Responses to this post...

1. The only thing that gives me pause is that Alan might come up with a new gig which gives me some reason to turn on my TV—and surf over to F*x N*ws Channel.

   Posted by Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler
   November 24th, 2008 at 6:53 pm

2. Well, I hope they get the candles right on your cake, too, Alan. LOL

   Posted by Robert Blair
   November 24th, 2008 at 7:22 pm

3. Hey Alan, I didn’t always agree with you but the give and take between you, Sean and your guest made the show very interesting. That is one thing that makes this nation so great. People of differing views can come together and agree to disagree and still walk away friends at the end of the day.

   I hope you keep fighting against the Fairness Doctrine as you move foreward.

   Good Luck Alan. I hope you keep this site open.

   Posted by Willy
   November 24th, 2008 at 7:27 pm

4. AP calls you Holmes.

   Posted by WFG
   November 24th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

5. I am really saddened by this news. Alan, you’ve been the only reason I was able to sit through Hannity’s diatribes. My husband and I have totally different viewpoints and yours always made me feel sane after listening to the other half. Wishing you the very best,

   Posted by Judy
   November 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm

6. Glad you are staying at fnc

   Posted by hal adams
   November 24th, 2008 at 7:33 pm

7. Kind of as compliment, that mistake. One anyone would be Sherlocky to have made about him.

   Posted by WFG
   November 24th, 2008 at 7:33 pm

8. Good luck Alan! You’ll be missed!

   Posted by Conservative Al
   November 24th, 2008 at 7:34 pm

9. Alan,

   You failed to mention Drudge who placed the headline announcing your departure at the top of the left column.

   I wish you only the best as you move forward.

   Posted by an american citizen
   November 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm

10. Alan! Hannity & ______ can’t ever be as good without the Colmes…this news is actually very depressing. Feels like family is going away.

    But you have obviously got to do what is best for you and your wife…but whatever liberal replaces you won’t be able to match you.

    Posted by flap
    November 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

11. Looking forward to checking your blog from time to time. You will definitely be missed. You have been the voice of reason

    Posted by LookingForFood
    November 24th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

12. Alan I wish you all of the best I dont see how you were able to sit through Sean Insanity all of those years. I know it is just a show and both of you are there to make money but it is beyond me how some of the things that come out of Seans mouth didnt send you to the loony bin. I will miss you on that show and I wish Mr Hannity all of the best as well. Good political entertainment has now come to an end.

    Posted by Colleen
    November 24th, 2008 at 8:54 pm

13. Alan,

    I didn’t always agree with you but you are the only liberal on television I enjoy watching. You make good points against a guy (who I like) that tries to talk over you all the time. I will miss you and look forward to seeing you in another format. Good luck and only the best wishes.

    Posted by John Pauldine
    November 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm

14. Alan,

    I’m a staunch Republican, and I’m very sad to see you leave the Hannity & Colmes show. I always enjoyed hearing both sides of any issue and you stood up for the left with great candor. While it was not often that I agreed with you – I respected your opinion as being heartfelt.

    I wish you well in your future endeavors.

    Posted by Michael
    November 24th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

15. Alan,
    I’m deeply saddened to hear this news. I have been a loyal H&C fan for five years and I’ve really enjoyed the debates between you and Mr. Hannity because they show that two people with opposite views can come together and engage in healthy debates. H&C will never be the same again because nobody will be able to fill your shoes. Hannity & Colmes go together like peanut butter & jelly. While I am a conservative, I’m actually surprised at how often I find myself agreeing with you. I wish you all the best, and I’m looking forward to seeing your new projects in the future.

    Posted by Troy
    November 24th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

16. Great! I agree with so much you say, but you get so little time and respect on H&C, I can’t watch it for more than a few minutes. But, I have gotten to know you through your radio show. I hope you go to a venue that allows you to voice your opinions, and not be in the shadows of the likes of Hannity! You are so much better, (even though you will never dis him! I WILL! He is a hate monger.) I hope to hear your very progressive (forward looking) views. The only thing left I have to say is, “Thank you for taking my call!” ha ha. Keep on going Allen, To thine own self be true!

    Posted by Genie Philliips
    November 24th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

17. Alan,

    I have always felt Sean is a lightweight, and that his everyman persona belies the fact that he isn’t a very deep thinker. Black/white, good/evil, etc… I’m sure Sean is a good guy, but I wouldn’t bet on him knocking any IQ tests out of the park.

    You, on the other hand, have an exceptional command of the issues despite getting steamrolled regularly by SH.

    You need a better venue.

    I am a staunch conservative, but enjoy hearing the core of the liberal arguments in the alternative. Not the whiny socialist Pelosi version, but the legit liberal vs. conservative, not necessarily Democratic vs. Republican.

    I look forward to seeing where your career takes you, as you are a considerable and intelligent talent.

    Thanks so much for years of enjoyment,

    Jason Kibby
    Ringgold, Georgia

    Posted by Jason Kibby
    November 24th, 2008 at 10:48 pm

18. Alan,
    Sad to hear the news but, I’m also happy for you as well. You’ve done a great job on the show and have always articulated your points well. You’re exceptionally talented and have always come across as genuine. Best wishes of success in your new ventures!
    Ryan

    Posted by Ryan McCormick
    November 24th, 2008 at 10:51 pm

19. are you going to be on longer on the radio at night? You are a person that tries to bring people togather.i love your radio show.you are a good person.could not stand that Hannity,i agree he spuew’s hate.

    Posted by dorothy
    November 24th, 2008 at 10:56 pm

20. Dorothy, no need to worry: Alan will keep doing the radio show.

    Posted by Joel
    November 24th, 2008 at 11:12 pm

21. ALAN!
    Please let Harold Ford, Jr. be your replacement. Unfortunately, Hannity will never allow it since he will crush Hannity in everyday… BUT PLEASE, let it be…
    Harold Ford, Jr.
    Harold Ford, Jr.
    Harold Ford, Jr.
    Harold Ford, Jr.
    Harold Ford, Jr.!!!

    Kirsten Powers is alright too. BUT PLEASE DO NOT LET IT BE HANNITY ALONE. I WILL NOT WATCH!!

    Posted by Marcus
    November 24th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

22. Alan,there’s haters on crooks and liars.I’m going 2 say hello.This is geting lame and tiresome,haters.

    Posted by phill
    November 25th, 2008 at 1:21 am

23. I’m happy that you will still be doing the radio show and looking forward to what new project you bring forward with Fox. As for Hannity, I’m sure he will be like a lost puppy now and he WILL miss you!

    Posted by Ray
    November 25th, 2008 at 4:38 am

24. Alan,

    I stumbled across this site while reading about your departure. The greatest contribution that you have made is the ability to “agree to disagree” while remaining friends. It is a sterling example that many in the political world could learn from. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

    Posted by Bob
    November 25th, 2008 at 7:58 am

25. Alan, no liberal or moderate should EVER appear on Fake News. Leave them and get a job at a real news organization.

    Posted by donald
    November 25th, 2008 at 10:34 am

26. Can’t believe you’re leaving. This is terrible news. But I can’t wait to see what other tricks you have up your sleeve. The show won’t be the same without you.

    Posted by Kat
    November 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am

27. I don’t agree often with Mr. Colmes. I do know that he is much more capable than “talking points” or (sound bites) and would have liked to see more conversation and actual debate between H&C. Hannity can get. . .well. . .stupid–okay? He needs someone to make him think. Hannity can be intellectually lazy.

    Perhaps the show isn’t long enough to really get into meaty discussions. The show really didn’t mature into an ongoing conversation–which I think is a real shame. I think that Mr. Colmes is a believer in fiscal discipline and efficiency in government. It is important to illustrate the things in which quote “Liberals” and “Republicans” share.

    If you can converse long enough to get beyond “words” or emotions to the actual ideas–you find that the differences between people is far less than one supposes.

    This encourages actual conversation and debate about the actual differences–and the definitions of the actual problems which need to be addressed. It is very important to really define and address specific things, because a clear definition of a problem often leads to a solution.

    “Talking Points” are empty, often ill-defined and generally worthless. They become in insurmountable divide which defies solutions.

    The American people desperately need to hear more than rhetoric. They need to be reminded of all the ideas and values which they share, and they deserve thoughtful conversation about those things in which they disagree. They have forgotten how, or never learned, to engage one another in conversation and debate. (Spewing rhetoric is not conversation or debate.)

    An example was the Hannity interview with Gov. Palin. It was hopelessly softball. She was deserving of much more than softball; it showed a lack of respect–or fawning, which is much worse. Mr. Colmes should have been there to smack him upside the head. The interview was unwatchable.

    If you respect someone, you care enough to actively debate and disagree–to converse in depth with them. You give them the opportunity to cover their strengths, but you also respect them enough to discuss/debate their weaknesses. To not do both things is disingenuous.

    Gov. Palin has accomplished much in her career–many hold her in contempt without knowing any of her accomplishments or her experience. It is pathetic. If you are going to dislike anyone, have enough respect for yourself to be informed as to why.

    Posted by Eqwatz
    November 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am

28. So glad you are going to portray the man you are in another venue. Hannity is the meanest man on TV as far as I’m concerned. I can’t stand to watch him…switch back and forth to Larry King. Please stand up and voice your opinions and ideas with the vim and vigor you have been forced to submerge so that Hannity can carry the Fox flag…Fair an Balanced.That’s a joke!
    You have been so short and sarcastic with callers lately on your radio show…I guess you are having some stress about now.
    Hang in there.

    Posted by Nancy
    November 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am

29. Alan,

    You clearly deserve great credit for making H&C and FoxNews the success that it is. CNN dropped the ball with Crossfire which in it’s day had been just as good. Wherever you land I will listen.

    My choice for your replacement is Ron Kuby. All the other candidates mentioned are lightweights.

    Posted by Reluctant Fan
    November 25th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

30. Other candidates?

    Defeated senatorial candidate Al Franken. Or perennial mayoral candidate Mark Green.

    Posted by Reluctant Fan again
    November 25th, 2008 at 1:42 pm

31. Alan finally made some news. Except now we lose the epic tit-for-tat found on H&C. I hope the new show is even more informative and engaging as H&C.

    Posted by Eric
    November 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

32. I’m sorry to see you go. I am an occasional viewer of H & C, mostly because I can only tolerate small doses of Hannity – really small doses. I’m not surprised by your departure – recently you appeared to come across less tolerant. Perhaps you have been keeping the seat warm for a recent CNN departing conservative host. Now the network can have two outrageous “scare the world” points of view side by side. Good luck. Hope your new endeavors come soon!

    Posted by Michelle
    November 25th, 2008 at 5:10 pm

33. all i got to say is if they replace H&C with Hannity’s america, i will stop watching foxnews….

    but i would not be surprised if that is what they will do.

    i hope not. we shall see

    Posted by louie the liberal
    November 25th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

34. only thing that worries me now it will just be the hannity show and we will have to sit there and have another hour of him doing his thing

    but alan good luck in all you do you have my respect for sitting next to hannity for so long

    Posted by Kate
    November 25th, 2008 at 8:36 pm

35. the ability to “agree to disagree” noted by bob, above, is something you do so well. it seems like such a simple concept, agreeing to disagree without rancor; but where do you really see it in the media these days? you are one of the truly gracious examples of what that kind of dialogue can look like. i believe this is a huge accomplishment. you have set an honorable tradition that will be a huge challenge for fox, to continue.

    but also: you are truly MY SANITY on the radio these days!!! you have a shockingly excellent radio show, and, in me, a total fan til kingdom come. i can’t wait to see what you do next. i believe there are heroes in this day and age, but they’re hard to pick out….your perspective helps understand things; you don’t talk over anyone’s head, you speak in normal english and give facts and context and historical references, without hannity’s hoo-hah and rah-rah, i have really enjoyed your good-humored chemistry with him, on TV.

    disagreeing with each other, WITH teamwork and WITHOUT getting all worked up and hostile, is just a sight to behold, and you guys really do it well. obviously it’s hannity’s show, in terms of time allowed; to me it’s like you’re the voice of reason piping up in the corner, while rhetoric blows around the studio between guests.

    it’s obvious that ya’ll have a real affection for each other, and this is a powerful example for people to see–that people can disagree, and still respect each other and agree to meet again and talk more. i would like to see your two families get together one thanksgiving, for the cranberry-throwing contest. you could televise it. brilliant! thankyouverymuch you’rewelcome.

    “i’m sick of dour faces, staring at me from the tv tower.” said jim morrison.

    thanks for being almost always merry, intellectually elegant, and never, ever dour.

    Posted by cindi burkey
    November 25th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

36. should also point out that your radio show is heard in Los Angeles on 1260 AM, KGIL. the show airs 7-9pm, maybe they’ll put you back 7-10, they should.

    Posted by cindi burkey
    November 25th, 2008 at 10:11 pm

37. I’d rather see you as a commentator, with more time to let your mind mull the issues and speak and write about them. And more time with with Mrs. Crowley and Bonnie. This is awesome news.

    Posted by Cheryl Carroll
    November 26th, 2008 at 10:44 am

38. So will they be returning the show to its original title-”Hannity & An Unnamed Liberal”?

    Posted by Brian
    December 3rd, 2008 at 12:59 am

39. No Brian…they will call the show, “Hannity and His Ego In Another Senseless, Lie-filled Rant.”

    Posted by Robert Blair
    December 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 am