Edwards Challenges Dem Rivals To Condemn Murdoch

[babylonsister]

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/aug/02/edwards_slams_murdochs_takeover_of_wall_street_journal

Edwards Challenges Dem Rivals To Condemn Murdoch
By Greg Sargent | bio

John Edwards is condemning Rupert Murdoch's impending takeover of Wall Street Journal and challenging all the Dem Presidential rivals to return all campaign donations to Rupert Murdoch.

“News Corp’s purchase of the Dow Jones Co. and The Wall Street Journal should be the last straw when it comes to media consolidation," Edwards said in a statement just emailed out by his campaign. "I’m challenging every Democratic presidential candidate to refuse contributions from News Corp executives and return any they've already taken, beginning with Rupert Murdoch."

Murdoch has hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton and contributed $2300 to her Presidential campaign this spring.

As reported below, Chris Dodd yesterday became the first Presidential candidate to condemn Murdoch's impending takeover of The Journal.

As I noted yesterday, it was a bit surprising that John Edwards had remained silent on the issue -- particularly since the Edwards campaign had been out front in attacking right wing media figures, particularly Murdoch's Fox News, as a way of appealing to Dem primary voters.

Today, Edwards has come out swinging, however -- proving once again the extent to which targeting winger media types has become de rigeur for Dem Presidential candidates. Edwards' full statement:

Edwards:

“News Corp’s purchase of the Dow Jones Co. and The Wall Street Journal should be the last straw when it comes to media consolidation. The basis of a strong democracy begins and ends with a strong, unbiased and fair media –- all qualities which are pretty hard to subscribe to Fox News and News Corp. The reality is that Americans deserve more news outlets –- not fewer. It’s time for all Democrats, including those running for president, to stand up and speak out against this merger and other forms of media consolidation.

“Moreover, given Fox News’ consistent efforts to demean Democrats -- they have attacked the character of Senator Obama, Vice President Gore, and many others -- no Democrat running for president should accept campaign money from top News Corp executives. So, today, I’m challenging every Democratic presidential candidate to refuse contributions from News Corp executives and return any they've already taken, beginning with Rupert Murdoch. The time has come for Democrats to stop pretending to be friends with the very people who demonize the Democratic Party.”

[waiting for hope]

1. This is brilliance:

"The time has come for Democrats to stop pretending to be friends with the very people who demonize the Democratic Party.”

I do so admire that man...

[rinsd]

2. " refuse contributions from News Corp executives"

Some are good Democrats and John Edwards should know that.

http://www.newsmeat.com/media_political_donations/Peter_Chernin.php

http://www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_detail.php?st=NY&last=ginsberg&first=gary

[liberal N proud]

3. Murdoch will make Edwards a target

But I support John in his effort to end this destruction of free press

[draft_mario_cuomo]

6. Faux already has nt

[Diane R]

4. Ha! Does he really expect Hillary to give back the $$$ she got from her new BFF, Murdock?

[rinsd]

8. Why should she?

Would it change your opinion one bit?

The fact you characterize Murdoch as her BFF shows you prefer her keeping the donation so its easy for you to hurl insults.

[saracat]

11. Why did she take it to begin with? Why let Murdoch throw a fundraiser

for her? Why is she in bed with Murdoch?

[bvar22]

5. Ha! Waiting for Hillary to condemn her good friend and fundraiser!!!!

This is the same Murdoch that Hillary's husband helped consolidate his strangle hold on the Media with the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Nice going.
Thanks, Bill. Thanks, Hillary.

[zazzle]

12. Murdoch's Fox News beat the drums 24/7 for her husband's IMPEACHMENT!

So what led her to cozy up to Murdoch? POWER.
It's also the only way she could be assured of positive media coverage 24/7.

[draft_mario_cuomo]

7. Will HRC return the $40,000 she raised and Obama the $14,000 he got from News Corp. executives?

:popcorn:

[pepperbear]

9. my goodness, could this buy out be WHY he gave them that money?n/t

[Evergreen Emerald]

10. I have to say that I am leaning more and more towards his camp