Does Fox News HQ have one of those calendars showing how many days have passed since their last work-related injury? If so, it probably got reset to zero last Tuesday after two of their employees were seriously burned at the pre-SOTU luncheon.
Okay fine, no one got physically injured and you shouldn’t start furiously searching the web because you somehow missed the story about a fire at the White House. Shepard Smith and Bret Baier, the two Fox reporters referenced above, are in good health and didn’t require any medical attention. However, they might have wanted some Kleenex and a splash of cold water after the White House omitted a choice word from their placeholders at Tuesday’s event.
As is tradition, President Obama dined with members of the media at the White House prior to one of the biggest political events of the year. Of course at the event there are place cards on each table for those attending, which include the person’s name and which network or publication they are employed by. This year, the White House gave Fox News’ representatives a friendly jab in the ribs by leaving the “news” out of “Fox News” on their personalized cards.
As Smith explained on Fox News a few hours after the event, the jig was up when he realized every other person at his table had “news” attached to their respective networks while he and Baier’s did not. Some more hyperbole here, but I’m guessing his thoughts while looking around the table went something like: “Brian Williams, NBC News…handsome and talented, good to see him here. Scott Pelley, CBS News…I should see if he wants to hit the links tomorrow. Bret Baier, Fox…wait a second. Something smells fishy, but I had the chicken…I wonder,” (pauses to turn card around and investigate) “Shepard Smith, Fox…damnit!”
Various reports are stating that it’s “unclear” whether this was an innocent mistake or if the passive-aggressive placeholders were meant as a message to the controversial network, but my money is on the latter. I’ve yet to see a public acknowledgement of error from the Oval Office, which is probably because it wasn’t an error.
Admittedly the State of the Union address isn’t really the time or place, but how can you not chuckle when the White House itself blatantly suggests that “Fox” and “news” don’t belong in the same sentence? I also appreciate the originality and thought that went into pulling it off; subtle yet effective.
Shep, buddy, if you read this, just remember that sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt you. We’ll get through this together.