Anyone familiar with Fox News broadcasts has come to expect a level of professionalism on par with an elementary school food fight, but once in a while, even the FNC gang manages to surprise.<\/p>\n
C&L<\/a> and Newshounds<\/a> offered terrific coverage last night of Fox News’ John Gibson completely losing his mind, on the air, while “debating” Rob Boston of Americans United for Separation of Church and State on the so-called “war on Christmas.” You really have to see it<\/a> to believe it.<\/p>\n A brief description won’t do it justice, but when Rob mentioned that most of the right’s talking points on the issue have been debunked<\/a>, Gibson started screaming, “Are you calling me a liar?!” I’d say Gibson was furious, but that’s an understatement; it was much closer to pure rage. He ultimately threatened to sue Rob, calling his on-air remarks “actionable.” (Rob should be so lucky<\/a>.)<\/p>\n But I wanted to take the story a little further. Rob Boston happens to be a close friend and former colleague of mine, and he called me last night to talk about the interview. More importantly, he told me about what happened after<\/i> the segment.<\/p>\n A couple of hours after Gibson’s show ended and Rob went home, Gibson’s producer called Rob’s cell, saying, “John’s really upset that you called him a liar.” The producer asked if Rob would be willing to appear on Gibson’s radio show for Round Two. Rob, who managed to keep his cool while Gibson became unhinged, said he would.<\/p>\n Before they could schedule an appearance, Gibson got on the phone to start screaming again. Rob, who does not suffer fools kindly, told Gibson the truth — explaining calmly that Gibson is a clown, Fox News is a joke, and their nonsense is demagoguery.<\/p>\n Rob could practically hear Gibson’s head exploding over the phone. Eventually, Gibson said, “Don’t come in where I drink… Don’t come visit a bar when I’m in there.” After Rob asked if Gibson was threatening him, Gibson hung up on him.<\/p>\n The ordeal, as Rob explained, was rather surreal. The bottom line, however, remains the same: Fox News’ John Gibson has pretty serious “issues<\/a>.” Let’s all hope he gets some help before he ends up hurting someone — or himself.<\/p>\n