Hillary Backs Out of California Debate, Would Trump Debate Bernie There Instead?
It was back in early March when the New York Times reported that Fox News executives had an "out-of-the-box" idea for what to do after Hillary Clinton refused to debate Sanders on their network:
Rebuffed yet again in coaxing Hillary Clinton onto Fox News, executives at the network had an outside-the-box idea last month that would have made primary debate history: a face-off between Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and the equally fiery candidate on the Republican side, Donald J. Trump. The Trump campaign was initially very interested, according to Fox officials, and the Sanders campaign was on board.
The idea of Sanders debating Trump never got off the ground, with Trump essentially backing out, citing scheduling conflicts. Now the idea could get a second chance. The Hill has reported that Hillary Clinton has backed down from a previously agreed on debate in California, and Fox has a hole in its line-up. Why not finally bring the "out-of-the-box" idea to life?
Fox ratings and revenue for the political equivalent of the Superbowl would go through the roof.
Such a debate would undoubtedly constitute a major humiliation for Hillary, which would be no one's fault but her own. But more importantly, voters deserve the chance to hear from their candidates from the hot lights of the stage, fielding questions directly and in a deliberate manner for the world to hear. Bernie undoubtedly will again be enthusiastic to the idea. It will be interesting to see if Trump is, or if he will again duck the chance to meet the man who leads him consistently in the polls, even as Trump now overtakes Hillary.
To lobby for this idea:
- Direct email to: Fox News Vice President and Washington Managing Editor Bill Sammo: newsmanager@foxnews.com Phone: 1-888-369-4762.
- Other Fox New emails (contact page)
- Direct email to Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver, use: press@berniesanders.com
