House Democratic leaders want members of their party to appear on Fox News to share their perspective and not “ignore” those who tune into the conservative-leaning news network.
“Members want to go on Fox, and we encourage them to do so,” Democratic Policy and Communications Committee communications director Michael LaRosa told CNN. “There are three big cable news networks, and one of the three happens to be Fox. So, our view is, why alienate or ignore all of those viewers?”
The Democratic Policy and Communications Committee is slated to host a training session on Friday with members where they will learn to “effectively engage anchors, answer tough questions, and develop your own formula for success,” according to an invitation for the session obtained by CNN.
While Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has bashed “Fox News lunacy,” Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan believes that members of the Democratic party should be open to talking to everyone.
“I’ve been doing Fox News since 2000, and I think it’s important that we participate with all the media,” Dingell, who is a co-chairwoman of the committee, told CNN. “I believe that you talk to everybody. I believe you listen to everybody.”
Last month, center-left think tank Third Way endorsed having Democratic lawmakers make appearances on Fox News during a dinner attended by approximately 15 Democratic members.
“Not everybody who watches Fox News is a Steve Bannon disciple. There are people out there who are persuadable,” Third Way executive vice president for policy Jim Kessler said. “There should be Democrats on there who can make our case and help sow doubt about the right-wing Republican argument.”
“The other advantage of it is that this is an opportunity to speak directly to President Trump, as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee has refused to permit Fox News to host a Democratic primary debate among 2020 presidential candidates.
