Fox kicked off the final week before the midterm elections by almost exclusively hosting Republican candidates. Fox hosted seven* Republican candidates in the course of 24 hours, and RNC chairman Michael Steele twice, while hosting just one Democratic official, DNC chair Tim Kaine.
Fox kicks off GOP GOTV efforts by almost exclusively hosting Republicans
Written by Justin Berrier
Published
Fox hosts Republican candidates and officials nine times
Fox & Friends interviews Steele in his “Fire Pelosi” bus. On the October 26 edition of Fox & Friends, co-host Gretchen Carlson interviewed Steele inside the RNC's tour bus, which featured the slogan, “Need a Job? Fire Pelosi!” Carlson allowed Steele to push GOP talking points, such as claiming that "[if] you want a job, then you're going to have to fire [House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi, because she's the one who's blocking your ability to get that job."
America's Newsroom hosts Rand Paul to discuss reports of assaulted MoveOn.org member. On the October 26 edition of America's Newsroom, Martha MacCallum hosted Republican Kentucky senatorial candidate Rand Paul to discuss reports that a MoveOn.org member was assaulted by Paul supporters outside a debate. After addressing the incident, Paul promoted his policies, including his support for cutting the Department of Education. At the end of the interview, MacCallum claimed they had also invited Paul's opponent, Jack Conway, and were awaiting a response.
Your World hosts Rick Scott to attack his opponent and tout his candidacy. The October 26 edition of Your World featured both Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX). Cavuto allowed Scott to attack his opponent, Alex Sink, for allegedly receiving a text message during a recent debate, which violated the rules of the debate. At both the beginning and end of the segment, Cavuto claimed that he had invited Sink on the show, with no response.
Beck hosts Bachmann, DeMint, and Chaffetz at the same time, asks them, “What kind of help do you need?” On the October 26 edition of Glenn Beck, Beck hosted Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), and Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC). Beck began the show by calling them “good representatives in Washington that are -- that are standing there in a lion's den every day” and “good guys that need your help.” Beck asked DeMint: “What kind of help do you need? What should we as citizens be looking for in a candidate?” In response, DeMint claimed that anyone who votes Democratic in the upcoming election is “just not thinking.” Later, Bachmann plugged her Facebook page.
Hannity hosts Steele to attack Democrats, Obama, and to give Hannity some RNC paraphernalia. On the October 26 edition of Hannity, Sean Hannity hosted Steele. After Hannity claimed Obama “said Republicans can go to the back of the bus,” Steele called him “not very presidential” and “tone deaf.” Steele gave Hannity a “Fire Pelosi” baseball cap and miniature football, “because I know you've been talking to me” about it.
Hannity hosts Rep. Frank's opponent Bielat to fundraise for his campaign. Later on Hannity, Hannity hosted Rep. Barney Frank's opponent, Sean Bielat, claiming Frank was “facing the toughest re-election race of his political career.” After playing a clip of Frank saying “the right-wing media, talk show hosts decided to target me. I've had Hannity, Limbaugh, Beck, basically saying things about me that weren't true,” Hannity said “nice try, Congressman, but I think the reason you are in the toughest race of your career has nothing to do with me or any other talk show host and everything to do with our next guest, Republican Massachusetts congressional candidate Sean Bielat.” Bielat used his appearance to fundraise, promoting his “money bomb” and mentioning the website where viewers could donate.
Hannity includes California congressional candidate Nick Popaditch in his “Great American Panel.” Later on Hannity, during the “Great American Panel,” Hannity hosted Republican candidate Nick Popaditch, who is running for California's 51st District. During the segment, Popaditch attacked President Obama, claiming he “is in trouble” because he's “campaigning, so he's out there only representing some of the people, and a pretty extreme some.”
By contrast, Fox hosted just one Democratic official
Fox & Friends hosts DNC chairman Tim Kaine. On the October 27 edition of Fox & Friends, Carlson hosted Kaine to discuss whether “Blue Dog Democrats” are going to “take the hit” in the midterm elections. Carlson claimed that “one of the things the voters are upset about with many of the Blue Dogs and Democrats in general was that they voted for health care” and asked Kaine if Gov. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is “trying to take a step away from health care because he really wants to be elected the senator of West Virginia?” Carlson also asked Kaine about a quote from Frank Caprio, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Rhode Island, who said Obama could “take his endorsement and really shove it” after Obama declined to endorse a candidate in the race.
* Number corrected.