The Mark Halperin Story is Going to be Very Ugly

Too Bad He Didn't Work for Fox News – His Future Would be Secure

If there is any doubt as to the difference between Fox News and professional, decent and objective news organizations that doubt should be resolved by the reaction of MSNBC to the reports on the highly inappropriate and possibly criminal misconduct of commentator Mark Halperin. While at ABC Mr. Halperin apparently engaged in sexual harassment and possibly sexual assault. He has admitted some wrongdoing and denied some.

The interesting thing is what his employer has done.

The fallout from the CNN report has been swift. HBO said Thursday thatit has canceled a miniseries based on “Game Change.” MSNBC said Halperin “is leaving his role as a contributor until the questions around his past conduct are fully understood.”

Mr. Halperin, absent complete vindication is done, as well he should be. But compare his situation with that of Bill O'Reilly at Fox News. Fox News gave O'Reilly a huge new contract even after they learned of all of his unacceptable treatment of women. They looked the other way until advertisers started leaving. They saw nothing wrong with sexual harassment and paid millions to settle cases. But then, they are the network of family values.