READ: Fox News Sends Letters to Trump and Harris Campaigns Pitching Third Debate

Fox News pitched both the Trump and Harris campaigns on an additional presidential debate proposed for October in letters obtained by Mediaite that offer the candidates the same ruleset as the ABC and CNN hosted debates.

The network’s proposal, which was sent out at 7.30pm ET, just hours before rival ABC News’ presidential debate , suggests three dates and locations across key battleground states as early voting kicks off.

“We propose to host a debate in October while early in-person voting gets underway in multiple battleground states,” the letter reads, offering options for October 9 in Arizona, October 15 in Georgia, or October 16 in North Carolina.

According to the letters, the debate would feature Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum as moderators in a 90-minute format with muted mics and no audience present.

In addition, the debate would have no opening statements, only closing ones, and would not allow the candidates to use props or prewritten notes. The moderators, Baier and MacCallum, are to be the sole questioners, and no topics or questions would be shared with the campaigns in advance.

See a full outline of proposed debate rules as sent to each presidential candidate:

Proposed debate rules pitched to presidential candidates for potential Fox News debate. (Screengrab via Mediaite)

Read Fox News’ debate pitch letter to the Harris campaign:

September 10, 2024

Dear Ms. O’Malley Dillon,

Now that the first debate is underway between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, FOX News Media is re-upping its proposal. As your campaign has stated, the American people will have another opportunity to see both on stage in October.

We propose to host a debate in October while early in-person voting gets underway in multiple battleground states.

We’d like to offer the following options:

Wednesday, October 9 in Arizona
Tuesday, October 15 in Georgia
Wednesday, October 16 in North Carolina

Our previous offer of Pennsylvania remains on the table, while early voting continues there. Again, we believe Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the faces of our political coverage, are the best choices to moderate.

We are making the same offer to the Trump campaign – in addition to offering both your campaign and the Trump campaign a separate primetime town hall with Bret & Martha.

As you recall, despite not having a Democratic debate in 2016/2020, FOX News was able to secure town halls with Democratic candidates such as: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Julian Castro, Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Below, we’ve detailed a few viewership stats you may find useful, including FOX News Channel’s strength with key demographics such as independents in swing states. In July, FOX News led total-day viewership in swing states [Persons 2-99 in NH, NC, MN, AZ, NV, WI, PA, GA, FL, MI and VA].

For the June 27 debate, FNC also beat CNN/MSNBC in NH, NC, MN, NV, WI, PA, GA, FL, MI.

We’re also including proposed criteria and format, which mirror those of the CNN & ABC debates.

In recognition of FOX News Media’s capabilities and reputation, we cordially extend an invitation to all concerned parties to discuss our proposal. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to foster informed political dialogue at this pivotal moment for our nation.

Sincerely,

Jay Wallace
President & Executive Editor, FOX News Media

Jessica Loker
VP Politics

Read Fox News’ debate pitch letter to the Trump campaign:

September 10, 2024

Dear Mr. LaCivita & Ms. Wiles,

Now that the first debate is underway between and former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, FOX News Media is re-upping its proposal. As the Harris Campaign has stated, the American people will have another opportunity to see both on stage in October.

We propose to host a debate in October while early in-person voting gets underway in multiple battleground states.

We’d like to offer the following options:

Wednesday, October 9 in Arizona
Tuesday, October 15 in Georgia
Wednesday, October 16 in North Carolina

Our previous offer of Pennsylvania remains on the table, while early voting continues there. Again, we believe Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the faces of our political coverage, are the best choices to moderate.

We are making the same offer to the Harris campaign – in addition to a separate primetime town hall with Bret & Martha, that we’ve also offered your campaign.

As you recall, despite not having a Democratic debate in 2016/2020, FOX News was able to secure town halls with Democratic candidates such as: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Julian Castro, Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Below, we’ve detailed a few viewership stats you may find useful, including FOX News Channel’s strength with key demographics such as independents in swing states. In July, FOX News led viewership in swing states [Persons 2-99 in NH, NC, MN, AZ, NV, WI, PA, GA, FL, MI and VA].

For the June 27 debate, FNC also beat CNN/MSNBC in NH, NC, MN, NV, WI, PA, GA, FL, MI.

We’re also including proposed criteria and format, which mirror those of the CNN & ABC debates. In recognition of FOX News Media’s capabilities and reputation, we cordially extend an invitation to all concerned parties to discuss our proposal. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to foster informed political dialogue at this pivotal moment for our nation.

Sincerely,

Jay Wallace
President & Executive Editor, FOX News Media

Jessica Loker
VP Politics