Chris Wallace Regrets Speaking Out On Obama Bashing: "I'm Not Sure I'd Do It Again"

Last Friday, "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace appeared on "Fox & Friends" and railed against the show for what he called "two hours of Obama-bashing." Almost immediately, he knew his position was unpopular, calling into host Brian Kilmeade's radio show to discuss how mad the other hosts — and Fox executives — were towards him.

In an interview with the New York Observer's Felix Gillette, Wallace goes further, admitting,

"I didn't have any second thoughts about the substance because I still believe what I said was right," said Mr. Wallace. "But after the fact, you do think to yourself--on a professional level with colleagues I very much like and respect--should I have done that off camera?"

"It's a close call," said Mr. Wallace. "I'm not sure I'd do it again."

"I know a lot of liberal critics like to snicker at the slogan 'fair and balanced,' but, in fact, we take it very seriously," he added. "My feeling is that a lot of time 'fair and balanced' means giving the conservative point of view because that doesn't get reflected in the mainstream media. In this particular case, I thought 'fair and balanced' meant giving more of an explanation of Obama's point of view."

Wallace also admitted that an unnamed Fox News executive sent him an email after the "Fox & Friends" appearance to say, "isn't this the kind of thing we should be talking about off camera, not on camera?"

Friday's episode of "Fox & Friends" was a chaotic one, with co-host Brian Kilmeade also walking off set after a frustrating conversation with his fellow hosts over Obama's grandmother's "typical white person" remarks. The hosts later claimed the walk-off stunt was a joke.

Comments

[honesthonest]

There's the Chris I know and "love". I was shocked last week. Fox has an evil racist, sexist agenda everyone must kowtow to the belief system or else. Oh well.

[bessie1]

He likes and respects his colleagues on Fox & Friends? Is that a joke too?

[olivia]

test - why do i have to Reply to post a comment?

[Casanavelaw]

He likes and respects his paycheck.

[LivingStardust]

Chris Wallace: Former journalist . . . presently a corporate toady. You know what they say about the man who will stand for nothing. Enjoy cashing your checks, Chris! They must be pretty good to get you to roll over for Rupert like a lap dog.