Fox News Extends Invitations To Clinton, Sanders Ahead Of California Primary

By Fred Maxwell
May 18, 2016 at 10:21am

With the final Democratic debate approaching, Fox News has once again stressed its desire to host a debate.

In February, host Bret Baier broached the subject with Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman.Wasserman Schultz responded with a laugh, saying, “You know, we’ve got a lot on our plate and I’m really happy to be here with you on your network. There aren’t a whole lot of Democrats who come on and I always look forward to our conversations, Bret — look forward to sparring with you and some of your hosts all the way through the campaign.”

Baier said, “So you’re saying there’s a chance.”

Striving to achieve its goal of hosting a debate, Fox News wrote letters to Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders, asking to be allowed to host a debate to be held in California, prior to the state’s June 7 primary.

In the letter to Sanders, Fox wrote, ““Democrats have not debated on Fox News for the last 12 years. By ending that dry spell, perhaps the party can bring some sense of closure to this long and robust primary season.”

The letter, written by Bill Sammon, network vice president and Washington managing editor, went on to assert both candidates will be able to reach many viewers “open to persuasion.” He added, “The Fox debate would be moderated by anchors Megyn Kelly, Bret Baier and Chris Wallace, the respected journalists who were widely praised — by Democrats and Republicans alike…”

Fox’s request is far from becoming a reality. Wasserman Schultz has reservations about allowing Fox News to moderate a debate. It’s also undecided whether the final debate will even take place, due to time constraints.

h/t: Washington Post

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.