Fox Has Repeatedly Attacked Democrats For Absence Of “God” In Party Platform ...

Fox Attacks Absence Of “God” In Dem Party Platform At Least 22 Times. A review of Fox News' closed captioning by Media Matters showed that Fox News figures criticized the Democratic Party platform for not making references to God during 11 show segments or teases on September 4 and in 11 show segments or teases before 9 a.m. on September 5 for a total of at least 22 attacks. [Media Matters, 9/5/12]

... After Downplaying The Importance Of The GOP Platform

Fox Contributor Ingraham: Romney “Doesn't Write The Platforms,” “Doesn't Have To Abide” By Them. During the August 21 edition of Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor, Fox News contributor Laura Ingraham said that Romney “doesn't write the platforms” and “doesn't have to abide by the platforms.”

ALAN COLMES (Fox News Contributor): The Republican platform has said there is no exception for rape or incest is far out of the mainstream thinking of most Americans.

(CROSSTALK)

INGRAHAM: That has been -- that has also been in the Republican platform. And Monica, you can speak to this for the last I believe two or three platforms. And Mitt Romney doesn't write the platforms, Monica. And he actually doesn't have to abide by the platforms.

COLMES: That's what he said today.

INGRAHAM: It's written by other people but go ahead. [Fox News, The O'Reilly Factor, 8/21/12, accessed via Nexis, emphasis added]

Fox's Roberts: There Are “Plenty Of Platforms In Both Parties Where The Candidate Doesn't Agree.” During the August 21 edition of Fox News' Special Report, co-host John Roberts pointed out the “daylight between Candidate Romney” and the official GOP party platform:

ROBERTS: This does as you point out put daylight between candidate Romney and the official party platform, which Democrats are already trying to exploit by saying Mitt Romney, you own this platform. There is plenty of platforms in both parties where the candidate doesn`t agree with everything. [Fox News, Special Report, 8/21/12, accessed via Nexis]

Fox's Rollins: “It Doesn't Mean A Thing” If Party Platform Differs From Candidates' Views. During the August 21 edition of Fox News' America Live, Fox News contributor Ed Rollins pointed out the difference between an individual candidate's position and a party platform:

MEGYN KELLY (host): What does it mean if the party has a position that differs from the candidate?

ROLLINS: It doesn't mean a thing. The nominee of the party runs on what he wants to run on. The platform is something that can be totally relevant, it's the will of a committee that basically -- there is no such thing as a national party that sets the rules and the guidelines. This what is we believe in, is sort of the proclamation they put out there. But the candidate themselves. There's not a single candidate that can't go out around this country and run on things they believe in. [Fox News, America Live, 8/21/12, accessed via Nexis]

Fox's Schoen: “I Can't Think Back To A Platform That Helped Elect A Presidential Candidate.” During the August 24 edition of Fox News' Special Report, Fox contributor Doug Schoen said:

SCHOEN: Extreme positions from either party can cause problems during the fall campaign. But I can't think back to a platform that helped elect a presidential candidate. [Fox News, Special Report, 8/24/12, emphasis added, accessed via Nexis]

But Fox Did Not Mention That Previous Democratic Platforms Mentioned God More Than Republican Platforms

Previous Democratic Platforms Mention God More Than Republican Platforms. Fox did not mention that the 2000 and 2004 Democratic Party platforms mentioned the word “God” more often than the Republican platforms:

[Media Matters, 9/4/12]

And The 2012 Democratic Platform Does Include A Section On The Importance Of “Faith”

Democratic National Committee Platform Includes Section About “Faith.” The DNC's 2012 platform includes the importance of faith-based organizations and the importance of embracing faith to uphold the Constitution:

Faith. Faith has always been a central part of the American story, and it has been a driving force of progress and justice throughout our history. We know that our nation, our communities, and our lives are made vastly stronger and richer by faith and the countless acts of justice and mercy it inspires. Faith-based organizations will always be critical allies in meeting the challenges that face our nation and our world - from domestic and global poverty, to climate change and human trafficking. People of faith and religious organizations do amazing work in communities across this country and the world, and we believe in lifting up and valuing that good work, and finding ways to support it where possible. We believe in constitutionally sound, evidence-based partnerships with faith-based and other non-profit organizations to serve those in need and advance our shared interests. There is no conflict between supporting faith-based institutions and respecting our Constitution, and a full commitment to both principles is essential for the continued flourishing of both faith and country. [DNC National Platform, 2012]