Apr 17, 2019 - Economy

Amy Klobuchar follows Bernie’s lead with Fox News town hall

Orion Rummler

In this image, Amy stands and speaks in front of a sign with her name on it. — Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will be the second 2020 Democratic candidate to participate in a town hall with Fox News' Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, AP reports.

Why it matters: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) had 2.5 million viewers tune in for his Fox News town hall earlier this week, becoming the most-watched event of its kind so far this cycle. That success has led at least four other 2020 Dems to consider taking part in an event with the conservative cable network, according to The Daily Beast.

The big picture: Democrats' flirtation with their own Fox News events comes one month after the DNC said it wouldn't allow the network to host one of its official presidential debates, citing a New Yorker article that outlined its close ties to the Trump administration, per the Washington Post.

What they're saying: Asked if the DNC was feeling pressure regarding its stance now that Democratic candidates are taking part in Fox News events, DNC communications director Xochitl Hinojosa told Axios' Alayna Treene:

"While the DNC does not believe that FOX is equipped to be a partner for a 2020 debate because of concerns of fairness at the highest levels within their organization, the DNC believes that we must reach all voters, including their audience. Therefore, candidates should do what they need to do in order to engage these voters directly."

Go deeper: Fox News still trying for Democratic debate in 2020 presidential election primaries

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Amy Klobuchar follows Bernie’s lead with Fox News town hall

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