Login HereOn a conference call today, Howard Wolfson of the Clinton campaign has said that Hillary Clinton will appear in a Fox News debate on February 11 in Washington, DC.
After Roger Ailes made a joke comparing Barack Obama to Osama Bin Laden, Harry Reid rightfully nixed a Democratic Fox debate in Nevada:
In a joint letter faxed today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Tom Collins, the head of the Nevada Democratic Party, informed Fox News executive producer Marty Ryan of the decision.
"A month ago, the Nevada Democratic Party entered into a good faith agreement with FOX News to co-sponsor a presidential debate in August,'' Reid and Collins said in the letter. "This was done because the Nevada Democratic Party is reaching out to new voters and we strongly believe that a Democrat will not win Nevada unless we find new ways to talk to new people. To say the least, this was not a popular decision. But it is one that the Democratic Party stood by.''
"However, comments made last night by FOX News President Roger Ailes in reference to one of our presidential candidates went too far,'' the letter went on. "We cannot, as good Democrats, put our party in a position to defend such comments. In light of his comments, we have concluded that it is not possible to hold a Presidential debate that will focus on our candidates and are therefore canceling our August debate. We take no pleasure in this, but it is the only course of action.''
I asked Wolfson if this puts Obama in an awkward position considering how awful Ailes' comments were, especially in light of Reid's decision. Wolfson defended the choice to accept the Fox debate because Obama has appeared on Fox News himself recently. Which is true, he has, but it doesn't excuse how many awful lies and distortions Fox has peddled in order to damage Obama, Clinton and Democrats in general.
Fox is not a news outlet, it's an openly partisan opinion factory and the Democrats should not be legitimizing them (and allowing them to recruit Democratic viewers to propagandize to) by doing this.
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Oh, Lordy.
Thanks Jane…. as a wavering former Edwards person… that helps with the decision.
Hello Jane.
Yes you are right. I guess the clintons will argue that bottom feeding for votes is what one has to do but I do hope obama can manage to stay away and make hay.
Obama should nix this. Fox won’t run a debate…they’ll run an inquisition and try to destroy BOTH candidates.
Huckabee has won in West Virginia. Oh boy.
You make a deal with the devil and you get your ass kicked down the road. Is Hillary just desperate? What is her thinking here? What is Bill’s thinking here? What is her strategist’s thinking here?
Wow, one day after Karl Rove is brought on.
-D
What QuakerGirl said. WTF???
Whom will Hillary be ‘debating’?
Just a coincidence.
My bloodsugar level is plummeting. I’ll get some lunch and lurk. Looking forward to what you have to say. Geese! What a day!
Oh for pete’s sake, who cares!? This is petty.
Are you really trying to whip up new things to be outraged about?
Whom will Hillary be ‘debating’?
Britt Hume and Chris Wallace?
Fox is not a news outlet, it’s an openly partisan opinion factory and the Democrats should not be legitimizing (and recruiting Democratic viewers to propagandize) by doing this-JH
There is no news outlet in America, there is no journalism in America(mainstream)
Great comedy though.
Seems strange that Hil would agree to a debate without seeing if she is going to have someone to debate? What’s the strategy if Obama refuses?
FOX could be news, in a sense. And a Twinkie could be bread, in a sense.
Probably a good time to bring up three things:
Rupert has gotten downright chummy with Clinton in the last several years.
Rupert’s first choice, Rudy, is out of the race.
Rupert was a kingmaker for Blair’s first election in the UK.
Good point. It will just be a backyard chat amongst friends with she and the Fox “shrews”.
macjack
Well now, that leads directly to the Whitehouse. In a sense…
And the fourth thing to bring up might be that the NY Post endorsed Obama.
Twinky defense for past transgressions
Just when Fox News is cratering Sen. Clinton throws a lifeline.
I am more glad than ever that I didn’t cast a vote for her.
Enjoy Ruperts’ money Sen. Clinton.
-G
C-Span should be the forum for debate………. C-SPAN 4 The Candidate’s Channel, brought to you the viewers as a public service funded by, the tax payer! Tell Fox and the like… screw!!!
The issue is pushing back on the media
Faux is a arm of the Repug party…. by going on that network you feed the beast. We need to starve that beast and watch it die on the vine.
If it were me , I would go out of my way to slam them on the air on their own broadcast..
‘You Talkin’ To ME?”.
Well, the networks early announcement of that will obviously mean it will start a nationwide sweep! ;-)
Too many mixed metaphors before coctail hour
Well, the NY Post did endorse Obama so as always, it appears that Rupert is trying to play all sides.
if clinton goes on fox for a debate she is lost to me as a democrat
I will never ever support her for anything she ever does
I suppose a debate on FOX might be ok if the Neo-Kon Kids there promised to behave themselves. In writing. In detail.
In a discussion with a fellow firedog on the phone last night .. I said tomorrow will be the last day Hillary and probably Barack speak to or like a Democrat. Let down Wednesday morning will be the new beginning of running to the right by candidates.. Only Joe Lieberman and Harry Reid will be proud..
Unless Barack wins and his fans stick to him like fundies on a Goper.. This whole sham of DLC/PNAC/AIPAC/MIC/Murdoch incorporated primary is over.. It’s make Blue America work for us or sign up to be a recipient of Heifer International aid and a micro loan from a rich Chinese kid in a few years.
Good point–had forgotten.
Too many mixed metaphors before coctail hour
Dear nomolos:
‘Round here, cocktail hour starts at sun-up.
Love,
Senator Kit
BombedBond.It’s five o’clock somewhere
Can you imagine the little Fundy weasel as the top dog by the end of today? Oh boy! Ass Limbo of reich wing radio fame will eat all his oxycontins for dinner.
Why shouldn’t she appear on Faux? It’s perfect.
She’s been fishing in the “triangulation” hole for most of the past five years; why stop now?
I’m sure there’s a BIG conservative catfish down there somewhere. :o)
Why on earth has Obama gone on FOX? Clinton too, but I mean Obama has been slammed by FOX.
oops can’t spell cocktail too many mixed drinks
so oboma’s doing it too?
*what to do*
It’s Super Tuesday today…not Super Toddy! LOL!
Can you wrap your head around the fact that Obama has appeared there too?
Just once put the Hillary Hatred in park and try to be fair.
Oh the Redstaters are eating their own over this. First Grandpa Fred quits on them, now McCain and Paul supporters flock to Huckabbee to deny Romney the WV win. Poor RedStaters. ;-)
Two crying “events” have to be followed up by a tuff tuff tuff tuff tuff gesture.
“I’ll go on Fox to debate. As another tuff tuff tuff tuff tuff President said: Bring it on!”
Laugh
Is he? Maybe he just hasn’t ‘announced’ ‘yet’.
Nope, the old ones are working pretty good. Strangely, some people are always convinced that prejudice is worth getting worked up over. I feel pity for you that you don’t.
OT, did everyone catch DCI Hayden cop to waterboarding 3 detainees ? Via reuters
I have mixed feelings about this. Although Fox is…well..Fox..there are millions of people who only watch it, so why not go on and get some ideas out there that those people never hear. JMHO
It’s really quite sad. *wiping tears of joy from my eyes* LOL
Well now…I try to limit my language to the less than extreme (my co-workers will tell you otherwise, but they’re a bunch of lying a$$holes). I hope that Mr Obama will say not only “No,” but “fuck no.” Fuck Fox. Hillary can debate herself for all I care. She might even win.
Yes, and they all adhered to Mukasey’s position regarding legality depending on special “circumstances”…illegal except when it isn’t.
Hi folks…
You’re right Jane.
This is bait that either candidate should even consider. Even if they were privy to the questions prior to this event.
Walk away from this Hillary, it’s not good….
I was watching C-SPAN earlier while the Senate was on break. Pentagon spokesperson would not answer one question about this and quickly ended the presser to boot.
Uh oh! The Regime is in denial again!!!!!
Hmmm.
I wonder what the thinking is.
Maybe the Clinton camp is betting that Obama will say no to a FOX debate.
At which point they will say, what kind of candidate says he will UNITE the country, yet will refuse to appear on a network which conservatives favor?
Just trying to guess what the thinking is….
Suggested FOX slogans:
“I Can’t Believe It’s Not News.”
“As Close to Actual News as is Humanly Possible.”
“News-like Information From Around the Globe.”
“Our Lawyers Said We Can Legally Call This Shit News.”
Well all you Clinton supporters whaddaya think of her now. This is a prelude to what will be IF she gets the nomination. She grows more pathetic everyday!
Can’t wait to hear the spin.
All Obama supporters should email him and tell to tell fox noise to shove it!
…She might even win.
Hee!
fwiw - Grover Norquist was just on MSNBC - and he was talking.
otoh, I have no idea whether he said anything, because - it was *Grover Norquist*, fer chrissakes. I really wasn’t paying attention…
It’s also Fat Tuesday! Party on.
What was listed on why not to attend this event should be Obama’s listed objections to this “event”….
Why give the opposition (& I don’t even mean Hillary) a chance to swat at our people….
ditto here…in CA and trying to decide whether to vote for Edwards or one of the suvivors. I dont vote for democrats who debate on FOX.
When I ran a Communication Dept for a major non-profit in CA I never allowed my top officials to go on FOX after one of them got the usual cornholing and shut down from Hannity.
Fool me once —
Damn, just when I was about to make up my mind for Obama.
I vote for the last one! Faux News — They “Report,” We Deride.
Do you think there would be any points made worth taking for consumption by the sleepwalkers that are not tainted. Just asking.
Why the hell is he on the teevee?
Whenever the Norquist visage appears on the screen, the chyron should show an image of a bathtub.
A Twinkie isn’t bread? :(
LOL. Thanks for the laugh. My sentiments exactly.
Hopefully Obama will respond with a reasonable comrpmise. Perhaps Joe Lieberman on the ticket.
-G
It’s only January and I want to throw myself into a lava pit.
“News-like Information From Around the Globe.”
winner right there, I think - because “Our Lawyers Said We Can Legally Call This Shit News.” I think went out the window in an earlier court case…
Nooz iz Phun.
There are no legit news outlets, only Republican owned media.
Yea I read the article and yes to what you said. Anything else I would have to say would not make it past the mods.
No problem 1 out….. thousand more come in. Enjoy!
Fox hasn’t appeared on our home screen in 8 years.
We’re not about to put it back on now.
I can honestly say I have no idea what Grover Norquist looks like. I’m sure I should learn but why do things to give myself heartburn and indigestion?
Hillary knows Obama has given Fox–for the most part–the cold shoulder, so she’s setting him up a with lesser of two evils choice. If he refuses the debate, she’ll say he’s ducking her. If he agrees, he’ll look unprincipled before his supporters (who agree with the thrust of this post).
I think this is a bluff. Obama should simply counter this with an equivalent offer to offset the Fox appearance/frequency in way that would force her to fold. Basically, it sounds like a bad idea for both, but Clinton wins the hand if Obama backs out without raising the stakes.
Hey, I’m open. Right now that and beer are two of my cereal servings a day.
One day, I will go to a drive-thru daquiri place in Louisiana.
As God is my witness. ;)
good man
Happy Faschnaut Day!
You too. Keep up the good work. Do us a favor and tell ‘em you’re for McCain.
DING! DING! DING!!!!
It’s February or no?
I have to give credit to FOX for most of the time being first on the scene of breaking news stories like plane crashes and large explosions, that type of thing. So I guess they are good fire truck chasing. I think they did a better job than the other two on covering Katrina. So a democratic debate on FOX could end up being a train wreck or a house fire, but it would probably be interesting to watch.
I’m sure it will be spun and twisted, but it gives voters who otherwise have probably never actually seen or listened to them, a chance to see them and evaluate them..sometimes that goes a long way. Fox cannot control everyone.
He should stand on principle, that is the better example and the one people want to see, at least the ones I know. JMHO
James Spongbob Dobson says he’ll “never vote for McCain”.
The GOP crack-up gains speed.
-G
I haven’t turned that calendar page yet.
-G
Oh egads…..
enough with the candidate hacking. Put the axes down, breath, have a cup of tea, coffee or alcoholic beverage of your choice. We have two wonderful candidates on our side that will represent the party proudly and being such, I hate to see them considering wallowing in the shallow end of the gene pool that is Fox news. I would much rather see debates from women’s groups, students, unions, families, etc.
OH I will keep working for Obama alright, you keep on using those wingnut talking points, they are very becoming…NOT
A Twinkie isn’t bread? :(
Sure it is - just with a wee bit longer
shelf-lifehalf-life…Kinda like Cheez-Whiz (a staple in every meal here at chez-jayt). I figure with all of the preservatives, I’ll never grow old…
Surprising that Obama would appear on Fox after the Madrassa dust-up and the Osama smears. Not sure what other appearances he has had other than the post O’Reilly-in-NH kerfuffle (wednesday after the Monday broadcast by O’Reilly) a month ago. FWIW HRC was on that same broadcast.
Bad strategy on Obama for opening the door.
Mmmmm, Beeeeer.
Presumably the Clinton campaign has calculated that Obama can’t decline to participate in the Fox debate. Can he? He should, certainly, because if their is one thing all democrats can agree on it is the absurdity and fraudulence of Fox News.
Obama can only blow this by agreeing to participate. The Clinton’s have handed him an issue, and it would be foolish for him to give it away by accepting the Fox offer.
Amen!
No mas.
I will have no harsh words for any *Democrats for the rest of the day.
-G
*Asterisk denotes the Lieberman exception
I agree with LS. Considering the age of the typical FOX watcher, they may give democratic health care positions a real listen.
OT.
Stock market showing great support for shithead’s budget and stimulus package. Down 300
Re admitting to “waterboarding three suspects”:
Did you happen to read the whole statement — carefully? Just wondering, because that admission that does not rule out the possibility that they actually waterboarded 10, or 20, or 50. Have they really claimed that it was only three?
When dealing with claims by this administration, we have a right to be cynical. And isn’t CIA truth an oxymoron anyway?
how low can it go?
I just can’t see Obama accepting the Fox noise debate.
It will devestate most of his grassroots supporters and dnors, he HAS to know that !
Maybe, but it’s too much like collaborating with the enemy. It helps legitimize Fox, which should be repeatedly shown to be merely a propoganda vehicle. The people who can’t be reached except through Fox are that way for a reason.
I hope Val can cook.
Why has Obama only given Fox a ‘for-the-most-part’ cold shoulder to Fox News rather than a complete cold shoulder? Why has Clinton accepted a debate on Fox? This is very disappointing. Democratic politicians must find the courage to aggressive confront a sick, decadant, corrupt, and I would add, depraved, media, not only Fox but other corporate propaganda outlets as well. This is not good.
Still trying to find out if I can vote for Edwards today in CA. After hearing this news, I might vote for Edwards anyway, even if it is thrown out, as a protest.
Obama can fix this by saying he will be glad to debate Clinton, but not on Fox, though his lack of a complete boycott will weaken his position, at least in terms of stupid debating points.
See, I thought I was being a little too harsh and mean in calling both Obama and HRC weak tea, and imperfect and probably inadequate leaders for what confronts the country. I don’t anymore.
New New Better Congress! Threw in some last minute bucks to Pera, Edewards and some others yesterday, hope it does some good.
Good point, I am just so done with media, my judgment and perception are skewed by my desire for truth and constructive dialoge-not Fox strong points
I just got back from the voting booth. I voted for Edwards. I just can’t seem to let go. I know, next time will be different, but at least I had this one thrill.
“The Lieberman Exception,” a new novel by GregB, movie rights sold to Viacom, starring Michael Caine, Liv Ullman, Julie Christie….
GSD, you can write a Ludlum-esque novel real quick, can’t you?
You can certainly cast your vote for Edwards in California. He’s on the ballot. Plenty of people voted absentee for him, I’m sure. The votes will be counted, and he might gain a couple of delegates.
heh. Non-issue.
(or it would be if I had any idea whatsoever what you could possibly be inferring - *g*)
What’s it got to do with wingnuts to say that your offensive comments drive people away from the cause you supposedly support? I haven’t made up my mind yet, but based on threads over the last few days, you can tell that quite a number of FDL pups are Clinton supporters. What good do you think it does, in regards to the goal of defeating Republicans, to piss off Democrats?
I agree that it’s too much like collaborating with the enemy. But I disagree that the Fox viewers are totally unreachable. By appearing together and debating on Fox, even with the assumption that the questions will include the usual group of sand bagging questions, can still go a long way to showing folks that neither HRC nor Obama are evil monsters to be avoided at all costs.
Swell,
KKKKarl will be able to either ask her questions or serve as a pundit and “analyze” what she has to say. I wonder what kind of relationship KKKKarl has with Mark Penn.
Oh well.
Randy Rhodes on now and Thom Hartmann was it the studio at the same time (at least for a bit). Interesting combo.
Of course, I had contributed to some good primary opponents before yesterday, including Edwards and Pera. I do not like this celebrity fascination with presidency. Whoever we get will unlikely be up to the task, both because of who they are, and fact that president alone cannot fix the problems Bush/cheney and GOP/weak Dem Congress have created. Obama or HRC may surprise us, and I hope whoever gets in will surprise us, but it is foolish to focus too much on presidency.
Liebermole’s part will be played by a Droopy Dog animated stand-in.
As I understand it, Ds have to get about 20% in a given district to get a delegate.
Has anyone heard from Millineryman today yet.
Well, I hold your opinion in high regard, but based on the quality of most of the shows, not to speak of the news, I don’t know if the effort is worth the negative effects.
I think the threshold is 15%. Or at least it has been in the past.
One can only hope Obama’s people don’t play into and appease Rupert Murdoch’s right wing organization in this manner.
You state the obvious (and it obviously needs repeating to Hillary’s people) that Fox is no more than a Republican propaganda machine.
More ugly maneuvering by Hillary, lobbyist posing as ad man Wolfson & co.
Obama campaign as of now says they have made no decisions regarding debates. Time for pressure.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....85111.html
This Faux event could literally be twisted and turned to the advantage of the opposition…
It’s like handing a knife for the person who would gladly stab you in the back….
Just for a refresher, in case you forgot what Faux Noise is about, for your viewing pleasure.