Politico reports that Ailes' friends and associates are urging him to run. It says talk of that run is based on more than wishful thinking.
Ailes recently had a one-on-one meeting with Obama consigliere David Axelrod to chew over Fox News' coverage of the White House. We all see how that worked out. Ailes didn't blink. Fox News rightfully wears that White House criticism as a badge of honor. It is heavily promoting the battle with the Obama Administration, picking up more support from conservatives and a small measure of admiration from liberals. Persecution from the White House has made Glenn Beck a folk hero in the heartland, knocking Rush Limbaugh from the top of the heap.
Besides a media genius, Ailes is a savvy politico who guided campaigns of Ronald Reagan and George Bush I. Is Roger willing to give up the riches of Fox? He out-earned News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch in fiscal 2009 (ended June), scooping up total compensation of $23.7M. That comp was up 19 percent. Murdock hauled in merely $20M during '09.
Would Rupe let Roger go?
The 69-year-old Ailes has a contract through fiscal '13. Under that agreement, Ailes is to serve as Fox News Channel chief, Fox Business News CEO, editor-in-chief of FoxNews.com and chairman of Twentieth TV. He is guaranteed a base of $5M and $1M bonus through '10. The bonus jumps to $1.5M from '11-'13. Ailes is eligible to receive a cash bonus geared to the performance of FBN. That could be a $10M payout in '13. He could also receive bonus stock. Ailes has access to auto/driver and use of News Corp.'s jet or charter for business, along with security services for himself and family.
Life is sweet, indeed.
Australia-born Rupert is barred from serving as U.S. President. An Ailes Presidency would be the second best thing for Murdoch and the best of all worlds for Fox News. It would mark the "Foxification" of America. Save us.