Why Democrats declined Fox debates (questions from 2003 Fox debate)

[The Count]

These are questions from an October 2003 Debate in Detroit sponsored by Fox News and the Congressional Black Caucus.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/3/30/13834/5607
Each candidate was asked four questions --- I've selected the worst of these, to show you something about the kind of questions Fox News asks. (Be sure not to miss Lieberman's.)

CLARK

I wonder if you could take a moment and explain to us why, at the end of your time as the supreme allied commander of NATO, you were not re-upped and why such folks as Retired General Hugh Shelton have suggested you were effectively fired for what he called character and integrity issues.

DEAN

We are attempting to imagine each of you in the White House in the Oval Office, and in that spirit, Governor Dean, I have this question for you.

You have been unstintingly critical of this war, yet, with all due respect, you have commanded nothing more than the Vermont National Guard. You did not serve in the military.

How would you, as president, be able to exert any credibility, any command over a post-war Pentagon?

LIEBERMAN

Senator Lieberman, you've certainly not called the positions that your rivals have taken on the war and on the funding unpatriotic, but you have called it inconsistent. You've suggested that it's weak and that it sends a duplicitous message to the world.

You've heard a variety of opinions expressed by your rivals. Why are they wrong?

[Norquist Nemesis]

1. Exactly

I'm proud of the Democrats for pulling out of the upcoming one.

[waiting for hope]

2. Ohh, this is rich:

"....you have commanded nothing more than the Vermont National Guard. You did not serve in the military.

How would you, as president, be able to exert any credibility, any command over a post-war Pentagon?"

Ask that question to your Fuhrer - asshats.

[blondeatlast]

3. Exceelent find. Let FAUX continue to preach to the choir.

Reasonable people have become wise to them.

Good on ya, Dems!

[mmonk]

4. Yep, no need to go down that path.

[rinsd]

5. Great post (nt)

[Done]

6. I don't know the details of this Clark- Shelton disagreement, but

the Dean response would be, "At least I showed up for drill unlike that chicken shit you call the current president.

I want someone who will go on fox news and tear them a new butt hole. I want someone with the courage to do that, and the intelligence to pull it off.

[FrenchieCat]

7. Here....

Details of Clark/Shelton matter: http://www.rapidfire-silverbullets.com/2007/01/gen_clarks_band_of_brass_opini.html

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. I remember that debate. FAUX propaganda network went out of their way

to insult and deride our candidates. (It's the only time I ever watch FAUX...for the Dem debates) I hope ALL of our candidates tell them to shove their pathetic network where the sun doesn't shine.

[Polemicist]

9. But it's about more than bad questions for Dem debaters...

It's also the fact that Fox News stacks the post debate discussions with Republican functionaries who compete to come up with the worst description of each of the Democratic participants.

"Well, it's obvious all the Democrats tonight were insane, but which would you say was the biggest liberal loonie of all?"

"Bret, I would have to say that Hillary is the most delusional and Obama has the most psychoses".

"Bill Bennett, which Democrat do you think has the least moral fiber?"

"Bret, it's obvious that solid American red state morality was a rare commodity tonight, with the party of the degenerates debating with us".

All aspects of the Fox organization is brought to bear, to make Democrats look bad, and help Republicans, when Democrats debate on their channel. Plus it justifies their false claims of impartiality. It's way past time that Democrats keep accepting the biased actions of Fox News. We are better off freezing them completely out. I commend the candidates decisions and the efforts of netroots bloggers who encouraged this stand.