But when McInerney said it on Thursday morning on Fox Business — while attempting to justify the use of torture methods — there was no push-back or reaction from host Charles Payne. “Sir, thank you very much,” Payne said a few seconds afterward. The outrageous comment quickly spread across social media, thanks in large part to liberal critics of Fox. Within hours, Payne issued an apology, asserting that he didn’t hear what McInerney said because a producer was talking in his ear at the same time. Payne apologized via Twitter and on TV. But I haven’t been able to reach McInerney, and haven’t seen him issue a response…

McInerney’s contributor deal with Fox ended last year. A Fox spokeswoman tells me he will no longer be invited on Fox Business or Fox News as a guest…