Clinton's Wolfson To Fox News (Joins Lanny Davis)
Howard Wolfson, Hillary Clinton's spokesperson since her first Senate race, is moving over to Fox, following the appalling Lanny Davis.
Definitely a good move for Fox as it tries to appear not to be a non-stop Obama bashing machine during the fall. Davis, who makes Alan Dershowitz seem appealing, in no way enhances its creds. But Wolfson is solid.
So why would he do this. "I thought that Fox's coverage during the primary was comprehensive and fair and evenhanded," he said. Karl Rove is delighted. "The guy is very smart. [Wolfson] strikes me as a very able guy and surprisingly pleasant and amiable."
Oh well. Everybody has to make a buck. But tell me. Had the nomination fight ended with a Clinton win, would Bill Burton (Wolfson's counterpart) have ended up at Fox? Would any Obama lieutenants?
Not a chance. MSNBC maybe. Fox never.
Congratulations go to Roger Ailes and Rupert Murdoch. And to Karl Rove too.
The silver lining. Howard will make a strong case for Obama on Fox which can only be good for Democrats. Lanny Davis couldn't do that because he comes off purely as an operator while Wolfson is a Democrat with Democratic convictions. So although this is a win for Fox, it's not a loss for Democrats.
Comments (6)
Interesting take, MJ. We'll see. I'm willing to give him a shot. But when I watch the formerly respectable Mara Liasson and Juan Williams speak, I gotta think that Fox Execs pressure and cajole to form the opinions of their talking heads. We'll see if Wolfson is tough enough to withstand the FoxNewsroom's "culture."
July 8, 2008 8:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
MJ,
"I thought that Fox's coverage during the primary was comprehensive and fair and evenhanded," he said"
If FOX is/was ever "comprehensive, fair and even handed" it wouldn't be FOX. Democrats hired by Ailes know their place and I'm sure they were told this during their interview with FOX execs.
Wolfson knows who will sign his paycheck and he also knows the limits he must work under if he wants to keep earning that paycheck.
July 8, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is interesting. Very strange, but interesting. Since I never watch FOX, have they had members of PUMA, Clintons4McCain or others of same ilk on their programs recently? Curious.
July 8, 2008 10:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
All he has to do is sell advertising. Shouldn't be that difficult.
July 8, 2008 11:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
dun.dun.da...dun....
IT'S THE GIRLS GONE WOLFSON SHOW...WITH YOUR HOST...HOWARD WOLFSON.....yeah...wooo...wooo...clap.
Yawn.........
July 8, 2008 11:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
this... is... excellent... news... for... hillary!
July 8, 2008 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink