Elisabeth Hasselbeck says she is leaving Fox News to spend more time with her family.
The Hollywood Reporter printed Hasselbeck's announcement:
"Oftentimes, the most difficult decisions are between two great things," she said in a statement. "Throughout my 14 years working in television, I have never experienced a more positive and thoughtful atmosphere than Fox News Channel, thanks to the strong leadership of [Fox News Chairman & CEO] Roger Ailes, who has created the best working environment a woman and mother could ask for. His understanding, compassion, and kindness was exemplified when I shared with him that I am entering into a season where I want to start my day with my children first, and he offered his blessing to do so. With a heart full of gratitude and the peace that God has given me, I am confident that this personal decision is the right one for our family, and we will be joining all of you watching Fox & Friends each morning as we get ready for school together."
Although many media reports highlight how Hasselbeck is stepping down as a Fox & Friends cohost, there's no indication she'll be at the network at all. THR also has this statement from Fox chairman and CEO Roger Ailes:
"Elisabeth and I discussed this at length over several weeks, and while I would love for her to continue here, I respect her incredibly difficult, yet deeply personal decision," added Ailes. "She has been a great addition to the Fox & Friends franchise."
While I have no idea whether this stereotypically bogus reason for leaving is actually the reason Hasselbeck is leaving, I'll just note that I predicted when she started as cohost that Hasselbeck would not be happy in her role. In any event, while I certainly wish her well, I can't say I'll miss her at all.
My guess as to who takes her place is the blonde FOXbot Anna Kooiman. She seems to have no problem regurgitating the right-wing talking points (even if they are lies), bashes Obama with gleeful abandon and crosses her legs often enough to keep the male viewers hoping for an upskirt shot. She lets the guys on the curvy couch run the show so Daddy Douchey and Kilmeade would probably approve. She’s been putting in her time a weekend F&F host and no doubt hopes to move on up in the world of FOX “news”. Of course, if Ailes wanted to take the F&F’s vitriol and hate up a notch, he could always move Andrea Tantaros into the empty spot. LOL!
Nixon Trainee Ailes needs to go, and he can take that sorry clown Shine with him.
Other than that, the only thing she even ranks is that I might be willing to say she’s the second dumbest woman, after Tantaros. Seemed like it was always a close race with those two.
Nice preemptive strike, Liz — usually, that’s the standard phrase AFTER the embarrassing scandal has broken; you’re saying it before, that’s smart.
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