Jessica Tarlov (born March 9, 1984) is an American political strategist for the Democratic Party who currently serves as co-host of The Five on Fox News.[1]
Jessica Tarlov | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Tarlov at South by Southwest, 2018 | |
| Born | Jessica Tarlov March 9, 1984 New York City, New York, U.S |
| Education | Bryn Mawr College (BA) London School of Economics (MSc, MA, PhD) |
| Occupation | Television host |
| Employer | Fox News |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Brian McKenna (m. 2021) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Molly Tarlov (sister) |
Background
editTarlov attended Bryn Mawr College, where she earned her B.A. degree in history. She went on to study at The London School of Economics and Political Science and received a Master of Science degree in public policy and administration, a Master of Research degree in political science, and a doctorate in political science and government. In 2008, she served as a research assistant for political analyst Douglas Schoen, and in 2012, returned to work as a political strategist under him.[2] Tarlov also worked on Boris Johnson's London mayoral campaign and served as head of research at Bustle.[3]
Career
editTarlov made her first appearance on Fox News in 2014, where she quickly worked her way in as a frequent guest. She has appeared on shows such as Hannity, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Five, Outnumbered, Fox & Friends, Kennedy, Watters World and more.[4] She officially was named a contributor in 2017.[5]
In January 2022, she was named a co-host on The Five, where she serves as a rotating co-host alongside Harold Ford Jr.[5]
On March 28, 2024, it was reported that Tony Bobulinski was filing suit against Tarlov for $30 million after comments she made on The Five regarding allegations that a Trump Super PAC was paying Bobulinki's legal bills, a claim that he denies. Tarlov made an on-air correction the day after making the allegations, stating "I have seen no indication those payments were made in connection with Mr. Bobulinski's legal fees and he denies that they were."[6]
Tarlov told the New York Times that her goals at Fox News include representing the majority of American voters (supposedly Democrats), while showing viewers that ideological foes can get along. She added that being on the "most-watched show" was a strategic move for her political career.[3]
Personal life
editTarlov’s mother, Judith Roberts, wrote the screenplay for the 1999 rom-com Simply Irresistible, and her father, Mark Tarlov, directed the film.[3] While in college, Mark Tarlov wrote speeches for Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger; he went on to become an attorney, and later a movie producer known for Copycat (1995), Serial Mom (1994) and Christine (1983). He died from cancer on July 31, 2021.[2]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tarlov began dating her next door neighbor, hedge fund executive Brian McKenna. She announced her engagement to McKenna on the Kennedy program on the Fox Business Network in April 2021.[7] The two married weeks later, and Tarlov gave birth to her daughter Cleo in December 2021.[8][2][9] On January 10, 2024, she announced on Fox News' The Five that she was expecting her second child, a girl, in April.[10] On April 15, Tarlov's daughter was born, named Teddy.[11]
References
edit- ^ "Fox News Fills Out 'The Five' with Jeanine Pirro, Trio of Liberals". Variety. January 12, 2022.
- ^ a b c "How Jessica Tarlov of 'The Five' became a liberal star on Fox News". Los Angeles Times. September 29, 2022.
- ^ a b c Grynbaum, Michael M. (October 26, 2024). "How Jessica Tarlov of 'The Five' Became a Liberal Star on Fox News". The New York Times. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
- ^ "How to Survive Fox News as a Resident Liberal". Washingtonian. March 21, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ a b "On Fox News' 'The Five,' Jessica Tarlov is redefining the image of the sacrificial liberal". Salon.com. September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Fox News Host Sued for Defamation by Former Biden Business Partner". National Review. March 28, 2024.
- ^ "@CableNewsWatch". Twitter. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ @guypbenson (June 11, 2021). "Congratulations to my friend and colleague @JessicaTarlov on getting married!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Jessica Tarlov − Biography". IMDb. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ "The Five's Jessica Tarlov Is Pregnant With Her Second Child". Adweek. January 11, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ "Jessica Tarlov welcomes second daughter | Fox News Video". Fox News. April 15, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.