Fox News host Bret Baier defended the “fairness” of the network’s news team after the Democratic National Committee decided Fox News would not air any of the 12 debates among 2020 candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.
“That’s really a shame. When it comes to fairness – our news product speaks for itself,” Baier tweeted Wednesday. “We will continue to cover this 2020 race fairly & will continue to invite Democrats- Republicans & Independents on to talk about key issues & substance with our very large viewing audience.”
That’s really a shame. When it comes to fairness – our news product speaks for itself. We will continue to cover this 2020 race fairly & will continue to invite Democrats- Republicans & Independents on to talk about key issues & substance with our very large viewing audience https://t.co/z0TdftcVmz
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) March 6, 2019
DNC Chairman Tom Perez argued that Fox News wasn’t “in a position” to hold a fair debate for candidates, and mentioned a recent article from the New Yorker that indicated the network pushed propaganda for Trump.
“I believe that a key pathway to victory is to continue to expand our electorate and reach all voters,” Perez said Wednesday. “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.”
In response, Fox News’ Washington senior vice president and managing editor Bill Sammon urged the DNC to reconsider its decision because on-air hosts Chris Wallace, Bret Baier, and Martha MacCallum are “the best debate team in the business.”
2020 Democratic candidates are slated to participate in a total of 12 debates during the campaign season. The DNC has only announced that the debates will be aired on NBC and CNN.
