Since the departure of conservative news show host Tucker Carlson in April, Fox News has been searching for the next big voice of the network. Carlson's show, "Tucker Carlson Tonight," was not only Fox's most popular show but at one time the highest-rated cable news show period.
But despite the tumultuous breakup, Fox and Carlson are both moving on. Carlson is hosting his show on Twitter Spaces and Fox has found the pundit to fill Carlson's time slot -- Jesse Watters. But on Watters' very first show, one very special call-in guest stole the show.
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I think they promoted the wrong Watters. It is clear that Jesse Watters' mom should have her own show. pic.twitter.com/RqxnJUkokK
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) July 18, 2023
Jesse Watters answered a call from his mother live on the air, who he identifies as "a Democrat". But he should have identified her as a star, because now the internet loves her.
Watters asked his mother how she was doing, then inquired if she was enjoying the show. And her response was both wholesome and very aware of just where her son was standing.
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"I want to say congratulations, honeybun, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments," she says in the most maternal tone. "And you've worked so hard."
But it wasn't all doting. "Now let's aim to have you keep your job," she advised Watters on national television. "And to that end, I do have some suggestions[...] do not tumble into any conspiracy rabbit holes. We do not want to lose you and we [don't] want [a] lawsuit." Watters' mother could be alluding to the lawsuit that allegedly resulted in Carlson's firing months before.
"Okay, I have a list here," she begins to read. "In keeping[...] with the Hippocratic Oath, do no harm. We need you to be kind and respectful[...] Use your voice responsibly to promote conversation that maintains a narrative thread."
Momma Watters wasn't afraid to mention her own views either. "There really has been enough Biden-bashing and the laptop is old," she said. "Perhaps you could suggest that your people take less interest, for example, in other people's bodies, and talk about that solution versus fanning the flames."
Watters' mother's gentle suggestion is likely a reference to Fox News pundits' support of numerous anti-drag and anti-transgender bills popping up in conservative states. She also politely alludes to Donald Trump, referencing his golf club in Bedminster, NJ.
"You could encourage that Bedminster friend of yours to return to his earlier career on television. Everyone in his audience could wear a red hat. And I'm sure the ratings would soar."
Watters, for all his best efforts, seems a little embarrassed. "This is just how things are at home," he says at the end of the call.
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