Two days after Tucker Carlson and Fox News, "parted ways," there is only one thing we all can agree on. It is our man Tuck got his ass fired. Yes, that it happened is not in question. Why it happened is.
Everyone has a theory, but only the brain trust, as it is, at Fox and Mr. Carlson know for sure. However, given the nature of both parties involved it is doubtful even they will have the same answer once they tell their versions of the events, if they ever do.
Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin said he felt it was because Fox News was going to come clean. That Rupert Murdoch and the rest had decided to admit they had been lying about not just the whole election fraud nonsense, but everything that had ever been broadcast on Fox. And, honestly, they couldn't do it with Carlson on board. The congressman wasn't clear on what had caused this fantastic epiphany, although he did mention having to pay out $787 million to the Dominion voting machine people had provided some incentive.
Bill O'Reilly was more of a realist. He believed Carlson was let go because he was an integral cog in not only the Dominion debacle, but also two pending legal actions. The Smartmatic voting systems suit, which is looking to tag Fox for $2 plus billion is one. The other is a suit being brought by ex Carlson producer, Abby Grossberg. She claims her former boss is a misogynistic ass who verbally and professionally abuses women on a regular basis just because, well, he likes to.
O'Reilly might know of what he speaks. Inappropriate behavior around women is what cost wild Bill his job, Such odious behavior even brought down the former Grand Poohbah of Fox,, Roger Ailes. Apparently Rupert Murdoch will let you say any kind of vile, conspiratorial, bullshit you want on the air, but behind the scenes you had to at least have a modicum of respect for women.
Or not.
One theory out of Vanity Fair emerged today. It says Murdoch was, not only, "freaked out," by a recent Carlson speech which urged hard core right wingers to pray for the country, but was pissed because his ex girlfriend Ann, Leslie Smith was a huge Carlson fan. That's right, Vanity Fair is reporting Tucker Carlson might have been fired by Rupe, just because he wanted to make sure his ex-squeeze couldn't watch her favorite TV show.
While the romantic in me wants to believe Vanity Fair the real answer is probably a little more complicated than petty revenge.
No Tuck's foul attitude toward Fox CEO, Suzanne Scott is probably closer to the real reason. According to different sources in emails uncovered by the Dominion lawyers Carlson labeled Scott with a word that starts with C and rhymes with runt.
Now, as an aside, for those of you who might not have the benefit of spending seven plus decades on the planet I can assure you of one thing. If you call a woman a bitch, a whore, a slut, or some other derogatory term they will get mad. But, and listen carefully, if you call a woman the C word she will go, what is politely referred to as, apoplectic. So much so weapons and potential weapons must be stored in safe and preferably secret locations. And trust me, if you are stupid enough to call a woman that word right before you go to sleep, you are doomed.
That Tucker Carlson thought, for even a second, he could call his boss that word and get away with it speaks to an arrogance that dwarfs even Donald John Trump's. In fact Carlson's ego was so off the rails one report describes him as angry that the word was redacted when the emails were released to the public. That he lasted as long as he did is a testament to either his power at Fox, or Scott's total detachment from her employees
Of course there is another, far simpler answer to the Tucker Carlson conundrum. One report tells us his $10 million per year contract was running out and it was time for he and Fox to negotiate a new one. Perhaps getting rid of their most popular host wasn't anything more than a cost cutting measure for the network. After all, they had just paid out $287 million and God only knows how much more in legal fees alone is getting ready to come due. Given such circumstances laying off half the custodial staff isn't going to make a dent in the cash expenditures. Getting rid of your most expensive talent, who also happens to be a major asshole and a legal liability, has to seem like a viable option. Especially to those who count the beans
Whatever the case, we are finally rid of this reprehensible rube. And even thought there is no doubt he will re-emerge at some point. (the state run Russia Today network has already offered him a spot and former senator, Claire McCaskill thinks he will run for president), we can at least enjoy his absence for now.
With that in mind, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to tell you, the first round is on me.
4-26-23
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