Where 2020 Democrats stand on appearing on Fox News
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Amy Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders and Kirsten Gillibrand. Photos: Getty Images
Several Democratic 2020 hopefuls are signing on to attend town halls hosted by Fox News, despite the Democratic National Committee barring the network from hosting a presidential debate this election cycle.
Driving the news: Breaking from several vocal Democrats who have denied the invitation to appear on the network, Beto O'Rourke on Monday said he would "absolutely" do a Fox News town hall, per Politico, saying: 'This campaign is about going where the people are ... That also includes Fox."
The big picture: The debate among Democrats over whether or how the party should engage with Fox News is sowing division within the party ahead of 2020. Many Democratic candidates have already appeared on several Fox News shows, hoping to reach some of its more moderate viewers. Sen. Bernie Sanders' April town hall drew an estimated audience of 2.5 million — double the viewership of his CNN town hall appearance.
Democrats who have agreed to town halls:
- Sen. Bernie Sanders: April 15
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar: May 8
- Mayor Pete Buttigieg: May 19
- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: June 2
- Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro: June 13
Democrats who have expressed willingness to appear:
- Sen. Cory Booker also said he’s considering one.
- Beto O'Rourke told AP he would be willing to appear on the network.
- John Delaney tweeted at Elizabeth Warren after she turned down a town hall: "If you're not using your town hall, I will. Democratic candidates have to campaign everywhere and talk to voters."
- Eric Swalwell told CNN he "would absolutely do a Fox town hall," but the network turned him down.
Democrats who refuse to appear:
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren blasted the network as "a hate-for-profit racket that gives a megaphone to racists and conspiracists."
- Sen. Kamala Harris will not participate in a Fox News moderated town hall, per journalist Yashar Ali. Harris's campaign spokesperson said: "They've reached out but we haven't entertained it.”
