Fox News anchor asks Tom Perez to reconsider DNC debate ban on the air
A Fox News interview on Monday morning unexpectedly turned into a debate about Fox News itself.
Anchor Bill Hemmer on Monday spoke with DNC Chair Tom Perez, and he ended the interview by asking if Perez would reconsider hosting Democratic debates on the network, per The Daily Beast. Perez said in March that the Democratic National Committee won't partner with Fox for 2020 debates due to its "inappropriate relationship" with President Trump, as had been described in a recent piece in The New Yorker.
In light of this, Hemmer asked on Monday, "Will you reconsider your decision on having debates here on the Fox News channel?" The anchor clearly didn't get the response he was looking for, with Perez responding, "You know what, Bill, here's why we won't do that: because I don't have faith in your leadership at Fox News at the senior levels." Perez told Hemmer that he has respect for him and others like Bret Baier but argued that Fox doesn't "trust" its own viewers and that its senior leadership has "pierced that line between editorial and your Sean Hannity shows."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Hemmer argued with Perez about this in a weirdly meta exchange, saying there's a "line" between the network's prime-time opinion shows and the news shows that air earlier in the day. "It's like reading a newspaper, Tom," Hemmer said. Hemmer closed the interview not satisfied with Perez's answer, telling him one last time, "I really hope you reconsider." Based on what Perez said, Hemmer probably shouldn't hold his breath. Watch the exchange via The Daily Beast below. Brendan Morrow
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Antony Gormley's Time Horizon – a 'judgmental army' of 100 cast-iron men
The Week Recommends Sculptures are 'everymen questioning the privilege of their surroundings' at the Norfolk stately home
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'King's horses take free rein through London'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Is pop music now too reliant on gossip?
Talking Point Taylor Swift's new album has prompted a flurry of speculation over who she is referring to in her songs
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Laurence Fox suspended by GB News after 'unacceptable' Ava Evans comments
Speed Read Broadcaster issues apology after actor goes on a tirade during a live interview with Dan Wootton
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Rupert Murdoch steps down: a legacy of power and scandal
Talking Point Lachlan Murdoch succeeds his father as head of media empire
By Sorcha Bradley Published
-
Fox News apologizes to Gold Star family for false story Marine Corps called 'disgusting'
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Is Geraldo Rivera too liberal for Fox News?
Talking Point The longtime Fox News vet has parted ways with the network after being removed from the political roundtable show "The Five"
By Theara Coleman Published
-
CNN in crisis
Speed Read Hemorrhaging viewers post-Trump, CNN is trying to broaden its appeal. Can it get Republicans to tune in?
By The Week Staff Published
-
Fox News: the high price of peddling lies
In Depth Murdoch is ‘unlikely to change his ways’ despite record settlement
By The Week Staff Published
-
What Tucker Carlson's departure means for Fox News
Talking Point What will the network do without its highest-rated host?
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Tucker Carlson Tonight is being replaced by Fox News Tonight
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published