by Ann Stewart Porter

Created on: May 19, 2010   Last Updated: May 21, 2010

FOX News is popular news. That makes it popular by default in some ways, but of course, you who are reading this article will likely expect more. That is another reason FOX News is popular. It's about expecting more, going the extra mile, digging deeper, challenging from the depths of underdogs and trumpet bearers.

We are enquiring minds and we want to know. We want to know things we don't think we want to know. We need to know some things on an hourly basis. FOX News doesn't mind chasing the story down. They remind us of the old Post Office adage: in rain, snow, sleet and whatever.

That makes it feel urgent and even more important than it may be. Views, like Americans who are already swamped with their own disappointments like to hear what will make them feel intelligent and keep them up at night.

FOX News is popular because it gives people reasons to think. We like to think. It gives people opinions. We like opinions. As my father in law used to say..."opinions are like armpits, every body's got em' and they usually stink." Hate to say it, but I think he has a point there.

We like parasitical politics just like we like parasitic religion. Like the amazing young intern who coughed up how popular he was because he was so unique, yet dressed like everyone else and even flaunted the tattoo, Fox is guilty of flirting with the extraordinary.

Still, they fight for the ordinary. This gives me bragging rights. We like bragging rights. It makes us feel like we reach out and touch somebody. That brings me to another reason FOX News  is popular.

Feelings define most of our life in one form or another. We like to feel. It makes all kinds of shows entertaining and that includes the news. In some ways, they have redefined feelings.

Instead of feeling like we can't fight the next coming apocalypse, we get the feeling if we jump on the soap box, we can and we will rise above all our angst and agony. That's another reason they are popular. They charm the pants off you with their angst.

Good looking people who could have been anything have come to fight with the Brave Heart. I think I hear Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. What a feeling that can be!

FOX News tells the story and the value of the story. They are not only in the game, they not only yell at the Ref...they are Coaching the game! They are raising the flag and we Americans love our flag.

They are taking the value of what we know and what we love and putting the pieces together in the most delightful way.

Take

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