Roger Ailes, chairman and chief executive officer of Fox News, speaks during the Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour in this 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
But, says New York Magazine, Fox chief Roger Ailes is pretty unimpressed with the likely GOP field so far.
Amid an analysis of Rupert Murdoch’s planned changes in the 21st Century Fox hierarchy, the magazine cites multiple unidentified sources as indicating that Roger Ailes “simply isn’t dazzled by any of the GOP contenders so far.”
It further indicates that he’s privately clashed with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who has yet to formally announce his candidacy, over several issues, including immigration reform.
He’s also had words with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is also expected to run but has not formally announced a candidacy.
It quotes a sharp Christie-Ailes exchange at the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013.
Ailes said he thought Christie looked like “the fat kid in high school chasing the popular kid” during a much-noted 2012 photo with President Obama amid the New York-New Jersey area’s response to Hurricane Sandy.
“No one talks to me that way!” said Christie.
The only GOP prospect so far whom Ailes expressed much of a liking toward is Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, says the magazine.
There is much speculation as to the future of Ailes, the strategic godfather of Fox News.
He makes lots of money for Rupert Murdoch. But it’s also known that the two sons who will take over the company don’t totally buy into the politics of the network, especially James Murdoch, who is expected to be the first among family equals.
Ailes has been quoted as having told a friend that James is a “dope,” though his description was apparently far more vivid, notes the magazine.
But Ailes, 75, is also said to be in discussions to extend his Fox contract.
