Thus far in life, I’ve resisted the temptation to become pathetically obsessed with a famous member of the opposite sex. You know the kind, those guys who stalk actresses and models and eventually get socked with retraining orders. I just haven’t found anyone worthy of my pathetic obsessions thus far. But this summer I’ve become increasingly fond of Gwen Ifill, the female African-American reporter and commentator on the PBS News Hour with Jim Lehrer. Within the past few weeks I’ve become a definite fan of hers. A few nights ago, while watching her interview Newt Gingrich with a pretty pink suit on (Gwen, not Newt!), I was inspired to come out of the closet and confess my feelings here on this blog. There’s just something about her understated demeanor, balanced against her informed and probing interview style, that turn me on. Ms. Ifill doesn’t show much emotion on the air … and that’s what drives me nuts. I know that down deep inside, beneath her intelligent mind and her understated wardrobe, there must lie a heart of passion. Ah yes, if only I were important enough to attract the attention of Gwen Ifill.
Well, Ms. Ifill probably doesn’t have to hire a bodyguard to keep me in check. I’m a bit too old and tired and generally burnt out to find out where she lives and works and follow her around. And I don’t need the trouble with the law that such a course of action would bring. But I did want to let the world know that at least one old liberal guy’s heart skipped a beat or two watching her at the Democratic convention. I had no plans whatsoever to watch any of the Republican convention later this month, but if Gwen’s going to be there with a mike, then bring on the elephant crowd.
Still, I know what my problem is. I’m fickle. A while ago, it was Connie Chung. And tomorrow my attentions may again turn east, towards the anchor on channel 11. Kaity Tong is her name, and it’s awfully cute how she stares so intently at the camera with her bright eyes while reading a story. And let’s not even get started about those Latina reporters on the Hispanic UHF stations. Yea, I just can’t stay true to one newswoman. I’ll admit it, I’m just no good.
But for now, here’s a pic I found of Gwen. Great hair, as always!
