Welcome to the first posting on this new blog. I plan on posting SOMETHING everyday. And I thought I would welcome you by explaining what the average day holds for yours truly. I spend the morning with my family -- my wife, Amy, and my 18-month old son Paul. It's the only real family time I have with both of them.. because, by the time I get home at night - 7:45p-8:00p .. Paul is already asleep.
This is him above (he went as a White House correspondent to Halloween - I need to update the pictures I have in this computer.) Anyway -- we start with the morning meeting at 10:30am where we decide exactly what pieces we'll put in the show. It's a meeting with all of the producers and staff who make Special Report what it is. The combination of an incredibly strong staff working on the show .. and very straightforward reporting from correspondents who are excellent at what they do.. are the reasons why Special Report is the most watched political news show on cable -by far. Here are a couple of pics from the morning meeting. We'll add more and more details tomorrow and in the days ahead. I will give you a little "behind the scenes" of how the show is put together.. I'll weigh in on some of the big stories we'll be covering.. and if we have breaking news.. we'll put some additional info on this blog. Tonight tune in to watch for stories on President Obama's efforts to sell Congress on his economic stimulus package by Major Garrett -- a piece about concerns over interrogation techniques going forward and the "war on terror" in general by Jim Angle -- and a piece about NY Governor Patterson's pic to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat by Eric Shawn. More tomorrow .. tune in tonight 6pm EST. Thanks!
Dr. Mr. Baier
I recently read the story of your son's struggle with congenital heart disease. My husband and I lost our beautiful son at 27 months of age following his second corrective heart surgery. It was a devastating loss. You are not alone in your struggle with CHD. There are many of us that understand the pain associated with this disease. Even through all of the sadness, we were blessed to have such a beautiful gift (his life of 27 months). Cherish and be thankful for every moment.
I just read the article about your son Paul. Our first child, Caroline, was born also seemingly perfect and healthy. Ironically, at her 2 month well-baby visit a very slight murmer was detected. We were informed that it was more than likely completely innocent. Testing proved otherwise. To our complete surprise she was diagnosed with a coartation of the aorta, a VSD, and corrected transposition of the great arteries. She underwent two surgeries and unfortunately passed away 6 hours after the second procedure. Her heart went into arrest and could not be revived. She was 3 months old.
We now have 4 other children. Our second is healthy, our third - a boy also has congenital heart disease. A sub-aortic stenosis which was operated on when he was 8 weeks old. At 10 months he had a pace-maker inserted. The scar tissue from the previous surgery had begun to block the impulses that cause the heart to beat. Nonetheless, William is a very rambunctious 9 year old boy - that at times, I joke about turning the "volume" down on that pace maker. Our fourth is also healthy. Our fifth, a girl is 2 years old and also has a very minor form of congenital heart disease. We too have learned to be thankful for every day. I have found my cause with the local chapter of the Americal Heart Association. The best of wishes and enjoy your precious little boy!
Dear Bret,
My husband and I have been watching Brit Hume since we started going out in college. We'd appreciated his droll, intelligent delivery for many years, beginning with his long relationship at ABC. Understandably, we were worried that you might not be able to fill his considerable shoes when you took the anchor spot on FOX. Please let me tell you: you've more than impressed us. You're style is crisp, professional, believable - and while style is a frothy thing, it means much when you're in a frothy business trying to hang on to relevance and bring some weight to the news, which has now become more entertainment that enlightenment.
Well done and best wishes. You were a tremendous choice. (Don't become a Dan Rather. It's NOT about you).
Allison Barrows
Hey Bret!
We went to DePauw together (I was two years behind you--good friends with Chris Naylor). So glad to see that Paul is in good health. He is absolutely precious. I wish you and your family all the best.
Blessings,
Ramona
Dear Mr. Baier,
I write you today in response to an amazing article I read last night in People about your beautiful son Paul. My husband and I are in the very final stage of an international adoption of a beautiful little girl who will turn one February 7th. When we accepted the referral, we understood she had Complex Congenital Heart Disease. We are now aware that this is a much more serious diagnosis than presented. Our soon to be daughters case was presented at the Children's Hospital Cardiology Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota in December. It has been determined that our daughter has:
Situs inversus with dextrocardia, D-transposition of the great arteries with double outlet of the right ventricle, wide perimembranous VSD (11mm) with trabecular extension and bidirectional shunt, partial anomalous venous return to superior vena cava and to the coronary sinus.
As I know you understand, we are very frightened, but will not give up on our girl. We have been advised not to proceed with our adoption, but this is our daughter and we will not leave her behind. Our ten year old was born with heart disease, but with a significantly less severe diagnosis.
It sounded as though your son may have had a similar diagnosis to our daughter. We understand there will be a minimum of two major scale open heart surgeries. I apologize for using your blog for personal contact, but I am reaching out and asking for direction. Congratulation's to you and your beautiful family!
Please don't feel sorry for Gov. Blagojevich! He has put this state nearly $5 Billion in debt. He has dipped into most of the funds in the state, like the DNR and has used that money to pay for his bills. He has not paid into the state pension funds such as the Teachers' Pension (TRS) and blames this pension for putting the state in debt.
He closed 7 state parks (trying to save money for his programs). One of the parks (Lowden State Park which contains BlackHawk Statue) was making twice as much money as it cost to keep it open.
He didn't move to Springfield so a plane flies from Springfied to Chicago to pick him up, takes him to Springfield, flies him back home, then flies back to Springfield where it is kept. That costs thousands of dollars each week.
The people who should be ashamed of themselves are the people who voted for him TWICE!!! They are idiots! The Rockford Register Star endorsed him both times! That tells you how much they know. Anyone who thinks he would resign while this trial goes on is crazy. You can tell Geraldo that! He's been taken in by a real Chicago Con Artist! Sorry if I sound cynical, but we've had enough of this clown!!!!!!! Thanks for letting me vent! I remember you in Rockford. Congrats on doing a great job in Rkfd, and at FOX.
Hi Mr. Baier! I enjoy watching your show; you make a great anchor!
Those are some good pictures (the one of your son is nice), and your write-up about the "behind the scenes" portion of your day was really interesting. I can't wait to read more. While I'm writing, I thought I might ask a couple of questions: How do you know when you’re “on the air”, and when do you start speaking? Are the teleprompters in front of the camera lens?
Hope you have a great week!
Forest
Hi Bret, I watch your program every day and appreciate all the information you deliver. I am a sixth grade teacher working at Colegio Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American School of Lima-Peru . I have followed Mr. Obama's campaign through Britt Hume and congratulate you for being his successor. I appreciate your hard work and your objectivity when delivering the news. I enjoyed reading your blog--what a cute son you have!
Great idea for a blog. I look forward to becoming a regular reader. I loved Brit Hume, truly, but I guess he was a little to "old school" to be blogging!
Good luck going forward Bret. You are filling some big shoes in Special Report but sure seem to be up to the task. It has always been one of my top priorities to catch. I feel that it is one of the last remining true journalistic undertakings. The other media outlets have become just propaganda outlets as far as I am concerned. I am not sure where we would be without Fox News and Fox Business News.
Great, I get to be the first Blogger on, here.I am a fox news freak, love Neal, Bill, hannity and of course you and brett before you. Really glad that you have kept The same format definitely like the Grapevine.
I am a 63 year old Vietnam vet, retired and I have become very concerned about our government, they no longer listen to "WE" the people. I depend on You guys on fox to report accurately on all that is going on. I am so angry at all the corruption, scandals, greed, and lies that are a daily part of our government on both sides of the aisle. Please continue to do the great job you do.
We are also in trouble with the other media networks, their bias is absolutely astounding and I long for the old Days when you could listen to any of them and come away feeling that you have been informed of the facts and information and can fairly accurately form your own opinion.I know the differance between journalism, commentators and opinions don't see a lot of journalism anymore. I hope they come to their senses and clean their selves up.
I love blogs like this. The anchors on Fox are like a part of our family since we have our TV on Fox News all day long.
I enjoy looking at family pics and seeing how your dad comes together.
January 23, 2009 at 6:32 pm
aboutthis blog
Bret Baier is the host of Special Report on FOX News Channel. Tune in weekdays at 6 p.m. ET to watch the show. Plus, don't miss our weekly web show and live chat, Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET.
You can also connect with Bret on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.
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Melanie Boon
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Dr. Mr. Baier I recently read the story of your son's struggle with congenital heart disease. My husband and I lost our beautiful son at 27 months of age following his second corrective heart surgery. It was a devastating loss. You are not alone in your struggle with CHD. There are many of us that understand the pain associated with this disease. Even through all of the sadness, we were blessed to have such a beautiful gift (his life of 27 months). Cherish and be thankful for every moment.
Bernadette
Flag this comment
I just read the article about your son Paul. Our first child, Caroline, was born also seemingly perfect and healthy. Ironically, at her 2 month well-baby visit a very slight murmer was detected. We were informed that it was more than likely completely innocent. Testing proved otherwise. To our complete surprise she was diagnosed with a coartation of the aorta, a VSD, and corrected transposition of the great arteries. She underwent two surgeries and unfortunately passed away 6 hours after the second procedure. Her heart went into arrest and could not be revived. She was 3 months old. We now have 4 other children. Our second is healthy, our third - a boy also has congenital heart disease. A sub-aortic stenosis which was operated on when he was 8 weeks old. At 10 months he had a pace-maker inserted. The scar tissue from the previous surgery had begun to block the impulses that cause the heart to beat. Nonetheless, William is a very rambunctious 9 year old boy - that at times, I joke about turning the "volume" down on that pace maker. Our fourth is also healthy. Our fifth, a girl is 2 years old and also has a very minor form of congenital heart disease. We too have learned to be thankful for every day. I have found my cause with the local chapter of the Americal Heart Association. The best of wishes and enjoy your precious little boy!
Allison Barrows
Flag this comment
Dear Bret, My husband and I have been watching Brit Hume since we started going out in college. We'd appreciated his droll, intelligent delivery for many years, beginning with his long relationship at ABC. Understandably, we were worried that you might not be able to fill his considerable shoes when you took the anchor spot on FOX. Please let me tell you: you've more than impressed us. You're style is crisp, professional, believable - and while style is a frothy thing, it means much when you're in a frothy business trying to hang on to relevance and bring some weight to the news, which has now become more entertainment that enlightenment. Well done and best wishes. You were a tremendous choice. (Don't become a Dan Rather. It's NOT about you). Allison Barrows
Ramona Benkert Wicht
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Hey Bret! We went to DePauw together (I was two years behind you--good friends with Chris Naylor). So glad to see that Paul is in good health. He is absolutely precious. I wish you and your family all the best. Blessings, Ramona
Linda Wood
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Dear Mr. Baier, I write you today in response to an amazing article I read last night in People about your beautiful son Paul. My husband and I are in the very final stage of an international adoption of a beautiful little girl who will turn one February 7th. When we accepted the referral, we understood she had Complex Congenital Heart Disease. We are now aware that this is a much more serious diagnosis than presented. Our soon to be daughters case was presented at the Children's Hospital Cardiology Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota in December. It has been determined that our daughter has: Situs inversus with dextrocardia, D-transposition of the great arteries with double outlet of the right ventricle, wide perimembranous VSD (11mm) with trabecular extension and bidirectional shunt, partial anomalous venous return to superior vena cava and to the coronary sinus. As I know you understand, we are very frightened, but will not give up on our girl. We have been advised not to proceed with our adoption, but this is our daughter and we will not leave her behind. Our ten year old was born with heart disease, but with a significantly less severe diagnosis. It sounded as though your son may have had a similar diagnosis to our daughter. We understand there will be a minimum of two major scale open heart surgeries. I apologize for using your blog for personal contact, but I am reaching out and asking for direction. Congratulation's to you and your beautiful family!
Mary Ellen Snider
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You are all great! I only watch Fox News, and I've become a news junkie! I like the new addition, Glenn Beck, and of course, I love Bill!
Loretta Bell
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Please don't feel sorry for Gov. Blagojevich! He has put this state nearly $5 Billion in debt. He has dipped into most of the funds in the state, like the DNR and has used that money to pay for his bills. He has not paid into the state pension funds such as the Teachers' Pension (TRS) and blames this pension for putting the state in debt. He closed 7 state parks (trying to save money for his programs). One of the parks (Lowden State Park which contains BlackHawk Statue) was making twice as much money as it cost to keep it open. He didn't move to Springfield so a plane flies from Springfied to Chicago to pick him up, takes him to Springfield, flies him back home, then flies back to Springfield where it is kept. That costs thousands of dollars each week. The people who should be ashamed of themselves are the people who voted for him TWICE!!! They are idiots! The Rockford Register Star endorsed him both times! That tells you how much they know. Anyone who thinks he would resign while this trial goes on is crazy. You can tell Geraldo that! He's been taken in by a real Chicago Con Artist! Sorry if I sound cynical, but we've had enough of this clown!!!!!!! Thanks for letting me vent! I remember you in Rockford. Congrats on doing a great job in Rkfd, and at FOX.
Marine Captain
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We're pulling for you!
Annie Hamilton
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Paul is SO precious!!! I want to bite him :)
Forest
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Hi Mr. Baier! I enjoy watching your show; you make a great anchor! Those are some good pictures (the one of your son is nice), and your write-up about the "behind the scenes" portion of your day was really interesting. I can't wait to read more. While I'm writing, I thought I might ask a couple of questions: How do you know when you’re “on the air”, and when do you start speaking? Are the teleprompters in front of the camera lens? Hope you have a great week! Forest
Charo
Flag this comment
Hi Bret, I watch your program every day and appreciate all the information you deliver. I am a sixth grade teacher working at Colegio Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American School of Lima-Peru . I have followed Mr. Obama's campaign through Britt Hume and congratulate you for being his successor. I appreciate your hard work and your objectivity when delivering the news. I enjoyed reading your blog--what a cute son you have!
KellyJ
Flag this comment
Great idea for a blog. I look forward to becoming a regular reader. I loved Brit Hume, truly, but I guess he was a little to "old school" to be blogging!
Charles Gonzales
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Hi Bret: Enjoy your show. Looking forward to The Daily Bret. Thanks, Charles
Randy Dailey
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Good luck going forward Bret. You are filling some big shoes in Special Report but sure seem to be up to the task. It has always been one of my top priorities to catch. I feel that it is one of the last remining true journalistic undertakings. The other media outlets have become just propaganda outlets as far as I am concerned. I am not sure where we would be without Fox News and Fox Business News.
Roy
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I guess I am the first Blogger, great job keep up the great work all of you at fox do.
Roy
Flag this comment
Great, I get to be the first Blogger on, here.I am a fox news freak, love Neal, Bill, hannity and of course you and brett before you. Really glad that you have kept The same format definitely like the Grapevine. I am a 63 year old Vietnam vet, retired and I have become very concerned about our government, they no longer listen to "WE" the people. I depend on You guys on fox to report accurately on all that is going on. I am so angry at all the corruption, scandals, greed, and lies that are a daily part of our government on both sides of the aisle. Please continue to do the great job you do. We are also in trouble with the other media networks, their bias is absolutely astounding and I long for the old Days when you could listen to any of them and come away feeling that you have been informed of the facts and information and can fairly accurately form your own opinion.I know the differance between journalism, commentators and opinions don't see a lot of journalism anymore. I hope they come to their senses and clean their selves up.
Highlander
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Thank you. Good luck and God Bless you and your family.
Kathy G
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I love blogs like this. The anchors on Fox are like a part of our family since we have our TV on Fox News all day long. I enjoy looking at family pics and seeing how your dad comes together.