Newt Gingrich's Fox News contract was suspended Tuesday because he’s reportedly in serious contention to be named as Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate. Fox gave Gingrich an infomercial going-away present when the news was announced. One day later, Fox host Sean Hannity has reportedly flown Gingrich to a meeting with Trump, presumably to help his chances in the veepstakes.
it's not clear to me, from CNN's report, whether Hannity arranged for the plane, paid for the plane or both. Nor was it clear whether the plane belonged to Hannity, who likes to hold himself up as a "regular Joe" type.
From CNN's reporting:
A Fox News spokesperson replied to initial inquiries regarding the flight, but did not respond when asked if Hannity had paid for or arranged the flight. Gingrich did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
CNN also noted that Hannity tweeted a defense for his actions, saying that Gingrich has been a "long term, very dear friend of mine and is a private citizen. Whatever favors I do for my friends is my business."
Sorry, Sean, but when a cable news host inserts himself into the selection of the second most powerful man in U.S. public office, that's everybody's business.
And then there's Fox News' role in this to consider. As Dylan Byers wrote in CNN's Reliable Sources newsletter last night:
Does it matter? It should, but it won't. Hannity has long claimed that the usual rules of journalistic ethics don't apply to him because he's a pundit: "I'm not a journalist, I'm a talk show host," he has said. Fine, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a prime time host on the country's most-watched cable news network and wields a great deal of influence. So it says a fair deal about Fox News that they don't seem to mind him footing the bill for the former Speaker...
But Hannity's efforts may have been in vain. Although he has said he "wouldn't be happy with anyone but Newt" in the VP slot, The New York Times has reported that Trump has signaled to the GOP he has chosen Indiana governor Mike Pence for the VP slot. However, The Times also notes that Trump could change his mind before his formal announcement tomorrow.
For the record, when Gingrich appeared on Hannity last night, I thought he also signaled that Pence would get the nod.
But neither Gingrich nor Hannity mentioned his role in helping Gingrich.
Watch Gingrich talk up Pence below, from the July 13 Hannity.
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We hear news that Trumpster has chosen Indiana Gov. Mike Pence over The Newt, despite Hannocchio’s pleas to choose The Newt.
The Express says Hannocchio is losing influence among his friends and associates. They know he’s dumb as a box of rocks on Long Island, but they use him because he gives them free publicity on his radio and television shows.
All those invites to speak at various events equals free publicity on radio and television for those organizations. Hannocchio is not a great speaker, and we can hear the snickers from people when he speaks.
Hannocchio is a fool if he thinks Trumpster cares about his opinions. Trumpster only cares about Trumpster, and getting free publicity on Fox “News.”
Take away Hannocchio’s shows and all of his friends and associates would drop him like hot coals. Trumpster’s calls to him would cease.
NOTE TO HANNITY
It’s no secret. Your peers can’t stand you. They smile in your face, and talk behind your back all the time. People who you thought were friends. To choose Savage, of all people, over you says a lot about your so-call friends and peers.
