Alone among networks, Fox News gives Bush homecoming cheer

Former Vice President Dick Cheney and other Bush administration officials sometimes let it be known that they stuck with Fox News for their informational needs. And on Tuesday, Fox News returned the favor, even as the rest of Washington remained gripped by Obama fever. 

Late Tuesday afternoon, Fox News was the only major national TV outlet that carried a live telecast of former President Bush's homecoming speech to cheering supporters in Midland, Texas.

"Sometimes what I did wasn't popular," a smiling Bush told the crowd. "But that's OK. I always did what I thought was right."

The rest of the networks, however, did not see the Bush address as news fit to broadcast. At 6:40 p.m. EST, MSNBC was in the middle of "Hardball," with host Chris Matthews and guests batting around the meaning of Obama's swearing-in. CNN was carrying live ongoing coverage of the final moments of the inaugural parade, with the Obamas beaming from the White House reviewing stand.

The broadcast networks likewise did not cover the Bush speech. At least in Los Angeles, both KCBS-Channel 2 and KNBC-Channel 4 had returned to regular syndicated programming ("Judge Judy" and "Deal or No Deal"). KABC-Channel 7 was airing local news.

-Scott Collins 

Comments

[Rob]

The homecoming of former Presidents have always been part of Inauguration Day coverage. I distinctly remember watching President Carter's arrival in Plains, Georgia in 1981; time was given to that story in spite of the fact that we had a new President AND the end of the Iranian hostage siege both occurring at that moment.

This is the FIRST time in network/cable TV news history a former President has been virtually ignored. And it's simply another piece of proof of the liberal bias of media in general, and the more fair and balanced approach that Fox News provides. Do they slant some to the right? Yep. But do they offer the most balanced coverage when compared to the cheerleaders of the other networks? Most definitely.

And while they snubbed Bush, the Obama parade was going on, but I saw empty stands, plus he and Michelle in conversation! Who was watching the parade?????

[Chris]

Bush believed in God. Do you see or know the truth? He was a good president in unpopular deceisions that the liberal media did not agree with.

[John]

This goes to show how biased the other major networks are, not FOX. FOX covered both Obama and Bush yesterday, where were the other "journalists"? Go to mediabias.com and see who the real unbiased news network is. You libs will be upset to know that it is indeed FOX news. But, I'm sure your hatred for the truth will make it impossible for you to digest the truth.

[Julie]

Of course FOX News was the only outlet to report the homegoing of our former President. It is the only News network that is FAIR AND BALANCED. Thank God we have one place at least that reports news and lets us decide. How people can watch networks that tell them what to think is beyond me. Journalists are supposed to report news not change the world!!

[Aviana]

Barack Obama has asked for an end to bitter partisan politics so that we can unite as citizens to solve this country's problems. Why don't we give it a try?

Thanks to George W. Bush for keeping us safe since 9/11.

I prefer to see all the news.

[Timbo]

To Michael>>I seriously doubt that you know how bad of a president Tyler, Pierce or Harding was unless you are over 100 years old. The worst President in my lifetime was Jimmy Carter who had double digit inflation, 15% home mortgage rates, NO GAS, Iran Hostage Crisis and Billy Beer. George Bush was a strong President, not wimpy like Jimmy. George Bush may not have been the most eloquent President (just listen to Obama stumble through his Presidential oath..AXICUTE the office of the PResident). Who gives a rats behind about our standing with the rest of the World. They should know (all all the dictator/socialist/communist/fanatical muslims) that we will come kick their a#^@ if they want to cause trouble. We saved Europes sweet behind in WW1 and WW2.
Signed,
American WW2 Vet

[P.T. Barnum]

..."Good vibes and getting our faith in the human race renewed once again with our NEW President"....
BWUAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
.
Hopes & Dreams are the new "EXPERIENCED TRACK RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS"?
.
STUPID DREAMER - WAKE UP.

[Brian]

The networks covered Bill Clinton's farewell address, as did Fox. At the time, I thought they over did it, and it over-shadowed the incoming president. Of course, now some say that FOX covering both presidents is one more proof of bias while the other Networks covering only Obama are the balanced ones? What a world this has become.

[AmericaTheHateful]

I am honestly tired of the Bush haters. Has he made mistakes? What president hasn't? Is he a war crimes criminal? Seriously?? What was his crime?? That there weren't WMDs in Iraq when he was told there were?

The crime is that the Iraq war wasn't won in 5 minutes. That's all the patience the american public had for him. That's the reason for all the Bush hate. So now he's a criminal and the dems want to try and dig up anything to imprison him for. Move on!! Kick back and drink the kool-aid of your election victory. The political pendulum has swung your way for the next 2,4, or maybe 8 years. Even Obama wants to look forward.

The economy? Let's face the president can control the economy about as much as he controls the weather. The economic boom of the 90's? One word: "Internet". Or how about two: "Business Cycle". But of course let's credit and blame presidents for things they have little to no influence over - like the price of oil.

Seriously, you have to hand it to a guy who has warmly oriented Obama to his new job when so much of the country unfairly hates him. Some may say he's just following the american people's desires. Since america elected Obama, then he must play nice. But those same people forget, Bush never followed what the American people seemed to want at any particular moment. If he cared about the temporary opinions, he would have bailed from Iraq long ago.

We didn't deserve to have a leader with that much character and integrity. And we show it every day.

[A. Lendel]

Thank you President Bush.

[lovey]

1 network covering his homecoming, is one network too many

[JC]

It will be nice to have a President now who can do no wrong. With the media in his pocket, Mr Obama can never fail. Government IS the answer. Thank You Mr Obama for speaking to us, we are not worthy. Ohhhh...the tingly feelings!

[Glenda Zager]

Fox is not biased, those who say it is are telegraphing that they do not watch it. The numbers watching Fox equal or surpass those of CNN and CNBC. Numbers tell the tale.

[Tomyboy12]

Just remember libs, ANY icon in American history that has been so initially built up, has ALWAYS been ripped apart by the media and the people later on. I do not wish our new president failure under any circumstances (because we as a country can't afford for him to fail) but I am keenly aware of our human nature. Within this next year, this country will turn on him for not being the "God" that they and the media initialy made him out to be. The Presidency is ONE person, and if it held as much power as so many of you seem to think it does, our country would be a monarchy not a democracy. I pray for our new president and our country that we will finally wake up and realize what's going on.

[wingwitt]

Respect for the office of the presidency sounds neat but it is a two way street. The only respect Bush showed was for those on the right who agreed with him. He constantly disrespected those outside of his close circle which ultimately was the majority of the American people. It is amazing how he managed to alienate seventy percent of the people. It wasn't easy but he did it.

[David Tampa, FL]

Congrats to President Bush. A job well done.

Thank you to Fox News for fair and balanced news. I won't watch any of the others.

[Duke]

I'm sorry... Bush who? His homecoming speech is even beneath the hayseeds at Fox News.

[Ryan]

People are applauding this new change and hope Obama will supposedly brings? Sure he's got great oratorical skills, and for now I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt but please consider, why were our enemies out there happy he was elected president and you view that as a good thing? They're cheering because they know our foreign policy won't be as strong, that the U.S. will just "fall in line." So if the "change" you're hoping for is the U.S. becoming less fearsome and regarded as a pushover and your "hope" is that this will make us look better in the eyes of the world, congratulations.

Also you might not agree with GWB but you cannot deny his love for our country. He admittedly made some bad choices but at least he was man enough to "pull the trigger". And for those of you saying he dragged the economy down how would you like to become president after the dot com debacle and 9/11? How would you stop the greed of mortgage lenders and the bankers that only calculated return but not risk? For all of you who believe GWB to be dumb and incompetent, I'd like to see how you would have handled all of that. Obama was right about one thing yesterday, we have to become more accountable because if not he knows the people will turn on him the same way. Become your own change and provide your own hope, don't wait because you'll be waiting a long time.

[Brad]

The viciousness with which the left attacks Bush/Cheney and those connected with the last 8 years simply reflects how the country is divided. Fox has grown in popularity because the right simply does not trust any of the other channels to provide a semblance of balanced coverage. Night after night over the last year hearing Keith O, Chris Matthews and the rest throw out the continuous darts/insults simply shows that the leadership/editorial staff of all but Fox are slanted one way. Whether you like it or not - since 9/11 there has not been an attack on our soil ... that attack changed Bush and completely focused his presidency - for right or wrong. While I was happy to see Obama thank Bush for his service and his support during the transition, and while I truly enjoyed Obama's speech and conduct .... I was saddened by the group of people that see as their duty to spend their time sarcastically cheering Bush's departure. Whether poor losers or poor winners - the operative term is poor - or simply classless. Let's hope we can get past these divisions and get out of this bipartisan economic mess.

[anorm]

God Bless President Bush and Laura. Thank God they are back home and I was happy to see in covered by someone. C-SPAN and Fox were the only ones who "bookended" the day and told the whole story of how this country passes power peacefully. For all you Bush haters, start looking around now for a scapegoat for Obama. You're going to need one and blaming President Bush for everything is going to wear thin.