FOX News, GOP Excluding Ron Paul from January 6th Forum?

[OldTigerCub]

According to an AP report (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNxTApa2sQRu0Xx99P3jt2bEXw7gD8TQ2N282)of December 28, Fox News and the New Hampshire Republican Party have excluded Ron Paul from a forum to be broadcast January 6, 2008:

GOP candidates to meet in N.H. forum

WASHINGTON (AP) — The New Hampshire Republican Party is sponsoring a forum for Republican presidential candidates on Jan. 6, two days before the state's first-in-the-nation primary.

The forum, where the candidates will be questioned by Fox New Channel's Chris Wallace, will be held a day after ABC holds back to back Democratic and Republican presidential debates.

"Never underestimate New Hampshire voters' appetite for politics," said Fergus Cullen, the chairman of the state Republican Party.

Participating in the forum will be Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson.

Unlike a debate, the candidates will face questions from Wallace around a table in a studio on the campus of St. Anselm College in Goffstown, N.H.. The 90-minute encounter will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel and on Fox News Radio

The Ron Paul camp is obviously fit to be tied over this news. From the official Paul campaign website (http://www.ronpaul2008.com/press-releases/94/has-fox-news-excluded-ron-paul):

December 28, 2007 10:39 pm EST

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – According to the New Hampshire State Republican Party and an Associated Press report, Republican presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul will be excluded from an upcoming forum of Republican candidates to be broadcast by Fox News on January 6, 2008.

“Given Ron Paul’s support in New Hampshire and his recent historic fundraising success, it is outrageous that Dr. Paul would be excluded,” said Ron Paul 2008 campaign chairman Kent Snyder. “Dr. Paul has consistently polled higher in New Hampshire than some of the other candidates who have been invited.”

Snyder continued, “Paul supporters should know that we are continuing to make inquiries with Fox News as to why they have apparently excluded Dr. Paul from this event.”

However, another perspective from 2008Central.net (http://2008central.net/?p=1618) points out that the decision may be based on the less-than-viable candidacy of Paul compared to the other Republican front-runners:

On it’s face, it does seem like a pretty unfair decision. I’m usually in favor of offering more choices over less. That said, it is Fox News’ right to make this decision. They are probably basing their decision on the notion that Paul is not a nationally viable candidate and therefore are not obligated to include him. Accordingly, the Paul campaign and supporters should welcome this as an opportunity to demonstrate that the idea that Paul champions - being that the market will solve - actually works by compelling Fox to allow Paul to participate.

It will be interesting to see if Fox and the GOP will concede and extend an invitation to Ron Paul, or stick with the more viable contenders for the Republican nomination.

[Brainster]

I'm not a fan of Paul's, but if they're going to include Fred Thompson, there is no good logic for excluding Ron. In the last five New Hampshire polls (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/new_hampshire-primary.html) listed as of today on Real Clear Politics' page, Paul has finished ahead of Thompson in three and tied him in the other two.

[corplinx]

It comes down to time. You can either have five candidates on and get to know each of them or have 8-9 on have it more like a ping pong match.Thompson and Paul may have similar numbers in NH but I'm sure the NH GOP who really has the most say here knows that Paul is not nationally viable at the moment.

[Richard Masters]

It comes down to time. You can either have five candidates on and get to know each of them or have 8-9 on have it more like a ping pong match.Thompson and Paul may have similar numbers in NH but I'm sure the NH GOP who really has the most say here knows that Paul is not nationally viable at the moment.

Actually, it's not the GOP that made the decision. It is FOX News.

[andyandy]

what, FOX news isn't fair and balanced? :)

[OldTigerCub]

It appears that the news release that prompted me to start this thread turned out to be premature and inaccurate. Ron Paul has not been excluded from a January 6th forum by FOX News...there is no forum to be broadcast on the 6th by FOX. From Left Coast Views (http://www.nolanchart.com/article797.html):

Topic: Ron Paul
Ron Paul NOT excluded from Fox debate

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some sloppy reporting, instant web indignation, and holiday vacations produced a surge of hysteria that might have been avoided.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
by William Westmiller
(Libertarian)
One of the hazards of instant mass communication is that incorrect stories can get distributed immediately. A particular hazard during holiday vacations.

There is NO NH DEBATE on January 6th. Ron Paul was NOT EXCLUDED. That event was canceled three weeks ago.

Ron WILL participate in the January 5th ABC/WMUR GOP debate in New Hampshire.

Little Green Footballs points out (http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=28441_Ron_Paul_Followers_Plot_Revenge_on_Fo x_News_(for_Nothing)&only) that some Paulbats are still planning their revenge on FOX News, however:

By the way, The Only Man Who Can Save America has not been excluded from a Fox News debate. But that hasn’t prevented the Paulians from feverishly plotting to get even, as Daily Paul calls for them to take off the tin foil hats and “Put On Our Thinking Caps.”

A few people try to point out that the story is false, but that doesn’t stop them from posting lists of phone numbers, plans to launch DoS attacks by downloading the Fox News site over and over (right!), freaky rants about the New World Order, and pleas for the “hotheads” not to commit acts of
violence.

It makes one wonder if those "thinking caps" might be made of tin foil as well....:rolleyes:

[daredelvis]

It comes down to time. You can either have five candidates on and get to know each of them or have 8-9 on have it more like a ping pong match.



Or, just three if one of them is James Stockdale.

Daredelvis

[Dr Adequate]

It appears that the news release that prompted me to start this thread turned out to be premature and inaccurate. Ron Paul has not been excluded from a January 6th forum by FOX News...there is no forum to be broadcast on the 6th by FOX. From Left Coast Views (http://www.nolanchart.com/article797.html):

Little Green Footballs points out (http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=28441_Ron_Paul_Followers_Plot_Revenge_on_Fo x_News_(for_Nothing)&only) that some Paulbats are still planning their revenge on FOX News, however: Oh my word, yes.

A Paulican declares WAR. (http://bigheaddc.com/2007/12/27/fox-news-to-host-special-gop-candidate-forum/)

Is this [Fergus Cullenone] one of those people that needs to be put on the list?

Is this [Fergus Cullenone] a name of one of those people fighting to steal the rest of our freedom and create a nation of sheep?

Is this [Fergus Cullenone] an enemy combatant from within our own boarders that we have been given the obligation to protect our loved ones from?

Mark my words, it will quickly go from a peaceful revolution to a violent one if the “powers that be” continue to thwart and skew us (those that are still free to be ourselves and choose those that will lead) into the holding pens of oppression.

This revolution will kick your ass, one way or another, and it will not be by the word of Ron Paul, but by the people that carried that word to their heart and believe it to be the only truth we’ve heard throughout our entire lives, and we are many.

Ron Paul is a peaceful man with an extreme message and would never condone the behavior of violence unless it was war declared by congress toward any enemy that had or was attacking us [you and me, our families and friends] from outside and in this case, from within them as well.

I, however am not Ron Paul and will hunt all those that stand in our way of liberty, freedom and our right to pursue happiness as long as it doesn’t harm any other or remove the ownership of their right to personal property. Then that person or persons will be held accountable.

Prepare yourself for the battle of all battles because if they continue to show themselves in the light it only means that they are already engaged in the fight. When will you be? The battle of all battles eh?

[leftysergeant]

Rupert Murdock is trying to play the power broker in this election. He knows that he needs a more activist corporatist puppet trhan Ron Paul to advance his goal of domination of the media.

His support for Hillary is intended, aparrently, to reduce the chances of the Dems electing an activist anti-corporatist who will put the brakes on media consolidation.

[corplinx]

Rupert Murdock is trying to play the power broker in this election. He knows that he needs a more activist corporatist puppet trhan Ron Paul to advance his goal of domination of the media.

His support for Hillary is intended, aparrently, to reduce the chances of the Dems electing an activist anti-corporatist who will put the brakes on media consolidation.

It all makes sense now lefty.


Well it's a well know fact, sonny Jim, that there's a group of the five wealthiest people in the world known as the pentaverate, who run everything in the world, including the newspapers. And meet tri-annually at a secret country mansion known as, the Meadows. 2.) So who's in this pentaverate? 1.) The Queen, The Vatican, The Gettes, The Rothchilds and Col. Sanders before he went tets up.

Apparently, Rupert took the colonels chair in the pentaverate.

[ZenFountain]

I too am no fan of Paul, but I would endeavour to say this will help his campaign. The number of people who actually vote in the IA caucus and NH primary is around ~100,000 and I am certain a large majority of them know who Ron Paul is from the internet and his campaign ads. By excluding him from the debate, Fox has only assured that IA and NH newspapers will be printing "Why not Paul?" articles that could stir up suspicions and cries of foul play before the NH primary.

I would not be surprised if this backfires on Fox in a big way, something does stink when Thompson is invited and Paul is not. The standard of "serious candidates" is laughably arbitrary and clearly demonstrates that they are trying to keep Paul out since he would easily pass a traditional monetary standard for inclusion. I believe Paul has more cash on hand than Huckabee, McCain and Thompson. I'll stand by Paul supporters on this one because even though I don't support him, he does deserve a fair shot and the GOP field is still wide open. However, the cynic in me is saying that the seeds of conspiracy are being sown here. I have already seen a few articles on Digg portending what is certain to come in the likely event that Paul loses the primary.

[Dr Adequate]

Hello, people, as OldTigerCub has pointed out, this story isn't true.

It appears that the news release that prompted me to start this thread turned out to be premature and inaccurate. Ron Paul has not been excluded from a January 6th forum by FOX News...there is no forum to be broadcast on the 6th by FOX. From Left Coast Views (http://www.nolanchart.com/article797.html) ... Thank you for your attention.

[Checkmite]

More evidence that actual facts aren't important in the shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later mindset that is Ron Paul's support base.

[ZenFountain]

Hanging up the pitchforks and extinguishing the torches is hardly any fun :(

[MaGZ]

Rupert Murdock is trying to play the power broker in this election. He knows that he needs a more activist corporatist puppet trhan Ron Paul to advance his goal of domination of the media.

His support for Hillary is intended, aparrently, to reduce the chances of the Dems electing an activist anti-corporatist who will put the brakes on media consolidation.

Please explain again what RM is planning for the presidential election and how will Hillary or any other candidate fit into his scheme.

Perhaps a new thread would be in order.

[leftysergeant]

Murdock needs a puppet FCC to grant him access to more venues than he now has in some markets. I am sure that he loved the recent move by the FCC to allow a single entity to own any number of radio and TV stations PLUS a major newspaper in major markets.

I can't see any Dem other than Hillary bending over to kiss his fat un-American kundingi on appointments to the FCC. The majority of Dems realize that this latest move was an attempt to choke the life out of free speech in the mainstream media, and that our watch dogs have started doing the bidding of the fox.

[corplinx]

Murdock needs a puppet FCC to grant him access to more venues than he now has in some markets. I am sure that he loved the recent move by the FCC to allow a single entity to own any number of radio and TV stations PLUS a major newspaper in major markets.

I can't see any Dem other than Hillary bending over to kiss his fat un-American kundingi on appointments to the FCC. The majority of Dems realize that this latest move was an attempt to choke the life out of free speech in the mainstream media, and that our watch dogs have started doing the bidding of the fox.

Aye, the colonel with his secret blend of herbs and spices!

[MaGZ]

Murdock needs a puppet FCC to grant him access to more venues than he now has in some markets. I am sure that he loved the recent move by the FCC to allow a single entity to own any number of radio and TV stations PLUS a major newspaper in major markets.

I can't see any Dem other than Hillary bending over to kiss his fat un-American kundingi on appointments to the FCC. The majority of Dems realize that this latest move was an attempt to choke the life out of free speech in the mainstream media, and that our watch dogs have started doing the bidding of the fox.

Why should the Dems ever stand in the way of Murdoch?

He is so good to Israel.

[Mister Agenda]

I too am no fan of Paul, but I would endeavour to say this will help his campaign. The number of people who actually vote in the IA caucus and NH primary is around ~100,000 and I am certain a large majority of them know who Ron Paul is from the internet and his campaign ads. By excluding him from the debate, Fox has only assured that IA and NH newspapers will be printing "Why not Paul?" articles that could stir up suspicions and cries of foul play before the NH primary.

I would not be surprised if this backfires on Fox in a big way, something does stink when Thompson is invited and Paul is not. The standard of "serious candidates" is laughably arbitrary and clearly demonstrates that they are trying to keep Paul out since he would easily pass a traditional monetary standard for inclusion. I believe Paul has more cash on hand than Huckabee, McCain and Thompson. I'll stand by Paul supporters on this one because even though I don't support him, he does deserve a fair shot and the GOP field is still wide open. However, the cynic in me is saying that the seeds of conspiracy are being sown here. I have already seen a few articles on Digg portending what is certain to come in the likely event that Paul loses the primary.

Very fair-minded of you Zen, and I agree that such a thing might have worked to RP's advantage. Even better that it's not so, though. Thanks, for the real scoop, Tiger!

[leftysergeant]

Why should the Dems ever stand in the way of Murdoch?

He is so good to Israel.

Dems are generally more interested in preserving freedom of speech here that in Israel.

[MaGZ]

Fox News has banned Ron Paul from Sunday's debate.
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9840468-7.html?tag=newsmap

The NH GOP has dropped sponsorship of the Fox debate
http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2008/01/nh_gop_drops_sp.html

[OldTigerCub]

:mgduh
I wish the news wires could get it straight more often. First they report Paul is excluded, then they claim there is no forum scheduled for the 6th of January, then they report that ABC will have debates on the 5th of January in which Ron Paul is included. FOX meanwhile says they are having a Republican forum on the 6th, but do not indicate which candidates are included in this story (http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/01/05/candidates-pack-rooms-hone-messages-in-runup-to-nh-debates/), anyway.

From FOX News:
ABC News will host back-to-back debates, moderated by Charles Gibson, at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., starting at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. The first debate will feature Republican candidates, followed by Democratic candidates at 8:45 p.m.

FOX News plans to hold a roundtable with Republican candidates Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

Edwards, Clinton, Obama and Richardson are scheduled to participate in the ABC Democratic debate Saturday evening. Huckabee, McCain, Giuliani, Thompson, Romney and Paul are scheduled for the Republican debate.

(As I will be watching the Steelers game tonight, I guess I will be missing the ABC debate) :p

[Richard Masters]

Please explain again what RM is planning for the presidential election and how will Hillary or any other candidate fit into his scheme.

Perhaps a new thread would be in order.

I don't know what the deal is with RM and Hillary, but I've heard said rumors as well.

[Mister Agenda]

More evidence that actual facts aren't important in the shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later mindset that is Ron Paul's support base.

But as it turns out Ron Paul's base had its facts right. There was a Jan 6 Presidential Debate and Paul was excluded. Those of us, including me, who bought that the debate was cancelled should have checked our facts.

[Mister Agenda]

I too am no fan of Paul, but I would endeavour to say this will help his campaign. The number of people who actually vote in the IA caucus and NH primary is around ~100,000 and I am certain a large majority of them know who Ron Paul is from the internet and his campaign ads. By excluding him from the debate, Fox has only assured that IA and NH newspapers will be printing "Why not Paul?" articles that could stir up suspicions and cries of foul play before the NH primary.

I would not be surprised if this backfires on Fox in a big way, something does stink when Thompson is invited and Paul is not. The standard of "serious candidates" is laughably arbitrary and clearly demonstrates that they are trying to keep Paul out since he would easily pass a traditional monetary standard for inclusion. I believe Paul has more cash on hand than Huckabee, McCain and Thompson. I'll stand by Paul supporters on this one because even though I don't support him, he does deserve a fair shot and the GOP field is still wide open. However, the cynic in me is saying that the seeds of conspiracy are being sown here. I have already seen a few articles on Digg portending what is certain to come in the likely event that Paul loses the primary.


He's at 8%, placing 5th, and Fox isn't even showing him. They're showing Thompson at 1% though. Giuliani is at 9%. I don't mind Paul losing. I really didn't expect him to get this far when I heard he was running. Recognition of his existence would be fair though, I think.