Video: Shep Smith apologizes for Fox’s lack of balance
posted at 9:26 pm on October 27, 2009 by Allahpundit
Did anyone see this live? HuffPo and Weasel Zippers picked it up but I’m having a hard time believing the video edit didn’t omit some important detail. Is this really how it happened? If so, what exactly is Shep’s problem? Does “fair and balanced” now mean interviewing both candidates at the same time? If Carl Cameron nabs an interview with Harry Reid about the public option, I’m pretty sure he’s not required to go sprinting down the hall to make sure he gets some comment from Mitch McConnell before the bit airs. And given the left’s demagoguery of Fox, how do we know that Corzine isn’t boycotting the channel altogether? Are Republicans now personae non grata if their Democratic counterparts unilaterally decide that FNC isn’t worth their time? What’s this about, seriously?
Blowback
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Shep was being sarcastic, because Corzine wouldn’t grant Fox an interview…
Priscilla on October 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Shep is very sensitive to the attacks against FOX being right-wing and sometimes overcompensates.
RobCon on October 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM
I third it
kscheuller on October 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Him trying to be sarcastic makes a lot more sense than the other scenario. But if that’s true, he both took a shot at his reporter and failed miserably at his attempt at humor.
BadgerHawk on October 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Heh heh he, well that idea certainly gets my vote, unlike most people here I actually like Shep, but if the choice is him or SE Cupp, we’ll then it sucks to be Shep….
doriangrey on October 27, 2009 at 9:58 PM
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/dsmithmug1.html
joedoe on October 27, 2009 at 9:54 PM
joedoe: Over a parking space,I did not know that!
canopfor on October 27, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Hmmmmmmmm, I’m willing to consider that’s the case.
KittyLowrey on October 27, 2009 at 9:59 PM
His humor can be a little dry sometimes, if not sharp. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that it didn’t come across to some exactly like what he intended. Seems very unlikey he’d ever want to give up a his ‘semi-prime-time’ spot at FOX for a job at CNN… but I could be wrong
wubu on October 27, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Shep should return to that I-10 overpass he broadcast from after Katrina. Only this time carrying a sign saying “Will Distort and Exaggerate for Food”.
His hyperbolic “reporting” after Katrina is a disgrace to Fox News, Broadcast Journalism, and the truth. I haven’t watched Shepard Smith since.
DeathB4Tyranny on October 27, 2009 at 10:01 PM
This was an attempt at being sarcastic. Wasn’t delivered very well, but I thought it was funny. Took a stab at both Corzine and FOX haters.
uknowmorethanme on October 27, 2009 at 10:01 PM
First Shep’s sissy fit about water boarding Khalid Sheik Mohammed in Gitmo and now this. Methinks it’s time for Fox to bust out the laugh track machine.
miles on October 27, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Agreed. He’s the weakest link in the lineup; he’s a poor journalist and a weepy drama queen, and he just snapped it off in the tail of his own reporter — live and unscripted and apparently in ambush.
He will go to PMSNBC and be celebrated for speaking truth to power, and then be fired when GE finally unloads that steaming pile of manure, or go to CNN and rot in the ratings basement before ending up as the 5pm anchor in Sausalito for the twilight of his indifferent career, abusing the weathergirl and the valets at the local Greek restaurant with screaming tantrums, a la Mike Wallace: “Do you know who I am? I used to make more money in a weekend in New Orleans than you make in two years!”
Jaibones on October 27, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Shep and Cameron had a little too much joy talking about Palin in a towel. That did it for me. Now I would rather watch paint peel.
joedoe on October 27, 2009 at 10:03 PM
A logical and reasonable guess. You obviously know nothing about Shep Smith.
Jaibones on October 27, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Nope, sorry, the only thing that was sarcastic was when he asked the reporter when she would be talking to Corzine. He was ticked.
Shep usually drives me crazy as well, but with this splice you can’t tell how long the candidate went on or what he said. If he just did talking points or slam his opponent….. I don’t know. I would like to give all a benefit of the doubt but not sure…….. love to see the entire thing.
JeffinOrlando on October 27, 2009 at 10:04 PM
I guess Shep didn’t watch this…
Seven Percent Solution on October 27, 2009 at 10:04 PM
We all know that when Fox News fires Shep…he’s going to sing like a bird.
Oh well.
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Shep will be gone next year when his contract runs out.
d1carter on October 27, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I’m all for that! S.E. got legs ~~~
joedoe on October 27, 2009 at 10:06 PM
I watched it on the air, and the thought of it being an actual apology did not even cross my mind until I saw this post.
To me his comment poked fun at the point of every question Allahpundit asked.
uknowmorethanme on October 27, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I saw it in real time.
Shep asked for the opposing view. When told there was none, he implied with sincerity that, if he had known sooner, he’d have just as soon skipped the segment.
It was simple, matter of fact, with no sarcasm but a with a little swipe that someone had dropped the ball and he wasn’t any too pleased.
marybel on October 27, 2009 at 10:07 PM
That was total sarcasm. Of course they contacted Corzine. It’s the Dems who are boycotting Fox.
John the Libertarian on October 27, 2009 at 10:08 PM
You think Christie gets ANY airtime on the other shows?
John the Libertarian on October 27, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Not buying it…Shep is a cheeseball…he’s a lib…this is in character…face it.
AUINSC on October 27, 2009 at 10:11 PM
I also believe Shep was being sarcastic but, after the scene he put on in New Orleans during Katrina, you just never know for sure.
Corzine is your typical Democrats weaned on the politics of personal destruction when he was in the Senate, so I’m sure he’s avoiding going on Fox.
bflat879 on October 27, 2009 at 10:13 PM
I will never forget when Shep made it seem like Bush was going to attack Iran. It truly seemed like he thought we were going to war with Iran. He was hysterical.
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 10:14 PM
It’s time for Beck to air during Sheps time slot. I’d love to watch Beck but I don’t get home in time from work. Maybe Shep should direct his anger at the ones who are banning FOXNEWS.
indy8 on October 27, 2009 at 10:14 PM
What did he do during Katrina?
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 10:14 PM
I fourth it.
darii on October 27, 2009 at 10:14 PM
I don’t buy it either, he meant it…. He is a HUGE liberal. I can still hear him whining at the top of his lungs in New Orleans. I also remember a couple of months ago when he said, live and on the air, that “this country doesn’t f-ing torture!”. The fact that he is on the air on Fox News proves that Fox really is “Fair and Balanced”…..
ultracon on October 27, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I’m not going to go there. It’s just too easy….
nazo311 on October 27, 2009 at 10:15 PM
As much as I detest that miserable liberal, I think he was being sarcastic. Maybe not, but either way, our blogging about it will bring about an explanation.
csdeven on October 27, 2009 at 10:15 PM
From an old Ace of Spades post
darii on October 27, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Saw it live and took it as sarcasm
tehd on October 27, 2009 at 10:16 PM
And slammed the desk. That was the episode that made me start turning the tv completely off when his shows air.
KittyLowrey on October 27, 2009 at 10:16 PM
He attacked his own reporter??? By doing so he just attacked Fox. He said pretty much implied Fox isn’t balanced without his control. Nothing like giving your competitors ammo.
JellyToast on October 27, 2009 at 10:17 PM
When Shep comes on… I usualy turn it over to the Fox business network…
He’s a leftist loon who is the LEAST balanced person on fox… he argues HIS agenda constantly with guests.
Romeo13 on October 27, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Quick question…does this youtube clip accurately reflect what happened…do you see any edits?
AUINSC on October 27, 2009 at 10:17 PM
However there is no one and I mean no one that can carry a live fast paced news story like Shep. He is funny, quick on his feet and keeps the viewer on edge. The guys is good at just reporting the news….
flash044 on October 27, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Time to be moving Shep over to another timeslot.
Shep feels like he has too much power and he is dissing his own company. Hey, he must have gotten that from Obama-too much power and dissing his own country.
texasconserv on October 27, 2009 at 10:18 PM
That was dripping with sarcasm. Maybe it was Shep’s “Tweak of the Day.”
Johnson on October 27, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Notice what Shep started off with . . . which is NOT balanced, or accurate:
Now, look at the most recent polls:
Rasmussen Poll: Republican Christie + 3
Christie 46%; Corzine 43%, Daggett 7%
It was a gain of an additional point by the Republican, Chris Cristie over Corzine from just one week ago, and with the Independent candidate (Daggett) now fading. So, it looks like it is breaking for Christie.
Public Policy Poll (A Democrat pollster): Republican Christie + 4
Christie 42%; Corzine 38%, Daggett 13%
It was a gain of 3 points for Christie from their poll of two weeks ago: 40% — 39% — 13%.
They claim the “break” of the independents could favor Corzine. Every other credible poll that has measured “second choices” favors Christie, not Corzine. And Public Policy Poll continues to show upside-down negatives for Jon Corzine.
It has been reported that the poll finds that, among Independents:
Finally, the Quinnipaic will be released tomorrow morning. Their poll from two weeks ago was a dead heat, very similar to the Public Policy Poll: 41%, 40%, 14%.
In other words, Shepard Smith is full of it!!
Trochilus on October 27, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I always change the channel when Shep is on.
Winebabe on October 27, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Put Beck on at 7 pm. One less hour of Shep would be a good thing.
huckleberryfriend on October 27, 2009 at 10:20 PM
If that’s what he said without having been edited, Shep is very full of himself, isn’t he? If he was in charge it would have been more balanced! If I was in charge old Shep would be looking for another job.
Hobbes on October 27, 2009 at 10:20 PM
The boys at club a go-go must be giving him heat.
Poor baby.
The Ugly American on October 27, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Good god! No wonder you voted for Obama.
AUINSC on October 27, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Cupp is pretty, but google images says she’s a huck lover–so, she’s out
urbancenturion on October 27, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Shep Smith is a flaming liberal and gets angry when the bit’s don’t lean left!
Hal-9000 on October 27, 2009 at 10:23 PM
But, but, but – he gives great car chase…actually, I did see the episode and it was sarc as only he can do it – leaves you wondering if he was really serious. I love his humor when it’s humor, it’s when he’s standing on bridges and screeming about something or other that I get irritated. Shouting an obscenity about torture deminished the severity of the claim. Outrage, for the sake of outrage, can sometimes end up looking silly.
24K lady on October 27, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I don’t mind at all that Fox News has liberals. However, when he is hysterical I don’t like it. For a moment I really thought we were going to war with Iran that one time because Shep was so hysterical until I looked online and got some perspective. He’s also attacking his network…that doesn’t seem good.
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 10:26 PM
How unfortunate to have the fist name as Sh*t. Bye Smith.
Coronagold on October 27, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Shep is an angry pantywaist. Go back to Feathers and have another, Sheppie.
bill30097 on October 27, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Christie was interviewed on the FOX morning shows today and it was said that Gov. Corzine was invited and declined to appear, I’m guessing Corzine pulled the same stunt later in the day as well. Perhaps Shep should watch more of his own network programming.
Shep is getting more and more snarky and it’s not something he does well. It makes him look almost as petty and whiney as the bunch in the White House.
SassyDarlin on October 27, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Here is the episode I was talking about.
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 10:30 PM
A must see…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzV8wrnLfS4
sibobr on October 27, 2009 at 10:35 PM
I took it as sarcasm. He makes me furious with his global warming garbage.
And he has been married I’ve read, and divorced.
Marcus on October 27, 2009 at 10:36 PM
“What’s this about, seriously?”
This is “about” that Shep is an idiot. He has occasional moments of lucidity, but only when he is reading from the script.
An Obama clone. All talk and no action.
notagool on October 27, 2009 at 10:38 PM
that reporter is one smoking hot lady.
ousoonerfan15 on October 27, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Shep Smith is an embarrassement. Get this clown off the FNC.
Norwegian on October 27, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Wait so… it’s Fox’s fault that liberals are too scared to appear on Fox? That would be called “poisoning the well” and liberals do it all the time when they bash FOx.
I’m surprised a host on Fox would do it to himself. That’s just stupid.
Dr B on October 27, 2009 at 10:45 PM
He has been really angry lately. I wonder if he has some inside info that he’s not going to be on-air much longer, therefore, he’s acting out.
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 10:46 PM
I change the channel when shep is on, to Lou Dobbs. Can’t stand to listen to him. Lou is pretty fair. I wish they would give Glenn his 2nd hour. Why does he have 2 hours anyway? What is his viewership numbers? It sounds like he belongs with obermaniac.
Bambi on October 27, 2009 at 10:47 PM
I just watched the video and thought it was the funniest, snarkiest thing I’ve watched today. Aw, darn, can’t find any left-wingnut-job liberal hippiecrats to give me their point of view. Oh well, I tried…
Sometimes this Obamacle is so disgusting that the only way not to spend time cursing or spewing is by a frequent dose of humor, especially snarky humor.
gobblemom on October 27, 2009 at 10:49 PM
I wish Geraldo would go back to searching for Al Capone’s secret vault, and take Shlep with him as his associate producer, or a$$ prod for short.
Goldy1 on October 27, 2009 at 10:50 PM
News1News, the YouTube channel that posted that clip, is a Media Matters/Center For American Progress sympathizer, at minimum. They and PoliticsNewsPolitics are the two most notorious of this genre, but they are far from alone on YouTube.
That being the case, all of their clips should be understood as containing the least-favorable-towards-conservatives editing, titling, etc. I didn’t see the cut live, but if there is any way in which N1N could make this appear worse than it was, than that is surely what they have done. That’s the game.
The stunt here, of course — and it dovetails with the Valerie Jarrett clip from CNN posted earlier — is to play divide and conquer with FOX News and Obama’s War On FOX continues.
Thus, Shep gets to play a kind of Frum-like role as he is used against FOX the way Frum is used against other conservatives. Simple tactics, standard.
Caveat spectator — let the viewer beware — when dealing with the YouTube channels I mentioned. They are hack, and bear all the markings of a Media Matters outfit.
Paul F. Villarreal
Conservative New Media
PhoenixUniversal on October 27, 2009 at 10:50 PM
That’s awesome And way more true than Shepper will admit.
My TV and cable box are set to go off at 7:00 just in case I’m doing something and can’t get to them.
The Shepster’s only example of high journalism is when he flubbed “Jenny From The Block” and made me laugh. Goggle it. ha!
Branch Rickey on October 27, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Shep should apologize the lack of balance in his rantings against global warming “deniers”.
edgehead on October 27, 2009 at 10:56 PM
I was about to defend myself, then I thought maybe that’s your “tweak of the day.”
Or you were serious and have no sense of humor.
Johnson on October 27, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Man, I guess I’m the contrarian today. I totally get where Shep was coming from–he was asking her about the NJ election and then: “Hey, I happen to be with the super-great Republican nominee who would love to go through some of his campaign talking points if you don’t mind…” He obviously wasn’t told he was walking into a promo for Chris Christie and he felt cheap for doing it. I understand his reaction, he doesn’t want to be used as a prop for the GOP.
karlant on October 27, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Benefit of the doubt, huh? I’m pretty good at doing that sometimes, but not this time. I think he was serious as butt warts. And he dissed the reporter as well. Jerk.
noworldcitizen on October 27, 2009 at 10:59 PM
In this clip they don’t show the interview with Christie. If she did a softball interview and gave it way more time than it deserved than I can understand your point.
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 11:03 PM
I saw this live which is unusual because I rarely watch Sheephumper Smiff, but that’s how it went down. Sheepdip belongs on PMSNBC.
nelsonknows on October 27, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Totally disagree. Shep is a whiny bitch, as we all know.
With Shep, the flop to counterintuitive sarcasm makes less sense.
I won’t say that it isn’t possible, and maybe that was his goal.
To me, he failed magnificently.
Jaibones on October 27, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Tweak of the day? Didn’t you get the sarcasm?
AUINSC on October 27, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Start changing the channel when Sheepmolester Smiff and jerry Rivers are on and MAYBE Fox will get the messaage.
nelsonknows on October 27, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Maybe he was apologizing for declaring the Democrat the winner before the election.
Ronnie on October 27, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Shep is unbalanced. Showed that during Katrina. That’s when I checked out.
sheesh on October 27, 2009 at 11:15 PM
This is obvious sarcasm from Shep.
Especially since Shannon had said they put in multiple requests to Corzine for an interview, but they had yet to hear back from him.
If she had said “We didn’t even ask him for an interview” then you could think it wasn’t sarcasm.
JaqobJackson on October 27, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Yeah, I didn’t see the interview either–I’m assuming it was a softball interview and he was understandably pissed that his show quickly turned into free airtime for Chris Christie propaganda.
karlant on October 27, 2009 at 11:16 PM
True dat. He’s whining about being “fair and balanced” but before the interview he practically declares Corzine the winner.
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 11:16 PM
However, if Corzine turned down an interview…what other option do they have though? Why pass up doing an interview with someone who is running for Governor? It seems somewhat silly. I guess they could make sure they ask Christie difficult questions…but that is NOT what is whining about. He’s whining about even having him on air at all.
terryannonline on October 27, 2009 at 11:19 PM
That makes no sense…but keep going with it.
AUINSC on October 27, 2009 at 11:20 PM
I think dear Shep is unbalanced.
faraway on October 27, 2009 at 11:21 PM
WOW!,..So shep has the inside scoop on Corzine ?!?!
He said it”If HE would have had control”
DO TELL!!
christene on October 27, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Lol.
It’s called sarcasm, people. Come on, this was actually pretty good!
You-Eh-Vee on October 27, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Fair enough. I am going on the video clip and Shep’s history of histrionics and liberalism. Maybe the real story is that nearly everyone who comments here assumes the worst about him.
Jaibones on October 27, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Clue us in…what was the tip-off?
AUINSC on October 27, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Dump that douche.
ronsfi on October 27, 2009 at 11:44 PM
ditto….
cmsinaz on October 27, 2009 at 11:46 PM
It is really making me ill to my stomach to read some of you attacking Shep for him being so upset while reporting the Katrina thing.
Like many of you, I of course wished that so many of those people would have been more self reliant, etc. and not been crying for the government.
HOWEVER, maybe it’s because I’m from the Gulf Coast and consider everyone in New Orleans, black or white, to be “my people”, but it angered me to no end to see those people dying in the streets. That whole region is our “home” basically. No doubt as a Mississippian, Shep felt the same way.
Some of y’alls intense hatred for Shep because of his Katrina comments are really disturbing.
SillyRyno on October 27, 2009 at 11:48 PM
I agree with you. I’ve watched him long enough to see that he was being a wise guy. Still wish Fox would put Beck in Shep’s time slot.
yoda on October 27, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Shep is the eye candy of FoxNews for the foxnews lady fans. Yummmm, mmmm mmmmm mmmmm :)
karenhasfreedom on October 27, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Dude…he spouted Dem talking points through that whole thing…being upset is one thing…bashing while giving Nagan and Blanco is quite another. But there is no doubt about his personal politics…they shine through all the time.
That you agree with his politics…well fine…’SillyRyno’…not that nobody could have guessed.
AUINSC on October 28, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Shep…I don’t know, man. You’re not pretty enough to be so dumb and get away with it.
Dr. ZhivBlago on October 28, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Shep has had a lot of questionable moments and I have reasons for high dugeon for him…………….but this sounds like a broadcast “moment.”
To me, it sounds like he was expecting both candidates to be up for the piece via his producers……..and then at the moment it happened it didn’t materialize.
I don’t there’s much to it honestly…
JoeinTX on October 28, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Still say Beck should be a two hour program, move Baier’s program an hour later, and remove the extra hour of Lefty Shep. He’s a talented anchor but his leftist bias is starting to bleed into his work constantly. If anyone at Fox could be accused of blurring the line between a news program and an opinion show it’s Shep. What the hell was that angry tirade defending the public option. He doesn’t host an opinion show. Truly sickening. Think it’s just bias or is there a big load of jealousy too?
chicagojedi on October 28, 2009 at 12:08 AM
No, just give the show to Tapper and let Shemp get balanced elsewhere.
Laura in Maryland on October 28, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Ever since Shep dogged Joe the Plumber last summer I have not watched him.
He’s a wolf in shep’s clothing.
Ha.
FireBlogger on October 28, 2009 at 12:18 AM
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