Lighting the Seventh Candle: Barbara Walters

What kind of Hanukkah-themed tribute would this be without a nod to the iconic rhotacistic Jewish voice of broadcast journalism?

In praise and in protest, this is Tarasova’s Mink lighting the seventh candle for the legendary Barbara Walters.

Born in 1929 to Louis Walters and Dena Seletsky, Barbara Jill Walters has forged an impressive broadcast career that has included anchor and host positions at The Today Show, ABC Evening News, 20/20, and most recently creator and co-host of the most entertaining talk-show train wreck of them all, The View.

While one would never accuse Ms. Walters of being a hardball journalist, like Jew-turned-Agnostic Larry King, she has carved a name for herself arguably more recognizable than myriad subjects she has interviewed over the course of her 40-year career.

The longevity of Ms. Walters career is impossible to ignore. In the past four decades, she has interviewed an eclectic assemblage of newsmakers ranging from Michael Jackson to Margaret Thatcher (No, not that one. We can only dream!) to Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino.

It was only fitting then that last night Ms. Walters was once again afforded the opportunity of interviewing Oprah Winfrey.

Sometimes allowances must be made, forgiveness given to those least in need of it. In this case, we overlook the fact that Ms. Walters has foisted Elisabeth Hasselbeck on us (much in the same way we must disregard Ms. Winfrey's allowing Dr. Phil onto TV's every afternoon), for there is much to embrace about Barbara, the least of which is her most distinct accent.

 

In an interview to be treasured and Tivo’d for repeat drunken viewings, the Queen of Jewish Journalism spoke with the Queen of All Media on a wide range of topics, including her fluctuating weight, her allegedly lesbianic relationship with BFF Gayle King and the next chapter of her life, as creator of the OWN television network.

As Ms. Winfrey reflected on her 25 years as talk-show hostess and favorite destination of celebrity Scientologists world-wide, Walters was able to bring briiiiiiiinnngggg Opraaaaaaah toooo teeeaaaaaaars. It was truly an Exceptional Gay Moment from one of the Jews we love.

Part 1/5

Rest of the interview is after the cut:

Part 2/5

Part 3/5

Part 4/5

Part 5/5