History of Bob Beckel in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2025

Bob Beckel was an American political analyst, pundit, and operative, registered as a Democrat. He gained prominence as an original co-host on Fox News' "The Five" from 2011 until his initial departure in 2015. After a brief stint with CNN, he rejoined Fox News in 2017, resuming his role on "The Five." However, his return was short-lived, as he was terminated by Fox News in May 2017 following accusations of making a racist remark to a colleague. His career was marked by his outspoken political commentary and his presence in the media landscape.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 15, 1948: Bob Beckel's Birth

On November 15, 1948, Robert Gilliland Beckel was born. He later became a political analyst, pundit, and operative.

1968: Worked for Robert F. Kennedy's Presidential Campaign

In 1968, Bob Beckel worked for Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign.

1971: Peace Corps Volunteer

In 1971, after college, Bob Beckel served in the Philippines as a Peace Corps volunteer.

1972: Continued Peace Corps Service

In 1972, Bob Beckel continued his service as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines.

1977: Joined the United States Department of State

In 1977, Bob Beckel joined the United States Department of State as deputy assistant secretary of state for congressional relations, becoming the youngest deputy assistant secretary of state in the Carter administration.

1984: Campaign Manager for Walter Mondale's Presidential Campaign

In 1984, Bob Beckel was the campaign manager for Walter Mondale's presidential campaign, where he became known for using the Wendy's slogan "Where's the beef?" against Gary Hart.

1984: Formed Bob Beckel & Associates

In late 1984, Bob Beckel formed the consulting firm Bob Beckel & Associates, or BBA.

1985: Beckel-Cowan Formed

In 1985, Bob Beckel's lobbying firm Bob Beckel & Associates was succeeded by Beckel-Cowan.

1992: Marriage to Leland Ingham

In 1992, Bob Beckel married Leland Ingham, with whom he had two children.

2000: Called on Florida Electors to Overturn Election Results

In 2000, Bob Beckel called on Florida electors to overturn George W. Bush's slim victory over Al Gore, leading to his business partners leaving his firm and its subsequent breakup.

2002: Divorce from Leland Ingham

In 2002, Bob Beckel divorced Leland Ingham after having been married for ten years and having two children together.

2002: Managed Alan Blinken's Campaign

In 2002, Bob Beckel managed the campaign of Alan Blinken, the Democratic nominee for United States Senate in Idaho, until he resigned after it became public that he was a witness and victim in an extortion attempt by a prostitute.

2005: Columnist for USA Today

From 2005, Bob Beckel was a columnist for USA Today, writing articles with Cal Thomas.

2007: Altercation in Grocery Store Parking Lot

In 2007, Bob Beckel was involved in an altercation in a Bethesda, Maryland, grocery store parking lot with a man who took issue with his anti–George W. Bush bumper stickers.

2010: Appearance on TV Series 24

In 2010, Bob Beckel made a brief appearance as himself on the Season 8 premiere of the TV series '24' in a mock debate with Monica Crowley.

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July 2011: Addiction Confession on The Five

In July 2011, Bob Beckel openly discussed his past addictions to drugs and alcohol on 'The Five', admitting that cocaine was his drug of choice.

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October 2011: Choking Incident at Fox News Reception

In October 2011, Bob Beckel nearly choked to death on a piece of shrimp at a Fox News reception, but was saved by Roger Ailes and Eric Bolling.

December 2011: Controversial Comment About Julian Assange

In December 2011, Bob Beckel said about Julian Assange on Fox: "A dead man can't leak stuff ... there's only one way to do it: illegally shoot the son of a bitch."

2011: Called for shooting Julian Assange

In 2011, Bob Beckel called for illegally shooting Julian Assange, the editor of WikiLeaks, which sparked criticism.

2011: Became Analyst and Commentator on Fox News

In 2011, Bob Beckel, a registered Democrat, began working as an analyst and commentator on Fox News.

February 2013: Comment about Rape on College Campuses

In February 2013, Bob Beckel made a controversial comment, "When's the last time you heard about rape on a college campus?", and later apologized after receiving criticism.

July 2014: Controversial Term for Chinese Citizens and Comments about Andi Dorfman

In July 2014, Bob Beckel referred to Chinese citizens as "chinamen" and referred to 'The Bachelorette' star Andi Dorfman as a "slut".

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February 2015: Last Appearance on The Five and Rehab Admission

In February 2015, Bob Beckel made his last appearance on 'The Five' prior to his dismissal and described himself as an "Islamophobe" in response to the Charlie Hebdo shooting. Subsequently, he entered rehab for addiction to prescription pain medication.

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June 2015: Fox Announces Beckel's Departure

In June 2015, Fox announced that Bob Beckel had left the program 'The Five' due to personal issues.

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October 2015: Hired by CNN

In October 2015, Bob Beckel was hired by CNN to offer commentary on the 2016 election, a move that drew criticism due to his controversial views.

November 2015: Publication of Memoir: I Should Be Dead

In November 2015, Bob Beckel published his memoir, 'I Should Be Dead: My Life Surviving Politics, TV, and Addiction', co-written with John David Mann, with a book-signing party hosted by Cal Thomas that aired on C-SPAN.

I Should Be Dead: My Life Surviving Politics, TV, and Addiction

Check it on Amazon

2015: Release from The Five

In 2015, Bob Beckel was released from his position as a co-host on 'The Five' after being absent for several months due to back surgery.

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2015: End of Columnist Role at USA Today

In 2015, Bob Beckel's tenure as a columnist for USA Today ended.

2015: Absence from The Five Due to Health Issues

In early 2015, Bob Beckel was absent from 'The Five' due to health-related issues, later revealed to be major back surgery on March 26 at a New York–area hospital.

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February 2016: Claimed Alleged Letter from Trump to Princess Diana

In February 2016, Bob Beckel told CNN about an alleged letter that Donald Trump had written to Diana, Princess of Wales, claiming the information would be damaging and that he sought out the letter.

2016: Comments on the 2016 Election

In 2016, Bob Beckel commented on Hillary Clinton's "basket of deplorables" remark, questioned Corey Lewandowski's stance on Trump, and predicted Trump's loss after the release of the Access Hollywood tape.