Political analyst loses TV job after mocking Trump’s appearance, Georgia station says

A political commentator is out of a job after poking fun at former President Donald Trump’s appearance during a live telecast, according to a Georgia news outlet.

WSB-TV Atlanta cut ties with longtime analyst Bill Crane on Monday, Aug. 22, following his remarks about Trump’s “looming orange face” and influence in the upcoming midterm elections.

Crane’s comments, said during a live segment on Sunday, Aug. 21, “are not aligned with our commitment to fair and unbiased reporting and analysis,” Ray Carter, vice president and general manager for WSB-TV, said in a statement.

“As a result, we’re ending our relationship with Mr. Crane, effective immediately,” Carter said.

After news of his firing, Crane said he stood by his analysis but acknowledged his wording “could have been a bit more PC.”

The veteran commentator, who has worked with the station since 2006, said he was discussing a judge’s decision to delay Sen. Lindsey Graham’s testimony before a grand jury as part of the Fulton County district attorney’s ongoing investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results, according to a lengthy statement posted to Crane’s Facebook page.

During the segment, he was asked what the political ramifications would be should Graham or Gov. Brian Kemp be called to testify.

“I offered that it is part of Democratic Party strategy to keep President Trump’s fantasy of a stolen election in play, as well as to keep his orange face looming large to increase Democratic base voter turnout, as many voters begin to pay attention and make up their minds after Labor Day,” Crane wrote. “Even though Donald Trump is NOT on the ballot anywhere in 2022.”

Crane pointed out that he has referred to Trump as “The Orange Man” in previous analyses. However, WSB-TV executives felt he “crossed a line” by levying what they saw as a personal attack against the former president.

“I’m sure that strong supporters of the former President find that offensive,” he continued. “And I do apologize for that, as the comment last night and in other instances was not meant to offend.”

Crane gave political analysis for 11Alive News before joining WSB-TV Atlanta in 2006, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. He’s also the author of a syndicated news column titled “One Man’s Opinion.”

Despite turning in his work badge, the commentator said he has no plans to disappear.

“The ego is bruised, and I am a bit down...but not out,” Crane concluded. “And for the Trump Nation folks who will relish this day, be careful about the grave dancing.”

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