Bought and owned by Fox, Huckabee won't run
Mike Huckabee said Saturday night that he has found an "inexplicable peace" that "exceeds human understanding," and that's why he isn't going to run for the Republican nomination for president in 2012. Sure.
He made this announcement at the tail-end of his pathetic, little, corn-pone Saturday night show on Fox News in an attempt to get a bit of a ratings hit. At least, he didn't force us to listen to any of his third-rate bass guitar playing while he made the announcement.
What Huckabee found has nothing to do with "inexplicable peace" and transcendent understanding. What he found is that he doesn't want to give up the easy money he makes from Fox News for doing one of the lamest shows anywhere in prime-time television. So spare us the sanctimonious spin, please.
I am not going to go on and on about Huckabee and Fox. But the sorry spectacle of Huckabee talking his pious trash was just another debased moment in the world of GOP presidential politics thanks to the way Fox News has come to own most of the candidates. And those not bought and owned are scared to death of doing anything to offend Fox News less they don't get the free airtime. Did you see Donald Trump on Fox commenting on the announcement Saturday night? Just when you thought the hour could not get any lower rent, compromised or bizarre, along comes Trump.
I wrote about how debased I thought the relationship between LaBron James and ESPN was last year when James announced he was joining the Miami Heat in a prime-time ESPN special.
Watching the relationship between Fox and those who would be GOP presidential candidates (or not) is just as painful an experience to witness.
I know this is bad for the GOP, but I am starting to believe this is going to be bad for Fox News as well.
Go ahead, I dare you to try and find something nice to say about the moment with Donald Trump trying to be funny in commenting on the Huckabee announcement? What producer or executive at Fox thought this was a good idea?
I swear the GOP and Fox News are losing their minds simultaneously. Honestly, that had to be one of the sorriest and strangest hours of TV and politics that I have ever seen. And I have seen some very strange and stupid stuff --like H. Ross Perot in all his glory on local TV in Dallas when I had the misfortune of covering television for the Dallas Times Herald.
President Barack Obama and the folks on his re-election team must be loving it.
Categories: Cable and Network News, Fox News, TV and Politics, TV and Pop Culture, Talk Shows
Comments
Yes Z, it was really sorry and the only thing that could have been worse was if Trump would have announced he was running, I was waiting for it. Ted Nugent was the highlight, which was bad enough and I am not crazy about that song.
I am sure there will be more to say about this, but I think you are right these elections feel like they are being run by Fox.
My favorite comment in the article; "I swear the GOP and Fox News are losing their minds simultaneously".
The worst part was when Huckabee said, something like -the president needs to have his whole self devoted to the job. Not "holy", but whole-self. Well I guess, it is for the best then that he is not running.
Posted by: Sherry T. | May 14, 2011 11:07 PM
Its obvious DZ is in bed with BHO as is the rest of the Baltimore Sun. Even though Huckabee isnt my first choice for a candidate in 2012 he is still a man of God and morality , something liberals and this administration knows nothing about.. You might want to check the ratings on all the Fox shows to see where they stand up to your liberal stations, meaning all the rest .
Posted by: Mike B | May 15, 2011 9:09 AM
Now this is a fair and balanced article. Congratulations.
Posted by: nickel | May 15, 2011 10:22 AM
So, Z, now you're a mind reader? Now you know people's hearts and motivations? I must say that this was one mean-spirited piece you've done. He decided not to run. I'm glad he's not running, he's not my idea of Presidential material - but, you really made it personal. I totally get it, you have a problem with Republicans, fine, but, when a candidate decides not to run, that doesn't make you happy either - that's a toxic character flaw in book.
Somehow it's a problem if Fox News "owns" a presidential candidate (you forgot to mention that Fox News ended it's contract with Newt Gingrich), but, it's not a problem that big labor owns President Obama. Every candidate is owned by someone - whether it's Fox News, GE, or big labor - I hope you come to grips with that.
Posted by: Randy | May 15, 2011 10:37 AM
I am surprised that Huck dropped out. He had a lot of support last time and would've been a top contender.
Poll: Do you think Huck should run?
Link: http://www.wepolls.com/r/397786/Should-Huckabee-run-for-president
Posted by: Zadoc Paet | May 15, 2011 10:37 AM
Good Gawsh lordie bee!!!
President Barack Obama and the folks on his re-election team must be loving it. Z
I didn't get to watch...I had to work...sounds like from what Sherry just said that Huckabee chose to keep his "whole' self with the network who pays you to portray the conservative "fair and unbalanced" approach
. Why fundraise when you get "love offerings' from Fox....and where was "fox's mock star Palin" last night for commentary???
Posted by: Irene | May 15, 2011 10:38 AM
Hi Irene,
"Huckabee chose to keep his "whole' self with the network who pays you to portray the conservative "fair and unbalanced" approach".
I think that is what he did too. Because if he truly wanted to portray the conservative approach he would have run for nomination. I think you are right he sold out to Fox. I think the GOP had better get busy, I don't see a good candidate.
Posted by: Sherry T. | May 15, 2011 8:27 PM
he is still a man of God and morality , something liberals and this administration knows nothing about..
Riiiight. Taking orders from old men in Rome who wear pointy hats. Now thats noble!
How did we get Rome, Paul? Your logic escapes me. Rome or not, Huckabee's sanctimonious rhetoric is pathetic. Z
Posted by: Paul_D | May 16, 2011 2:52 PM