White House communications chief: Our favorite Fox News reporter is…
posted at 7:29 pm on October 8, 2009 by Allahpundit
Anita Dunn, the communications director, who is leading up the White House’s rapid response effort, did point out to me that there was at least one Fox News employee who she considered an upstanding member of his profession. Did she call out Fox News Sunday’s Chris “Biggest Bunch of Crybabies” Wallace? Or Shepard “Public Option” Smith?
No and no. “We think Major Garrett is a legitimate reporter,” Dunn told me, referring to the network’s White House correspondent. Sorry Major, if that hurts your rep among certain parts of the Fox News viewership. I would add that I personally have a professional affinity for Major, since we are both alums of Mother Jones magazine. (Note to Glenn Beck: Mother Jones magazine is named for Mary Harris Jones, who was a socialist. Put this fact up on your chalkboard and I am sure you will quickly conclude that both Garrett and I constitute a KGB sleeper cell with White House press credentials–a clear threat to the republic. Or maybe not. Nothing wrong with asking questions. Etc.)
Seriously? The apple of the White House’s eye on Fox is Major Garrett? Isn’t there someone else on that network known for sneering at climate-change skeptics and oh, say, railing at Republican senators about the glories of the public option? Whose influence is, by most measures, a lot wider than Garrett’s?
I hope Shep’s working for the money and not the love. You were robbed, pardner.
Blowback
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Not Beck. I am outraged!
rob verdi on October 8, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Garrett is a terrific reporter. He and Tapper are what reporters are supposed to be.
BadgerHawk on October 8, 2009 at 7:31 PM
They didn’t choose Shep because Shep is already on their team. This was simply to announce which Fox enemy the dislike least.
keep the change on October 8, 2009 at 7:32 PM
As dumb as this administration is, you would think that politics aside, it would be Hannity…
right2bright on October 8, 2009 at 7:32 PM
I know who their favorite Facebook poster isn’t.
portlandon on October 8, 2009 at 7:34 PM
BECK IS MY GURU
right4life on October 8, 2009 at 7:35 PM
Shephard Smith is such a dumbass.
Special K on October 8, 2009 at 7:35 PM
Well SHep is not a reporter he is a crybaby
William Amos on October 8, 2009 at 7:37 PM
I’m just glad the Ogabe administration is concentrating on the important things.
Bishop on October 8, 2009 at 7:37 PM
I loathe sheppie – he is so………orange
Ris4victory on October 8, 2009 at 7:37 PM
I can’t believe it’s not Shep. He’s definitely their type. Whiny, effeminate and the man has taken more left turns than a NASCAR racer..
Guardian on October 8, 2009 at 7:37 PM
So maybe Fox will shove Greta or Ingraham in Shep’s slot.
Iblis on October 8, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Shep is a tool.
Maybe he’s just auditioning for Gibb’s job.
1921 C DRUM on October 8, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Allah just can’t resist putting Beck’s face everywhere. true love.
I_C on October 8, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Garret reported almost every afternoon on Cavuto during the campaign. He was really annoying because he made Obama sound better than Obama actually sounded. I think I wrote to Cavuto and asked him if Garret was clamoring for a job as WH Spokesman.
Connie on October 8, 2009 at 7:41 PM
This administration has almost a stalker like obsession with Fox News. It’s creepy.
This is the leader of the free world and he and his adminstration spend hours and hours obsessing over a news channel that doesn’t kiss their behind.
It’s weird and childish
gophergirl on October 8, 2009 at 7:42 PM
“Rapid Response Unit” obviously doesn’t include BHO…
d1carter on October 8, 2009 at 7:43 PM
In every joke is the element of truth.
katy on October 8, 2009 at 7:44 PM
My socialist radar went off the first time I saw Major…/
d1carter on October 8, 2009 at 7:46 PM
On the whole, Garrett reports facts—something most reporters on both sides of the political spectrum find hard to do. Also, Garrett had the chore of covering Obama during his campaign, (which was a filled with the biggest pack of liars), so he may have had his fill of tripe and circumstance.
Rovin on October 8, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Shep is prone to forget his psychotropic meds when that red flashing sign says “ON AIR”. And when he does, he is a Messiah a___ kisser to the max. There’s always got to be that one stupid kid on the school bus………and Shep is it.
Cinday Blackburn on October 8, 2009 at 7:47 PM
+1
cmsinaz on October 8, 2009 at 7:48 PM
He needs to be replaced by Megyn Kelly.
V15J on October 8, 2009 at 7:49 PM
they have no respect for the office themselves…
cmsinaz on October 8, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I have no issues with the Major….I think he does a good job on reporting…..as far as shepard is concern…he is a pansy ass punk anyhow…stopped watching him just about the time he was in commenting on the McLame man suspending his campaign to go to dc.
hawkman on October 8, 2009 at 7:49 PM
“SHEP” is an ass sniffing dog’s name anyway….
seejanemom on October 8, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Or her newborn baby boy, Yates.
Or my blind poodle….
seejanemom on October 8, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Comforting, isn’t it…?
Seven Percent Solution on October 8, 2009 at 7:51 PM
I lost all respect for Shep when he followed the left and blamed Bush for Katrina.
lavell12 on October 8, 2009 at 7:52 PM
OK who called him Shephole ?
William Amos on October 8, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Shep’s incessant whining makes my ears bleed….
Livefreeordie on October 8, 2009 at 7:53 PM
These ads alongside of the shirtless douche bags are getting annoying as hell.
V15J on October 8, 2009 at 7:53 PM
You’re okay Garret. Walk it off.
BTW: The word is nuclear, Major.
n-u-c-l-e-a-r
Pronounced with 2 syllables.
New.
Clear.
Nuclear.
ROCnPhilly on October 8, 2009 at 7:54 PM
CAN I GET AN AAaaaa-MEN!!!!!
***jEEEzus***
seejanemom on October 8, 2009 at 7:56 PM
OT but I thought this may be well worth watching or taping tonight.
Newsbusters pointed out that PBS of all networks is showing a documentary that shows that Free Markets/ Capitalism help the poor. It is on at 10p et tonight.
http://www.freetochoosemedia.org/production/power_poor/index.php
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matthew-philbin/2009/10/08/documentary-airing-tonight-shows-unfettered-capitalism-lifts-poor-d
CWforFreedom on October 8, 2009 at 7:57 PM
Actually, while watching his coverage of the Obama campaign during the elections I was always uncomfortable with his seeming defense of their campaign. He came across as somewhat of a lackey for them. While Carl Cameron wasn’t afraid to criticize the McCain Campaign, Garrett seemed to be passionately explaining the Obama campaign’s side of things. It made me uncomfortable and somewhat annoyed at the time. I just thought he was afraid that if he criticized them they wouldn’t give him access to their staff.
paraff on October 8, 2009 at 7:57 PM
Moore better start a boycott on the evil capitalist PBS.
MeatHeadinCA on October 8, 2009 at 7:59 PM
This administration is like a troll infesting a blog, always trying to hijack the conversation away from the real issues at hand.
Meremortal on October 8, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Shep is the only fair journalist on that hate filled station called Fox. Nice to see him call out the lies of this right wing extremist senator.
Afrolib on October 8, 2009 at 8:03 PM
OK, I don’t read MoJo (much less Salon …), but what exactly was Garrett’s position at MoJo?
MeatHeadinCA on October 8, 2009 at 8:03 PM
I always thought Shep was a bit liberal. He’s funny…sometimes…but a beta male metro liberal that stopped plucking his eyebrows.
I’m not a fan.
Spiritk9 on October 8, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Using Maddow logic, if FOX is hate filled, then even if Shep isn’t a bigoted hater, he’s still guilty (of hating ) by choice of associations.
MeatHeadinCA on October 8, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Major Garrett does try to do a good job on his reporting. I am surprised she named him however since Garrett and Gibbs have crossed swords a couple of times.
Isn’t Brit Hume Major Garrett’s boss?
Just A Grunt on October 8, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Then call him more often AND give him the FNC interview.
Good greif, Obama will sit down with the scum of the world but is AFRAID of EVERYONE at FNC?
“sound of chicken clucking”
barnone on October 8, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Must have gotten mighty dry on some of those flights with the one and Garret partook of the Flav-R-ade.
As for Sheppard Smith and Carl Cameron, there is no excuse. It annoys the wife, but when these buffoons appear, I switch to FoxBusiness.
ROCnPhilly on October 8, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Not Shep? Not Shep? I can’t believe this…… Not Shep?
Shep must be devistated tonight. He’s done everything but worn a “I Heart Obama” T-shirt. He’s even ranted on about the need for a public option in healthcare reform.
The bastard lost me during his Katrina rants and I chalk him right up there with Greta and Geraldo as the first folks at FNC who can go away.
highhopes on October 8, 2009 at 8:07 PM
So you dislike Shep for calling out this liar for painting the public option as a government takeover correct? Typical right wing hyperbole.
Afrolib on October 8, 2009 at 8:10 PM
More like “pen knives”.
seejanemom on October 8, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Major Garrett reports from the White House, so a little ass-kissing by the Obama administration is at hand. Journalists are the most vain people. For example: Shep Smith and Bill O’Reilly.
Glenn Beck doesn’t give a damn if you like him or not. I love that! Which means he’ll do reports that are honest. Remember: “Question with boldness!”
cubachi on October 8, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Garrett does do a good job. He was the one who asked “What took you so long” during that Obama press conference where the level of questions was along the lines of asking the filthy lying coward what his favorite color was.
highhopes on October 8, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Actually, I never said I disliked him. You can check my post again and you’ll see this.
That said, for full disclosure, no, I do not particularly like Shep.
My point was that if we use the logic that Maddow has used for other people, when assuming that Fox is full of hate, then Shep too is guilty of hate because of his association with the network. That is my point. You said you liked Shep. I’d ask you if you agree with Maddow and if so, does this mean you support someone guilty of hate?
MeatHeadinCA on October 8, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Not speaking for MeatHeadinCA but I hate Shep for pretending that the public option isn’t state seizure of healthcare and 1/6th of the economy. I hate him for the way he slants the news for the liberal ideology. But mostly I hate him for the way the rat bastard lied during the post-Katrina news coverage. He conveniently ignored Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco and blamed GWB for all the stuff that these two Democrats should have done but ignored.
highhopes on October 8, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Yeah, like Major Garret doesn’t have to adhere to the Obama press rule book? Give me a break- Major chooses his words VERY carefully.
anniekc on October 8, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Afrolib…. you should watch this tonight
http://www.freetochoosemedia.org/production/power_poor/index.php
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matthew-philbin/2009/10/08/documentary-airing-tonight-shows-unfettered-capitalism-lifts-poor-d
CWforFreedom on October 8, 2009 at 8:17 PM
Maddow is right. Fox is full of hate and everyone knows it. That said, Shep is the lone wolf amongst the pack. He plays it fair and will call out pugs and dems if need be.
Unlike the Fox and Hate Gretchan who almost got me fired today for laughing out so loud when she claimed she was fair and balanced in the interview with Lanny and the far right extremist Malkin.
Afrolib on October 8, 2009 at 8:19 PM
C’mon now,
Politics aside I have enjoyed Sheps reporting since that day he slipped and stated that J-Lo was down giving B***jobs instead of “Jenny on the Block”
Politics included Ole Shep is definatly entitled to his misguided and ignorant views.
Koa on October 8, 2009 at 8:20 PM
So is Shep guilty of hate by association since he associated with the network that is full of hate? That’s my question in case it wasn’t clear the first time and the second.
MeatHeadinCA on October 8, 2009 at 8:22 PM
There is a simple liberal explanation for this. They like the reporter that they can see and get know as a person. Reporters who might have the exact same views as him can be considered evil because they are not present and can be depersonalized.
Resolute on October 8, 2009 at 8:35 PM
What about “Al Capone” Rivera? No love for Geraldo? I’d figure he’d have been the White Houses favorite Fox News personality.
Favorite Geraldo mention goes to Walter Mathau in Grumpier Old Men:
Geraldo: “Lesbian Bandits” next on “Geraldo”
Max: Ooooh Lesbians yummy.
classicaliberal on October 8, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Why is this difficult to understand? Major is a reporter. Shep isn’t. If the subject had been who their favorite journalist is, then a plausible argument could be made for Shep. In the current context, it isn’t even close.
LFRGary on October 8, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Why is this difficult to understand? Major is a reporter. Shep isn’t. If the subject had been who their favorite journalist is, then a plausible argument could be made for Shep. In the current context, it isn’t even close.
LFRGary on October 8, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Nah…they’ll just follow up the program with a Gnome Chomsky marathon.
Itchee Dryback on October 8, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Well unless you take his parking space…
Caper29 on October 8, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Major Garrett is a RINO. Throw him out!
Decider on October 8, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Why Gnome Chomsky when you can have “the outer” Moyers blather on for a whole hour?
MeatHeadinCA on October 8, 2009 at 8:42 PM
AP, you picked the perfect PHOTO, CAPTION and HEADLINE for this story. I’ve clicked the back button three times and each time I do, I laugh even harder than the last. The expression on Beck’s face vis-a-vis the actual story is priceless.
Well played, sir!
Political Junkie on October 8, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Good to see you’re keeping tabs on FOX for us, pal.
anniekc on October 8, 2009 at 8:44 PM
So insightful you had to say it twice? :-0
Seriously you make a good point about the roles of Major Garrett and Shep Smith.
But Shep Smith was a reporter when he lied and attacked GWB over Katrina. He was sitting on the Cresent City Connection and spewing lies. I can’t forgive him for that.
highhopes on October 8, 2009 at 8:47 PM
I’ve never liked Shep, I mean aside from him being Liberal, I think it’s the way he talks and he is so effiminate or ah light in the loafers a la Cooper…
CCRWM on October 8, 2009 at 8:51 PM
lol
+1
hawkdriver on October 8, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Allow me to rattle the hornets nest.
Shep was right – there should be a public health insurance option. I don’t see why Republicans are so scared of it. Think about your own talking points.
One of the biggest arguments being used by Republicans is that a majority of Americans who have health insurance are satisfied with it. So even if there was a public option, why would they switch to it – even if it was cheaper?
On that level, Obama’s sloppy “UPS and FedEx do fine, since the USPS sucks” argument actually works out logically. UPS and FedEx are for those who can afford it, and who like the superior service. Everyone else can use the USPS and get a minimal level of service for a fair price.
So what’s all the fuss, then?
Seixon on October 8, 2009 at 8:54 PM
It’s easy to like him when he doesn’t speak up much in press conferences
Oh yeah that’s right, because he’s either not invited much OR doesn’t get called on much
Defector01 on October 8, 2009 at 8:59 PM
I admit, I still haven’t figured Shep out; I’m sure that’s how he wants it.
PaCadle on October 8, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Because the other crap in the bill (“community rating”, “guaranteed issue”, excise tax etc.) is designed to drive up private insurance premiums such that many will have no choice but to opt for the “cheaper” (ie. heavily subsidised) public option.
Ponz on October 8, 2009 at 9:05 PM
AP,
That note to Glenn Beck brings out your personal preferences. Better you focus one post everyday exclusively for bashing Beck. Don’t try putting in lines here and there.
Note – Glenn Beck is not a reporter.
antisocial on October 8, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Allah, you crack me up.
Cindy Munford on October 8, 2009 at 9:07 PM
I lost all respect when he tried to tear Joe the Plumber a new a$$hole over supporting Israel. Shep is a d-bag.
MsUnderestimated on October 8, 2009 at 9:11 PM
Allahpundit and Mother Jones….who’d a thought it.
GarandFan on October 8, 2009 at 9:14 PM
Major Garrett is very low key and always try to present the news very matter of factly. He shows some flashes of humor, but he’s pretty cautious about coming across as neutral. He actually persuaded Obama to do an interview during the campaign around the time of the Jeremiah “God Damn America” Wright flap. As the White House correspondent for Fox he undoubtedly has a lot more contact with the White House communications staff. It’s really not surprising under these circumstances that they would find him the “least worst” Fox reporter. Shep Smith isn’t really a reporter. As far as I can see he’s mainly a presenter.
Jill1066 on October 8, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Lost me right there.
Del Dolemonte on October 8, 2009 at 9:17 PM
FIFY.
HornetSting on October 8, 2009 at 9:21 PM
I would have said Shep as well, but if he is already on their team why sabotage him?
scotash on October 8, 2009 at 9:26 PM
So why not focus the laser beams on that instead? Tell the Democrats that they can have their public option – if they don’t mess with the private insurance that already exists.
Nah, that would be cooperation and constructive, we wouldn’t want that now would we.
Seixon on October 8, 2009 at 9:27 PM
Shep is a crying baby who left his cajones on an overpass in New Orleans.
Maddow is one of the handsomest men in TV
ndulik on October 8, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Man is Major gonna get a week of severe ribbing at the Fox building.
I can see Shep throwing him his brand new kneepads as he cusses him out.
Major is the favorite of the ONE.
Sapwolf on October 8, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Wow…George Stephanopoulos on Hannity…..Even Hannity made him sweat more than Bawney Fwank in a sausage factory…..
uhhh ahhh uuuuhh ahhh…must be a symptom of obama anal poisoning.
HornetSting on October 8, 2009 at 9:32 PM
I just thought he was afraid that if he criticized them they wouldn’t give him access to their staff.
paraff on October 8, 2009 at 7:57 PM
And funny how the whole tone & tenor of Bill O changed right after his Fox exclusive with The Won. It was exactly at that point that Bill started becoming an apologist for Obambi.
Archimedes on October 8, 2009 at 9:34 PM
That’s going to make Shep’s boyfriend mad!
jukin on October 8, 2009 at 9:39 PM
WHY DOES SHEP HAVE 2 SHOWS? Someone please explain. Why can’t Glenn move into the later spot that shep occupies. Leave Greta alone. I didn’t like her at first, but she kind of growns on me. I think she tries to be fair. Not geraldo, the way he treated Michelle Malkin was disgusting and he should have been kicked off then. I won’t even watch when he is on Sean’s show or Bill’s.
I don’t understand why Sean has bob beckal (?) on all the time. I won’t dignify what I think of him, nor waste my time watching.
We do need Glenn, Sean and Bill and of course the father of all, Rush. I wish they could all get along. They all contribute to the discussion.
Bambi on October 8, 2009 at 9:46 PM
You noticed that too huh…and yet…his ratings keep going up which tells me he’s growing his audience by bringing in liberals who just can’t watch CNN and MSNBC because they suck so much!
CCRWM on October 8, 2009 at 9:47 PM
I like Major, but he is not the brightest bulb.
faraway on October 8, 2009 at 10:00 PM
I’m glad Shepherd Smith is on Fox News. They need more balance in the opinion arena. Geraldo Rivera is also a moderate liberal. That being said, Fox News is a conservative channel. But then again MSNBC is a liberal channel. What’s the big deal?
Oh, and if any pundits are full of hate, they’re all on MSNBC. Ed Schultz and Keith Olbermann are by far more hateful and wild-eyed than Glenn and Hannity. Rachel Maddow needs to look at her own network.
NathanG on October 8, 2009 at 10:08 PM
“We think he is a legitimate reporter”?!?! What an incredibly arrogant comment.
LASue on October 8, 2009 at 10:09 PM
And it’s funny that the White House communications director never mentions that MSNBC isn’t an actual news network. What a f*cking hypocrite. Seriously, for all their faults, the Bush White House never called NBC, CBS, and ABC “non-news organizations.” The partisanship is showing at the current White House. Thank God for Robert Gates, Ray Lahood, etc.
NathanG on October 8, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Scherer tried but still had to insult Beck. Bias? What bias?
Just another tool. Too bad these supposed reporters don’t kknow what reporters are supposed to do.
gitarfan on October 8, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Oh come on — the White House’s favorite Fox News personality has to be Pinch on “Red Eye”.
jon1979 on October 8, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Thank you, some people just don’t seem to get that…
BeLinda on October 8, 2009 at 10:29 PM
How simple can it be? Do that ONE thing and watch.
These 535 NASA rejects couldn’t perpetrate anything simple, short, and almost immediately effective if it bit them on their collective butts.
Katfish on October 8, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Newsbusters pointed out that PBS of all networks is showing a documentary that shows that Free Markets/ Capitalism help the poor. It is on at 10p et tonight.
CWforFreedom on October 8, 2009 at 7:57 PM
REPENT! The end is near…it is the sign of the apocalypse.
Laura in Maryland on October 8, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Only there’s that pesky problem of the “public option” being unconstitutional. Nah, you wouldn’t think of considering that, being a socialist liberal and all…
2Brave2Bscared on October 8, 2009 at 11:00 PM
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