Harold Ford Jr., the polished Fox News pundit whose measured moderation lights up The Five‘s fiery fray, has spilled the tea on his deepest daytime dynamic: a “strongest friendship” with co-host Dana Perino that transcends the table’s tensions, forged in “quiet backstage chats about our families’ latest antics.” In a heartfelt September 25, 2025, People interview, the 55-year-old ex-congressman raved about their “genuine camaraderie,” from swapping kid chaos (his Georgia, 10, and Harold III, 7, vs. Dana’s Jasper the dog tales) to mutual respect amid heated debates. “Dana’s my rock—sharp, steady, always with a laugh when the lightning strikes,” Ford gushed, crediting her “beyond politics” bridge for his 2021 Fox entry. Perino, 52 and the ex-White House press secretary turned America’s Newsroom anchor, echoed in a joint X post: “Harold’s heart and humor make the madness manageable—we’re family, feuds or not.” The duo’s devotion? A daytime delight amid The Five‘s ideological inferno, where Ford’s liberal lens clashes with Gutfeld’s glee and Watters’ wit, but Dana’s “diplomatic dazzle” diffuses the daggers.
The “playful auction game”? A gala goldmine: At the May 2025 Fox News Correspondents’ Dinner charity bash (raising $1.2 million for military families), Ford and Perino tag-teamed a “bid on banter” auction—Ford auctioning a “private policy pep talk” (bought for $25k by a D.C. lobbyist), Perino her “Jasper the Dog Day” (a $30k win for a pooch pamper). The moment? Magic: As bids soared, Ford quipped, “Dana’s dog’s more diplomatic than me!” sparking laughter that lit up the room—later clipped for The Five‘s “Gala Games” segment, racking 2.5 million views and trending #FordPerinoFun. “It captured our easy rapport—bidding wars over dog days? That’s us,” Perino laughed to Hello!, the viral vignette a “charming camaraderie” that charmed critics and fans alike. “In a divided desk, they’re the duct tape,” a producer praised, tying to Ford’s rumored permanent perch (replacing Jessica Tarlov, per Variety‘s September 25 leak).
Their “shared experiences”? Soul-deep: Ford’s 2006 Senate loss (30-point drubbing to Bob Corker) mirrored Perino’s 2008 press secretary pivot, both “pummeled by politics” but propelled by poise. Backstage? “Family first”—Ford venting dad duties (Georgia’s “senator sass,” Harold III’s hoops), Perino dishing Jasper’s “White House whoops” (chewing classified cables). Debates? “Respect reigns”—Ford’s “measured takes” earning Dana’s “You nailed it!” nods, even when Gutfeld goads. The gala? A glimpse of gold: Their “playful” pitch—Ford’s “pep talk” package with a signed Senate gavel, Perino’s “dog day” with a custom Jasper collar—netted $55k, the clip a “moment viewers talked about,” per AdWeek, boosting The Five‘s demo 15%.
This isn’t pundit prattle; it’s a partnership profound, Ford and Perino’s “beyond politics” bond a balm in broadcast’s brawl. The auction antics? A auction of affection, their “easy rapport” a reminder that respect rescues the rancor. September’s spill? Not spotlight—a spotlight on solidarity. Fans swoon; the friendship? Forever. The Five’s future? Ford’s firm, Dana’s dazzle. The gala game? Gold. Their legacy? Luminous.
