Alan Colmes, 1950-2017
Statement on the Passing of Alan Colmes
Alan Colmes passed away early Thursday, February 23, after a brief illness.
He was 66 years old.
He leaves his adoring and devoted wife, Jocelyn Elise Crowley.
He was a great guy, brilliant, hysterical, and moral. He was fiercely loyal, and the only thing he loved more than his work was his life with Jocelyn.
He will be missed.
The family has asked for privacy during this very difficult time.
Click here for reuse options!Copyright 2017 Liberaland
By: dave-dr-gonzo
David Hirsch, a.k.a. Dave "Doctor" Gonzo*, is a renegade record producer, video producer, writer, reformed corporate shill, and still-registered lobbyist for non-one-percenter performing artists and musicians. He lives in a heavily fortified compound in one of Manhattan's less trendy neighborhoods.
* Hirsch is the third person to use the pseudonym, a not-so-veiled tribute to journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson, with the permission of his predecessors Gene Gaudette of American Politics Journal (currently webmaster and chief bottlewasher at Liberaland) and Stephen Meese at Smashmouth Politics.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 12:44
Maybe the two things I loved most about Alan was his humility and sense of humor.
I’m a liberal and agreed with him on most issues — and that was valuable.
But, I loved that he was not like the other huge egos in talk radio.
His humility and humor allowed him to talk with a very broad spectrum of people. He could talk with famous politicians and very low-functioning people. He would talk with racists and extremists. He could talk with evangelical Christians and Muslims. If they personally attacked him — he’d usually just laugh it off.
On the rare occasion they got under his skin, he’d very quickly shake it off. On many occasions, I heard him admit he was wrong — either emotionally or on the facts.
I can’t think of many people who can do that. Especially not media people!
And it made for some of the best talk radio anywhere.
William February 23rd, 2017 at 12:45
Always loved listening to Alan even though disagreed most of the time. Entertaining and smart. A good man. God Bless and RIP
Roctuna February 23rd, 2017 at 12:50
It should come as no surprise to regulars at this site that there’s no invitation chat about Alan at Fox Nation. It seems even faux news realizes their “nation” can’t be trusted to be civilized when chatting about the death of a liberal.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 12:53
I know. Haters are cruel.
Hate transcends political definitions but Fox, Breightbart, Limbaugh, Thownhall.com have created a safe place for them.
WRP5 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:00
Unlike you people we don’t need safe spaces.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:02
To quote Alan, I’m not “you people.”
As a liberal, I love chatting on conservative web sites. But, they all kick me off, even though I break no rules. Not just once. It’s happened with all the major sites.
I can only conclude that conservatives need a safe space from liberals like me.
WRP5 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:04
You get kicked off for being annoying and not advancing the conversions. All liberals like you spew is talking points which goes no where.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:10
I got kicked off for my facts and logic.
Conservatives need a safe place from those.
WRP5 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:16
Wrong I have seen many liberals post wothour beong kicked out. If you cared about facts you would not be a liberal.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:22
You are just making stuff up. I broke no rules. I consistently post links to prove my facts. I never cursed or personally attacked people.
But the conservative sites ban me anyway.
But, if you don’t believe me, compare Alan’s show to let’s say, Rush Limbaugh.
Alan let conservative callers on. Even gave them preference.
But Limbaugh screens out liberal callers.
I can only conclude that conservatives need a safe space.
arc99 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:05
Unlike “you people” the regulars in this forum recognize that there is a time when basic human decency is the only relevant consideration.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:15
“WRP5″s dismissive, broad generalization makes me think he’s one of the cruel haters.
That was one of a Alan’s strengths. He never lost sight of the value and uniqueness of individuals.
It’s why he would not condemn all Muslims, for instance. He knew that some Muslims are horrible people. But, he never forgot that most Muslims are just regular folk.
Many conservatives gave him so much flack for his refusal to condemn all Muslims.
WRP5 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:17
Yea sure
arc99 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:21
Thanks for confirming my prior post.
Anomaly 100 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:22
Be respectful in this thread or you’ll be banned. You have one warning.
arc99 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:23
thank you. beyond that, I will hold my tongue.
Anomaly 100 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:25
A good man died. Most conservatives are putting aside politics, but there always has to be that one guy. He is ‘that guy’.
mea_mark February 23rd, 2017 at 13:26
I’m not putting up with it, he’s gone.
Anomaly 100 February 23rd, 2017 at 14:17
Good call.
1Wolverine February 23rd, 2017 at 16:24
See, there’s that “you people” comment that is thrown about so easily. It is a purposeful separation and sets the stage for dissidence.
Marlene Carlson February 23rd, 2017 at 13:15
He just passed away-give it a break. Do you even listen to these people to know what has been said. Duh.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:17
I was responding to the content of Roctuna’s post.
Do you think Alan would have a problem with that?
Roctuna February 23rd, 2017 at 13:23
Fox Nation includes an “Invitation to Chat” with all the stories, except today’s story about Alan’s passing. You can’t “listen to these people” because they’ve not been allowed to comment, and probably for good reason. Duh.
billmorgenstein February 23rd, 2017 at 15:28
My thoughts exactly
billmorgenstein February 23rd, 2017 at 15:27
Instead of judging so quickly I would suggest that you watch Fox News tonight.
1Wolverine February 23rd, 2017 at 16:23
Bill, I guess it’s so easy to quickly judge because of what we see and hear on Fox. My husband listens to it 24/7 and I find myself shouting to myself about all the supposed facts–facts that have not only been challenged but refuted. Stuff is just thrown out there with the hope that it’ll stick and unfortunately, it has. It has contributed majorly to the bitterness and hatefulness that we see today. Even Shep realizes this and his approach is different. I must admit, since the departure of some of the heads, things have seemed to settle a bit but not when you get to Hannity. He’s still as caustic as ever. I want to listen to a channel and journalists who research their work, and that wouldn’t be Fox.
Roctuna February 23rd, 2017 at 18:33
Watching faux news tonight is irrelevant to a discussion of the typical low level of discourse on fox nation. I judge them on their long history of inhumanity, bigotry and obscenity.
billmorgenstein February 24th, 2017 at 09:13
Roctuna: What you are saying is completely false, however I found out a long time ago that you can’t argue with Far Left Liberals as they are the most hypocritical people on earth. I have to laugh when I hear my ‘Liberal’ friends speak one way in public and then let their bigotry come out in private.
Roctuna February 24th, 2017 at 09:42
I’m not sure why I’m even replying again. Perhaps Alan’s generous spirit inspires me. Do you know what Fox Nation is? I’m not talking about faux news. I’m talking about their online “blog” where viewers and readers can chat about news stories. The stories and headlines are chosen to set up inflammatory commentary by chatters. Libs are routinely vilified, insulted and threatened. Yesterday ALL the other stories had the usual invitation to chat except for the story about Alan’s passing. Obviously you don’t care for what I inferred from that, or my reasons.
As for calling me a Far Left Liberal and one of the most hypocritical people on earth, you can kiss my ass.
billmorgenstein February 24th, 2017 at 10:45
Yes. Your reply was indeed generous, especially the last line! Remember what I said about hypocrites. By the way I just went to Fox Nation: I LIKE IT!!
Roctuna February 24th, 2017 at 11:11
Not even a “thank you” for showing you something you claim you like. Who’s the hypocrite?
billmorgenstein February 24th, 2017 at 11:27
? OK. Thank you.
Liz Heywood February 23rd, 2017 at 12:52
A brilliant, thoughtful, outspoken and funny human being. It was a privilege to have been able to speak to him. He made me feel heard. This is devastating. Thinking of his friends & family who can only feel even sadder.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 12:54
I never called him but we had a number of personal email exchanges. He seemed like the same person in private as he was in public.
That says a lot about him. You can’t say that about a lot of media people.
WRP5 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:01
As a Conservative I also got annyoed listening to him on a panel but he seemmed like a good enough guy. RIP
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:30
<< As a Conservative I also got annyoed listening to him on a panel
You fell for the Fox strategy.
1Wolverine February 23rd, 2017 at 16:16
Yeah, WRP5…he was a “good enough” guy. But he was a helluva lot more than that. No pretense there.
Belvidere February 23rd, 2017 at 13:07
Have been sorely missing Alan the last few weeks on his show. Was shocked to hear of his death this a.m. I always admired his extreme patience with his callers, & the kindness that you could sense. My condolences to his wife & family. May God wrap His arms around you & give you comfort & love. Rest In Peace Alan. You will be greatly missed.
fedupmd February 23rd, 2017 at 13:10
You were a great commentator. Always enjoyed hearing your point of view, Alan. Job well done!!!!
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:36
>> You were a great commentator. Always enjoyed hearing your point of view
Alan was hired on TV for his political point of view.
But, I felt like his radio show was more about him, as a person.
Consider “Ron from Hollywood”. It was so charming, the way Alan dealt with Ron. Politics would come up, of course, but it was mostly about Alan being decent to a low-functioning but good hearted guy.
The Zipster February 23rd, 2017 at 13:16
Rest easy, Alan. Your journey here has ended but your memory will remain. Thank you for your common sense voice while at Fox. You and Shep Smith were the only two people of any interest on that network.
1Wolverine February 23rd, 2017 at 16:14
Exactly. In fact, I’m surprised Shep is still “allowed” to stay.
arc99 February 23rd, 2017 at 13:20
I had no idea his illness was so serious. Condolences to all friends, family and loved ones. We need more like him. Not necessarily for his political views but for his basic decency towards everyone regardless of beliefs.
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:27
>> We need more like him. Not necessarily for his political views
I think even the people at Fox knew they needed the political views of Alan.
Many Fox fans hear only one political view.
Alan’s views, even when very mainstream and common sense, seemed crazy to people in the conservative media bubble.
billmorgenstein February 23rd, 2017 at 15:25
You obviously don’t watch Fox News (excluding Hannity)
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 20:41
i watch Fox News. Why would you say that?
billmorgenstein February 24th, 2017 at 09:37
I may have answered the wrong person. If so my apologies as you seem to be reasonable in your comments.
1Wolverine February 23rd, 2017 at 16:13
Perfect comments, MM.
Haruko Haruhara February 23rd, 2017 at 13:22
Oh, what a shock, this is so sad. We need people like Alan today more than ever. :(
Ned Nutley February 23rd, 2017 at 13:27
Wow, first Gwen then him.
Wishing1 February 23rd, 2017 at 14:55
Do you mean Brenda Buttner? Oh my goodness….Gwen Ifill has also passed. Wow..
Kick Frenzy February 23rd, 2017 at 13:40
Damn it.
Rest In Peace, Alan.
Thanks for all you’ve done.
You will be greatly missed.
Jamie February 23rd, 2017 at 13:41
Alan, thank you for all the measured opinions you have offered and the friendliness you have displayed — even to your opponents. God speed and good luck on your journey through the bardo.
“Courtesy towards opponents and eagerness to understand their view-point is the ABC of non-violence.”
– Gandhi
Mensa Member February 23rd, 2017 at 13:46
Well, I gotta go but condolences to everyone here.
It’s been said that radio is the most personal medium. It’s true for me.
I feel a connection to Alan that is unlike any TV personality or columnist. I can’t begin to add up all the hours I heard Alan talking. It’s hundreds, maybe thousands. I don’t know how to categorize that emotional bond, but it’s real.
I imagine many of you feel that too.
So, I’m sending good thoughts to you all.
Debra Watkins February 23rd, 2017 at 13:55
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Alan Colmes, we need folks like him to provide an alternate perspective.
Zero Dark Thirsty ✓ᵛᵉʳᶦᶠᶦᵉᵈ February 23rd, 2017 at 14:07
Wow, come on line to see such sad news. Very sorry for the family’s loss. Didn’t know he was sick. Fill us in on the details if they see fit.. We care.
XO
William February 23rd, 2017 at 14:07
During the show he’d be in the chatroom sometimes. You could watch him smile and try to stifle a chuckle when someone would post a joke or funny anecdote. He was absolutely and personally connected with his audience. That was a rare talent. He talked WITH his audience, not at them. To those of us so inclined, may I suggest we light a candle and enjoy it’s singular light during the hours that was his broadcast slot. Symbolic I suppose, because to me Alan was a singular candle in a media environment that was too often dark, cold, and negative. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/85a3ceb91dad210167ac701181f6973ded3111d0ef7f66af9f9274a9d4e1b269.jpg
Jack E Raynbeau February 23rd, 2017 at 14:09
He will certainly be missed. RIP Alan.
Jungle_Bhoy February 23rd, 2017 at 14:21
Terrible terrible sad news – I’ve been on this site (under different names) since its inception. I was a fan of Alan since his days at WMCA with Judy De Angelis and followed him wherever he went. This site http://www.alan.com has been in my favourites since I have had a computer and has often been set as my homepage. I am so sad and sorry to lose Alan. He was a class act.
Libby Cape February 23rd, 2017 at 14:21
RIP Alan- I thoroughly enjoyed watching you!!