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Stelter Recalls Getting Potato In The Mail
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Stelter Recalls Getting Potato In The Mail

In an unexpected twist, former CNN anchor Brian Stelter has found himself at the center of an intriguing mystery involving none other than a common kitchen vegetable. The culinary surprise arrived in Stelter’s mailbox in the form of a potato, gifted to him by a devoted viewer of the rival network, Fox News. This bizarre incident has sparked speculation and amusement across social media platforms, with many wondering about the motive behind such a peculiar delivery.

Stelter, who is well known for his work at the left-leaning news network, joined CNN in 2013 as the chief media correspondent and the anchor of “Reliable Sources,” a program that focused on analyzing the media’s role in politics and policy. Despite his successful career, Stelter’s show was canceled in August of 2022, and he departed from CNN around the same time. Reports suggest that his departure was part of a larger shakeup at the network under new management, which aimed to shift its editorial direction.

During a recent podcast, Stelter divulged details of the unexpected delivery, stating, “I once had a potato mailed to me, it came in a FedEx box, it was an actual potato.” However, this act of random kindness was not a mere coincidence, but a deliberate attempt by Fox News viewers to send a message to Stelter. The potato was a reference to the derogatory nicknames he was given while reporting on media stories, particularly those related to Fox News. “I used to be called Humpty Dumpty, and from there, it became ‘Brian’s a potato,’” Stelter explained, “when I get random tweets from people calling me spud, I know that they are in on the joke. But it’s also meant as an insult.”

Since leaving CNN, Stelter has kept himself busy with various media and academic projects, including guest lecturing at Harvard and speaking publicly on media issues. In February, he made headlines by taking on a new role as a Republican candidate, throwing his hat into the political arena with the intention of securing a seat on the Readington Township school board, a small town in New Jersey.

While Stelter’s political ambitions may be surprising to many of his fans, the potato delivery has sparked a new level of interest in the former CNN anchor's endeavors. His critics were quick to label him as thin-skinned and used the potato incident as a publicity stunt. However, Stelter took the high road, gracefully acknowledging the incident as a way for Fox News viewers to communicate with each other. “It is their way of communicating that they are in on the joke, but it’s also an insult,” Stelter stated during the interview.

Meanwhile, the mystery of who sent the potato and why continues to intrigue the public. Some speculate that it could be a dedicated Fox News viewer who wanted to send a subtle message of disapproval to the former CNN anchor. Others believe that it was just a harmless prank played by someone who wanted to get a rise out of Stelter. Despite the speculations, one thing is for sure, the potato incident has captured the internet’s attention, with many memes and jokes making the rounds on social media platforms.

As for Stelter, he has taken the incident in stride, handling it in a way that befits a seasoned journalist who has faced his share of criticism and ridicule. His willingness to speak out about the incident showed his ability to remain level-headed in the face of adversity, and his continued success in the media landscape has proven that he can take a joke, even if it comes in the unlikely form of a potato. Only time will tell if the potato saga will have a lasting impact on Stelter’s career, but one thing is for sure, the mystery of the potato will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Written by Arthur Higgens - April 16, 2024