*** The case for Fox News hosting the Nevada Democratic Debate ***

[rhombus]

There is just too much frothing on the mouth by progressive blogs sometimes. This Foxnews debate brouhaha is a prime example. We have been out in the wilderness for a long time but now we've regained some power. But we need to pick our battles wisely to stay in control. I hate to say it but Democratic candidates need Foxnews' audience to win in a red state more so than GOP candidates. Nevada is going to be a swing state in 2008. Bush beat Kerry 50-48 in Nevada. You see how close that was?

If I were Obama, Clinton, Dodd, Biden, I would absolutely not pass up this opportunity to reach a potential swing base. Yes, you heard me. Lots of moderates and independents watch Foxnews. It reaches a ton of rural voters in many small towns outside liberal Las Vegas. You know why Democrats won back control of Congress in 2006? It wasn't because more Democrats showed up to vote or that Republicans stayed home. No, it was because moderate and independent voters broke heavily for the Democrats.

Our target audience in winning Nevada and other close states in 2008 should be the 20% moderate/independents mix of voters who yield tremendous power in close elections. Fox is going to fling the usual bombs here and there at Democrats during the debates and maybe even after. The larger prize for the Democratic candidates is not the hardcore, swallow-it-all, Sean Hannity type, uncritical thinking core Fox audience, but the more palatable independents and moderates who can see through the Fox's machinations and are more amenable to a moderate Democratic message. In a very close election, just peeling off a small slice of these voters is enough to win.

Richardson knows this and he's smart to be the first to say yes to FOX.

[PresidentObama]

1. Get the tomatoes ready.

But I really don't care about FOX News doing a Democratic debate. Of course it won't be fair and balanced, but so? It gets our candidates out there and shows their strengths, and it's more opportunities for the candidates to shine. While I don't like FOX News, I just don't care...honestly...

[democracyindanger]

2. It legitimizes FOX.

Ergo: No.

[rhombus]

6. That's why we should pick our battles wisely

We win '08, we have even more power to snub FOX. I guarantee you if Democrats win in 2008, FOX would come begging to Democrats. Democrats are already snubbing them in favor of CNN and MSNBC. As at this point though, FOX still has a bit of an upperhand in terms of huge viewership. But this will change.

[Adelante]

3. Almost 30% of Fox News audience are

Democrats, too.

[madfloridian]

15. Oh, yeh. Some friends suddenly became afraid of muslims..

in our area. They never had been before. They even told a professor who was muslim that he was not welcome at an event in their home.

Where did this sudden hatred and fear come from? Fox News, they had started watching it at work.

[The Gunslinger]

19. Thats scarry,

[Colobo]

4. Very good post!

I agree... the exposure will be good anyways. There are many Republicans I know that like both Obama and Richardson... so...

[Dumak]

5. No

Do you really want to hear "Welcome to the Democrat Party debates"???

And if you are talking about using Fox News production facilities, then even more no - they will have every room secretly wired for sound and video.

[PresidentObama]

8. Besides the conspiracy wire tap theory, you give no real reasoning.

It exposes the voters to the candidates, whats the big deal? So what it's FOX, hold you're nose and move on. These candidates HAVE to take the opportunity to shine any chance they get. That way Americans have everything they need to nominate the best nominee possible. Period. I'll be holding my noses, thank you!!

[madfloridian]

7. My gripe is NOT with interviews by individuals....it is about presidential forums.

There is a difference, you know. If an individual chooses to appear, it is their personal decision.

If they are asked to appear at a presidential debate on a channel like that, that is different.

That is a decision made for them, and apparently not even made with the knowledge of state Democrats...at least they are still trying to figure it all out.

There is a difference. If they opt in or out, it puts them on the spot.

[rhombus]

9. not as big a deal as you might think

In '04, I remember Kerry turning down a few of the debates. The thing is, you got to know which debates are most worthy of your attendance. It's all about strategy and this is why I believe going on FOX is a smart strategy for any Democratic candidate.

[madfloridian]

13. They will fit right in with the new Fox advisor and DLC chairman, Harold Ford.

And hey, don't forget Matt Sanchez and Coulter. And Hannity and O'Reilly.

Just as the blogosphere was starting a movement to really point out the things they do that are just so wrong...someone in NV undermines it all.

[Clarkie1]

10. You are absolutely right. Edwards shouldn't run away.

But that's his call.

[PresidentObama]

12. I think it'll only hurt him.

While the other candidates are getting the opportunity to shine, he won't be involved. Plus it makes it look like he's running away from the debate to avoid getting asked tough questions from an obvious biased right wing leaning network.

[madfloridian]

17. It is his call, and it will not hurt him.

The Dems who did this were wrong to put the candidates on the spot.

[The Gunslinger]

20. I have been leaning towards Edwards in 08

And if he turned down the Fox opinion network, he is officially the candidate I am going to go with. There are plenty of Networks, the Dems dont have to choose the propaganda arm of the Right wing to get their message out.

[David Zephyr]

11. Murdoch supports Hillary in the Dem primary.

This may be a bad omen for Obama and the rest during a Fox moderated "fair and balanced" debate.

[tsuki]

14. Libby is NOT GUILTY. FOX Propaganda. Bend over, back up, we're

FOX. Forget it. Any Democratic candidate that has to prostitute themselves on FOX does not get my primary endorsement.

[Jim Sagle]

16. Unmitigated balderdash!

[madfloridian]

18. See...the NV Dems set it up for them to go or be bashed. Fox angry at Edwards.

I am very proud of Edwards for doing what he thinks is best. Here is what Fox is putting out about him, that is in between denying that Libby is guilty. And in between interviewing Matt Sanchez, gay porn star.

"It’s unfortunate that Senator Edwards has decided to abandon an opportunity to reach the largest mainstream cable news audience in America."

Oh, boy, Edwards, look out. You have their wrath now.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/3/7/202938/6370