Scottsdale Mama

Posts Tagged ‘Martha MacCallum’

If you watch TV at all you know Fox TV’s “Special Report With Bret Baier,” the number one ranked news show. I will be the first to admit that I am not a big fan of politics – I find it frustrating and inauthentic. However, if the politicians had as much integrity and charisma as Bret Baier, our Country would be in a better place.

Here is how my moment started…It was a Thursday afternoon and I was on my way to the Ritz Carlton in Phoenix to attend a luncheon hosted by Harris Private Bank and M&I Wealth Management (a part of BMO Financial). My girlfriend, Dr. Tara Brodkin, had invited me to attend several weeks earlier but I hadn’t taken the time to see who was speaking or what the lunch was about. I was just happy to be going to an “adult lunch.” When I walked in I first noticed how incredibly full the lunch was and that the only seats available for us were at the table – at the very front of the room. Normally this would not be ideal – however, this time was perfect.

As I sat down I noticed the title of the lunch and who the speaker was. I was intrigued because of all the work I have done with both Fox National and Fox Local. Even though I have met and spoken with many of the anchors and hosts such as Shepard Smith, Neil Cavuto, Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Martha MacCallum (to name a few) I had not had the opportunity to meet or speak with Bret. I was pleasantly surprised.

In a crisp blue suit, white shirt and smart blue/navy/white striped tie, Bret started his discussion with his resume and how he got to where he was today. Normally some may see this as bragging but he explained it in a way that was fascinating. He turned his resume into a story starting with his first TV gig and going through how he was involved with the coverage of 9-11, his trips overseas, his White House gig, and the start of Fox News Channel – Fair and Balanced. When he was done I would have been willing to buy a copy of the book he has yet to write about his life since I can only imagine the stories he has to tell. I was riveted, even though I am not a fan of politics.

Bret has made his career covering political events and world events. He has been in the right place at the right times and you can see him today not only on Fox but also moderating several of the political debates of the 2011/2012 campaigns. One thing I found interesting is that when he was asked his opinion by someone in the audience, he bluntly stated, “I rarely give my opinion” since it is his job to cover the stories. That has to be difficult – but what a great line! One nugget he gave us was that he thinks our economic future revolves around what is happening with the European market and that we are “one world event away from slipping.”

Bret was here in Phoenix to entertain us due to a college friend that lives in the Valley. I believe that the hosts paid him, however, I believe he donated the money to his favorite charity, The Children’s National Medical Center . If you have the opportunity to see him or to listen, I recommend you do so.

At the end of his discussion I took the opportunity to go right up to him, introduce myself, and tell him how much I enjoyed the lunch. He may not, but I will remember by moment with Bret Baier.