Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang is criticizing the decision made by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) not to allow Fox News to host any of its presidential primary debates.
"One thing I think Democrats should do," Yang began, "I think we should go on Fox News and talk to the American people because how can you win an election and bring the people together when you won't talk to 40 or 50 percent of the population?"
Yang's comments set him apart from most of his fellow Democratic rivals who, instead of seeking to bring the country together, are moving further and further to the left in an effort to woo Democratic primary voters.
"And this is something I would say as critical of the DNC," Yang added. "You know these DNC debates that have been going on? You've probably caught them by accident. There was a decision early on in the process where Fox News said, 'we'd like to host a DNC debate.' And to me, if you're the DNC, you jump at that. You're like, 'let me show my candidates to people who generally watch Fox News.' But the DNC turned it down! I was like, what are you doing?"
The DNC defended its decision not to host any debates with Fox News by citing a report claiming that an "inappropriate relationship" existed between the cable network and President Trump. At the time, many at Fox News called upon the DNC to reconsider for the very reasons echoed in Yang's recent comments.
Our large audience deserves to hear ALL the candidates who are running for the Presidency of the United States. We welcome them all, with our continued commitment to fair, professional journalism. I hope the #DNC will reconsider this decision. https://t.co/Hhep0b2nJK
— Martha MacCallum (@marthamaccallum) March 6, 2019
That’s really a shame. When it comes to fairness - our news product speaks for itself. We will continue to cover this 2020 race fairly & will continue to invite Democrats- Republicans & Independents on to talk about key issues & substance with our very large viewing audience https://t.co/z0TdftcVmz
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) March 6, 2019
Although it would still be an uphill battle, Yang seemingly has a better chance at winning over Fox viewers than many of his fellow Democratic contenders, notably Elizabeth Warren. The Massachusetts senator turned down an invitation from the network to participate in a town hall event, accusing Fox News of profiting off of "racism and hate."
Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard (R-HI) defended herself from criticism by former Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who took issue with Gabbard's frequent appearances on Fox News.
"How do you think you're gonna lead the country, all Americans, if you're completely not only shutting out and not willing to talk to half the country that watches Fox News," Gabbard argued, "but you’re in fact disrespecting and dismissing them just because they may disagree with you, or they watch a different news channel than you do?"
But if anything has become clear during the Democrats' efforts to impeach President Trump, the Democratic Party is not one bit interested in bringing the country together or talking to the millions of Americans who voted for and support the current president.
.@AndrewYang says Democrats should be going on Fox News and criticizes the DNC for not letting the channel host a Democratic debate: "How can you win an election and bring the country together if you literally won't talk to 40 or 50% of the population?" https://t.co/F9xWFIU08W pic.twitter.com/U1ZglSxM19
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 24, 2020