Apr 17, 2019

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

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

Go deeper

Kendall Baker

MLB's Rob Manfred is latest villain in Astros' cheating scandal

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's decision to grant Astros players immunity in exchange for confessions about their sign-stealing scheme has undermined his reputation — and he only made himself look worse on Sunday.

The interview: In a 45-minute conversation with ESPN, Manfred asserted that public shame was punishment enough for the Astros. He also called the World Series trophy "just a piece of metal" and said that taking a title away from Houston "seems like a futile act."

Go deeper32 mins ago - Sports

Dion Rabouin

Economists warn coronavirus risk far worse than realized

Photo: Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images

Worries are growing that the economic impact from the novel coronavirus outbreak will be worse than expected and that markets are being too complacent in factoring it in as a risk.

What's happening: The number of confirmed cases has already far outpaced expectations and even those reports are being viewed through a lens of suspicion that the Chinese government is underreporting the figures.

Go deeper1 hour ago - Economy & Business

Sara Fischer

National newspapers thrive while local outlets struggle to survive

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

While big national newspapers grow stronger, local newspaper chains that have for decades kept the vast majority of the country informed are combusting.

Why it matters: The inequity between giants like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal and their local counterparts represents a growing problem in America as local communities no longer have the power to set the agenda for the news that most affects them.

Go deeper2 hours ago - Economy & Business