Ever watch a show and feel like you’re just hanging out with friends? That’s basically the vibe of The Five, especially when Dana Perino is on the screen. She’s not just a talking head. She’s the former White House Press Secretary who somehow manages to balance high-stakes political insight with stories about her dog, Percy, and her love for the Jersey Shore.
People often search for "the five dana perino" looking for her specific segments or how she fits into the chaotic chemistry of the roundtable. Honestly, she’s the glue. She’s the one who keeps Greg Gutfeld in check—or at least tries to—while bringing a level of poise that reminds you she once stood at the most intimidating podium in the world.
Why Dana Perino is the Secret Sauce of The Five
It’s easy to forget that before she was debating Jesse Watters, she was answering to the Leader of the Free World. Perino joined the show back in 2011. Since then, she’s become a staple. She isn't just "the woman on the panel." She’s a mentor, a dog lover, and a surprisingly funny foil to the more bombastic personalities on the set.
There’s a specific nuance she brings to the table. She doesn't just shout slogans. You’ve probably noticed how she often pivots from a heavy topic like foreign policy to a lighthearted "One More Thing" segment without missing a beat. That’s a pro move.
1. The Day Jasper Became "America's Dog"
If you’re a fan of Dana, you know about Jasper. He was a Vizsla, and he was basically the sixth host of The Five. When Perino would talk about him, the show would stop being about politics and start being about something everyone relates to: the love for a pet.
Jasper passed away in 2021, and the tribute on the show was genuinely moving. It wasn't just "news." It was a moment of shared grief with millions of viewers. Today, Percy has taken the mantle, and Perino continues to use her platform to advocate for pet ownership and the joy it brings. It’s one of those things that makes her feel "real" to the audience.
2. Standing Her Ground with Greg Gutfeld
The dynamic between Dana and Greg is legendary. They’re best friends in real life, but on air, they’re like siblings. Gutfeld is the provocateur; Perino is the straight man.
There have been countless times where Greg goes off on a tangent and Dana just gives him "the look." You know the one. It’s the look of a sister who’s heard it all before. This rapport isn't scripted. It’s the result of over a decade of sitting next to each other for an hour every single day. It’s why people tune in. They want to see if Greg will finally say something that actually makes Dana lose her cool (it rarely happens).
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3. The "One More Thing" Masterclass
Every episode of The Five ends with "One More Thing." It’s a rapid-fire segment where each host shares a personal story, a shout-out, or a quirky news clip. Perino uses this time better than anyone.
Whether she’s highlighting a "Minute Mentoring" session or sharing a clip of a dog doing something ridiculous, she uses those 60 seconds to build a bridge to the viewer. It’s a smart branding move, sure, but it also feels authentic. She’s genuinely interested in helping young women succeed in their careers, a topic she’s written several books about, including Everything Will Be Okay.
4. Transitioning from News to Opinion
Perino is unique because she co-anchors America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer in the morning and then does The Five in the afternoon. Think about that for a second. In the morning, she has to be 100% objective, reporting the facts. In the afternoon, she has to have an opinion.
She’s spoken about how this is a "balancing act." Most people can’t do both. They either lean too far into the opinion side and lose their journalistic credibility, or they’re too "stiff" for a talk show. Perino manages to thread that needle. She’s proof that you can be a serious professional and still have a personality.
What People Often Get Wrong About Her Role
Some critics think she’s just there to be the "polite" one. That’s a mistake. If you watch her closely during a heated debate about the border or the economy, she’s often the one with the most specific data points.
She doesn't just emote; she informs. Her background at the Department of Justice and the White House gives her a level of "EEAT" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) that is hard to match in cable news. When she talks about how a bill actually moves through Congress, she isn't guessing. She’s been in the room where it happens.
The Impact of "Perino on Politics"
Beyond the daily show, her influence has grown through her podcast and her books. She’s become a mentor-at-large for a generation of young professionals. Her advice is usually practical—sorta like a "big sister" who also happens to know the President's schedule.
She emphasizes things like:
- Showing up early.
- Writing thank-you notes.
- Not taking things personally in a high-stress environment.
It’s basic stuff, but in a world of "quiet quitting" and remote work, her old-school work ethic resonates with a lot of people.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Professionals
If you’re looking to follow in Dana Perino’s footsteps or just want to understand why she’s so successful on The Five, there are a few key takeaways.
First, versatility is everything. Being able to switch gears from a hard news story to a lighthearted segment is a skill that takes years to master. Second, authenticity wins. You can tell she really loves her dogs and her husband, Peter. That human element is what makes people loyal to her.
Finally, know your stuff. Perino’s best moments aren't when she’s being funny; they’re when she’s the smartest person in the room. She does the prep work. She reads the briefings. Even in a conversational format like The Five, knowledge is power.
To keep up with her latest segments, you can check out the official Fox News "The Five" page or follow her social media where she frequently posts behind-the-scenes content and, of course, plenty of photos of Percy. Watching how she handles the "One More Thing" segment is a great way to see how she connects with an audience in under a minute.