November 25, 2007
Posted: November 25th, 2007 07:00 PM ET

Fred Thompson on "Fox News Sunday."

(CNN) – Presidential hopeful Fred Thompson accused FOX News of being unfairly critical of his White House bid, after anchor Chris Wallace asked the Tennessee Republican Sunday to respond to criticism that he has run a lackluster campaign.

“This has been a constant mantra of Fox, to tell you the truth,” Thompson responded to Wallace on “FOX New Sunday.”

The former Tennessee senator accused FOX of highlighting only the negative analysis offered by the network’s commentators and its own poll to support its conclusion that he is not running a successful campaign.

"For you to highlight nothing but the negative in terms of these polls, and then put on your own guys, who have been predicting for four months, really, that I couldn't do it, you know, kind of skews things a little bit," Thompson said.

The GOP hopeful was speaking directly to conservative commentators Charles Krauthammer and Fred Barnes criticism.

Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com

– CNN Political Assignment Editor Marissa Muller

Filed under: Fred Thompson • Race to '08


Bob, San Francisco, CA   November 26th, 2007 4:56 pm ET

Wow, Fred is suprised that there is bias at Faux News. This rates up there with "dog bites man" as newsworthy.

By the way, I don't often watch Faux News, but I have to admit I did especially enjoy tuning in to its apoplectic performance on election night a year ago. A bit of schadenfreude on my part, I guess...

RightyTighty   November 26th, 2007 3:28 pm ET

CNN, the most trusted name is news..

Ha Ha!!

Ebbs, Newport News, VA   November 26th, 2007 3:20 pm ET

"I laugh at some of you, like I do at David Letterman, who attacked O'Reilly on his show and when O'Reilly asked him point blank, "Have you ever watched the show" and Letterman said, "No, some people told me……".

**********

Nuff said indeed, Tom. And didn't Letterman look silly.

summus   November 26th, 2007 3:01 pm ET

Why do all the women on FOX look like they are straight out of Kappa Kappa Kappa. Uncle Rupert must like em blonde.

summus   November 26th, 2007 2:57 pm ET

Fox= Editiorials disguised as news. Fox attempts to create reality rather than report on it.

For Thomspons- I hate to break it to you but Fox intends on getting Rudy Guiliani elected.

Fair and Balanced- I think not– finally some Republicans are starting to notice. FOX is the King of Yellow Journalism

Bill, Los Angeles, CA   November 26th, 2007 2:21 pm ET

The thing with Faux News, CNN, MSNBC and many others is that it isn't news at all. It is Opinion. Commentators tell you what they Think and Feel about what other people Did. Other people as in Real Newsmakers. Politicians, businesspeople, and God help us, Celebrities. The commentators, then more commentators and so on, then they face off and fight once in a while. That isn't news. It is just high class polished Gossip.

Tom Dedham, Mass   November 26th, 2007 2:14 pm ET

Posted By Brendan H., San Antonio, TX : November 26, 2007 12:49 pm

Brendan are you serious? Using your rational of Fox being wholly Conservative, who is for and has been for HANDOUTS FOR VOTES for years?

Conservatives or Liberals?

Handouts by the gubment versus people that actually work for a living, you think that your "party" is on the right side of that argument?

Many of you Soros sheep have never watched Fox and only get your "news" from one TYPE of source be it NPR or MSNBC or PBS.

Watch Keith Olberman (if 10 of you do, it would double his audience) and tell me that he is "fair and balanced", he spews his liberal viewpoint and two sheep come on and parrot EXACTLY what he says.

Watch Bill Moyer on PBS and then watch Bill O'Reilly, O'Reilly will have Ellis Hedican, Kirsten Powers and Juan Williams to name a few LIBERALS on DISCUSSING a subject, Moyer nary a Conservative view.

Remember that Fox only came about because PEOPLE were fed up on the one mindset in network news.

Does Fox have Conservatives on, YES, YES, YES, but I challenge anyone to deny that Fox has more LIBERALS on their network than the others have CONSERVATIVES. Not even close.

Watch Hannity and Colmes and you get four people on one subject, but with ALL SIDES OF AN ISSUE.

It works because they used the highly popular Crossfire ideal where you had all viewpoints represented, how refreshing.

I laugh at some of you, like I do at David Letterman, who attacked O'Reilly on his show and when O'Reilly asked him point blank, "Have you ever watched the show" and Letterman said, "No, some people told me......".

Nuff said.

Ebbs, Newport News, VA   November 26th, 2007 2:09 pm ET

"It's also been proved that the Faux News viewers also consider Springer delicious entertainment,"

*************

"Proved"? ...and Liberals don't profile, or stereotype? As usual the facts are wrong too...You might be interested to know Jerry Springer was a Democrat mayor of Cincinnati and has had a long affiliation with NBC (FIGURES!!) This guy is one of you!!!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   November 26th, 2007 12:49 pm ET

Faux News has twice the viewers because twice as many potential viewers of CNN and MSNBC are at work!

It's also been proved that the Faux News viewers also consider Springer delicious entertainment, and in the South, Springer is on almost every Faux station down there. Go figure!!!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   November 26th, 2007 12:45 pm ET

And if this clown gets the GOP nomination, he'll be kissing Faux News' behind in a New York minute!

Funny, Fred, when Faux news posted a half-truth story about your last Senatorial opponent, you went mute!!!

Gary, Detroit, Mich.   November 26th, 2007 12:44 pm ET

FAUX News... official propaganda network of the Fourth Reich.

Milo Janus   November 26th, 2007 12:27 pm ET

Thompson wasn't complaining when Hannity had him on Fox several times prior to joining the race, including co-hosting with Hannity during a televised debate of the other candidates. How many other candidates got that kind of exposure?

Thompson needs to stop whining and realize that when you show up late, cancel events, and put people to sleep when you talk you're not going to win many people over. Imagine how boring he'd be if he didn't have wife of his to look at.

MJ Seymour,CT   November 26th, 2007 10:53 am ET

I don't know what to tell you Fred. Ron Paul has been mistreated by the major media networks the entire campaign. Suck it up and if your support is real they will rally behind you. How was Fred's Giving Day by the way? no comment?...Tea Pary '07 December 16th when Americans join together and show who they really support!

Ebbs, Newport News, VA   November 26th, 2007 10:48 am ET

"Fox News has twice as many viewers as CNN and MSNBC combined. This forum is an excellent representation of why.."

**********

...and, perhaps, why FOX is seen as a "threat" requiring all the "put downs". Sorry, Al, I agree with this poster as well.

Max, Boston, MA   November 26th, 2007 10:45 am ET

FOX News is a joke.
CNN is honestly not that much better.

I can tolerate biased news and judge for myself, but today's press is so far off the scale that my TV's been off for years.

spinstopper   November 26th, 2007 10:42 am ET

Fox News has twice as many viewers as CNN and MSNBC combined. This forum is an excellent representation of why..

Surrealist, Fort Myers, Florida   November 26th, 2007 10:33 am ET

POOR FRED...NOW HE ALSO KNOWS JUST HOW "FAIR AND BALANCED" FOX NEWS IS. UNFAIR AND UNBALANCED IS A BETTER SLOGAN.

SR, NY   November 26th, 2007 10:26 am ET

Which is why you should watch the only news program that matters. Daily Show by Jon Stewart.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   November 26th, 2007 10:24 am ET

It appears that Fox News (such as it is) already picked a candidate. It appears that they will hinder any one else. I guess Fred is not their man. I wonder who it could be? I know that most of their commentators and "reporters" would never support a democrat. Look at their website and compare it to MSNBC and CNN; there are no editorial cartoons on Foxnews.com as well as sections like this. I find that some what suspect. Could it be "believe what we tell you and don't challenge it."

Dan, Portland, OR   November 26th, 2007 10:19 am ET

Whether it's CNN, FOX or ABC, all the news networks have some sort of bias and slant, not only in it's political reporting but in it's everyday reporting. What should be discussed more than poll numbers is where the candidates stand on issues and what they have laid out as their platforms. Very few of the candidates, including Hillary Rob'em Clinton and Rudy, have brought forth proposals as well laid out, easy to understand and in-line with the vast majority of American principals as Fred Thompson. If the news networks focused on the issues facing the USA today, there wouldn't be another candidate that could come close to Fred.

Ebbs, Newport News, VA   November 26th, 2007 10:18 am ET

Actually Al, I agree with you about the leanings of the various news organizations, and, frankly, I don't want to be in the position to defend any news organization, including FOX because, honestly, don't care. But what caught my IRE, is the notion that the FOX alternatives and their viewers are beyond reproach in terms of bias. They are biased, as the "other side" is...so stop throwing bombs from your glass houses! Let's face it, people tune in to news outlets that reflect their leanings. BTW, I don't listen to Rush (never have), and as for Hannity & Colmes, they are NOT news anchors. H&C, but are intended to raise political discord from both sides for pure entertainment...TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT! Geeeez.

Al, NY NY   November 26th, 2007 9:53 am ET

Ebbs

I do watch the networks. CNN and MSBNBC do slant left. If you like their opinions you follow their lead. Fox News leans right. If you do not acknowledge that, then "Sounds more like bias on you part borrowed directly from the talking points of your favorite conservative." I am pointing out that there is no preconceived notion of ideology on CNN/MSNBC. They are liberal, that's true. Fox News is conservative. They try to portray themselves as fair but they are not.

Why should I shun the Fox news? I love tohear the daily trumpeting of Shammity for his (and the networks candidate) Rudy. If CNN touts HRC, so be it
--------–

Is this all liberals do in forums is regurgitate nonsense that has been drummed into them by Soros and Company. What's the deal with FOX News and you guys? Talk about the effectiveness of liberal propaganda from MSNBC, etal.

Posted By Ebbs, Newport News, VA : November 25, 2007 10:42 pm
--------–

Is this all that conservatives do in these forums is regurgitate nonsense that has been drummed into them by Murdoch, Hannity, and the pill popping windbag Rush? What's the deal with you and CNN/MSNBC?..............

Ebbs, Newport News, VA   November 26th, 2007 9:31 am ET

"....CNN and MSNBC have no "catch phrase" attached to their name...."

****************

That is a ridiculous argument, it's like judging a book by it's cover. So the absence of moniker eliminates any accusation or claim of bias? WHAT? You sound immensely familiar with all the networks, including FOX, but are you really? If you lambast FOX, as you do, it seems logical that you shun and avoid it totally. And if you don't watch it how are you so certain? Sounds more like bias on you part borrowed directly from the talking points of your favorite liberal. Boy, that open-minded.

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 26th, 2007 9:20 am ET

Everyone should know by now that FOX intends on Rudy to win. It's blatantly obvious. I don't know their obsession with the man, but they have it. I wonder if the cast and crew like Rudy or they are forced to read teleprompters the "good news" of Rudy?

I'm really embarrassed as well because I used to watch Fox and think it was good stuff, but they really are false. CNN isn't any better, but at least they'll let us debate their false information right here. It's funny how the internet news sites have given me truth and accountability that the corporate media doesn't have.

You want to see polarizing? What candidate is CNN pushing? Clinton. What candidate is FOX pushing? Rudy. I'm serious, it is the networks that are attempting to DIVIDE America. It seems to be working too.

Leo Colon, New York City   November 26th, 2007 9:15 am ET

I would tend to agree whole-heartedly with Senator Thompson. He is honest, pragmatic, and capable. Unfortunately that means he is not controversial enough. I for one think we sensationalize weak candidates like Guiliani, and downplay viable one like Thompson for the sake of ratings.

Chris, Middletown, CT   November 26th, 2007 9:09 am ET

Fox News spanking CNN in the ratings – and CNN trying to find anything negative to print about Fox....no no...seems legit

J.Crobuzon   November 26th, 2007 8:52 am ET

Actually, FAUX News is about right on the Thompson campaign. He came late and seems old and confused, and hasn't really excited anyone except his fans from tv. His main function seems to be making poor John McCain seem young and vital by contrast.

But now he's a goner, because no Republican can win the nomination without the support of FAUX News. Goodbye, Thompson, and be sure not to criticize the 'fair and balanced' reporters on your way out. My prediction: He'll be an employee of FOX by February, commenting on the election.

Al, NY NY   November 26th, 2007 8:45 am ET

Anyone who compares Faux News to the other networks' political leanings is missing the point. CNN and MSNBC have no "catch phrase" attached to their name. Since they do not claim to be "fair and balanced" their opinions are what they are. Faux News with their ridiculous moniker set themselves up for criticism by adding that. Since they are a right-wing outlet and their opinions, stories, and commentators are mainly composed of GOP schills, they deserve any smackdown they get for slanting their news coverage.

Ray, Sarasota fl   November 26th, 2007 8:11 am ET

Wallace asked a legitimate question. But it doesn't change the fact that Faux News is anything but 'fair and balanced". I guess Fred has just not positioned himself far enough to the right to suit Roger.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   November 26th, 2007 8:00 am ET

Hey Fred – not even your own people (meaning conservative fanatics at Fox) want you. Go home!!

Ebbs, Newport News, VA   November 26th, 2007 7:40 am ET

To the poster from Center Harbor NH, I'll leave your name out of this Alice. Yes, I'm conservative, but I don't go around slamming someone who has an opposing thought. Funny how so called "liberals" who claim themselves as freethinkers and progressive feel threatened by those who may not agree with them on some issues. It is amusing they have to resort to stereotyping and name-calling. To me that is an indication of narrowmindedness and childishness. Have a nice day Alice.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   November 26th, 2007 5:07 am ET

Interesting to note that the two postings supporting Faux News are both by "Anonymous"

Looks like they are too ashamed to post their names with their opinions or too embarrassed to admit they are conservatives who watch this station ... one of their guilty pleasures??

Pall Forloney, Riomaggiore, Italy   November 26th, 2007 3:13 am ET

From what I have seen on the news, is that he lacks that jump start good feeling. I know that I am overseas and don't see all news shows, but aren't they all about selling ad space and hype. I don't know how many times I have see Wolf Blitzer try to put words into someones mouth, so later they can do a sound bite to discredit the person. The news is not about news, it is all about selling.

Charles, NY   November 26th, 2007 12:55 am ET

Bashing the only conservative-leaning news network is a wonderful way to court conservative voters. More proof of Fred Thompson's intelligence, for those who needed it.

Bryan, Firestone, CO   November 26th, 2007 12:40 am ET

Fred, are you talking in your sleep again?

Chris, Chicago, IL   November 25th, 2007 11:43 pm ET

This guy played the President on TV, which means he has to read his lines all the time, not just while he is giving a speech. Kudos.

http://www.golden-lamp.com

kim, dallas, TX   November 25th, 2007 11:42 pm ET

I'm not a Thompson fan, but he is right. Fox News is a complete joke. I stumbled upon it the other day and could not believe the rudeness of the newscast people. Constant interruptions and not letting them speak was the style seen, as well as confrontational when not in agreement. I will never watch it again. It's clear they have an agenda on their show. Freedom of speech is not the way they work at Fox....they are clearly Bush supportive, neocon agenda...corporate sponsors.

Name Withheld Walnut Creek, CA   November 25th, 2007 11:31 pm ET

There's no doubt that Thompson is right. Fox News is the farthest thing in the world from "Fair & Balanced" on any political issue. I saw a segment on Fox last year entitled "Is George W. Bush the best President ever?" I never watched the network after that day.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   November 25th, 2007 11:29 pm ET

Fixed Noise "talent" like the smirking Chris Wallace richly deserve to be skewered just as Bill Clinton did. They are nattering nabob-headed journalistic hos and it's encouraging to see the right wing hammering away at this pathetic mouthpiece masquerading as a news organization.

Jessie Phoenix AZ   November 25th, 2007 10:52 pm ET

Who is this Fred fellow?

Ebbs, Newport News, VA   November 25th, 2007 10:42 pm ET

Is this all liberals do in forums is regurgitate nonsense that has been drummed into them by Soros and Company. What's the deal with FOX News and you guys? Talk about the effectiveness of liberal propaganda from MSNBC, etal.

Anonymous, VA   November 25th, 2007 10:36 pm ET

"Entertainment for conservatives who aren't interested in thought-provoking facts."

***************8

Wow, impressive statement...witty and deep....obviously not from a conservative.

Anonymous, Ames, IA   November 25th, 2007 10:33 pm ET

It'd be nice if the folks who slam FOX would be kind enough to reveal their favored news sources. Funny how people align themselves, liberal or conservative, to networks that are within their comfort zones. How many of you liberals watch, say, MSNBC?

Caspar - Lancaster, PA   November 25th, 2007 9:37 pm ET

Fred Thompson – Actor.
Fox News – Entertainment for conservatives who aren't interested in thought-provoking facts.

Cable King Pittsburgh PA   November 25th, 2007 9:35 pm ET

Hey Fred,

Too bad you forgot to duck when Fox finally got one right.

Benjamin Lucas Baton Rouge, LA   November 25th, 2007 9:32 pm ET

Now you sound like Hillary. arrrrrrrrgh. Is this a Left Wing Conspiracy?

Rex, Toledo, Ohio   November 25th, 2007 9:22 pm ET

Awww, come on Fred. We all know that Faux news is "fair and balanced"

Don Logan,Ia   November 25th, 2007 9:20 pm ET

Quit complaining Fred...your campaign is a disaster!You rarely show up here in Iowa!You complain as much as your buddy Mike(raise all taxes in Arkansas)Huckabee!

Benjamin "Reticuli", USA   November 25th, 2007 9:18 pm ET

Fox News is mostly a propaganda outlet for Murdoch. I don't understand why anyone would want to associate with them. Like some fairy tail monster, they thrive on being paid attention to. If you ignore them, they'll eventually go away.

William Courtland, Waterford, Ontario   November 25th, 2007 9:04 pm ET

Because who is good for FOX...

If we ask 'Party A' questions they have a hard time responding to, then, ask 'Party B' questions they have studied: who looks better in a corporate news-media hosted event?

Mind that, the corporation running the bias will make it seem fair, and protect the favorites.

Daniel, NY   November 25th, 2007 8:58 pm ET

Thompson's goal is now to reposition himself as the conservative candidate, and he is having an increasingly difficult time to do that. He is now only ranked fourth in these newly updated detailed rankings and analysis of where the Republican presidential race stands today.

Robert, Shelton, CT   November 25th, 2007 8:38 pm ET

I don't know what to tell you Fred, of course Fox News is skewed; like it or not; my best advice is you go out and give it hell on the campaign trail to show them up.

KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   November 25th, 2007 8:23 pm ET

Great spin, he DIDN'T answer the question, did he? He IS running a poor johnny-come-lately campaign, and I guess the only way to not get caught in the trap of answering the question is to go on the offensive and shoot the messenger.

MS Johnson City, TN   November 25th, 2007 8:22 pm ET

Welcome to the world of "fair and balanced".

Andrew, Nj   November 25th, 2007 6:51 pm ET

Maybe instead of complaining he could actually start campaigning?

There is a reason he has dropped like a rock when he declared. Didn't live up to the hype.

Ron Nebraska   November 25th, 2007 6:43 pm ET

This is really very funny! A Republican complaining about Fox news skewing opinion! What's next, debating the 'fair and balanced' tag?

Garrett, Provo, UT   November 25th, 2007 6:41 pm ET

It is too bad that the news networks don't report the news in an unbiased way and instead let the people make an "educated" decision. As it is, our decisions are not educated by watching or reading CNN and FOX. We all know that CNN wants us to elect Hillary and FOX wants us to elect Guliani. As such, their stories are slanted.

Candace Peters, Poulsbo, WA   November 25th, 2007 6:37 pm ET

Fred understands, as anyone who reads or watches C-Span regularly, that there is nothing fair and balanced about Fox or any network. Regardless of one's political leanings, it would be foolish to trust the networks to present accurate news.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   November 25th, 2007 6:25 pm ET

This is why intelligent people call this network "Faux News" ... its the only place Dick Cheney and his ilk feel safe ... and only the fool-aid drinkers take it seriously.

Welcome to the real world, Fred.

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