Fox News Democratic Town halls

[Tom Rinaldo]

53. Not a problem according to the DNC

"While the DNC does not believe that FOX is equipped to be a partner for a 2020 debate because of concerns of fairness at the highest levels within their organization, the DNC believes that we must reach all voters, including their audience,” said spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa.

“Therefore, candidates should do what they need to do in order to engage these voters directly."

My personal view is more nuanced than either Yes or No. I think any Democrat needs to exercise caution regarding using the FOX platform. There is the potential to win over a small sliver of voters, or at least help deactivate their mindless zealotry, and there is the potential to emerge damaged in some way from that exercise.

A lot depends on the specifics. Which FOX personnel will be involved, A Chris Wallace or a Sean Hannity? Who gets to control the microphone and has the cutoff switch? What is the format, does it allow for a Democrat to make a full presentation of their viewpoint without being cut off? Etc. Etc.

A Town Hall format is one of the better opportunities that FOX can offer a Democrat. I would assume that they could seed the audience with "Gotcha" questioners, but some Democrats can handle that well and even use their performance in response to their own ultimate advantage.