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Should the Democrats boycott Fox News Channel?
May 31, 2007 2:10 PM
This week two more Democratic White House hopefuls dropped out of the Sept. 23 Democratic debate to be co-hosted by Fox News Channel and the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute.
Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Gov. Bill Richardson, D-NM, are the latest to boycott the event, to be held in Detroit, because of the perceived bias of Fox News Channel.
Says Dodd spokeswoman Christy Setzer: "Given the current lineup of candidates, we feel we cannot have a full debate on the real differences in this race that the American people deserve."
Former Sen. John Edwards, D-NC, was the first to announce he wouldn't attend. Edwards deputy campaign manager Jonathan Prince proclaimed that "there's just no reason for Democrats to give Fox a platform to advance the right-wing agenda while pretending they're objective."
Edwards was followed soon afterward by Sens. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, and Barack Obama, D-Illinois, whose campaign was disturbed after Fox News brought a great deal of attention to a false report that Obama had been educated in an extremist madrassa. (MORE ON THAT HERE)
The candidates had been urged to boycott Fox by liberal activists including Color of Change (LINK) and Markos Moulitsas of the Daily Kos website, who said (LINK) the Black Caucus's "decision is breath-taking in its stupidity, and the organization will now face the well-deserved scorn of its own constituents as well as outside observers. Candidates will be forced to choose between grassroots activists (of all colors) and an out-of-touch, entrenched inside-the-Beltway organization."
Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes criticized the decision at an awards dinner. "Any candidate for high office from either party who believes he can blacklist any news organization is making a terrible mistake about journalists," Ailes said at a Radio and Television News Directors Foundation dinner in Washington in March. "Pressure groups are forcing candidates to conclude that the best strategy for journalists is divide and conquer, to only appear on those networks and venues that give them favorable coverage," Ailes said, adding that any candidate "who cannot answer direct, simple, even tough questions from any journalist runs a real risk of losing the voters."
But in that same address, Ailes added to the list of Democratic complaints about the perceived rightward tilt of the network, joking about the similarity of Obama's name with that of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, saying, "It's true that Barack Obama is on the move. I don't know if it's true President Bush called [Pakistan President Pervez] Musharraf and said, 'Why can't we catch this guy?'
Those still planning on attending are Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., and Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, who said (LINK HERE) the boycott is "particularly troublesome because the concerns of African Americans should take precedent over what network is broadcasting the debate...Those candidates planning to skip this debate clearly are trying to avoid a forum where there will be hard-hitting questions from people who may not agree with them. But taking questions from all sides is part of politics, and part of being President. I'm running to be President for all people in this country."
Last week, 26 members of the Congressional Black Caucus wrote to Clinton, Edwards, and Obama urging them to reconsider. They now have to send that letter to two other Democrats.
What do you think? Is it a good precedent for candidates to boycott debates based on perceived bias? The Fox News Channel GOP debate in South Carolina seemed to me to be pretty tough on the Republican candidates.
-- jpt
May 31, 2007 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (64)
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bones - Well I will go back to this one. Did you ever here of typos?
All you have is insults, all I have is facts, interesting don't you think?
There was a book (I do not want to advertise a book here, not sure if the moderators would like) I read awhile back explaining the Path to Marxism, but you can just look at Chavez - Wanting to create a state religion that he is in charge of, taking over the oil fields, creating a false enemy (US), taking wealth, socialized medicine.
Now what do the Libs want? The only difference is their chosen enemy is Global Warming (30 years ago it was the ice age).
Oh by the way it was Moveon (Soros) that told them not to debate on Fox, they were at first until they got a call. Please note this debate was sponsored also by the Black Caucus.
So keep it up, want anymore facts? You should stay in the medlab.
Posted by: spock | Jun 6, 2007 1:30:05 PM
"So all of this is important issues," spock? You've obviously learned English as a second language, because you certainly don't know its grammar. Is the argument you're trying (poorly) to make that the first step on the road to perdition is to take away morals and then we'll all be socialists? Please spare us your warped conspiracy theories!
Posted by: bones | Jun 6, 2007 10:44:36 AM
Steve - those are the base morals (minus tax cuts) of man, they are the most important. The first step to socialism is to remove morals. As far as the tax cuts, well that is what strengthened our economy.
So all of this is important issues.
Posted by: spock | Jun 4, 2007 3:35:11 PM
survivor1962 - I guess you think MSNBC is truthful?
First alot of things are Black and White, Wrong or Right, Free or Socialism.
Different opinions do not make the grey, Like the sky is above us is Fact. But libs would want to explain that it can not be above us.
Fox gives more views then all the other cable new shows put together.
Posted by: spock | Jun 4, 2007 11:54:00 AM
Tumbleweedin - They hate us no matter what we do, ok Islamis have been at war with Christianity and Jews since time began. So they would of hate us no matter what we do.
The problem is not that we help out around the world it is that we never finish what we do. When we help Afghan free themselves from Russia we then turned our back and allowed it to become a haven for terrorists.
If we turn our back on Iraq it too will become a haven for terrorists just like it was under Hussein (He might not of supported Al Qeada but he did support other terror organizations)
I would hate to inform you most countries hate us because of our unique freedoms.
So every libs answer is to stop supporting Isreal. I think not.
Posted by: spock | Jun 4, 2007 11:47:43 AM
There is not a news channel out there, Fox, CNN, ABC, etc. that does not slant stories with their own spin/agenda. Anyone that thinks that whatever news channel they are watching or listening to is only telling facts with no personal agenda/bias is kidding themselves, this includes NPR as well before anyone claims they have no bias. Listen to the same news story on each and it can be alarming on how different the same story can come across.
Posted by: Brad | Jun 2, 2007 11:26:40 PM
MarineCorps dad - I had to laugh at this: "I'm certain today's Democrats would regard the Democrats of the 1940's as hardcore conservatives." You should crack a history book now and then. Truman supported socialized medicine - the same kind of medical system the labour party was installing in Britain at that time. He also supported a massive federal housing program, and his tax policies - he believed in a "poor man's tax policy" soaked the rich. His last year in office, to pay for the war, he asked for an income tax increase. At the end of World War II, the tax rate on the top income bracket was 94 percent. Hey, this is the kind of conservative democratic stuff I like. A 94 percent income tax on the top bracket, to pay for the war, would bring the war to a screeching halt.
Posted by: roger | Jun 2, 2007 11:19:23 PM
Fox News should stick to what they do best Propaganda. they are not a news channel, why should the Democrats give them any legitimacy? let them host the republicans.
Posted by: joey | Jun 2, 2007 2:27:33 PM
spock: Don't go into shock. But it IS our foreign policy that gets the USA into a lot trouble with other countries. I know we help out a lot around the world. Do you know how much money we GIVE Israel every year? The pint is that the terrorists don't hate America because we are free. They do it because we have stuck our nose where it does not belong. And I don't see how it has helped in any way shape or form. We have already met the objectives we were told the move into Ieaq was all about. NO WMDs. Saddam is gone. Time to come home. Let them settle their problems. We did not go into Iraq for an endless occupation. You can't fight terrorism. Terrorism will exist as long as there is a reason for it. So we are swinging at air. We are not at war with a country...but an idea. That can change.
Posted by: Tumbleweedin | Jun 2, 2007 1:03:41 PM
The Fox "news" network is absurd to anyone who actually makes the effort to think for themselves. Of course, those that need to have opinions and filtered facts spoonfed to them, love it. They don't have to think and can spout the same tired partisan rhetoric about liberal dems, Iraq, etc. Fox appeals to the lowest common denominator - those that only see in black and white, have little respect for those that are different than them and are shocking in their emotional, hate-filled beliefs.
Posted by: survivor1962 | Jun 1, 2007 4:11:39 PM
Anyone who believes the most important issues are abortion, gay marriage, gays in the military, and making tax cuts permanent is completely out of touch with what is really ailing this country and should revisit their priorities.
Posted by: Steve | Jun 1, 2007 3:09:53 PM
Mitt Romney's resume crushes all other candidates on both sides. As governor he turned around the mess in Massachusetts, he conquered the private sector and doesn't need to work another day in his life, and after 9/11 he served our country well and saved the 2002 Winter Olympics for us all. If you want to know how to protect the American people from terrorists, just ask Mitt how he protected the athletes and spectators of the world just a few months after 9/11 during the Olympics. No one could turn around this country better than Mr. Romney. Even a caveman/cavewoman or Elmer Fudd could cast votes in the senate, or be a mayor. How come so many of the candidates look like Elmer Fudd?
Posted by: Mike | Jun 1, 2007 2:22:02 PM
Tumbleweedin - stop pushing Ron Paul, How can anyone support someone that Blames America from the Left (which is all of them) or from the right. Sorry Can not do it, I do not care, I blame the countries that support the terrorist, not the Victim.
The U.S. has done more good for the World then any other country, whether from the left or right. So please!
Posted by: spock | Jun 1, 2007 12:32:57 PM
Hey Chuck.Dallas maybe Cheney likes it because they do not insult him or the President they just report the news.
Hey I will give kudos to ABC too, because since they got rid of the neo-fascist from that day show their integrity has gone up.
Now even if (thats a big if) Fox news was right-wing bias, If they get elected they are not going to represent 75% of America??
Maybe you think Fox is rightwing bias because it is centered and anything that does not spout the lies of Soro's is a Right-Wing Conspiracy.
So JFK must of been right-winged, Truman also, Interesting, wow did not know that. MLK too, cool !!!
Posted by: spock | Jun 1, 2007 11:07:56 AM
judeluke2000 - good questions that the Lib Dems will never fully answer though. just look at the answers from Paul Holsinger.
1 - Definition of Partial Birth - is the killing of a viable child at time of birth see Legal Definition -
Legal Definition : An abortion in which the person performing the abortion, deliberately and intentionally vaginally delivers a living fetus until, in the case of a head-first presentation, the entire fetal head is outside the body of the mother, or, in the case of breech presentation, any part of the fetal trunk past the navel is outside the body of the mother, for the purpose of performing an overt act that the person knows will kill the partially delivered living fetus; and performs the overt act, other than completion of delivery, that kills the partially delivered living fetus
2 - Marriage should only be between a Woman and Man - It is the basis moral of our civilization - most religions allow an annulments if a spouse does not want a child and a divorce is allowed. Now the reason why this is a major issue with the libs is Socialism, the more you destroy morals in people it is easier to become socialist just look at theirs ways - Clinton and Obama saying 45 million people without healthcare so we should have Socialixzed healthcare, (Please point out the 45 million, note take out the 20 million plus illegals please)
3 - You are either Pro Abortion or Anti Abortion, the pro-choice is a marketing ploy to help so they can get woman to say it has something to do with there invidual rights. Kerry is a bad example point because he changes his mind as the wind blows.
4 - Clintons' Don't ask Don't tell is the best policy for all, on all aspects, why first of all is it the militarys business if you are gay or straight. First straight members are not allowed sex while on duty or on base so what is the issue. They should embrace this, do straight males go around crying out I' Straight. This policy allows all to be comfortable. The reason again they are against is the moral issue, they want to kill morals.
5 - It is proven that Tax Decreases increases Tax Revenues, and raising taxes decreases revenues. Look at what happened after the Bush Tax cuts, Goverment Revenue went up, The only problem is the Libs and Libs in Republican Clothing increased spending alongside. If taxes get increased unemployment will go up from it almost 0% unemployment rate now. (Look at France 20%+ unemployment and they pay 70 %in taxes)
Cumulative Answer - The Libs want to break down the morals and prosperity of this country to make like Chavez's Country - Rule to become Socialist -
1 - Make People dependent on you and you control them.
2 - Teach modified history
3 - Destroy Religion (Gay Marriage / Praying / Abortion)
4 - Make up phony cause (Hitler did it with the Jews and the Libs today do it with Global Warming)
5 - Racial Divide / Social Divide
If you do not believe me Listen to Clinton / Obama / Kucinich -
Do you ever hear them say Liberty NO, So I say No to Libs.
Posted by: spock | Jun 1, 2007 10:24:20 AM
Describing FOX as biased and while not admitting thast the others are extreme left is certainly a JOKE. Fox may lean right but they do give both sides unlike CNN (Clinton News Network) and the others ABC, CBS and NBC are so left that it's silly. The plain fact of the matter is they are cowards for not wanting to stand up to questions they get.
If the Repubs had suggested that they would not attend a debate because it was hosted by CNN, ABC, NBC or CBS they would be slammed hard for running away from the isssues. These coward Dems should also....if they can't take the heat of a debate then they aren't up to the task of President.....a much harder job than fielding questions.
Posted by: Tom | Jun 1, 2007 7:23:18 AM
You got questions? RON PAUL got answers.
Leading in just about every poll and has over twice as many YouTube subscribers as all the rest of the republin candidates combined, and more than twice as many as the next runner up Obama. Give Ron Paul a good look folks. GOOGLE his sites.
Posted by: Tumbleweedin | Jun 1, 2007 6:30:06 AM
It's the best decision the candidates have made. FOX NEWS is neither fair nor balanced. A clue should be the fact that Cheney likes the network. Maybe, just maybe, the boycott will bring more attention to the bias of the network.
Posted by: Chuck.Dallas | Jun 1, 2007 12:20:52 AM
Paul Holsinger, thank you for taking the time to respond to the 5 questions posed. I would only add to your response to question "5" that every tax dollar you save for millionaires is a dollar that you take from the average earner. When it comes to wages, it takes many average earners to support a millionaire.
Posted by: Tom | May 31, 2007 11:43:00 PM
Democrats HAVE been slowly sliding in one direction for decades. I'm certain today's Democrats would regard the Democrats of the 1940's as hardcore conservatives. I attended a liberal college for a period - and it was one of the best educational experiences I've had but, there was only one problem with the way the art of "argument" was taught. It seem to be implied that you could win a debate without knowing what you were talking about. And you can. Unfortunately for some people, Fox News will put guest's views to the test and fairly challenge them on their thinking or knowledge . Fox News has a very good way of exposing any flaws in the views someone has. I would agree that Fox "leans to the right", but I appreciate how they typically won't let guests speak incessantly without a challenge which is something usually not done on other networks.
Posted by: MarineCorpsDad | May 31, 2007 8:23:52 PM
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