Democratic National Committee has rejected Fox News as a host network for presidential debates, which begin in June.
“I believe that a key pathway to victory is to continue to expand our electorate and reach all voters,” Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said in a statement first released to The Washington Post. “That is why I have made it a priority to talk to a broad array of potential media partners, including Fox News. Recent reporting in the New Yorker on the inappropriate relationship between President Trump, his administration and Fox News has led me to conclude that the network is not in a position to host a fair and neutral debate for our candidates. Therefore, Fox News will not serve as a media partner for the 2020 Democratic primary debates.”
Mr. Perez made his decision despite the fact that Fox News has been the most-watched cable news network for over 17 consecutive years, consistently besting MSNBC and CNN, according to Nielsen Media Research.
“We hope the DNC will reconsider its decision to bar Chris Wallace, Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, all of whom embody the ultimate journalistic integrity and professionalism, from moderating a Democratic presidential debate,” Fox News said in a reply statement first obtained by Mediaite.com. “They’re the best debate team in the business and they offer candidates an important opportunity to make their case to the largest TV news audience in America, which includes many persuadable voters.”
The decision brought out multiple opinions.
“In the minds of many progressives, this is a no-brainer move. Fox’s prime time talk shows relentlessly demonize Democrats and the progressive agenda,” wrote CNN analyst Brian Stelter in the aftermath.
“This is a mistake for the Democrats, but also a bad sign for the country,” tweeted syndicated columnist Jonah Goldberg.
“Considering Chris Wallace moderated a presidential debate, that seems a little short-sighted,” tweeted John Roberts, chief White House correspondent for Fox News.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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