Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have been officially fired from Fox News Channel after waffling for two months over statements maintaining they might run in the presidential race. To maintain the integrity of the news network, FSN had suspended the two men in March until May 1, in order to give them time to back away from the idea of running and return to their current positions. Turns out, both men needed the full 60 days to decide they would rather end their contracts.
Had either man officially stated he wasn’t running, the contracts would have been reinstated and the two men could have returned to their work at the network. Had either man stated he was running, allowing pointy-fingered Gingrich or Santorum to stay on board would have compromised the journalistic integrity of the network. However, though the two men did kiss their contracts goodbye, this does not necessarily mean Gingrich and Santorum will jump into the race (Although Santorum was present at last night’s debate). It just means they have left the door open.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, firing Gingrich and Santorum might just be a first step in cleaning out potential candidates. The network still has several potentials on its roster, including Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, and John Bolton. If any of them intend to run, they will also go through the same suspensions and firings.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather see Mike Huckabee doing soft news elsewhere, anyway. “Blue Suede Shoes” on bass guitar, anyone?
