Reply #38

Beckel initially evoked controversy in August 2011 when he implied on air that he had held back from criticizing his Fox News colleague Sarah Palin. He agreed with The Five co-host Greg Gutfeld when Gutfeld said he felt awkward making negative comments about Palin, because "it's like (badmouthing) a coworker." "I know exactly what you mean," Beckel added. "I'll be honest, I've pulled my punches." Both Gutfeld and Beckel later said they were joking, however.

In December 2010, with reference to Julian Assange, Beckel commented, "This guy's a traitor, he's treasonous, and he has broken every law of the United States. And I'm not for the death penalty, so there's only one way to do it: illegally shoot the son of a bitch."

On April 16, 2012, Beckel said to Jennifer Stefano after she claimed that a program to help poor children did not work, "You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about!" Beckel did not realize the show was back from the commercial break.