Beckel Bob - I should be dead: my life surviving politics, TV, and addiction

July 2014

Sitting outside Studio D at the Fox News building, in the open-air walkway between Forty-Seventh and Forty-Eighth streets in Midtown Manhattan, I am smoking my regular preshow cigar. Its a half-hour before my daily cable show, The Five, goes on the air. I smoked a cigar before the very first episode of The Five when it premiered on July 11, 2011. Its now three years later, and I have smoked one before each show since, every day, Monday through Friday, no matter the weather. Call it a habit; call it a good luck charm. So far it seems to be working.

Some young people, probably college kids sightseeing in the Big Apple, stop and ask if they can take a group photo with me. Of course, I tell them. I put the cigar down, get to my feet, and take my place in the center of the group so a recruited passerby can snap a few shots.

When youre a public figure people see you as a public utility, like its perfectly all right to walk up to you on the street and start asking for favors, for a picture or an autograph, or just to converse. Most people in television savor this kind of celebrity. For me, its still difficult. When I was a drunk and a drug addict I didnt want anyone paying attention to me. I wanted to melt into the wallpaper, be the guy behind the scenes. But now I do it, and with grace and good humor, as best I can.

One day not long ago while walking down the street I heard a voice going, Bob! BOB! I turned and saw a complete stranger trotting toward me with his phone in his outstretched hand. My wife watches you every day, he said. I started to ask him to thank her for me, but he cut me off. Ive got her on the phone right now. Can you talk to her?

I looked at the guy. You want me to talk to your wife on the phone?

He nodded, eagerly. Like this was the most normal request in the world. Of course, why wouldnt I? I took the phone and said into it, Hi, this is Bob Beckel.

The womans voice was laughing on the other end. I dont believe it. No, seriously, who is this. Is this really Bob Beckel? I told her it really was. I watch your show every day! she said.

Yeah, I heard, I said into the phone. Is this crazy guy who put me on the phone actually your husband? She said he was. Well, Ill tell you both at the same time: You could do better. But he couldnt. They both got the biggest kick out of that.

I smile now, thinking about it, as the kids rearrange themselves around me for another pose. I feel the warmth of the New York sun on my face.

We snap the photo and the group of college kids drifts away. The passerby who took the shot grins at me and says, Bob, I gotta tell you, I completely disagree with everything you say. But my wife and Iyoure our kind of liberal, and were about as conservative as they come!

Nodding, I say, If I had a nickel for every time He laughs. The truth is, I do hear that comment a lot, and never get tired of it. We disagree with you but we love you. Cant ask for anything better than that.

I retake my seat, reach down to the ashtray on the ground, and get my little cigar going again.

One of our producers, a young lady who couldnt possibly be a day over twenty-three, pops her head out the door. Ten minutes, Mr. Beckel!

Ten minutes. A world of time.