Bret Baier Opens Up About Son: "He's A Miracle"

Fox News' "Special Report" host Bret Baier is featured in this week's issue of People magazine, with an article about his 1-year-old son Paul, who had to undergo two open-heart surgeries to correct a hole in his heart and other coronary issues.

"It was the highest of highs to the lowest of lows," Baier tells People, on learning of his son's heart troubles on the day he was born.

The article reveals that President Bush called Baier's family on the day of Paul's first surgery, and that the late White House Press Secretary Tony Snow (an ex-Fox Newser himself) would email every day. Baier served as White House Correspondent for Fox News before assuming duties as the host of "Special Report."

Baier tells People that working through his son's difficult year was "extremely hard."

"I had to focus on the story of the day but kept drifting back to the image of Paul hooked up to all the machines," he said. "He's reminded us how fragile life really is."

Paul will undergo two more surgeries within the next ten years. For more, pick up a copy of this week's People magazine.

Over Thanksgiving, Baier told the Huffington Post that he was thankful for his son's health:

I am thankful for a healthy and active 17 month old son who just today tipped over a vase, a crystal candlestick and a picture frame; who threw his cereal bowl on the floor and wiped jelly from his English muffin on the rug; who said "no!" dozens of times with a smile on his face as he tried to take down a painting on the wall. He also ran to me when I was leaving for work yelling 'Dada!' at the top of his lungs -- I am grateful for all of it

Comments

[PC0207]

What a cutie! I wish him and his family well!

[Lemmy]

Great anchor, great guy.

[bigbingtheory]

I am happy the little boy happened to be born to someone who could afford treatment. A poorer child would be dead.

[erichnorse]

Mr. Baier is the most professional and balanced anchor in Fox, sorry Shep. I recently caught Hannity and Baier talking with a panel in their respective shows about the same issue, with Hannity was a circus and with Baier it was a fair and constructive discussion about the issue, it real put in perspective.

Best wishes to Mr. Baier and all his family.

[AngieMom57]

The confusion and uncertainty that comes when our children are ailing is beyond discription.

[Lupin77]

I will pray for you and your son and the family. God Bless.

[baddadd47]

I was born with a hole in my heart back in 1968 when I was 7 I had a heart attack because they waited back then until you were 8 to give you a better chance, I am so glad for the advances we have now so kids dont have to suffer as I did, but in the ned I would haave to say it makes me appreciate my beautiful wife and beautiful daughters and has taught me to cherish life for how ever long you have it. I could get SSi for life if I wanted but I never have.

I wish Bret and his family nothing but the best and the little guy looks like a fighter.

[simplify]

President Bush but not President Obama???

[ladylove114]

I don't think President Obama was PRESIDENT Obama when the child had his first surgery. He is a cute, cute little boy. Hope he continues to do well.

[thaneb]

Tony Snow died in early July 2008, remember?

[ChicagoSuz]

My daughter was also born with a hole in a heart so I know how scary that is to hear. I will keep your family & little Paul in my thoughts and prayers, knowing that he will make a full and complete recovery!!

[cloudminder]

I like Bret - was hoping and glad he took over for Brit

I hope things go well with the next round of surgeries and long healthy life.

but I also hope that Bret thinks about the folks who don't have access to quality health care
and covers that issue on a regular basis.

[LoganL]

Bret Baier is probably the most professional and respectable man in journalism right now. Thank God for him and Fox News, or else who knows where this country would be headed.

Best wishes for him and his family!

[noudidnt]

Puhleez

He's a rightwing shill, which is why President Bush called him.

[Bystander]

Do you watch him on Fox?

[atlantajoe]

Bush called about his son, did you not read the story!

[TXnative]

God Bless the the Baier's family. Fox News Rocks

[readreza]

I'm sure this is a great guy and I certainly wish only the best for his family and baby... it's just too bad he works for the lies-and-spin-only news network.

Logan and that guy from Texas are among that tiny minority who still think bushrepublicans did a good job, and that fox news is anything but a cadre of liars.

[swanie]

Why is there NO MENTION of his wife? Does he have one?
.

[ESerafina42]

He's a right-winger - women are irrelevant.

[atlantajoe]

They are not irrelevant. They cook and clean and give it up a couple times a week.

[scorpioleidy]

Best wishes to Mr. Baier and his family. Bret is the only "fair and balanced" person on all of Faux/Fixed/Fake Noise/News .................

[Onyx335]

"I am thankful for a healthy and active 17 month old son who just today tipped over a vase, a crystal candlestick and a picture frame; who threw his cereal bowl on the floor and wiped jelly from his English muffin on the rug; who said "no!" dozens of times with a smile on his face as he tried to take down a painting on the wall. He also ran to me when I was leaving for work yelling 'Dada!' at the top of his lungs -- I am grateful for all of it"

I pray for the continued health of Mr. Baier's son. I too am grateful for all of the things my 18 month does as well.

It brought tears to my eyes

[Melissa]

He is probably the nicest and most professional newsman on Fox. I pray for that lovely little boy's complete recovery.