The "evidence" that the person in the video is wearing a mask is much better explained by a shadow caused by bright lighting.
It must be unlikely that Bob Harward wears a realistic mask of Bob Harward.
He looked like Bob Harward, and said the sort of things we might expect Bob Harward to say.
Fox News believes the man was Bob Harward, and as
@NoParty's
post #27 shows they've explained why there was a shadow.
Bob Harward says it was Bob Harward.
Harward is a retired and respected Vice Admiral and former SEAL, but he (or the hypothetical imposter) was voicing his private opinions about news in the public realm. He wasn't announcing or revealing anything unusual (none of the mask advocates seem to be particularly interested in what the man actually
said).
If Hayward hadn't been available, Fox could probably have found someone else (a former military officer or diplomat, an academic with knowledge of the Middle East, a politician) who was similarly familiar with the subject. I doubt Bob Harward's appearance received strong billing beforehand. Fox, like many major news outlets, has a "stable" of such people (
@NorCal Dave mentioned a widely-used media term, "talking heads") who are happy to give their opinions on various matters on TV, who have suitable credentials or experience (or are just liked and trusted by the audience on certain issues) and who are capable of following basic studio directions and guidelines.
It isn't as if Harward is like some ailing member of the old Soviet Politburo, whose non-attendance at a public event or on-screen might have caused a flurry of speculation. Despite his former employment, it must be unlikely he has doubles to mislead foreign intelligence services or would-be assassins in the manner of Stalin, Churchill and Saddam Hussein.
It is a bit dispiriting that this social media froth seems to be of more interest to many than any serious discussion of events in and around Iran in the past few months. Thousands of deaths, a US administration claiming victory while the Iranian authorities blockade the Straits of Hormuz, having effectively increased the area over which their military influence is felt.
Worrying about what Harwood looks like is not matched by any engagement with what he has to say or consideration of the actions and record of those he supports.
).
