfortably at Kyra’s strange interruption, Kyra unabashedly continued, “Let’s go to Petey. Let’s get another shot of Petey there. ” Graciously, Kiran concurred, “Let’s go one more time.” Oddly fixated on this “Petey,” Kyra continued, “Yeah, because Petey will make us laugh. Petey is the one.”

As the cynosure of the camera changed from Kiran to Petey, Kyra continued, “There he is. Give us a shout-out. There we go.” Apparently, trying rightfully to regain the spotlight, Kiran commented, “Guess what, Kyra. Kyra, Petey said to me [that] he is going to learn to email just so that he can keep in touch with me. You know what an honor that is.”

Apparently, realizing her patent faux pas, Kyra penitently responded, “Oh, yes. Kiran, you know…that’s why I went there because Petey has added so much joy to…the morning for you guys. And, he’s made you laugh and been a big part of making those mornings special for you. So, there we go: we won’t to leave on a [sic] upbeat note. Then she added, “Best of luck to you, Kiran.”

Smiling sweetly, Kiran tersely responded, “Thank you.”

[Author’s aside: To paraphrase Simon and Garfunkel, “What’s that you say, Mrs. Robinson, (er, ‘Mrs.’ Roberts)?” Comely Kiran has left and gone away. Hey, hey, hey, she barely got her say.]

Update: CNN vid entitled “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later: Kiran’s last day at AM.” N.B. CNN producers wisely cut Kyra’s “crash” of Kiran’s farewell.

Update2: YouTube uncut video of Kiran’s goodbye.

Kiran Out & Soledad In: Ouch!

A not so subtle message? Wow! In a strange and somewhat sadistic twist of fate, Soledad O’Brien returned this morning to American Morning to sub for Kiran Chetry as co-host. N.B. Today marks the very first day after AM announced Kiran Chetry’s departure from the show on July 29. Ouch!

As readers may remember, Soledad herself was co-anchor of AM (for almost four years) before being unceremoniously dumped for Kiran on April 16, 2007 to jumpstart AM‘s anemic ratings. When then CNN/US Prez Jon Klein announced the shakeup (Soledad/Miles O’Brien replaced by Kiran/John Roberts), he noted that AM‘s ratings had faltered in the ratings while the rest of CNN’s programming had increased by double digits: he added, “We think we can do even better and we think the show deserves to.”

Unfortunately for CNN, Klein’s replacement team never really did too much better in the needed numbers. And, Soledad probably thought that it certainly did not deserve to do so after her ousting. And, now that her replacement Kiran is on her own way out at “the ratings-challenged morning show,” Soledad must have found a measure of sweet revenge to return to her former AM throne on the first day after AM proclaimed the end of Kiran’s reign.

Even if Soledad sweetly did not fill her own sense of shadenfreude, someone at AM apparently did. Soledad’s ill-timed fill-in seemed like a gratuitous slap at Kiran from that somebody. Perchance, a parting shot by that anonymous AM staffer who told Page 6 that “Kiran is dumb as a rock” (in its Halloween night 2010 story on possible big changes at AM by new CNN chief Ken Jautz)?

Kicking Kiran on her way out? Not necessarily the best idea: Some of the show’s most loyal viewers are her fans. But, with AM possibly on its own way out (as Inside Cable News suggested), perhaps, that AM somebody simply did not care anymore.

Kyra Back at CNN: “Hubby,” Twins Back FNC

Yesterday CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillip returned from maternity leave to CNN. Welcoming her back were American Morning co-hosts Christine Roberts, Ali Velshi, and Kiran Chetry (the former AM television wife of Kyra’s “hubby,” John Roberts).  As Kiran genially segued to Kyra, Aly jested, “We haven’t seen her for so long [that] we could use a photo.”*

No photo of the radiant mother of twins needed for CN viewers: she was her usual saucy, sassy self. However, her fans might need one of her baby twins, Kellen and Sage, albeit not the one published in TVNewser. Swaddled in white blankets emblazoned with “Fox News Channel” lay her treasured twins, cuter than buttons: Her husband-to-be-eventually had allegedly done the “dastardly deed.”

Welcome back, Krya!

*American Morning – 06/08/11 (@ 8:59 a.m. ET)

Ali & Kiran’s Tale: Busted?

Oops! Stephanie didn’t get the American Morning memo today. Fresh from her vacation in Puerto Rico, CNN biz beauty Stephanie Elam returned to the AM set today to report on the government shutdown. Unfortunately, for her AM colleagues, Ali Velshi and Kiran Chetry, she had not received that AM “e-mail” as to Ali’s ad libs.

In her mid-show segment this morning, Stephanie dutifully reported on “government & private workers who’ll be hurt by  [a federal government] shutdown.” After her story, Ali emphasized that, unlike governmental workers who would recoup their lost wages, businesses that catered to spring tourists simply lost their seasonal earnings.

Enthusiastically, Stephanie agreed, “They don’t get it back! That’s just lost. And, this is the beginning, especially like D.C.” Elaborating, she added, “Cherry blossoms–I went to school in D.C.–love it! That is like the best time and people come to see that every year. It’s a beautiful time.”

Concurring, Kiran (Gaithersburg, MD native and Terp alum), interjected, “I know. Me, too…It’s a huge draw. Huge draw!”

Turning to Kiran to make his point more poignantly, Ali proclaimed, “We were actually planning a little trip down there for cherry blossoms.” Looking back at Stephanie, he groused, “But, now if the government shuts down, we’re not gonna have that trip.”

Eying Ali quizzically, Stephanie glanced down at her notes and then back up at him, querying, “You’re not? Was I invited to this trip?” Seeming to sense that her friend and colleague Ali might need to be aided–and, perhaps, even abetted–Kiran nodded emphatically at Stephanie and exclaimed, “Yes!” Echoing his helpful co-host, a stone-faced Aly shook his head but once and unconvincingly uttered, “Yeah.”

Still puzzled, Stephanie looked at Kiran. In response, Kiran explained, “It was on an e-mail that we sent a week ago.” Then, she appeared to give Stephanie a knowing eye and a telling smile.

Meanwhile, Ali pursed his lips and licked them as Kiran spoke. Seeming to realize that his apparently apocyrphal anecdote had been exposed, he jested, “Yeah, it’s a class trip!” Laughing, Kiran chimed (to Stephanie), “It may have been in your spam box.”

Perhaps, that’s what happened to John Roberts’ AM e-mail, too, when he gainsayed Kiran on the Imus Show a few weeks ago. Oh, wait! John probably no longer has his Turner account.

American Morning – 04/08/11 (@ 7:28 a.m. ET)

JD Says: Kiran Says

What really sparked John Roberts’ infamous rant against Kiran Chetry, his co-host on CNN’s American Morning? On September 8, 2010, JD infamously berated an off-camera Kiran during his interview with President Obama’s smirking senior advisor, David Axelrod. Carpe Diem reported the story that day; Mediaite ran with it (with vid) about a week later; consequently, other media outlets (e.g., Huffington Post, Gawker, and TV Guide) picked it up, and, subsequently, it went viral. However, no one reported what Kiran had done to set off JD’s rant.

This morning, JD (now FNC’s senior national correspondent) provided his version  of the “infamous incident” during a telephone interview with FBN’s Don Imus. Succinctly, Imus asked, “Was it your co-host, one? And what was she doing?” JD stuttered, “Well, well, well, that, that morning, I was wearing a particularly lovely shade of, of plum nail polish and there had been a chip that had developed in it when I had whacked my finger on the desk, and she was trying to fix the chip in my nail polish. Explaining his errant behavior, JD continued, “And, I thought that interviewing David Axelrod, that was not an appropriate time to be fixing my nail polish. So I just said, ‘Would you mind waiting until I’m [sic] done this and then you can go ahead.'” [Vid via Mediaite.]

However, Kiran gave a completely different story during her interview with Mediaite‘s Tommy Christopher on February 18. When Christopher rather reluctantly queried her about “that clip,” she stammered, “I was, oh, um, it was just, I think it was a little bit overblown:  This is why I love you bloggers because one moment in time gets, you know, immortalized forever.” Then, putting her hands over her computer keyboard as if reenacting the scene, Kiran continued, “But, we were dealing with some breaking news: he was doing an interview and I was typing. And, I guess that got a little annoying.” Later, Christopher confidently commented, “Well, I’m glad that we could set the record straight.”

But, did Christopher and Kiran really “set the record straight”? JD certainly does not seem to think so.

Kyra, John: “Welcome…to the World”

“Long road to get here.” CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips and “fiance” FNC senior national correspondent John Roberts make “absolutely beautiful little people” together. According to a People exclusive, the two celebrated the birth of twins, Sage Ann and Kellan Clay, just after midnight this morning. Both brother and sister weighed five pounds fifteen ounces and measured eighteen and half inches long.

People reported that the delighted duo issued a statement, saying, “It was amazing to welcome them to the world. It was a long road to get here, but they are absolutely beautiful little people.” (As to the “long road to get here,” the couple may have been alluding to Kyra’s possible in vitro pregnancy attempts and final success.) They added, “It’s incredible to be able to hold them in our arms and love them in person.”

Congratulations, Kyra and John!

H/t, TVNewser.

TJ: Kiran, You Wanna Listen to Me?

Holmes: a “gentler, kinder” Roberts. Today, almost six months ago to the day, American Morning co-host John Roberts infamously berated Kiran Chetry for typing (off-camera) during his interview of President Obama’s senior advisor David Axelrod. This morning, it appeared to be AM interim co-anchor T. J. Holmes’ time to rant.

Shortly, before mid-show, Kiran and T. J. started to take turns reading the headline news stories. After Kiran reported the first one, T.J. began to read the next one. As he did, a still on-camera Kiran started to type on her computer keyboard.* Almost immediately, T. J. stopped and looked over at Kiran: Tapping her on the arm repeatedly, he exclaimed, “Hey, hey! Wait! What are you doing?”

In an embarrassing moment of deja vu, Kiran’s eyes suddenly widened and she glanced back at T. J. uncertainly. Breaking into a broad grin, T. J. pointed to the camera and chuckled, “One, one is trying to tell your story here, Kiran.” As she sheepishly laughed, T.J. teased, ” You want to listen to me?” Kiran simply smiled and looked ahead.

AM‘s Southern gentleman: You did your momma proud today, T. J.

*American Morning – 03/07/11 (@ 7:20 a.m. ET)

Update: AM producers apparently took note, too: When asked today (March 10) “why no more laptops on [the AM] desk,” Kiran aptly answered, “[L]ooked messy they said.” At least, on two occasions, supra.

Shep: JD, “Don’t You Miss the Anchor Chair?”

Canned CNN American Morning co-anchor John Roberts got a rude reminder of his new status from Fox News’ Shepard Smith yesterday on Studio B. Doing his duty as FNC senior national correspondent, Roberts updated Studio B viewers on the Gulf Coast post-BP spill recovery in his buttery baritone “voice of God.”  Approvingly, Shep replied, “John Roberts, it’s great to see you, man”: Regrettably, he did not stop there.*

Segueing to the next story, Shep read, “Charlie Sheen.” Suddenly stopping, Shep looked over at Roberts (off-camera) with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Grinning mischievously, Shep queried, “Don’t you miss the anchor chair with Charlie Sheen around?” Comfortably or not, Roberts chuckled but said nothing. Unfortunately.

Shep had asked the very question that many Roberts fans want to know. To wit, does the erstwhile silver-maned alpha anchor of CNN miss his old show and wish that he had a new one? Or, is he happy in his new role for now as a brown-haired FNC beta boy simply delivering the news at whatever hour that his bosses dictate?

If not, maybe the old CNN dog needs to learn a few new FNC tricks.

Studio B with Shepard Smith – 03/02/11 (@ 3:42 p.m. ET)