Video: Fox News says goodbye to Brit Hume
posted at 8:11 pm on December 23, 2008 by Allahpundit
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He’s not leaving the network, just the anchor gig, but it’s still the end of an era. Like I said in July when the news first broke:
I’m always surprised by how much respect Hume commands among conservatives, not because he doesn’t deserve it but because you’d think he’d be drowned out by the O’Reilly and Hannity megaphones. Not so; in my conversations with people, as genial, gentlemanly conservative journalists go, he’s second in esteem to no one but … Tony Snow, actually. Where are Fox viewers going to get their nightly shot of gravitas now?
I bet the comments to this post will bear me out. Here’s the last few minutes from tonight’s show, featuring cameos from both Presidents Bush, among others.
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The best part of the video was when Bush 41 said “Here we are immortalizing you and you’re not even dead yet.”
It was great watching you all these years. I look forward seeing you on Fox News Sunday.
Lance Murdock on December 23, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Thank you, Brit.
You were the voice of reason when Fred and Mort went off the reservation.
HornetSting on December 23, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Can’t wait ’til Beck starts his new show on Fox.
Tony737 on December 23, 2008 at 8:19 PM
tearjerker
:’(
BJ on December 23, 2008 at 8:24 PM
I remember reading Hume’s stuff in the Washington Monthly, a left-of-center magazine edited by Charles Peters (who coined the phrase “neoliberal”).
And he started out doing research for Jack Anderson.
I’ve always had greater respect for those TV reporters who had careers in print first.
Thanks Mr. Hume.
SteveMG on December 23, 2008 at 8:24 PM
The number 1 reason to watch Fox.
“Fair and Honest”.
Translate to Latin and make a seal out of it.
BowHuntingTexas on December 23, 2008 at 8:28 PM
I like him.
Oink on December 23, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Bye Brit, I’ll miss you.
Spirit of 1776 on December 23, 2008 at 8:32 PM
You just can’t beat the combination of class, wit, intelligence and good looks Brit Hume has consistently embodied over the years. I’ve always had a crush on him.
End of an era indeed.
surrounded on December 23, 2008 at 8:37 PM
First, they get rid of e.d hill, now Hume leaves. Notice the slant is totally creeping left. Wonder why……oh maybe that part Arab ownership. Count how many times these days they say jihad, muslim, terrorists…. Few and far between. Wool over the eyes folks, we turned them off last year, only listen to the radio now. They might as well be cnn. Frauds.
texaninfidel on December 23, 2008 at 8:38 PM
The best anchor in the business hangs it up… I’m glad I got home from work in time to see the tribute. My days just won’t be the same. I hope he stays on the FNS panel and becomes a regular on the Special Report all stars panel.
marty0378 on December 23, 2008 at 8:38 PM
A good man and a great journalist. Thank you, Brit.
Ponz on December 23, 2008 at 8:38 PM
I look forward to your new show………….
Seven Percent Solution on December 23, 2008 at 8:45 PM
Big thank-You to your family for sharing you with us for the last several years.
And finally,…..
You will be missed…: o )
christene on December 23, 2008 at 8:45 PM
“Fair, balanced and unafraid.”
Miss him already.
The first day we got FOX News in Canada, I hurried home and caught Brit Hume interviewing some pastor. The first thing I heard him say was “Now, as Jesus says in Matthew 25…”
My now husband and I looked at each other and just gasped. “He said that on television!? Oh man, this is gonna be great!” Now the little Fox logo is practically burned into our screen…
fivefeetoffury on December 23, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Absolutely, AP. You will be missed, Mr. Hume. Enjoy whatever may come next in your life; and thank you for your hard work.
Weight of Glory on December 23, 2008 at 8:47 PM
I respect his decision to move on with his career and do new things, but boy, will I miss him!
anniekc on December 23, 2008 at 8:49 PM
My favorite part every night was how he would laugh his way through his sign-off due to whatever funny clip he just played. Then the camera would flash on Charles, who would be down right giggly. Great show, just great.
Weight of Glory on December 23, 2008 at 8:50 PM
He’s a decent, honorable, well-spoken, gentleman.
he’s irreplaceable.
right4life on December 23, 2008 at 8:52 PM
I live beyond cable and had only a couple of snowy channels for years until I saw Tony Snow on FNS. Because of Tony and Brit, I got satellite TV. Spend around $50 per month just to watch about 10 hours of TV per week, almost all on FNC. With no Tony and limited Brit, I may disconnect satellite now. There will be nothing of interest to watch on TV now. Yeah, I had a crush on both of them.
Oleta on December 23, 2008 at 8:54 PM
thanks for posting this.
brit was the BEST.
by far.
now i hope he’ll go on the become the david brinkley of fox – the curmudgeonly wise man.
love to see him do a one-on-one sunday talk show.
reliapundit on December 23, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Brit is the man … when he was rolling around the set on election night, that was priceless
joey24007 on December 23, 2008 at 8:55 PM
God bless you, Mr. Hume.
Someone can succeed you, but no one can replace you.
Hawkins1701 on December 23, 2008 at 8:56 PM
I loved his show. He was the only news anchor I actually trusted to tell it to me straight. And as reliapundit noted, Brit was the quintessential curmudgeonly wise man.
And he’s still so young to retire. Those 60 Minutes dinosaurs won’t quit until they’re six feet under.
ramrocks on December 23, 2008 at 8:59 PM
O/T: BBC –
Oh no! Not “I Love you, you love me”! That’s just cruel!
Well we can’t have musicians upset! They might refuse to play! Oh the horror!
I’m pretty sure The Mahdi already knows about it, Einstein.
Hahaha, too bad you won’t be getting a return on your investment!
Tony737 on December 23, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Goodbye Brit!
crabtree on December 23, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Brit is the best and we will miss him deeply. Much success wherever you go. One only wonders whether this is a scalp that Murdoch is throwing the dems to appease them from their fairness doctrine threats?
eaglewingz08 on December 23, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Brit is the best of Fox. I’m sorry he won’t be there as anchor.
INC on December 23, 2008 at 9:09 PM
I do not have cable anymore but I miss Brit and Cavuto the most.
infidel on December 23, 2008 at 9:12 PM
So long Brit. With you gone, there’s only one true journalist left on television (Chris Wallace).
You my friend, will be missed.
edgehead on December 23, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Brit, a simple thank you for being the best. I always loved his show and he was always my favorite panelist on Fox News Sunday.
I will sorely miss both he and Tony Snow. I wish you the best in the future and keep up the great work.
jdsmith0021 on December 23, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Thank you for all you have done and Godspeed Mr. Hume….
right4life on December 23, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Brit will definitely be missed.
His newscast was the only one that I made sure I did not miss.
Informed and straight forward common sense approach to the issues and his round table was a must see.
Good luck Brit!!!
Baxter Greene on December 23, 2008 at 9:20 PM
He started to tear up at the end. :-(
God bless you Brit! You’ll always be one of my favorites!
nickj116 on December 23, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Well, that was the last reason to keep paying the cable company. Now I can save $49 month. Bummer.
FalseProfit on December 23, 2008 at 9:27 PM
“unafraid” Didn’t Brit coin that phrase as his own?
Dollayo on December 23, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Those are some HUGE shoes Baier is going to have to fill.
Hume is the true pillar of strength holding up Fox News. Not O’Reilly, not Cavuto, not even Hannity. It is for that reason that I think with Brit may go the valiance of the network.
However, thank you, Mr. Hume, for years of the best television reporting in the world. You will be sorely missed.
MadisonConservative on December 23, 2008 at 9:31 PM
I’m just thankful that Brit looks well. When he first announced this change I feared the worst, a la Tony Snow. Brit is the last true journalist I’m afraid, but I’m glad I got to experience him. His presence will surely be missed.
God bless you, Sir.
ctmom on December 23, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Back when I was a TV producer, I used to see you on the old ABCDEF’s. How did we get so old? Don’t day trade it all away. Good luck.
flyoverland on December 23, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Mr. Hume, you are irreplaceable. I know the bon mots regarding irreplaceablity, but to you they don’t apply. God speed.
Mason on December 23, 2008 at 9:42 PM
Goodbye Mr. Hume :( You are a good man. I will miss you. It is sad that Fox is getting on the dark side now any way.
sheebe on December 23, 2008 at 9:46 PM
Class Act
deedtrader on December 23, 2008 at 9:47 PM
He is far and away the best anchor on any network, and the best of Fox. On the bright side, the best fun from Hume are his quips (usually at Juan Williams) on FNS, and I assume we’ll be treated to those for a while yet.
Clark1 on December 23, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Wonder if Brit’s going to go back to doing the computer information writing he did as a side hobby in the early and mid-1990s, but pretty much gave up after he moved from ABC to Fox.
jon1979 on December 23, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Cheney’s office has pink curtains?
angelat0763 on December 23, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Since I work Shrink’s Hours, I consistently missed Special Report at 6:00, but caught the re-broadcast at midnight. When it got pushed to 2:00AM, I started missing it. The main reason I added DVR to my cable package was to catch Britt and Co. when I got home at night.
Hume is a gentleman and a pundit (in the truest sense of the word), with a formidable intellect, a gracious manner, and a keen wit. I will miss his nightly presence mightily.
Brett is a quite capable anchor, though, and I see no reason to dump the DVR (at least as long as Krauthammer stays on the panel!). I expect him to grow into the role still further, and am heartened that Britt will turn up quasi-regularly.
Godspeed, Britt Hume. Thank you for the nightly dose of reason: Fair, balanced, and unafraid.
Noocyte on December 23, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Enjoy your retirement, family, and friends. You have shown that responsible journalism is possible. You will be sadly missed but we all appreciate the integrity you brought to television. Without a doubt, one of the finest journalists to ever report…Thank You!!!!
trs on December 23, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Thanks for posting this video; I missed Brit’s goodbye this evening for a family occasion. But if I had known it was to be the last Special Report with Brit Hume, I’d have turned it on anyway. This has been the only TV news program I’ve made a point to watch for the last couple of years, largely because of Brit Hume’s authoritative, intelligent, conservative, but occasionally whimsical take on the news. Between Hume and Krauthammer, is there any more—what’s the word?—any more literate news and commentary in any medium?
I sure hope we continue to see and hear more from Brit Hume on Fox for years to come. Don’t go too far away, Brit—we need you!
MrLynn on December 23, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Excellent tribute.
“Special Report” is the best program on television for political junkies. I’ll miss Brit immensely. I’m glad he’s sticking around as an analyst and glad to hear the show’s format will remain intact.
Brit Hume was a rare conservative in major media, but always able to seperate his private political leanings with his job. Something those on the other side are too often incapable of doing.
He was honored by the Clinton White House for his great work for ABC in the 90s and was simply the best political reporter in the business for a long time.
bigred on December 23, 2008 at 10:10 PM
LOVE the Brit.
Y-not on December 23, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I’ve been having dinner with Brit and the panel for years. You will be sorely missed and dinner time will never be quite the same again.
Good luck and enjoy that retirement, you’ve earned it.
Knucklehead on December 23, 2008 at 10:13 PM
I will so miss Brit. What a gent.
I particularly loved the way he would gently take on the panelists when they said something particularly ludicrous with (I paraphrase) “Come on, _____, you don’t seriously believe that?” and then would hit them with facts and common sense.
Buy Danish on December 23, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Best in the business, and by far the best thing on Fox News. Farewell, Mr. Hume.
therightwinger on December 23, 2008 at 10:26 PM
What a great quote from Brit
Resolute on December 23, 2008 at 10:27 PM
I feel a loss in Brit taking leave of the anchor position for FOX News. He was many, many heads above all others, and that is putting it too mildly.
Phil Byler on December 23, 2008 at 10:37 PM
The one and only anchor in the history of our planet who actually has more talent than just reading from a teleprompter. He had the knowledge and instinct to bring on others to toss around what was going on in the news. Always professional and almost always fun – when it was appropriate.
I hope Brit reads these posts. He deserves the accolades……and he should read them and know that he is appreciated.
Thanks Brit.
JeffinOrlando on December 23, 2008 at 10:39 PM
I’m really going to miss Brit, who for me is America’s anchorman. He handled with class his dismissal from ABC after Slick Willie’s hissyfit and established himself as a giant in Washington. How he handled himself in the face of his own human tragedy said all you need to know about what kind of man he is.
/hey, maybe he can go into politics?
JammieWearingFool on December 23, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Tonight was his last night? Aw, I didn’t realize. :-( I knew he was leaving but not so soon.
Godspeed and God bless, Brit. We’ll miss you and your crazy outfits.
Gina on December 23, 2008 at 11:12 PM
I’m going to miss him. What a class act, a real professional, and a truly great man.
CP on December 23, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Brit Hume is in a class all by himself. O’Reilly and the rest of them could never attain it.
D2Boston on December 23, 2008 at 11:14 PM
What accolade can I add that hasn’t been already said?
Brit was the ONLY show that I made time for on a regular basis, without fail. Even when I stop subscribing to cable, I would listen to his show on my Sirius satellite car radio or catch the daily stuff over at Real Clear Politics and Fox News’ respective web sites.
The thing that amazes me the most about Brit Hume is how effortlessly he does what he does. I am glad that he is leaving on top, and on his terms. Much better, IMHO, than to leave this way than say, other prominent anchors did.
Truth be told, the departure of you from the anchor chair is another signpost of our collective mortality, and it is troubling, to be honest. But it is what it is.
God bless and Godspeed to you and yours Brit. Looking forward to seeing you in your future assignments.
itzWicks on December 23, 2008 at 11:16 PM
I’d always tune in to try and guess which word he’d use to describe the Political Grapevine:
“And now for the most ______ two minutes on television…”
Thanks for everything, Brit.
Rhinoboy on December 23, 2008 at 11:36 PM
What can anyone say about Brit Hume that would befit what Brit deserves? He’s a great American, a great journalist, and a great example of what REAL journalism should be. Thank You Brit.
nelsonknows on December 24, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Brit is openly a conservative when he gives his opinion and analysis, but his news is better and straighter than anyone else.
gmoonster on December 24, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Forget O’Reilly and Hannity. Hume was always the one to give credibility to Fox. He will be missed. I only hope that those left at Fox attempt to follow the example he set.
Sugar Land on December 24, 2008 at 12:18 AM
I could’ve done without seeing Carl Cameron’s smarmy mug.
The Ugly American on December 24, 2008 at 1:14 AM
Campaign Carl is OK . He just goofed up with the
Sarah Palin leaks . . .Sorta like a kid that found his
pee-pee.
Gibson was the one that surprised me.
I usually can’t stand the guy. but not this time.
Great tribute by all. Good Luck Brit .
We’ll all miss you.
Texyank on December 24, 2008 at 1:33 AM
Huzzahs and kudos to Brit.
But, did anybody else notice that there were no women jurno’s shown in his tribute? I found that a bit strange.
kevcad on December 24, 2008 at 1:53 AM
I have told countless people over many years that this is the best news show on television. FOX News owes Brit a great deal for all he’s done for the network on camera and off.
I’m happy to hear that they’re keeping the format – I think it’s outstanding – and I look forward to seeing Brit on occasion.
Job well done, Brit Hume. Sad to see you go.
alflauren on December 24, 2008 at 1:54 AM
And you know damn well I like Brit Hume!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA4sErWhc-0&
alflauren on December 24, 2008 at 1:58 AM
He suffered great tragedy in his life with the loss of his son. God bless Brit Hume for soldiering on.
He is part of the great reputation of FNC.
Black Adam on December 24, 2008 at 2:07 AM
Brit Hume has long been one of my favorite news anchors. Been watching him since he started at Fox News in the late ’90s. A class act of a reporter, he will be greatly missed at his post. Way to go, Brit! God bless you and the great work you have accomplished!
Jockolantern on December 24, 2008 at 2:31 AM
A class act, to be sure.
Jim - PRS on December 24, 2008 at 4:45 AM
In recent years, nobody has topped Mr. Hume. His hourlong broadcasts always struck me as the true no-spin zone.
I like Brett Baier; I think he’ll be fine, though he won’t be Mr. Hume. Fox should introduce a segment in that broadcast by Cavuto, Gibson, John Kasich, or even Brit himself, offering some plaintalk conservative political commentary.
Anyway, O’Reilly interviewed Mr. Hume on The O’Reilly Factor one night last week. When asked what he’ll do with his newfound spare time, Mr. Hume responded that he’ll be pursuing “[his] three G’s: God [a deep study of the Bible], [his] granddaughters, and golf.”
Quite a man.
BuckeyeSam on December 24, 2008 at 5:47 AM
Brit is what the msm should use as an exemplar for how to do it.
Brit, su el hombre!!
Shivas Irons on December 24, 2008 at 7:44 AM
Brit Hume and Chris Wallace are the two biggest reasons I watch and continue to watch Fox News.
I also thought that is was a tactical blunder by McCain (one of many) that there was no insistence that Hume or Wallace moderate any of the debates.
I’ll give Brett Baier his due and time. I’ve no doubt that Brit Hume had a lot of input on picking his replacement.
So, time will tell.
Amendment X on December 24, 2008 at 7:53 AM
Talk about a way with words! lol
hillbillyjim on December 24, 2008 at 8:49 AM
The Bush and Cheney send-offs had all the warmth of a snowball.
Valiant on December 24, 2008 at 8:53 AM
I had the good fortune to me meet Britt after a flight to NY. What you see if what you get- he was most gracious and friendly. He is the reason I turned to Fox and I will miss him in that chair.
drjohn on December 24, 2008 at 9:06 AM
The thought of trying to get through an Obama administration without Brit in the anchor chair is depressing the daylights out of me.
Gina on December 24, 2008 at 9:14 AM
I always liked Brit, but when I heard that he was bopping Meagan Kelly, he won my vote for the best damn anchor in the business.
Syd B. on December 24, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Brit (and Tony) were the best thing about Fox. They both managed to overcome the soundbite format with real fine communication. I wouldn’t mind a news hour with Brit or someone of his caliber and class actually diving into some of the issues of the day.
trl on December 24, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Brit Hume is the man you want to come into your living room and in calm, clear, unambiguous terms help make sense out of the world. This, plus his ability to steer conversation into the unexplored, to enlighten all of us to the truth in the news noise are qualities that will be greatly missed.
I remember when he lost his son, and the burden he lived with after that. A man who was so obviously in love with his child, to have to bear going on, won my vote for courage.
God Bless Brit Hume and best of luck in whatever life brings him.
itsspideyman on December 24, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Britt Hume, a journalist with valor.
Iustus, Pius, Fidens!
maverick muse on December 24, 2008 at 9:32 AM
A true Professional.
johnnyU on December 24, 2008 at 9:36 AM
I have never watched the alphabet networks news once I discovered Special Report with Britt Hume.
Hilts on December 24, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Hannity is not on the same tier as O’Reilly and Cavuto. Cavuto actually is a very smart and accomplished business/financial reporter. O’Reilly is a Harvard-educated guy and, even though I do not always enjoy his bombastic populist style, he DOES have a genuinely unique perspective and is capable of asking tough questions. Hannity simply reads the same two talking points over and over again.
That said, I agree with you, Hume is going to be a very tough guy to replace. Hopefully Brett Baier and Chris Wallace will emerge as Fox’s top reporters.
The strategic blunder by McCain was in allowing Obama to dictate the debate schedule. Obama wouldn’t allow Fox or ABC News to moderate a Presidential debate because both had the temerity to ask tough questions of him. Rather than cry foul, McCain tucked his tail between his legs and obediently followed Obama into those atrocious debates.
Outlander on December 24, 2008 at 9:39 AM
As per granting Carl Cameron his camel coat, there’s proof of charity. Hume gave Cameron every opportunity to measure up. Cameron looks the fraud, covering himself AS IF with authority. The fault lay in those flinching responsibility while assuming authority. May Cameron experience conversion sooner than later from the Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come:
Iustus, Pius, Fidens!
maverick muse on December 24, 2008 at 9:40 AM
I’m going to miss Brit, I liked him a lot. But I also think Bret will do a fine job and is a good pick for replacement.
dalec on December 24, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Brit hume is my favorite newsman of all time. He is a complete class act. He overcame the suicide of his son Sandy Hume, and never buckeled or lost his composure while you knew it was devistating. Grace under pressure.
I look forward to seeing him in his new roll.
Think of all the fine young journalists whos careers he helped launch. If the MSM still had guys like him, they wouldn’t suck as bad as they do.
saiga on December 24, 2008 at 10:15 AM
On the upside, the camel coat hides the Wonder Woman outfit quite well.
Well, that’s what I heard…
Snowed In on December 24, 2008 at 10:26 AM
I would tape Brit Hume everynight because it was the only newsprogram I found worth watching. I never spent much time watching O’Reily or Hannity, but I always found time to watch Brit. He was the newsman’s newsman. And we don’t have too many of those left.
RedSoxNation on December 24, 2008 at 10:36 AM
You keep it classy, Syd B. Shouldn’t you be over at the National Enquirer site?
Gina on December 24, 2008 at 1:04 PM
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