Koff reports: "He said he signed a multi-year contract, but would not discuss the terms. As for the possibility of getting rich off TV, he said, 'I never look at the world in those terms.'"

Former Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio has joined Fox News Channel and Fox Business as a paid contributor. (photo: Getty Images)

Dennis Kucinich Signs on As Fox News Commentator

By Stephen Koff, The Plain Dealer

17 January 13

ennis Kucinich has years of experience speaking on the House of Representatives floor, on the stump and in political debates. He likes to mix it up.

So it's only natural that the Fox News Channel should announce him as its newest contributor.

That's right, the man every Clevelander knows simply as "Dennis" is launching a part-time career as a Fox News commentator. Kucinich, 66, a former Cleveland mayor, will debut in his new role on "The O'Reilly Factor" at 8 p.m. Thursday. He'll soon appear on a variety of other Fox programs as well, sometimes once a week, sometimes more often.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Kucinich told The Plain Dealer in a telephone interview. "I've had a good relationship with Fox over the years. They've always been open to letting me express my point of view."

He said he signed a multi-year contract, but would not discuss the terms. As for the possibility of getting rich off TV, he said, "I never look at the world in those terms."

The deal came together quickly, after Fox asked him to come to New York last week, he said.

"This was not negotiated by an agent," he said, adding when asked that he only discussed doing commentary and analysis and did not talk about having his own show.

"They contacted me directly. My wife and I went to New York to hear what they were offering me, to review the contract and to sign it."

Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes said he's always been impressed with Kucinich's fearlessness and thoughtfulness on the issues, reported the Associated Press, which broke the news out of New York.

"His willingness to take a stand from his point of view makes him a valuable voice in our country's debate," Ailes said in a statement emailed to The Plain Dealer.

About that point of view: Kucinich is notably liberal. Fox is noted for its conservatism.

Fans of Kucinich's politics -- his calls for a Department of Peace, his early opposition to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, his desire to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney during the Bush administration, his insistence on single-payer, universal health care -- are more likely to be in MSNBC's television audience. Some of them might argue that Kucinich is going to the network of the dark side.

Kucinich sounds thrilled by the very idea.

"All networks provide a service," he said. "People who are familiar with my perspective know that I relish the opportunity to go into the lion's den.

"I don't yield to anybody on standing up for what I believe in," he continued. "If all you do is talk to people who agree with you, how are you going to change anybody's mind?"

After serving as a Cleveland council member and mayor, state legislator, two-time presidential candidate and 16-year congressman, Kucinich left the House of Representatives this month. His former district and that of fellow Democrat Marcy Kaptur of Toledo were merged by Republicans who controlled Ohio's redistricting process, and Kaptur won the subsequent primary election against the Clevelander last year.

Fox said Kucinich will provide analysis and commentary across its daytime and prime-time programming, as well as on Fox Business Network.

Comments

We are concerned about a recent drift towards vitriol in the RSN Reader comments section. There is a fine line between moderation and censorship. No one likes a harsh or confrontational forum atmosphere. At the same time everyone wants to be able to express themselves freely. We'll start by encouraging good judgment. If that doesn't work we'll have to ramp up the moderation.

General guidelines: Avoid personal attacks on other forum members; Avoid remarks that are ethnically derogatory; Do not advocate violence, or any illegal activity.

Remember that making the world better begins with responsible action.

- The RSN Team

+101 # LeeBlack 2013-01-17 09:51

You've got to be kidding. Fox must be trying to appear to be 'balanced'.

+97 # tomr 2013-01-17 12:21

They're probably thinking they'll set him up like Colmes, once of "Hannity and Colmes." Colmes was a wimpy fall-guy for Hannity's bullying. They probably think Kucinich is uncharismatic and will be good to ridicule. I can't wait to see this bite Fux in the ass.

+62 # mdhome 2013-01-17 19:26

Dennis is no wimp, they may find they hired a saber tooth tiger for the lions den.

-3 # NanFan 2013-01-19 18:15

Quoting mdhome:

Dennis is no wimp, they may find they hired a saber tooth tiger for the lions den.

One can only hope...I don't know...he's in the tiger cage. Ugh...bad choice, really.

N.

+8 # Michael Lee Bugg 2013-01-18 07:26

I agree with your theory, plus they want to draw in and reeducate liberals and use Dennis as bate.

Fox and it's talking heads are not "conservatives" ! They are selfatives: self-agrandizin g, self-centered, self-righteous, self-serving, and plain old selfish! Liberals can be conservative about some things but radical Republicans who want to make drastic changes in our laws and regulations in favor of the super rich and their corporations, or for religious fanatics, or for gun lovers, are not "conservative", they are SELFATIVES!

-31 # Virginia 2013-01-18 09:57

Dennis has apparently gone off the deep end. Diving for $$$.

-221 # Inland Jim 2013-01-17 09:53

He'll be right at home on Fox. He's always had a tinfoil hat as part of his kit.

+161 # Onterryo 2013-01-17 10:01

I look forward to seeing exactly how Dennis is treated on FOX. He is intelligent and a progressive who will be missed in the House. I believe he would not suffer fools easily and would make the case on policy issues dear to liberals and progressives. It will take hard work to regain the House and this may be part of that effort.

-81 # Pat Tibbs 2013-01-17 11:45

Quoting Onterryo:

I look forward to seeing exactly how Dennis is treated on FOX. He is intelligent and a progressive who will be missed in the House. I believe he would not suffer fools easily and would make the case on policy issues dear to liberals and progressives. It will take hard work to regain the House and this may be part of that effort.

Dennis is unyielding and unable to prevail as a result. It's why Marcy Kaptur won their primary. She is a progressive who is able to negotiate.

+64 # Polar Bear 2013-01-17 17:54

Dennis lost bec the Repubs changed the lines of his district to benefit the Right

+17 # dkonstruction 2013-01-18 12:19

Quoting Pat Tibbs:

Quoting Onterryo:
I look forward to seeing exactly how Dennis is treated on FOX. He is intelligent and a progressive who will be missed in the House. I believe he would not suffer fools easily and would make the case on policy issues dear to liberals and progressives. It will take hard work to regain the House and this may be part of that effort.

Dennis is unyielding and unable to prevail as a result. It's why Marcy Kaptur won their primary. She is a progressive who is able to negotiate.

As opposed to the rest of the "yielding" democratic party that has "prevailed"? Sorry, but the "new democrats" have done nothing but "yield" and the result has been that they have agreed to "end welfare as we know it" and brought us financial dergulation (ending Glass-Steagal) and "free trade" such as NAFTA that accelerated the outsourcing of decently paid (i.e., Union) jobs and led to the creation of mostly low-wage, no benefit dead end jobs (for those that could even find those).

As for being able to "negotiate"...w hen you abandon your principles before the negotiations have even started you have basically agreed to give away the store and thus are negotiating from a position of extreme weakness (if not total defeat) and thus what you get in return is basically nothing.

+9 # Observer 47 2013-01-19 13:05

OUTSTANDING post, dkon. You're right: "yielding" has gotten this country into the horrendous mess we see today.

+3 # Christopher Warren 2013-01-20 08:39

Hey DKON! I VOTED FOR KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT! Since Reaganomics, (Carter was suckered first on the Deregulation Cult!) any COMPROMISE with the Repugnicans (not Republicans,the y CARED about AMERICA!)everyt ime the Dems have "worked" with the RIGHT WING, America has LURCHED to the Fascist Corporate Feudal Statism much like that shining capitalist success on our Southern Border!

+12 # Observer 47 2013-01-19 13:03

Dennis carried almost every ward of his old district. He simply couldn't defeat the Rethugs' gerrymandering.

+155 # dkonstruction 2013-01-17 10:02

Good for you Dennis! While i'm sure many will criticize this move and others will be scratching their heads trying to figure it out it shows (as usual) that Kucinich understands what most in the progressive/rad ical movements don't which is that if we continue to only talk to people we already agree with we are going to convince no one and build nothing. This was a critical mistake on the part of progressives when the Tea Party emerged and much of "the left" simply dismissed and disparaged anyone and everyone having anything to do with it instead of seeing that at least some (if not much) of the base of this movement (not, of course, the billionaire demagogues that came to fund and influence it for their own purposes) had the same distain for the role of the federal government that progressives do and was born initially out of anger against the bank bailouts. It will be interesting to see how Fox treats Kucinich but i applaud him for voluntarily walking into the lion's den and trying to talk directly to the millions of conservatives that have been as fucked over by the 1% as the rest of us and for reaching out to them in the hopes of giving them an alternative and somewhere else to go other than into the arms of the neo-fascists that have taken over the republican party and most, if not all, of the conservative oriented media.

+84 # DLT888 2013-01-17 11:08

WELL SAID, dkonstruction!! ! Talking to the choir does not wake up anybody! He NEEDS to talk to the ignorant ones and that's what he is doing! No matter what crap Fox pulls, Kucinich will still end up waking up some people who were asleep!

+7 # AnastasiaP 2013-01-17 17:01

Quoting DLT888:

WELL SAID, dkonstruction!!! Talking to the choir does not wake up anybody! He NEEDS to talk to the ignorant ones and that's what he is doing! No matter what crap Fox pulls, Kucinich will still end up waking up some people who were asleep!

There is a happy medium between talking to the choir — the hardy little band of purity progressives who supported Dennis' two presidential runs — and speaking to your hardcore opposition whose opinions have been set in stone, fossilized by many years of living in their own unreality created by Fox "News." That's not a place where Dennis can sow seeds & change minds — the middle or pragmatic progressives is more fertile territory. He will sway no one one Fox. So either they are hoping he is so ridiculous that he reinforces that they're right to believe what they do, or he Lie-bermans Democrats, allowing those on the right to once again feel better about their preconceived beliefs.

+11 # dkonstruction 2013-01-18 09:33

In a country as politically polarized as the US is what "happy meidum" are you referring to? In essence you are saying that progressives/ra dicals should simply write-off, not to talk and try and engage the tens of millions that watch Fox. Respectfully, i have to disagree and believe that this is part of the reason that so many have gone over to Fox and embraced the crap being put out by the new right. Kucinich never has been and never will be a Joe Lieberman and unlike many other "intellectual," "trust fund" and ivy league liberals Dennis has real blue-collar roots (and thus has always had the ability to talk to real working folks) and has proven his commitment to ordinary people time and time again starting years ago when, as Mayor of Cleveland, he stood up to the powerbrokers when refused to privatize the cities public utility company (and for which the mob took out a contract to have him killed) and took the city into default rather than give in to their fiscal blackmail. The only question is how does Fox treat him and if they either marginalize him to such an extent that he gets no air time or try to make him into some kind of clown he will simply leave fox; of that i have no doubt. As for those "middle" or "pragmatic" progressives you believe he should be talking to instead...that' s pretty much whose been running the democratic party at least since Clinton and exactly how effective (not to mention progressive) do you think these folks have been?

+1 # ConstitutionalSam 2013-01-20 13:07

AnastasiaP

A new reader seeing your observation might well conclude that preconceived beliefs, set in stone and fossilized by many years of living in their own unreality may exist outside of Fox News viewers and, perchance, might even exist on this site, perhaps even in this very thread.

Why don't we revisit the issue after we have ACTUALLY seen Dennis at work as Fox News commentator?

Just saying.....

+65 # BradFromSalem 2013-01-17 11:45

I am not criticizing Fox or Kucinich, but I really think Fox offered the job for two reasons. First it gives them claim to being fair and balanced. Although we know objectively that 1 man against an entire network is not fair, and is absolutely not balanced. Second, and agin this is not a criticism, it can increase their ratings.
As for Dennis, he gets to be heard on a regular basis, something that not even being a legitimate Presidential candidate
got him. Plus it pays the bills.
My guess, is that he will likely appear more frequently on O'Reilly than on Hannity; mainly because O'Reilly is capable of engaging in an intelligent conversation, while Hannity doesn't have that ability, manily due to his lack of intelligence.
And it may even backfire on Fox, if Kucinich is allowed the time to fully express his views and is kept away from the Fox & friends silly people; maybe some of the kneejerk Romney voters ("Obama hasn't done anything" or "Liberals are radicals") just might realize they have been lied to.

+3 # JJS 2013-01-19 06:47

I just hope they editors at FOX don't manipulate the video to change the messages Dennis wishes to convey.

-58 # jhadstate 2013-01-17 10:03

I do hope that this is a real fighter in the lions den and not another wimpy sellout like the other "liberals" who go to Fox and make half-assed arguments on liberal positions just to try and give Fox credibility as a serious player. Some of the people who have been seduced their make me sick. They have prostituted themselves and their minds to Roger Ailes for a truckload of Rupert Murdock's money. I used to respect Dennis, but I will wait and see. But, I'm not hopeful that he will be the exception to the rule. He will be just another Baby Boomer sell-out who is a whore for lucre. And so it goes!

+107 # MEBrowning 2013-01-17 10:25

I've long admired Dennis for always standing up for average Americans. I, too, miss him in the House; he was gerrymandered out of his job, pure and simple. My concern is that the rest of the thugs on Fox will shout him down at every turn; a daily spectacle for Fox viewers who love to watch a good lion-feeding. If he can get a word in, and actually educate a Fox viewer or two, that would be wonderful. I vowed never to watch Fox, but may have to hold my nose and turn it on for Dennis.

+36 # Lolanne 2013-01-17 11:07

Quoting MEBrowning:

I've long admired Dennis for always standing up for average Americans. I, too, miss him in the House; he was gerrymandered out of his job, pure and simple. My concern is that the rest of the thugs on Fox will shout him down at every turn; a daily spectacle for Fox viewers who love to watch a good lion-feeding. If he can get a word in, and actually educate a Fox viewer or two, that would be wonderful. I vowed never to watch Fox, but may have to hold my nose and turn it on for Dennis.

And there, in your last sentence, MEB, is the reason I believe FOX has hired Dennis: they want to increase their audience, and they think bringing in a popular Liberal will get them a lot more listeners.

I'd love to hear Dennis tear into them, but I don't think I can stomach FAUX even for him.

+32 # X Dane 2013-01-17 12:37

Lolanne.
YOUR last sentence I agree with. When a more liberal...or simply a reasonable person is on a program with right wingers, they are usually talked over...or SCREAMED down.
,
It is difficult to watch, and I find myself yelling at the TV in frustration, for when a person is not allowed to finish a point they can come out looking bad or not very bright.

I do wonder how Dennis will manage.

+7 # Virginia 2013-01-18 10:10

I doubt Dennis will sway any Foxites even toward center. Dennis is a great public speaker when addressing an adoring audience...but Fox viewers are anything but adoring. Most are right-wing fanatics, diehard Republicans that believe Democrats are communists just waiting for the chance to takeover their lives under social rule. Republicans are brainwashed that Dems are the enemy.

+1 # dkonstruction 2013-01-18 11:32

Quoting Virginia:

I doubt Dennis will sway any Foxites even toward center. Dennis is a great public speaker when addressing an adoring audience...but Fox viewers are anything but adoring. Most are right-wing fanatics, diehard Republicans that believe Democrats are communists just waiting for the chance to takeover their lives under social rule. Republicans are brainwashed that Dems are the enemy.

So, in other words, we shouldn't even try and talk to Fox listeners? Sorry, but i just don't understand the supposed "logic" or "wisdom" of this position if this is in fact what you're advocating.

+3 # Virginia 2013-01-18 15:36

Because it's a waste of time without an exorcist.

+1 # ConstitutionalSam 2013-01-20 13:20

"When a more liberal...or simply a reasonable person is on a program with right wingers, they are usually talked over...or SCREAMED down.
,
It is difficult to watch, and I find myself yelling at the TV in frustration, for when a person is not allowed to finish a point they can come out looking bad or not very bright."

And of course this never happens on MSNBC... Get real!

This behavior is the new face of confrontational "journalism," as "opinionism" is often called. This is the current face of the right AND the left.

0 # ritaague 2013-01-21 01:55

Dennis is amazing, with his 'let's have some fun as we run' m.o.. I'll go to my grave laughing over what I saw him do in Arizona - slowly turn about, with hands held up in the air, and smilingly state: "Look, no strings attached."

If anyone has a chance of goosing Faux News viewers into laughter, thereby opening the door into their shut down brains, it's Dennis. What the hell, it's worth a try.

0 # AnastasiaP 2013-01-17 17:02

Bringing in more liberal listeners won't happen. Simply one guy who's already kind of a fringe guy to people in the middle or the left on't bring listeners into that unreality-based 24-hour cesspool.

+8 # dkonstruction 2013-01-18 12:24

Quoting AnastasiaP:

Bringing in more liberal listeners won't happen. Simply one guy who's already kind of a fringe guy to people in the middle or the left on't bring listeners into that unreality-based 24-hour cesspool.

Dennis is "a fringe guy" because the democratic party itself chose to completely marginalize its progressive wing (look at the influence of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for example despite the fact that it is the largest caucus in Congress) largely thanks to Bill Clinton and the "new democrats." This strategy has been a complete disaster. The point is not to bring "liberal listeners" to Fox but rather to have a genuinely progressive and articulate voice (with bona fide blue-collar roots) have a platform and a voice to speak directly to the Fox audience and challenge the garbage they routinely and repeatedly spew.

+2 # Virginia 2013-01-18 15:45

LOL - I'm sorry, nothing personal. You do realize that any programming decision is all about numbers and what can be sold to advertisers, right?

All bringing any liberal to the Fox airwaves does is hopefully keep the majority of liberals from boycotting and protesting their sponsors... The appearance of fair and balanced... Not the reality.

Sorta like how many people can we draw for women and mud wrestling ...?

0 # brux 2013-01-20 16:51

>> You do realize that any programming decision is all about numbers and what can be sold to advertisers, right?

I don't believe this, I don't think right wing AM radio could possibly be bankrolled by impotence and baldness cures ... the advertisers are owned by the right wing and funnel money to the programming they like.

And just like China selling us cheap stuff for market share, they are giving us Kucinich to draw eyes away from other channels or for some strategic reason that probably has nothing to do with commericals.

+2 # patw 2013-01-19 00:06

"I vowed never to watch Fox, but may have to hold my nose and turn it on for Dennis.

And there, in your last sentence, MEB, is the reason I believe FOX has hired Dennis: they want to increase their audience, and they think bringing in a popular Liberal will get them a lot more listeners."

Would it be "bad" if hiring smart progressives who speak out against going to war and for sensible regulations, against fracking and for protecting our environment, for civil liberties and justice, brings listeners and improves the bottom line? I say alleluia.

0 # BeaDeeBunker 2013-01-19 21:42

I keep asking myself, "Why is FOX doing this, why, why, why?"

If it is indeed a war that is and has been going on for years for the heart and minds of the nation, why is FOX risking their 'capital' in this way? The first rule of war is "know thy enemy." FOX NEWS did not get to where it is today by being stupid. It has tremendous power, all ill gotten, so why put their reputation at risk? I am extremely suspicious of this move by FOX NEWS and will not watch when Dennis is on. I wish him success and hope this really backfires on FOX NEWS. I keep on referring to FOX NEWS and not FOX non news, since I enjoy the many shows that I get to see for free.

+2 # bmiluski 2013-01-18 09:18

And that's exactly what FOX is hoping for to get their ratings up.

+2 # JJS 2013-01-19 06:53

Just because Dennis is on FOX doesn't mean those who think FOX is just ginning for new audiences must participate. I like the idea of talking to the other side. That doesn't mean I have to watch.
Let RSN bring us news from the frontlines.

+58 # jjj 2013-01-17 10:13

a) But we need him badly in political office and I had hoped he would re-enter it in another role!
b) After all the years of service he deserves to do what he wants. He may have a larger audience on TV than in office.
Here's hoping FOX does not have him cast as Court Jester only- or if they do that he can outFOX them at it. Thank you Mr Kucinich, I still have hopes for a cabinet level Department of Peace.

+48 # juliajayne 2013-01-17 10:18

I like "Dennis", but he won't be enough to make me watch anything Fox has to offer. I hope he isn't just there to put some patina on Fox as a legitimate source of news, commentary, since they are a propaganda channel now. That would be tragic. I'll stay open minded for now though. He sort of is a Joan of ARC type, so I hope he can actually change some hearts and minds with his influence and intelligence.

-36 # JTHinSD 2013-01-17 11:36

"Stay open minded for now...?" What makes you think that you ARE open minded at all, given your opening sentence.

+19 # juliajayne 2013-01-17 15:09

I can be open minded to Mr. Kucinich being able to possibly effect some positive change and still know that Fox is a propaganda tool. Really, who doesn't know THAT, save for their true believers? The whole line up is a set of trolls who generally offer nothing of real substance or news. They're there merely as functionaries to 1. distract people from substantive issues while the plutocrats rob us blind and 2. to make make money for themselves and their bosses (talking about the "talent").

Why would I waste time on such fare? Do you watch the crap? lol.

+13 # X Dane 2013-01-17 12:46

juliajayne.
I wonder and worry if Dennis is meant to be a punching bag for O'Reilly? I very much doubt that O'Reilly will treat him with respect. He may have to work really hard for the money, and swallow a lot more than he likes.

+23 # HerbR 2013-01-17 10:24

If the retired Congressman can make a dent in the hide of Fox news, we may not need to take sterner measures, such as tuning them out completely, after all!!

+57 # DaveM 2013-01-17 10:24

This ought to be entertaining at the very least. Kucinich is the closest voice we have to Paul Wellstone's. I just hope Fox won't stick him in some dog and pony show situation.

-21 # Regina 2013-01-17 14:35

Sorry -- Kucinich isn't fit to empty Paul Wellstone's waste basket. Calling him "the closest voice we have to Paul Wellstone's" shows how far we have strayed from Wellstone.

+5 # dkonstruction 2013-01-18 12:27

Quoting Regina:

Sorry -- Kucinich isn't fit to empty Paul Wellstone's waste basket. Calling him "the closest voice we have to Paul Wellstone's" shows how far we have strayed from Wellstone.

Wellstone was a true progressive but so is Kucinich and he has proven it consistantly since his days as mayor of Cincinatti. By what stretch of the imagination (and it is only through imagination as opposed to reason or reality that one could make such a charge or claim about Kucinich) did you feel it necessary to make such a disparaging comment against one of the only real progressives/ra dicals in Congress (Bernie Sanders now being the only one of these in the Senate)?

+15 # giraffee2012 2013-01-17 10:32

For real? If he is "Dennis" then he'll add spice to the conservative liars on FAUX - else (as noted above) - I will think there is a clone of "Dennis" and the real "Dennis" has departed this world.

+44 # Mike Farrace 2013-01-17 10:36

The prospect of Dennis Kucinich eating Sean Hannity's lunch over and over is quite pleasing.

+40 # tbcrawford 2013-01-17 10:48

Bravo, Dennis! We badly need to hear all sides of issues in calm, reasoned debate. If you allowed to demonstrate this, people may appreciate at long last the importance of rational argument, of listening to others, and of acknowledging we are a diverse and passionate nation. My only caveat would be do no harm. Having followed your career for years I am thrilled. Just hope Roger Ailes and cie can follow your lead.
All the very best of success...we will all benefit.

+29 # DLT888 2013-01-17 11:05

Dennis has ALWAYS been able to shine no matter who he is talking to. He can talk to ignorant people and get to something inside them. He is going on Fox because he knows that is the only way to try and wake up the sheeple. People intuitively know truth when they hear it and Dennis comes off likeable. I have seen him speak in person many times and even when screamers show up, Dennis wins them over. He gives everyone respect and they feel it. GREAT MOVE, DENNIS!!! You may do more good at Fox than in Congress!

+15 # NAVYVET 2013-01-17 11:07

I hope you bring a better balance, Dennis--but I still won't watch Fox till they dump Murdoch and his crowd.

+8 # X Dane 2013-01-17 12:50

NAVYVET.
So that will be NEVER.

+6 # Sensible1 2013-01-17 11:09

You can be sure FOX noise is going to exploit his liberal views for the entertainment value and to be the other part of the dog and pony show which is the O'Reilly show. What better way to illustrate the extreme liberal view than to compare Dennis as a main stream liberal and try and move the extreme right more towards the center. I hope the left will not be taken in by this, and gravitate over to join the FOX fan club.

+7 # wwway 2013-01-17 11:12

I'll reserve judgement for now. Like the first comment, I agree that FOX is now trying to appear "fair and ballanced" by now presenting the far right and far left. Dennis is a very short man with a tall wife and a big spirit that's well expressed. I'd be interested to see what he does on FOX.

+20 # Street Level 2013-01-17 11:15

Go Dennis! This won't get me to watch FOX but I relish the idea of Dennis taking this on. He's a smart guy and nobody's fool. I hope he takes the cash and bankrolls himself a new district or office so he can do what he does best, fight for the people.

-43 # JTHinSD 2013-01-17 11:38

Frankly, I'd rather see his hot wife on Fox. She fits the hot broad "look" on Fox...grrr!

-13 # mdhome 2013-01-17 19:36

I am wondering if she has a sister.

-9 # Smokey 2013-01-17 11:52

First: I'm delighted by the news.

Second: It's a reminder, once again, that Fox News is not in business to support the Republicans or the Tea Party or Homer Simpson.... Fox News is in business to make money. If they can make money with Dennis Kucinich, they'll put Dennis Kucinich on television.

That's how capitalism works. If Dick Nixon and Mitt Romney can make money through deals with Communist China, they'll sign contracts with the Reds.

+5 # Vegan_Girl 2013-01-18 04:57

Which is why capitalism should be regulated by a democratic government. FOX news, as all other news media has a responsibility to broadcast news instead of spreading lies and hate speach. The government (we the People) can revoke such licence is the public is not served.

the fact that FOX is free to operate is an homage to the failure of our government reining in capitalism's 'dark side'.

+5 # laopusa 2013-01-17 12:07

i can see perfectly well the motive for FOX, getting kucinich on their program. to make the fox's den look less malevolent for the little red riding hoods of the naive, one issue, one caption, public. just like to remind mr kucinich, be careful when you're in the foxhole. don't end up losing all your feathers. good luck!

+14 # artdavidii 2013-01-17 12:11

FANTASTIC... both Kucinich and Fox are doing the correct thing. Don't back off your ideals Dennis!!!

+20 # Vardoz 2013-01-17 12:16

They must be losing viewership and want to compete with MSNBC-

+3 # juliajayne 2013-01-17 15:15

They ARE losing viewership to MSNBC. Especially the people who felt gipped by all of the lies and inside the bubble thinking that generated a true belief that mendacious Mutt, the shapeshifter, was going to beat the president. Seems some people actually don't care to be lied to. Funny that!

-24 # seeuingoa 2013-01-17 12:21

Oh no!

Another hero going bastard.

GREED is the word.

+1 # bobby t. 2013-01-17 12:24

This means that fox and the right was hurt in the last election, and is looking for credibility. never underestimate the enemy. these are smart and sneaky people. al franken would make a fortune on any of their shows but i don't think he would go on them, unless it was a debate. and then he would plead sickness and stick a world class debater in there against, like rush...

+20 # claycutter 2013-01-17 12:37

How am I going to catch Dennis without watching all that Fox crap and becoming too angry for my good health? Perhaps they'll publish a D.K. schedule as a service to those who become sickened by their ordinary programming.

+11 # reiverpacific 2013-01-17 12:55

First of, this has to be a spoof right?
I mean will Sean Hannity be given a spot on MSNBC soon to give the reactionary perspective? -Maybe it's like prisoner-swap.
I canna see FOX's demographic swallowing DK if it's not a spoof and especially if he's allowed to speak freely (Remember Hannity and Colmes, his glove puppet "liberal"??).
Either way, it still won't persuade me to watch Muck-doc's favorite baby, whatever their motives, including trying to give some credence to their phony "Fair and balanced" claim. It still won't counter balance their other effusions of junk-and juggle journalism, with it's blonde-babe cheerleaders.

+1 # flippancy 2013-01-18 07:01

MSNBC had Pat Buchanan for years until he went too far, they have Michael Steele, former Republican party chief and the guy who, when he ran for the Senate had posters put up in minority neighborhoods gving the wrong date for the election. They also have the daily spin fest of Joe Scarborough.

MSNBC actually is pretty close to fair and balanced and is the only network that can make that claim honestly. Not ABC, CBS or NBC, certainly not Fox, although our local Fox news is not what the network Faux news is.

+2 # vicnada 2013-01-17 13:01

Better than big Al selling out to big Oil.

+5 # intheEPZ 2013-01-17 13:10

Go Dennis!

+7 # mainescorpio 2013-01-17 13:29

I've always been a fan of Dennis. But now I'm a sceptic. Ailes is a master of deception. Dennis is intelligent. While he can control what he says, he doesn't control the network as to topics he is scheduled to speak, the other members of any panel, the times he is chosen to speak (on so-called Faux News or Commentary programs), etc etc. My fear he can be packaged in a way which can sway viewers ideologies away from the progressive liberal ones to the more center right or far right.

+14 # SOF 2013-01-17 13:38

Wishing him good luck with that. But he is not someone who will give up his ideals and smarts. Actually, I think it's a mistake not to pay attention to FOX. They reflect and affect the thinking of many who don't think clearly but see themselves as patriots. To our advantage to know what they are whipping up. Always thought it was a mistake not to back up TPartiers' disgust with the bank bailouts, or the Libertarian support of Rand's thoughts on the Fed, or the far right patriots opposition and horror at NDAA. Yes, talk with the 'enemy'. See what shakes out.

-8 # MarieLavoe 2013-01-17 14:01

More than 1 study finds fox watchers are very uninformed. Go after it Dennis. I was never sure about you but now I am. That new wife needs some taking care of huh !!!

+4 # flippancy 2013-01-18 07:04

Quoting MarieLavoe:

More than 1 study finds fox watchers are very uninformed. Go after it Dennis. I was never sure about you but now I am. That new wife needs some taking care of huh !!!

Well, the first half of that has validity, but if you know anything ablot him you know the rest of it is uncalled for and disgusting without an iota of truth.

+9 # redjelly39 2013-01-17 14:05

The problem I see with all corporate media is that they are selling the same BS to all of us. One side may be Red and another Blue but that is part of the "Divide & Conquer" tactics to keep us occupied with screaming at each other. What they dont want is for We the People to see through the BS and become a United people, which makes this a bit confusing - or is the confusion part of the plan of distraction ? I have seen Dennis speak and spoken to him one on one and he seems a straight shooter who see's things logically. I am very curious how this will shake out but will not be surprised by anything that develops unless Faux started beating a liberal drum. That would make me fall over backwards... Rupert is too much of a hater so I doubt this goes well.

+6 # JCastron1 2013-01-17 16:22

For the Kucinich view it is economics. He needs a job and this one will keep in the public's eye. There is money to be made on the airways and still keep one's head up high. Is it any different from Michael Steele on MSNBC? It is also good economics on Roger's part as money rules in radio, not just philosophy. They tolerate anything for profit. Hopefully his message often liked by the right, is heard loud and often. Dennis is unique.

+17 # Third_stone 2013-01-17 15:27

Kucinich is a great man. Today he goes among the ignorant to educate them. May he do it well.

+5 # BeaDeeBunker 2013-01-17 15:27

Let's see what we have here.
Dennis Kucinich, an arch Liberal with 16 years experience in Congress, is hired by FOX News, an arch Conservative, rich & powerful Right-Wing mouth piece, as a commentator.
Why did they do this and why did Dennis agree to do this?
Obviously, FOX has not decided to get rid of its spots, or should I say 'stains.' They want to get Liberal & Progressive viewers to tune in and watch the battle unfold. Will Dennis be able to match wits and voice level with the likes of O'Reilly and Hannity? Tune in folks and see for yourself (advertises take note...our ad prices may be going up, so lock in your time now).
If new viewers do tune in, they will be subject to the poison that FOX spews out minute by minute when Dennis is not on, or even when he is on! Best thing to do is NOT WATCH DENNIS on FOX no matter what! D. K. is taking a chance going into the 'Lions' den. Let FOX pay him oodles of money and expose their 'ditto-heads' to D. K.'s brand of common sense thinking. It might just tip the balance a bit, not much, but a bit.
We will hear about anything drastic that may happen on air through all kinds of media outlets, but let us not play FOX's game. If FOX doesn't get a up swing in their Lib/Prog viewers then they might, after a time, find some reason to get rid of D. K. But he has 'long term' contract, and worst comes to worst, FOX gets shown up for being the rancid leopard we always knew it to be, warty, boil-like spots and all. How sweet!

+5 # Linda 2013-01-17 20:38

Exactly my sentiments ,don't watch Fox and help them get bigger ratings and more money.
If your curious I am sure John Stewart or maybe Rachel Maddow will cover what is going on .
Don't help Fox raise their ratings !

+1 # dkonstruction 2013-01-18 12:34

Quoting Linda:

Exactly my sentiments ,don't watch Fox and help them get bigger ratings and more money.
If your curious I am sure John Stewart or maybe Rachel Maddow will cover what is going on .
Don't help Fox raise their ratings !

Both Stewart and Maddow are virtually uncritical of anything Obama and the rest of the democrats do. Is that your idea of the role of a "progressive"? Kucinich has always been truly independent and truly progressive and he should be commended for jumping on the opportunity to talk to millions of Fox viewers; something most progressives either don't have the guts to do or don't have the ability to do it intelligently or with any hope of reaching them as evidenced by many of the comments on this board.

+8 # cassandrapt 2013-01-17 15:58

Go for it Dennis!! A little truth on Fox would be most welcome. Just let us know when you will be on!

+9 # mrbadexample 2013-01-17 17:26

Maybe Fox has noticed a change in the air and figured that Kucinich was the least-worst of the pundits they could bring on. And for all of his lefty opinions, Kucinich has worked with Ron Paul, a prickly guy if there ever was one, and they teamed up on issues like the drone strikes. Kucinich is a fundamentally decent man, and I don't think he'll let people run over him the way Alan Colmes did.

+15 # ishmael 2013-01-17 17:31

Mr Kucinich will no longer be preaching to the choir. He will be addressing illiterates instead.

+6 # CenTexDem 2013-01-17 18:44

Daniel in the lions den - I bet Daniel will eat the lions if they let him stay in the den.

+1 # Lowflyin Lolana 2013-01-17 19:39

It will be interesting to see if they do him like they do Alan Colmes---let other hosts cut him off and make him look silly and ineffectual.
Because that's what they do to Colmes and if you ever heard his radio show, which is BRILLIANT, you'd be amazed at the difference.
He really is an amazing broadcaster. I don't hear much radio and he's not in LA but he is the reason I subscribe to FoxNews radio, I think I am still subb'd, anyway.

+6 # PeterSee 2013-01-17 19:45

Fox lost a LOT of credibility with their amazing refusal to believe the evidence of the polls and "guaranteeing" a Romney victory, in some cases by a large margin. As a result, they lost a lot of viewers who can no longer trust them. My guess is that this is a bid to get left-leaning "eyeballs" on the Fox screen.

-12 # MrBetpower 2013-01-17 19:58

More betrayal from DK. He IS the "lion's den" now by being paid by it. It's just a continuation of the role he place while in Congress of sapping the energy of progressives and leading them off a cliff, a dark-side Pied Piper, in reality, and an obstructionist, in the end, to progressive change. Do not be bamboozled by this man or by Faux Noise.

+5 # dkonstruction 2013-01-18 12:39

Quoting MrBetpower:

More betrayal from DK. He IS the "lion's den" now by being paid by it. It's just a continuation of the role he place while in Congress of sapping the energy of progressives and leading them off a cliff, a dark-side Pied Piper, in reality, and an obstructionist, in the end, to progressive change. Do not be bamboozled by this man or by Faux Noise.

"sapping the energy of progressives in congress"...giv e me a break...if they had any less energy they would need to go on medication to wake them up. Now, while the proposals from the Congressional Progressive caucus (of which Dennis was a member) are generally very good (see their budget proposal for example) when it comes to actually standing up and fighting for it or any other truly progressive cause they have totally wimped out again and again. To call someone who is principled "obstructionist " is absurd. And it was the "new democrats" such as Bill Clinton (and now Obama) -- hardly progressives -- that ran and continue to run the party off the cliff such that they have given away the store (financial deregulation, welfare "reform", NAFTA "free trade", the wars, NDAA, drone warfare, and now they're going to give in to "entitlement reform" --- all things Dennis has opposed and fought against). So, who's being "bamboozld"?

+1 # Linda 2013-01-17 20:26

Big mistake Dennis they are just using you to get liberals to watch Fox and boost their failing ratings ! Sorry but I won't watch and put more money in their pocket not after all that hate towards anybody whose liberal that they feed their right wing viewers . I would be happier to see them gone !
Couldn't you have found a more reputable outlet than Fox ? What are you thinking ? I don't think its brave I think its down right foolish and it will tarnish your reputation !If you lay down with dogs your gonna get fleas !

+6 # lin96 2013-01-17 21:33

On a positive note.... it takes courage to go into the lions den. Maybe what Dennis Kucinich has to contribute will actually resonate and make sense to viewers on Fox News.

0 # ishmael 2013-01-18 17:35

If they are rational and listen to things that "make sense" they aren't watching faux to begin with.

+4 # Vegan_Girl 2013-01-18 04:51

""His willingness to take a stand from his point of view makes him a valuable voice in our country's debate," Ailes said in a statement emailed to The Plain Dealer.

About that point of view: Kucinich is notably liberal. Fox is noted for its conservatism."

I have two corrections to make: what FOX is doing has little to do with debate. And they are not conservatives. Let us call them what they are: extreme right-wing.

+2 # rockieball 2013-01-18 07:18

Questions are; Is Fox News trying to change? With viewership going down are they trying to attract the left to listen to their right wing PR? Is Dennis just going to be the Fox liberal token so they can go back to "Fair and Balanced"? With the problems they have been having with news scandals are they just doing a CYA? I do not watch Fox and it would take a lot more for me to do so.

0 # hillwright 2013-01-18 07:56

Good grief..! Now do I have to watch Fox News?

-2 # Linda 2013-01-20 06:59

Not if you wise you won't !

+2 # PGreen 2013-01-18 08:31

This should be titled, "Dennis in the Foxes' Den."
FOX has little to fear from Kucinich in terms of tarnishing it's image as a conservative bellwether media institution. (The main people who would be worried are right-wing politicians.) It gives FOX the appearance of legitimacy to have someone like Kucinich on their staff. Expect the structure and time allocated to Dennis to be limited, probably by the implicit structure of his position. Personally, I hoping he can still surprise their executives and financial mavens by putting a few guests on the hot seat and raising uncomfortable issues.
The other thing is that FOX spends much time criticizing the liberal wing of the establishment. Because Dennis is critical of this establishment from the Left leads FOX to believe that he can function as a foil for their attacks on liberals. It remains to be seen if he will be allowed to criticize both liberal and conservative elements of the establishment-- and the political/econo mic structure itself-- on an equal basis. FOX probably views Dennis as someone they can trot out to unhinge liberal Democrats and thus add strength to right-wing positions. The question is whether he will also be allowed to address the Koch brothers, the Cheneys, and their ilk on sensitive subjects.
Hiring Dennis shows how little FOX fears the non-establishme nt Left. Maybe Kucinich will show them that "We the People" are not a force to be dismissed lightly, and that they have a "tiger by the tail."

-1 # Linda 2013-01-20 07:07

Maybe Kucinich will show them that "We the People" are not a force to be dismissed lightly, and that they have a "tiger by the tail."

Wishful thinking .
Anyone whose foolish enough to watch Fox to find out is only doing Fox a favor by boosting their ratings !
Do I have to say it a million times to get through to some of you ?Wake up ,don't watch and let Fox fail in the ratings and be done with them once and for all !

0 # PGreen 2013-01-20 10:14

I don't advocate anyone hanging around FOX news waiting for Kucinich to show up; that would be extremely foolish. And though there are SOME qualitative difference between the establishment news networks, anyone who limits their information source to them is going to be misinformed. There is a bias they perpetuate simply by being part of the establishment.
Though I applaud your intent to starve the beast, I'm not sure that avoiding FOX news makes much difference to the network, financially speaking, unless you represent the demographic of their sponsors. FOXes' business is selling eyeballs of a particular nature (conservative, in this case) to their corporate sponsors, and creating more sympathetic eyeballs when possible. This is the difference between "demand" and "effective demand." To wit, there is demand for food if many people are starving, but if they have no money, there is no "effective demand." It makes no systemic difference to the suppliers. Such is the nature of capitalism.
FOX sponsors will be nervous when conservatives desert the network.
I continue to hope that Kucinich can convert a few conservatives who are watching FOX. They, of course, have the opposite hope that he will lure in liberals who will be converted to conservatism. But, I won't hold my breath or change my viewing habits for their addition of Dennis. Anything insightful or controversial that he says will be picked up elsewhere on the web.

-1 # Polly 2013-01-18 09:57

Dude needs a job, OK?

0 # Kathymoi 2013-01-18 16:26

My guess is that the anchor on whatever show Kucinich assists will bash him and his point of view in an emotional and pithy manner. I seriously doubt Fox's intention to assist Kucinich in spreading his ideas to new audiences. Rather I expect it wants to bring new audiences to its conservative point of view and to bash liberal points of view with gusto. We'll see what comes of this.

0 # Toribeth 2013-01-19 09:51

When Dennis ran for President, during the primary debates,the Democrats put him at the last place in the lineup and never let him speak more than a few seconds. Obama and Hilary were paced at center stage and given all the speaking time.

+2 # Mouna 2013-01-19 11:23

Even Jesus didn't sway the ignorant, but at least he tried.

+4 # corey 2013-01-19 14:17

i still wont watch fox....they are scum. they could have god on there (if i believed in one) and id rather rub my ass with poison ivy dripped sand paper after having a bout of hemoroids....

+1 # BeaDeeBunker 2013-01-19 22:03

Sounds like the next episode of "Family Guy!" But I get your point and I too will not watch FOX NEWS; I do however stop short of abusing myself with as you describe, especially after a bout of hemorhoids!

0 # brux 2013-01-20 16:45

> As for the possibility of getting rich off TV, he said, "I never look at the world in those terms."

Naw ... Dennis doesn't have an ego, that's why he married the centerfold bombshell who is taller than he is.

0 # brux 2013-01-20 16:46

Hahaha, yeah, I just heard the new show is called "Hannity and Kcinich" ;-)

0 # Kasandra 2013-01-20 18:00

Mebbe Fox was the only network that offered him anything?

0 # James Klimaski 2013-01-21 10:56

The old adage is that if you only talk to your friends, you will never convince your enemies. Dennis giving the Fox listeners a different point of view may change some minds. And if anyone can do it, Dennis can.

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post

THE NEW STREAMLINED RSN LOGIN PROCESS: Register once, then login and you are ready to comment. All you need is a Username and a Password of your choosing and you are free to comment whenever you like! Welcome to the Reader Supported News community.