Fox & Friends Enlists Viewers In Its Battle Against The Phony War On Christmas

by Eric Schroeck/Media Matters

In yet another War on Christmas segment, Fox & Friends attacked Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee this morning for calling the annual tree at the Statehouse a "holiday tree" instead of a "Christmas tree." Fox then ratcheted things up by airing Chafee's office phone number and urging viewers to call in and complain about the "holiday tree."

After airing Chafee's phone number, co-host Steve Doocy prompted viewers to "give him a little surprise" and even noted that there was "just an hour and three minutes until the governor's office opens."

A spokeswoman for Chafee's office told Media Matters that they have received "quite a few phone calls" about the tree, with several callers noting that they had seen the story on Fox. She added that office staff thanked callers for their opinions and directed them to a website listing volunteer opportunities -- echoing Chafee's statement that that those upset with the decision "should focus their energy on feeding the poor," as The Associated Press reported.

The AP further noted that Chafee "isn't the first Rhode Island governor to refer to the annual Statehouse tree as a holiday tree":

Chafee isn't the first Rhode Island governor to refer to the annual Statehouse tree as a holiday tree. His predecessor, Republican Gov. Donald Carcieri, used both holiday tree and Christmas tree in his correspondence. Other governors have made no specific reference to Christmas at all with invitations to "holiday celebrations" featuring a "tree lighting."

The Fox & Friends segment even caught the attention of CNN, which cited the segment in its report on the Rhode Island tree and noted that "Fox News, as it does every year, went crazy" over the War on Christmas.

Strangely, though, despite Fox & Friends' freakout over the Rhode Island holiday tree, later during the show, they declared that there was "no more 'War on Christmas.' "

In Stunning Turnaround, Fox Declares Itself "Winning The War On Christmas"

by Jeremy Holden/Media Matters

Two weeks ago, Fox News host Bill O'Reilly cautiously warned his guest, Margaret Hoover, that it was too soon to declare victory in the War on Christmas. But if Fox Nation's reporting from the front lines is any indication, O'Reilly's side is at least win-ning.

According to the article Fox Nation highlighted from the Houston Chronicle, Walgreens will work tirelessly throughout December to make sure shoppers don't forget that Christmas -- not just any "holiday" -- is coming. Like a modern Pheidippides returning from the Battle of Marathon, the scribes at Fox Nation breathlessly report the news:

GOP Lawmaker Behind The Anti-‘Happy Holidays’ Resolution Sent A ‘Happy Holidays’ Greeting Last Year

By Lee Fang

Leading the fight to defend Christianity in the so-called “War on Christmas,” Rep. Henry Brown (R-SC) introduced congressional resolution 951, which “urges protection of the symbols and traditions of Christmas.” Despite criticism from House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) against frivolous legislation, Brown has pressed forward and collected 74 GOP cosponsors. The religious meaning of Christmas is serious to Brown. In an explanation of his resolution to the Christian Broadcast Network, Brown noted that, “we’re in a troubled world,” so “we can’t lose sight of our deep faith by some how or another diminishing the value of Christmas.”

The main threat to Christmas, Brown contents, is the use of the term “happy holidays” rather than an emphasis on “Christ and Christmas.” In an interview with Fox Business last week, Brown lashed out at the use of “happy holidays”:

BROWN: We forget the real meaning of Christmas by using “happy holidays” or “joy to the seasons” or some other word rather than “Merry Christmas.” [...]

Every year, more and more people are shying away from “Merry Christmas” and using “happy holidays” or some other means of expressing this special time for us.

Watch it:

Indeed, Brown has even attempted to use his resolution as a jab against President Obama. Declaring that the Obamas’ holiday card doesn’t mention Christmas, Brown said, “I believe that sending a Christmas card without referencing a holiday and its purpose limits the Christmas celebration in favor of a more ‘politically correct’ holiday.” Brown’s fight to preserve Christmas and shun “happy holidays” has earned him the title of “patriot” from noted culture warrior Bill O’Reilly.

However, Brown’s 2008 December newsletter wished a “happy holiday” to his constituents for the “holiday season.” Although the newsletter had a link to the White House Christmas tree website, it made no other mention of Christ or Christmas. (Click here for a screenshot) And as Slate’s Chris Beam has observed, Brown didn’t introduce his resolution last year, even though President Bush’s 2008 holiday card didn’t mention Christmas either.