NEW YORK (AP) — Fox News says it has hired former Democratic National Committee chief Donna Brazile as a political commentator.
Brazile had been let go from a similar role at CNN in 2016 after it was revealed that she had shared material about topics that would be addressed at a Democratic forum with Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
FILE – This May 7, 2018 file photo shows Donna Brazile speaking at the inauguration of New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
At Fox, Brazile will not have anything to do with any debates or town halls — if they ever happen. That’s from a Fox News executive who spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the person was not authorized to speak about contract details.
Brazile says, in a statement via the network, she knows she’ll be criticized by progressive friends for signing with Fox, but that she believes it’s important to talk with people you disagree with.
Reactions to Brazile’s addition has mostly been negative with conservatives expressing fury with the network for removing Judge Jeanine Pirro from the lineup hiring Brazile.
“Donna Brazile is joining Fox News. Pathetic! Is she replacing Tucker Carlson? This is like Rush being hired by CNN. Is this the “New Direction” for Fox News? I have a hard enough time choking down Juan Williams.” It’s unclear if this Twitter user can only manage one sane black voice at a time.
“Fox News decided to suspend Judge Jeanine and hire Donna Brazile in the same week. If that doesn’t show you the direction Fox News is headed I don’t know what will…”
One person expressed disappointment that Brazile would further help Fox push their agenda, “Sorry, Donna Brazile – I just became one of your critics. Your action gives Fox News a measure of credibility it does not deserve, and for that reason alone you are contributing to their dangerous disinformation agenda… #MondayMotivation”
Others felt Brazile could bring value to Fox News, “Good for @donnabrazile. I like her. I think she’s one of the few people who can understand non-liberal wing Democrats, Southern Democrats, and working class Democrats (INCLUDING white working class Democrats). She’s 100% right in her statement. Democrats need to talk to everyone.”
“I’m not a follower of Donna, but generally speaking, I really think people with a more liberal (read rational) viewpoint need to start going on Faux News. We need to get inside that bubble. These people are being fed lies daily & it shows. Hold them to account.”
Associated Press contributed to this story.
