by Carol Gioia

Created on: July 10, 2008   Last Updated: September 23, 2008

Kathie Lee has a certain stylish flair and did a fair job during her tenure, but Kelly Ripa wins the better co-host debate by a landslide.

Regis Philbin has spent twenty years on Live with Regis and "Co host." During that time he has enjoyed the role of comedic sparring partner with two strong and talented women; Kathie Lee Gifford for the first 15 years and currently Kelly Ripa.

Both female co hosts were hand picked by the network to portray the quintessential working woman and mother, insinuating a woman today can do it all and "have it all." Kathie Lee projected an image of the "perfect mom" which was a turnoff to many women viewers. Kelly is reminiscent of the typical soccer mom who is overscheduled and underpaid. Being a superb actress she is able to be convincing in spite of her custom nursery on set and paid amenities unavailable to the average working mother. Women love her self deprecating humor and stories of her foibles as a harried mom.

From the time Kathie Lee left the show to the current day, there have been repeated efforts to compare the two women. Physically there may be a slight similarity; they are both petite blond types. Intellectually they might even be equals. Emotionally they are worlds apart.

Kathie Lee is more self absorbed and as a co host invariably brought every conversation around to be about her life and her family. Her children's perfection monopolized her talk and she was quite competitive with Regis. Kelly is more apt to defer to Regis and her stories of her children are humorous and reflective of typical family life.

The female viewers can readily identify with Kelly. She feigns dumb for the entertainment aspect, when in reality she is an intelligent and witty woman. Regis is openly fond of his current co host and their mutual admiration makes for a comfortable viewing experience. Kelly's rapport with the audience is unequaled.

Since Kelly became a part of the show, it has had a resurgence of popularity. She is the perfect second banana for Regis. Sometimes she plays the straight woman to his comedy, but more often he plays "George Burns" to her Gracie antics. Regis is content to allow her to steal every scene and she returns the favor by deferring to him as the experienced veteran at every opportunity. Even when Kelly has a guest host in Regis's absence, she constantly brings up Regis's name and never lets anyone forget it is Regis Philbin's show.

Kelly is a natural commedienne and keeps the show moving with her quick wit and cool maneuvers. There seems to be an honest affection between the two hosts and the feelings are shared by the producers and the audience.

Kathy Lee has currently returned to morning television as a co host in the mid morning segment of the Today show. She is a veteran talk show host and has a loyal fan base.

No matter how hard the media trys to foster a rivalry between the two women, both Kathie Lee and Kelly are adamant that they are friends and mutual admirers of one another. Regis is mum on the whole subject and would never be foolish enough to comment either way.

Having watched the show over the years and experienced both women in the co host role, I would have to vote hands down for Kelly Ripa as the best host partnered with Regis Philbin. I believe the ratings and audience participation will agree.

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