WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Democratic Party said Wednesday that it would not allow conservative Fox News to host a presidential primary debate.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tom Perez said in a statement that the news channel had an "inappropriate relationship" with the Trump administration which led him to make the decision.
"Recent reporting in The New Yorker on the inappropriate relationship between President Trump, his administration and FOX News has led me to conclude that the network is not in a position to host a fair and neutral debate for our candidates. Therefore, FOX News will not serve as a media partner for the 2020 Democratic primary debates," Perez said, citing a New Yorker magazine story.
Fox News senior Vice President Bill Sammon defended his channel in a response, saying that Fox channel hosts such as Chris Wallace, Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum "embody the ultimate journalistic integrity and professionalism." Sammon said he hopes the DNC would reconsider.
Presidential primary debate is where candidates from the same political party present their ideas and counter others'. The DNC have awarded 12 such debates to other news outlets for this year and 2020. The first debates are scheduled for June.
The DNC's decision came after some of the Democratic presidential hopefuls made individual appearances on Fox News, including Kamala Harris, Tulsi Gabbard and John Delaney.
Media reporter Joe Concha said that it was a mistake for DNC to block Fox News from hosting a debate, because it would limit the candidates' exposure to voters, especially those in swing states that can ultimately sway the race.
"Appearing on Fox News and doing interviews with other outlets outside what is perceived largely as comfort zones will be a necessity," Concha said.
The Democratic Party is fielding a crowded group of candidate who are hoping to unseat the incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump. Better known names among the candidates include Senators Bernie Sanders, Kristen Gillibrand and Amy Klobuchar. Former Vice President Joe Biden is also said to be close to announcing his bid.
