Fox Calls Hillary Clinton A “Rock Star Diva” Over Contract Requirements Typical Of High Profile Speakers

Written by Olivia Kittel

Published

Fox News' Special Report characterized former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's speaking contract requirements as outrageous, in an attempt to paint Clinton as an out of touch “diva,” but Clinton's requirements are typical of contracts made by high profile politicians.   

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported the details of Hillary Clinton's speaking contract for her upcoming October fundraiser for the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, including Clinton's speaking fee as well as a number of stipulations ranging from private jet transportation, luxury hotel accommodations, and travel arrangements for aides.

On the August 18 edition of Fox News' Special Report, host Bret Baier and Fox correspondent James Rosen seized on the report to paint Hillary Clinton as a “rock star diva” with outrageous demands. Baier introduced the segment claiming “Hillary Clinton has a list of demands that critics say would make a rock star diva proud.” Rosen detailed Clinton's “demands” which included a private jet, a luxury suite, and travel stipends for Clinton's aides:

Rosen added that “the disclosure of a contract rider so extensive and luxurious, even by the notoriously diva-ish norms of the lecture circuit will likely not help with an existing image problem,” highlighting Clinton's previous supposed gaffe about her family's wealth.

ABC News reported in June that Clinton's speaking fee would be donated to the Clinton Foundation “rather than directly into Clinton's own wallet.”

Moreover Clinton's contract requirements are typical of contracts for high profile politicians, including former GOP lawmakers:

  • Former President George W. Bush required private jet travel as well as strict press limitations in his speaking contracts.

  • Former Alaska Governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin required first class plane tickets or a private aircraft, as well as a luxury suite and two single rooms in a luxury hotel and required strict press limitations.

  • Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich required “payment of 'first class expenses,' including the hotel of Gingrich's choice, and 'first class airfare,'” as well as hotel suites with two bathrooms.

  • Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has required clients to pay for meals and lodging -- including a two-bedroom suite with a king-sized bed on an upper floor with a balcony -- as well as “first class travel expenses for up to 5 people to include a private plane.”

Fox continues to fixate on Clinton's wealth in a campaign to misportray her as out of touch with the middle class.