As most Fox News fans are aware, Alan Colmes is going to be leaving the hit show "Hannity & Colmes."
Readers have voiced their opinions about this here and here.
At the end of Monday's program, Alan briefly explained his decision, and had a very charming exchange with his longtime co-host Sean Hannity (video embedded below the fold courtesy our dear friend Johnny Dollar):
COLMES: Finally tonight, it seems the word "change" is being used quite a lot these days. And at the risk of stealing President-elect Obama's buzzword, change is coming to this show.
My friend Sean and I -- that's you -- have been sitting next to each other for more than 10 years, five of them at No. 1, thanks to you. Recently, I started thinking about new and challenging ways to contribute to the growth of the network, so in the next few weeks, I will be stepping away from this desk.
(EXCLAMATIONS FROM CREW)
COLMES: Hold it, hold it. Now, unfortunately for some of you, I'm not leaving the FOX News Channel -- sorry. You can continue to hear all my liberal views night on my radio show, syndicated by FOX News Talk or on my Web site, Alan.com. And I'll be shooting a pilot or two. Maybe I'll call one of them "Alan's America." You like that?
HANNITY: I like that. That's funny.
COLMES: All right. Well, I am -- I just want to say I'm proud of the FOX News Channel. Thank you to the folks who run the joint. I'm proud -- as you know, we work for great management. They've always been terrific to both of us, to this show and to me personally. And you and I remain somehow unharmed by sitting side by side for so many years.
(CROSSTALK)
HANNITY: First, you get a Democratic Congress, and a Democratic president.
COLMES: Right.
HANNITY: And then you -- you leave it to -- you abandon me?
COLMES: Sean -- Sean, four words. My work is done.
HANNITY: Rub it in. Well, I want to say that this -- we are friends on and off the air.
COLMES: That's right. People don't believe that, but it's true.
HANNITY: People don't believe it, and it's true. And it's been a phenomenal 12 years with you. And I can't believe you're doing this to me. You're leaving Barack Obama with me.
COLMES: Lots of luck. Good luck.
HANNITY: All right. We'll talk more about it. But that's not happening any time.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.




















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Colmes
November 25, 2008 - 13:23 ET by shawn228Wow that was quite the parting shot. I do not feel it would good to have a raving lunatic lib with Hannity like Kieth Olbermann, I would like to see a somewhat charimatic younger lib challenge Hannity, like a Rick Sanchez.
He had my vote
Colmes is a decent guy...
November 25, 2008 - 13:36 ET by AmericanEnergistMisguided in my opinion, but still decent.
This is going to be quite a conundrum...temper Hannity's personality and keep viewers. A moderate (I have heard the names of Kirsten Powers and Juan Williams) will not work. You need a dyed-in-the-wool lib for the show to be successful.
Good luck Alan...I still can't believe you are married to Monica Crowley's sister!!
:O
www.ArmchairEnergist...
I saw this last night, I
November 25, 2008 - 13:37 ET by bigtimerI saw this last night, I have to admit I cracked up laughing with this segment, especially when he said 'my work is done'....
By the way, at the end he said "Rots of Ruck"...unless my hearing is going bad, which it may be.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
He did
November 25, 2008 - 13:57 ET by Long Island PeteHe did say rots of ruck. As misguided as he is, he does have a pretty good sense of humor. I will miss hearing his side, as wrong as it is but it is better than having a Michael Moore type sitting in that chair.
LIP... Yeah, I didn't
November 25, 2008 - 14:08 ET by bigtimerLIP...
Yeah, I didn't know he started out as a stand-up comic until yesterday.
For me it was kind of a sentimental moment in a way...I've been watching the show since day one, I usually just tune him out when I can if I start to get angry, we could have worse, that is for sure...some of us made lots of comments about examples of this yesterday on the Poll question...was sort of fun at times...which was a welcome change after this long terrible political/Pres. election.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
'my work is done'....
November 25, 2008 - 17:36 ET by Gat New YorkBT - Yeh! He had a lot to do with it. All Colmes has been is the characteristic whiny, weak liberal. I've heard him on radio and he is much more effective than on TV.
My only beef with Colmes is
November 25, 2008 - 13:59 ET by ApacheMy only beef with Colmes is that he tends to play Devil's advocate no matter how dumb or out of place it sounds.
They should drop both of them and find a vehicle for Neil Boortz. Just do like they do with Howard Stern and televise an hour of his radio show. His ugly mug would be much easier to watch than that tired old hour of political Ren and Stimpy called Hannity and Colmes.
My work is done. He is
November 25, 2008 - 14:05 ET by dscottMy work is done.
He is getting out while the getting is good. Reminds me of the person who comes in stirs up trouble and then walks out when everyone is hopelessly arguing about the pickle they are in. Gee thanks Alan.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
pass the baton
November 25, 2008 - 14:09 ET by sawing battaOn Obama...
Alan Colmes: Now that Obama is President "my work is done..."
Chris Matthews: "My JOB is to make Obama succeed as President"
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mark-finkelstein/2008/11/06/odd-job-matthews-says-his-role-make-obama-presidency-success
Answer: Anne Coulter' new
November 25, 2008 - 17:37 ET by Gat New YorkAnswer: Anne Coulter' new book "Guilty."
The show
November 25, 2008 - 14:15 ET by KC MulvilleTen or twelve years is long enough for any show. The show had become predictable and uninteresting. I stopped watching a few years ago, even though I'd drop in on occasion. None of the political shows, from PBS or MSNBC or Fox really have any attraction anymore, at least for me.
So, what would I like to watch? How about a real debate? Let the issue be the star. Bring in two or more adversarial guests, treat them with respect, give them time to develop their answers, but demand they not interrupt. All you have now is a clique of Beltway people, jockeying for face time, shouting at each other. That's incredibly boring.
Colmes still looks like a
November 25, 2008 - 15:31 ET by marpelColmes still looks like a creature out of a Stephen King movie...I think it was the Tommyknockers (???) Whatever, I'm glad he's leaving...he was annoying as hell.
see ya
November 25, 2008 - 16:05 ET by thomaspHe's leaving now so he doesnt have to hear all of the 'I told you so's" from Hannity when obama's lies all start coming out
T
GOOD LUCK ALAN
November 25, 2008 - 16:13 ET by FC DOBBSMAYBE ALAN IS HOPING TO GET THE JOB TONY SNOW
HAD IN THE PRESS ROOM OF THE WHITE HOUSE.
I DON'T FIGURE THE GUY BARACK FIRST PICKED
(NAME SLIPS MY MIND) WILL LAST VERY LONG.
REMEMBER OBAMA OWES COLMES A LOT FOR HIS
UN-SUBTLE CAMPAIGNING ON AIR FOR HIM.
IF THEY PUT HIM IN FRONT OF THE PRESS, EVERY
DAY HE CAN INTERRUPT AND TALK OVER THEM
AT WILL. THAT IS HIS FORTE'
"NOBODY PUTS ONE OVER ON FRED C DOBBS"
BHO's press secretary
November 25, 2008 - 17:41 ET by LionKingI still want Olbermann to be the press secretary.
Can you imagine a presser being run by this nutjob? -- Countdown format, no less?
Goodbye Alan...
November 25, 2008 - 18:19 ET by MrDebaterI'm so glad to see you go...His job was to defend liberalism no matter how idiotic...sometimes, I almost felt sorry for him...having to defend every goofy left-wing nutjob idea. I think I heard he was offered a job managing washington demonstrations for code pink...hahaha...Hannity without Colmes will be like Costello without Abbot.
Twelve years of nightly
November 25, 2008 - 19:08 ET by TailgunnerTwelve years of nightly being knocked around like a tetherball by Hannity must have been enough for Colmes.
It'll probably take a month for the dizziness to wear off.
NOLI PUGNARE ME OCCIDERE
FC DOBBS
November 26, 2008 - 23:34 ET by cocodrieThank you for making me remember one of Bogart's finest. I never tire of watching it. Your comment has me laughing. God bless you and yours especially on Thanksgiving.
Frankly, I can't believe
November 25, 2008 - 19:21 ET by ckc1227Frankly, I can't believe he's leaving. He's not going to have the success on his own that he enjoyed with this show. This is likely the first step towards being the last we hear from Colmes on Fox News. Not sure about his contract status, but it won't be long before he's on MSNBC. They don't much care about ratings over there, so he'll fit right in.
New York Times is Reporting Sean Hannity Will Go It Alone
November 26, 2008 - 01:10 ET by Rush FanThe Times Brain Stelter writes:
"While the network remained quiet about its plans for the political debate program, two people close to the network said that Sean Hannity, 46, Mr. Colmes’s conservative counterpart for the last 12 years, would become the sole host of the hour. The people requested anonymity while speaking about private deliberations."
Hannity already has a solo show on the weekends called "Hannity's America."
I'm not a fan of Sean Hannity, who has a tendency to repeat the same mantra over and over (afterall, over and over is the definition of "repeat"). But I occasionally watch because of his guests. However, if it's true that he is going solo I'm disappointed. I was hoping for someone like intelligent and thoughtful (not to mention pleasing on the eyes) Kirsten Powers to replace Colmes (who I can't stomach and I say good riddance).
----------------------------------------------------
Why the two Americas, the Left and the Right, can never reconcile - An excellent article by Dennis Prager
Isn't that proof of media bias?
November 26, 2008 - 11:39 ET by szampIf he saw his job as to help elect a liberal, he is not a journalist, he is a political activist. At least they don't try to mask their opinions as news like in some other networks.
I like Alan Colmes
November 26, 2008 - 20:32 ET by nwahsI've always liked Alan Colmes, as he is an intelligent debater. I can abide almost any point of view presented intelligently, however much I might disagree. For that reason, I think Juan Williams would be an excellent replacement should Fox continue to pursue that format.
nwa... Colmes an
November 26, 2008 - 20:36 ET by bigtimernwa...
Colmes an intelligent debater...surely you jest!
I do want to thank you though for my evening chuckles...
Intelligent debater...LMAO!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
INTELLIGENT???????
November 26, 2008 - 20:43 ET by cocodrieI have to look up intelligence in my dictionary. Alan Colmes and real intelligence are total strangers.
You've confused me!
November 26, 2008 - 22:24 ET by nwahsYou've confused me with one who cares what you think :)
Yes, I do know you are a kid.
Come on guys
November 26, 2008 - 22:30 ET by shawn228It the night before Thanksgiving, lets not ruin it by being hostile.
He had my vote
I hope I'm not hostile
November 26, 2008 - 22:53 ET by nwahsI never try to be hostile, but I do try to make it a point I won't accept idiocy in lieu of an argument. The snipes bring nothing to the discussion. "Surely you jest" is not an argument. Its too much television. If someone has a legitimate point as to why Colmes is a bad debater, I'm willing to listen
.
"Surely you jest" is just weird, childish and funny :)Its kind of a cartoon impression of a debate!
I think there should be a universal value of intelligence. Anyone disagree?
And BTW Happy Thanksgiving to all. I am thankful for the being remade so many times in my life. A Cat Stevens song came on tonight (Father and Son Reunion?)and I remembered when I liked his music, had to dislike his music, and am starting to like his music again.
"Surely you jest" is more
November 26, 2008 - 22:55 ET by Clear thinker"Surely you jest" is more of a question. So answer it!
What The Heck Is Going On?
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
I'm not jesting
November 26, 2008 - 22:59 ET by nwahsI'm not jesting. An argument that begins with LMFAO impresses me as dumb. First thing that pops in my mind is get a Thesaurus. Oh well, that just me.
nwa... Read my response
November 26, 2008 - 23:09 ET by bigtimernwa...
Read my response to you below, and by the way, I didn't begin with LMFAO...in fact I never said LMFAO...you may want to reread the post oh-smart-one, plus I put LMAO at the end of my post.
You fool no one here.
Respond to me below.
Btw...When I was young I loved Cat Stevens too...some of us grow up...you must of been left out of that process...Stevens changed his name and agrees with our enemies now...or don't you keep up with such matters.
Oh never mind...your posts are obvious.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Humor will make you live longer
November 26, 2008 - 23:15 ET by nwahsIt does, but more important than longer, is you will live better.
"If he were right I'd agree, but its him he knows not (drum beat) me"
nwahs
November 26, 2008 - 22:58 ET by cocodrieColmes is not a debater, he is a talking points reciter. He denies reality and keeps repeating the same talking points over and over. He never expresses an original thought.
Examples?
November 26, 2008 - 23:01 ET by nwahsAny examples? Anything that wasn't here before you posted?
colmes is a nwa
November 26, 2008 - 23:14 ET by porpoiseboyif you've ever watched colmes for ANY length of time, it would occur to you that if hannity says the sky is blue, colmes says it's green. period. now to whether his job was to be the idiot monkey on the show.....that's a question i cannot answer. but if he indeed held all those opinions i've seen him try to argue....he is a complete idiot. and then he did write a book with a chapter called "oj is innocent". which adds more fuel to the "idiot fire".
"Here comes the orator! With his flood of words, and his drop of reason" Ben Franklin
Ecclesiastes 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left
Well thats the format of the show
November 26, 2008 - 23:34 ET by nwahsYes, thats the format of the show. Its a take off of the CNN show that Pat Buchannon used to be on- Crossfire. Its not innovative. Its copied - legally.
nwahs
November 26, 2008 - 23:24 ET by cocodrieEvery Hannity & Colmes show is an example. If you can't see that you are brain dead. People like Colmes are the reason I did away with tv in my house.
How long before you complete your apprenticeship and become a full fledged idiot?
You must be winning
November 26, 2008 - 23:36 ET by nwahsYou must be winning. People usually resort to insults when they are winning :)
Happy Thanksgiving! :)
nwahs
November 26, 2008 - 23:39 ET by cocodrieGod bless you and yours especially on Thanksgiving.
nwa... give me a
November 26, 2008 - 23:00 ET by bigtimernwa... give me a break...show me a few examples of any intelligent debates Colmes has ever had....and quit your whining while you're at it.
I have watched him for twelve years...I haven't been overly disparaging to Colmes here or on another thread, but for you to say he has intelligent debates is comical..in fact, surely you jest.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
If you've watched him for twelve years
November 26, 2008 - 23:07 ET by nwahsYa know, if you've watched him for twelve years and you see no intelligence, that says much about you. But I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt, and doubt thats the case. You should THANK me! :)
nwa
November 26, 2008 - 23:14 ET by bigtimerListen you trolling little twit... YOU SHOW EXAMPLES of his INTELLIGENT DEBATES...don't you dare try to turn this around and ask others to prove different to YOU.
YOU started this...YOU prove your point.
Trying the typical leftist spin isn't going to work here.
Show me the money or shut-up and apoligize.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
The fact they've lasted 12 years
November 26, 2008 - 23:24 ET by nwahsThe fact they've lasted 12 years and were #1 for like 5 years hints at intelligent debates. Your resorts to "LMAO" and calling me a twit, hints at emptiness.
"But if I ever lose my eyes, if my colors all run dry.."
nwa... Obviously you
November 26, 2008 - 23:40 ET by bigtimernwa...
Obviously you opened mouth and inserted your foot...you have NO examples.
Do not say something like you have where you make a complete arse of yourself and expect no response little one...or you will be called on it...think before you post.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Obvious only to you
November 27, 2008 - 00:13 ET by nwahsWhat part of stupid debates are pulling people to Hannity and Colmes? You actually believe Hannity and Colmes would pull a good audience for 12 years with 1/2 a debate team? GET OFF OF STUPID. I mean geez man, just think a little! People buy stupid for two days. It takes some intelligence to keep people watching for 12 years. Your juvenile argument challenging me to produce a good Hannity/Colmes debate is akin to someone asking that it be proven planes can fly. Its STUPID. Get off of STUPID. You can be conservative AND smart. George Will is not spy. Intelligence is not your enemy.
I donno
November 27, 2008 - 00:20 ET by general companyI only watch to see Sean slap the snot out of Colmes. Your defense of Colmes is valiant, but please we have all seen him enough to make our own judgments.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Actually, isn't it the
November 27, 2008 - 00:32 ET by Scuba DudeActually, isn't it the guest's who routinely slap the snot out of Colmes? Almost like a right of passage being on the show. Colmes can't debate, can only bring up talking points or parse their words to death.
nwa... Put up or shut the
November 27, 2008 - 00:24 ET by bigtimernwa...
Put up or shut the hell up.
You started this by saying Colmes was a good debater...I asked you to give a couple of examples.
You haven't because you can't.
I advise you to shut-up while you are kissing your own behind good-bye.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I advise you to grow up
November 27, 2008 - 01:05 ET by nwahser grow up. See the fear in my left tear duct?
nwa... Well, still no
November 27, 2008 - 01:14 ET by bigtimernwa...
Well, still no proof from you since the beginning of our fun conversation...says it all about about you...since I devoured you to the bone I will leave others to chew on them.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
good morning nwahs
November 27, 2008 - 12:08 ET by shawn228I have to go with bigtimer on this one, she asked you to provide some specific examples.
You then tried to turn it around and asked her for examples. I personally hate it when people do that to me whether they are conservative or liberal.
Anyways thats just my unbiased observation. I hope your meal turns out great today, IMO cooking is actually quite fun, the cleanup from TG meal is the hardest. :-)
He had my vote
Well their is this.
November 26, 2008 - 23:45 ET by general companyhttp://www.youtube.c...
or
http://www.youtube.c...
Perfect exsamples of Colmes making an ass of himself.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Good evening shawn
November 26, 2008 - 23:49 ET by cocodrieFor a second there I thought you were going yo give us a poem
Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the thread.......
Just wanted to tell you God bless you and yours especially on Thanksgiving.