Bob Beckel, the former co-host of Fox News show “The Five,” has died age 73.
Beckel, a Democratic strategist, joined Fox News in 2000 as a contributor.
He rejoined the network in 2011 as one of the original hosts of the hit show “The Five.”
“My friend and spiritual brother, Bob Beckel, has passed into the presence of the Lord he loved,” columnist Cal Thomas said.
“We did so many things together and I hope we modeled what two people of different political persuasions can be like when they love one another.
“For ten years we wrote the ‘Common Ground’ column for USA Today and a book by that title.
“The name of his ironically titled autobiography is ‘I Should Be Dead.’
“It is a highly readable book about a difficult life that was dramatically changed in the last 15 years.
“I will see you soon Bob. You are loved.”
Sean Hannity said of his “dear friend” Monday night: “He and I got along great, he had a key to my house.”
Hannity added that his own children would call Beckel “Uncle Bob.”
“He was always full of joy, happiness, light, sunshine,” Hannity said.
“He loved God and Jesus and we miss him already. God bless you.
“God speed, Bob Beckel,” he added.
Laura Ingraham said Beckel was an “old-time liberal who you could fight with but we always had a laugh afterward.”
“The Five” premiered in July 2011 but it was only meant to be for a short run.
But the show turned into one of the highest-rated shows in all cable news.
Beckel was there from the start along with Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld who still co-host the long-running program.
From 1977-1980, Beckel worked for the U.S. State Department as deputy assistant secretary of state.
Beckel served as the national campaign manager for former Vice President Walter Mondale’s presidential campaign including the successful race for the Democratic nomination.
Very sad news. Bob Beckel has died. One of the few liberal pundits you can truly like and respect despite political disagreements. pic.twitter.com/iexY8lai7X
— Kevin Tober (@KevinTober94) February 22, 2022
RIP Bob Beckel. What memories I have of our friendship. More to come on The Five tonight. ????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/AOiiHvYReS
— Dana Perino (@DanaPerino) February 22, 2022
Very sad news regarding Bob Beckel (weirdly we were Facebook friends). America would be a better place if there were still Democrats like him.
BTW, if not for his ex-wife (who refused to back Christine Ford’s absurd story), Brett Kavanaugh never becomes a Supreme Court Justice. https://t.co/7Ff0iEgEUf
— John Ziegler (@Zigmanfreud) February 22, 2022
