BREAKING: Dems to Drop Fox Debate

DEVELOPING BREAKING… Dems to Drop Fox Debate?

UPDATE (4:55 p.m.): From Drudge…

“We have not received official word from the Nevada State Democratic Party disclosing a change in debate plans. Rumors are being circulated and if true, news organizations will want to think twice before getting involved in the Nevada Democratic Caucus which appears to be controlled by radical fringe out-of-state interest groups, not the Nevada Democratic Party. In the past, Moveon.org has said they ‘own’ the Democratic party—while most Democrats don’t agree with that, we’re waiting to see if that’s the case in Nevada.” — David Rhodes, Vice President, Fox News…

UPDATE (2:30 p.m.): OFFICIAL… DEMOCRATS KILL FOX DEBATE. …More from Markos. …Huffington Post adds more.

I\’ve been hearing this all morning, but now I\’ve got confirmation that it\’s \”imminent\” and about to break. When it indeed happens I will have the statement for you soon afterwards. But until it becomes reality, stand by with your fingers crossed.

This would be a huge victory for the local bloggers in Nevada, as well as the leadership of Markos, Matt Stoller and Adam Green of MoveOn.org, though we cannot forget Dan Manatt of PoliticsTV, as well as John Edwards who stood up first to say NO to Fox. Pending congratulations to them all, because when this lands it will be because of them. Oh, and let\’s not forget FoxATTACKS!

STAY TUNED… developing…

Very late UPDATE: Got the following via email. I\’ve been thinking about this since I read it. Frankly, after being part of the blogger conference call with Mr. Reid yesterday, I find it a tad disingenuous. Reid and Collins putting all the blame on Ailes\’s comments is not the entire story. The heat they both took over this issue played a part, believe it. No doubt, however, Ailes showing his true colors in such a timely fashion made the final decision that much easier for them both. I\’m not complaining, mind you, but the leaders on this fight deserve a bit more credit than either Reid or Collins are willing to give them. If you haven\’t read this column, make sure you do. All of a sudden Reid signs on with a letter to Fox \”News\” with Collins? Just yesterday he didn\’t know anything about Nevada Democratic Party goings on. Again, the local bloggers and those I mentioned above, as well as Democratic activists in Nevada deserve a lot of credit for this, including Carson City Dems. Both Reid and Collins should have been gracious enough to acknowledge them all. In my estimation, it\’s petty and small that they did not. But, if you ask me, it\’s illustrative to how Nevada Dems got in this situation in the first place.

March 9, 2007 Marty Ryan Executive Producer Fox News Political Programs 202-824-6425 (fax) 400 N Capitol Street NW, Suite 550 Washington DC 20001 DELIVERED VIA FAX AND EMAIL Dear Marty, A month ago, the Nevada Democratic Party entered into a good faith agreement with FOX News to co-sponsor a presidential debate in August. This was done because the Nevada Democratic Party is reaching out to new voters and we strongly believe that a Democrat will not win Nevada unless we find new ways to talk to new people. To say the least, this was not a popular decision. But it is one that the Democratic Party stood by. However, comments made last night by FOX News President Roger Ailes in reference to one of our presidential candidates went too far. We cannot, as good Democrats, put our party in a position to defend such comments. In light of his comments, we have concluded that it is not possible to hold a Presidential debate that will focus on our candidates and are therefore canceling our August debate. We take no pleasure in this, but it is the only course of action. Sincerely, Tom Collins — Harry Reid Chairman, Nevada State Democratic Party — U.S. Senator (D-NV)

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