Dear Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb,

It pains me to write this because I really liked Hoda before today but: What the fuck were you thinking?

Seriously.

I always liked to believe that reporters were given a bad rap. That when people claimed they were taking things out of context, or that practically no background work had been done prior to a segment, that they were just over exaggerating or being whiny jackasses. But today you pretty much proved that the douchebag reporting reputation that has developed on network television is 117% true. You get an extra 17% because seriously, Kathy Lee Gifford? Whoever thought THAT was a good idea deserves an extra 17% of COMPLETE FAIL.

When you interviewed Heather Armstrong today on your show it was clear to me from the very beginning that both of these common failings were true. First Hoda mentioned a passage from one of Heather’s blog posts saying:

Hoda: “You wrote on your blog that you worry that your daughter will resent you because all of her business being put out there…”
Kathy: “Potty training and all those things that are kind of private.”

Well Hoda and Kathy, had you taken time to ACTUALLY READ THAT BLOG POST you’d have quite possibly also mentioned the rest of the passage that explains EXACTLY how Heather feels about it and, in fact, thinks in the long run that Leta will CHERISH all those stories.

From that dooce post:

You will resent me for your curfew and the fact that I will not let you leave the house in that mini-skirt. You will resent me for showing up to your school in my pajama bottoms and for raising my hand in a PTA meeting when I hadn’t brushed my hair. You will text message your friends to tell them that I am the most horrible person on the planet because I’m forcing you to study for your exam in the morning. You are going to think that I cannot possibly understand what you are going through, and you will slam the door in my face.

Will you resent me for this website? Absolutely. And I have spent hours and days and months of my life considering this, weighing your resentment against the good that can come from being open and honest about what it’s like to be your mother, the good for you, the good for me, and the good for other women who read what I write here and walk away feeling less alone. And I have every reason to believe that one day you will look at the thousands of pages I have written about my love for you, the thousands of pages other women have written about their own children, and you’re going to be so proud that we were brave enough to do this. We are an army of educated mothers who have finally stood up and said pay attention, this is important work, this is hard, frustrating work and we’re not going to sit around on our hands waiting for permission to do so. We have declared that our voices matter.

If that doesn’t profess the exact opposite of what Kathy Lee was trying not-so-eloquently to imply, that how dare you think about writing about your daughter online and *gasp* POSTING HER PICTURE, I don’t know what could possibly GET IT THROUGH YOUR HEAD short of getting in your face and shouting it through a blow horn.

Had Kathy taken FIFTEEN minutes of her time to ACTUALLY RESEARCH the topic and the person who she was interviewing she might have actually walked away from the interview without looking like the stereotypical, uneducated, assumptive “reporter” that she’s trying to play on TV. And if I had a dollar for every time that I was at my grandmothers and was forced to listen to Kathy talk about her sweet, precious Cody on NATIONAL TELEVISION I too could quit my day job and find something else to pass my time. Like publicly slamming other mothers from my make believe pedestal way up there. *points up*

Both of you are mothers and today you failed your fellow mothers across the nation. You could have turned that segment into a resounding statement about the exploding growth of a community of beautiful, powerful, motivated and brilliant women bloggers. Fellow mothers banding together to form a wave of support for complete strangers, for the mother down the street, for the mother sitting silently on the park bench, for the mother quietly suffering from postpartum depression, for the mother who’s so confused and upset and doesn’t know who to turn to… but instead you chose to go the sensational route.

Seriously. Shame on both of you.

-Anna (proud mommy blogger) Hirsch

36 thoughts on “Dear Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb,

  1. HI,Hoda-Kathy lee.
    I would love for you to tell the country that , ABCnetwork
    news show 20/2o Program on EASTREN KENTUCKY was
    a slap in the face of our great state.
    Only the worst thing was showed, And to think a person
    like DIAN SAURY,Who is from KENTUCKY would say or show
    trash like that on tv. Is so ——— of her.
    Please tell your vewers thia.

    LOVE YOUR SHOW.

    J Clark.

  2. i really love u both and u make me laugh, but kathy lee u talk to much over hoda and she can hardly get a word in sometimes. hoda i think ur great!!!!!!!!!

  3. How dare you say that someone is HOMELY Hoda? Have you looked in the mirror and Kathy Lee and you chiming in on getting the woman with that BEAUTIFUL VOICE to ‘your’ show ‘Today” to have a make over ?? if it were not for Makeup and Cosmetic Surgery (restylane , botox et al for Kathy Lee) and for you – TONS of make up – egads – one could only imagine – I cannot imagine being on national television and stating someone is HOMELY – where on earth did the two of you get off commenting in that way – she is a Church going woman who has a lovely voice who will get the accolades she deserves and to ever hear those words – I can’t imagine one would forget that easily – I would hate to be behind you in the line on the day of Reckoning Hoda!

  4. Hoda & Kathy Lee Gifford. I love your show what I can stand on this site, is critical, negative, opionate people. Your doing your show and you have a right to practice free speech. If someone doesn’t like your show, or feels your both negative, or one talks more then the other then: CHANGE THE CHANNEL…AND DON’T WATCH THEM ANYMORE. IN AMERICA WE HAVE CHOICE. SO WHEN YOU PIC UP THE REMOTE, ITS UP TO YOU THAT YOU WATCH. ANNA’S EMAIL…IS REALLY RUDE AND YOUR A DISGRACE..AND NEED TO GET A LIFE. I am sure that you two are aware of the insults you would get before you even started together. IT REALLY SUCKS THAT PEOPLE HAVE NO LIFE, BUT TO PUT PEOPLE DOWN. IT ALSO SAYS, THAT YOU PEOPLE HAVE NO SELF ESTEEM. This is the first time I have logged on, but LOVE YOUR SHOW. HAPPY…you two are working together and the today show started your show. I am in sunny, San Diego, Calif where it is really hot today 100 degrees, and when you think you have had a bad day…remember there is always someone worse then you are. People living on the streets, including families, families tore apart, and someone like me who has had 3 back surgeries. I have steel rods and screws in my back, was a Paralegal since 1983, and last worked in 2003. I have fibromyagia, which never kept me from working, but I have osteoarthritis now, osteoprosis, and degreative bone & joint disease and just had a neurostimulator implant for chronic pain…because living on medications for pain … is no way to live and I refused to live off them all my life and found a better way of living.

    There are people out there who are 100% worse then me…so I have no self pity, and very little family. Its caused me to be stronger, and I never lost my self esteem. Don’t let your mind control your physical abilities…otherwise you will fall into a hudge amount of depression.

    So, LET UP ON HODA & KATHY LEE GIFFORD AND GET A LIFE. THEY EARNED THERE DEGREE’S, THEY HAD TO START AT THE BOTTOM YEARS AGO…SO GIVE THEM CREDIT, AND IF YOU DON’T LIKE THEM, THEN DON’T FRICKN’ WATCH.

    Sunny San Diego, California

  5. 1) I highly doubt that Hoda and Kathy read my site so you just wasted your time writing all that out.

    2) It’s a BLOG, not an EMAIL. MY SITE. THAT I PAY FOR. WITH MY OWN MONEY. Therefore, it’s within my right of “free speech” to say what I choose, when I choose, how I choose, ON MY SITE. Hypocrisy: look it up.

    3) I don’t normally watch the show. It’s painful to watch somebody as stupid as Kathy Lee try and interact with people, let alone hand out unsolicited advise, when she has less brain power than a retarded monkey.

    4) I have a life. I write about it here on my blog that I pay for. You however, trolling google to look for sites to spam with your unbelievable rape of English grammar, writing out long comments to people who will never read them, are more likely to fall under the “get a life” insult tree.

  6. I loveeeeeeeee Kathy she is so funny and
    i don’t take her seriously like some people.
    Hoda is great too.
    they have (sister)-chemistry .

    Have a nice day everyone 🙂

  7. LUV YOUR SHOW — HODA, I DID SEND A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO YOU — RE YOUR BR. CA. – HOPE U RECEIVED IT — I HAVE BEEN THERE — HEAL, HEAL, HEAL —

    GIVES “US” – ALL A BOND — U R AMAZING.

    ALSO TOO FAST TODAY — PLS. REPEAT AND SPELL THE NAME OF THAT CREAM YOU HAD ON LAST WEEK. IF YOU COULD EMAIL IT TO ME THAT WOULD B WONDERFUL. LOUSIL@MSN.COM

  8. Dear Internet People,

    This is a BLOG POST and is not, in any way, some kind of contact form to get ahold of Hoda or Kathy. STOP LEAVING YOUR CRAZY ASS INSANE fanmail here.

    ESPECIALLY IF IT’S IN ALL CAPS AND FULL OF LOL SPEAK. U GOTZ ME?!

    This is your warning: From now on if you try to use my BLOG COMMENTS as an attempt to contact either of them I’ll repost it in a blog on the front page and include all your contact info and encourage people to send you goatse and other non-welcome emails. THEN MAYBE YOU WILL GET THE POINT.

    Thanks,
    The Management

  9. I will help send the goatse and other non-welcome e-mails. People without a general knowledge of the internet and what a blog is shouldn’t be allowed to use said internet.

  10. OMG, Kathy Lee is my favorite. And oh so sexy. I mean, not as sexy as Anna, but you know, close….

    Kathy Lee, if you read this, please send me money. ktks.

    *smirk*

  11. Koda, I sorry about what I heard you say on the July 27th show about the incident in Cambriag when the professor refussed to show ID that he was a resident there. It sounded a little like you were doing some rasical profiling toward police officers when they were trying to protect this mans property. I just thing it is a shame that we are already to blame the ones who are out there trying to protect us everyday. I saw a pictice once of a police office looking down a very dark alley and the caption said You would’t go down that alley for a million dollars, but he goes down it for a whole lot less. I think that say a lot.

  12. Dear Kathy Lee and Hoda

    I am disturbed that so many women said that about Sarah Palin. The way I see it she didn’t set women back she advanced them. I believe she did the best she could and jumped out there in the light and so she didn’t win she still made the effort. I haven’t seen any other women jumping out and going for it. Give her some slack. Look in your own family closets and realize that she is like all of us. Average American Family with all the faults like everyone else, but she took the chance and that my friends says it al.

  13. I’ve recently gotten completely addicted to your show. I’m a cosmetologist and love to help people feel good about themselves. I love that you do makeovers for others. The two ladies you helped today (9-11-09) were gorgeous, but don’t you ever wonder. . . . .They show up in Blah tee-shirts, you do their hair, give them a prettier outfit to wear, do their makeup and make them look fabulous. . . . but THEN you give them another Blah tee-shirt. What exactly is THAT about? Give them a $100.00 gift certificate to Macy’s instead of a blah tee-shirt. Help them continue doing things that make themselves feel great.

  14. Because it needs to be repeated:


    Dear Internet People,

    This is a BLOG POST and is not, in any way, some kind of contact form to get ahold of Hoda or Kathy. STOP LEAVING YOUR CRAZY ASS INSANE fanmail here.

    ESPECIALLY IF IT’S IN ALL CAPS AND FULL OF LOL SPEAK. U GOTZ ME?!

    This is your warning: From now on if you try to use my BLOG COMMENTS as an attempt to contact either of them I’ll repost it in a blog on the front page and include all your contact info and encourage people to send you goatse and other non-welcome emails. THEN MAYBE YOU WILL GET THE POINT.

    Thanks,
    The Management

    1. Dear Anna,
      Good luck with the internet people.

      To sympathize with your account on YOUR blog:

      Regarding K.L.G., I recall an episode of Regis and Kathy Lee from 100 years ago when they interviewed Jewell soon after the release of Jewel’s first album. K.L.G. naively asked Jewel about her inspirations, insinuating that Jewel only had access to yellow press and soap operas (I exaggerate because I can’t remember exactly). Jewel kindly and assertively replied that her inspirations included the author Balzac. The Live! cameras continued rolling a live broad cast of K.L.G. looking dumbfounded. Argh, I remember that moment before every presentation I make to my bosses or public. Because of K.L.G. I often recite the following mantra: “know your stuff before you speak it and don’t assume that everyone is as ignorant as you think they should be!”

  15. This week will probably be my last time watching the sourth hour of the Today show. I”m starting to notice how hypocritical both Hodaandkathylee and Kathy lee are. Hodaandkathylee agrees with whatever Kathy agrees with. But this is the reason why, this week we”ve seen the meltdowns of Kanye West, Serena Williams and the Republivan cngressman. Let”s start with the first the congressman”s statement of telling the President you lie. Kathy lee was so tickled about that comment she kept repeating it throughout the show and laughing about it, never stated he should apologize for his statement. Now Kanye West the action what he done Kathy just thought it was so horrible that she couldn”t hardly believe it. Serena Williams the same way. But almost a week ago they had John Mcenroe on the show and almost applading his behavior on the court. Please tell me all of these incidents are truly wrong but how does one justify the other.

  16. In the discussion of the 92 grandmother and her skydiving celebrating her 92nd birthday, Kathie Lee mentioned that the woman had previously had six knee surgeries. It would be nice to know if those knee surgeries came after she was 65 and on Medicare. If everyone would start looking around we could figure out why our Medicare system is going broke! Also research the sedative drugs, Propofol and Versed. The side effects of these drugs used in many procedures eventually leave you practically crippled. Find out from people who have experienced this by calling out to your audience for a report. I would certainly be one to speak out loudly against their use. I am also loudly protesting behavior that is not appropriate for someone who has had six knee surgeries!!!

  17. i just would like to share my thoughts with hhoda and kathy lee i really enjoy your show and you 2 really make the show fun to watch. its great to have real people who work together not sharing the same beliefs…

  18. Kathy Lee and Hoda,

    I watch your show every day. I’ve enjoyed your show this past week, October 5th thru the 9th talking about breast cancer. I have many friends and relatives that have been hit by this devastating disease and thank goodness that most of them are survivors.

    A group of use have joined together to raise funds to help those in need. Our mission is: To positively impact the lives of cancer patients and their families in the Grand Island, NE area.

    Our second annual fund raising benefit is coming up and is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2009. We will be hosting “Dance With the Stars”. All proceeds will go to the Grand Island Area Cancer Endowment (G.R.A.C.E.) Foundation.

    We have selected four area people for our star dancers and along with four professional danceer, who have donated their endless hours teaching our stars their dances for the evening.

    We have Star Tables (for $500.00) which includes seating for ten, wine at their table, social hour, dinner and premier seating.

    Individual tickets are going for $35.00 which includes the social hour and dinner.

    An Honorary Grace Butterfly garden will be set up with donations of $5.00 per butterfly to honor a loved one – survivor or in memory of.

    Those in attendance will be able to vote for their favorite dancer for the cost of $5.00 per vote. The winning Star Dancer will be determined by the greatest amount of money collected to her/his name. This star dancer will receive a beautiful replica of the TV award in a mirrored ball trophy. I had the great pleasure/honor of receiving this award last year and was totally shocked when my name was announced.

    We will also have a special guest speaker (a doctor from our community) that will be updating all in attendance not only on breast cancer but other cancers.

    A special person(s) will be honored with a “one a kind” stained glass butterfly, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping people locally in the fight against cancer.

    Through the G.R.A.C.E. Foundation we will be awarding scholarship(s) to either the cancer patient themselves who might need funds to help pay for their cancer expenses, to further their education or any other expenses that they may need help in. An immediate family of the cancer patient – survivor or one who may have lost their life from cancer may also apply for a scholarship. Details are still being worked out.

    Thank you for caring about those who have cancer and sharing very important information on your show.

    Sue Pirnie
    308-390-0876
    tpirn@yahoo.com
    919 East Phoenix Avenue
    Grand Island, NE 68801

  19. Wall Street is the name of a neighborhood and street in New York City so I’m not sure what you mean exactly by them being the “biggest company” to donate to the campaign. Perhaps that Bush led education you received has something to do with you not understanding the VAST difference what a STREET is and what a COMPANY is.

    Here is a list of the top contributors to Obama’s 2008 election campaign. As you can see, a SCHOOL was the biggest contributor, followed by a company, followed by another school. Facilities of higher education were the #1 contributors to he campaign, not some fictional company you ignorantly use to make baseless accusations.

    Perhaps next time you should try actually researching things, as you suggested, on your own and not just spewing back whatever rhetoric you’ve been spoon fed.

  20. Today Hoda and Kathy Lee were complaining about the Swine flue shot being given to Wall street, and not understanding why they get it before others that need it. They just don’t get it, and don’t want to study further to find out why? Most of us know that Wall Street was one of the largest companies to donate to the Obama campaign. If you notice those companies that donated the most are the once that are receiving the most help. Need I say more?

  21. Dear Kathy Lee,
    I watch your show most of the time and was most shocked by what I saw when Paula Dean last visited the show. Yes, she coughed, but on her arm, I watched it over and over to see. Yes, she should have washed her hands immediatly but may have been too embaressed. I am a germ finatic and wash my hands continually but the remark you made to her when you were headed to break was quite rude. Wash your hands right this instant, I herd for shur and do you hear me? I think was the last of the remark. Anyway I know that you had to make good of a bad situation, but I thought the tone was quite harsh. I quess maybe people arent really who they appear to be on set, I would hate to think that I had offended a quest like Paula on my show. Its a wonder she didnt tell you to kiss her grits, I hope that was just a bad moment.From a little old country girl who not famous, wealthy or on T. V. I hope thats not the REAL YOU!! Dont know if I will watch the show again.

  22. Dear Hoda,
    So very sorry to hear your negative editorializing of Carrie Prejean re: her interview with Larry King. To me this type of slamming was in poor taste and YOU were very RUDE.

    G. Arcularius

  23. Hello Kathy and Hoda,

    I just wanted to say i watch your show every morning and you 2 are so beautiful and funny. I’ve had chronic pain for 15 yrs now and you always put a smile on my face and i really appreciate that, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!
    I totally understand why people love you guys so much!!!! keep up up girls

    Laurie

  24. Do I infer that Kathy Gifford is against birth control because of her remark about Miss America on Today’s show? (Monday )
    Judith Gurian

  25. Perhaps the author of this blog should remove the line under the “Mail” heading that says, “will not be published” since she’s threatening to post people’s contact information as a punishment for expressing opinions.

  26. Thanks Anna for posting what you did. I turned off the tv show with Kathy Lee and Regis years ago, I got so sick of hearing about her kid. Being in the midst of infertility I felt she was a bit much to handle. Now, here she is again and she is imitating Regis in her inflections of speech. I think Hoda is good at being the side kick which is sad because she seems to be a very intelligent person.
    I especially dislike the drinking daily segments they share with the world. Like all of us are starting our day with a bottle? Really? It’s pretty narcissitic to think the whole world cares about “their lives totally” they are acting, acting is pretending. Do people really think they are that great? For what? Doing things other people don’t or for making tons of money when others aren’t. My husband died in our arms of cancer and my children had to become men at a young age. My kids have done more in their young years than most of these tv people. Life is Real, it isn’t handled by grabbing a bottle. Too bad Kathy Lee and Hoda aren’t reading this, they really need to know not everyone enjoys their antics.
    In fact because of some drunk years ago I lost a grandmother 2 blocks from their house on Thanksgiving. What a memory, thanks drunks.
    As soon as the news is over I turn off the tv, I have a life and don’t need to watch mindless things like this.

  27. I REALLY LIKE TO WATCH YOUR SHOW. IT UPSETS ME VERY MUCH THAT YOU MUST INCLUDE WINE LIQUOR AND BEER WITH EACH START OF THE SHOW. WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT? IT IS NOT FUNNY AT ALL. WHAT ABOUT ALL THE LITTLE CHILDREN WHO WATCH TV WITH PARENTS OR TEENAGERS SEEING THAT THIS MUST BE OK BECAUSE IT IS BEING PUSHED TO THE FRONT OF EVERY SHOW. ALCOHOL IS ALCOHOL, IN ANY FORM. I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE HAD A DRINK OF ANY KIND OF BEER WINE OR LIQUOR., AND YES I AM A CHRISTIAN AND VERY PROUD TO SAY SO. MADD AGAINST DRUNK DRIVERS SHOULD COME AND PRESENT THE SHOW WITH A ROTTEN POTATO AWARD. THIS IS WHAT THEY GIVE TO THE JUDGE WHEN HE LETS A DRUNKEN DRIVER GO WITHOUT PUNISHMENT. I AM NOT SAYING YOU DRIVE DRUNK BUT I DO NOT THINK THIS IS GOOD FOR ANYONE, ALCOHOLICS WHO ARE TRYING TO STOP DRINKING , MUST OVERCOME THE TEMPTATION WHILE YOU LAUGH TOAST AND PUSH IT IN FRONT OF THEM. I DO NOT SMOKE AND ADVERTISING IT IS NOT ALLOWED AND THAT IS VERY GOOD, SO WHY MUST THIS BE THE CONSTANT MAIN TOPIC? KATHY LEE WHAT DOES YOUR SON AND DAUGHTER THINK ABOUT THIS? I KNOW THAT IT IS CALLED SOCIAL DRINKING, HOWEVER AS A RETIRED NURSE , I HAVE HAD PATIENTS WHO TOLD THE DR. THEY DO NOT DRINK, EXCEPT SOCIAL , AND WHILE THEY ARE HEALING FROM MAJOR SURGERY OR TRAMUA INJURY THEY GO INTO DT’S AND MUST BE RUSHED TO ICU TO BE CARED FOR BECAUSE THIS CAN BE FATAL, AND THEY DID NOT THINK THEY WERE AN ALCOHOLIC. PLEASE DO NOT THINK I AM BEING JUDGEMENTAL, JUST CONCERED THAT THIS IS NOT GOOD WHEN IT IS CONSTANT, IF ONLY ONE COULD SEE WHAT THE OUTCOME IS AFTERWARD , WHAT A SHAME IT CANNOT BE SHOWN WITH THE LAUGHING DRINKING AND TOASTING TO SOMETHING GOOD. THIS IS BEING SAID WITH GOOD INTENTIONS. RUTH 02/01/11

  28. Dear Kathy Lee…it makes me really uncomfortable the way you always make fun of Hoda in a really passive aggressive way. Hoda is a true professional and a great sport about it. But trust me it is beginning to piss her off. I have a very strong intuition and she will not take it much longer! Just try not to be such a know-it-all. It hurts her feelings and although she doesn’t show it it does! I have a friend like you and as innocent as you may think it is….it is far from it! I lived this and have come to dispise her because of it. Blah, blah, blah…..That said…..I love your show! Just be a little nicer to Hoda…Please….Nancy

  29. If you’re going to write, you should take some English lessons, i.e., correct grammar. Just one example: “over exaggerated” is incorrect & a rule you should have learned in middle school. “over exaggerated” is redundant. Look it up & learn.

    1. I didn’t realize that I needed to pass a literary genius test to write a personal blog post on my own domain. Too bad I don’t try to pass it off as real media or get paid for my blog posts or something. I guess I should take my occasional hobby MUCH more seriously for you, Mr Cummings.

      [/sarcasm]

  30. Hoda’s exaggerated (silent) laughter is very annoying. Laughing hysterically at comments that are only marginally humorous is phony & really kind of stupid.

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