Guess who some Democrats are touting as their next ‘Great White Hope’ for political office? Graham Platner? Nah, the Nazi tattoo and daily scandals are disqualifying, even for lefties. James Talarico? His politics are sufficiently radical, but he’s not exactly the macho type Democrats long for.

Actually, the correct answer is Scott Pelley, just fired from his long-held job at ’60 Minutes.’ One career news executive touted Pelley’s political prospects this way on social media: ‘Why not a trustworthy, worldly, even-tempered, smart, classy guy like Scott Pelley?’ 

But what are his qualifications, one might wonder, aside from having a square jaw and a boatload of pomposity? Scott Pelley’s primary asset is that he obviously despises Donald Trump.  He is also exceptionally adept at playing the victim, a quality adored by leftists.  CBS News executives are trying to right the ship, so to speak, after decades of drifting to the left, so Pelley donned the hero mantle a few days ago.  He threw a hissy fit, screamed at his new boss, and strutted like a peacock. The next day, he was out the door.

It’s worth recalling a few times when Scott Pelley allowed his biases to show through:

- After a 2016 GOP debate: ‘It left many Republicans feeling that they were banging on the cockpit door of a party that had been hijacked.’

- While introducing an interview with befuddled President Biden in 2023: ‘When he’s tired, his lifelong stutter can creep back in.’

- He blasted ‘Moms for Liberty,’ an organization that wants to get rid of porn in school libraries, accusing them of engaging in ‘outrage politics.’

- Who can forget the intrepid newsman’s address to graduates of Wake Forest last year? ‘Freedom of speech is under attack,’ he self-righteously declared.  ‘Journalism is under attack, universities are under attack, and insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes.’  And the attacker? Pelley didn't mention Donald Trump’s name, but there’s no doubt about the villain in our heroic crusader’s story.

So, what’s next for Pelley?  The news business has changed dramatically, and he can’t command his estimated $7-million CBS salary.  CNN or MS NOW could be a good fit – maybe he can make some pocket change as a regular contributor on one of those eight-person panels. Or Pelley may strike out on his own with a podcast. (given his lofty opinion of himself, it could be called ‘Great Scott!’)  He can then take off the mask like other ‘objective’ journalists such as Katie Couric, Don Lemon, Jim Acosta, and Terry Moran. After years of proclaiming their fairness, it turns out their politics are indistinguishable from those heard in a faculty lounge.

If Pelley does go into politics and someday pursue the biggest prize of all, we hereby suggest his ideal running mate. Another prominent Trump-hater with a fabulous jawline is MS NOW’s Lawrence O’Donnell. They would make quite the handsome ticket, overflowing with pomposity and ego and anger. And for their campaign slogan, they might borrow from Teddy Roosevelt: ‘The Square (Jawed) Deal.’