CNN Farewell for Ali Velshi

It was summer of 2001 when my Canadian broadcast pal Ali Velshi was invited to join CNN in New York to become part of the anchor team at CNNfn,

None of us knew what he was about to find himself in the midst of. 

His start date was the second week of September.  When terrorists hit the World Trade Center, Ali was still in Toronto wrapping up his affairs. 

But a newsman and the story are never apart for long.  With flights grounded, Ali climbed on his motorcycle and “moved” to New York. He’d already secured an apartment.  So he rode his bike for a dozen hours, borrowed my air mattress, and announced to CNN that he was ready to go.

Eventually he got furniture.  Eventually New York got past the initial shock and tragedy.  And I had the good fortune of being paired with Ali for 2 1/2 hours each day on a program called “The Money Gang.”  We were an unlikely on-air pair.  But we had something that TV programmers can’t manufacture: chemistry. 

Eventually changes in the master plan took me in one direction and Ali in another.  He went on to earn the title “Chief Business Correspondent.”  I always thought he should have a second title as “Mayor of CNN.”  He’s an excellent broadcaster, but he’s also a connector of people who makes things happen.

He’s off to an “exciting new opportunity.” I’ve already wished him well in person.  But I wanted to put it on the record here as well.  Thanks for a great run at CNN, and here’s to the future.

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