Here we go again?
In 2003, for reasons that have never been entirely clear, the Congressional Black Caucus co-sponsored a Democratic presidential debate with Fox News. It didn’t go well — the questions were slanted, the in-studio analysis was ridiculous, and the coverage of the event itself on Fox News was cut short so conservative talking heads could start criticizing the candidates before the debate was even over. Indeed, the ’03 event was used by activists recently as an example of why the Nevada Democratic Party shouldn’t team up with FNC for another presidential debate in August.
With this background in mind, it came as a bit of a surprise when we learned that the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute was poised to announce two upcoming presidential debates to be held in concert with Fox News
Just as with Nevada, activists quickly got to work. Kos immediately implored the CBC Institute to reject Fox News, and just as importantly, Color of Change, an African-American online activist group, launched a campaign to convince the CBC Institute to pick a different network.
“Fox News is not a ‘fair and balanced’ source of information or political debate, and it has repeatedly proven itself hostile to the interests of Black Americans,” says a letter online activists can sign on the group’s website. “Fox on-air personalities and regular guests consistently marginalize Black leaders, culture, and institutions.”
To help prove its case, Color of Change asked Outfoxed director Robert Greenwald to compile an online video detailing Fox News’ record of attacking the African-American community — and Greenwald put together a rather devastating montage.
Would there be another candidate boycott? Would the CBC Institute fight a public skirmish with the netroots? Apparently, none of that will be necessary — today, the Congressional Black Caucus signed a deal with CNN.
As Nico noted, “The efforts appear to have paid off.” Here’s a CNN statement released today:
CNN will partner with the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute (CBC Institute) to host a presidential debate among Democratic candidates in South Carolina on Jan. 24, 2008.
Anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate the Democratic debate. CNN correspondent Joe Johns and White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux will serve as panelists to question candidates participating in the debate.
“CNN is pleased to join with the CBC Institute in spotlighting this important primary race,” said Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. “This debate provides a meaningful addition to our comprehensive coverage of the 2008 presidential election, particularly as it gives us an opportunity to explore more closely a range of issues that will impact the pivotal African-American vote.”
“Our goal with the debate is to provide a platform that will allow voters to hear the positions of candidates, from both political parties, on the critical issues facing our nation,” said CBC Institute Board Chairman and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) “Every voter deserves an opportunity to evaluate the candidates. Collaborating with CNN provides unprecedented viewership and allows us to take the 2008 presidential election to homes across America.”
Now, to be fair, it’s hard to say for certain that pressure from activists (online and off) pushed the CBC Institute to make the right call here. Unlike the Nevada Dems, the Caucus had never actually struck a deal with Fox News; it was all in the negotiation phase.
That said, pressure from activists couldn’t have hurt, right?
Will Fox News now use this as an opportunity to slam the left? Considering that was part of the programming plan anyway, will anyone be able to tell the difference?
Update: I may have spoken too soon — the CBC has agreed to work with CNN on one event, but may partner with Fox News on another. In other words, it’s still important to keep the pressure on.