FOX News issued a statement concerning Donald Trump’s refusal to participate in Thursday night’s GOP presidential debate. The network criticized Trump for demanding that Megyn Kelly be removed as a moderator or he would not appear.
This is all part of a long-running feud between the Trumpster and Kelly which erupted following the first debate on FOX at which Trump felt Kelly had treated him unfairly. The Republican front-runner issued some typically ill-chosen remarks about Ms. Kelly which further fanned the flames of the dispute and has now brought it to this point almost on the eve of another FOX aired debate.
Admittedly, we are partial toward FOX News as a reliable and truly “balanced” news network. Also, we are not particular fans of Mr. Trump although we feel he has brought some desperately needed candor and perspective to this year’s presidential race. In so doing we believe he has raised issues and reflected the sentiment of a large share of the American people which the establishment of both parties should, but so far have shown a stubborn refusal to heed.
Thus, our view of the current debate “dustup”: Many people who watched the first FOX debate agree with the Trump camp that Megyn Kelly did not exactly cover herself with glory as one of the moderators. In addition to being “unfair” to The Donald, her snarky attitude was viewed by us as more befitting a MSNBC or CNN performance. In fact, on the basis of that one performance our assessment of the fast rising star of the network took a “yuuge” hit. Since that debate, Miss Kelly’s image as a network news star has diminished greatly.
As to Mr. Trump, whether his unprecedented reaction to the debate treatment he receives will help or hurt his standing as the GOP’s front-runner of course remains to be seen.
One comment contained in FOX’s statement responding to Trump’s decision, however, intrigues us:
“Capitulating to politicians’ ultimatums about a debate moderator violates all journalistic standards…”
Really?! We were somewhat taken aback by this observation. In recent times, as related to coverage (that is “reportage”, pronounced “repor-tahhj”, by the wise and literate, Bill O’Reilly) of ‘news’ and politics by most media, the presence of “journalistic standards” is indiscernible to the naked eye. FOX needs to clarify for us rubes exactly what those hallowed “standards” are.
And then, while holding it could turn very negative for his campaign to skip the Fox debate because of Megyn Kelly, we nevertheless understand his so far refusal to debate Ted Cruz without any moderator because he would indeed get his clock cleaned by Cruz (and either of at least two others). But back to Megyn Kelly with this warning:
DEFCON ONE — MAJOR BARF ALERT
Here is an interview Megyn Kelly gave to Howard Stern. The particular declass shows through at 7 minutes, however even appearing on his show is declass enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IML_UGhXz2Q
. . . and just a few days ago her interview of Michael Moore, yes that guy.
Megyn Kelly, Michael Moore have televised love-in after Trump debate debacle
Yea verily Megyn, you doth protest too much about Trump.
DLH
Agreed on all counts regarding Megyn Kelly. She used to be a favorite of mine, but since the debate, i have had no use for her. I am not a Trumpite, but she treated him unfairly and very rudely, thus she should never be a moderator. Trump avoiding the debate is understandable, and probably will redound to his benefit like everything else so far he has done against the tide. The debate without him will be more of the same, except Cruze will clean the clocks of the rest of the field.