CHRIS HAYES (HOST): Fox News has been pulling a similar trick insisting on their own steadfast righteousness in the face of Trump's cajoling. A spokesperson said in a statement last night “Capitulating to politicians' ultimatums about a debate moderator violates all journalistic standards. Trump is still welcome at Thursday night's debate and will be treated fairly but he can't dictate the moderators or the questions.” A high-minded principle no doubt. But it didn't stop Fox from joining the pile-on after the CNBC debate in October where the moderators were raked over the coals by the candidates and the conservative media who didn't like their questions. It certainly didn't stop Fox from using the backlash to promote their own debate on Fox Business a couple weeks later. 

Previously: 

When Fox News Loved That Trump Controlled Debate Terms By Threatening Not To Participate

Trump, Fox Spar Over Kelly's Role In Debate

CNN Panelists Agree: CNBC Debate Was “Not Too Different From The Way Fox's Debate Went”