Edwards to Skip Nevada Debate Hosted by Fox ("progressive" MoveOn.org gathers 250,000 signatures)

Washington Post ^ | March 8, 2007 | Anne E. Kornblut and Chris Cillizza

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Former Sen. John Edwards campaign announced that he will skip the Nevada Democratic Party's planned August presidential debate, the latest fallout from the party's decision to have the Fox Network host the event.

The move sparked an outcry, particularly among liberals and activist bloggers, who accused Fox of being too sympathetic to Republicans and demanded that the Democratic candidates boycott the forum.

MoveOn.org, one of the nation's leading progressive organizations, gathered more than 250,000 signatures asking the Nevada Democratic Party to drop Fox as a debate sponsor. The group also created a web site -- www.foxattacks.com -- to highlight the issue. Featured prominently on the site is a short film, produced by documentary maker Robert Greenwald, raising questions about the "fair and balanced" coverage provided by the cable network.

"We wanted to send a clear message to voters, the media and the presidential candidates that Fox is part of the right-wing smear machine, not a legitimate source of news," said MoveOn civic communications director Adam Green.

..."This shows he is not only smart but he is willing to be the first to do the right thing," Greenwald, the filmmaker, said of Edwards in an interview.

[LIConFem]

They are legitimate. They were culled from tombstones at 10 different Nevada cemeteries.

[twonie]

But Republicans aqre expected to line up to go on the Drive Media where they are treated like crap on a daily basis. Loudmouth Christine Matthews all but kneels and touches his forehead to the floor when a democrat shows up. But when the Republicans show up he leans back in his chair and it's "Hello, rocktuckers". And he's not the only one who does this, he is just the most obnoxious. But then there is Tim Russert also....

[Musket]

MoveOn.org, one of the nation's leading progressive leftist organizations

We wanted to send a clear message to voters, the media and the presidential candidates that MoveOn.org is part of the left-wing smear machine, not a legitimate source of news

that's better.

[Pop Fly]

It looks really bad if the Dem presidential candidates are afraid to go on a debate on Fox News. Conservatives respect Fox News because they ask the tough questions that the liberal media won't. The fact that Edwards won't face the Fox News debate says as much about FNC's ability to ask hard-hitting questions as it does about Edwards.

[Mike Darancette]

Maybe all the debates should be on MSNBC or CNBC, that way no one would watch it.

[PGalt]

But Republicans aqre expected to line up to go on the Drive Media where they are treated like crap on a daily basis. Loudmouth Christine Matthews all but kneels and touches his forehead to the floor when a democrat shows up. But when the Republicans show up he leans back in his chair and it's "Hello, rocktuckers". And he's not the only one who does this, he is just the most obnoxious. But then there is Tim Russert also....

Exactly.

Amazing isn't it? The power of Democrat Crime Syndicate control of media.

[outfield]

Exactly, if poor 'ol John can't answer potentially difficult questions then maybe he should stay on his estate. Anyone with aspirations of being the President needs to at least attempt to appeal to all voters and we all know that Fox News offers the chance to reach a lot more voters than CNN or MSNBC.

[doberville]

Isn't he. . .precious!